CHAPTER 31 – FAMILY
TV on The Radio – Family Tree
Were laying in the shadow of your family tree
Your haunted heart and me
Brought down by an old idea whose time has come
And in the shadow of the gallows of your family tree
There's a hundred hearts soar free
Pumping blood to the roots of evil to keep it young
A/N: Thank you all for the reviews.
After a lot of persuading, Edward had reluctantly agreed to go hunting with the others but only after I placed a gentle kiss on his cheek and sent him off with another hug.
Their underlying reasons for the sudden hunting trip was so that they could leave me and Carlisle with some time to catch up, seeing as we hadn't really had a chance to do just that. Also I had interrupted their first hunting trip which I had apologized for but they all just rolled their eyes at me and assured me it didn't matter.
After they had left, Carlisle suggested that we should go for a walk which I readily agreed to. I could remember our time in Italy, when we used to go on nature walks so that he would teach me about the different wildlife growing in the fields or study the animals wandering the fields. All you can do now is stay in classrooms and rely on textbooks rather being outside where you could actually understand the world around us in-depth. That was what I considered to be true education and that was why I enjoyed every lesson Carlisle planned for me.
Currently, we had been walking through the forest for the past five minutes but I knew that to a vampire that would seem like five hours but I needed a few minutes to collect my erratic thoughts. I knew that I couldn't exactly jump right into the darkened past so I thought I would begin with something lighter.
Turning to my right to where Carlisle walked beside me, I caught the small crease on his forehead seeming to be deep in thought and it reminded me of Edward. The heartbroken expression that darkened his features made me feel guilty but I relinquished it because I knew that I had to let him know.
He had his hands locked behind his back as we continued our way down the twisted trail, making our way further into the crowding trees so I chose to put him out of his misery by breaking the silence. "So…" I finally spoke which triggered his return to reality when snapping away from his thoughts, turning to me with a weak smile which made me want to take his mind off his worries and doubts,"…S-so you got married and became a maker?" I laughed.
He chuckled as we both thought back to our past and to where we were now. It was all very unexpected and all too coincidental.
"Not to Alice and Jasper" he revealed.
My eyes widened at this but then my thoughts flashed back to how Jasper would become rigid around the humans and his eyes weren't as golden as the others so I decided to voice out the thought that I had buried, "He is new to the diet"
He nodded with a sad smile and murmured, "He is trying" and with this reply, I was able to catch the flash of angst in his eyes.
I turned to him and smiled, "At least he is trying" still there was something troubling him so I stopped making him stop and look at me with a hitched brow in question. I took a step closer to him and locked eyes with him before placing a gentle arm on his shoulder, "You have a beautiful life Carlisle"
"I know" he sighed and finally smiled again but it was yet to touch his conflicted eyes. He turned to walk again with his arms behind his back so I walked by his side again.
The silence was comforting as the darkness enveloped us within the peace.
"You can be a part of it" it came out as a hushed whisper that I wasn't sure that he'd even said it until I turned and found that he was staring at me with an expectant look as he waited for my answer.
I turned my eyes back onto the earth beneath and focused on the intricate patterns lining the different leaves and plants that decorated the forest floor.
My silence was read differently because he spoke again, "Stay with us" his voice louder this time, with a certainty and an underlying plead.
"What?" was the best I could do as I was not really sure how to respond to his great generosity. It was just like Carlisle to do something like this but I knew I could never drag him into my troubles which was why I was shaking my head, "Carlisle I will not burden you with my life" I answered almost harshly.
This time it was he that stopped and grabbed my wrist gently so that we were both at a standstill. "You could never burden me" he answered, the same kindness lighting his golden eyes, "And like I said, you are like a daughter to me", his kind words were enough to warm my heart.
"I miss them" I whispered, the vulnerable part of me that I tried to hide found it's way into my words.
His arms encased me as he pulled me into a comforting hug, "I am sorry I wasn't there to protect you" his hold tightening around me and I returned it for a few brief moments.
Again I shook my head, pulling away from his hold so that I could look into his pained eyes, "That was never your responsibility" hoping that he would read into the silent plead. The last thing I wanted was for Carlisle to start blaming himself when it was never his battle to begin with. "I don't doubt that Aro would've have done something to you if you had stayed" my harsh words seethed with venom.
"I just can't help but feel guil-"
I cut off his words when my palm met his cheek causing his head to sharply fell to the left, "Don't you dare" I snapped in anger and frustration, still not registering the fact that I had slapped him. It was one thing for me to place Aro's fault on myself but for the Carlisle – the selfless being that he was to burden himself with that guilt was not right. "This was never your fight" almost snarling the words at him but eyes were pleading as I tried to get him to understand.
"Bella?" we were broken out of our mental conversation by Edward's gentle voice.
Hearing him say my name had the same effect where my stomach feels hollow and my mouth ran dry while my thoughts fleeted around in a jumble.
I turned to find him standing there with his hands in his pockets. Even under the night's darkness, I could still see the bright gold of his eyes had returned after his hunt. The silver rays of the moon hit the side of his face, highlighting his chiseled features. No bronze lock was out of place and his clothes weren't wrinkled giving any inclination of his feed.
Every nerve relaxed at the sight of him and it took everything in me to not run over and claim his hand once again."Edward" I breathed out happily with a relieved smile.
I had forgotten about Carlisle which was why I jumped at the sound of his words, "I need to talk to Esme" a knowing smile on his lips as his eyes darted between us for a second before dropping his raised brows and walking back to the house. Along with this, I also didn't miss the pat he gave Edward before going on his way.
Once he was out of our sight, I continued to stare at Edward waiting for him to say something but an awkward silence rose as he shuffled on his footing with his eyes were fixed down to where Carlisle had gone.
"Edward?" I called when I grew tired of waiting and was happy when he snapped his head around quickly, a wild look on his face when meeting my eyes. "Walk with me?" offering a small smile, not really wanting to say anything that would scare him away.
I wanted him to stay…
He nodded ecstatically in reply, hurrying his steps as he raced to catch up to my side.
We walked down the trail, at the same pace although I knew that Edward was trying harder to not use his full speed. With years of practice, it had grown easier to acting human although I did have the urge to give in to my true nature in regards to speed and strength. M-
My thoughts trailed off as I felt the spark trailing up my veins when his soft fingers laced through mine with great hesitance before his palm touched mine and a warmth calmed me.
I came to a halt and turned to stare at him wanting to read his eyes as the whole thing was unexpected.
He read my actions differently as he grew horrified and began to pull his hand away with ramblings of his apology. "I'm sorry. I should've asked – N-no I shouldn't have done that at all" he cast his gaze downwards with a mortified look, "I'm sorry. I-I should go" he stuttered and made a move to leave but I was quick to flash before him, blocking his exit.
"It's okay" I whispered and reached down to claim his hand once again, lacing my fingers with his once more and smiling with the familiarity of his hand as it was comforting.
When I read the doubt that remained fixed in his eyes, I tightened my hold on his hand and looked up to meet his eyes with an assuring smile.
Comically, he breathed out a sigh of relief and the angst disappeared from his features and for some reason, it was that moment that suddenly the thought occurred to me so I turned to him again, "What time is it?"
He looked down at his watch, "8:42." he answered before raising his head to look back up to me with a puzzled expression, "Why?"
"I just realized we were supposed to be in school" shaking my head when realizing just how horrible my attendance was and I had just started high school but I didn't really care because I had found Carlisle and his wonderful family; who had for some strange reason accepted me.
A devilish grin lifted his lips and his golden eyes glazed, "Aren't you a little bit too old for high school?" seeming proud of his joke.
"Aren't you?" my remark made him laugh and I shared into his chuckle, enjoying how his soft velvety octaves harmonized with my own laughter and I was ecstatic as I now knew that I had the ability to evoke that wonderful sound from him and I knew that I would keep trying to make him laugh and smile. He had a beautiful smile…
I was still laughing but paused when I caught how he was staring at me with a wide grin, his happiness enveloped me and I reveled in the warmth of it so I felt comfortable enough to joke with him, "I'm sure 1,000 trumps 109" he remarked with an arched eyebrow.
He didn't seem to be too fazed as he was joking about my age but I still couldn't be sure. His reply, although it had been teasing, still sparked my insecurities and doubts and I couldn't help but voice them in a low timid voice, "Does it not bother you?" biting down on my lip while nervously pulling with the sleeves of the cardigan.
"What?" he sincerely seemed perplexed by my question.
Throwing my hands out in frustration of having to clarify, I exclaimed, "My age?" he jumped slightly at the sudden change in my voice and I felt my cheeks redden with embarrassment so I lowered my voice again, "Does it bother you?"
He frantically shook his head before questioning, "Why? Does it bother you?" grimacing, I shook my head in rely which he responded with his boyish grin, "Then it doesn't bother me" he finalized and I smiled. I didn't have to filter through his thoughts to known that he was telling the truth. The honesty in his eyes and voice was enough to tell me that.
Silence prevailed us once again but this time, it was a comfortable silence as we both reveled in the peace of the night. It felt nice to be out in the twilight and even better that the animals were keeping a distance as it only added to the peace.
After everything that had happened in the past 24 hours, it was nice to have some time to just be…
And it was even better having Edward here next to me.
I didn't understand what it was but something drew me to him. My mind craved knowledge about him and my body just craved him. Sometimes I'd find myself looking at him when he wasn't looking at me and my gaze would linger on his lips. It was this strange uncontrollable need that I haven't felt before – a fire that burnt bright and it both scared me and thrilled me.
"Were you planning on leaving?"
His random question threw me off my thoughts that I had to stop and look up at him in question, "Why do you ask?"
He had also stopped and taken a step back so that he was only a foot away from me but that still seemed to distance so I took a shuffled closer, watching as he stared off into the distance before his eyes landed back onto me. The pensive expression had returned as he nervously scratched the back of his head, "It's the way you said goodbye to me" he murmured, sadness in his voice that I felt my fingers twitch reaching out to comfort him.
Was he upset that I would think of leaving? Did he not want me to leave?
I quashed the hopeful thoughts and clenched my fists as I nodded, "I planned to" happy that I did not have to lie to him anymore. It felt wrong.
He snapped his head up, his dark gaze drew me in and I found that we'd both taken a step closer so he was mere inches from me. I could smell the delicious honey scent mingled with the musky aroma of the woods from his hunt and it only drew me in more as I leaned in to him.
With our eyes still locked, he reached down to my fingers and laced them with his again. I looked down at our hands, smiling as the warmth returned in my stomach before looking back up to his kind eyes that were still filled with a conflicted battle but was then taken aback with the intense desire that burned but I didn't want to get my hopes up.
"I'm glad you didn't" the corner of his lips finally tugged up when he said this.
I felt my face flush as blood pooled in my cheeks as I excitedly asked, "You are?" practically bouncing on the soles of my feet to know that he cared.
He chuckled at my animated voice and reached up to cup my cheek before nodding in confirmation and whispering, "I am"
We remained in that spot for a few moment, just staring at each other, both of us trying to read the other and even though I could get into his mind right now, I knew that I respected him too much to trespass his thoughts even if he was trying to read mine now.
There was a sudden change in his features, an unexpected anguish crossed his eyes and dulled the spark that they once had. His jaw clenched and his whole body was rigid but before I could voice my worry, he spoke "I am sorry for your loss"
Realizing why his emotions had darkened, I quickly voiced my appreciation, "Thank you" I breathed. It was like he was sharing my pain. The dark look that had crossed his face indicated that he was in pain because I was in pain and I felt guilty for doing that to him. I didn't like seeing him like that.
Another change in his expression came and I watched how his marble features hardened and a fierce rage pebbled his golden eyes, "What Carlisle said is true" he spoke with such authority and I found that I liked it, "We will protect you" his voice hard with a silent promise.
His words, as touching as they were only burdened me with more guilt. I didn't like to think that they were willing to lay down their lives for me. It wasn't right – I shouldn't have come here and weighed them down with my troubles, "I wish I'd never said anything" I muttered my thoughts, casting my eyes down to the ground in shame as my mistake was finally highlighted.
It was selfish of me. I shouldn't have followed them into the forest or listened in on their conversation – I should have left like I planned. I should still leave but saying it was harder than actually doing it.
His ice touch burned me when they were placed under my chin so that he could tilt my head up to meet his eyes and even through my blurry vision; I was still captivated by his beauty. It was then I realized that tears had fallen and I felt embarrassed that he was seeing me cry yet again.
When reaching up to wipe them away, he pushed my hand down and used his thumb to swipe them away, "You shouldn't carry that by yourself" he whispered softly.
This was wrong but it really did feel right.
"It's difficult to trust others" my murmured confession brought back the memories so I had to close my eyes and will them away.
"You have me..." his kindness was clear as it rippled through the darkness behind my eyelids. I felt him leave a fiery trail on the side of my cheek and I snapped my eyes open to find his fingers tracing down my jaw line. When he caught my eyes, he offered a smile but I was still in shock as he added, "You have me" this time with a more austerity in his tone.
I did not believe the wonderful man before me had a frozen heart and this thought is what led me to ring my palm down to his chest, resting it there for a few moments. The simple touch was a big step for me which explained my shallow raspy breaths as I felt the electricity hum in the air between us. "Edward", I breathed out in a mixture of amazement as I felt it crackle in the air. Could he feel it?
Just as I was about to ask, we were broken apart when Alice's shrill voice broke through our bubble, "It's official!" she screeched and broke through the trees to reveal herself.
My fogged up thoughts still left me in the daze and I shook my head to clear it away as I turned to her, trying to keep my annoyance at bay. It wasn't her fault and I wasn't really sure what she was interrupting. I didn't really know what it would've have led to if that.
"You're staying with us!" she squealed and that was enough to break me from my reverie.
"What? No!" I blanched, gaping at her with wide eyes while wondering why she would even think it was okay to even suggest that. I had pushed myself into their lives further than I should have and now she wanted me to stay at their house – it was all so overwhelming.
Footsteps approached us but I didn't turn around as I was struck with shock, "Bella..." we all turned to find that Carlisle and the rest had joined us.
"Carlisle" I knew the tone he was using so I began to pace the space while shaking my head, "I have found a place to live. Its only about two miles from here" I complained, ignoring the adorable pout that Alice wore as she listened to my bewildered rambling.
Esme stepped forwards and took my hands in hers, "At least stay the night?" she looked at me with a pleading look and when I opened my mouth to argue she added, "It's already late" she gave a smile and I tried to think of something else to argue my case, "It would mean a lot to me if you stayed the night" she added and I knew I was done for.
Releasing a defeated sigh, I gave in, "Just the night?"
"Just the night" she nodded along with what I was saying but I could see the glint in her eye.
Carlisle moved towards us but remained behind Esme as he placed his hands on her shoulders also pouting which made me laugh, "Fine" I chuckled at his childishness, "I'll stay the night"
What surprised me was the cheer that erupted from them.
Even Rosalie.
A/N: Responds to the last chapter reviews. Thank you.
Pongu – Good to have you back and thank you for every single one of your reviews.
Marcus' wife's death will remain a mystery for now and like the idea of him teaming up with Bella…taken into consideration. To your other question, yes…Bella couldn't run away because she hadn't practiced her power as much as she should but also she was scared of leaving, not really sure of where to go but there is also another reason for this...
As for Prom – Prom will be prom but with a twist.
Judgment day for the vamps…that would be the day. Not a dumb train of thought…just perceptive.
I thought it would be nice for Bella to bond with the other Cullens and I'm glad that you liked that. Most fanfics OI read Alice always jumps to the line – "We're gonna be best friends" – I always laugh at that and it's awesome that I'm not the only one who noticed this.
Imagine if the story ended up with Bella choosing a sunny place and then ends within 3 chapters. Where's the fun in that?
Twilight Rocker – That was actually the main reason why I write the flashback – so that you can see the contrast. Thank you for reading and for the love to the story as always. I love writing about fatherly Carlisle and protective Edward.
jbrjaw27 – I also wonder who this talented (and awesome) author is… We'll just have to wait and see. :) Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Valentine Rain - Not this time. More likely that it will be Bella leaving Edward - never know... Thank you for reviewing and hope you liked the update.
chyna76 – Pleased to know you enjoyed the chapter. Carlisle can't help but feel guilty and finds a way to blame himself. Hope you liked this update and thanks for reading and reviewing.
InLoveJA – As always, thank you for the help. Glad that you enjoyed the CPOV. Trying to get into Edward's mindset and I know that he was feeling very protective over her already so I knew he would be angry.
Multi-Fandom-Lover123 – Your twilight fanfiction sounded very complicated – just my type of story so I'll be checking that out…and I love the name Kira – really unique. Yes the school drama will be back especially with the fact that she'll be handing around the Cullens. Hope you enjoyed this update and thank you for reading and reviewing.
A/N: If I haven's said it enough, I'll say it again – THANK YOU so so so so so so so so so MUCH for your reviews. New Target: 300!