Chapter 9
Bella:
The first thing I learn about Edward is his gift of mind reading. When I think of my own gift, I laugh out loud. Of course I would, as Edward's mate, be the only one immune to his gift.
After the more formal part of our introductions are over, we move into their spacious living room. There are numerous sofas and chairs, which makes me wonder how often the Cullen's receive guests.
"Can I see a picture?" I request quietly.
Esme is eager to oblige, running at inhuman speeds and returning in less than a second with a large photo album. She's beaming and I find her happiness incredibly infectious.
"I have photo albums for all of them. Numerous, actually," Esme informs me.
She carefully hands me the album, letting me open the first page. When my eyes land on him, the feelings that course through me are like nothing I've ever felt before. I reach out and trace the outline of the tall, bronze haired vampire. He's smiling in the picture, looking happy and carefree. He's got his arms around Alice, who has a playful expression on her face.
I greedily flip through the pages of the photo album, the image of his face stuck in my mind. When I reach the end, I nearly growl, desperate to see him in real life and touch him properly.
Maggie walks over and places her hand on mine, helping me through with calming breathing techniques. Eventually, I calm down enough to see the Cullen's all looking at me.
"Sorry," I squeak out. "He's…he's beautiful," I murmur.
Maggie playfully shoves me. "Let me see your hottie, then," she smirks, flipping through the photo album. "Damn. Does he have a twin brother?" she asks.
It's only then that I realise everyone's still staring at us.
"You haven't found your mate?" Carlisle asks Maggie.
"Not yet! So, you know, if you know any single male vampires, send them my way!" she grins. I elbow her in the ribs. I'd like it if my possible new family actually liked my friend and I.
"You remind me of someone," Carlisle muses.
"Siobhan?" Maggie guesses. Carlisle's eyes light up. "Siobhan is my creator. I lived with her and Liam for a few years."
"Where are they now?" Carlisle asks.
"Travelling. They wanted to see the world. The last postcard I got was from Mexico," Maggie informs him.
As they begin reminiscing about Siobhan, I turn back to Esme.
"Thank you. For showing me the photo album," I tell her sincerely.
"I'm the one who should be thanking you," Esme says. I frown at her, confused. "You're the one who's going to bring my son home."
As her eyes well up with tears, I pray that I can do just that. Bring him home.
A/N: Thoughts on the Cullen family?
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