Chapter Thirty Two

Bella

I decided to go ahead with our plans for Saturday and then Edward rang me to change them. I was afraid he was going to tell me that we shouldn't see each other again but when he told me of the invitation to spend the day with the family and have a picnic I agreed although the thought of what the Cullens might bring to eat was slightly alarming.

Charlie seemed happier hearing that I wasn't going to Seattle, he seemed nervous of cities but then being a country boy I guessed I could understand that. Living with Renee was different, we'd hopped from city to city so I didn't find them in the least intimidating. I finally got away after promising to let him know if I would be late home, late being anything after ten PM!

I guess I wasn't sure what to expect after the revelations of yesterday but nothing seemed different when I arrived. I had opted to drive myself over although I couldn't really say why. I guess it was my out if I decided I couldn't cope knowing their secrets. Edward and Esme were waiting for me when I pulled up and both waited for me to climb out and make the first move. I could see they were as nervous, if not more so, than me. I smiled and ran up the steps to kiss Edward on the cheek then turned to Esme.

"I wanted to thank you for your honesty last night, I feel so much better knowing the truth. It was very brave of you to tell me under the circumstances. I understand how dangerous it is for you as well as me and I want you to know I meant what I said. I would never betray you. You have the wolves watching over your shoulder so I guess you don't need to be worrying about my actions too."

Esme took my hand in hers,

"Thank you Bella, it makes a big difference to us all to be treated so kindly by a human. I hope you'll enjoy your day, it looks like it might rain so the boys have erected a shelter over part of the creek so you can still swim if you like. Its not too cold for you is it?"

She sounded anxious so I shook my head although I would have preferred a heated indoor pool given the choice.

I didn't know we would be swimming though. I didn't bring anything to wear."

"That's OK Bella, I got it covered."

I turned to find Alice standing behind me beaming and holding out a black swimsuit which I took nervously.

"Thanks Alice, if Edward had told me I could have brought my own."

"Or alternatively got cold feet and not come at all."

Edwards words were nearer the mark than I liked to admit but I just shrugged,

"Right well, where do I change?"

"You can use my room Bella, you know where it is and Esme will wait for you. Edward's coming with me. Emmett needs help with the water chute."

I stared as the two left, running way too fast down towards the creek, and I realized how much they had to watch their actions among humans.

"I would apologize for Alice, she does tend to take control but it's her nature and I don't suppose she's about to change now."

As Esme walked into the house with me I asked about her family, they obviously weren't her own offspring, she was far too young and she explained how Carlisle had changed them all except Alice who had been a late comer.

"And Charlotte?"

I think you could call her Carlisle's latest stray, she appeared here a couple of weeks ago, a nomad looking for a home."

While I used the bathroom off Alice's room to change Esme carried on talking, explaining to me about nomads and the usual way of life for vampires. I could see why they were so protective of their family, it was pretty unique.

By the time I was redressed and ready to go down to the creek I knew a lot about vampires, their way of life, the Cullens in particular and the Volturi, the people they were all so concerned about. It seemed a little bizarre vampires having laws and a government but that's what the Volturi were. Down at the creek there was an enormous cover stretched between trees either side making a roof and on the far bank was a water chute made out of a scooped out tree trunk and a hosepipe. Standing in the water which only reached his waist was Emmett grinning and splashing Edward who was scrambling out and I couldn't help laughing when I saw he was still fully dressed. I guessed Emmett had probably pulled him in.

Within an hour I was in the water too not really noticing the temperature of the water, I was too busy trying, largely unsuccessfully, to stay out of Emmett's way. I had been carried up the water chute and pushed down so many times I was feeling dizzy. Edward finally rescued me and I sat with him looking at the huge picnic Esme had spread out while drinking hot coffee and wrapped in a huge fluffy towel.

I was aware of Rosalie watching me. She hadn't joined in the fun nor had she spoken to me and I felt slightly awkward but no one else took any notice of her. Even Emmett hadn't tried to encourage her to join in, instead he was enjoying himself with Alice, Charlotte, and Carlisle who seemed a little out of place splashing about in the water but then I realized I had no idea of his true age only that he had been a vampire for centuries.

I managed some sandwiches and a few of the nibbles Esme had made but drew the line at the cakes. I was concerned I would sink like a stone if I went back in the water now.

"I'll pack the leftovers for you to take home. I'm sure your father will be more than happy to finish them off."

I thought she was probably right, Charlie did love his food, specially dessert!

I started to doze wrapped up in the towel laying beside Edward as the sun came out warming me and struggled to stay awake. I was fascinated to see how Edward's skin reacted to sunlight. If he went to school in the sunlight everyone would know there was something very different about him, his siblings too. It looked as if his skin were made of tiny crystals that shattered the sunlight into a million rainbows, it was quite beautiful. Pulling myself up onto my elbow I looked across at the others who had gone back in the water, Esme too this time, and noticed they all had the same sparkling appearance.

As I was about to lay back again I caught Rose's sudden jerky reaction to something I couldn't see from my position. She turned to look at me and I saw panic on her face and Edward shot up looking over at her then cursed.

"Bella, I want you to stay right where you are. Don't move and please don't draw attention to yourself."

Of course what did I do? Immediately sat up to see what the problem was and noticed on the other side of the creek a single figure watching the Cullens. He wore a long dark coat and a wide brimmed hat but something told me I was looking at a nomad, another vampire, and I sank back down hoping he hadn't noticed me.

I listened carefully as I heard Carlisle's voice,

"Hello there, what can we do for you?"

"I'm just passing through but I heard the splashing, it looks like you're having fun."

"Yes, this is our land, we live here."

"Live here? Oh, right, you must be the Cullens. I heard tell of you once a long time ago. I'm Nathaniel, pleased to meet you Carlisle Cullen. I meant no offense, I didn't know this area was spoken for."

"Its not a problem, would you care to join us? My family and I were about to go back to the house."

"Thank you I'd like that very much. It's been awhile since I was in a house. Can I help?"

I held my breath as I heard footsteps close on us and then stop abruptly.

"You have a human with you? Strange, I see you fed her too. Is it some kind of ritual?"

Deciding not to be frightened among friends I stood up grasping Edwards hand as he tensed. The nomad turned red eyes on me and I understood, he lived on human blood and thought I was dinner for the family.

"You know she's mighty pretty, I can see why he holds on to her but then he would in any case. But self control is something you don't often see in a vampire."

"I don't understand what you mean Nathaniel."

"Sure you do Carlisle, this pretty little thing is his singer yet he stands beside her that takes strength."

I felt the shock run through the Cullens although I had no idea what the stranger meant by singer. It was something that upset everyone and Edward decided it was time for us to leave. Nathaniel watched as I grabbed my clothes and slipped them on over my swim suit.

"You're letting her leave? Does she know? She must, very strange."

Carlisle guided him towards the house leaving Edward to escort me to my car and drive me home in utter silence.