Bella's Point of View


I planned on enjoying my weekend, but I found myself thinking nonstop of Emmett. I was worried about the talk he was going to have with Rosalie. What if she really does kill him? Or, what if they have a great conversation, and he ends up getting back together with her? The thought of either one of those possibilities was painful. Which only added to my guilt. I should be hoping the two of them mend their relationship.

Instead, I was hoping they would never get back together. Was that selfish of me? Could I be any worse of a person? Rosalie was the victim in all of this. I slept with her husband and instead of feeling bad about it, I just want to do it again. More than that… I wanted to be close to him. Understand who he is. I didn't care where he was, I wanted to be right by his side. Even if it means that I have to deal with Rosalie.

Today, Charlie planned to go out fishing with Henry Clearwater. He had been tempted to call off his plans, to stay at home with me. But I wasn't about to let that happen. He had worked all week, he deserved to have a day to himself.

"You don't have to worry about me Ch-dad, I'll be fine here on my own. It doesn't bother me." I said, standing in the living room. Charlie stood at the door, in casual outdoor clothing, a fishing pool over his shoulder and a tackle box clutched in his hand. He wore a look of pity on his face.

"I shouldn't be good too long," He paused, raising a brow. "I'd ask for you to come along, but we will be on the boat today. Not much room for three people."

I almost flinched at the suggestion of going with him. I wasn't the biggest fan of Forks, but I was willing to try and get used to it here. However, I would draw the line at fishing, hunting, or anything that requires a certain amount of skill. That would just be a recipe for danger. I could only imagine what might happen.

Capsize the boat, get a fishhook through my hand, the possibilities are endless.

I shook my head quickly. "It's fine, I'd rather stay home and catch up on some reading. I'll do a little cleaning, then head to the store for groceries."

Charlie bobbed his head, watching me with a content smile. "Alright Bells, I'll call you when we finish up for the day."

"Okay, have fun," I said as he made his way out the door. I watched him load up his car, before driving off. Leaving me alone to my thoughts. I wandered into the Livingroom to plop down on the couch. My book laid on the coffee table in front of me. But I didn't have the energy to lean over and grab it.

Instead, I laid down and threw a blanket over me. This past week has been awful in regard to my sleeping. I haven't thought of a way to tell Charlie about my demolished bed. I've just been suffering through it. If I stayed more on one side of the bed, it wasn't so bad. But my sore, achy back would disagree with me. I had to think of something. I can't take another week of this.

I began to drift off to sleep, when a hard knock rattled from the front door. I jerked up from the couch, my heart dropping into the pit of my stomach. Who could that possibly be?

I snuck over to the door, leaning up on the tips of my toes to see into the glass window at the top of the door. A petite girl stood on my doorstep; a wide smile hung on her face. She met my gaze through the window. I recognized her. Alice Cullen. She was Emmett's sister. What was she doing here?

Quickly I flung the door open as a lump formed in my throat. What did she think of me? Some random slut that showed up, seduced her brother and ruined his marriage?

"Good morning, Bella," Her tone was so light and vibrant.

I stood awkwardly at the door, unsure if I should come out to greet her, or invite her inside. "Good morning, Alice, what are you doing here?"

"I've been sent by my brother," She nodded over to the jeep, parked in my driveway. "He bought a new bedroom set for you. He mentioned accidentally breaking your bed…"

Embarrassment slammed into me, knocking the breath out of me. My face went hot. "That isn't necessary, he didn't have to buy a whole new bed set."

Alice smirked slightly, shrugging her shoulders. "Well, it's only fair, he broke something of yours. Besides, I'm sure you wouldn't be able to convince Charlie that you broke that bed, all on your own."

She has a point. I'm really not good at lying, as it is. Charlie would be suspicious, for sure.

I chewed my lip for a moment, before giving in. "Alright, that's fine. I'm not so sure how well I can dismantle and put together a bed…"

Alice giggled. "No worries, I enlisted some help." She nodded back over to the truck, where Jasper - her boyfriend, and Rosalie's brother, came walking over. His expression was unreadable. He didn't appear too friendly. But that made sense. He probably hated me as much as Rosalie did. It surprised me that he would even want to come help.

Even more surprising, the other Cullen boy, Edward came along as well. He walked over to Alice and I, his expression was polite. His golden eyes lingering on my face for a moment, before looking at Alice.

"We should probably get this done quickly. I'm not sure if the house will still be standing with Rose and Emmett there on their own." He suggested.

Alice and Jasper exchanged snickers.

"They aren't getting along; I'm guessing he had his talk with her. About leaving me alone?" I raised a brow.

"Something like that," Alice admitted as she clung to Jasper's side.

Edward cleared his throat. "Let's start taking the bed apart," He and Jasper both made their way into my house. Not turning back. I hoped that I didn't have anything embarrassing left out. Like a bra or pair of underwear. That's the last thing I needed. More complicated men into my personal life.

"So, why didn't Emmett come along as well?" I wondered.

Alice shrugged her shoulders. "Rose told him, if he came here too, she would follow him. Emmett didn't want you to have to deal with Rose, so he stayed home."

I sighed heavily, folding my arms across my chest. "Is it wrong that I wish she would back off a little? I know they are married. And everything that has happened was really painful for her and Emmett. If I could take it all back, I would. If I knew that this was going to be my life now."

Alice shook her head, placing a single, cold hand on my shoulder. I shivered from the coldness, but Alice didn't seem to notice.

"Don't say that Bella, I've never seen Emmett so… serious. He is usually someone who does not dwell on things. He laughs off painful memories, or thoughts and feelings. He told himself for years now, that everything was fine. He kept smiling, when he wanted to cry. Laugh, when he wanted to scream. And hold onto someone, he wanted to run away from." Alice said with a rueful smile. "Since he met you, I think he has realized, he has been pretending to be happy for a very long time. He didn't even realize how miserable he was with her."

Her words filled me with hope. The urge to see Emmett now, was overwhelming. I held myself still as I attempted to contain myself. My heart throbbed painfully in my chest. I wanted to see him.

"I had no idea," I let my eyes fall to my feet. "I thought I was just a random one-night stand, that I would never see him again."

"I don't think that's how Emmett feels. Maybe initially. But you two met again. Like a fairytale. Like fate. It's pretty romantic, isn't it?" Alice wagged her brows at me, before laughing a high-pitched tinkling laugh.

Blush covered my cheeks, reaching up to both of my ears. "And that doesn't bother you?"

"Why would it? Emmett is my brother; all I want is for him to be happy. I'd like Rosalie to be happy as well. And I know she will be, someday." Alice said with a nod. "We just have to get through the hard part."

"What about the rest of your family? How do they feel about this situation?" I wondered, watching as Edward and Jasper made several trips in and out of my house, with pieces of the bed set.

"Edward and I have unconditional support for you and Emmett. Jasper is someone in the middle. He hasn't picked a side or anything. I guess he is a bit undecided. As for our adoptive parents, well they have no personal issue with you. Although they are worried, for Emmett's sake." Alice nodded simply.

I guess any parents would be concerned. And I suppose it did make a lot of sense that Jasper would take Rosalie's side. I knew Alice wouldn't come straight out and say it. But I wasn't dumb. I could sense Jasper's discomfort around me.

"I really never meant to cause any trouble for anyone. I had no idea he was married." I muttered, turning away from her overly joyful smile.

"We know, Emmett mentioned that. No one blames you. Well… Rose does. But even she realizes that she is taking things out on the wrong person. Just stay strong Bella. There will be an end to the torment. Soon." Alice said, patting my shoulder.

I'm not sure if I believed her. I wanted to. But I didn't see Rosalie letting this go any time soon.

Jasper and Edward made quick work of the bed, they already had the old one ripped apart and the new one in place, in under thirty minutes. It didn't seem to trouble them at all. They didn't even work up a sweat. What was with this family? Strength, speed, stamina. They had inhumanly impressive amounts of each of those things. Not to mention, their skin. So pale and cold. Extremely hard to the touch.

Edward approached Alice and I tensely, his topaz eyes darting between us. "Everything is set up, we should probably get going."

Jasper was already back in the Jeep, without so much as a glance in my direction. I could see him, sitting rigidly in the backseat.

I raised a brow as they exchanged looks at each other. As if they were having some type of private conversation.

Alice lowered her head after a second with a reluctant look. "Yeah, I suppose that would be for the best," She looked at me with a warm smile. "Emmett said he would be stopping by in the evening. Just thought I'd give you a heads up."

Why would he come here? Did he actually want to see me?

The very thought boggled my mind. Emmett wanted to come see me. I looked down at my clothes, panicked. I needed to find something a little more suitable. I doubt he would find these lounge clothes appealing.

Edward snorted, cracking a smile as he watched me.

Was it that obvious that I was fretting overing my clothes? Rene always did mention I was like an open book. I couldn't hide what I was feeling. But was it really to the point that others can start reading my thoughts as well?

Now Edward seemed tense, his jaw tightened in a hard line. "Let's not keep the rest of them waiting on us." Edward nodded to Alice.

Alice sighed heavily. "Fine Edward, I hear you." They both turned and began to walk back towards their Jeep. "See you Monday Bella," Alice waved to me, before piling into the backseat with Jasper.

I waved at them as they pulled out of my driveway and drove at Earth-shattering speed down the road. I stood there for a moment, still in shock that they had even been here to begin with. I haven't had the chance to talk directly with other students at school, but I've heard enough gossip and whispering to know that the Cullens and Hales stayed to themselves. They weren't overly friendly with anyone. They surely weren't visiting anyone at their houses. Or buying people new beds.

I walked back inside the house and went straight up to my room. I didn't even have a chance to thank them for all their work. But as I walked inside, I was blown away with what I saw. Not only had they replaced my bed set, but the rest of the furniture in the room. It looked like a completely different place.

The bed was gorgeous, the bedframe was dark gray solid wood, with two large drawers at the footboard. The headboard nearly reached to the very top of the ceiling, which also had storage space. The mattress was larger, this one was king size. I was surprised they were able to fit this size mattress in this room and there was still space for the matching nightstands on each side of the bed and a matching desk. Thankfully he didn't replace my old computer with something newer. All of this was already crossing the line. We would have a serious conversation about this when he stops over today.

My annoyance instantly started to melt away as I sat down on the bed. The mattress just slowly wrapped around me. It was a soft mattress, with just enough firmness to keep me from sinking completely down. I climbed up into the bed more and relaxed.

Even the new pillows were nice, made with feathers, instead of cotton. I thought that was strange, but I wouldn't complain. This is the most comfortable I've been since I've arrived at Forks. Now, I just had to keep Emmett out of it.

I stretched out, letting my eyes close. It was so comfortable. And when it began to rain, I felt myself starting to fall asleep. The gentle thudding against the roof as the rain came down only made me more tired. It was quiet enough that I could hear a car drive by my road, every now and then.

It wouldn't hurt to take a little nap. I would have time before Emmett shows up. I'm sure.


Emmett's Point of View

I've been sitting on the porch for the last several hours now. It was the only place I could avoid Rose. She didn't like standing around in the rain. And our porch behind the house had no roof. It was completely open. So, for now, I will sit here. And try not to think.

But that was easier said than done. Bella was always on my mind, even more now. Especially after talking with Carlisle. It wasn't a long conversation, but I got the feeling that Carlisle is concerned with how close I was getting with a human. It wasn't that long ago that I ran into my singer. Her blood still lingered in my thoughts. Along with the guilt. I couldn't get her face out of my mind either. Had she been someone's daughter? Why couldn't I stop?

I've been sending money to her family for years, since the incident. As if it would have solved anything. But I felt that I had to do something. I will send money to her family, until the end of their human lives. I could recall Rose comforting me, when it happened. She told me; it wasn't my fault. But I could see the distaste on her face. She was furious. I lost control and took an innocent person's life. She never looked at me the same after that. I think that might have been the very moment our relationship began to fall apart.

Footsteps were heard in the distance. Three sets. Heading in my direction. I waited, listening closely. Suddenly one set split off from the other two. It went out towards the forest. Whoever it was, went straight out to hunt. If I had to guess, it was Jasper.

That must mean they finished up at Bella's house. I warned Jasper that her blood was a bit unique.

In seconds, Alice and Edward stood in front of me. Their expressions were unreadable. But I couldn't care less. I had to know.

"How is she?" I asked impatiently.

"Perfectly fine, nothing to worry about." Alice said with a grin.

"Except for the fact that you failed to warn us that she is incredibly observant for a human. She notices every little thing. She is suspicious of us, Emmett. Already. It's only been a week since she moved here." Edward grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"I figured with you there, it wouldn't be any trouble. You can keep tabs on her thoughts. If things start getting a bit too close, I can back off.." I said, dropping my gaze down to the ground. Even when I spoke the words, I didn't believe them myself. I don't think Alice or Edward believed them either.

I was beginning to realize that I didn't have the ability to back off. Not when it came to her. I didn't know what it was about her. But the thought of having to leave… to keep her in the dark about our secret… was the most painful feeling I've ever experienced. Second to going through the transition.

"Just be careful. This doesn't just affect you…. If something happens to her." Edward spoke lightly. "She seems wonderful, really. But is she worth putting the rest of us in danger?"

I shot up out of my seat, glaring harshly at him. My body responded on its own. Growls poured down past my lips. My chest was rattling with each inhale and exhale. "Don't ever ask me a stupid question like that again."

She is worth everything. If I could I'd give her everything she ever wanted. If she wanted my soul, I'd gladly hand it over, if that were possible.

Edward froze, watching me closely. My outburst had taken him off guard. But his eyes narrowed, as realization struck his features.

"You're in love with her, aren't you?" He accused.

Alice snickered at the embarrassed expression on my face. "Isn't it obvious? Emmett is crazy for Bella. He just doesn't want to admit it, yet."

"Shh, keep your ideas to yourself. I have my hands full enough with my ex-wife." I muttered, looking away from the two of them. "If she hears something like that, she won't just go after me. She will go after Bella as well."

"Carlisle forbade that. He won't let anyone harm Bella." Alice said with a soft smile. "You don't have to be on guard so much."

I shook my head stubbornly. "No, I can't. Not until I know for sure that Rose can't hurt her. I can't even think about my feelings right now. Or how I may, or may not feel about Bella. I have to put her safety first."

"Well, I'm not sure what you're going to do. You can't guard over Bella for the rest of your life. There are going to be times that she is alone. Like right now." Edward said, clearing his throat. He had recovered from our harsh exchange.

"And that's alright, because I know where Rose is. As long as the two of them stay separate, I can give Bella all the space she needs. I won't have to watch over her, as much."

Although, I'd prefer to watch over her anyway. Rose wasn't the only dangerous thing here in Forks. Any number of things could happen. Just knowing that, made it extremely hard to stay here. I wanted to see her face.

"If you want to see her, we can keep an eye on Rosalie." Alice said with an animated grin. "Bella is asleep at the moment, trying out that new bed. She loves it by the way."

I felt a smile pull at my lips. "I figured she would," I looked between Edward and Alice for a moment. "I'll stop over just for a little bit. Just to make sure she is alright."

"Sounds good. Edward and I will monitor Rose until you make it back." Alice replied, saluting me as I stood up.

I ruffled the top of her head. "Thanks shortie. I won't be long."

There was nothing on Earth that could have stopped me from running all the way to Bella's house. It was probably the fastest I've ever ran in my life. I might have even matched Edward's speed for a moment. I darted up the tree that sat just outside of Bella's bedroom window. I eased myself on the branch and shimmied to the window to peek inside.

She was indeed asleep. Lying stretched out completely. Hair in a mess around her face. A quiet snore fell from her lips. She was breath-taking. She looked so peaceful.

I felt much better. Getting to see her. Seeing the proof that she really was okay. It would be pretty rude to wake her up. I should probably stop invading her privacy like this. But as I turned to leave, I heard something. So soft. So, innocent.

Bella mumbled in her sleep. "Emmett,"

My chest tightened. Almost dizzily I went back to the window. I had to get closer. I easily opened the window with a low creak, before jumping inside. The smell of her room brought back memories of our intimate time together. Images of her naked bodies, tangled together, was enough to send me over the edge.

I sat down at her desk. It sat just diagonally from her bed. I had a perfect view of her. The way she spoke my name. It wasn't the same way others said it. It didn't hold as much meaning when others said my name. But when it came from her, it was different.

I swallowed hard as I tried to figure out my feelings. All of this was so foreign. I looked at her and felt attraction. That was normal. She was a woman. I may be a vampire, but I'm a man as well. This all made sense. But there was so much more to it than that. When I looked at her, I saw my purpose in life. To protect this woman. To offer her everything I had and everything that I am. I saw my future.

This wasn't how I ever felt with Rose. This was completely different. It was like I was trapped under the ocean for so long, but now I had reached the surface and I was breathing in air for the first time. I had thought I knew what it meant to love someone. It turns out that I had it all wrong.

Isabella Swan stole my heart, before I even realized it myself. But I was conflicted. Should I give in completely? Or should I keep my distance? Would I even really have a choice?


A/N: Thanks for reading! If you are enjoying this new idea for a story, let me know in a review. Thanks again!