Pleasant Surprise – PART THREE
Repost of original.
Disclaimer – Twilight belongs to Stephanie Meyer.
"Let me get this straight," Bella said slowly, a small smile finding its way onto her face. She turned to her smug looking girlfriend, taking the vampire's hand in her own, "You brought a heated pool, had it shipped to your property and built a pool house to shelter it from the weather?"
Tanya shrugged with a smile, "Exactly but like I said, it benefits the entire family."
The blonde vampire looked over at her girlfriend's parents, gracing them with a stunningly beautiful smile, "So what do you think? Was it worth all the trouble?"
Charlie laughed and tore his gaze from the extravagant building to instead grin at Tanya, "I think you have too much money. Great taste but too much money."
She shrugged, "Probably but I like spending it on Bella. Someone as beautiful and sweet as your daughter deserves only the best." Winking at Bella, she smiled, "Isn't that right sweetheart?"
The brunette rolled her eyes with a smile, pulling the vampire into an affectionate embrace. She rested her head on Tanya's shoulder and whispered her thanks before pulling back and taking the vampire's hand once more, "Let's go check it out, baby."
Tanya smiled at the eager expression on her girlfriend's face and led her toward the glass panel door, Charlie and Renee following not too far behind.
x-o-x
When Tanya led the Swan family back into the warmth of the Denali mansion, they were greeted by an expectant Irina. Her hands were clasped at her front as she rocked back and forth on her heels, a large grin on her face.
"So what do you think sweet cheeks?" Bella's smile widened at the nickname and without conscious thought, the human raced over and jumped in the other vampire's arms. Irina laughed and caught her easily, "I take it you liked it then?"
"Yes!" The brunette pulled her head back and forced a scowl on her face. She poked the vampire's chest accusingly, "You knew and you didn't tell me and I don't think that was very nice." The scowl slipped from her face and was replaced immediately with a smile as she hopped back onto the ground, "But I'm too happy to be angry at you, so I'll deal with you later."
Renee giggled and swiped her daughter's arm playfully, "Leave the poor woman alone Bella. Threats aren't very becoming of you."
The brunette merely smiled back at her mother, ignoring the giggle from her girlfriend and looked around curiously, "Where's Laurent? You too are usually joined at the hip."
"He went to pick up your cake. He wanted me to go with him but I wanted to stay and see what you thought of the pool." She looked thoughtful for a moment, "You didn't react how I thought you would though, which is a bit of a letdown. I was expecting the first words out of your mouth to be about how we spend too much money on you."
Tanya shoved her sister lightly with a grin, "Technically it was me who spent so much money on her, so quit bitching." She turned to the smiling brunette and cupped her face gently, pecking her lips, "And I'd buy you another pool if that's what you wanted."
"You'll spoil her with all of this 'showering her with pools' nonsense." Irina waved her hand dismissively, smile on her face as she sauntered off toward the kitchen, "You'll ruin her."
Charlie laughed, "Too late for that huh Bells?"
"Jeez why don't you all pick on the birthday girl...oh wait! You already were."
Renee giggled and sat down on the couch, crossing her legs casually, "Alright," She conceded, "No more picking on the birthday girl."
Heavy footsteps could be heard coming down the staircase and for a moment Bella thought she'd pissed someone off until Emmett's grinning face popped around the corner, his massive body threatening to wedge itself in the doorway.
"But I wanna pick on the birthday girl," The burly vampire ran over, causing the floor to creak and the furniture to shake and wrapped the brunette in his arms. He swung her around for a few seconds, all the while grinning as she laughed in his ear, "Bells, I missed you!"
"I missed you too Emmett." He placed the human on her feet once more and smiled down at her. Bella grinned as she watched him subconsciously flex his muscles. She laughed at his typical male persona, "Still as huge as ever I see."
"Damn straight I am, I'd die without my amazing body!" He smirked proudly and flexed his biceps intentionally, "These guns drive the ladies crazy."
"You seem to forget that she doesn't like hairy apes like yourself Emmett. Bella likes hairless smooth skin, big breasts and sexy curves, not to mention my deliciously round arse." Charlie coughed awkwardly at Tanya's teasing, face blushing bright red as her intimate words registered in his brain.
That was his daughter she was talking about for goodness sake and he didn't need to hear about that.
All four of the other's laughed at his obvious discomfort, Tanya going so far as bestow him with her most flirtatious smile, "What? You don't find me attractive Charlie?"
He sputtered in what could only be described as embarrassment which subsequently led to Bella interjecting for Charlie's sake.
"Leave him alone Tanya and besides your body is for me to enjoy, not my father. So stop flirting with him." She may have been trying to help but that didn't mean she couldn't have fun doing it. Bella was usually the receiver for these types of things, so naturally she'd milk this situation for all it was worth.
If possible Charlie's face reddened even worse as he turned on his heel and practically raced for the kitchen, mumbling something about getting another beer.
Renee had been giggling mercilessly as she watched the scene play out, amused eyes peering up at her daughter, "I thought it was awkward talking about sex in front of us."
"Talking about it is nothing compared to having you catch us all flustered and panting on the couch. You said you wouldn't mind us being more affectionate with each other, so that's exactly what we're doing but through words rather than actions." Bella chuckled, "Could you imagine Charlie's reaction if it were the other way around?"
Emmett laughed loudly and clapped his hand on his knee, "Renee caught you and Tanya being all touchy feely? Man, that's classic!"
"No it was embarrassing." The brunette corrected in a grumble. She glared up at the burly vampire as he laughed, "What? How would you-" The brunette stopped herself when she realised what she was about to ask. It was ridiculous, the Cullen's were vampires so of course Esme had heard Emmett and Rosalie having sex and possibly even caught them in the act. In fact she'd probably heard all of her children while they were fucking. Bella physically shuddered at that thought, shaking her head, "You know what, never mind."
That was just too much information and she knew Emmett would happily share it.
Giggling at her girlfriend's obvious disgust, Tanya tugged on her girlfriend's arm gently and smiled as she motioned for the stairs, "How about we go change into some swimming costumes and go for a swim before we start the birthday bash? I haven't swam in the pool yet and I'm the sure the others would love to get out of the house. What do you say sweetheart?"
"Sure." The brunette shrugged and turned to her mother with a smile, taking Tanya's hand in her own, "What about you and Charlie? Do you want to come?"
Renee smiled, "I'd love to but I'm not so sure your father will come. I think there's a game on or something."
The brunette nodded with a roll of her eyes and when she opened her mouth to ask Emmett, the burly vampire smiled and bounded for the stairs. He didn't even need to be asked, "Awesome! I'm gonna go see if Rosie will wear her red bikini for me!"
Tanya rolled her eyes and led the brunette toward the staircase, following a safe distance behind Emmett, "We'll be back down in a moment Renee."
"There's no rush."
The two women walked at a leisurely pace up the staircase hand in hand and with smiles on their faces. They didn't speak and instead chose to enjoy their brief moment alone, strolling casually into their bedroom and closing the door behind them.
The brunette admired Tanya as she tugged her bottoms to the floor almost as soon as the door shut, peeling her shirt over her head and leaving her in only a pair of black lace panties. The blonde vampire sauntered into the walk-in closet and reappeared seconds later in a bright yellow bikini.
Her cleavage spilled deliciously from her bikini top, long blonde hair flowing freely across her feminine shoulders, a gorgeous smile on her face.
Tanya tilted her head to the side, "What do you think Bella? Irina bought it for me so we could enjoy your present in style." She adjusted her bikini top, groping her breasts briefly with a frown, "I think I needed a size bigger. My tits are going to pop out at this rate."
The brunette laughed and walked over to the closet, her shoulder brushing against her girlfriend's almost teasingly as she passed, "The size is perfect Tan and I wouldn't mind all that much if your tits popped out. I think we've both established that I'm quite fond of them."
"Hm yes I know, they're pretty damn amazing." The vampire grinned and tapped the human's arse gently, sauntering back over to her clothes and slipping them on, "Irina brought you a bikini as well, in the drawer above the heels. She'll be offended if you don't wear it at least once."
Bella opened the drawer eagerly and smiled brightly as her eyes landed on the royal blue bikini that was snuggled in with their other pairs. The human slipped off her own clothes as quickly as she was capable of and pulled the skimpy bikini on without a second thought.
Tanya tied the bikini at the neck, placing an affectionate kiss on the back of Bella's shoulder as she did. The body-length mirror in front of them cast their reflections in the dim light of the closet, gorgeous tanned skin pressed lovingly against a flawless pale body.
Tanya smiled at her girlfriend's reflection, tugging gently on the piercing that sat comfortably in Bella's navel, "It looks absolutely ravishing on you Bella."
"You talking about the piercing or the bikini?" The brunette giggled and stepped away from the blonde's body, tugging her clothes on once more. She turned around to kiss her girlfriend briefly, taking the vampire's cooler hand in her own warmer one and leading the way toward the bedroom door, "Anyone else coming?"
Tanya stroked her lover's hand lightly and closed their bedroom door with the other as they walked out.
"Esme is coming along so she can speak with your mother and try to make amends with her." They passed the portrait that had been taken on Bella's last birthday at the river. It was the largest on the wall and Tanya's absolute favourite. She smiled as her eyes flickered over it briefly, noticing just how beautifully they both fit together. The chemistry between them was undeniable and Tanya couldn't stop from letting out a laugh at the fact that Edward had finally lost to her, "Carlisle is still out calming Edward's raging temper. He wasn't too thrilled about our relationship apparently. In fact neither of them were, Carlisle can just control his reactions better."
"That's a shame," The brunette shrugged indifferently, "Anybody else coming?"
"Irina is going to stay and wait for Laurent to get back so they can have some time to themselves before having to socialise," Tanya rolled her eyes at the size of her sisters sex drive and smirked at the disgusted expression on her girlfriend's face, "Carmen is preparing snacks for you humans and Eleazar is staying to watch the game with Charlie, which isn't really that big of a surprise."
Tanya rolled her eyes at mans cliché obsession with sport. She pulled the brunette to a halt at the top of the staircase, wanting a few more minutes alone.
"Emmett and Alice are coming but they couldn't convince their partners to join them. Jasper doesn't want Renee to see his scars because then he'd have to lie to her about how he got them and he doesn't want to do that. And Rosalie? Well she's not too happy with me at the moment." A frown appeared on the blonde's face, eyes darting to the door where she knew her friend was staying, "It upsets me, you know? I was probably closest to Rose and now...now she wants nothing to do with me." Tanya growled quietly but not in anger, "We've never fought before but...she's not happy about me stealing her brother's mate. She thinks I've crossed the line."
"Tanya, look at me for a moment baby. Please." The vampire slowly returned her gaze to her girlfriend's, sadness swirling within the depths of her golden eyes hauntingly.
The brunette cupped the older woman's cheeks sweetly, calming her with her touch and soothing gaze, "I'll admit that I know next to nothing about Rosalie but what did you expect Tanya? We just need to give everyone some time to come to terms with our relationship and then maybe they'll sit back and give us the chance to explain ourselves." Bella brushed her lips against the vampire's, peering up at her lovingly, "I love you and if they can't accept that then...then they aren't worth our time." The brunette smiled softly, not believing for one second that the Cullen's would disrespect their friendship with her family over something so trivial, "They just need time Tanya. I know they won't allow the nature of our relationship to destroy the one they hold so dearly with everybody in this house. You're their family and they love you."
Bella knew that no matter how strong Tanya made herself out to be, it still upset her that the Cullen's hadn't reacted as positively as she had hoped. Bella wondered why people dreamt of fairytale endings when they simply didn't exist. It just made people upset when their expectations were left unfulfilled.
Tanya's frown melted away into a small smile, eyes alight with love for the younger human. She kissed her softly, slowly and savoured each second their lips were joined and tongues were stroking.
The blonde pulled away, an almost dazed expression on her face, "Thank you Bella. I don't know how you do it but you always know how to make me feel better with the simplest of words. You always know how to make me feel loved."
The brunette smiled, "You're always loved baby."
"Hm," The blonde wrapped her arms around her girlfriend and inhaled her intoxicating scent quietly, body relaxing almost instantly, "I love you too sweetheart, so much."
"Alright enough lady love, some of us actually want to get wet in the pool." The two women glanced over their shoulders, giggling at the sight that awaited them. Alice stood there tapping her foot impatiently with her hands on her hips. Had it not been for the grin on her face, Bella would've worried that the smaller vampire was actually annoyed with them, "Can I get past to swim now?"
Bella smiled and stepped to the side, "Sorry Alice."
The dark headed woman shook her head in exaggeration, expression cheerful, "You don't need to apologise. This is your house, I was just teasing." Alice smiled and danced forth lightly on her feet, leaning up to kiss her human friend's cheek, "You and Tanya make a sweet couple Bella, I'm happy for you regardless of what the rest of my family may think."
"But-" Alice placed her petite hand over the brunette's mouth and successfully cut off her protests.
"Not now, we can finish this conversation after you and Tanya have explained everything on Monday alright?" She removed her hand and turned to Tanya, looking somewhat concerned, "Don't allow my family's reaction to bother either of you, they'll come around with time and that includes Rose as well." Alice grinned then and slipped around the two women, feet padding quietly on the stairs as she made her way down to where she knew Esme and Renee were waiting, "Now let's go swim in that fantastic pool of yours!"
Bella and Tanya followed with ease downstairs only to discover that Emmett had already left, impatient as always. Tanya's annoyed gaze went immediately toward the door where she knew he had gone, indecision swirling through her.
That pool had cost her a fortune and Emmett wasn't known for his care of infrastructure.
The blonde glanced back to the others in time to see Bella step back from Esme's embrace and in the spur of the moment decision, Tanya walked over to place a gentle hand on her girlfriend's shoulder.
Bella looked up slightly startled, raising an eyebrow in question as she gave her distressed looking girlfriend a smile, "Everything okay, Tan?"
"Yes everything's fine. I'm just going to race ahead and check on Emmett." At the brunette's confused expression, she elaborated, "He's there already and I'm sure you wouldn't appreciate it if by the time you get there, he's knocked it to the ground."
Alice smirked having heard the exchange while Bella stifled a giggle and nodded, leaning up to peck her cheek, "No worries, we'll see you there."
Tanya gave them all a quick farewell before disappearing out the front door, leaving Bella to giggle once more at the blonde's somewhat desperate antics. She couldn't blame her though.
"So Bella, we have some catching up to do!" Alice laced her arm through the human's and smiled, successfully distracting her. She waved at both Esme and Renee before tugging Bella toward the door, "Okay, so let's talk."
The brunette laughed, giving her friend an amused grin, "And just what would you like to talk about Alice, the weather?"
"Oh yes, because there's nothing more interesting than the weather to talk about." The dark headed woman rolled her eyes playfully, tapping the brunette's arm, "Don't be ridiculous Bella, I don't care what we talk about. I just want to know what you've been up too." She tapped her chin thoughtfully as the two made their way down onto the driveway, "How did you come to be in Alaska, of all places?"
Bella tugged her jacket closer as a small chill hit her and smiled, "I applied for the University of Alaska and I got in, nothing much to it really."
"University huh? But why Alaska? You loathed the cold and especially despised the wet weather when you lived in Forks. When Edward suggested you apply here, you practically sneered at him." Alice giggled at the memory and guided Bella along the path toward the pool house, "Was it because we'd mentioned having friends in Alaska? Something must have changed your mind."
The brunette gave her a thoughtful glance, "I have no idea what changed my mind but it wasn't because of the friends you'd mentioned." She looked out to the side, chocolate coloured eyes scanning the beautiful surroundings in awe. Subconsciously a smile tugged at her lips, "Perhaps Edward's suggestion motivated me to apply here but to tell you the truth it never really crossed my mind. I looked up the courses and the campus on the internet and there was something about it that called to me, I guess."
Bella hugged her friend closer, not for warmth but for comfort. She'd admit that it was Alice she had missed the most over the last six years, "It reminded me of Forks but at the same time it didn't, you know?"
There was something about the monstrous trees in Alaska that reminded Bella of her immortal family. They, like the trees, were ancient and had lived through so many important periods of time, times that the brunette could only wish she had been around to witness. The trees were beautiful in their own light, graceful in the sensual sway of their leaves and the movement of their branches.
Beautiful, sensual and graceful like a vampire.
One particular tree they approached, one that Tanya had told her had been around for almost 3 centuries, was Bella's favourite. The trunk was about the size of a car at the very least and was covered in thick green moss. The brunette often wondered how many people had been privileged enough to walk past it but doubted they would have admired its beauty for what it truly was.
She knew that most of those who had been lucky enough to see a glimpse of its beauty wouldn't have looked twice. It was just a tree after all.
"Bella?" The brunette glanced away from the tree, only now realising that she had stopped to admire it. Humming in response to Alice's confused question, she tugged the smaller vampire and slowly made their way once more. Alice cleared her throat in confusion, "What was that about?"
The brunette didn't reply immediately but when she did, her tone was wistful, "Alaska is a beautiful place don't you think? I suppose that's why I moved out here." She smirked down at her friend, "That and because the courses were adequate."
"Maybe if you were someone else I'd believe that but you don't care for that sort of thing." Alice mused softly, sincerity lacing her tone, "Alaska is beautiful and I can believe that's why you moved here, but the part about the courses? No, I believe that just made the deal sweeter. You were looking for beauty and education but I know you wouldn't have taken the education if it lacked the beauty."
"Probably," She agreed, "But I know I'll never regret moving here. That's actually were I met Tanya, at the University I mean. She was in my Psychology class and obviously I knew what she was. The golden eyes encouraged me to talk to her...well that and the fact that I found her extremely attractive."
"I bet you did. Tanya is a very beautiful woman so I can't imagine that you would have passed that opportunity." The path began to wind at the last stretch and the massive pool house soon came into view, "So you studied Psychology then? I've never applied for that course before but Jasper has. He seemed to have enjoyed it."
"Psychology was fascinating so that's what I majored in. Tanya graduated with me and added the diploma to her ridiculous collection but I actually did something with mine."
"So what do you do?" The vampire's eyes shone in something akin to pride as they neared the pool house entrance. Alice danced forward and opened the door for the human, smiling and giving a curtsey, "Human's first."
Bella pat her friend's cheek in thanks as she passed and winked playfully, "Sweet as ever I see."
The vampire merely rolled her eyes as she followed, "So your job? What do you do?"
The brunette smiled happily, "I teach Psychology at the University."
It seemed that a vampire's laugh couldn't compare to that of a simple humans. As Emmett lifted Tanya into his massive arms, tossing her into the air, she giggled loudly as her body landed with a splash in the deeper depths. The sound was so familiar to the brunette that it was comforting and easily brought a giggle from her too.
Tanya surfaced with a scowl aimed in her girlfriend's direction, "Something funny Bella?"
The blonde hair which was once one of flowing nature was now straight and wet and clinging to her shoulders. Her golden coloured eyes were narrowed in a playfully threatening manner, hands on her hips under the surface of the water as she waited for an answer.
"No, definitely not." Bella replied coyly, a teasing glint shinning in her eyes. The brunette winked at her mate and pulled her shirt over her head, choosing to ignore Emmett's appreciative whistle, grinning instead when Tanya slapped him over the head.
"Get your eyes off my girl, you oaf." Tanya glared at him menacingly until she was satisfied that he would keep his thoughts and eyes to himself, turning back just in time to see the human slip her pants down her legs. The blonde vampire grinned, admiring the tight bikini that accentuated every curve and feature on her girlfriend's body. Her eyes lingered longer on the cursive writing that was inked beautifully into the skin of her lower back, lust coursing through her, "Damn Bella, you look amazing."
Bella knew with one glance at her girlfriend that the blonde was staring at her tattoo. She remembered clearly the day she'd gotten it, the nerves beforehand, the fear when the tattooist prepared the needle and the pain when the needle broke the skin, but in the end it had been worth it. Tanya was the end result and the vampire had basically lavished her when she discovered her name tattooed into her lover's skin.
The brunette's thoughts were interrupted when the pool house door glided open and Esme and Renee walked in, smiles on their faces. Bella couldn't hear what they were saying to each other but she knew it had to have been good. She wondered if the other three vampires in the building had heard their conversation and realised that yes, they probably had. The smile on Tanya's face said it all.
Renee and Esme settled down on one of the pool chairs, smiles on their faces as they continued to talk quietly to one another. Soon enough both Alice and Bella were in the water, laughing as Emmett hauled them onto his shoulders with little hesitation and a grin on his face.
Tanya giggled and splashed the larger vampire, "Put them down."
"Okay," With a careless shrug he dropped them, laughing as they disappeared under the water with squeals. The larger vampire yelped fearfully as the blonde's open hand swung for his head once more, a quiet growl of warning leaving her lips. He swam to a safe distance and grinned sheepishly as he surfaced, his wet curls dangling down his face, "Sorry but you didn't specify how to put them down, so I just...improvised."
Alice and Bella surfaced with laughs and Emmett immediately took advantage, waving his hands at them almost desperately, "See? They're laughing, they didn't mind!"
Bella giggled and pushed her wet hair back off her face, eyes alight with happiness and warmth. The brunette swam over to her girlfriend gracefully, smile never wavering as she leant in and kissed Tanya sweetly.
"Leave him alone baby, it was fun."
Tanya wrapped her arms around the brunette, pulling her gently so that their bodies were pressed together, "I will but only because I love you. He'd be a dead man otherwise."
"He's going to be a dead man either way. Rose is going to hit the roof when she finds out how her husband was staring at Bella." Alice grinned devilishly, splashing her brother in what could only be described as a teasing way. She ignored the horrified expression on his face, "Honestly Em, what were you thinking? Bella may be gorgeous to look at but Rose is going to have your balls."
"No way! You wouldn't!" He cried out dramatically.
"Oh but I would," Alice smirked, glancing pointedly at the door, "I'll give you until I step foot inside the house and then...let's just say Rose is going to go ape-shit." When she noticed him about to protest, she tapped her head in amusement, "I've seen it Em. Don't you think for one second you can outsmart me."
Emmett gave a sigh of defeat and swam for the edge, hauling himself out easily. He glared petulantly down at his sister, water dripping down his barely clad body, "Fine you win, evil little pixie. Where are the towels? I have some arse kissing to do."
"Literally," Bella grinned.
Tanya pointed to the rack which held numerous white fluffy towels, smirking at her girlfriend's comment, "Don't break anything will you? I wouldn't know how to explain a broken bed to my in-laws."
The large vampire grumbled to himself as he dried himself off with a towel, ignoring the laughing that came at his expense. He threw his clothes on quickly and made his way for the door, stopping when he was in front of Esme and Renee.
"I'm gonna go see Rosie. She wasn't feeling very well so I don't want to leave her alone for too long. No worries?"
Esme smiled warmly, "You do what you have to dear. We'll see you back at the house."
Emmett kissed his mother's cheek, doing the same to Renee before giving the older human a smile, "Bella's turned into a real beautiful young woman Renee. Must take after you huh?"
"If you say so," Renee giggled and her cheeks tinged pink at the compliment.
"Oh I do." And with one last wink he strolled casually out the door, a joyful whistle leaving his lips the whole way.
Bella chuckled at the larger vampire's antics and the fact that he could make her mother blush with his charming smile and cliché compliments.
Swimming was something that Bella had rarely taken part in when she was with her family. Sure they had a river that ran through their property but unless Bella wanted hypothermia, she tended to sit snuggled up in quilts on the side on the bank, usually perched upon a flat rock and watch.
So naturally for the next few hours the pool house was buzzing with life. Bella done a few laps and perched herself on the side, watching in amusement as Tanya and Alice played around in the warmth of the water. Eventually she joined them again in their fun.
They laughed, giggled and talked about things that were by all means unimportant. Renee and Esme had slid in the water for not even ten minutes before the splashing and giggling became too much and they retreated back to their chairs, grabbing towels on the way.
Bella wondered if their faces were hurting from all the smiling the two women were doing.
It wasn't until Bella began to get a little chilled that they called it quits and made their way back to the house, her teeth chattering the entire way. One hot shower later, Bella and Tanya were dressed snugly in track pants and their warm college sweaters, arms wrapped around each other as they made their way downstairs.
Tanya placed a kiss on the brunette's temple.
"Edward arrived while we were in the shower by the way. Carlisle has requested he face the music and join us tonight, if just for a little while." Tanya murmured the words against the brunette's ear, placing a kiss there before pulling back, "He's still furious but he's willing to behave until your parents leave and then he's demanded an explanation."
"My parent's flight doesn't leave until tomorrow night and I sure as hell am not staying up to deal with Edward afterwards. I have to leave for work early Monday morning so he'll have to wait for his explanation until later that afternoon." The brunette scoffed, "Not that we owe him a fucking explanation."
The blonde grinned at the bitter edge to her girlfriend's voice, tugging her closer as they descended the stairs, "That's my girl."
The brunette chuckled but stopped short as the pair rounded into the living room, a smile taking over her features as she took in the sight before her. Presents of all sizes were scattered on one end of the dining room table that Tanya had brought almost fifty years prior, the other end holding platter upon platter of delicious looking savories.
Jasper and Emmett sat on the couch, a space between them and their mates perched on their laps, all bearing smiles with the exception of Rosalie.
Irina and Laurent were sitting on the love seat and in a similar position to their cousins. Carlisle and Esme were standing side by side with their hands clasped and joyful smiles on their faces.
Eleazar stood by the far wall beside Charlie who nursed a beer in his hand, deciding to stay in the background and away from the excitement of the party.
Carmen and Renee stood similar to the last two, smiling happily as their daughter's stood wrapped in each other's arms in a lovers embrace.
"Happy birthday sweetheart," Tanya placed a kiss on the back of her neck, inhaling gently and smiling.
Bella leaned back into her girlfriend's embrace, turning her head so the blonde could see the love and devotion that was reserved for only her, "You spoil me Tanya."
Irina giggled, "See? There it is. I would've been disappointed if you didn't complain."
"I'm not complaining rather stating a fact, smartarse." Bella glared at her girlfriend's sister before softening her expression and looking to her girlfriend, "And I love it, thank you Tan."
"You're very welcome." The blonde beamed in both pride and relief, eyes alight with love as she guided her mate forward, "Today is yours to enjoy."
The brunette greeted each vampire with a smile before pulling her mother and then father into a hug, murmuring how much their presence had meant to her on this day. Presents were the next thing on the list so grudgingly Bella allowed each couple to give their presents to her.
A stereo system from Emmett and Rosalie, a gorgeous looking blue dress with matching heels from Alice and Jasper, two tickets to Paris for Tanya and Bella from Carlisle and Esme and a gorgeous golden necklace from Carmen and Eleazar.
Bella had been overwhelmed with the generosity of her family and the Cullen's and promised for their sakes not to complain about the obscene amount of money they had spent on her. She thanked them all, even Rosalie, before opening the presents from her parents.
Charlie had opted for a new laptop with the knowledge that she had been complaining about needing a new one. She smiled, hugged him quickly and returned to open her mother's present. Charlie merely gave her a relieved but at the same time, awkward smile in return.
When Bella had opened the present from her mother her eyes filled with tears when she saw what the large box held. She had specifically asked her mother not to spend too much money on her and she'd kept her promise to do exactly that.
Inside the decorative box was her grandmother's jewelry box, an object that both she and her mother loved dearly. Bella could remember staring at it longingly as a little girl while Renee would read the inscription on the inside of the lid;
'To my darling wife,
Shall this remain with you for all eternity, just as my love for you.'
Bella's grandfather had handmade the beautiful wooden box, engraved it and given it to her grandmother on their wedding day. Renee had inherited it when her mother had passed away and Bella adored the family heirloom.
Bella cried in her mother' arms for a long time before she could finally pull back and whisper her gratitude. Renee simply smiled softly and shook her head, telling her that it was time for it to be handed down. She'd had her fair share of time to enjoy it and it was unfair to keep it from her daughter any longer.
Bella had loved it most of her life.
The moment Irina handed over the present from her and Laurent, Bella knew immediately that something was up. The was a smirk on her face would've been suspicious enough and yet to add to that, was the way her eyes were alight with mischief as she took her husband's hand and stood back.
Alice giggled from her place on Jasper's lap and Irina sent her a wink, causing Bella's suspicion to rise significantly. She raised an eyebrow at Irina and Laurent but got nothing other than a smirk in response.
The brunette cautiously pulled the ribbon off the box, opening the lid and letting loose a laugh as her eyes landed on the appendage inside. She knew Irina had been up to no good!
"Oh my god!" Tanya laughed and slammed the lid closed quickly from her place beside her amused girlfriend. Nobody else needed to see that particular present. The blonde vampire grinned up at her sister, "Gosh you're so thoughtful Irina."
"Hey, don't be sarcastic about it," Irina scolded, "I heard you two talking about wanting to buy one, so now you don't have to." She grinned naughtily, "Poor Bella will be exhausted when you bring it out."
"I don't even want to know." Charlie adjusted his collar awkwardly and cleared his throat.
Laurent shook his head as the older human took a swig of his beer in discomfort, "No you don't, believe me Charlie."
Once presents were out of the way, the human's snacked on the savories while the vampire's pretended to, offering their appreciation through small moans and smiles. So much excitement and so many conversations were going on that Bella didn't even notice when Edward snuck in and sat down by the table, his dark eyes trained on the blonde woman who had her arms wrapped around her.
He took in the scent of Bella's tantalizing blood and the way her heart was beating calmly in her chest, convincing himself with naivety that it was a sign of her lack of attraction toward the blonde female. Edward thought back to the days in Forks when he would approach Bella and he smiled at the fact that her heart would beat wildly in her chest.
That was proof of their love and this infatuation with Tanya was just a silly phase. He would forgive her.
"Psychology is a fascinating subject, I quite enjoyed it when I studied it. Perhaps if you enjoyed it as much as you say, you could go back to university and study medicine."
Carlisle sipped at the small shot of brandy in his hand as though second nature, smiling gently at the brunette. He didn't look uncomfortable or even mildly bothered by it. Bella knew, however, that the strong burn of the alcohol's scent was probably irritating his nose. Tanya had mentioned one night when they were out that alcohol smelt terrible to vampires, just like all human food.
Bella had to give them all some credit, however, because if it weren't for the fact that she knew they were vampires, Bella would've been convinced that each vampire in the room was human.
"I don't think medicine is the thing for me. I mean, it'd be interesting without a doubt but I'm quite content teaching at the university." Bella smiled, "I love my job."
Carlisle nodded in understanding but his eyes lost some of the excitement at her rejection of the idea. Medicine was his passion, after all.
Tanya placed a kiss on the brunette's neck and ignored the practically unnoticeable flash of disgust in Carlisle's eyes. She gave the younger vampire a meaningful glance.
"Bella runs her own life and if she wants to teach psychology then she will. If she chooses to study medicine then she will. Bella makes her own decisions."
"And if she were to decide that a life without you in it were the best choice, would you respect it?" His eyes flashed in challenge and he ignored the warning growl that came from his wife across the room.
Tanya's eyes narrowed and her nostrils flared as she hugged her mate closer, "Yes I would respect it, like I said Bella makes her own decisions. If she were to choose your son over me then I would let her go, just as I would if she chose a human to spend her life with." Her lip curled at the thought as she glared at the blonde man, "And if Bella decides that she wants to be a vampire and spend the rest of eternity beside me then I would grant her that without a second thought."
"And ruin her chance at a normal human life?" They glared at each other, Carlisle in hidden outrage and Tanya in annoyance.
The brunette sighed in annoyance at the male vampire, hands stroking her lover's arm gently, "It's my life Carlisle and it's none of your business as to how I live it." He looked at her with slight disbelief, "But I can tell you one thing that is for certain. I am in love with Tanya and I will never choose Edward over her. So I suggest you all come to terms with that."
Tanya smiled and briskly turned her lover around, capturing the brunette's lips with her own. Bella returned the kiss with just as much passion, winding her fingers into the blonde's soft curls and tugging gently. Familiar feelings of love and safety washed through her, tingles erupting wherever the vampire's body made contact.
Carlisle turned away and strolled over to his wife, kissing her temple in apology for his behaviour. The coven leader was severely disheartened when his mate brushed him away and completely ignored him, continuing her conversation with Carmen and Renee.
It was only when Edward shot up in his seat in anger that everyone seemed to take notice of his presence. Tanya and Bella pulled away from their kiss and glanced over at him, irritation present in their gaze as he glared at the blonde woman scathingly.
"Must you do that so publically? It's vile." Edward's face contorted into a sneer, "The whole relationship is fucking disgusting."
Emmett rose to his feet, expression stone cold, "Hey dude, chill. There are women present."
The bronze headed vampire narrowed his eyes at his brother, "Stay out of it Emmett! You may like watching such a sin being committed but I do not!"
Alice nudged her husband from their place by the piano and catching the hint, Jasper pushed a wave of calm toward his brother, "Edward calm down. This is their house and they will show their love how they see fit." The curly haired vampire looked saddened as he took his wife's hand and shook his head, "Why should Bella and Tanya have to hide their love for each other?"
Bella smiled. She hadn't had the chance to speak with Jasper and yet here he was, standing behind them. It was a great relief to know that her relationship with Tanya didn't seem to bother him.
"It's fucking disgusting!" Edward shouted, "Are you blind?"
Charlie had sat in his seat, silently fuming and glaring holes into the arrogant boy's head from the moment he stood but now he'd crossed the line. Nobody was about to interrupt the moron and he could see how upset his outburst was making everybody, especially his daughter.
If only he had his gun…..
The human slammed his beer bottle down angrily on the wooden coffee table and got to his feet, narrowed eyes glaring in despise at the bronze shit. Everything went eerily silent and Bella could only watch nervously as her father's composure shattered before her eyes.
Charlie had promised to keep his cool but Edward had crossed the line and he was furious. The brunette was about to stop Charlie when Alice gave her a sharp look and shook her head. She mouthed something but Bella didn't have super hearing, so naturally she didn't catch it.
Tanya leant down to her lover's ear but kept her gaze on Charlie and Edward. She would not allow Bella's father to be hurt and would gladly expose herself if it meant protecting his life.
Charlie was a sweet, protective and kind man and he was without a doubt worthy of her protection.
"Alice assures us that Edward won't hurt him." The blonde watched in amusement as Charlie stalked toward the disrespectful boy, murder in his eyes, "However your father wants nothing more than to castrate Edward." She grinned despite herself, "This is going to be good."
"Tanya….." The brunette chastised.
The brunette didn't find it at all amusing.
They watch as Charlie came to a stop directly in the vampire's face, form trembling as he held back the urge to punch the stupid boy in his crooked fucking nose.
"You listen here boy….."