Bella's Point of View

Everyone seemed to be getting along perfectly fine to my emese relief. It took a lot of stress off my shoulders. I didn't know whose idea it was to include alcohol in this little get together, but Rene took full advantage. It wasn't like I haven't seen my mother drink before, but I've never seen her drink this much. She was completely in her element. Charlie knocked a couple back himself, letting loose a little bit. Phil abstained from any drinks, probably to make sure he would be able to get them safely home afterwards.

The atmosphere was very light and comfortable, as everyone feasted on chicken wings and pizza. I was in my glory. I've been craving pizza for a while. It's really been the only thing I've wanted to eat since the start of the pregnancy. Anything greasy and cheesy really. I couldn't get enough.

I sat on the couch, right next to Ana. Emmett sat on the ground in front of me, his back leaning against my legs. Alice was on the other side of me, chatting animatedly with Rene. They both had such hyper energy, they naturally started bonding over shopping, clothes and fashion. Charlie and Carlisle were talking at great length about some kind of rash that Charlie noticed on his co-worker the other day. He was fishing for medical advice. Being the most quiet of the bunch, Esme and Phil talked to each other timidly, about casual things like the weather, or things they saw on the news.

Edward sat on the recliner, across from me. His eyes flickered between Ana and I, continuously. He didn't speak, he just watched. I could tell he was deep in thought. The room full of people probably was a real headache for him. But strangely, Ana watched him too. She fiddled with the bracelets around her wrist. Mostly keeping her head down. I knew she was uncomfortable. She didn't know anyone here. I figured this would probably be the best time to make my move.

I turned to Ana with a warm smile. "Hey, do you mind helping me in the kitchen for a second?"

She turned to me, her face going red. "Oh, um, sure." She said awkwardly.

Emmett looked at me with a raised brow as I stood up. His hand slid up my leg for a minute. "Don't be too long. I think I'm about to win the bet." He smirked.

I snapped my head in the direction of my parents. Rene had wandered back over to Charlie and was whispering something in his ear. Charlie responded with a throaty chuckle.

"I don't think so," I said, nudging him a little. "Come with me Ana." I nodded for her to follow me into the kitchen. She followed behind obediently.

As soon as it was just the two of us, I watched as she exhaled a long breath. Relief crossed her face. And for the first time tonight, she smiled. "Thanks for getting me out of there for a second, so many different thoughts, I have a pretty bad headache."

I raised a brow, surprised by her statement. "Did you say thoughts? Are you saying you can read minds?"

She nodded with a shy smile. "Yeah, I was really surprised to run into someone else with the same ability… I thought I was the only freak on the planet."

"You must be talking about Edward,"

At the mention of his name, I watched as her cheeks warmed. "Yeah, I'm really looking forward to getting to know him…"

Her words were boggling my mind. "And you are… human…?"

She gave me an odd look. "Well, I sure hope so, why… is Edward…"

"No, no, that's not what I meant." I laughed nervously, putting my hands up. "Of course, you are human. I was just wondering… because I heard some mind readers claim they aren't human. They are something like… an alien." I thought up a lie. But I wouldn't believe it. She looked at me suspiciously but nodded slowly.

"I've never heard of that," She muttered with a frown. "But I am curious as to why I can't read your mind…"

I shrugged my shoulders, breathing a quiet sigh of relief. She let the whole 'human' thing drop. "I don't know, it's the same with Edward… he can't read my mind either."

She analyzed me closely with an intent stare. "Weird…"

"Does Phil… know about your abilities as well?"

"Yeah, I'm not really supposed to tell anyone about it. But the second I arrived at your house, I felt compelled to open up. The Cullens are a pretty strange bunch. All their thoughts seem guarded. They are focusing really hard on keeping their thoughts controlled. Their minds don't wander to anything randomly. It's almost like they are trying to keep a secret from me."

I didn't like the look of fascination on her face. She would be a real problem if she found out the truth. What would she think if she was to find out? The Cullens would have to leave Forks. I couldn't let that happen. I needed to get her off their trail. Distract her.

"So, if you can read minds, tell me something… what is on Rene and Charlie's mind. They have been acting really weird around each other." I blurted out.

She chewed her lip for a minute. "Let's just say… I think Emmett is going to win that bet."

My jaw dropped. "You're kidding,"

Ana shook her head with a sad sigh. "I feel awful for my dad… I really like Rene, she is great. She really brought my dad out of his shell. But she still has feelings for your dad. There is no denying it. Their relationship is… blooming again."

Well, I wasn't expecting that… I didn't know how I felt about it. Rene had been so against marriage. It was something she drilled into my head for the longest time. Yet she remarried. And now, she was interested in seeing Charlie again. This woman couldn't make up her mind.

"That explains why she made the trip here." I muttered to myself.

"Actually, she made the trip here with the plans of renting a place to live. So she can help you with the baby. Phil is going along with it. He is taking a short break from work to get her settled in. But he will be back on the road in a few months." Ana sighed, leaning back against the kitchen counter. "I'm here because my mother passed away." Sadness clouded her hazel eyes, she pushed her glasses from the tip of her nose, back into place.

"I'm really sorry to hear that." I looked down in pity for the poor girl. She had it rough. I couldn't imagine losing Rene or Charlie. It's just something I've never considered. The thought scared me. They weren't perfect, but they were my parents. Even if for some reason they decide to give their relationship another shot. There was just something about that that bothered me.

"Trust me, you aren't the only one that feels that way. My dad is going to take it really hard, if Rene does decide to leave him. But I can't tell him what's going on, can I? I don't want to make things worse."

"That's a hard question to answer. Do what you think is right. Put yourself in that situation. Would you want to know the truth up front? Or find out on your own?"

Ana went silent as she considered my words.

Suddenly I felt a wave of dizziness, worse than earlier. I stumbled forward, catching myself on the table. The room was circling. Ana jumped to my side, her hands hovered over me, not making contact, but there as if she was making sure I wouldn't fall any further.

"Woah, are you alright?" She asked with concern.

I nodded, closing my eyes in an attempt to stop the dizziness. But it was no use. It still felt like I was spinning. "Emmett," I muttered.

I barely got his name out before I heard him enter the kitchen. I could feel him at my side and the familiar touch of his cold hands on my face. He tilted my head up. I opened my eyes to meet his.

"You're getting dizzy again, aren't you?" Worry laced each word. His shoulders were tense.

"Yeah, it's pretty bad… I feel like I might actually pass out." I said weakly. My body felt completely drained of energy.

Ana gasped, taking a few steps back from us. She glanced between the two of us for a second, before quickly darting out of the room.

"Shit," Emmett hissed, letting his head fall. "I wasn't being careful with my thoughts."

Carlisle came into the kitchen now, analyzing the situation. "It's alright, Edward is going to sort that out. For now, I need to give Bella a blood transfusion. Head out to the car for the supplies. It's best if we just do it here." He replied calmly as he came to my side and had me sit down at the kitchen table.

Emmett nodded sharply, giving me a few more long glances, before quickly leaving the room. I could tell he was upset with himself. I hoped that he wasn't being too critical. I almost let their secret slip as well.

"What's going to happen now? Now that Ana knows something…?"

Carlisle hesitated, keeping a casual smile. "Hopefully Edward can convince her to keep our secret as well. But if that's not an option, we would have to leave Forks. Possibly leave the country altogether. Just until she passes away naturally."

My shoulders slumped as anxiety filled me. "If you guys leave… I mean… What about the baby? And… me?"

Carlisle reached over to give my shoulder a squeeze. "We would never leave part of our family behind. As long as you're willing, you are more than welcome to come with us. We would have to think of a way to convince Rene and Charlie, but it can be done."

I nodded stiffly. It was up to Edward now. I just hoped everything would work out. I didn't want to leave Forks. It would be really hard to talk my parents into letting me leave. Even more so, if they decided to get back together. This could end up being a real mess. I wonder what is going through Ana's mind. Fear? Confusion? Repulsion? She fled from the room before I could gauge a reaction.

Emmett made it back with all the supplies needed for a blood transfusion. The IV pole, the bag of blood, the needles. He set everything up, while Carlisle disinfected my arm. I had to look away for the needle to be placed. I wasn't the biggest fan of needles. This whole process made me a little queasy.

I lightly let my head rest on the table, unable to find the strength to keep it up. The room was still spinning, my eyes were getting heavy. Emmett was back at my side, watching over me worriedly. He rested his hand on my thigh as he sat down next to me.

"Is she going to be, okay?" I heard him ask Carlisle.

"She just needs some blood; she should perk up soon." He replied.

I felt the needle piercing into my skin, but I didn't react. I was more worried about the situation that we found ourselves in now with Ana. Emmett's hand rubbed up and down my leg for a minute, as if he was sensing my distress. "It's going to be alright, just on my way in, Edward gave me the thumbs up. I don't think we are in any danger."

Carlisle's smile widened. "We can always count on Edward," He finished hooking up the blood transfusion, now we just had to let it run. He didn't bring a lot of blood bags with her. Just one for an emergency. So, this was going to have to do until I can go back to the Cullen house. Charlie already gave me permission to spend the weekend over there. I didn't know if that was going to change, because of Rene's arrival. She had decided to fly all the way down here for a visit, but Ana claims her real intents are to scout for houses to rent. She plans on moving to Forks, to help out with the baby.

It was a very kind gesture, but very unexpected and spontaneous. Which is just the kind of person Rene is. It's always been in her nature to be flighty and unhindered. That's why it never made sense for her to want to remarry. She always spoke so negatively about the whole constitution of it. Maybe she changed, maybe this is her way of settling down. She planned on returning to when her life was stable, predictable and safe. Is that really what she wanted? Or would she be jumping on the plane out of her the first day Charlie comes home late from work. The first week she hasn't seen a ray of sunlight. The first month she begins feeling trapped and stuck here to rot. Who knows what's going through her head?

I was concerned to say the least. Charlie couldn't handle something like this happening again. He kept a lot of his feelings hidden under the surface, but I knew he took the divorce hard. He was still holding onto those old pictures. He still spoke of her kindly, like he missed her. Like he wanted us to be a family again. And as much as that makes me happy, I just don't know if Rene is capable of settling down in one place forever. She is a free spirit. While Charlie loves Forks. He is never going to want to leave. How was this going to work?

Phil walked into the room now, pausing as he noticed what was going on. His eyes widened. "Is everything okay here?"

I was about to open my mouth, when Carlisle beat me to it. "I've been treating Bella's anemia during this pregnancy. She felt faint, so I had some supplies on hand. Just giving her a little boost."

"Wow, those are the perks of dating a doctor's son." Phil remarked with a chuckle. "I just wanted to thank you for having us tonight. It was really nice to meet you all."

"You're leaving already?" I said, holding my head up slightly.

"I have to meet with the landlord in the morning to sign our lease agreement. Sorry to ruin the surprise. Rene wanted it to be a secret." He rubbed the back of his neck.

"So, you've decided to move to Forks, that's wonderful." Carlisle turned to him with a welcoming smile.

"I can't take the credit for that decision. Rene felt it was best to be close to Bella, to help with the baby. It's nothing permanent. But for now, Forks is home." He glanced back towards the living room. "I'm going to head out, but Rene and Ana plan to stick around for a little while longer. So, I thought I'd say goodbye." He turned to me, bringing out a small gift-wrapped box.

I took it, peeking up at him with a look. "What's this?"

"Just a little present. It felt wrong to show up without something. I found that in a pawn shop in Gatlinburg a while back. I thought it might be something you would like."

I carefully ripped open the gift, inside was a small glass angel figure. It was wrapped in bubble wrap. It looked delicate and very intricate. Beautiful. "This is really nice, thanks Phil."

He smiled causally. "I'm glad you like it. I hate to leave the party early, but I'll be seeing you around."

I waved. "See you later."

Just like that, Phil walked out of the room. I felt bad for him. Never more now. He really was a nice guy. He treated Rene really well. He deserved to find happiness as well. But it wasn't my place to decide who would be his happiness. It's clear that Ana hasn't told him anything yet about Rene. Or he wouldn't be leaving this house without her.

Emmett stared at the angel for a while, his eyes narrowing on it. "That's strange… I've seen something like this before. I think… my mother had a glass figure like this…"

"Your mother? You mean… when you were human?" I asked quietly. I passed it over to him, to get a better look.

He nodded, gently holding it in his hands. A sad look came to his face. "It's hard to say for sure. My human memories aren't well preserved. But this just seems really familiar." He muttered. Carefully, he handed it back to me.

That would be incredible. If this was the same angel. A piece of Emmett's past. Something physical that he could hold onto. He didn't talk about his past very often. It seemed to be a sore topic of discussion. So, I never pushed for many details. I knew he would talk about it when he was ready. The only thing he said was he had been mauled by a bear and Rosalie saved his life. He thought she was his guardian angel. The thought sent a sharp pain to my heart. With a love story like that, I didn't know how I could possibly compare.

And Rene has shown me, even after a divorce, those feelings don't just vanish into thin air. I could be in the same position as Phil someday. When Emmett realizes that he has made a huge mistake. Maybe I don't make him as happy as he lets on. Maybe if he saw Rosalie again, he would decide to go back to her.

Tears started in my eyes, but I quickly dabbed them away before anyone would notice. I let my head rest back down on the table. I didn't want to think about it. It was too painful. But now I am worried. The thought never crossed my mind before. But if it could happen with Rene and Charlie, why couldn't it happen to Emmett and me?

Emmett lightly stroked my cheek, while his other hand rested on my stomach. "It's going to be alright. You'll feel better soon."

His touch soothed my worries for a second. I pushed it to the back of my mind. But I would be talking with him about it later, when there weren't so many people around to listen in. There was a lot I wanted to talk about with him. Like Ana. And Rene and Charlie's relationship. I was having a hard time with all of these changes. It was happening so fast. I didn't know what to think. It was pretty stressful.

Charlie stumbled into the kitchen next, his face completely red. A goofy smile on his face. He didn't even look in our direction, he went straight to the fridge to grab a bottle of water. He was completely oblivious. And completely drunk. One his way back out of the room, he glanced over to me.

"Everything alright over here?" He swayed slightly.

"It's alright, I just needed a little blood, everything is fine." I waved him off.

He nodded, appearing content with that answer. "O-oh, alrighty." He spun on his heel and marched back into the living room without another thought.

Yes. He was definitely drunk. If he was in his normal state of mind, he would have a lot of questions and concerns. So, for once, I was thankful he had been drinking all night.

"I'll check in with you again, for now, just let this run. It should only take an hour." Carlisle said with a warm smile, before excusing himself. He followed after Charlie.

Once Emmett and I were alone, I felt his lips on my neck. I shivered at the cold kisses against my skin. "Are you alright? You seem a little… down."

I nodded meekly. "I'm fine, just have a lot on my mind."

"About the baby?"

"Not entirely. Although I was wondering what the plans were… if things didn't go the way we wanted. If I'm about to die…"

He sighed, a frown coming to his face. "What did you have in mind? I know how I feel about the matter, but what are your thoughts?"

"I'd want you to turn me. I've thought about it. And it's the only thing that makes sense to me." I shrugged my shoulders a little.

Emmett paused, a hint of a smile coming to his face. "Are you sure about it? You would be giving up a lot of things… you wouldn't be able to get pregnant again."

"That doesn't matter. I have one child and that's enough for me. I'll be happy. As long as I'm with you, how could I ask for anything more than that?"

His smile lit up the room. "Well, as long as, you're sure."

Suddenly Edward and Ana rushed into the room with huge smiles on their faces. I jumped, startled by their sudden appearance.

Emmett narrowed his eyes on them. "Take it easy, why did you guys come flying in like that?"

"Because, we have a way for Bella's anemia to improve, at a much faster rate. It will really benefit the baby." Edward said, looking between Ana and me. "It was Ana's idea."

"Well let's hear this idea," Emmett said eagerly.

"The baby is part vampire, so essentially the baby is feeding on Bella's blood supply. So, to quickly replenish the blood loss, Bella can drink the blood." Ana said with a timid smile. "I know it doesn't sound too appetizing, but it beats the alternative."

Emmett and I exchanged looks.

"Is that something you are willing to try? He asked with a nervous look.

I nodded. "I'll try anything that could possibly help. Especially if that means it will help me get through this pregnancy."

"It's definitely worth a shot."

Edward and Ana took a seat at the table. I noticed Edward pulled her seat out for her. She blushed, but quietly thanked him. His eyes lingered on her. It reminded me of Emmett and me. It was clear they were very aware of each other. And very interesting.

"Carlisle and Esme are taking Rene back to her hotel," Edward said, clearing his throat. "She wasn't fit to drive."

I sighed heavily. "She can be so embarrassing."

"She is like your polar opposite. You must take after Charlie." Edward chuckled with a smile. "But still, she was very accepting of us."

The IV made an abrupt beeping sound, signally that it was finished. Emmett carefully pulled the needle out and cleaned up. Edward assisted, carrying the IV pole out to the car, while Emmett took the blood bag and cleaned the site where the IV was placed on my arm.

Ana chewed her lip, watching both of them. Once they left, she leaned into whisper. "They both seem really devoted to caring for you and this baby."

I smiled in response. "They are a very kind family."

"I've run into vampires in the past. None of them were like this. At first, I was scared to death. I didn't know they were good vampires. I didn't even know there was such a thing." She muttered quietly.

"You already knew vampires existed?"

She nodded. "I can read their minds. Some of them prowl the streets in Florida at night. I guess my blood never tempted them enough to go after me." She looked down at the table pointedly. "And their eyes, such a strange color."

"Beautiful," I said, feeling my cheeks get warm as I thought of Emmett.

Her cheeks flushed as well. "Breath-taking,"

Our conversation dropped as Emmett and Edward walked back inside. Emmett walked around to my side, resting his hands on my shoulders. While Edward moved to stand behind Ana.

"I can take you back to your hotel," Edward offered her.

She nodded, glancing over to me. "It was really nice meeting you. I guess the next time I'll see you will probably be my first day at Forks high school."

So, they really are making the full move here. It was almost hard to believe that Rene came to this decision so quickly. But at the same time, it was my mother. This is exactly something she would do. I just hoped that she knew what she was doing. Her choices aren't just going to affect herself. But Charlie, Phil and Ana. Hopefully she kept that in mind.

"It was nice meeting you too," I said with a wave as Edward led her out of the kitchen.

It was just Emmett and I now. He looked at me with an amused expression. "Is it just me, or is there love in the air?"

It's nice to know I wasn't the only one thinking that. "I was thinking the same thing. Do you think either one of them realizes that yet?"

"Well, they are both mind readers. Maybe it's already all out in the open." He snickered as he helped me to my feet. "Alice is getting your bags packed to stay over for this weekend. Did you want to let Charlie know you're leaving?"

We walked slowly into the living room, taking in the scene. Charlie, asleep on the couch, holding two empty beer cans in both hands. More beer cans lined the coffee table completely. A loud snore fell from Charlie's lips. But he seemed peaceful.

"I'd rather not wake him up. I'll just write a note for him." I suggested, waddling over to the house phone. There was a little notebook and pen, attached to the wall next to the phone. I ripped a page and began to scribble down a message for Charlie. Emmett went ahead and tidied the room up, tossing beer cans in a garbage bag.

Alice came hopping down the stairs with two bags of my things. She looked pleased with herself as she reached the bottom of the stairs. "That was an awesome dinner party. I think everyone had fun. We should do it again some time."

"It was nice seeing both my parents in the same room and getting along. I didn't see that coming." I admitted. "It was an eventful night."

Alice and Emmett exchanged amused grins.

"So, what kind of car do you have in mind? Something sporty? Something built for speed? Or maybe something really tough?" Emmett asked excitedly.

I blinked a few times. "Huh?"

"The bet, you lost the bet Bella. Now we get to pick out your dream car." Alice said, bouncing in place.

You gotta be kidding me. Rene and Charlie kissed? And I missed it. This couldn't be happening. They must have been really drunk and didn't know what they were doing. That's the only way this could have happened. Even if Rene still had lingering feelings for Charlie, she wouldn't be so bold as to openly cheat on Phil in front of Ana, or a room full of people she didn't know.

I was very unsettled with this news. And I really didn't want to talk about it any further. Not until I had the chance to talk with both Rene and Charlie about it. I didn't know what was happening. But I wasn't sure if I liked it.

"Let's talk about it… after the baby is delivered." I said, trying to force a smile on my face.

They both took the hint.

"No problem, let's just get you back to my place, so you can rest." Emmett wrapped his arm around me, hugging my close to his side.

Alice followed closely behind us, twirling as she went. Completely at ease.

I had a lot on my mind. There was a lot I had to process. I was glad that I had the weekend away to calm myself down enough to think. My hands slid down to my stomach, I closed my eyes. Waiting to feel movement. At the first kick, I felt my worries disappear for a moment. The only thing that mattered, was this baby. If I can just focus on that, it will be alright. Everything else can work itself out. Right?

A/N: Thanks for reading! What do you all think of this story so far? It's been a lot of fun to write. Review, Favorite, Alert. Anything is appreciated.