Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed! I'm really grateful to you all!
This chapter took a little time getting up because, well, it was a difficult chapter to write. I knew what I wanted to say, but, it was getting those emotions onto paper were hard. It went through three phases of editing, really, to get it to where I wanted it. I hope it conveys what I'm trying to say. I apologize ahead of time for using *that* word a bit, but I think in the context it's in, honestly, I think that's the reaction. Again, it's not my intention to offend, so I apologize.
Business: Twilight, it's characters and it's situations, are the property of the goddess, Stephenie Meyer. I can only hope to one day become a goddess like her.
Once again, thanks for reading!
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Chapter 18: We're A Happy Family
Charlie opened the back door of the police cruiser and laid the heavy tote bag down on the floor behind his seat, silently cursing the Land's End catalogue for making something that could hold so much.
"I didn't realize we were actually bringing the entire dinner to the Cullen's," he snorted as he slid in behind the wheel.
Bella sat in the passengers seat with her arms folded over her chest, sneering at him playfully. "Ha ha, very funny. I'm just bringing a few sides, Charlie. That's all. Like I said, we can't walk in empty handed. It would be bad form."
"Well," he clicked his seat belt closed. "All I can say is bring on the bird! No to-furkey!" She glared at him. "Oh, come on. You know you were planning on making to-freakin'-furkey," he laughed.
"But it's good for you," she protested. "No tryptophan."
"It's a gelatinous mess is what it is, Bells. I'll take the tryptophan and the coma that follows it any day over turkey flavored Jello, thank you very much," he started the car.
"You turkey killer," she grumbled.
"You get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?" The windshield wipers squeaked over the windshield as Charlie pulled the cruiser away from the curb and slowly drove down the street. The cold November air had caused the rain on the roads to become slick.
"Nah, I'm just a little tired," she yawned. "All that cooking." The truth was that, after the evening they had, Bella had been up most of the night, sexting with Edward. They'd crossed a bridge of sorts, and all the pieces seemed to be moving into place. She wondered if he'd slept as soundly as she had, once she managed to actually fall asleep.
"Cheer up, kid! You get to spend the whole day with Edward," he laughed and took a deep breath, heaving out a heavily over dramatic sigh. "Oh, Edward."
"Oh my God if you and Edward embarrass me in front of Alice and the rest of the Cullen's, so help me, I will so kill you both!" She buried her face in her hands. "I mean it, Charlie Swan!"
"Ah, don't worry. I'll just follow Edward's lead today," his broad moustache twitched up at the tips.
"Hey, hands off my boyfriend, you hussy," she cackled as Charlie again sighed Edward's name.
"So, listen, last night Edward told me that Rosalie got her jaw unwired or whatever the hell it is they do to it when they, well, unwire your wired shut jaw," she shrugged casually. "And you know what a bitch she is," she looked out the window, watching the autumn colors passing by in a blur. "So, just…you know, watch yourself around her."
"People change, Bells. Maybe this whole episode has changed her. Maybe, with her seeing how much Carlisle and Esme really care for her, she'll soften. And seeing how nicely Edward has treated her as well." That was Charlie. A male Pollyanna if ever there was one. "Maybe she's like the Grinch and her heart will grow 3 sizes."
"Sounds highly unlikely, Charlie," she shook her head. "She's more like the Nightmare Before Christmas, if you ask me. This is real life, not Dr. Seuss. And, even so, still, approach with extreme caution. She's a viper."
"Duly noted," he stopped at a traffic light. "I have had more than enough Cullen drama to last me a lifetime," he smiled at her. "I only put up with it because it involved you. I won't take any crap from her though. So, yeah. I will tread lightly."
She looked at him, smirking. "How very big of you."
"Hey, I'm all heart," the light turned green and he pressed down gently on the gas pedal, moving them slowly through the slippery streets of downtown Forks.
Charlie had dressed up for the occasion of Thanksgiving dinner with the Cullen family. A pair of khaki Dockers she hadn't even realized he owned paired with a blue button down and a brown v-neck sweater. All three items had been wrapped in the dry cleaner's plastic. For how long, she couldn't be certain, but she was quite sure this was the first time she'd seen these particular articles of clothing since moving to Forks in September. On his feet he wore a pair of new looking reddish-brownish-blackish colored tassel Weejun loafers. She hadn't even been aware that they still made Weejuns, let alone that her father actually owned a pair of shoes that weren't steel toed boots. Charlie cleaned up nicely. His preppy look was in stark contrast to the black leather mini skirt that she wore with over the knee black leather stiletto heeled boots. Edward's favorites. She'd tossed a pair of plain black leather ballet flats in her messenger bag, just in case her feet hurt or the ground iced up.
She smiled to herself, anticipating the full day ahead with her Edward. They would set the table together to help Esme. And sit next to each other during dinner, stealing glances and holding hands under the table. Then, they would volunteer to clean up after the meal, sending everyone else to relax in the living room while they ended up spending a little time together alone in the kitchen. Then, when everything was done and the turkey naps had set in, they would steal away up to Edward's room, where they would finally be alone. And after the night before? Who knew where things would lead to tonight.
Charlie navigated the cruiser down a narrow winding country road on the outskirts of town until they came to the cut in the trees that marked the Cullen driveway. The gravel under the tires made a crackling sound as they bounced up and down toward the Cullen residence.
"I'll never know why they don't just pave this stupid driveway of theirs. I mean, you live all the way out here in the wilderness, the least you can do is pave," Charlie groused as he moved slowly up the driveway.
"They like it this way, Charlie. It's…um…quaint?"
"It's stupid is what it is," he smirked. He knew she was rolling her eyes at him and he laughed to himself.
The cruiser came to a stop in front of the massive white house. A huge basket of pumpkins and gourds sat on several bales of hay that had been placed up on the huge wrap around porch, with a scarecrow peeping out from behind them and much larger pumpkins lay scattered here and there among the straw.
"Would you look at that," Charlie mused as he threw the car in park and killed the engine, staring out the window.
"I bet that was Alice," Bella smiled as she opened her door, stepping out into the light, steady rain. "She likes crap like that." She got out and walked around to the driver's side, her heels making it difficult for her to balance while walking on the wet gravel.
"If she does this for Thanksgiving, what the hell does she do for Christmas?" Charlie got out of the cruiser and opened the back door, taking the heavy tote filled with Bella's contribution to Thanksgiving dinner out.
"I sure hope everyone's hungry," he grunted as he hoisted the tote up the steps to the front door.
Bella rang the doorbell, and seconds later, Edward's beautiful crooked smile greeted them.
"I was wondering when the hell you two were going to get here," he grinned as he stepped aside to let them in.
"Happy Thanksgiving, Edward," Bella paused to plant a small kiss on his cheek.
"Happy Thanksgiving to you too," he smiled after her as she walked into the large foyer.
"Happy Thanksgiving, Edward," Charlie walked in, leaning toward him with lips pursed as though he was ready to plant a big, wet kiss on Edward, causing the boys eyes to grow wide. Charlie grinned. "Take this to your mother," he laughed as he passed the heavy tote to Edward.
"What the hell?" Edward's body jerked forward from the unexpected weight.
"Your girlfriend thought the seventh fleet was coming for dinner," Charlie shook his head as he followed Edward as he made his way down the hallway, lugging the tote. "She wanted to be prepared."
"Everyone's in the living room," Edward motioned with his head for Charlie to join them before heading into the kitchen to relieve himself of the massive bag of food as Bella followed along behind him. "Go on in. I'll be back in a few minutes."
"Charlie!" Carlisle stood up from the sofa, approaching Charlie with his hand extended as he entered the room. "So glad you and Bella could join us today," his greeting was genuinely warm.
"Carlisle, good to see you again," Charlie took his hand and shook it firmly.
"Can I offer you a beer?" Carlisle gestured to a side table where an impromptu bar had been set up. A large glass bowl filled with ice and cans of various brands of beer sat on amid vases of cut autumn colored mums. Charlie couldn't wait to see the house at Christmas. "Help yourself!"
"Well, don't mind if I do. I'm off duty, you know," he added with a wink as he popped the top off a can of Rainier Beer and took a sip, making himself comfortable along side Carlisle on the big overstuffed sofa. The sofa faced the beautiful stone fireplace, where a fire crackled along, providing a cozy warmth in the room. A flat screen tv the size of a small movie screen sat over the fireplace, and the men stared at it. Much to Charlie's surprise, an ornate gilded picture frame surrounded the tv.
"Carlisle, why do you have a picture frame around your tv," Charlie whispered.
"Because, when no one's in here watching tv and we have company, my wife has pictures of artwork cycling randomly on it. So, she wants it to look framed art work," Carlisle smirked at Charlie's puzzled face. He leaned in and whispered "Then she wonders where Alice gets it from," as he laughed.
Edward reappeared from the kitchen, carrying a large tray of hot appetizers, with Bella trailing quietly behind him. He put the tray down on the coffee table in front of the sofa.
"Mom says to make sure you use napkins," he advised. "The napkins are right there," he pointed to a small basket with Thanksgiving themed napkins in it. "Use them."
"Yes, Edward," Carlisle rolled his eyes.
"And she said to remind you to use the coasters." He pointed to another basket on the coffee table, this one containing the obviously unused drink coasters.
"Yes, Edward," Carlisle's lips twitched up into a grin as Edward nodded and headed back toward the kitchen with Bella in tow.
"Bella," Alice squealed from her perch on the arm of a big overstuffed chair similar to the one that sat in Edward's reading corner before Bella left the room. Jasper sat looking miserable in the chair, his arm still in the uncomfortable sling. She hopped down and limped slowly over to Bella, throwing her arms around her and hugging her tightly. "I'm so happy you came," she whispered to her. "Today's going to be difficult. Rose can talk again."
"Edward told me last night," Bella sighed quietly.
Alice took Bella by the arm, leading her out of the living room where the three men were all now comfortably sitting, watching whatever football game was on the huge tv. Bella couldn't be sure who was playing. There were red and white shirts playing, well, white and red shirts. Alice led her down the hallway and into a small room off of it, closing the door behind them. Dark ceiling to floor shelves were filled with thick books. Framed paintings hung on the dark paneled walls, and an ornately carved dark wood desk sat in front of them. All of the chairs in the room were over stuffed and upholstered in a reddish leather, a color that reminded Bella of Charlie's Weejuns. She realized that this room be a library.
"I wanted to talk to you alone, because it's important that you know this," she whispered, her eyes glossy with worry, her tiny hands clasped beneath her pointy chin.
"Alice, you're scaring me," Bella took a breath.
"You should be scared. Rose is notorious for ruining gatherings like this," she sighed. "Her favorite targets are Mom and Edward."
"Edward's told me some of the things she's done to him," her voice was quiet.
"He told you what she accused them of, didn't he." It was more of a statement than a question.
"He did," Bella nodded. "He told me the whole, sordid story. I…I couldn't believe it."
"Oh, believe it. She's one heartless bitch," Alice folded her arms over her chest, resting her weight on her good foot.
"But…you went along with her…" Bella swallowed hard.
Alice shook her head. "No, I never agreed with her. Not like Emmett or~and it pains me to even say this~Jasper did. I just never disagreed. That was where I went wrong." Alice flopped down in one of the leather wing back chairs that sat opposite the large desk in the room, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "Edward always knew I was on his side. I just never did anything to show my displeasure with how the others treated him. At least not until now." She looked up at Bella. "And now, Jazz is with me as well. So, we outnumber those two idiots with you on our side."
"You know I support Edward unconditionally, but I'm not part of this family."
"You are with Edward, so you are one of us now," Alice nodded as she spoke. "I know you support him completely, so I want you to be prepared for whatever verbal assault she launches at Edward or Mom. Or both of them. And be prepared for Emmett to be all in agreement with her. Rose can do no wrong and is absolutely perfect where he's concerned."
"Where are they, anyway?" She hadn't noticed either Cullen when she walked in.
"Up in their room. They stay in there all the time now," Alice rolled her eyes. "All the better for us. We don't have to see bitch face."
"Their room? So…those rumors are true?" Bella was stunned.
"Oh, yeah," Alice waved a small hand. "You've seen how our bedrooms are, right? There are two bathrooms and each bathroom has two bedrooms off of it? You know, all Brady Bunch and stuff?" Bella nodded and sat down in the leather wing back chair opposite Alice, turning her body to face her. "Well, it used to be that Rose and I shared a bathroom and Emmett and Jasper shared one. But," she sighed. "The minute Rose turned eighteen, she declared that she and Emmett would not only be sharing a room, they'd be sharing the bathroom as well. That meant Jasper had to move into her room so that she and Emmett could have a 'suite', just like Edward has. Except that Edward only has a really big room with a private bath. It's not a suite like those jackasses seem to think it is."
"Does it bother you?" Bella's voice was quiet.
"Oh, I don't give a shit who she fucks," Alice spat.
"No, not that," Bella giggled at Alice's candor. "I mean does it bother you that Edward has a suite? Or, at least, a really big room?"
Alice waved her hand. "Nah. Who cares? It doesn't matter to me. We're all quite comfortable. Even Rose and Emmett. They were always comfortable. Plus, if anyone ever really deserved a nice little space just for themselves, it's Edward."
"The other's didn't seem to share your views, Alice."
"No, I know they didn't. And again, I'm guilty of not speaking up," Alice's eyes were sad.
"It's not your fault. I mean, you could have spoken up, but they would have crucified him anyway."
"I know, but it still makes me sad, you know? Thinking that maybe, if I had said something, the last few years wouldn't have been so bad for him." Alice stood up and limped over to the desk. Bella noticed for the first time that she wasn't wearing the air cast. "I love Edward, Bella. He's very special to me. Jazz finally understands. But those two? Self centered fucks that they are?"
A sudden knock on the door caused both of the girls to jump.
"Alice, I know you have my girlfriend locked in there with you!" Edward called through the door.
"Keep your shirt on, Edward," Alice flashed an evil grin at Bella and winked. "I'm not done groping her yet!"
"Alice Cullen, you open this door right now or so help me~"
Alice pulled the door open, effectively ending Edward's rant.
"You are so easy, brother," she giggled, squeezing his cheeks between her fingers as she limped out the door past him.
Bella ran her fingers lightly over his stubbly jaw as she followed Alice. "Seriously, Edward. You need to learn to lighten up." She slipped past him, but not before grazing her hand across his hips, and followed Alice into the kitchen.
"This is going to be a long day," Edward grumbled to himself, as rubbed the red marks left by Alice's cheek squeeze.
The long table in the Cullen formal dining room was already set, glittering with a bronze and gold tablecloth topped with sparkling crystal glasses and delicate china. Sparkling silver flatware glowed as it lay atop crisp linen napkins. Candles flickered in crystal holders of all shapes and sizes, surrounding a very large arrangement of autumn colored flowers. Another large arrangement of pumpkins and gourds sat in a cornucopia on the sideboard along the far wall of the room. It, too, was surrounded by an array of glimmering candles. Bella gasped when Edward led her into the room. She was certain she'd never seen anything quite this beautiful in her life.
"Alice," he said with a smirk.
"Of course," She tightened her grip on him.
He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her small waist and pulling her tightly against him. He kissed the top of her head lightly. "Have I told you how beautiful you look?"
"Edward, don't just stand there like a statue. Get back in the kitchen and help me bring some of this food to the table," Esme smiled warmly as she walked through the large doorway connecting the dining room with a small butler's pantry, and ultimately, the kitchen. She carried a small bowl filled with olives.
"Yes, Mom," he blushed at having been caught, reluctantly letting go of Bella and heading back into the kitchen.
"Is there anything I can do, Mrs. Cullen?"
"Bella, dear," Esme moved gracefully over to her, cupping her cheek in her palm. "You've done more than enough already. The pie was a wonderful thought, but everything else you've brought? Simply amazing!"
"Thanks, Mrs. Cullen. I wish I could have done more," she felt herself blush.
"Nonsense. We invited you to dinner. You are company. That means we provide the dinner and you provide the company," Esme smiled at her warmly. "I do appreciate it though. The artichokes smell heavenly, and I tasted those asparagus patties. I will be asking for a few recipes before you leave."
"No problem there," she smiled, feeling quite good about her kitchen abilities.
Edward ambled in, carrying a bowl filled with fresh made cranberry sauce. "This is the bowl you wanted to use for the cranberries, right Mom?"
"Edward, it's the bowl we use every year," she shook her head, smiling at her favorite child. "Just place it next to your father's spot. You know how much he loves his cranberry sauce."
For the first time, Bella noticed that tiny, hand lettered place cards dotted the table. The names on each card were bordered by an intricately drawn autumn leaf pattern, and each had been dusted with glitter.
Edward noticed her staring at them. "Do you even dare to guess?"
"Alice," she smiled, and heard Esme in the distance calling everyone into the dining room for dinner.
"Let me get that stupid cart," Edward grimaced and disappeared back into the kitchen while everyone from the living room filed into the dining room. She noted that Emmett and Rosalie appeared from nowhere, taking their seats at the far end of the table, on Carlisle's right. She and Edward were down the other end, across the table from them and on Esme's right, with Charlie along side of her. Alice and Jasper filled in the gap to Esme's left. It did not go unnoticed that Esme and Edward were seated as far away from Rosalie and Emmett as the table would allow.
Edward entered the dining room pushing a large, gilded serving cart containing the turkey and all the trimmings that went with it. Esme entered behind him, a basket of hot, fresh baked rolls in each hand. He paused the cart beside the sideboard along the far wall of the large room and hoisted the heavy turkey platter from it, carrying it over to his father's place to be carved before taking his spot next to Bella's seat. Bella helped Esme place the random platters and serving bowls around the table until there was room for no more.
"Thank you, dear," Esme smiled as she moved gracefully back to her chair, glancing radiantly across the table at her husband, who was now standing, holding a very large carving knife. All eyes diverted to Carlisle.
"Happy Thanksgiving to you all," he offered as he raised the giant knife to the huge bird in front of him. "I hope everyone likes turkey, because it appears that we're going to be eating this for a long time," his lopsided grin giving him a boyish air. " I'm guessing it was the smallest you could find, my darling?" He gazed lovingly across to his wife. Edward took Bella's hand in his as they exchanged shy smiles themselves..
Carlisle carved the turkey and the plates were passed and filled with food. Mashed sweet potatoes festooned with melted mini marshmallows. Sticky freshly made cranberry sauce. Two kinds of stuffing, thanks to Bella. Steaming hot gravy. Sauteed mushrooms. Bella's artichoke hearts and asparagus patties. There was no lack of food at the Cullen house for this feast.
When the plates were full, Carlisle stood again, addressing his family.
"I thought that, in light of last month's events, we could go around the table and tell each other what it is we are grateful for on this day of thanks," he looked around, a faint smile on his lips. "I for one, am grateful that all of my children are alright. Alice has almost completed her therapy and is walking with only a slight limp, and that should be gone soon. Jasper still has a little way to go, but will be fine and maybe a little more buff with all the therapy, eh, Jasper?" Jasper blushed and giggled as Alice pretended to squeeze his bicep. "Edward's found the very lovely Bella Swan, who makes him very happy. And that makes the rest of us happy." Both Esme and Alice beamed at Edward and his girlfriend, who were both blushing. "Emmett received word yesterday that he's won a scholarship to Washington State University, and we congratulate him. And, last, but certainly not least, our Rosalie's jaw was finally freed from it's wire prison yesterday and she will be able to fully share this Thanksgiving dinner with us, even if she does have to cut her food up tiny for now." Bella looked over at Rosalie, who appeared to be ignoring Carlisle. "And as always, I am most appreciative that, twenty years ago this December, the beautiful Esme Platt did me, a lowly med student, the honor of becoming my wife." Esme's cheeks blushed a glorious shade of rose as she returned the adoring gaze of her husband. Bella could only hope that she and Edward would be looking at one another the same way twenty years from now. Carlisle broke his gaze with his wife, turning his attentions back to the table. "Charlie, since you are our guest, would you like to begin?"
"Thanks, Carlisle. That's a tough act to follow," he smiled as he folded his hands in front of him on the table as he thought. "Let's see…what am I grateful for? Well, I'm grateful that, after fifteen years of spending most of our time apart, my beautiful daughter is living with me again, right here in Forks. I'm thankful that I'm getting a second chance, that I get to spend more time with her and get to know her and to watch her grow into this amazing young woman right here," he smiled at his daughter, who's face was red from embarrassment.
Bella rolled her eyes. "Charlie," she blushed.
"No, I mean it, Bells," Charlie's voice was sincere. "I'm also grateful that you found someone like Edward to share your life with. I'm grateful to him for finding you as well, and I'm grateful that I've gotten to know him myself."
"Thanks, Charlie," she beamed at him as Edward smiled awkwardly at the kind words.
"Bella?" Carlisle called on her next.
"Well, I'm grateful for my father. Because, he's the most amazing father anyone could ever want. He's thoughtful and understanding, and he…he just knows. I don't know. I can't explain it," she flipped her hands around, nervously aware that all eyes were on her red face. "I'm glad for this time we are getting to spend together, this second chance, as he called it," she felt tears filling her eyes and she stared straight ahead of her into the understanding face of Alice. She'd never stopped to think about it before, but Charlie was a pretty amazing man. She blinked, trying to will the tears away, and turned to look at Edward. "And I'm grateful for Edward. He…he just fills in my blanks." And it was Edward's turn to blush.
Carlisle grinned. "Edward? Care to rebut that?"
Edward ran a hand through his russet hair nervously. "Well, um…I'm grateful for Bella. She likes me, even if I'm not a dead wizard," he grinned at Charlie, who sat chuckling while Bella groaned, burying her head in her hands, but not before staring daggers at the snickering Alice. "And, well, for my family. For everyone being ok." He nodded his head once, and he was done.
"Thank you, Edward," Carlisle began, but was cut off.
"Is that all you're grateful for, Edward?"
All eyes turned toward Rosalie, as she sat, cutting up the turkey in her plate into small bits, looking quite casual.
"Excuse me, Rosalie?" Carlisle furrowed his brow as he turned toward her.
Rosalie flipped her perfect blonde hair and glared at him. "You heard me, Dad."
"What more would you like for me to be grateful for, Rose?" Edward tried to keep his voice calm, but Bella could feel his body tensing beside her.
"Well, you could be grateful that your new girlfriend doesn't mind the fact that you're a father," she sniffed.
"Rose," Emmett gasped softly as he stared at her. "Not today, ok?"
Bella's mouth dropped open a little and she looked at Edward, who sat with a puzzled expression on his face, eyebrows knit together. "You…you really don't know when to stop, do you, Rose? Nothing's ever going to change you, is it," his voice was laced with disgust.
Bella's eyes flew to Alice, who was sitting with her hand over her mouth, a look of sheer terror in her dark eyes as her tiny body trembled. Jasper had her hand in his in a vain attempt at calming her.
"Edward, please," Esme took his hand in hers. "It's Thanksgiving. Just…ignore her."
"Yes, ignore me, Edward. Just like you've ignored your child. Your own flesh and blood." Rosalie didn't look up as she spoke. Her eyes were focused on her plate as she methodically cut her food into miniscule pieces. But, Emmett, along with the rest of the family, continued to stare at her.
"What the fuck are you even talking about, Rose?" Emmett's voice was confused.
"Rosalie, is there something you'd like to share with us?" Carlisle challenged his daughter.
She glared up at him once again. "Like you don't know," she snorted. "Please don't insult me, Carlisle."
Bella could see Carlisle's face change for a second, and then the calm demeanor of the experienced surgeon resurfaced. "I think we've all had enough of your nonsense for today. Everyone, please enjoy dinner."
"You people kill me," Rosalie continued. "Your precious Edward can do no wrong, can he? And then, even when he does something wrong, he still can do no wrong." She nibbled on a soft, warm roll. "You just ignore it when your favorite fucks up and Big Daddy Cullen just makes it all go away."
Carlisle slammed his hand down on the table, causing the plates and glasses to jump. "That's enough, Rosalie," his voice a low hiss.
Rosalie looked up at him, a wicked grin on her perfect lips. "Well, well. A little sensitive about this, Carlisle? I bet…," her turquoise eyes lit up as a realization hit her. "He…he doesn't know, does he?" A sick, self satisfied smile crossed her lips. "You never told him, did you?"
"Rose, that's enough," Emmett's voice was filled with desperation.
She ignored both Carlisle and Emmett, turning her attention to Edward. "Mommy and Daddy never told their perfect, sweet baby boy that he knocked up his precious little ballerina before we had to leave Seattle, did they?"
Bella watched as the color drained from Edward's face.
"You take that back, you lying bitch," he growled angrily through gritted teeth, so low that it was hard to understand what he'd said.
"Edward, don't give her what she wants," Bella reached over and squeezed his hand hard, trying to comfort him. But he yanked his hand from her grip, balling the fingers on both hands into fists and slamming them down on the table as he shouted.
"You take that back!" His emerald eyes flashed in the candle glow.
"You can't take back the truth, brother," she pierced a small chunk of turkey with her fork and slipped it into her mouth, closing her eyes as she savored the flavor.
"Rose, please," Alice begged, tears running down her cheeks. "Leave him alone." Jasper pulled her closer to him and wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders.
"Sweet Edward fucks up and Big Daddy fixes it," Rosalie continued, smirking as she slid a fork full of mashed sweet potatoes into her mouth and chewed slowly.
"You lying bitch!" The muscles in his neck strained as Edward slammed his fists on the table again. "You lying fucking bitch!"
"Edward, please calm down," Esme's voice shook with anger and desperation as she reached across the table for his arm.
"It's not a lie, Edward. It's the truth," she glared at him and the hatred she felt for her brother rolled off of her in waves. "Ask your father!"
"Rosalie, that's quite enough!" It was the first time Bella had ever heard Carlisle raise his voice. She looked wide eyed at her father, who sat with his head down, embarrassed that the Cullen's dirty laundry was being aired out in front of them.
"Oh, it's quite enough is it? It's quite enough that you never even told him the truth. It's quite enough that he has a child and none of you even acknowledges it. Because it's EDWARD! The golden child!" Her eyes were wide, wild with her rage. "Precious fucking Edward! Perfect fucking Edward! It's quite enough? No, Carlisle, it's not nearly enough!"
"Rose, stop," Emmett growled as he slammed his hand on the table.
"Oh, shut up you fucking baboon," she turned and looked at Carlisle, avoiding the hurt that fell across Emmett's face. She pointed her fork at her father as she spoke. "You know, Carlisle, you really ought to be more careful about things. These days, any half wit with a computer can find out, well, anything if they look hard enough." She smiled to herself, and turned her attention back to her dinner. "Had he cared enough, that half wit could have found out himself. By the way, these artichoke hearts are delicious, Bella."
Bella looked across the table at Rosalie, horrified. She'd begun to feel as though she were riding on a train that was hurtling out of control down a looping, winding track. First stop, Crazy Town with the Cullens. Edward sat beside her, banging his fists on the table slowly, the rage within him building.
"So, Bella, how's it feel to be a step mother?" Rosalie smirked, pleased with her own wit. "If that's what you are. I mean, I guess as long as you're fucking my--"
Before Rosalie could complete her sentence, Edward was up and flying across the room so quickly that he was almost a blur. Green eyes flashed as a low, guttural scream emanated from him as he dove toward Rosalie. Esme gasped and Alice screamed. In the time it took for Bella's heart to skip a beat, Carlisle was between his son and daughter, slamming the furioius Edward into the dining room wall with so much force that the candles on the sideboard rattled together, flames flickering.
Carlisle held on to his raging son. "Edward, stop. Stop this right now, son," he commanded softly, using all of his strength to hold on to him.
"You fucking bitch!" Edward seethed, not hearing Carlisle's gentle words as he struggled to be free of Carlisle's tight grip. "You lying, fucking bitch!" Edward flailed his arms and thrashed his legs, trying to get past his father and have at Rosalie, but the older man was stronger.
"You crazy bitch!" Edward continued his tirade, his face red with his fury. "You crazy fucking lying bitch!" He threw himself against his father hard, trying desperately to free himself from his arms. "I'll fucking kill you!"
Bella sat, mouth open, staring at her boyfriend, her stomach flipping violently. She blinked and looked around. Charlie was sitting up, ready to spring into action should Carlisle need his assistance. Alice had somehow managed to crawl onto Esme's lap, and the two women clung to one another as if their very lives depended on it. A warm hand closed around Bella's shoulder, startling her. She looked behind her. Jasper stood, stone faced, behind her chair, his hand soothing her while his eyes watched his father and brother struggling with one another. Bella brought a hand up to her face to brush a stray hair way and wiped her wet cheek. She hadn't even realized she was crying.
Emmett continued to stare at Rosalie in disbelief, never once taking his eyes off of her. "What the fuck," he repeated over and over as Rosalie continued to eat her Thanksgiving dinner as though nothing out of the ordinary were occurring, ignoring Edward's agonizing screams. "What the fuck, Rose?"
"Jasper," Carlisle caught Jasper's attention. "My bag, please," He had leaned all of his weight against the apoplectic boy, holding him against the wall, attempting to control him as Edward continued to struggle and scream at Rosalie. "It's in the library."
Bella felt Jasper's presence leave her as he swiftly ran out of the room and down the hall. Without his warm hand steadying her, she wrapped her arms tightly around herself as she began to feel lost, nausea taking over as she felt herself spiraling downward into a darkness she knew she nor Edward would ever recover from.
"Charlie," Carlisle's voice was apologetic and labored as he struggled to hold onto Edward. "Would you please help me with Edward?" Carlisle, face red from exertion, was attempting to keep his voice level, but the stress in it was clearly evident as he raised his voice in order to be heard over the wildly raging Edward.
Charlie was beside Carlisle almost the second he asked, and grabbed Edward from behind, holding the boy tightly around the arms, binding them to his torso with his own arms. Jasper reappeared carrying the black doctor bag and holding it open for Carlisle.
Charlie nodded at Carlisle, and, reluctantly, Carlisle let go of Edward, fiddling around quickly in his bag before pulling out a small bottle filled with a clear liquid and a syringe. He filled the syringe carefully, calmly putting the bottle back into the bag Jasper still held. Jasper put the bag down on the table and quickly returned to his position behind Bella, soothing hand once again rubbing her shoulder as she sat, pale and shell shocked.
"Charlie, hold him as still as you can," his voice was quiet as he put his hand on
Edward's bicep. "If you relax, Edward, this won't hurt."
Edward began to struggle more wildly, causing Carlisle to pull the syringe back. "No! Dad! No! She's lying! She's fucking lying!" He strained every muscle in his body as he tried to pull free from Charlie's grip, but Charlie was stronger and he wasn't letting go.
"Edward," Charlie's soothing voice held the calm of a man used to being the voice of reason in desperate, tense situations. "Please," he sighed as he tightened his grip, holding Edward so tightly Bella swore he wasn't able to breathe.
The muscles in Edward's neck tightened as he clenched his fists into tight balls. His blazing emerald eyes searched the room before coming to rest on Bella, her sad brown eyes connecting with his wild green ones. He sighed, realizing it was no use. He was no match for his father and Charlie. "No," he whispered, swallowing hard but not breaking eye contact with the chocolate eyes across the room from him as he stilled his defeated body. "Please…" he begged in a hushed tone.
Carlisle stuck the needle into Edward's arm quickly and Edward closed his eyes, sucking in a breath. Almost instantly, his body began to relax. His fists dropped to his sides as his hands opened slowly. His struggle against Charlie's iron grip slowed and his shoulders slumped forward, mirroring the defeat he felt as he lowered his head, a silent tear escaping as he did so.
The room had grown deadly silent. The only sound to be heard was that of Rosalie's knife and fork snicking against the fine china plate as they cut into another slice of turkey. Emmett watched her as she ate peacefully, horror etched on his face.
"How can you sit there eating after what you did?" His voice was low and angry as he looked at her in disbelief. "What have you done, Rose? What have you done?" His voice was barely audible and his girlfriend ignored him, a satisfied smirk playing on her lush pink lips.
Alice sat on Esme's lap, quite sobs shaking her tiny frame as Esme, tears running down her face, rubbed her back, rocking her like a baby as she tried to comfort her.
Bella turned her sad eyes back to look at Edward. The sedative must have been a fast acting one. Charlie now sat on the floor, having slid down the wall after being dragged down by the dead weight of the slumped, sedated Edward. Charlie still held Edward tightly to himself as the boy lay limply in his arms. He rocked the sad, defeated boy slightly as he whispered soothingly into his ear. Edward's body twitched in response, his dead, green eyes half open but seeing nothing.
He looks so young, so…innocent, Bella thought as she watched him struggle to keep his eyes open as his jaw slacked to one side.
Carlisle calmly put the syringe back into his bag, closing it before leaving the room, presumably to return the case back to it's proper place in the library. When he returned a moment later, his face was a mask of serenity. He glanced quickly at his crying wife as he walked over to where Charlie and Edward sat in a tangle on the floor.
"Charlie, would you mind helping me bring my son up to his bedroom, please?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
*sigh* I know...poor Edward. Does it ever end for that child? Was he born under a ladder on a Friday the 13th?
And...Rosalie. Yeah...betch times infinity. But, the question remains...is she lying? Or is there some truth to what she's saying? Remember, she's been hurting, so she's had a lot of time to just sit and surf the net, looking for the next best way to get to Edward. I'm guessing we'll find out, won't we?
Once again, I thank everyone who's sticking with my little story. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. And if you like it, why not tell your friends? (yes, a little shameless self promotion there ;) )
Please review and let me know what you think of this chapter. I'm always really interested to see what you think, but I'm particularly interested with this chapter. What do you think of this possible turn of events?
Again, thank you so much for reading!