Usual disclaimer applies.
March, 2012
~60~
Dad and I look to each other, both knowing that this "meeting" is his, that he is the one that is going to divulging of secrets and information. We are sitting at the small kitchen table once more, two untouched plates of pasta in front of us.
I am glad to have this school day behind me; avoiding so many people at such a small school is just exhausting. And it felt like Edward was around every corner today.
"So," Dad begins, letting out a large sigh, "Because the court wanted me to try and find your mom before they put a Summons by Publication out, I had to look. And, Bella, I have suspected an affair for a while, even before she left. But I was so busy with work, with raising a teenage daughter; I just didn't want to notice. I didn't want to believe."
I place my hand over his in understanding. I hadn't wanted to believe either, even though all the signs were there.
"But then I found out even more, how it happened before the Cullen's left town, back when you weren't even born… Bella, I just had to be sure. I'm so sorry Sweetie." His voice breaks, choking up at the thought of my dubious paternity.
"It wouldn't matter!" I blurt out. This is something he needs to know, and I feel a sudden burning desire to tell him as soon as possible. "I wouldn't matter if Carlisle was my biological father. I would never think of him that way, never claim him to be that. I don't care about the money or anything. You're my father, my Dad!"
And now I've made the poor man cry.
With a cracking, shaky voice, Dad manages to squeak out, "Thanks, Honey."
We both clear our throats at the awkwardness, and dig in.
The rest of supper is silent.
~SW~
I lay awake for hours, thinking.
I remember how secretive Alice had been right before she left, how one day she had been scoffing at the thought of Edward dumping me, and the next, encouraging it.
I wonder if she knew.
I think that she did.
And Esme. Did she, does she, really believe that I am Carlisle's daughter, or was that something she fabricated in order to get me out of Edward's life, out of her life? Either option is justifiable. Furthermore, how has she managed to keep Carlisle with her when Carlisle has continued to have feeling for Renee, for all of these years?
Why would Esme want to?
Well, that one is easy. For a woman like Esme Cullen, everything rides of social standing, on what impression people have of her. If people were to know that not everything was perfect in the Cullen household, that Carlisle had in fact been cheating on her for years, she would be ruined.
Suddenly, I know how to get back at Esme Cullen.