The Cullens
There is a magic in that little world, home; it is a mystic circle that surrounds comforts and virtues never known beyond its hallowed limits.
Robert Southey
EDWARD'S POV
My fingers flew over the ivories, I was lost in the melody as I played, trying not to think, not to listen to the thoughts of my family. It was an impossible task, but from time to time, I managed to block them completely out. They knew I had gone to speak with Bella, to try to get to know her better. They also knew what happened before I had even reached the apartment she lived in. She had rounded the corner, in a full sprint, and crashed right into me. Not knowing what to do, I took her to the hospital… to Carlisle.
"Alice," I called out.
"Yes," she replied from somewhere in the house.
"Are you sure you didn't see what caused Bella to flee for her life?" I didn't know how else to describe Bella in that moment. It was clear to everyone who had surrounded me after Bella blacked out that she was terrified. No one had any idea why.
"I'm positive, Edward," Alice replied.
My fingers came down on the piano keys and a discordant sound filled the room. Carlisle was the only one I'd told about my inability to read Bella's thoughts. If I knew what she was afraid of, I would… I didn't know what… take care of the person, the problem. Pushing away from the piano, I stood, focusing one the sounds outside the house. There was a crunch of gravel as a car turned on the driveway. Carlisle. He was nearing the house, and from his thoughts, I knew he wasn't alone.
"Alice?" I asked.
"He's bringing Bella here. She needs a place to stay with few days," she supplied without any prompting. "I see can there's something about her, concerning you in some way. I can't really see how you play into her future, but what I do see is fuzzy as if something hasn't been decided yet."
"Does Jasper know she's coming?" I asked.
"Don't worry, Edward. I told him and saw that he wouldn't harm Bella."
I heard the car come to a stop out front. I was upstairs by then and looked toward the door, bracing myself. "Neither will you," Alice said, coming down the stairs.
"Thanks, Alice."
When I had gotten home from taking Bella to Carlisle, I told my family of about my fear of being anywhere near Bella or being alone with her. I had left out Carlisle's and my theory about Bella being my singer. However, I couldn't keep anything from Alice and Jasper; they had their own way of knowing what I was feeling. Alice could see it through her visions and Jasper could feel it. I was glad to have Alice watching out for me, but I was worried about Jasper. He didn't have full control of his appetite; it was getting better though. So, both of us had to trust Alice. And I hoped it would be some time before Alice and Jasper realized what Bella might be for me.
BELLA'S POV
The house Carlisle came to a stop in front of wasn't what I was expecting. It had to over a hundred years old, but it looked like it had been built yesterday. The house was painted white, looked to be about three stories, and had a wrap-around porch. I was envious, loving old homes, but none I had had the privilege of entering were as old as my ancestral home in Scotland.
"Welcome to my home, Bella," Carlisle said from next to me.
Finally finding my voice, I turned to face him and said, "You have a lovely home, and I haven't even seen the inside."
He chuckled as he stepped out of the car. I followed his example and got out, too.
"Charlie will be bringing you some things later," he said as we walked toward the front door. "If you need anything, just ask."
A spiky hair girl, who I recognize as one of the girls who had volunteered to sing with me, opened the door. She was wearing a gray and blue tunic with gray legging. Her feet were clad in blue socks. Pale gold eyes met mine and she was fair skinned.
"Hi, I'm Alice, and we're going to be such good friends," she said, giving me a hug.
"Now, Alice," Carlisle said from behind me. "Let's give Bella a chance to get inside the door."
"No, its fine," I responded, hugging her back. "I haven't gotten a greeting like that in a long time."
"Everyone is dying to meet you," she said, grabbing my hand and dragging me inside the door and up a short flight stairs.
I heard Carlisle chuckled again, and the front door click closed.
"Of course you know Edward." She pointed an off-white couch once we were on the second floor, or was it the main floor.
I swallowed, taking in Edward's appearance. He was wearing a Superman graphic tee with a faded red, long-sleeved shirt underneath, blue jeans, and white socks. He didn't bother getting up from the couch, and I didn't blame him. He looked comfortable, whereas I was uncomfortable.
"The big brute, the one you stole the microphone from, is Emmett." He stood and pulled me into a tight embrace.
Instead of freaking out, I patted his back and said, "Can't breathe, Emmett."
"Sorry, Bella. I forget how strong I am at time. It's good to see you again. There's finally someone in the house that can rival Edward in the musical department."
Emmett was definitely strong. He was a good head and a half taller than me. He was in a dark green sweater and jeans with black sneakers.
A black pillow flew over my head and hit Emmett in the face. I couldn't help but giggle at the look of shock on his face.
"Don't mind Emmett and Edward," a beautiful blonde said, coming down the stairs. "They forget how to behave in front of guests at times."
I recognized her as the other girl from tryouts.
"I'm Rosalie. I didn't get the chance to compliment you on your beautiful voice."
I blushed. Nobody has ever praised me for my voice before Angela. "Thanks."
Someone was staring at me, I could feel it. When I turned, I caught Edward staring at me. "Take a picture. It will last longer," I said playfully, feeling a little more comfortable and at home with these teenagers. It was strange being in this house with people I just met, but I felt like I didn't have to pretend to be strong or someone I wasn't. If I wanted to break down and cry, I suspected they wouldn't judge me but try to comfort me or cry with me.
"I don't have a camera with me," he responded, smiling crookedly at me as he patted his pockets. "Just admiring your—" he suddenly stopped, glancing over his shoulder at Rosalie. "Sorry about that. I sometimes start talking before I think about what I going to say."
"I have the same problem," I said, returning his smile. "It's gotten me into trouble a time or two."
Edward started laughing. "Me, too."
Alice shook her head. "Come on, Bella. You still have to meet our mother and Jasper. Well, you'll meet Jasper when he returns," she said, pulling me toward the kitchen. "This is our mom, Esme. She decorated the house."
"It's amazing," I said before adding as I noticed the glass wall, "at least what I've seen. I love how the back of the house is glass and lets nature in."
"Thank you, Bella. Has Alice shown you where you will be staying while here?" Esme asked.
"Actually, I'll be showing her," Edward said, coming into the kitchen.
I turned to face him.
"I mean, if that is all right with you, Bella."
The way Edward said my name sent ripples of pleasure up my spine.
"I don't mind." I bit my lip, unsure about what I was about to ask, but remembering what Carlisle said, I spit it out. "Is there somewhere I could work on my voice later? I've sung a little this morning and would like to again, so I don't strain my vocal chords during rehearsal."
"We have a music room in the basement," Edward responded.
Why doesn't that surprise me, I thought.
"I'll show you where it is before taking you upstairs to the guest room."
I followed him as he led me toward the back of the house and downstairs into a large room. There was a black grand piano sitting in a corner and other instruments hanging on one wall.
"Do you play?" I asked, walking over to it and letting my fingers ghost over the ivories.
"A little," Edward responded, giving me a crooked smile. "I could play for you sometime, or perhaps play the scales for you."
"I would like that." I didn't know where the comment came from, but from the moment I saw Edward my heart had started going a mile a minute. If he were closer to me, he'd probably heart it.
"Let me show you the rest of the house."
I followed obediently as we climb to the second floor once again.
"The main floor has the kitchen, dining room, and rumpus room," he said before continuing to the next floor. "Carlisle's office and my sibling's rooms are found on this level. Alice's room is the first on the right, followed by Rosalie's, Emmett and Jasper share a room across from Rosalie, and Carlisle's office is across from Alice's room. Each bedroom has its own bathroom."
No shock at hearing that fact. The outside of the house screamed old, but the inside was modern.
Edward seemed a little nervous as we climbed to the top floor. "This is the floor the guest room is on, Carlisle's and Esme's bedroom, and my bedroom. Carlisle's and Esme's has and en-suite bathroom. You and I will share a bathroom," he stated as we stopped in a small sitting area.
I looked around, noting a PlayStation and X-Box gaming systems—both were ancient. I wonder if they worked or were for decoration.
"My brothers, sisters, and I tend to gather either up here or downstairs depending on what Carlisle and Esme have planned or when we just want to get away from our parents for a while."
"You seem close to your family. It must be nice to have brothers and sisters to turn to when you need them," I said.
He chuckled slightly before saying, "We're close, but that doesn't mean we don't have our disagreements from time to time. And yes, it's nice to have Emmett and Jasper watching my back, even Alice and Rose have been there for me. Although, I have to admit there are times when I would like them to keep their noses where they belong. But getting into each other's business is what families do, right?"
"I wouldn't know. I'm an only child. I have cousins, but they are either older or younger than me, so I don't have anyone that really knows what it's like to be a teenager in today's hectic world," I replied. "So, which room is the guest room?"
"First door on the left," he said. "The bathroom is between it and my room. There's a door in the guest room and in mine that leads to it as well as the hallway."
"So, are you going to show me your room?" I asked. Whoa! Where did that come from?
"Isabella, there's some connection between you and this boy. Don't hesitate to explore what it is," Grandmother said.
Edward looked just as surprised as I was.
"I mean, if you don't mind," I added hastily. "I don't want to impose on your privacy."
"No, I don't mind. Just a little surprised," he said as he walked to the last door on the left.
Edward's room was a disarray… a mess. Books were scattered across the floor and a futon. Hmm, I wouldn't have taken him for a reader. Glancing around the room, I saw a large and ancient stereo system that took up most of one wall and shelves of CDs, records, cassettes, eight tracks, and books above and on either side of it. There was little else in the room and no decorations, no pictures.
Walking over to the stereo, I hit play while asking, "What are you listening to?"
Edward didn't reply and soon "Claire de Lune" filled the room.
"Debussy," I said, "I haven't heard any of his works since I was six." I stood there listening, vaguely aware of Edward's approach.
He turned me slowly to face him, and then taking one hand, he placed it on his shoulder while clasping the other gently in his right hand and slipping his left behind my back, right at my waist. Normally, I was a klutz but when it came to dancing I was graceful. We slowly danced to the piano music. Stepping back when the music ended, I blushed deeply. "Umm, thanks," I said.
"We should head back downstairs," Edward said, brushing a lock of hair behind my ear. "The others will be wondering what's keeping us."
I stood there a moment. "I'll be right down. I want to freshen up a little and call my godfather."
"See you downstairs then." He bowed before turning on his heel, leaving me alone in his room.
I stared after him, mouth hanging open. The way he graciously bowed wasn't normal for teenage boys or anyone in this day and age unless at a really formal dance. Shrugging, I exited his room and entered the guest room. It was much like Edward's room but with decorations and no futon. In the futon's place was a queen size canopy bed with silver curtains tied back to the black posts. The room was very tastefully accented with blues and golds. Sitting on the bed, I pulled out my cell and dialed Charlie's number.
"Hey, kiddo, how are you doing?" Charlie asked.
"Fine. The Cullens are really nice. I'm still a little frightened after hearing the message. Have you heard it yet?"
"I have," he replied on a sigh. "Jaurdena and her team are working on trying to find out where the call originated from. No luck yet, and the same goes for the email. I was getting ready to help Daniela pack some things for you. Is there anything special you would like me to bring over?"
"Yes," I said. I asked Charlie to bring my laptop, the three books I had brought home with me from Scotland, and my music binder. I told him everything but the laptop should be on my desk. He made me promise that I wouldn't log on to my email for the time being and I reluctantly agreed. Before I hung up he said he would be over in a few hours.
After stopping by the bathroom, which I might say is just a big as the guest room and decorated in the same colors, I headed back downstairs. A dirty blond haired boy was the only one in the rumpus room when I entered. "You must be Jasper. I'm Bella," I said, extending my hand.
He nodded before saying, "If you don't mind, I prefer not to shake your hand. I'm not feeling too well and don't want to get you sick if it something more than just my allergies."
How considerate of him. I joined him, sitting on a plush chair. I wasn't surprised to see that he was watching a soccer match. I didn't know much about sports to really sit down to watch, but I didn't to be rude so I asked who was playing and winning.
"China and Brazil. No one's scored yet," Jasper answered.
I watched with mild awe, asking questions here and there. Jasper patiently answered each one. Before long we were joined by the others.
EDWARD'S POV
I left Bella upstairs and quickly headed downstairs. The taunting voice of Emmett filled my mind.
"Edward's got a little crush."
Nobody but Carlisle knew how I really felt about Bella. On the outside, I projected hate, though I don't think I did a good job of that recently. On the inside, I wanted her—whether it was still her blood I wanted was hard to tell. When she ran into me early, I felt something deeper calling me. Something with a stronger pull then what her blood did to me. Maybe that was what made me treat her differently around my family. I was so confused and needed to clear my head, so I went out for a run. I also wanted to examine the likely cause of my recent behavior, but Emmett decided to join me.
"Hey bro, what's with you and Bella?"
Ignoring his question was a bad idea, especially when he threw a boulder at me.
Had he not learned yet?
I dodged it with easy. After the second one, he finally left me alone. I ran as far as the Calawah River, which runs through our property, before turning back. When I returned the others were heading to the rumpus room; we found Jasper and Bella watching a soccer game.
I didn't take Bella as the type to watch sports, I thought.
"Not another soccer game," Alice said, whining.
I noticed Bella held in her laughter after seeing Alice's face. I tried again to read her mind and came up with nothing.
"Can't we watch a movie?"
No one can argue with Alice, and Jasper relinquished the remote to her. Of course, Alice made Bella and I sit together as we watched Enchanted. I let my mind wander, knowing I would be free to do so while my siblings were engrossed in the movie.
Half way through the movie Bella's head fell against me. I smiled and knew without looking that she had fallen asleep. Standing, I gathered her up into my arms and carried her upstairs without a word to my siblings. I wished I could escape their curious looks as easily as I blocked out their thoughts.