Chapter 18 – Family

Carlisle was around three hundred and fifty years old.

Three hundred and fifty.

Those numbers were still careering around my brain when I entered the living room.

The living room that now housed every single member of the Cullen family. I swallowed, bit at my bottom lip again, and walked towards the empty seat that was next to Alice.

"Is lemonade okay, Bella" Esme asked, a look of concern on her face.

"That's fine, thank you" I replied, as I took the glass from her outstretched hand.

Everyone seemed to watch as I took a sip. I guess they weren't familiar with people using glasses in their house to consume liquids…

Emmet spoke next, standing near the large fireplace that seemed to be the focal point of the room "I think tomato juice would have gone down a treat – or maybe, even blood orange…"

Rosalie, standing by his side, gave him a sharp elbow to his ribs, but he didn't even flinch.

"Maybe next time" I heard myself reply, a smile appearing on my face. I knew then that I was going to like Emmet.

Alice inched a little closer to my side, and I felt myself return the motion.

Rosalie linked her arm through Emmet's, "It was nice meeting you again, Bella, but I am afraid we have to be somewhere now…"

Emmet interrupted, "what she means is, we need to hunt".

I felt my mouth open slightly, as Alice placed her small hand on my thigh.

Edward, sitting on the sofa across from me glanced at Emmet, and then back at me.

He spoke softly, "Excuse Emmet, Bella – we're still trying to teach him the art of being tactful".

Emmet laughed, "Sorry Bells – old habits die hard, if you're going to be part of this family, you may as well know it all from the start, right?"

I nodded and placed my hand on top of Alice's subconsciously.

If you're going to be part of this family…

As a human? Or a vampire…

Rosalie took hold of Emmet's elbow and pulled sharply, looking back at me she smiled apologetically, "See you at school Bella" and with that she practically pulled Emmet out of the room.

Not deterred, the latter turned on his heels at the last minute and gave me a mock salute, a huge grin on his face.

I found myself smiling back, his grin was almost contagious.

Unlike Jaspers…

I hadn't noticed him until now, as he was sat furthest away from me. His smile, if you could call it that, seemed rather strained.

Carlisle's voice floated across the room, "Please excuse Emmet, Bella. He can be a little blunt at times, but he means well".

I turned to face Carlisle, who was standing beside the seat occupied by Esme.

My answer was steady. "It's okay, really. I'd rather be faced with the truth".

And I knew then. Knew that the truth, though probably difficult to comprehend, was exactly what I sought.

Esme rose from her seat steadily, "You are very gracious, Bella".

I thanked her again as Alice interlaced her fingers through mine. She spoke gently, and my eyes were immediately on her.

"If you seek the truth Bella, there are things you need to know about us… our gifts…"

Gifts?

Now I was perplexed.

I felt a slight stirring of agitation in the pit of my stomach, but it soon passed as a warmth rose, slowly moving up and down my body bringing order and clarity. I had never felt that way before.

Alice spoke again, this time to someone else in the room.

"Thank you Jasper"

I looked from Jasper to Alice. Okay, now I felt confused again.

The look on my face was clearly not missed by Alice, who squeezed my hand again, gently she spoke.

"I need to explain our… abilities".

I watched as Carlisle nodded at Alice, as if giving some unknown acceptance.

"Come with me, I'll show you round the rest of the house before I take you back home".

As I stood, Carlisle held out his hand again, and shook mine gently. "Don't be a stranger, Bella".

Before I could answer, Esme was at my side and I found myself in her tight embrace again, "I hope you come back soon, Bella".

I nodded, "Thank you, it really is lovely to meet you all".

Carlisle placed his arm around Esme as Edward stood up from his seat and walked across towards me.

Standing close, he smiled – "Welcome to... now, what did Jessica call us… ah, yes – welcome to the Cullen Clan".

Alice poked him on the chest, "Edward! I expected that kind of talk from Emmet, not you!" She was smiling, as was Edward.

Edward held up both hands, "Sorry, Bella. Seriously, welcome".

I found myself smiling – the Cullen family banter was rather infectious.

Alice took me by the hand again and led me towards the door. Before we left, I turned and looked at Jasper, the only member of the family who had remained reticent throughout the entire meeting.

"Goodbye Jasper"

Jasper flinched a little, a look of complete shock appearing on his handsome face.

"I…"

He started to speak, but then stopped, as if contemplating what to say. Finally he smiled.

"Goodbye Bella".

Honestly, if Rosalie and Jasper smiled more often, they could seriously break a few hearts at Forks High School.

I followed Alice out of the room, up a spiral staircase, and along a brightly lit corridore. We came to a door at the end of the room, and Alice turned.

"Welcome to…. My room!"

I followed her and was immediately amazed with the ambiance – it shouted 'Alice' from every surface, nook and cranny. My room was… well, chaotic, a little threadbare and disarranged – everything this room wasn't.

I watched as Alice walked across the deep blue carpet, and sat elegantly on the sofa bed that was in the corner of the room. Patting her hand on the free surface beside her, I immediately joined her. I had missed the closeness.

"Do you like my room" she asked, a little trepidation in her voice.

I shook my head, "Alice – what's not to like? It's so tidy and clean – and the colours are very comforting. You should see my room in comparison… it's a total tip!"

Alice laughed, "You forget, Bella. I have seen your room and I found it rather… refreshing".

Of course, she had seen it… while I slept, and had dreams about her… I felt my cheeks burn again.

Alice laughed again, "Oh Bella, you really are adorable when your cheeks redden – you captivate me".

I didn't understand how I could captivate anyone, especially Alice.

"I don't know how… I'm really not that special…"

Alice interrupted me immediately, "Bella – that is exactly what you are… which is why I want to tell you everything, about us".

I turned on the seat, so I was facing her completely. I was extremely thankful that Alice felt she could confide in me. I reached out and took both her hands in mine, not noticing the coldness like I had before. Interlinking our fingers, I edged a little closer.

"I appreciate this, Alice…"

Alice rubbed her small thumbs against my own and nodded.

"Then let me explain…"