Chapter 6

Renesmee's POV

As English class was nearing the end, I was getting more and more nervous about biology, since Edward was sure to be there. Now that he is aware of our relation to each other, I wonder how things will turn out.

"Tomorrow we will be discussing our reading for this semester which is the Scarlett letter, and Friday I will hand out everyone's copies of the book" Ms. Bennett explained.

Suddenly the bell rang, singling the end of the period. Carla made her way to me as I finished gathering my stuff.

"I thought this class would never end, man it was dragging," Carla said as we made our way into the hall.

To me, it went fast, though, of course, it was because I was dreading the next period.

"So, you up for a shopping mall trip, next Saturday since you're busy with your Aunt this weekend," Carla asked.

"Yeah, I'm up for it. Just as long as we are not there from opening to closing like last time" I said shuddering at our last shopping trip.

"Blame Caroline for that one, I love shopping as much as the next girl, but she takes it to a new level. I bet she has 2 full sized closets to fit half the stuff she buys" She argued as we stopped as our lockers

Zoey was just showing up from her Chemistry class.

"So how was your Chem class" I asked Zoey as I closed my locker.

"You won't believe what happened. Jasper Hale sat next to me during class and was asking about you" Zoey explained still looking like she was in disbelief.

"What" both Carla and I said at the same time.

"Yeah, it was strange. He asked about how we first met and what you do for fun. He even asked a bit of your sister. I have no idea how he even knows that" Zoey explained.

"Aww Renesmee has a stalker" Carla teased in a sing song-like voice.

So, it seems the rest of his family knows about me.

"Well look I'm going to head to Biology, I will see you guys at lunch," I said quickly changing the topic, before quickly heading off to class. No way can I handle the taunts right now.

I got more and more nervous the closer I got to Brammer's room, not knowing what to expect from Edward.

However much to my shock and disappointment, he wasn't in his seat when I got there. Does this mean he wants nothing at all to do with me?

"What a surprise, Renesmee early for once," Brammer said.

"Don't get used to it Brammer" I said already starting to feel agitated, as I made my way to my seat.

As I sat down, I couldn't help but question whether he wanted anything to do with me.

I was soon brought out of my thoughts when the chair next to me moved. I looked over and saw Edward giving me a crooked smile as he sat down. I couldn't help but smile as well.

"Hello, I'm Edward Cullen, I apologize for not properly introducing myself yesterday," he said extending his hand to me.

"Renesmee Swan or just Nessie if you prefer," I said shaking his hand.

My already fast-beating heart was pounding so hard in my chest. It was exciting to know that Edward wanted to get to know me, but also a little nerve-wracking at the same time not knowing how we would proceed from here.

Edward's POV

It was so obvious to me that she was mine and Bella's daughter, and while she may have inherited most of her looks from me, her personality was similar to Bella's.

"Class I have a quick errand to run to the office real fast, I will be back momentarily. I trust you will behave appropriately while I am out" Mr. Brammer said as he took his leave.

"Oh, thank god," Renesmee said muttering under her breath.

"I can see that you do not like him," I said hoping to break the ice between us.

Renesmee just shakes her head and says "Not at all. Last year on my very first day of school, the guy gave me detention for being 5 minutes late and wouldn't listen about me being new to the school. So, I purposely show up either right before the bell rings or just a few minutes after for his classes just to get under his skin".

I chuckled at her explanation; she definitely has a certain spunk about her.

We soon fell into another uncomfortable silence, and from her thoughts, I could tell she was struggling with what she should say. There was so much I would like to say but I knew this wasn't the right setting for that.

"Renesmee I was hoping that maybe after school was done, you would like to meet up, so we could get to know each other a bit more," I asked in a tone so low that humans could not hear because I know the assumptions that they would make.

Renesmee gave me a weird look that made me nervous, however, the comment she made completely took me off guard "That sounds like you are asking me out on a date, you know that right".

I wasn't exactly sure how I should have reacted, but the first reaction that came out of my mouth was laughter. I'm sure if I was paying any sort of attention, I'm sure our classmates were giving me odd looks and thinking about it as well.

"I must apologize I did not mean for it to come out like that," I said.

She just chuckled and said, "It's cool, I know what you meant. I would like that very much; I have waited so long for this moment".

I could feel the guilt starting to resurface if only I hadn't been so stupid back then and been there for Bella. Renesmee would have had me and the rest of the family in her life.

Before we could talk some more, Mr. Brammer came in and started his lecture.

Thankfully the lecture was short and gave each table an assignment to identify the cell cycle which is going to be the introductory to the course.

I of course knew all of this by memory at this point thanks to my sharp memory and having constantly repeated the same course throughout the centuries.

Renesmee took me by surprise, with how much she already knew as when we started our paper, she quickly took the lead. I was curious about what Bella did with her education, considering there was an obvious rapid growth spurt, considering she's only 9 going on 10 but looks like a 17-year-old girl.

I knew there was no point in trying to whisper since everyone around was talking loud enough to drown out our conversation, but still cautious enough to be quiet lower than a human as I spoke.

"So, when did you start school exactly, if you don't mind me asking"

Renesmee just shrugged her shoulders as she continued to write on the paper "Last year was my first day of actual school, I was homeschooled before that. It took so long before my mom would let me go until I got my powers under control."

Alice mentioned to me her ability to project her thoughts into someone else's mind, it was certainly fascinating, it was basically the opposite of my mind-reading ability.

I was about to remark on the similarities, but she just continued.

"I worked hard to be able to do it because I really craved the high school experience and wanted to make friends. Up until last year, the only people I interacted with daily were Mom and Jake. Sure, when we visited the reserve back in Forks, I hung out with some of the other pack members, but that's far and few in between."

I didn't need to be an empath like Jasper, to tell there was a lot of loneliness that Renesmee held inside. I can relate all too well to that feeling, but she internalizes it and acts like she is fine, while I'm the exact opposite.

I gave a small smile "It seems like you found yourself a great group of friends to surround yourself with."

Though it worried me a bit because of the nature of Renesmee and the rest of us being exposed, I didn't have much choice but to trust that she was careful after all if Bella trusted her, then I needed to trust in her as well.

"Oh, they are the best all right, they make me feel like I'm any other normal teenage girl," she said as she replayed some memories in her mind, silently chuckling to herself as if she almost forgot I was there.

I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not, but I feel almost envious of Renesmee it's easier for her to be able to blend in and interact with humans so naturally, unlike the rest of us who have to act out the part.

Renesmee's POV

As soon as the bell rang signaling the end of Biology, Edward and I quickly grabbed our stuff and were one of the first people out of the room.

"If you like, you are more than welcome to join me and my siblings at our table at lunch" he offered.

I just shook my head "Thanks, but maybe another time. I really don't need my friend Carla jumping to quick assumptions"

"Understandable, how about I meet you out in front of my car after last period" he suggested.

"Works for me," I said.

I have to admit, that went better than I thought it would surprisingly. I can't help but silently chuckle at his attempt of asking to get to know me. That was just awful but in a funny way.

The rest of the day went quickly, and now I was in my last period of the day which was Art. I was just doing some drawings in my personal art book.

"So, Nessie how come you didn't sit with us at lunch today" Alice asks sounding somewhat wounded.

I didn't look up at her, but continued working on my sketch "I mean I don't know your family yet; I feel like that would have been kind of awkward,"

"First off they are your family too and secondly they have all been dying to meet you since they learned of you," Alice said seriously.

I was pleasantly surprised that they all consider me family already despite only learning about me yesterday.

"You're Talented there Nessie, may I look," Alice said as she looked at the little drawing I was doing of the forest near my house.

"These are amazing, you certainly take after Edward in the art department," she said as she skimmed through the various sketches that I have done, which included portraits of my mom, Jake, my friends, and other outdoor settings.

"Thanks, so does Edward draw as well," I asked hoping my rosy cheeks weren't getting any redder.

"He's more of a musician, particularly with the piano. He's been playing that since his human days."

I couldn't help but lift my head in interest "Really, how long ago was that."

"Back in the early 19th century."

I could feel my eyes widen a bit and I was a bit tempted to ask how he became a vampire, but I felt that was something I should ask him in person.

"I've never really played any instrument, wasn't something that I considered growing up. Mom was too busy with the main subjects, especially English"

Alice let out a loud sigh that even a human could hear "Let me guess Wuthering Heights, does she still have that old copy of hers."

"You'd be surprised by how well she takes care of it, despite reading it at least once a month Only reason she ended up buying another copy, was for my lessons. It's a good story, but I wouldn't even put it in my top 10 of favorites" I admitted.

"Better hope she never finds that I don't even think I can predict her reaction," Alice said grimacing a bit while still keeping her smile on her face.

I shivered just thinking about it.

Soon the rest of the class was over, and I quickly grabbed my stuff together, so I could go meet Edward.

"Good luck today with your father, I hope he'll let you meet the rest of the family soon," Alice said with a wink before making her leave.

Man, she has so much energy, probably even more so than me. I skipped going to my locker hoping to avoid Carla and Zoey, and quickly get out of there in one piece without being noticed.

So, when I got outside, I started straight towards Edward's Volvo, where he was leaning against it when I showed up. He smiled at me and then opened the passenger's door for me. After shutting my door, he quickly got into the driver's side and started the car.

"So, I hope Alice didn't talk your ear off in your class, I think we both know how she can get," he asked with a chuckle.

"Wasn't too bad. She told me how the family is excited to meet me" I said.

"They all are trust me, Esme can't wait to meet her new granddaughter. If I am being honest with you, I'm not quite ready to introduce you quite yet, I just discovered I am a father just yesterday. It's still all new to me" he explained.

I feel relieved by his admission because now I know I'm not the only one not knowing how to act or feel.

"I know, it's weird trying to figure out how to act around you since we only just met after 9 years. Though I am glad I have finally gotten to put a face on my father after so many years of mystery" I admitted remembering the times when I would try to paint a picture of what my father would look like.

A look of pain came across his face, and I wondered if I said something I shouldn't have. Then suddenly, he pulled his car over to the side of the road.

As soon as he was parked, he turned to me with his eyes solely focused on me and said "Renesmee, there is no apology in the world that would be enough to make up for my absence for the past 9 years in your life, but I still want you to know how sorry I am for all the pain that I caused you and your mother. If I could redo everything, I would in a heartbeat".

I could tell he was sincere in his apology and that he meant every word that he said of it. Still, there was something bothering me. He didn't know about me at all, but I wonder why my mother never tried contacting him before when she found out she was pregnant with me. I couldn't help but go back to what Jake had told me before about him crushing my mother's heart, just what on earth did he say to her?

"Renesmee, the things I said to your mother after her birthday were unforgivable. Thinking back on it, I really should've thought things through a little bit more" he said.

"What happened" I asked curious to know.

He looks conflicted over what to say just like Mom whenever I bring the subject up, just how bad was it.

"I love your mother so much that back then the best way I thought I could protect from our world if I left her, I couldn't bear if anything would happen to her. So, I said some awful things to her so that she would believe me that I wanted nothing to do with her anymore before my family moved away. I can see now that was the wrong thing to have done" he explained, and I could see all the pain and regret from how the tone of his voice and his facial expressions.

Though I can still tell he was leaving parts out, I decided to drop it for the time being. From his perspective I totally get where he was coming from in wanting to keep my mom safe, but then again that completely left my mom even more vulnerable. My thoughts unconsciously went back to my days in the womb, and how a single kick would break my mother's ribs or the day when I was born and how her spine broke in two.

I broke out of my thoughts as soon as I saw how much pain Edward seemed to be in.

"I'm so sorry I forgot you can read minds; I didn't mean to make you upset or anything," I said frantically apologizing.

He quickly relaxed and said "It's quite alright. You know you are quite perceptive just like your mother. I guess Alice told you about my ability."

I shook my head and said, "While my hearing isn't as good as a vampire's, I still overheard bits and pieces of your conversation yesterday at lunch, and you mentioned reading my mind in Biology."

"I see, and I also understand that you have a power as well," he asked.

"Yes, I can place my thoughts and images into other people's heads at will, as I'm sure Alice had shown you. I suppose it's the exact opposite of what you can do" I explained.

"I suppose so. Well, how about we get this car back on the road, there's still so much I would like to know" he said giving me a smile

"I would love to," I said also giving a smile.

Edward's POV

So that's what we did for the past hour and a half, we just talked and got to know each other a little bit. I told her of my past and how I met Carlisle who changed me into a vampire, and I even told her how I met Bella. While she explained to me what parts made her a vampire and what made her human, I could easily tell some of the human parts because of her rapidly beating heart. She even told me some of her childhood memories, memories that I wish that I could have been a part of. It did unnerve me a bit how fondly she talked about the dog and how he seemed to have taken such a liking to her. I will have to ask Bella about that later if she gives me the chance.

I still had a hard time believing I could be involved in making such a beautiful creature like Nessie, which she prefers to be called. Every time I look at her, images of my mother come to my mind, the way she always took care of me until the very end.

Just from meeting her the first time, Alice said she was the spitting image of me, but I have to disagree. She was the spitting image of Bella and my mother, no way could she have inherited anything from a monster like me.

Soon I was pulling right in front of Bella's house.

Nessie let out a sigh of relief "I don't think I've ever driven with anyone that's ever gone past 80 miles before."

"I'm sorry if I scared you," I said as I got out of the car to open her door, chuckling knowing she wasn't afraid, at first, she was but she quickly got over that, unlike Bella who never got used to it.

She just shrugged "It's ok, I knew you wouldn't let anything happen to me, besides I'm sure my body would be durable if you crashed."

"Yeah, we're not going to test that" I quickly said shutting down that idea, she was still part human after all.

Before we could say our goodbye, Bella came sprinting, at human speed, right out of the house.

She pulled Renesmee into a hug and said, "Where have you been."

"Mom it's ok, I was with Edward this whole time. My phone was shut off" she said as she rolled her eyes.

Bella just glanced at me before looking back at Renesmee "You still should have called me and told me where you were".

I knew I had to ask Renesmee a certain question with Bella still out here because there was no way she would say no in front of Renesmee.

"Before I leave, I was hoping you and Renesmee would join our family tomorrow night for a family gathering, so everyone else can finally meet Renesmee?"

"I would love to, that would be so cool to finally meet everyone else," Renesmee said with enthusiasm. Then she turned to look at Bella, who looked uncomfortable.

"I really shouldn't, I mean this is about you, not me," she said.

"Come on Bella, everyone is eager to see you again. Especially Alice and Esme" I said hoping that could coax her since she was very close to them, especially Alice.

"Please Mom, it would be less nerve-wracking for me if you were there" Renesmee pleaded.

I could see Bella's resolve quickly fading as Renesmee pleaded with her.

"All right fine I'll go," Bella said finally relenting.

"Thank you," Renesmee said hugging Bella.

"Well, I should be going. Alice says it will be sunny tomorrow, so I won't see you in school, but I'll pick both of you up around 7" I said as kissed Renesmee on her forehead, and before I could move forward towards Bella, she was already backing away from me. It stung, but I knew that was something that I deserved.

As I got into my car and started towards home, I wondered if there was even a chance that I could fix my relationship with Bella at all.