Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, Stephanie Meyers does. I do own this plot and storyline. I own my own original characters and a sweet little Chromebook I just love. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Note: I would not have gotten this far without the support and encouragement of drotuno, the patience and continued support of my wonderful Beta JustJo94 (Jolene) and my eager and honest pre readers Pamela and Dana (Dee). You ladies know who you are and I am so grateful for your insight.
Chapter 1: Answered Prayers
EPOV
Present day, January 2013
Seattle, Washington
I am so ashamed of the darkness I have brought to my family. How could I let that bitch destroy everything, and not see it sooner. Who knew that attending a hospital function as a favor to my mother would set off a string of events that would forever change our lives?
On that night, my father was a recipient for an award for developments he made in the pediatrics department of Seattle General as the department head. The whole family was there to support him and his efforts to help ease the lives of children.
Tanya was beautiful and funny. She pulled me right in with her intoxicating personality. We spent the evening dancing and getting to know each other and started dating shortly after; everything was bliss. The first time I brought her to a Sunday family dinner though, was another story. Alice and Rosalie hated her instantly. They were constantly bickering or ganging up on her for no apparent reason. I wasn't going to let those two stand in the way of my happiness and I instantly became protective of Tanya.
The tension was so palpable when everyone was together, that it actually resulted in spending less time with my family. Looking back on it now, I should have listened. Instead, I was blinded by her captivating beauty and how she hung on my every word. Unknowingly, I let her drive a wedge between me and my family.
I was brought back to reality when I heard my father's voice calling for me, "Edward, can you come down here please?"
As I slowly walk into the living room, I am surprised that my whole family is sitting around the room in pairs. I'm not sure as to when they all arrived, as I didn't hear anyone drive up or enter the house.
Emmett, my older brother, is sitting on the love-seat with his wife, Rosalie, who is curled up into his embrace. His open and outgoing personality is replaced with something that I never want to see. His usual jolly expression and resulting dimples are now clouded with stress and worry.
My younger brother, Jasper, is sitting in the oversize chair along with his wife, Alice, who is perched on his lap; his arm wraps around her protectively. Jasper is the most easy going person I know. He doesn't judge and things usually roll right off of him. But tonight, his demeanor is tense and rigid.
My mother and father are sitting on the couch talking to each other quietly. I notice that a worn tissue is tucked securely into my mothers hand. My mom has been affected by this the most. When someone messes with her family, her first instinct is to defend. She needs an enemy to fight and we can't fight the enemy right now.
"Edward, have a seat please," my mom states quietly as she pats the space next to her.
As I take a seat, my father lets out a long sigh. "I wanted to talk to everyone about something important that could affect us all. Please bare with me while I ask some questions that may seem a touch personal. I promise that I will explain everything."
Everyone nods their approval for him to continue. As he starts talking, the guilt is suffocating and begins to consume me. It is tough knowing that I am the reason we are constantly having these conversations to begin with.
"Edward, please know that no one in this room blames you for what has happened and please don't feel guilty with the questions I am about to ask," my father says, almost as if he can read my mind.
How can I not feel guilty?
"Emmett, how are things with you and please be honest," he asks my older brother.
"Well," he starts, and clears his throat as he shifts uncomfortably. His normally exuberant personality is now somber and embarrassed. "I have sent out a few resumes to some places, but I haven't received any calls. Coach called the other day and swears he thinks the Mayor had something to do with me not getting my contract renewed. Rose and I are ok right now financially but I have to find a job soon," he tells my father. His face is red by the time he is done speaking and I know he is angry. Maybe not with me, but angry nonetheless.
"Rose what about you, sweetheart?" my father asks.
"I am ok right now. I heard some rumors that my position is probably going to be cut, which doesn't make sense to me, but I am sure the board will fight it. The Mayor doesn't have any say with the district policy on departmental funding, so we will just have to wait and see," she tells him her fiery spirit gone.
"Jasper, son, how are you?" he asks my younger brother and I see him flinch and quickly glance at me before he answers.
"Well, I had a few crews quit and all of my new bids have been denied so I am just concentrating on getting the work I have going on now, finished," he answers without looking at me. His calm facial expression is now replaced with uncertainty.
"Alice dear, how are you?" he inquires.
"I am ok. There have been a few low key incidents, but nothing I can't handle," she tells him, no longer the happy Alice we are all so use to seeing.
"Edward, how is the restaurant? And please, don't sugar coat it," he finally asks me. I slowly raise my head to meet his gaze. I really hate that he can read me so well, so there is no use in lying.
"Um, shitty," I quickly turn to my mom and place a hand on her knee. "Sorry, mom." I take a deep breath and continue as I stare down and play with an invisible thread on the couch. "Ok, so the health inspector has been in three times this week alone. I had to send half the staff home last night because there weren't enough customers and my head chef quit, so I am the only one in the kitchen. Because of that, the paperwork is getting behind. Oh, and someone spray painted foul language on the windows the other night," I tell him honestly.
He turns to my mother, "Esme, sweetheart, do you have anything to say?" he asks her.
My mother takes a careful look around the room with glistening eyes. I can tell that listening to each of us explain our hardships is breaking her heart. She takes a shaky breath and answers, "I was asked not to volunteer at the shelter anymore. They feel that with all the new media exposure my presence would bring, that it would scare the women and children."
"Goodness mother, I am so sorry," I say giving her a hug. I feel like this black cloud known as Tanya Denali is never going to blow away. How much more can my family suffer as a result of my involvement with that vile woman.
"Ok, so essentially, everyone is being punished or targeted because of that bitch and her corrupt father," my father summarizes. "Just so you know, I was told to start taking shifts in the ER, which I think is a way for the board to make my value seem less to the staff, or until they can find something against me."
"I am so sorry for everything you all are going through because of me," I weakly offer as an apology. My heart is breaking as a result of this and I cannot stop the tears as they come. These people are my family and they constantly stand beside me through thick and thin. Everything about my family is now tainted and dishonored. Their lives are now in disarray because of the decisions that I have made. I hate myself for what I am putting them through.
"Now, Edward, this is not your fault so please don't blame yourself," my mother tells me with unshed tears as she turns to comfort me. The voices of the other people in the room join in to support her argument.
I shake my head, " I don't agree with you. I was blinded by that bitch, and it has caused this backlash to all of you," I argue as I look around the room at what is left emotionally of my family.
"Let me finish, please," my father states.
"Sorry dad," was spoken in chorus from voices around the room.
"It's ok, son," he answers back to me. "I know it doesn't seem like it now, but we will all get through this. The Cullen family is resilient and we look out for each other. The Denali's karma will reach them in due time. Now is the time for us to redefine and reclaim our lives.
"Do you all remember me talking about my friend from college? Charlie Swan?" he asks the room and I see tears once again, come to my mother's eyes. Only this time, they spill over without her permission.
"Um, dad? Wasn't he killed a few years ago or something? I remember you and mom going to Texas to the funeral, right?" Emmett asks.
"Yeah son, he was killed by a drunk driver. His daughter and I stay in contact. She emailed me the other day and I think it is God's answer to our prayers. Let me tell you a little about the Swan's, and then I will tell you about the email, ok?
"Now, please keep in mind that I have spoken with Bella, and she knows that I am sharing this with you," he explains to us looking around the room. Something tells me what he is going to say will not be pleasant.
Thanks for all the views. If I haven't relied to you, I will.