A/N: Thanks again for your reviews, you are awesome! This chapter doesn't have a lot of Bella interactions but I felt a few things needed to be addressed. Hopefully you will like it all the same. Also fair warning, I have come to notice that I am apparently a cheesy sap. I didn't even know that until I read the end of this chapter. I hope it's not too fluffy for you, but what can I say, I like the fluff.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its characters. The story and characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. Also, I apologize for any errors. I don't have this story beta'd (mostly because I am unsure of how to even go about doing that), so the errors are my own.

Chapter 9: Making Pizza and Conversation

A few weeks past after the carnival incident and Esme was spending the night reflecting on the comfortable routine that everyone seemed to have fallen into. During the day someone would be in charge of some sort of lesson for Bella and in the evenings the whole family participated in a game or activity. Sometimes they would simply sit around and tell stories, and other times they would play a game or watch a movie. Each member of the Cullen family had a dedicated time each week in which they spent time with Bella. Jasper would go for walks with Bella and talk about his time in the wars, being careful to exclude details he thought would be too frightening. Edward continued Bella's piano lessons. She proved to be quite skilled and seemed to advance quickly under his tutelage. Edward also enjoyed the time he spent with Bella as it was the only time his thoughts were truly his own. He enjoyed the peace her shielded mind brought to him.

Emmett planned game after game for Bella. Most of the time, the rest of the family would join in his games. Alice took Bella shopping. She argued that the best way to learn math was to be immersed in an environment that actually utilized the skill. Bella wasn't particularly fond of shopping but she liked Alice, so she graciously accompanied her without complaint. What Bella truly enjoyed was her continued visits to the hospital with Carlisle. She was fascinated about human behavior and wanted to learn as much as possible. Edward and Esme sometimes accompanied her and sometimes Bella went with just Carlisle. The attention Bella received lessened somewhat but she still found herself overwhelmed at times.

Rosalie and Bella's relationship grew stronger and stronger with each passing day. Bella would join Rosalie when she worked on cars and Rosalie would speak to her in French on occasion. Mostly, they just spent time together, without cause or preamble. Rosalie and Esme took to alternating bath time and reading such that if Rose got Bella ready for bed, Esme would read to her and vice versa. Alice refused to give up her place in the mornings for getting the 'princess', as she referred to her, ready for the day. Rose and Esme learned quickly that arguing with someone who could read the future, and would claim that she was the only one who could possibly know what Bella would need, was not worth the effort.

The only relationship that rivaled Bella and Rose's was that of Bella and Esme. After the nightmare, Esme felt inextricably linked to the child in ways she could not comprehend. Bella, too, seemed to gravitate toward Esme. Bella's sleep was somewhat interrupted by dreams of scary clowns but Esme was there to sooth away the fear. Bella would sometimes call out when she was having her nightmare. She mostly called for 'mommy'. Esme's heart broke a little every time. She didn't believe Rose when she said that Bella was calling for her. Bella had never once referred to her with any sort of familial moniker. Even when they were out in public and Bella was supposed to refer to Esme as aunt, she had refrained. It hurt Esme when she didn't but she understood.

Esme still marveled at the changes she saw within her family. They were undeniably closer than they once had been. They were also happier. She treasured this time and the changes that had happened. As Esme was thinking about all of these things she was pulled from her reverie by Carlisle coming into their room.

"Love, I think we have put it off for long enough."

Esme sighed, "I know, I was just hoping that she would forget about it."

Carlisle gave her a sympathetic smile, "You know she doesn't forget anything; especially considering she is so curious by nature. She will be safe, Billy has promised."

Esme had hoped futilely that Bella would forget about her fascination with the Quileute tribe. But after she had met Jacob, all her hopes went out the window. After meeting with Billy and explaining the situation with Bella, Billy had agreed that the treaty was in fact still in place. He even agreed to allow Jacob and Bella to meet up to play together. Esme knew that it was good for Bella to associate with other children. She had insisted that she be the one to watch over the two of them and Billy hesitantly agreed. It was only fair that they extend the same trust to Billy and allow Bella to join them at the La Push beach. Esme knew all of these things, but it didn't stop her from fearing for Bella's safety. Her mind kept racing with all of the things that could happen to such a fragile human child.

"I trust Billy, I do." Esme said after a moment, "It's just, so many things could happen and I wouldn't be there to protect her. Plus we don't even know if Aro and Supilcia would agree to let her go."

"Why don't you try to call Supilcia this afternoon? We will first see if she and Aro are okay with their daughter spending time with the Quileute's, then we will go from there."

"I suppose you are right. I will call her after I return from my hunt."

Before Esme left to hunt she heard the familiar whimpering from Bella's room. She flashed down the hall and was immediately at the girl's side. Esme gently cradled the girl in her arms and cooed softly to try to get her to awaken. When Bella awoke she flung her arms around Esme's neck and exclaimed, "Mommy!"

Esme's heart leaped. 'She called me mommy!' Esme thought as she was filled with joy. But as soon as the thought entered her mind and filled her heart it was met with a heartbreaking realization that shattered her deeply. Bella didn't mean to call her mommy; she just mistook Esme for her mother. She understood that the child was so distraught that she didn't realize she was with Esme instead of her mother, Suplicia. While she understood, it didn't stop the pain that laced through her with that word. Esme had always wanted to be called 'mommy' but she wanted to be recognized as a mother, not mistaken for one. She pushed the pain aside along with the overwhelming desire to have this be her child and comforted the girl in her arms.

When Bella calmed, Esme pulled back and gently cupped Bella's cheek, "Was it the same dream as last time, sweetheart?"

Bella nodded sadly.

Esme knew that Bella wouldn't want to talk about her dream again. She hated the fact that the girl was still haunted by those stupid clowns. She wished she could do something to help her, she wished she wasn't so helpless. So Esme did the only thing she could; she brought her into another hug and rocked her gently. After a few minutes she asked her gently, "Do you want me to stay here with you?"

Bella nodded again and curled up into Esme's side. Esme stroked the child's hair until she fell asleep. Esme watched her sleep for a time before pulling out a book to read until Bella woke up. Alice came in at her usual time in the morning to wake Bella up. She hesitated and looked to Esme as though she wanted to say something, but then shook her head slightly and proceeded to wake Bella. Esme was confused as to what Alice could have wanted to say but brushed off her confusion and hugged Bella good morning and then made her way to the door to leave. Before she crossed the threshold Alice whispered so softly only a vampire could hear, "Your thoughts deceive you, Esme." When Esme turned around to question Alice, Alice was already rounding the corner to the bathroom.

Esme left more confused and slightly frustrated. A hunt and a long run would do her good. She needed to take some time to mull over things. Alice's parting comment hung in her thoughts like a shroud. No matter how much she tried to analyze the statement, she couldn't make heads or tails of it. Part of her wanted to run back to the house and demand that Alice explain herself. The other part of her, the more rational part, knew that Alice clearly wanted to tell her what was going to happen but knew that she shouldn't.

After running for a few hours and trying to understand her thoughts, Esme decided to return to the house. She knew that Rose was going to be spending the day with Bella, but she didn't know what they were planning to do. When she entered the house she heard the most amazing sound. In chorus with the angelic giggle of little Bella was a bell like laughter that caressed the air delicately. When Esme noticed who the second sound was coming from her mouth almost opened in shock. Rosalie was laughing. It was then she realized; she had never heard Rosalie truly laugh. She took a moment to bask in the sound. Bella and Rose's laughter created a soothing balm that filled her heart until it almost burst. She felt the venom swirl in her eyes and she smiled at the sight before her.

After basking in the moment she actually started to take stock of her surroundings. Bella and Rose were working in the kitchen and it was a mess. Bella was covered in flour and something sticky and Rose also had a few smears of food decorated her perfectly sculpted face. She also noticed that Emmett was there as well, but he had managed to stay relatively clean. Then she saw the camera hanging from his next and instantly knew why he was not pulled into the mix. She was internally grateful for his obsession with the thing. Now she knew she would get to see this moment again and again.

Bella and Rosalie were pulled from their laughter and finally noticed Esme standing in the room. "Esme!" Bella called merrily, "we are making pizza. Do you want to come join us?" Esme shook her head and responded, "I think I am good over here, it seems safer."

Rosalie bent over a whispered something in Bella's ear and Bella looked toward Esme with a mischievous look in her eye.

"Why don't I like that look on your face?" Esme questioned.

Bella hopped from the chair she was standing on and started to make her way toward Esme.

"Where do you think you are going, young lady?" Esme knew she could easily get away if she wanted to, but didn't have the heart to thwart Bella's, well really Rose's, plans. So as Bella came within range of Esme, she leap into her arms and pulled her into a giant hug. The flour and sticky substance, which Esme had now identified as pizza sauce, that had previously adorned Bella was now decorating Esme as well. Esme playfully glared at her in mock outrage, "I can't believe you just did that!"

Bella just giggled and Rose's laughter joined in. Again, Esme reveled in the sound. Esme simply spun Bella around and kissed her on the forehead. Bella kissed her check in response and murmured, "I love you," before kissing her cheek again and scampering off to return to help Rose in the kitchen. Rose smiled at Esme genuinely and then returned her attention to Bella. Esme didn't know how long she stood rooted to her spot. She didn't think she could ever feel as great as she did in this moment. She closed her eyes and smiled before going to join the girls in the kitchen.

After Bella ate the pizza for lunch, Rose took her upstairs to get cleaned up and Esme left to get herself cleaned up as well. Once she had showered and changed into non-floured clothing she settled into the study and mentally prepared herself. She was going to be calling Supilcia. She was going to be calling the woman who was the mother of the child she desperately wanted to be her own. She took a deep, unnecessary breath, stilled her nerves and dialed the number.

She heard the phone ring a few times before a female voice with an Italian lilt answered on the other end. The soft accent was so similar to Bella's, Esme took another breath and began, "Suplicia, it is Esme Cullen."

"Is Isabella okay?!" Suplicia's voice was filled with panic and despair.

"Yes, she is just fine. I am sorry to scare you."

"Thank goodness. No need to apologize my dear, I am simply on edge lately."

"How are things going? Has the war begun?"

"The war has started and things are very much in our favor. We are experiencing a lull at the moment so your call is perfectly timed. May I inquire why you called? I also would not mind speaking to my daughter once we have finished."

"Of course, Suplicia. I know that Bella would love to speak to you as well. She treasures all of the time she gets to speak to you."

"Bella?" Suplicia questioned.

"Oh yes, my family has taken to calling Isabella, Bella. I hope this doesn't offend you." Esme didn't know why but she couldn't quite get comfortable talking this woman. Perhaps it was because she was essentially the queen of the vampires.

Suplicia laughed lightly, "Esme, my dear, please do not be so nervous with me. I was merely curious. Come, let us talk a bit more informally. I would like to think that we could be friends."

Esme took a moment to collect herself and her thoughts. She had to remind herself that this wasn't the ruthless queen she had heard stories about. She was the woman the raised the sweetest child she had ever met. "I would like that Suplicia." Esme pressed on, "I was calling to ask for your opinion, well really permission on a matter that has come up."

"Go on dear." Suplicia urged.

"Bella met a young boy named Jacob recently," Esme began and then recounted Bella's desires to visit the Quileute land. She also told Suplicia all of the information about the shifters and the treaty. "So you see, while Bella desperately wants to visit the beach, I don't know if she should as we cannot go with her. Furthermore, I didn't want to say she could go if you were not comfortable with the situation."

Suplicia took a moment to respond. She chuckled slightly and mused, "I still do not understand what Isabella's fascination seems to be with dogs."

Esme laughed at this and Suplicia continued with a sigh, "I see that Isabella has not changed in the slightest. Once something intrigues her, she has to find out everything about it. She gets this stubborn persistence from Aro. Imagine what I have to deal with when they both want to investigate something." Suplicia paused and then returned to the actual matter at hand, "Are you sure that none of the shifters are actually active?"

"For now, but it is only a matter of time until a new pack forms. I am afraid that our presence has triggered the gene."

"Can you see the beach from the treaty line?"

"Yes."

"I would be comfortable with Isabella going there on the condition that one of your family members watched over her. Also, the tribe should agree that if anything happens, that could potentially put Isabella in danger; you should be able to cross the boundary without the treaty being broken. I would not feel comfortable with her in that situation unless those stipulations are met."

"I will see to it that they are."

"Now let's talk of things that do not cause a mother worry. How is my little Isabella doing? Is she getting along with your family? I cannot thank you enough for keeping her safe."

"She is such a precious little girl and I believe she is happy here. It is me who should be thanking you, though. I don't how it happened, but she has changed us. Every single member of my family is happier and more at peace. I think she has a special relationship with each of us."

"Even young Rosalie?"

Esme chuckled, "Yes, even Rose; although she took longer than the rest of us. But now, I cannot explain it, her and Bella are extremely close. I actually heard Rose laugh today, for the first time. She is usually so guarded, but Bella broke down her walls."

"Ah, yes, that sounds very similar to Jane."

"I noticed the two were very close when we were there and Bella talks about Jane constantly. Will you tell me about it?" Esme couldn't seem to keep her curiosity at bay. She had always been intrigued by Bella and Jane's relationship, especially considering Jane's reputation.

"I would love to. You see when Jane was human she lived a horrid life. The people in her village accused her and her brother of being witches and they made their waking hours living nightmares. When the villagers allowed their fear of the unknown overwhelm then, they attempted to burn Jane and Alec at the stake. Fortunately we were able to get to them in time. Thus, from early on, Jane had a deep mistrust. Then add to this mistrust her gift. As you know, Jane's gift, while very useful, is most unpleasant. Most vampires fear her and refuse to get close to her. As such, she was always isolated. She never let anyone get close, lest they hurt her. I believe she had truly convinced herself that having others fear her was the only way. She lived this way for over a millennium.

Then we found our little Isabella. Try as she might, Jane could not help but love her. Even as an infant, Isabella had Jane wrapped around her finger. Jane had finally found someone who did not fear or loathe her. She cherishes Isabella. I cannot even begin to define their relationship. Jane is her sister, her best friend, her protector and sometimes even her mother. I do not even try to understand anymore. I am just thankful that both Jane and my daughter are happy."

Esme pondered the striking similarity to Rose before commenting, "Does it ever make you jealous? That they have something that you don't understand?"

Suplicia laughed, "No my dear, it does not." Then as if understanding why Esme would ask, she continued, "I have learned many things in the past millennia, so much so that I thought nothing would ever surprise me again. Isabella changed everything. You will soon learn that her heart seems to not have a limit to its capacity. She loves Jane dearly, but she loves me as well. I have never felt as though she wishes me to be different. Nor have I ever felt as though she loved someone more than me. She loves us equally. I know I am special to her."

"I think I understand," Esme said softly, "Even when she is clearly in her own world with Rose, she will still take the time to make me feel as though she loves me too."

"But there is more, is there not?"

Esme sighed; she couldn't believe she was actually going to have this conversation with this woman. But something in her told her to be honest. "I have felt jealous of you. I know it is silly and foolish, and I feel so terrible. I know that you are an amazing mother. You have to be for raising such an amazing child. And yet, I feel jealous."

"Esme, do not think poorly of yourself. I understand. Please do not feel as though you are diminishing my relationship with my daughter just because you want one with her yourself. Again, her heart is big enough for us both. May I ask if anything specific happened? Or do you just feel jealous in general?"

Esme was curious as to why Suplicia would ask. She got the feeling as though Suplicia knew something and was just trying to get her to talk about it. Esme realized it didn't really matter either way so she proceeded to tell her about the incident at the carnival, feeling terrible for failing to inform Suplicia of the matter, while following up with the instance of the dream and Bella calling out for Suplicia.

Suplicia answered after a moment, "Esme, first of all, do not feel bad for the incident at the carnival. A similar thing happened to Aro and me not too long ago. Well it was really Dora's fault, if she had not gotten Isabella that blasted dog." She trailed off, before quickly returning to the subject, "Sorry, my dear, Isabella ran off after the dog once. She somehow managed to chase after him and followed him off the grounds. It was a terrifying day. Those things happen. They are awful and we do our best to prevent them. It does not make you less because it happened. Please do not fear our retribution either. There is nothing to forgive, Isabella is safe with you."

"Thank you, Suplicia."

"No need dear, now tell me more about these dreams of Isabella's."

Esme explained the content of the dreams and then said, "She calls out for you to help her. She woke up this morning and mistook me for you. She called me mommy before she realized that it was just me," Esme finished sadly, feeling the sting of the moment anew.

Suplicia responded with unexpected excitement, "My dear, you are fretting over nothing! Aro told me this was coming of course, I mean him and Alice planned for everything. I just did not know the timing. I do not understand why you are jealous, if anything you should be concerned for me. I am not, of course, I mean what I said earlier."

Esme was completely baffled, "I am sorry, I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Did Alice not tell you?"

"No, would you please tell me what you are talking about?"

"My my, that girl is quite the sprite. Esme, dear, Isabella does not call me 'mommy'. In fact, I do not think she was even aware of the term. It must be something she picked up in those states of yours." Suplicia paused and then spoke plainly, "Isabella calls me Mama, and she has never once deviated from that term with me. If she used the term 'mommy' she was referring to you."

"Surely, you do not mean," Esme trailed off.

"Yes, I mean that my daughter has claimed you as her mother as well."

Esme couldn't contain her joy anymore, she practically squealed in delight. She couldn't stop the smile that graced her face. She was sure that if she was human her cheeks would be hurting from the strain. She quickly regained herself, "I am sorry, Suplicia, I did not mean any disrespect."

Before she could continue, Suplicia cut her off, "I will not hear any more of this. I do not feel jealous of you or begrudge you a relationship with Isabella. I am overjoyed for both you and her. Trust me, when I heard from Aro that Isabella was going to look to you as another mother, I could not have been happier. She could not have chosen a better person."

"So you knew the whole time, even before we left?"

"Of course, my dear. That Alice of yours was very thorough in her vision. Oh yes, and please do tell Emmett that I appreciate all he is doing to capture my baby's memories for me. I cannot wait to see what has been described."

Esme was floored. She could not believe how gracious this woman was being, but at the same time she realized that if their roles were reversed, she would feel the same way. Suplicia was right; Bella's heart was big enough for them all. She pulled herself and chuckled at her own sentimentality, "I am guessing that you, like Alice, will not tell me any more of what she has seen?"

"If Alice has seen fit not to tell you, than I best keep what I know from you as well as I would not want to ruin what I have come to hope for."

Esme smiled despite her continued confusion, "Thank you, thank you so much."

"You are most welcome. Now I still have some time before I am needed again. Would Isabella be available?"

"I'll go get her," Esme said with a smile and left to go find her little girl. When Bella entered the study she rushed to the phone and before she even had the phone pressed to her ear she exclaimed, "Mama!"

Esme smiled at the girl and left the room, closing the door softly behind her. As she walked to the living room she was met by Emmett who was wearing a large grin with his hands behind his back. She raised an eyebrow at him and he shrugged and pulled a present from behind his back to hand to her.

"What's this for?"

"Just because."

She opened the box and found a beautifully crafted matted frame. Within the frame held a picture of her and Bella. It was from earlier that afternoon, she and Bella were covered in flour and Bella was kissing Esme's cheek. Noting the look on her own face she realized this was the moment Bella had told her she loved her. "Emmett, how?" She choked out unable to continue her thought for the emotion clouding her voice.

He shrugged, "I've had the frames made for a while. I made one for each of us. I have just been waiting for the perfect pictures to fill them with. I thought this should be yours."

"Thank you, Emmett. It is perfect." Esme pulled him into a tight hug.

Emmett unable to take the seriousness of the moment chuckled and stated, "Yea, now you actually appreciate my creepy stalker photographer skills." His lips twisted into a crooked grin and he continued, "So tonight, we are playing video games!"

a/n: well my friends we are getting close to the end. I have just a couple more chapters to go before we learn about what is going to happen after the war. I hope you are still enjoying!