Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its amazing characters.
Warning: This story contains disciplinary spanking, so if that bothers you then don't read or flame!
A/N: Hahaha, reading all your reviews right now and absolutely loving them! Here's the second to last chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter 15: Siblings
Carlisle's POV:
Bella, Esme and I were lying together on our bed watching a movie when I received the text message from Alice: Almost home. Edward knows and he is NOT HAPPY! Coming from NE, you should meet us!
I immediately let out a sigh as I pinched the bridge of my nose. Damn it. I was hoping Edward would not overreact, but I suppose that was like asking water not to be wet. When it came to Bella, that boy tended to lose all sense of reason.
I felt Esme grip my knee and I turned to see her questioning eyes. I showed her the text and she narrowed her eyes as she too let out a sigh.
"I need to go," I said, and she nodded her head before saying, "I am coming as well."
We had Bella's attention by this point and she stared back at us from where she had been lying at the foot of the bed. "Where are you going?" she asked as she sat up.
I debated over telling her the truth or not before shaking my head at that ridiculous question. She deserved the truth, of course. "I just received a text informing me that Edward knows about me having spanked you and that he is not happy. They are almost home and Alice felt it would be best if I talked with him before he arrived here."
"What?" Bella shouted as she stumbled to her feet. "Well take me with you! I can calm him down!"
"No Bella," I stated with a shake of my head. "You know how Edward gets when it comes to you. No matter what you say he will believe you are lying or that I have somehow frightened you into lying," I explained with a roll of my eyes. Bella looked at me in disbelief, a bit of anger entering her eyes as she gave a roar of frustration.
"For crying out loud, he can be such an idiot!" she screamed. "Tell him that I am fine and that if he says anything mean to you that I'll be royally pissed off with him, alright?" she stated angrily, and I smiled as I nodded my head. "I will tell him," I assured her.
"We will be back shortly," I added as I kissed the top of her head. "Stay here," I ordered with a stern look as she rolled her eyes before nodding her head.
"Attitude," I warned more sternly, and she grinned sheepishly before nodding her head once more. "Got it Dad," she remarked meekly. I offered her a loving smile before rushing out of the house, Esme at my side.
"That boy," Esme muttered angrily as we ran and I raised an amused eyebrow as I asked, "Does it really surprise you though?"
She just shook her head in response before saying, "But a mother can hope." I laughed lightly before completely sobering as I heard yelling and growling in the distance. Esme and I shared a concerned look before picking up our pace and it was less than a minute before we came upon the chaos.
Edward was growling and yelling while Emmett and Jasper did the best they could to keep him in their grasp. Alice and Rosalie stood to the side watching with disgruntled expressions as they yelled at Edward.
"Let me GO!" Edward roared furiously as he fought to escape from his brothers.
"Holy shit Eddie boy, you need to calm down!" Emmett growled as he finally managed to pin Edward's arms to his side. "Jasper, use your abilities man!"
"I'm tryin'," my soldier grunted as he helped Emmett keep Edward pinned. "He's just too damn furious, it ain't workin'!"
"For God's sake Edward, will you stop being such an ass!" Rosalie screeched angrily. "So Bella got spanked, it's not the end of the world!"
Edward let out a fierce snarl at his sister before yelling, "He had no right, no fucking right to lay a hand on my mate!"
"Edward, calm down," Alice finally spoke pleadingly, "Bella is just fine, I've seen it. You know Dad would never hurt any of us, so why do you think he'd hurt her?" she tried to reason but my little man was beyond reasoning with.
Edward hissed at Alice which of course incensed Jasper, and that is when I finally felt that enough was enough. It was time for Dad to step in. A quick glance at my wife's unhappy expression revealed she too felt it was time to interfere.
"Don't ya dare hiss at mah wife!" Jasper growled heatedly before Edward snapped, "I can do whatever I want!"
"Is that so, Edward?" I asked as I jumped into the middle of the fray. "Because from where I'm standing it's looking like you are not going to be doing much of anything for the near future." Esme appeared next to me and fixed our brood with stern looks. They had all frozen at my appearance and sported varying expressions like shock, guilt, and anger. Only Alice appeared unsurprised as she gave me a relieved look.
I fixed Edward with a challenging look as he bared his teeth at me. I narrowed my eyes before saying, "Everyone but Edward is to go home right now."
They all exchanged uneasy and questioning looks with each other, and I felt my anger stir. I had given them a simple order, so why did they feel it necessary to defy me? I was not in the mood for anyone's antics after the weekend I had just had. I let out a growl, which caused all my children to focus their startled gazes on me once more. "Go home now," I repeated slowly, "or I will find it necessary to give you all a painful lesson on obedience." Their expressions turned positively alarmed at my threat before they muttered soft apologies and words of understanding. Emmett and Jasper let go of Edward who continued to glare at me before taking off for home with Alice and Rosalie.
I felt Esme take a hold of my hand at this point and give it a gentle squeeze. As I looked at her I saw her eyes held understanding, but also a slight warning to simmer down. I closed my eyes before taking a calming breath. Damn, I truly needed a good hunt. I rarely ever had such trouble controlling my temper.
Once I felt I had once more maintained control over my anger I opened my eyes and gave my son a hard stare as I took in his expression and posture. His teeth were still bared and his eyes furious as he crouched down slightly. He looked seconds away from attacking me, and I really, really did not want to deal with this right now. I hoped to God the boy would calm down because I would hate to have to take my belt to him for attacking me.
"Edward," I spoke calmly as I held up placating hands, "I understand that you are upset with me, and I would like to understand why. Please, calm yourself and let us talk about this as adults," I stated, and I felt instant relief when he relaxed his threatening posture. He still looked angry, but he no longer looked ready to attack me, so I considered that progress.
"Thank you," I said before gesturing for him to speak.
"You spanked Bella," he accused angrily.
"Yes, I spanked Bella," I stated with a nod of my head.
He let out a growl as he took a threatening step towards me, and roared, "You had NO RIGHT, Carlisle to lay a hand on my Bella!"
My eyes flashed at his display; however, before I could say or do anything Esme fearlessly marched up to her son and gave his backside three sharp swats. I stared in stunned surprise.
"Shit Mom!" he yelled, and I could not help but shake my head at his stupidity when Esme gave him three more swats. He let out a yelp as he tried to escape her grasp but she had a firm grip on him. She pulled him close so that their faces were mere inches apart and angrily began to lecture him.
"Edward Anthony Cullen, I do not know where your head has gone today because you know better than to treat your father with such disrespect!" she scolded. Edward opened his mouth to no doubt defend himself but Esme swatted him once and then held her hand up as though to swat him again which promptly caused him to shut up.
"I am completely disgusted by the behavior I just witnessed from you. I cannot believe you had to be physically restrained from coming after your father," she stated with clear anger. "What were you planning to do, Edward? Were you planning on attacking him?" she asked exasperatedly, and Edward shifted guiltily as he avoided his mother's gaze. Esme was not having it though as she promptly shook him, which caused him to raise his eyes back up to hers.
"You were, weren't you? For God's sake Edward Cullen, you must have lost your mind today, boy!" Esme shrieked in outrage. "Do you not realize what would have happened?" Edward remained silent, just staring at his mother with wary eyes. "Well, I will tell you right now what would have happened. He would have wiped the floor with you and then he would have taken his belt to your disrespectful backside! And do you know what? I would not have argued with him at all!" she hissed before abruptly letting go of his arm. Edward glared at his mother, but I could see tears in his eyes which showed me that Esme was starting to get through to him.
"Now are you going to be able to have a civil conversation with your father or am I going to have to spank your bare bottom until you get that temper of yours under control?" my wife questioned with crossed arms. I stared at my wife in surprise once more. She absolutely loathed spanking the children, especially Edward. In all our years together she had spanked every child but Edward. I knew it was not intentional, but Esme had a soft spot for Edward as he was her first child.
Tears finally spilled from my son's eyes and I knew that they were a result of the anger and humiliation he was no doubt feeling rather than remorse. I would take what I could get though. If I could have a rational conversation with him then I could get him to be remorseful.
"Do not make me repeat myself Edward. Answer the question or you will go over my knee right here, right now!" she threatened, and I inwardly groaned when I saw my son's suddenly stubborn expression.
Edward Anthony, I warned him mentally, I implore you to think before you speak! However, this had the opposite effect for he immediately snarled at me, which proved to be the last straw for Esme.
"That is it!" she declared before grabbing Edward by the ear and dragging him over to a fallen log. To his credit, even though he protested quite vocally he did not fight his mother, which I was extremely thankful for. I hoped it was out of respect for his mother, but I had a strong feeling it was the fact that I was here. As furious as he was with me he knew I did not play games when it came to how the children treated their mother. If he so much as dared to raise a hand to her, he knew I would tear his backside up.
"Mom, I'm sorry!" Edward yelled. "I'm calm, I'm calm!" Esme completely ignored him as she sat herself down on the log and pulled the boy over her knees. She trapped his legs between hers, and with little effort unbuttoned his trousers and lowered them and his boxers. Edward gave an indignant yelp as he screamed, "Mom, please! I'm sorry! Please don't do this!"
I avidly watched my wife's expression, noting that while Edward's pleads already tore at her heartstrings, nowhere in her voice did you hear any hint of her internal distress.
"I am beyond disappointed with your behavior Edward Anthony Cullen!" Esme chided as she began to spank our son. I considered giving them privacy, but eventually decided against it. My son was in a temper and while I was certain he would not try anything with his mother I did not want to take that chance. He normally knew better, but as I had noted on several occasions already, his judgment and common sense were severely lacking when it came to anything concerning Bella. I also stayed out of curiosity. I had never witnessed my wife spanking any of our children as, apart from the first time with Jasper, the few times she had spanked them I had not been home. I wanted to know how she fared emotionally.
The one time she had…chastised me she been extremely harsh. I had definitely deserved it, but I knew she would never punish any of the children as hard as she had me. I also remembered that she had been in complete control of her emotions. Not once had I gotten the feeling that she had been overwhelmed or distraught over what she had done, at least not until sometime afterwards. Of course, I had not really been in a position to really monitor her emotions as I, well, as I had been just a tad bit upset myself. One thing was for sure though, after that incident I had never had any doubts over the ability of my wife to handle our children's punishments.
I focused my full attention back on my wife and son and felt conflicting emotions. I felt empathy towards my son, but also pride in my wife.
"Ow, ow! M-mom, please!" Edward begged as tears streamed down his face. "I'm sorry—Ouch!—I-I'm sorry, I swear I'll m-mind—OW!—I'll mind my t-temper!"
"You had better Edward," my wife responded, "because I have no problem with putting you right back over my knees if you find yourself unable to. Now, will you be able to behave civilly with your father or am I going to have to keep you right here while you two converse?" she asked, and Edward let out a sob as he rapidly shook his head. Wow, my wife was good.
"No Mom, please!" he shouted. "I-I'll b-behave civilly, I s-swear!"
"That is exactly what I want to hear," Esme replied sternly. "Your father had done nothing to deserve your ire, and I hope you will show him a little more trust than you have been. You know he loves Bella as much as he does Alice or Rosalie and that he would never harm her, so I would appreciate it if you would stop treating him like he has abused her because I assure you that apart from a sore bottom, Bella is perfectly fine! What is more, she told your father and I to inform you that if you said anything mean to your father that she would be extremely pissed with you," she informed him, and Edward began to sob even more.
Esme went silent at this point as she peppered his sit spots ten more times before finally stopping. Her expression was devastated as she rubbed Edward's back soothingly. Edward himself lay limply over her lap just sobbing pitifully and my heart ached for both of them. I wanted to rush over and offer them both my comfort, but I knew this was something they had to do on their own. This was a mother and son moment and I could not interfere.
After a few minutes Esme pulled up Edward's boxers and trousers before lifting him up and placing her in his lap. It was an odd sight seeing as they were of the same height, but I knew neither one of them cared about appearances at this point.
I heard and watched as Esme offered her baby boy words of comfort as he profusely apologized for his loss of temper and disrespect. They comforted each other, and when they both stood up I was extremely relieved to see that both seemed to bear no emotional trauma over what happened. Deciding I could now approach, I swiftly made my way over and wrapped my arms around the both of them. Esme kissed my cheek affectionately before escaping my grasp as Edward had immediately burst into tears when he wrapped his arms around me. I gave Esme a loving look before turning my attention on my son.
"I-I'm so sorry Dad!" he cried. "I d-didn't m-mean it! I-I kn-know you would n-never h-hurt Bella, and I-I'm sorry!"
I shushed him as I whispered loving and comforting words into his ears. "I know, little man, I know, and I forgive you," I assured him. "Everything is alright now, and all is forgiven. I love you so much, you know that right?" I asked, and he nodded his head as he cries turned into sniffles and shaky breaths. I thought he was finally getting himself under control when he suddenly tensed and began to cry once more.
"What is it Edward?" I asked in concern as I tried to get a look at his face.
"Y-You're going to-to s-spank me t-too," he sobbed, and I looked at him in surprise and confusion. Why would he think—Oh. I grimaced as I had momentarily forgotten my promise to the children that if their mother ever had to spank them that I too would give them a spanking. I glanced at Esme who was desperately fighting back tears, and she gave me a pleading look that just begged me to show leniency. I nodded my head before leaning down slightly so I could look my son in the face.
"Edward, son," I called gently so that he would look at me. "I will not be spanking you for any of this. I feel your mother made a suitable enough impression, don't you?"
My little man immediately nodded his head in agreement, tears of relief now cascading down his cheeks
"There's my good boy," I praised as I kissed the top of his head. I held my arm out to Esme at this point and she gladly returned the embrace, circling her arms around both Edward and I. We remained this way, offering our son all the comfort and reassurances he needed until he had completely calmed down.
Bella's POV:
I stood out on the balcony of my parent's room avidly watching the forest for any hint of movement. I wished it wasn't so dark because I couldn't see anything. I wrapped my arms around my shivering frame and considered going back inside for a blanket when I saw a couple figures emerge from the forest. Squinting, I tried to figure out who it was, but I needn't have worried for in a flash the figures were jumping and landing right beside me.
I gave a shout of surprise as I stumbled back inside before I found myself being twirled around by none other than Emmett. "Bella!" he shouted joyously. "How is my favorite troublemaker doing?"
"Put me down Emmett!" I screamed as he continued to swing me around like a rag doll, and he gave a boisterous laugh before setting me on my feet. I groaned as I saw the room continuing to spin around me, and as I attempted to take a step I ended up tripping on the edge of a rug. I would've fallen flat on my face if it hadn't been for Alice who beamed at me as she helped me regain my footing.
"Hi Bella!" she greeted as joyously as Emmett, and I returned the greeting before noting that Jasper and Rosalie were also in the room. I became extremely self conscious when I noted their presence. Blushing, I looked down at my feet, certain that they must be thinking how stupid and burdensome I was.
I was startled when I felt a cool hand on my chin and I looked up into the eyes of Jasper. He gave me a warm smile and I returned it when I felt my embarrassment leave me. "How you doin' darlin'?" he asked in full southern charm. "I heard you got into a spot o' trouble with Dad," he stated, but unlike Emmett his tone was concerned and empathetic rather than teasing.
"You could say that," I mumbled before hesitantly glancing over at Rosalie who had yet to speak. I had always found her to be the most intimidating of the Cullens, and although Carlisle had said she cared about me, I wasn't so sure. That is why I was surprised to see her gazing back at me with a touch of concern as well. She apparently noted my surprise for she grimaced slightly before looking a bit ashamed. What was that about?
Jasper glanced over at his sister and said something too quietly for me to understand to her. She replied just as quietly before looking over at Emmett who was giving her a serious look. They too exchanged words I couldn't hear before Rosalie finally let out a sigh and purposefully walked over to me. She stopped when she was standing right in front of me and sported a haughty expression. I glanced at her briefly before looking at the others nervously.
"Bella," Rose finally spoke, and I looked back at her once more surprised to see that she looked ashamed and guilty. "Bella," she repeated more gently after taking a breath, "I owe you an apology."
My eyes widened at her words and I barely managed to choke out a, "Why?"
She let out a sigh before stating, "I, well…I apologize for the way I have treated you. I haven't been very welcoming and I realize that I-that I was wrong to mistrust you."
My eyes widened even more, if possible, and all I could do was nod my head. Rosalie was apologizing? To me?
Rosalie stared at me, clearly expecting me to say something, so when I didn't she just sighed. "Look Bella, you don't need to be afraid of me. I'm not going to hurt you," she said kindly. "I know I haven't shown it, but I've already accepted you as a member of this family, which means I've already accepted you as my little sister. That is, if you're willing to give me a second chance…," she trailed off, suddenly looking unsure.
"A sister?" I asked in astonishment, and she gave me a wary nod as though afraid of my reaction. How absurd!
"Of course Rosalie!"' I exclaimed happily, and she immediately looked relieved. "I would love to have you as a sister," I said sincerely, and she gave me a beautiful smile.
"Hey, wait!" Alice shouted as she came over towards us. "You think of me as a sister too Bella, right?" she asked and I nodded my head. "Of course I do Alice! You're both my sisters!" Alice squealed as she wrapped her arms around both Rosalie and I.
"This is going to be so awesome!" she announced when we broke apart. "I can just see all the makeovers and shopping trips we'll do together," she said, and I gave her a look of horror, which caused everyone to laugh.
I looked over at Emmett and Jasper at this point and mustering up all my courage I put on a fearful expression and said, "My big brothers will protect me from the hyperactive pixie, won't you?"
I was gratified when both boys grinned at me, Emmett even puffing out his chest as he nodded his head. "Of course baby sis! Jazzy and I got your back!" he shouted imperiously before coming over and pulling me in for a bear hug. When he pulled away Jasper winked at me as he said, "I'll do the best I can to keep mah Alice from torturin' ya too badly." We all laughed as Alice huffed and muttered about nobody appreciating her. We once more burst into laughter, and as I watched Jasper try and get back into Alice's good graces I suddenly wondered what was going on with Edward.
"Where's Edward, you guys?" I asked in concern. "Is he giving Dad a hard time?"
The atmosphere suddenly tensed and my anxiety increased at their disgruntled expressions. "Oh God," I moaned, "What did he do? What did he say? I knew Dad should've let me go along!" I yelled as horrible thoughts began to race through my mind.
"Hey now Bella, you need to relax," Jasper declared as he sent out a calming wave. I happily accepted it and allowed it to soothe away my sudden panic.
"What happened?" I then asked more calmly. They exchanged looks before Alice answered me. "Edward found out about your punishment from reading my mind," she informed me with some guilt, but I promptly waved off any apology. She can't control what goes on in her mind at all times.
"How much did he see?" I questioned hesitantly and she said, "Not much really, just the fact that Dad had to punish you. The second he found out he became absolutely furious and raced home intent on giving Dad a piece of his mind. I texted Dad to warn him and he arrived in time to see Emmett and Jasper physically restraining him."
I stared at her in shock, completely astounded by how badly Edward had reacted to this news. Jeez, if this is how he reacts to one spanking, how is he going to react to the fact that I was spanked yesterday and today as well?
"You were what?!" Emmett boomed in shock, and I stared at him in horror as I hadn't realized I had said that out loud. Oops.
"What did you do, Bella?" Rosalie gasped, and I noted that even Alice looked to be in shock.
"Didn't you see this?" I asked her in a small voice and she rapidly shook her head. "No," she responded, "After I called you on Saturday I avoided looking into your future. I wanted to give you and Dad privacy," she explained.
"Bella, what happened?" Jasper asked, and I was touched by the concern in all their expressions as they stared at me.
"Well, you see," I stammered as I tried to figure out what to say, but I was saved from an explanation when I heard a velvety voice call out, "Bella?"
I sucked in a quick breath as I whirled around. "Edward!" I shouted ecstatically before I threw myself into his arms. Just seeing his face and hearing his voice was enough to cause me to forget any anger I may have felt towards him. All that mattered was that he came back to me.
"Oh Bella," he moaned unhappily, "Is what I heard true? You were spanked yesterday and today as well?"
"Well, today's wasn't really a spanking. It was only a dozen swats," I quickly informed him, not liking the devastated expression he wore. I also noticed that his eyes were red-rimmed and I wondered if he'd been crying.
Edward groaned at my words and I ran a hand through his bronze hair before firmly stating, "Edward, I swear to you that I am perfectly fine." He gave me a doubtful look, which caused me to narrow my eyes at him.
"Please tell me you didn't give Dad a hard time about this," I begged, and he gave me a slight smile before happily mumbling, "You called Carlisle, Dad."
"I did, now quit stalling and answer my question," I demanded, and his smile vanished.
I gave a frustrated sigh. "Really Edward? Do you trust Dad so little? Did you really think he would ever hurt me?" I questioned exasperatedly. "What exactly did you say to him?"
He avoided my gaze with a guilty expression before giving a low growl towards the others.
"Edward!" I snapped and he met my gaze before softly responding, "I didn't really get the chance to say much."
I stared at him in confusion. What did he mean by that?
"Ooohhh," Emmett crowed as he bounded over, "do tell Eddie boy? What exactly does that mean?"
Edward glared at him but did not answer.
"I'll tell you what that means," Rosalie stated with a smirk, "It means Daddy didn't take too kindly to Eddie's accusations."
I gasped as I realized what she was implying. "Did Dad spank you?" I asked him in concern and he looked deeply embarrassed as she shook his head negatively.
"Come on Edward," Jasper added slyly, "There ain't no need to lie. I can feel your embarrassment as clear as day, so just admit that Dad gave ya a good hidin'. Ya can't say ya didn't deserve it."
Edward gritted his teeth before once more shaking his head. "It wasn't Dad," he ground out so quietly I barely heard him. I frowned at his words before once more gasping as I realized what he meant.
"Woah!" Emmett shouted with a short laugh. "You telling me that Mom busted your tail, bro?"
Edward closed his eyes and gave a stiff nod, burying his head in the crook of my neck as Emmett and Jasper laughed at him. Rosalie smirked as Alice just gave a sad shake of her head.
"I'm so sorry Edward, this is all my fault," I told him as I tried to get him to look at me. The laughter immediately stopped as Edward snapped his head up and gave me an incredulous look.
"No Bella!" he stated loudly. "This is in no way your fault, love. I was the one who lost his temper and was disrespectful," he argued, and I couldn't help but notice that we'd gotten in trouble for similar reasons this weekend.
"Bella, we are all responsible for our own actions. Mom and Dad and anybody here will tell you that," Edward continued insistently. "You didn't influence anything. I messed up and it is in no way your fault, do you understand me?"
I frowned somewhat doubtfully before just nodding my head. Yes, I could understand what he was saying. I had gotten in trouble this weekend all on my own. Even if I had decided to go drinking just to get back at Edward, it was not Edward's fault I had done it. He didn't put the idea in my head and he didn't put the drink in my hand.
Edward wrapped his arms around me before carrying me over to the bed. "Is this where you've been sleeping?" he asked, and I blushed as I nodded my head.
"Uh, you do know this is where the 'rents do the nasty?" Emmett asked with an innocent expression, and I just groaned out loud as I buried my head in Edward's chest.
"Don't remind me," I moaned before explaining what had taken place this morning. They all laughed heartily at my embarrassment, but I couldn't help but notice that they also sported somewhat disgusted expressions as well.
"And this is all your fault Edward," I scolded. "If you'd just buy a bed for your room, then I wouldn't have to deal with-with—ugh!" Edward laughed before kissing me on the nose.
"I'm sorry, my love," he apologized, "I swear the next time you come over I will have a bed for you to sleep in."
"So Bella," Emmett stated with raised eyebrows, "what exactly did you do to land yourself into so much trouble?" I blushed as I looked from one intensely curious expression to another. Even Edward's expression was the same, and I sighed.
"It's alright Bella, you don't have to tell us anything," Edward assured me as he tightened his hold on me.
"Awww, come on Bella!" Emmett protested with a pitiful expression.
"Stop it Emmett," Rosalie chided as she lightly slapped his arm. "We're here to cheer her up, not to make her uncomfortable," she stated, and I gave her a look of surprise.
"Cheer me up?" I asked, and she nodded her head.
"It's tradition!" Alice piped up. "Whenever one or more of us get in trouble with Dad, we like to cheer each other up, and since this is your first time we have all decided to be here for you."
"Let the Cullen Spanking Support Group begin," Jasper piped up with a wry grin, and I let out a giggle.
"Thanks guys, this is really sweet of you," I told them, sincerely touched by their kindness.
"Don't mention it sis," Alice stated before Emmett added, "If you really want to thank us Bella, you'll tell us what happened."
"Let her be Em," Jasper scolded mildly, which caused Emmett to pout.
"Come on Bella," he tried once more with a pleading look. "If you tell us what happened we'll tell you about our first times," he said, and I gave him an intrigued look before finally nodding my head. It would be interesting to hear about their first times getting punished by Carlisle.
"And who says we agree to those terms, Emmett?" Edward asked before he looked at me. "Truly Bella, don't let him pressure you into anything. If you don't want to talk about it, then don't. Emmett should know better than to bug you about this, and if he doesn't stop," Edward added with a glare at his brother, "then just tell Dad and he'll take care of it."
Emmett gave Edward a vicious glare before I decided to intervene. "It's no big deal Edward," I assured him. I had already been planning on telling them. I'd just leave out my reasons for attending the party. No need for all of them to know. And with that I regaled them with my exploits starting with the invitation to the party and ending with today's essay writing. Edward and my vampire siblings were a great audience as they gasped, laughed, and sympathized at all the right moments.
"I am never leaving you again," Edward groaned as he pulled me close, and while I enjoyed that idea I knew realistically he'd have to leave again to hunt. "Don't be ridiculous Edward," I told him. "I know I was stupid, but I learned my lesson. It's not like I plan on doing this kind of stuff all the time."
"Man oh man Bella," Emmett remarked with a low whistle, "never knew you had such a trouble maker streak in you. I cannot wait until you're a vampire!"
I rolled my eyes at his excitement. Only Emmett would listen to my story and look proud.
"Ignore my doofus brother," Jasper playfully before giving me a serious look. "Ya need to be more careful, Bella. Ya don't know how much you mean to this family, and you don't know how much hurt we'd all be in if anythin' happened ta ya." Guilt coursed through me as I meekly nodded my head, noticing that both Alice and Rosalie seemed to share his feelings. Even Emmett who had previously joked nodded his head in agreement.
"I love you more than anything, Bella," Edward whispered emotionally into my ear, "so please, please promise me that you will try and be more careful," he begged, and I turned to look into his pleading eyes.
"I love you too Edward, and of course I'll promise," I responded just as emotionally, and he gave me a tender kiss on the lips. Giving me my favorite crooked smile, he then stated, "So, I guess it's my turn to kick off the 'first time' stories."
I eagerly nodded my head as the others settled themselves on different parts of the bed.
"This is gonna be good," Emmett declared as he eagerly rubbed his hands together. The others laughed before we all fell silent and gave Edward our undivided attention.
"The year was 1920 and Carlisle (because he wasn't Dad at that point) and I had once more gotten into an argument"…
..."And if the spanking hadn't been bad enough, he banned me from shopping for two entire weeks! I mean, how cruel was that?" Alice complained, grimacing at the mere memory of such a horrid punishment.
The rest of us did our best to contain our amusement, but we obviously didn't fool her as she began to glare at each one of us.
"So Bella," Emmett crowed loudly, "which one of our 'first-time' stories was the best one?" I rolled my eyes at his question as only Emmett would turn this into some kind of competition. "It was mine, wasn't it?" he then asked with a wide smile. "I mean I am the one that got the belt the first time," he boasted as though this were something to be proud of.
"Emmett, you're crazy," I commented. "How can you be proud of what you did, and the fact that Dad actually took his belt to you?"
Emmett's proud look turned somewhat sheepish at my words. "I'm not proud of hurting Pops, but it's all in the past Bella. I was punished and forgiven, so that's that. No need to dwell over it," he responded with a shrug and I couldn't help but shake my head at his blase attitude.
"Don't pick Em's story Bella," Edward informed me, "as Dad never felt the need to use his belt as punishment until that idiot came along."
"Yeah, you do seem the best at pissing Dad off," Jasper added dryly, and once more Emmett sprouted a proud look as he puffed out his chest.
"Hark whose talking," Rosalie interjected haughtily. "Mom never felt the need to bust our asses until you came along," and I laughed when Jasper's expression looked suddenly embarrassed.
"Well, if you want to get technical," Alice added with mischievous grin, "Daddy would not feel the need to spank us if it weren't for Edward and his inability to do as he's told." Everybody but Edward started laughing at this point and he just huffed and glared at all of us.
"I didn't have any warning, unlike you dumbasses," he retorted. "You all knew what to expect if you screwed up, but I didn't."
"Awww, poor baby," I cooed as I gave his cheek a kiss, and that just sent my siblings into another fit of laughter.
"Oh man, I so cannot wait for you to become a vampire sis, cuz we are going to have sooooo much fun with Eddie here!" Emmett bellowed with a playful shove that would have knocked me off the bed if Edward and Alice hadn't grabbed a hold of me. Unfortunately as they pulled me into a sitting position I landed on my poor bottom and let out a pained yelp.
Emmett burst into laughter for the umpteenth time. "What's the matter Bella? Bottom feeling a little tender?" he teased, and I glared at him before grabbing a pillow and throwing it at him. Emmett immediately swatted it away, but it ended up hitting Jasper in the head at that point. Jasper let out a growl before picking up the pillow and chucking it back. It once more missed Emmett, but ended up smacking into Rosalie this time who let out an indignant shriek. Emmett stared in horror at his mate as she calmly fixed her hair and gave him a sweet smile. This only seemed to further frighten Emmett, and I could understand why because that sweet smile just spelled disaster; and I was right as in the blink of an eye Rose grabbed the pillow and smacked Emmett around the head.
I laughed out loud as he spat out feathers until he fixed his gaze on me. Uh oh, I thought before I found myself whisked away to the other side of the room. I wasn't sure what quite happened after that because suddenly pillows were flying in all directions and Emmett was letting out a terrifying laugh. I wasn't sure whether to scream or laugh, but when Jasper began to approach us I couldn't help but grin.
Bring it on.
Carlisle's POV:
I held my wife close as she cried over what she had done to Edward. I pained me terribly to see her so hurt, and I wished there was something I could do to make sure she never felt this way again.
"I am so sorry Carlisle," Esme stated tearfully as she wiped at her eyes. "I should not be carrying on like this," she said, but I just shook my head at her.
"I told you years ago that it never gets any easier, my love," I informed her as I tenderly wiped away a few tears. "You react just as you did the first time you spanked Jasper, and that is to be expected. I would be concerned if you were not bothered by what happened."
"It is just so hard, Carlisle, I still cannot understand how you do it," she said as she looked at me in concern. "Do I hurt more than you or are you just that much better at hiding it?' she asked, and I once more shook my head at her.
"It hurts you more because you have such a tender and loving soul, and because you are their mother," I stated and she leaned into my embrace.
"I am so sorry for having doubted you in regards to Bella earlier today, Carlisle," she remarked guiltily. "I am deeply ashamed of how I reacted," she continued before I cut her off with a kiss on the lips.
"Your reaction was understandable," I responded, "and I forgave you almost instantly, Esme."
She gazed back at me with searching eyes, gauging my sincerity before gracing me with a beautiful smile. "You are truly a great man Carlisle, a great husband and a great father. I failed you earlier, and while I know you forgive me, I also feel the need to promise you that it will not happen again."
I gazed back into her sincere and loving eyes as I nodded my head in understanding.
"We should head back," Esme stated after several moments of companionable silence, and I just gave a light groan.
"Carlisle," she said with a light laugh as she sat up, "we need to make sure Bella and Edward are doing alright, and that the others are not pestering Bella for details of what happened."
I frowned at that thought before standing up. She had a good point. We raced each other back home, playfully trying to shove each other into rocks or trees before arriving. From the yells and hoots of laughter I knew all the children were gathered in our bedroom, which immediately put me on edge. It seemed Esme shared my worry for she let out a groan.
"Please let the room be in once peace," she begged to no one in particular before we both jumped onto our balcony.
Stepping into our bedroom we froze at the sight before us. First off, there were feathers everywhere. And where did those feathers come from? From the pillows our mature children were currently wielding like swords as they battled each other. Alice and Rosalie were currently attempting to batter Emmett with two pillows each. He kept evading them at the last second while laughing maniacally as he swung his pillow over his head like a lasso. Bella was on Edward's back screaming and laughing interchangeably with a pillow in one hand trying to hit Jasper. Edward was doing his best to protect Bella by basically being her shield. Unfortunately, Jasper took full advantage and repeatedly whacked him with is pillow while sporting a devilish grin.
Esme and I exchanged amused expressions before turning toward our raucous brood with stern gazes and crossed arms. Somehow they had failed to notice our presence so I loudly cleared my throat, which resulted in immediate silence and stillness. The only movement now was the continuous swirl of feathers.
I gazed from one shocked and guilty face to the next before demanding an explanation. Chaos erupted as they all began to speak at the same time coming up with several different explanations before beginning to accuse one another. Well, all except Bella who bravely stepped forward and admitted that she was the instigator.
I gave her a stunned look, not having anticipated this at all. It seemed Edward and her siblings did not either for they too exchanged stunned looks before suddenly changing their stories and all insisting that they were the instigator and not Bella.
"I started it," Edward and Alice declared at the same time before glaring at one another.
"Nah, it was me," Jasper stated seriously before Rosalie huffed and said, "I threw the first pillow, so I was the instigator."
"Puh-lease!" Emmett shouted as he stepped forward. "Everybody knows this has got Emmett written all over it. I started it!"
I stared back at Bella who was glaring at everyone and she was opening her mouth to no doubt refute what the others had said when they all turned as one and glared at her, which immediately caused her to snap her mouth shut. I ran a hand through my hair before looking over at my wife who was covering her mouth in an attempt to keep from laughing. This really was cute and amusing and I was having trouble containing my own amusement. I truly loved how they all jumped to Bella's defense as they thought she was in trouble.
"Alright," I finally announced, "since you all are at fault, you will all clean up this room this second, and you had better make sure to pick up every single feather."
They all let out groans in response while Bella looked positively alarmed. "Every feather? But, there's like a million! This'll take forever and I've got school tomorrow!"
"Forever?" Esme questioned amusedly, and when Bella gave her a questioning look Esme motioned for her to look around the room. Bella did and gasped at what she saw. The room was already straightened up and half of the feathers had already been picked up, more disappearing by the second as my vampire children worked full speed.
"Wha—How?" Bella questioned in astonishment, and I just chuckled as I wrapped an arm around her.
"Vampire," I stated simply, just as I had earlier today and Bella just shook her head in amazement.
"You're not really mad, are you?" she asked worriedly as she looked from me to her mother. We both grinned at her, and she looked relieved as we shook our heads.
"As long as you clean our room and nothing was broken, then I am perfectly fine," Esme remarked with a soft caress of our daughter's cheek. "They didn't pester you too much, did they?" she then asked, and Bella just shook her head.
"Not really. I had already planned on telling them what happened, so I wasn't bothered," she responded before laughing slightly as she stated, "They agreed that if I told them my story that they would tell me about their first times." I raised my eyebrows in surprise.
"I can't believe some of the stuff they did," she stated in awe. "And here I thought I was trouble, but it looks like I've got to live up to."
"Live up to?" I questioned in dread. "Oh no Bella Swan, you will not live up to anything that they have done," I told her sternly and she began to laugh.
"Of course I won't Dad!" she responded, and I let out a sigh of relief before she mischievously added, "At least not until I'm a vampire."
"Bella!" I shouted in outrage before letting out a cry of shock when I felt a pillow hit me in the face. I turned to glare at the miscreant who dared hit me only to be shocked when I saw my wife holding a pillow. Our children had stopped their cleaning and stared between the two of us in open mouthed amazement.
"Ohhhh, you're on Mrs. Cullen," I declared before taking the pillow from Bella's hands. My wife narrowed her eyes at me as she said, "You wouldn't dare."
I gave her a devilish grin as I slowly approached her. "Payback is a bitch, my love," I stated as I recalled her sticking my nose in a corner earlier today. It seemed she knew to what I was referring to for she promptly looked alarmed before she lifted up her pillow in defense. It was too late though and I landed a solid hit on her head. Silence filled the room as my wife spat out feathers and gave me a frigid glare.
I smirked at her, only to give a grunt when I was hit from behind. I whirled around to see Bella sporting a deer in headlights look. I was considering how to respond when a pillow flew out of nowhere and knocked Bella down.
"WAR!" Emmett roared before Edward knocked him to the floor with a pillow. And with that all hell broke loose as everyone began attacking anyone and everyone. No one was safe. Temporary alliances were formed and broken every time someone turned around and it was only when Esme noticed Bella sleeping underneath the bed that the game ended. Feathers littered my room and there was broken furniture and cracks in the wall, but for once neither Esme nor I cared. As she lifted our youngest and set her in the bed we exchanged grins with each other and the children. Yes, this was my family and I wouldn't have it any other way.
A/N: Hahaha! I totally loved this scene! Just picturing it makes me grin like a fool, haha! Anyways, this was originally the last chapter, but I figured some of you folks would want a little more closure, meaning you'd want to read about Carlisle's meeting with Edward and Alice, and probably the resulting talk between Edward and Bella. If I'm wrong, well, you lucky ducks just get another chapter so hurray for you!