Bella's Point of View
We've been in Montana for the last week now, to my understanding we may have to be here longer. There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding our trip home. Another problem. Just when I thought this life couldn't get crazier, now throw werewolves into the mix. It boggles my mind that such creatures exist. And apparently, they have a huge problem with my babies being born half vampire. Carlisle has been working endlessly trying to convince Sam Uley that they aren't dangerous little monsters, that would be a threat to the people of Forks.
It's been a frustrating process. And extremely hard to explain to Rene and Charlie, why we aren't heading back to Forks yet. I knew Charlie was starting to get suspicious. He cleared it at work, for him to be off on leave for a while, so he could stay up here in Montana. Of course Rene didn't have a job, so she didn't mind staying as well. She would often go out and explore the city. She was content. But for how long? Charlie was getting anxious to get back to work.
Today, Sam would be meeting us in the evening, to meet the twins. He was reluctant. But Carlisle was pretty convincing. I don't know how the meeting would go. My stomach was in knots as I watched the clock. I didn't want anything to happen. Like a fight. But I'd do anything to keep my babies safe.
Emmett sensed my distress, he hovered over me, his eyes blazing. His arms were rigid on the back of the couch, his hands clenched into tight fists. Greyson was hungry suckling at my left breast, his eyes moved from person to person. He was a curious little guy.
Ana sat next to me on the couch, feeding Emerson a bottle of blood. She looked down at him with a warm smile. Emerson has grown a lot these past few days. He was aging so fast. It was startling. I worried about him a lot. How long would he live? If he kept aging so fast, would he be up and crawling around next week? I didn't want to miss all of those important steps.
"Emerson is doing really well isn't he, the boy has really grown," Charlie commented, walking into the living room with a mug of coffee in his hands. He walked over with a content smile, peaking at both of the babies. "He's going to be a brute."
"He must take after his dad." Ana said with a weak laugh.
Emmett cracked a smile, turning his sights to Emerson. But his body remained tense. He hasn't said much today. I knew he was worried about the meeting with Sam. He was preparing for a fight. There was a serious threat here. Sam wanted to kill our babies. Of course he was on edge. Who wouldn't be. I just hoped that it wouldn't come to that.
"Greyson is staying pretty small," I said lightly. I had high hopes that he wouldn't grow too quickly. So far, he has been staying on track of what a regular human baby would progress. There weren't many signs that Greyson was partly a vampire. His heart beat, he was warm to the touch, you would never think he was anything but normal. But his strength was unimaginable. If we aren't careful, Greyson might accidentally show his strength. Just a little touch from his tiny hand, could move the entire couch.
In reality, he was probably already stronger than I am. This was something in particular that Emmett is incredibly proud of. But we would have to be careful. Emerson was strong as well, but he had an easier time understanding. Carlisle has measured his development to somewhere around the brain functions of a three year old. He was incredibly smart. He may not be able to communicate yet, but he understood what we said to him.
Rene came out now, in a long robe, her hair in a messy bun. She instantly came over to me with a wide smile. "Let me finish up feeding little Grey, so you can get ready for today." She held her hands out excitedly.
Reluctantly I carefully handed him over to her and the bottle. "I just need a few minutes."
"Take all the time you need. Both of you need a break. Go out, get some breakfast or something. We can watch the babies for a bit." Rene said as she put the bottle back to Greyson's mouth. He continued to drink, but his eyes stayed on me. My heart pinched in my chest. I wanted him. I never wanted to be away from either of them. It was hard to even imagine my life without these two angels.
"We'll be right back," I insisted. Emmett followed, as we headed towards the bedroom. Alice was waiting for us. She was sitting comfortably on the bed, watching out the window at the shining sun. Jasper had left a few hours earlier, he was out hunting with Edward for the rest of the morning. They managed to leave, just before the sun came up. But now they would be trapped out there in the shadows, until the sun went back down.
Emmett sighed heavily. "Please tell me they picked up the trail."
Alice nodded slowly, her eyes dancing between the two of us. "Jasper mentioned picking up the trail of one of the nomads. We aren't sure which one. But they are jumping back and forth between territories, searching for something. Probably one of us."
Another issue that we had to deal with. Even if Sam allows us to return to Forks, we aren't so sure that is going to be the safest place to go. Not with those nomad vampires running around, looking to take revenge for the death of the one Edward killed.
"Maybe it would be best to just rebuild somewhere new." Emmett muttered, moving to wrap his arms around me. I curled myself to his chest, needing his strength right now, more than ever. I just felt helpless. I didn't expect this to happen. It was getting to the point where I wasn't sure if Charlie and Rene should be involved anymore. Things were getting really dangerous. I didn't want to have to worry about their safety as well.
"I just don't know how I could convince Charlie and Rene to be fine with that. I mean… I turn eighteen next year, then they won't have a say in what I do. But until then… I don't know…"
"Bella is right. Anyway, Forks is our home. No one can come along and just kick us out. We will win over Sam and his mutts. And we will take care of those rogues as well. It just takes time." Alice said with a hopeful smile. "Just try to relax for now. Worrying isn't going to help the situation."
"Easier said than done."
Emmett lightly rubbed circles against my back. "Any word from Rose?"
I struggled to not make a face. Even the mention of her name made my blood run cold. It was her fault that we were even in this mess. She was the one to tell the wolves about my pregnancy. Not only had she refused to help, but instead made matters worse. I hoped that I wouldn't run into her. I'd have some choice words. But I had more respect for the Cullens then to speak out against her. Even though I found her to be a huge pest in my life, they still cared for her.
Alice frowned, playing with a few pieces of her hair. "She called late last night. She plans on staying in Forks. I guess something came up… she mentioned that she found someone… that she planned on dating."
Emmett's first reaction was to roll his eyes. "Good for her. I'm guessing whoever the poor sap is, happens to be part of the pack."
"Yeah, that's what she said…"
"Then why are we still at risk if we return?"
"Because the pack accepts her. Only her. Because she has been imprinted on. Rose told the pack that she is no longer affiliated with us… so she is free to stay in Forks for as long as she wants. Without there being any issues." Alice said with a sour look.
"Imprinted?" I repeated with a frown.
Emmett leaned down to peck the top of my head. "It's something unique only to wolves. When they find their soulmates, a connection is made between the two. Invisible but strong and unbreakable. It's a love and devotion to each other that lasts a lifetime. It adapts and changes, but it's always there."
"Very romantic," Alice muttered, turning her sights back to the window. Her expression was blank. I couldn't tell what she was thinking. But something told me she was missing Jasper. It was rare to see the two of them apart for very long. I'm sure having the time apart was something she wasn't quite used to. I didn't blame her. I always missed Emmett terribly when he would have to leave to go hunting. It was something I'd never get used to.
"So, she is no longer affiliated with this family," Emmett hissed with a look of frustration. "She officially cut ties with us. I better not see her face again. Traitor."
Alice nodded in agreement. "I can't say I'd like to see her either. But you know Carlisle is going to want to try and reason with her. He doesn't want any of us to split up and leave like that. He wants all of us to be a family and get along. We've been doing it for so long, you would think we would be better at it by now."
"Things have changed. We have new additions. And if Rose can't accept that, she doesn't need to be part of this family anymore."
It was hard to see Emmett and Alice upset like this. The atmosphere was pretty bleak. I thought that maybe changing the subject might lighten the mood a little. Onto topics less depressing.
"Where is Carlisle and Esme today?" I asked, carefully resting my head on Emmett's shoulder.
His arms instantly squeezed me a little tighter to him. His eyes softened as a faint smile came to his lips. "Carlisle is getting the paperwork done for the twins. Their birth certificates and legal papers. Esme is working on ideas for a nursery, once we figure out where we are going to live."
Alice grinned, bouncing over to the two of us. "Not only that, but Edward is helping stock us up on animal blood for Emerson. That kid really knows how to drink."
"That reminds me, I'm going to go run a bath for you babe," Emmett said, nodding down to my clothes. "You deserve a little break. Alice can keep an eye on the boys for now."
"Are you sure?" I asked, chewing my lip.
"Of course, silly, I'll lay out something cute for you to wear." Alice smiled brightly.
I shrugged my shoulders. "You might as well not, the boys will have me a mess again in just a few hours. Something comfortable would be preferred."
Alice pouted. "Oh, fine, I'll find something." She quickly walked away and into the walk-in closet.
Emmett walked me into the bathroom and began to run the water in the tub. I stood in front of the full-length mirror, looking at myself. I looked awful. Bags under my eyes. My hair is a complete mess. I was covered in drool or baby puke, or a mixture of both. There are blood stains and milk stains. I generally felt sticky. I've basically been awake non-stop for the past week. Emerson didn't sleep for very long. The longest he slept was about two hours. Then he was fully rested and ready to stay awake the rest of the day. Thankfully, Greyson slept a lot longer and more frequently. Although it was all at random, he would fall asleep at different times of the day and for variously different lengths of time.
"Ugh, I look awful," I muttered, letting my eyes now fall down to my body. I still had a bit of a baby bump. Although not nearly as big as it was. I would have to work hard to lose this weight.
"You look beautiful," Emmett said, planting kisses down my neck. His lips brushed down over my shoulders. Slowly, he slid my top off first. I felt him positioning himself behind me. His massive hands reached around me to cup my breasts; that were huge and swollen. I would need to pump soon. It was just slightly tender. But I enjoyed his touch. It gave my confidence a little boost. "I know we promised Carlisle to wait for about six weeks before having sex again, but with you… looking like this… it's going to be the longest six weeks of my existence."
My cheeks warmed as I let my eyes close. Emmett smoothly massaged my breasts, before sliding down my sides to rest on my hips. Gently he tugged my pajama bottoms down until they hit the floor at my feet. He eyed my panties with a smirk.
"Don't get any ideas. I'm still too sore to do anything. As much as I'd love to. Everything still kinda hurts." I said with a sigh.
I had both of the babies by c-section. So the scars on my body weren't the prettiest. But they were reminders of everything I went through to become a mother. I would accept them. In the back of my mind, I hoped that Emmett didn't find it repulsive.
"I wouldn't dream of it. But when you're ready, I'll be more than ready." He whispered in my ear as he continued to analyze every inch of my body. His fingers rolled around my panties, and with a flick of his wrist, they hit the floor as well.
I swallowed, feeling a slight wobble in my legs. With a little help from Emmett, I stepped into the tub and lowered myself down. The water didn't quite reach my incision line, but it was deep enough to enjoy. The water wasn't hot, it was lukewarm. And Carlisle had picked up some antimicrobial soap for me to use. Just until everything is healed.
Emmett sat on the toilet, pulling his phone out to put on some music. He knew exactly what I wanted to hear. He played all the classics and the oldies. In my opinion, the eighties and nineties had the best music. It was peaceful. We didn't speak. Just enjoyed each other's company, while I washed up.
This bathroom was really nice. Spacious. The rub had a moveable shower head, so Emmett was able to help me get my hair washed as well. Soon, I felt like a new woman. I even had some time to do some shaving and grooming. But I knew I couldn't be away for too much longer. I wanted to get back to the boys. I could hear one of them crying.
Emmett snickered. "I better get out there, the troublemaker is at it again."
"Emerson," I asked with an amused smile.
"The one and only."
I watched as Emmett shot up to his feet and walked out of the room, lightly closing the door behind him. For that brief moment I let out a long sigh. I had a lot on my mind. But spending some time away from it has helped me. I felt a little more focused. Things seemed really bleak at the moment, but I wouldn't let it damper my spirits. Sometimes things worked out. I just had to keep hoping that would be the case.
There was a soft knock at my door now.
"Yeah?"
"Bella, I'm coming in." It was Alice's voice.
"Alright,"
Without hesitation, Alice came dancing through the door, holding out an outfit that I actually really liked. A simple pair of sweatpants, light blue with a solid white line going down the sides of the legs. And a matching sweatshirt with a single white line going across the bust. It was exactly something I'd wear. Comfortable. Nothing too flashy. Other than it being a brand name outfit.
"This is the best I could come up with. It's awful. But I can't think of anything else that would deserve baby fluids covering it for the majority of the day." She said, shaking her head in disappointment.
"That's perfect, thank you so much."
Alice offered a cheerful look. "Just so you know, since it's going to get cloudy and end up raining soon. We are pushing up this meeting. Sam and his people are on their way right now. Just a few of us are going. But we need to keep you, Rene, Charlie and Ana out of harm's way. Carlisle would like you all to remain here."
I frowned deeply. "If my twins are going, I'm going. They aren't leaving my sight."
"I know you want to be there, but what if something happens?"
"Then Emerson and Greyson are going to need me. There is no way I'm letting anyone take them away from me. I'm going to be there."
Alice winced, rubbing the back of her neck. "Well, I can't stop you. I just don't want something bad to happen. I have no way of knowing how this meeting is going to go. My visions won't work when wolves are involved, or your children apparently."
I sighed, standing up and wrapping a towel around myself. I dried myself off and didn't take much time to get dressed. Alice watched with a look of concern. I could tell she wasn't thrilled about the idea of me being there when the wolves showed up, but I didn't care. There was no way I'd stay behind. I'll be right there, supporting my kids. If we are all fated to die, I'd die by their side, protecting them. That's what a mother would do. Isn't it?
The outfit was even more comfortable than I thought. Alice went to work brushing and styling my hair. She French braided it. Which was really nice. It kept most of my hair out of my face. As I watched out of the bathroom and into the living room, I took note of Emmett holding both of our kids and standing by the door. Charlie stood across from him with a content smile. But as I entered the room, both of them turned to look at me, nervous expressions crossing their faces.
"Oh, hey Bells," Charlie said, clearing his throat. "I was just telling Emmett here; Rene wants to do some sight-seeing. We plan on driving back to Forks tonight. So there are a few places she wanted to check out first."
I looked around the room, Rene was already gone. Along with Ana. I wondered if they were already out in the parking garage, waiting for him.
"That sounds like fun. Take a lot of pictures. I'll probably see you back at Forks in a day or two…" I wasn't really sure what to tell him exactly. We still weren't sure if we would even be allowed to come back. Not with the threat of a pack of wolves waiting there to rip the family to shreds.
A chill ran down my spine at the thought of that happening.
"Yeah, I sure will. In the meantime, you kids take it easy. If you need anything, just give me a call." Charlie responded, reaching out to squeeze my shoulder. "I'm very proud of you. You have two beautiful boys."
I ducked my head, a little embarrassed by this display. "Thanks dad,"
He looked at Emmett with a rueful smile. "And good luck to you, this weekend." That was all he said, before making his way out the door. Just like that, it was just Emmett, Alice and me.
"What did he mean by good luck? What's happening this weekend?"
Emmett met my gaze with a nervous smile. "That's a surprise,"
"I'm not the biggest fan of surprises."
"I know, but this is a good one. I promise it's nothing to get too worked up over." He said with a wink.
I held my hands out for Emerson. Who practically leaped into my arms as Emmett was handing him over. He was much heavier than his brother. But that was okay. He was a big boy, like his father. And his dimples… precious. His tiny hands rested on my chest and his big blue eyes closed. His body was limp in my arms, as soft snores fell from his thin lips.
This was an extremely rare moment. Emerson doesn't sleep too often. So, I didn't plan on waking him up. Instead, I just walked back to the couch and sat down. Emmett followed with Greyson, who looked really awake and really animated.
Again, there was peace. We sat in front of the television, watching whatever random show came on. Alice wove in and out of every room, as if she was looking for something. She had a lost expression on her face. She was probably thinking of Jasper. Wondering how he was.
It was probably about an hour before people started showing up. Carlisle and Esme first. They had a bunch of supplies, including more baby clothes for the boys. Next was Edward, who stocked the fridge back up with animal blood for Emerson. He seemed a bit sad. Maybe he was missing Ana. They seemed to be growing close. Closer than what Edward was letting on. But we all could see it. There was something beautiful blossoming there. They just didn't realize it yet. Jasper was the last to show up, but the light butterscotch color of his eyes confirmed that he had a successful hunt. He went straight to Alice, as soon as his foot went through the threshold. They glued themselves together.
We all were piled in the living room waiting for the daylight hours to dwindle a little further. The meeting time was about an hour away. There were butterflies in my stomach. I was really scared. But really hopeful. A few of the others tried to convince me to stay here, while they met up with the pack. That wasn't going to happen. And I think everyone realized that by now. I wouldn't give in. The only way to stop me from following after them, would be to tie me up. Emmett seemed the most concerned, but he showed the most support to my wishes. Even if he didn't like it, he never refused the things that I wanted to do. It was one of the things that I loved about him. Having the ability to look past his own thoughts and feelings. And putting his faith and accepting nature on the line to give me the ability to do the things I want to do. He didn't force his thoughts down my throat. He let me be in control of my own fate.
I stared at the clock on the wall that hang above the clock. The meeting is at seven in the evening. It was six forty-four. We would have to leave soon if we wanted to make it to the meeting in time.
This is it. Whatever happens at the end of this meeting would seal our fate. It would change things forever. I just hoped that we would be able to walk away from this conversation alive.
.
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.
