Chapter 33

Oscar didn't make it through the night. It was heartbreaking. Emmet broke down and sobbed uncontrollably on the floor, while Rosalie disassociated herself with the world. The hardest moment was when Atticus would cry, the reminder of a cry they would never hear from their own son devastated the pair.

***

In the following weeks Emmet and Rosalie held a small ceremony for their tiny infant son. He was buried in a plot, in a sweet grave and a pleasant outlook over the city. His stone read;

'Oscar Tevy Cullen, Beautiful from minute one, always loved by Mommy and Daddy 2009'

After the funeral Rosalie and Emmet found a place of their own and barely ever saw anyone. We understood, after many attempts of trying to catch up, that after 6 months of mourning they decided to go back and help helpless, sick and 3rd world children.

It was a year later, on Atticus's 1st birthday, that Rosalie and Emmet re-joined the family. We were all shocked when they arrived. Rosalie had become extremely thin, her ribs poking scarily thru her skin. Her face was hollow and her hair, which formally was thick and full was now thin and frizzy. Her eyes sat deep in the back of their sockets and she remained disjointed from the whole party. Her normal fashion sense was gone and she donned a cable knit sweater and baggy jeans. Emmet was worse. His normally happy face was lost and sad. He had regrown his beard and his hair was long and shaggy. The once glamour couple now looked although they belonged in the strange end of a trailer park. While we all tried hard to focus on the fact it was Atticus's first birthday we couldn't help but wonder what we could do to help our beloved family. The party passed by swimmingly, Atticus laughing and enjoying himself thoroughly, when it drew to an end we were all shocked when Rosalie asked if she could put him to bed. Alice had nodded and handed over her sleepy toddler. We all started to clean up as we waited for Rose to return when Emmet spoke up.

'We are sincerely sorry,' he said shoving what was left of a half eaten piece of chocolate cake into a garbage bag. Edward turned to his brother.

'Why?' he asked. Esme had walked to Emmet's side and placed her delicate hand on his back. Emmet dropped the rubbish bag and sat on a nearby chair. He put his face in his hands and let out a little moan.

'Uh, after Oscar died...' he stopped for a moment to regain his composure. 'After Oscar died Rosalie and I went to the doctor to see if we could conceive again, this time without danger. The doctor we visited said no and sent us on our way. Rose's body would fight off any baby that would be able to grow; as if it was a disease and the same thing would, 98% surely, happen again. So we took off to see if we could help other children around the world. We didn't think of the impact this whole situation had on all of you, we didn't even say goodbye,' he said letting out a sad puff of air.

'We came back to say goodbye today,' he continued after we all stared on stunned.

'What does that mean?' Carlisle asked as he moved to his eldest son's other side. Emmet shook his head.

'Look at us Dad, we're different people. We are going back to Africa and we may not come home,' he said a salty tear falling down his sad face. We all seemed to be lost for words as Rosalie walked out. She held her arms folded across her body, a shield from her own self loathing.

'Did you tell them Emmet?' She asked her voice hoarse. He shook his head tears now streaming freely down his face causing his beard to drip. I walked to Rosalie's side and went to touch her but she flinched away although I was electric.

'We're separating,' she said finally. Alice let out a gasp while Jasper walked to his sister's side. She moved away from him. Esme rubbed Emmet's back soothingly while he sobbed into Carlisles shoulder. We were now divided. Jasper and I went to support Rosalie, while the Cullen family all huddled around Emmet.

'Why?' Jasper asked his eyes full of concern and worry.

'We believe we are being unfair on each other, we both serve as too much of a reminder. When Emmet says that we are returning to Africa he means to different areas. I to the South and he to the West. Opposite sides of the country, we need to move on. We can't stay like this forever,' she whispered. We all stood silently while Emmet sobbed. It was Esme who was the first to break the silence. She stood, making a place for Alice to sit next to Emmet, and gracefully walked over to Rosalie. She placed a hand on Rosalie's shoulder and focused deep in her eyes.

'I still love you, know I will always be here for you, for both of you. Rosalie, I think of you as my daughter and I need you to know that Carlisle and I are here for you as much as we are for Emmet,' A tear ran down Rose's face and Esme pulled her in for a hug. Rosalie whispered I love you and left soon after, not looking back.

*****

'I love you! I exclaimed as Edward ran his long fingers through my hair. He laughed his velvety laugh and swung me up into his arms.

'It would be impossible for me to love anyone more than you Bella!' he sung sweetly into my ear.

'Oh get a room!' Jasper demanded as Alice mocked vomiting. Atticus ran up (because he now walked his cute little toddler walk) and tried to jump for my shoe. He laughed and shouted Bell. Atticus was morphing into a beautiful child. He had dark hair that spiked all over the place, similarly to Alice's yet his facial features were a spitting image of Jasper. He was always dressed impeccably and had little nicknames he knew everyone my. Alice and Jasper were of course Momma and Dadda while I was Bell. Carlisle was Pup and Esme was Gamma but everyone's favourite was the little name Atticus had for Edward. He called him Eck. It was simply adorable.

Edward plopped me back down on the couch and played mock chasey with Atticus around the living room.

'Uncle Eck's gunna getcha,' he said in a clucky voice. Atticus squealed with delight as Edward caught him and swung him into the air. He flew up and Edward caught him and repeated the action.

'My son dies, you die!' Alice said warningly. Edward laughed and threw him just a little higher to annoy her. She frowned, stood and then snatched Atticus away.

'Boo Momma!' Atticus said with an adorable little from. Alice laughed and placed him on the floor where he started to play with his toys.

'I would love a baby,' I said without thinking as I watched on. Edward looked at me in surprise.

'Really?' he asked raising his eyebrow. I stuttered trying to find an answer that would scare him away.

'Well, one day. Once we're settled and all,' I said avoiding eye contact. He let out a little hum.

'We could get settled now you know,' he said now reaching forward to play with one of Atticus's toys. I looked at him while he still focused, a little to hard, on the toy.

'Edward?' I asked. He knew exactly what I was asking without me having to word it.

'Yes I am,' he said simply. I smiled.

'Are we really going to?' I asked feeling butterflies build in my stomach. He dropped the toy and looked at me meaningly.

'If you'll accept?' He questioned. 'It's not a very fancy way of doing it,' he added on. I shrugged.

'I hate fancy,' I said, my butterflies now turning into eagles. I saw Alice look at Jasper, confusion clear on her face.

'Well, I know that, but at least let me do one part properly,' He said as he jumped up off the couch and sped into his room. He came speeding back and hurdled over the couch again landing with a soft plod beside a laughing Atticus.

'Eck,' he smiled as he pointed at Edward. Edward smiled and got on one knee. Alice squealed.

'Bella, will you do me the honours of being my wife?' He asked a cheeky grin lighting his beautiful face. I nodded and got down and levelled myself with him. He revealed a beautiful ring and I gasped.

'When did you?' I asked as Alice interrupted me.

'That's Grandma's!' She said pointing. I let out a small, yet delighted laugh. Edward smiled as well.

'I was saving it for my special someone,' he said sliding it onto my hand. 'I didn't even give this to Tanya, it didn't feel right,' He said hugging me. I kissed his cheek, still glancing at the ring behind his back. Atticus pointed.

'Sparkly Bell!'

****

A few things.

I got a job, which I hate but it feeds me and pays for my shopping addiction (this is why i relate to Alice so well!!!) so i'll be updating less.

Dont crucify me for Emmet and Rosalie, they wont be in it for a few chapters but they will return. I know its sad about Oscar but as stated previously its making up the story.

Yay Bella and Edward are engaged. I know i didn't make a big thing of it, but i know that Bella doesn't like surprises and Edward knows that.

Review people....Best review gets a prize of sorts.. ;)