Hey there, all of my faithful, amazing, readers who are the best people on Earth…! So……… If you're thinking that that first sentence was just to soften you up because I haven't updated in a long time, then, uh, Ihave NO IDEA what you're talking about…! Heh heh heh…… Well, uh……… *laughs nervously* here you go, I guess…………
I'M SORRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Disclaimer:
Me: So, uh… You're Emmett Cullen, huh?
Emmett: Last time I checked, yeah. At least, I think so… Let me go ask.
Me: Wait, who are you going to ask?
Emmett: Um, I'm not sure. Hold on, maybe Edward can hear me from here.
Me: Uh… Okay……?
Emmett: Edward, if you can hear my thoughts from wherever you are, I need you for a minute.
Me: *waits patiently, whistles tunelessly*
*Edward runs in through window*
Edward: Hello, Emmett. What can I help you with?
Emmett: Am I really Emmett Cullen?
Edward: Um… Yes… Why exactly do you ask, Emmett?
Emmett: *gestures to me* Well, she asked, and I needed a definite answer. I wanted to make sure that I wasn't some insane Emmett imposter. Because if that were the case, that would… Well, that would just be strange.
Edward: *looks at me* And who, I pray thee, are you?
Me: *chuckles nervously* I'm, um, the author of this story. *Shows Edward the fanfiction*
Edward: Um, that's interesting…… How exactly did you know about all of us this well?
Me: Funny thing about that….
Emmett: We're in books, bro! *shows Edward Twilight series*
Edward: Wait, so this woman, this Stephenie Meyer, created all of us? Our families, our situations, our lives?
Emmett: Well, yeah, kind of…
Me: But, you're still real in my mind! And in the mind of countless other teenage girls (and a few boys) across the globe!!
Edward: So, are you saying that we don't even exist…?
Emmett: Well, technically, no. We don't exist. But, Stephenie brought us to life, and so have so many Fanfiction authors! Especially Victoria here (that's her name).
Edward: *to me* Wait, so you didn't help Stephenie in the writing process…?
Me: Unfortunately, no. I own no part of you, Emmett, or anything (or anybody) that has anything to do with your world. All I own is my own story.
Edward: So, this didn't actually happen…?
Me: Nope.
Edward: But, I did run away. I did leave Bella. My family did stay with the Denali coven. Why didn't this happen?
Me: Because, Stephenie didn't make this part of the series. She wrote your actual life, I just added some stuff… I hope you don't mind……
Emmett: We don't mind at all. But, I think your readers are getting impatient. You should let them read the story.
Edward: Wait, they can see what we are talking about…?
Me: Well of course they can! You see, this is called a Disclaimer, dear Edward. I'm trying to prove that, as depressing as it may be, I own no part of the Twilight series. So, naturally, people have to see what I'm saying so I can prove my point. If they couldn't I could get thrown in the Big House!
Edward: The Big House…?
Me: *sighs in frustration* You know, you're not this stupid in the books… Yes. The Big House. The Slammer. The Clink. The Cooler. Ringing any bells…?
Edward: *stares at me blankly*
Emmett: Dude, she could go to jail.
Edward: Oh… Well, I knew that…! I was just testing Emmett. He needs a vocabulary lesson.
Emmett: *Gets all defensive* Hey! I knew what it meant!
Me: *foresees a fight of mass proportions happening between the brothers* Okay then, everyone! I hope you enjoyed the world's longest (and possibly strangest) Disclaimer! Now, read on, my pets! *turns to Cullen brothers* Guys, calm down…! People can "hear" you!!!!!
*Cullen brothers glance around sheepishly, Edward dashes out the window*
Emmett: (To me) Well, that was… strange… So, what do you say we go for a hike…? *smiles hopefully*
Me: As much as I would LOVE that, I have to finish this…
Emmett: Oh. Right. *turns away*
Me: Aww, Emmett! Don't do that…! You said it yourself; my readers are getting impatient. I'm not even really sure why they're still reading this… You can help me, if you'd like. Then we can go hiking!
Emmett: You're right. Here, how about I type for you? It'll be done quicker! And, I have to agree with you on something else. Why are they still reading this? You got your point across that you don't own the Twilight series. Why would they keep reading our personal conversation?
Me: I don't know. A lot of readers tell me that the Disclaimers I come up with are really funny, but I don't see how. We're just talking…! Wait… Our conversations aren't funny, are they…?!
Emmett: Um, well… We technically aren't talking. You're just talking to yourself in your head like I'm actually here…
Me: Shhh!!! They don't know that…!
Emmett: Oh. Well, uh… *to you* Gotta go!! Just read the chapter, okay…? Okay. Later, guys!!
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
*Edward's POV*
As I walked through the front door of the home of the Denali coven, Alice danced down the stairs to greet me. "Edward!" she cried, overjoyed. "I've seen everything. I know, I know. You told me not to watch for your future, but I just had to." I glowered at her, rather miffed. I had told her not to watch for me, but I could understand why she did. I hadn't seen her in months, and I am certain that she had been worried about me. Had I been in her position, I would have done the same, so I would not hold it over her head.
I sighed and rolled my eyes when I saw what she was thinking. "Go ahead," I mumbled. She squealed in delight and ran into my arms. She squeezed my waist tightly, ecstatic over my arrival. I'm so glad you came back, Edward, she thought. I've missed you!! But, now my favorite brother is here, and I can finally relax.
I chuckled. "So, who is this 'favorite brother' you're thinking about?" She looked hat me and rolled her eyes. She smacked my arm playfully. "Gee, I wonder…" You, stupid…!
Emmett strolled down the stairs, trying to look oblivious to my arrival. He paused, looked around the room, and did a double take. That was when things got a bit dramatic, as they often do when Emmett is involved. His eyes widened, he gasped theatrically, and yelled "Hey, bro!! How's it been?! Aw, man! You're here!!" He ran to my side and mock-punched my shoulder. "Dude, I can't believe it!!"
"Emmett, you knew that I was here…"
"Did not!! I don't know what you're talking about…!"
"But I heard your-" I started to say, but rather than spoiling the moment, I just chuckled and replied, "Okay, man. Sure you didn't…" Alice's wind chime-like giggles joined in, as well as Emmett's booming laughter. The rest of my family entered the room then, as did Tanya's. Esme hugged me, Carlisle patted my back, Rose squeezed my hand, and Jasper and I pounded fists. Thanks for coming back, Ed, he thought.
"Actually," I said to him. "I need to talk to everybody about that." I turned my attention to the rest of my family, not acknowledging the Denalis. "As some of you may already know," I glanced at Jasper and shot a playfully dirty look at Alice. "I returned to Forks this past weekend. I had written to Bella, and I had to make sure that she read my letter. I stayed the night to monitor her, and she was in an awful condition. I realized that I caused her more pain in leaving than I ever could have imagined. I cannot just simply return, so I have decided that I am going to stay in our home for a while. Nobody will know of my whereabouts, and it's not permanent. I just want to make sure that Bella is alright."
Five pairs of golden eyes widened at my words; Alice just looked smug, as she already knew of my decision.
Carlisle was the first to speak. "If you believe that this is the right thing to do, Son, then I'm with you."
"Yes, honey," Esme said as she rubbed my back tentatively. "All we want is for you to be happy. I've known from the beginning that Bella would make that happen. I agree with Carlisle; we should go." I smiled warmly-as warmly as a vampire could-at her. It was still unbelievable that Esme could hold so much love for others in her still heart.
This is ridiculous…! Rosalie was screaming at me in her head. She's the reason you made us leave in the first place! Now, just because she sheds a few tears, you go running back there like it's nothing! You're just—She cut off when a furious snarl ripped up my throat. Calm down already. It's true, and you know it!! I growled at her again, but with less brutality.
"Edward," Esme whispered. "Edward, it's okay. We're here for you." She threw a meaningful glance in Rosalie's direction. "We're all here for you."
"Hah…!" Rose scoffed. "Well, you may be, but I sure as Hell am not!"
"Aww, Rose… C'mon," Emmett complained.
"No, Emmett. I'm tired of having to move from place to place because of his dysfunctional relationship! I'm. Staying. Here!" She stormed out of the house towards the forest. Emmett looked out the door after her, rolled his eyes, and shot an apologetic look at me. Sorry, man. Just ignore her, okay? She's just blowing off steam. I'm sure she'll come around.
"I'm not so sure about that, Em," I replied. "I do understand her anger, though. It's not fair for me to be asking so much of all of you." I turned my attention back to the rest of my family. "It's not your responsibility to follow me everywhere because of my feelings for Bella." I listened, as I was speaking, to Alice's thoughts as she saw my decision.
"No…!" She shrieked as she shot to her feet and leaped over to me. "No, you are NOT going without me!"
"I'm sorry, Alice, but I have to go alone. Rose is right; you all should not have to move all the time because of me. I have decided to go by myself, and that is final. I do not want to see any of you abandoning your lives for mistakes that I have made. You already have once, and, I swear on my mother's grave, you will never have to again. This is my problem to solve, and mine alone. I'm sorry."
You know, she replied in her mind, I see what Bella meant when she said that you act like everything is your fault. It's really annoying.
I chuckled, remembering how many times Bella had yelled at me about that. "I'm sorry that I can't blame this on you, Alice." She stuck her tongue out sourly and returned to take Jasper's hand.
Are you sure, Son? Is this really how you want to go about this…?
"Yes, Carlisle. This is something that must be done. And, well, it would be better for all sides of the situation if you all stayed here. Plus, I would hate to see Rosalie upset!" I said with mock horror. A low hiss made its way into the house the front door; we all laughed, knowing it was her.
"Aw, Rose," Emmett called out the door. "Come on, babe. He didn't mean it. We're just jokin' around…!" She hissed again in reply. Ugh… he thought. Sometimes she can be so ridiculous. Should I go get her, or talk to her or something…?
"Go ahead, Emmett. I'll still be here when you get back. Besides, I would like for her to be here when I do leave."
"You got it, Ed." He ran out the door to Rosalie.
Tanya walked over to me then, her thoughts sad and mildly jealous. "Edward, I'm not sure that this is the right thing to do. What if going back just makes it harder on Bella?"
"Ah, Tanya. It's nice to see you, too," I said pointedly.
She chuckled at herself for the lack of a proper greeting. "I'm terribly sorry. Let's start over, shall we?" She hugged me for a quick second and took a step back, but kept my hand in hers. "How are you, Edward? It's been too long."
"Indeed it has… I am well, but not as well as I could be. And yourself? How have you been?"
"I suppose I could say the same."
"Really? Well, I am sorry to hear that. Would you like to explain to me what is causing this feeling?"
"Oh, it's nothing important." What she said out loud and what I overheard in her thoughts were entirely different. What does he see in Bella? I don't understand why she's so important. She's just a stupid little human. Why can't he see that I'm better for him than she is? She just keeps pulling him further down. He deserves better…!
I gave an exasperated sigh; this wasn't the first time that I had heard something like this. "Tanya, you may think that I deserve better, but Bella is better than anything that I ever could have wished for. I love her, and no one else. I apologize for the fact that this is not your ideal situation."
She looked rather embarrassed. Damn! How could I have forgotten that he could read minds…?! She dropped my hand and stepped back farther.
Edward, Jasper thought. Edward, she's getting kind of angry about this. He was referring to Tanya's internal reaction to what I had said. Should I take care of it?
I nodded once, without looking at him. Though he wasn't thinking clearly, I knew that he had seen me because everything was suddenly extremely calm. Emmett and Rosalie reentered the house, and I could hear in her thoughts that Rose wanted to still be mad at me, but Jasper was making that impossible. Emmett was smiling like the worlds biggest idiot, his head swirling around a deal that he made with Rose; a deal that I really didn't need to know about. In other words, he offered his… services… to get her to suck it up and come inside. I shuddered internally as he swam around his thoughts in sheer glee.
I tried-not without effort-to refocus myself on the situation at hand. "Tanya," I said gently. "I understand your 'worrying' about- Emmett, please…!" I shouted at my brother. "At least try to control your thoughts! In the sacred name of all that is holy, I can't even think straight!!" He grinned uncomfortably, chuckled once without humor, and tried to focus. Alice couldn't help but giggle a bit at the combination of my sudden outburst and his expression.
"Thank you…" I turned back to Tanya. "As I was saying, I understand your 'worrying' about Bella, but this has got to be done. I will not make myself known to her unless I find it absolutely necessary."
She responded with, "Well, what situation could present itself that would cause you to-" That was all she got to say before I had to say something. "Emmett, do you mind?! This is serious!!" I looked at Jasper. "Please, Jazz, help me with him…?" A fresh tranquility settled in the room. "Thank you."
"My pleasure." What's going on in his head, anyway…? I looked him in the eye, shook my head, and gave him a look that said "you really don't want to know…" he rolled his eyes. That bad, huh?
"You can be sure of that." Jasper chuckled at my choice in words and shook his head at Emmett. Sometimes he can be so immature…
"Please," Carlisle said, a rather impatient ring in his voice; an unusual thing to hear from him. "We have to focus now, boys. This is no laughing matter." I'm tired of seeing Edward so depressed and lonely. It's time there was some happiness in his life. We have to get him back to Bella. He needs her more than he knows.
It's simply astounding how much my family cared about me. I felt the smile slowly spread across my face as I watched my father's expression. He looked back at me and grinned lovingly. You heard that, didn't you, Son? I nodded, my smile still in place. It was moments like these that made me Carlisle saved me all those years ago. I would never have experienced so much love; the love of a parent, the love of a sibling, and the love of, well, of a one true love. The only love I ever would have felt was a love for my country, and a love for the pride I felt in being a soldier. I would have missed out on so much.
Edward, I'm sorry that I got so angry before. I just… I hate watching you tear yourself apart for her. I know that you love her, and… I know that she loves you, too. I have never had to deal with anything like this before. Everything I wanted… it was always given to me. Well, you know my story. I guess what I'm trying to say is… thank you. For letting us stay here. And… I'm sorry that this is so hard for you. Good luck.
"Thank you, Rosalie," I whispered, my eyes trained on the floor beneath my feet. I knew how difficult it was for Rose to apologize to somebody. It isn't her fault that she is this way; she was just never in a situation as a child where apologies were necessary on her part. She wasn't raised to be conscious of others. I looked up at her, and she was staring off into space; clearly avoiding eye contact. "That really means a lot. I would hate leaving on a bad note with you; with anyone, for that matter." I glanced over at Tanya, only to see that she had backed further into the corner of the room. I grinned at her, trying to ease her embarrassment over her previous thoughts. She gave a small, timid smile in return.
"I still can not believe that you would go without me," Alice grumbled under her breath.
"I truly am sorry, Alice. But, as I said earlier, it would just be better if everybody else stayed here. This is a solo job."
"Fine…" Her lower lip jutted out just the slightest bit, and her eyebrows came together in frustration. Everybody, with the exception of Emmett, chuckled at her child-like expression. Emmett, rather than chuckling, decided that poking fun at her would be much more than acceptable.
Between bursts of laughter, he managed to say, "Alice… you look... like a… f-five year… old girl… that was-… wasn't allowed… to have… a cookie!" I really wasn't entirely sure if his words were as funny as he thought they were, but he began to roar with laughter.
Well, Rose thought. At least he thinks his jokes are funny… In hearing this, I couldn't help but to laugh a little louder.
Alice realized that she was making a fool out of herself, and her face relaxed. When Jasper calmed the remainder of us down, Carlisle asked me when I planned to leave. "The sooner the better, really," was my reply.
"Will you be driving? You may take my car, if you wish."
"Thank you, Father, but I would much rather run. The fresh air will help to clear my mind, so that I may think more clearly."
"If that is what you wish, my son."
I looked toward the front door, and Jasper could feel my anxiousness. Go, Edward, he thought. You need her, and she needs you. Believe me, I can feel it. I'll be here if you need my help.
I nodded to my adopted brother, and the rest of my family could almost taste my departure in the air. We said our goodbyes, and before I could say, "I'm coming, Bella," I was out the door and running toward my one, true love.