Acceptance Chapter 22: Overreactions, a twilight fanfic

Disclaimer - Everything belongs to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer =)

Chapter 22 – Overreactions

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BPOV

I stood at the bottom of the stairs, wondering why Sam had come to the house. I had to stop myself from running into the room when I found he was going to tell the story of my...breakdown. I watched them carefully as he told them and winced at the obvious pain in their eyes. I was shocked when I heard Rosalie's interjection.

"She was no PET to us dog! We left for her!" I felt a sudden adoration towards Rosalie for this and I knew that I had, indeed, found another sister among the Cullen family.

It hurt me that the Cullen's, especially Edward, had to endure that memory of Sam's. I had hoped that I would never have to relive it, particularly when it caused them pain. I knew that it had hurt Edward when Jake showed him in anger but to watch it from Sam, who had been haunted by that memory, only made me feel worse. His vampire memory would never let him forget it and I blamed myself for it. It was such a strange sensation, but it was almost as if I could...feel... Edwards pain. I could feel it as he cringed. I glanced at him from the stairs, and his face was contorted in what could only be pain. I would rather die, than let Edward be in pain and I silently choked back my tears. Edward winced, but smoothed his expression with a little effort. He did well to hide the agony in his eyes. But I could feel it was still there.

I knew Edward would only blame himself for everything that had happened but now that we were back together we could work on those insecurities as equals.

It broke my heart to hear Esme and Alice sobbing and I wished that I could take away their pain. To listen to my adoptive mother and sister crying because of the pain I went through broke my heart. I should have been stronger... for them. I knew they felt guilty about leaving but I understood why they did it.

I wondered what Sam had in mind concerning the changes of the treaty and Jake but it did scare me because I knew Jake would find any excuse to hurt the Cullen's.

I was brought out of my thoughts and jumped a little on the stairs when I heard Edward shout and growl at Sam. He must have heard the changes through his thoughts. I was surprised that no one had noticed that I was here by now.

"I shall not allow it Sam; I care too much for her to put her in that position!" So much for being equal, when will these creatures learn to let me make decisions for myself?!

Time for Bella's entrance.

"Ahem." Nice one Bella, so much for being really confident. I felt all their eyes on me but I continued to stare at the floor.

"If this has something to do with me then I would have liked to have been woken". I tried to sound irritated by their conversation but it just came out as embarrassing blabber. Very coherent Bella, well done.

Before I could say anything else I was scooped up and rushed to the couch. Edward set me down and knelt in front of me as I stared at the floor in frustration, but it relinquished its hold on my mind when I felt Edward's finger smooth the skin between my eyebrows, obviously furrowed in anger. I could feel his gorgeous eyes boring into mine and saw the corners of his lips twitch into a smile.

"I am so sorry my love that I did not wake you, but you are here now so if you would like, Sam shall tell you his...idea" I could see his grimace and felt sad but then he looked back into my eyes and smiled that smile. I felt my expression drop and my eyes fly wide open. If only he knew how unfair that was. If only I could make him melt that way! I acknowledged his chuckle and after shaking myself from my reverie I could feel my cheeks turning crimson.

Edward lifted himself up and leaned in close to my ear.

"Did I dazzle you again my love?" His heavenly breath fanned over me and sent shivers down my spine. I was so going to get him back for this. I blushed and nodded. I knew everyone could hear us but I did appreciate that he kept these stupid pretences for me. He continued to stare at me with his bright eyes but luckily I didn't have time to be dazzled again. I would have to thank Alice later for catching our attention.

"I do apologise, Sam, please...enlighten Bella with your idea". I noticed the sarcastic tone to the last part of that sentence and wondered what could have upset my Edward that much.

"Well, Bella, as you may have heard, I filled the Cullen's in on what occurred while they were away". I grimaced at this and turned to look at the Cullen's; like I needed another reminder that I had made them all upset and cry. They all shot me apologetic smiles but it was not them that should be sorry...it should be me; never again will I hurt this family, they deserve all the happiness in the world. I turned and looked at Edward and he attempted to give me a reassuring smile; but underneath it all I could see the pain tearing at his heart. I could feel my eyes fill up and tried my best to get rid of them.

"It is okay my sweet Bella, there is nothing for you to be sorry for, please do not cry" I blushed and could not help but smile at his elegant face as he wiped away a tear with his thumb. I could help but feel content and whole as Edward pulled me into his side, even though I could tell Jasper was using his ability to calm me down.

I looked at Sam, encouraging him to continue.

"Bella...I came here to discuss changes to the treaty that was created many years ago. It was believed that the cold ones and werewolves were, 'natural' enemies, but as your vampires have a completely different lifestyle we were able to adapt to the situation. The treaty has already been broken, although not intentionally, Jacob told you about the legends. I have spoken to the elders and we feel that, in order to keep peace, we should adapt the treaty to those involved today. So, we propose that your vampires shall be allowed to La Push with permission but they shall not hunt on our lands and on another condition."

Okay, now I am totally confused. Why would the Cullen's want to go to La Push? I realised everyone was awaiting my answer.

"But...why...why would they want to go to La Push? To keep the peace from what?" Sam took a deep breath before continuing and I was instantly worried. It must be something bad for Sam to be nervous.

"Bella, to keep the peace and attempt an amicable relationship between our kinds...we would like you to speak to Jacob and try to absolve the differences that have come between you. He believes that, even though he caused you pain, that you and him are meant to be together and the fact that the Cullen's are preventing him from seeing you does not sit well with him. It is taking a lot of control to keep him from turning up here but I fear that if he does break from my control, then I shall not know what his true intentions shall be. He has gained great control over his mind and it is becoming more difficult to view his thoughts as he tries so hard to push us out. I think that he will not hesitate in a fight between him and your mate but I judge that it shall be better if he is able to make his peace with what he has done".

I felt Edward stiffen and turn to gauge everyone's reactions...but it wasn't as bad as I thought. If this was all Sam required for the treaty then it was a deal. I would do anything to ensure the safety of this family. For once I will be able to protect them and if it means forgiving Jacob, then it is already done. I could see Edward from the corner of my eye and felt him freeze as he took in Jasper's reaction.

My mind is already decided and no one can change my mind...not even Edward.

I really hope it was okay =)

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