The golden sunlight filtered through the living room windows, casting soft patterns on the floor. Bella stood near the kitchen counter, her hands wrapped around a mug of tea, staring out at the forest beyond. She had been thinking about Juliette and Nathaniel all morning. Their haunted eyes, the way they'd described being hunted—it all lingered in her mind.
"We should invite them over," she said softly, breaking the silence.
Edward, sitting nearby with a book in his hands, raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure that's a good idea? We barely know them."
Bella turned to face him, her expression resolute. "Exactly. We don't know them. But Elliot and Isabella trust them, and if what they said is true, they've been on their own for far too long."
Edward set the book down, considering her words. "And you think a playdate is the solution?"
Bella smiled faintly, her eyes softening. "It's not just about the kids, Edward. It's about showing them what family feels like. What safety feels like. If they're as lost as they seem, they could use that."
After a pause, Edward nodded. "Alright. But we'll keep a close eye on them."
That afternoon, Isabella and Elliot eagerly approached Juliette and Nathaniel in the school parking lot. The twins had already discussed the idea and were determined to bring their new friends into the fold.
"Hey," Isabella said, her voice light as she adjusted her backpack. "My parents were wondering if you two might want to come over after school tomorrow."
Juliette blinked, clearly startled by the offer. "Come over? To your house?"
"Yeah," Elliot chimed in. "We could hang out, play some football or something. My mom's even making dinner—she's got plenty of… options for everyone."
Nathaniel narrowed his eyes slightly, studying Elliot. "Your parents are okay with us coming over? Even after what we told you?"
"They're the ones who suggested it," Isabella said quickly. "Trust me, they're not like anyone you've met before."
Juliette glanced at her brother, her hesitation evident. "I don't know…"
Nathaniel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's just one evening, Juliette. Maybe it's worth it."
Juliette bit her lip but finally nodded. "Okay. But only if we're not intruding."
"You're not," Isabella assured her with a smile.
The next day, the two siblings arrived at the Cullen home, their expressions a mixture of awe and unease. The sprawling house, with its modern glass walls and warm wood accents, stood like a beacon amidst the towering trees.
Bella greeted them at the door with her characteristic warmth. "Welcome! Come on in."
Juliette hesitated on the threshold, her sharp eyes darting around as if searching for hidden threats. Nathaniel placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder before stepping inside.
The twins were already waiting in the living room, their excitement barely contained. "Come on," Elliot said, grinning. "We've got a treehouse out back and everything."
Juliette's eyebrows lifted. "A treehouse?"
"It's amazing," Isabella added. "We'll show you."
As the kids headed outside, Bella watched them through the large windows, her heart tightening. She turned to Edward, who had been silent beside her. "They're so young, Edward. I can't imagine what they've been through."
"We'll find out," Edward said quietly, his tone steady but concerned.
Outside, Juliette and Isabella climbed into the treehouse, the laughter of the boys echoing from the lawn below as they tossed a football back and forth.
"This is incredible," Juliette murmured, running her fingers along the smooth wood of the treehouse walls.
"My dad built it for us," Isabella said, a hint of pride in her voice. "It's like our little sanctuary."
Juliette smiled faintly, her gaze distant. "It must be nice… having a place that feels safe."
Isabella hesitated, sensing the weight of Juliette's words. "You're safe here too, you know."
Juliette met her eyes, a flicker of vulnerability breaking through her guarded expression. "Thanks."
Down below, Nathaniel caught the football with ease, his movements fluid and precise. Elliot grinned. "Not bad. You play?"
Nathaniel smirked. "Used to. It's been a while."
"Well, let's see if you've still got it," Elliot challenged, tossing the ball back.
The game quickly grew competitive, their supernatural speed and agility turning a simple match into a display of skill that bordered on the impossible. Isabella and Juliette watched from the treehouse, laughing as the boys tried to outdo each other.
As the evening settled in, Bella called everyone inside for dinner. The dining table was set with an array of food—traditional dishes for the twins, and blood bags discreetly warmed for Juliette and Nathaniel.
At first, the siblings hesitated, their instincts telling them to distrust such generosity. But the hunger gnawing at them won out, and they drank with a quiet desperation that didn't go unnoticed.
"You haven't eaten in a while, have you?" Bella asked gently, her gaze full of compassion.
Juliette wiped her mouth, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Not… properly," she admitted.
Bella exchanged a glance with Edward before leaning forward slightly. "We have plenty of warm clothes, showers, and spaces for you to rest. You don't have to worry about anything tonight."
Nathaniel looked at her, his eyes filled with skepticism. "You don't have to do this."
Bella's voice softened. "But we want to. Please let us help."
After dinner, Bella showed Juliette and Nathaniel to the guest rooms upstairs. Each room was neatly arranged, with warm blankets folded at the edge of the bed and clothes set aside for both of them.
"You can take your time in the shower," Bella told Juliette, placing a gentle hand on her arm. "There's plenty of soap, shampoo, whatever you need."
Juliette stared at her, overwhelmed by the kindness. "Thank you," she whispered.
Nathaniel was quieter but accepted his space with a nod. As they both emerged later, clean and dressed in the soft clothes Bella had left, the tension in their shoulders seemed to ease.
"Goodnight," Bella said, walking them each to their rooms. She paused in Nathaniel's doorway. "You're safe here."
When all the children were settled, Bella and Edward made their rounds, stopping to tuck each one in. In Juliette's room, Bella pulled the blanket up to her chin and smoothed her hair, a small gesture that left the girl blinking back tears.
"Sleep well, Juliette," Bella whispered.
Edward did the same for Nathaniel, who lay stiffly at first but finally relaxed as Edward stepped back.
"You're part of our family now," Edward said softly. "Even if just for tonight."
When the house finally fell silent, Bella and Edward stood together at the foot of the stairs, the faint sound of the forest outside wrapping them in stillness. For now, at least, the family felt whole.