Chapter 29: Their Truths and Wishes Revealed

We stayed like that for as long as we could, until I felt it was time to leave before someone came looking for us. I told Faye and Ivy that it was time to go. As soon as those words came out of my mouth, they both groaned in unison. Faye tucked her head and hugged me tightly one more time before nodding saying that she was ready.

We both sat up, and I stretched my stiff limbs as Faye slid off my lap, but I noticed that she kept at least one limb in contact with mine, as if needing the connection. When I stood up, she instinctively tried to follow, but her legs gave out. She stumbled, and I caught her just in time before she fell. I sat her back down on the bed.

She looks up at me with a sheepish smile.

"Oops?"

I frown down at her, concern creasing my forehead. "Are you sure you don't—"

Before I can finish, panic flashes across Faye's face, and her grip tightens on the side of my shirt, knuckles white, and her ears pinned down.

Okay, that answers that…

"Hey, It's okay," I murmur, drawing her into my arms and wrapping her in a hug. Her body trembles slightly against mine, and I hold her closer, feeling the rapid thrum of her heartbeat against my chest. "I've got you. You don't have to stay here. You can come with me."

We stayed like that for a moment longer, her heartbeat gradually slowing under my touch. Faye's breathing steadied, but I could still feel the tension in her body. I pulled back slightly, brushing her long bangs from her face. "Are you alright?"

She hesitated, her eyes flicking between me and the floor. "I… I think so," she whispered, her voice fragile. "Sorry for being a burden."

"You're not a burden," I said firmly, gently lifting her chin so she'd meet my gaze. "You're just scared, and it's okay to be scared." I cracked a smile, hoping to ease the weight and lighten the mood. "You're stuck with me, remember?"

A small, tentative smile tugged at her lips, the first real one I'd seen in a while.

"And that means," I continued, "whatever mess we're in, we're in it together. You don't have to face any of this alone. You never have to apologize for leaning on me."

Her eyes softened, and she gave a shaky nod. "Okay."

"Good," I said, squeezing her hand. "Now let's get out of here before we change our minds."

Faye's shoulders sagged with relief, and she took a deep breath. "Okay. Let's go."

I helped her to her feet again, this time slower, more cautious. Her legs wobbled more than I was comfortable with. "Faye, I think it might be better if I carry you. Is that okay?"

She glanced up at me in surprise before quickly looking down again. After a moment, she gave a small nod, her head barely lifting. As she did, a strand of hair fell away from her face, revealing the flush of redness across her cheeks.

Like a good sister I am, I decided to tease her a bit.

"Now, whose face is red? I'm pretty sure your face is redder than mine was back at the cabin."

At that, she looked up at me with narrowed eyes, her flushed cheeks still visible. She stuck out her tongue and pouted, crossing her arms defensively. Honestly, she looked like a pouting chipmunk.

I let out a little chuckle making her pout more. "Yes, yes. I'm very sorry, little chipmunk. Now, how do you want to do this? Do you want a piggyback ride or do you want me to carry you hug style?"

Much to my amusement, her face became even redder. I decided to be nice and not point it out waiting for her answer. She thought about it for a moment before whispering that she wanted a piggyback ride.

I gave her a quick nod, then crouched with my back turned to her. Throwing a cheeky smile over my shoulder, I said, "Your chariot awaits, my lady."

She rolled her eyes with a small smile before carefully climbing onto my back. I wasn't sure if she was being careful with her legs or if she lacked confidence in making a big gesture. I could tell that her past experiences with some of her foster parents had shaken her confidence and self-esteem, and just thinking about those people made my blood boil.

"Robyn?"

Faye's soft voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "I'm okay, I just got lost in thought, nothing to worry about."

She hesitated but nodded before tucking her head in the back of my neck as I stood up. I couldn't help but notice how light she felt in my arms, I gave myself a quiet reminder that I needed to make sure she ate something soon.

I opened the door with one hand and made my way down the stairs, moving carefully with each step. As I entered the living room, I noticed the Cullens were all gathered there, except for Edward. I was thankful that he wasn't there, but I was worried that he would pop out of nowhere.

Esme, noticing the unspoken question in my eyes, offered a gentle explanation. "He's visiting our cousins in Alaska," she said. I nodded in acknowledgment and gently laid Faye down on the empty couch before sitting beside her.

As soon as I sat down, Faye kept shifting restlessly in her seat and shuffling closer toward me. Her eyes darted between my face and my lap with pleading eyes. It took me a while but I realized she wanted to sit on my lap but most likely didn't know how to ask. I smiled softly and opened my arms, offering her the invitation that she was too shy to ask.

The moment I opened my arms, she perked up and eagerly climbed into my lap. I could feel the curious eyes of the Cullens on us, and I think Faye did too, because she quickly tucked her head against my neck, feeling embarrassed and seeking comfort from their silent attention.

I let out a soft chuckle, gently rubbing Faye's back in an attempt to comfort her. My eyes flicked up to the Cullens, feeling the weight of their silent stares.

I shifted uneasily as the silence stretched longer between us, awkward and heavy, the only sound was the faint ticking of a clock on the wall as we waited for Carlisle to begin asking his questions.

This is too awkward for me. Do you mind if I duck out for this conversation? I am kind of exhausted and would love to catch up on my sleep.

"That's fine with me. How about you, Faye?"

Faye looked worried for a bit but when she heard Ivy yawn, she nodded her head.

Yeah, that's fine.

Thank you! Feel free to wake me up if you need me!

We told her okay before she went silent making me realize how tired she was.

Now back to the Cullens. If Carlisle won't start the conversation, I will.

Finally, I cleared my throat, glancing at Carlisle. "You said you wanted to discuss something?" He looked at me in surprise before nodding his head. "Ah, yes. I wanted to ask the two of you some questions if you would be so kind as to answer."

Faye peeked up from my neck, her eyes lingering with anxiety but gave me a little nod saying that it was okay. I gave her a reassuring squeeze before I looked back up at Carlisle and nodded my head.

"Ask away," I said, trying to sound braver than I felt. Carlisle seemed to sense my anxiety giving me a small reassuring smile. "Maybe, we should start slow." He looks over at Faye. "What is her name?"

I could see Rosalie and Emmett perk up at that question.

"Faye, her name is Faye."

He nods his head with a thoughtful look on his face. "Okay, Faye. How did you two meet?"

I looked down at Faye. "Hey, is it okay if I tell them about you being the bear?"

Faye hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering nervously toward the Cullens before lowering to the floor. Finally, she glanced back up at me, her cheeks flushed as she gave me a small, shy nod.

"Actually, you've already met her." I could see the confusion in their eyes as they stared at Faye closer trying to remember if they'd seen her before. Feeling their eyes, Faye shuffled closer to me.

Carlisle looked up at me. "Bella, I'm not sure we've met her before."

"You have. Faye is the bear that lived with you for 2 days."

As soon as I said that I could see the surprise and recognition in their eyes.

"Little Bear?" Emmett asks.

Faye glanced over at him, offering a soft smile and a nod before lifting her hand in a gentle wave. Seeing her wave made him stare at her in amazement.

I look at Emmett in surprise. I would have thought Rosalie would have said something first. I decided to peek over at her to see her reaction, she seemed to be in shock, staring at Faye.

However, I could see both of them sniffing the air most likely memorizing her scent and appearance, completing the bond.

YES!

Carlisle's eyes widened with understanding, his gaze flickering between me and Faye. "So, she was the one… the bear? I see, that's why you said that we have met before."

I nodded, feeling Faye press closer to my side, sneaking peeks at Rosalie. "Yeah, that is why. She's not just a bear though… she's a type of shapeshifter."

Carlisle leans in, his gaze sharp with curiosity, as though he's already considering which tests to run. The intensity of his scrutiny makes Faye squirm uncomfortably in my lap, trying to shrink into herself. Her tail was tucked as close to her as possible, and her ears pinned back.

I completely forgot to ask Ivy before she went to sleep about her tail and ears….

But first…

I narrow my eyes at Carlisle, pulling her protectively closer.

In a firm, warning tone, I said, "Don't look at her like she's some kind of experiment or lab rat, Carlisle."

The moment those words left my mouth, Emmett and Rosalie snapped out of their trance, both growling lowly as they fixed on Carlisle with matching glares. He looked surprised before placing both hands up in a surrender gesture. "My apologies, I was not aware I was looking at her like that. I was merely curious."

I felt a tug on my shirt, trying to get my attention. I look down at Faye to see her conflicting eyes. "It's okay, Robyn" she mumbled softly. "I don't think he was doing it on purpose." I could tell she was uncomfortable but it seemed like she was trying to keep the peace or maybe give him the benefit of the doubt—a habit, probably. Too bad for him; I don't forgive anyone who makes the people I care about uncomfortable—intentional or not. Especially my little sister.

I shook my head, my jaw tightening as a wave of protectiveness surged through me. "It doesn't matter," I said firmly, my voice low but resolute. "He shouldn't have put you in that position. No one should make you feel uncomfortable. No one. Not when I'm around."

She stared into my eyes searching for something, I guess she found it by the way that she relaxed but she still looked at me with determination. "Still, don't get mad at him." I let out a sigh but nodded.

A soft throat-clearing broke the moment, drawing both Faye's and my attention. We look up to see the Cullens staring at us. The instant Faye realized it, her cheeks flushed a deep pink, and she quickly looked down, making me chuckle. When she heard me, she gave me a small glare, but it only made me grin wider.

Deciding to tease her a bit, I ruffled her hair which in turn made her let out a huff, swatting my hand away, but I could see a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Deciding to leave her alone, I look up to see who cleared their throat. I was surprised it was Jasper. You know, I always felt bad that he could have died in the battle against Volturi. I guess now we don't have to worry about it.

Oh yeah, now is not the time to get sentimental.

I shook my head getting out of my thoughts before looking back at him.

"Yes, Jasper?"

"Sorry to interrupt you two, Darlin. I wanted to ask some questions if you don't mind."

"Go ahead, I don't mind."

He stared at me and Faye intently making me look back in confusion.

"I wanted to ask about the connection between you two. You're close—I can feel the trust, love, and protectiveness radiating from both of you. Did something happen in the forest that brought you closer? I also wanted to ask something that has been bugging me for a while. Bella, why did she call you Robyn?"

I stared at him, momentarily taken aback. But no, I shouldn't have been. Jasper had been a major in the army, after all. Gathering and recalling details, whether spoken or written, was second nature to him.

Alice spoke up, interrupting my thoughts. "Bella, did you lie to her about your name?"

I didn't like the way her voice was accusatory, I glared at her. "No, I didn't."

I felt Faye shuffle in my lap making me look at her.

Her face became sad as she looked up at me. "Sorry, I didn't mean to say-"

I shook my head interrupting her sentence. "It's okay, Faye. It was bound to come out eventually." I gave her a small smile. "At least, I didn't have to blurt it out randomly. You actually saved me some trouble."

She looked at me. Most likely making sure I wasn't angry. As soon as she saw that I wasn't, she gave me a hesitant nod. "Do you mind if I tell your story first? It'll make things a bit easier. I promise I won't say anything you're not comfortable with." She seemed to think about it and then she gave me her permission.

I look back at the Cullens.

"Well, it's a long story."

Rosalie cut in sharply, "Then make it short."

"Fine, to make it a long story short, I'm not Bella."

The Cullens seemed to freeze, all of them stared at me in shock and skepticism.

Esme spoke softly, "What do you mean, you're not Bella?

"What I mean is I'm not your Bella. My name is Robyn."

Rosalie spoke up again, "Never mind, don't make it short. Explain."

I let out an annoyed huff. "Make it short, don't make it short. Not to be rude, but make up your mind."

Hearing what I said, Rosalie glared at me but for some reason, it didn't have any real heat. Matter of fact, she seemed proud and amused. That's weird. Why does that make me feel good? I'm so confused.

Jasper looked in between me and Rosalie in confusion. He was most likely feeling our emotions. Carlisle spoke up in a loud voice making me and Faye jump. When Rosalie saw us jump, she directed her glare onto Carlisle.

This time, I could see the heat behind it.

"Enough! Bella, or well, Robyn, do you mind explaining more in detail?"

"Fine, my name is Robyn and this is not my first life." I felt a tug on my shirt, I looked down at Faye to see her pointing to herself, making my eyes soften as I nodded, she must be feeling overwhelmed or drained with everyone around.

She also told me about her problems with her anxiety and sometimes being around other people drains her because she often overthink small problems or things people say and the effects afterward. Sometimes she needed time to cool her brain down.

"This is not her first life, either."

Everyone looked at us, shocked and in confusion. No one spoke for a long moment; I could see them trying to make sense of what we were trying to explain.

Finally, Alice spoke up first, "First life? What do you mean by the first life?"

I sighed, I had a feeling, this was going to be hard for them to wrap their heads around.

"Let me ask this, do you believe in reincarnation?"

Alice tilted her head, "Reincarnation? Do you mean like… being reborn into a different body?"

I nodded. "Exactly. It is probably a lot to take in, but Faye and I lived different lives and were allowed to be reborn with our memories.

Jasper looked closer at me feeling my emotions. The Cullens all look over at Jasper. "It's hard to feel her emotions but I do sense that she's telling the truth. Her emotions are honesty and trust."

Rosalie crossed her arms, eyes narrowing. "So what, you're saying you remember all of your past lives?"

"No, I don't," I admitted. "I'm not sure if I was reincarnated before but I do remember the life before I died."

The Cullens exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

Esme, ever the gentle soul, was the first to respond. "Died? You remember your death?"

I stood up straighter, remembering how I died. I could feel Faye grip my shoulder pulling me back from my memories.

"Yes, I do."

Carlisle hunched over looking at me with a scientific look with curiosity. "May I ask, How did you die?"

I shook my head. "I… I don't really want to go into that right now," I said, my voice tightening. The memory was too raw, too painful to revisit in detail with all their eyes on me. "I will answer anything else."

I could sense the Cullens's curious eyes looking at me but I couldn't look up at them.

Rosalie spoke up with a surprisingly soft tone. "Was it a really painful death? You don't have to tell us if you don't want to."

I nodded my head. I looked up at Rosalie, feeling greatful. Suddenly Faye let out a small sigh before softly speaking up. "I could tell you about mine."

I was grateful for Faye as the attention shifted to her, allowing me a moment to breathe. I gave her a shaky, appreciative smile, which she returned with a calm, steady one.

Esme spoke again, "You don't mind talking about how you died, dear?"

Faye shook her head. "No, I don't. Mine wasn't as painful as Robyns, so I'll be okay."

Everyone shifted their attention to Faye, leaning close to hear her story. Her body shrinks a little at the attention but she stands firm trying to be brave.

I was so proud of her. I knew she was nervous and a bit scared but she still offered to tell her story. It might be to get the attention off of me but I was still so proud of her. This was a big step.

I pulled her closer, hugging her, and giving her my support. She rests her head on my shoulder while looking at the Cullens.

"I died in 2023, I grew up in New York."

Rosalie cuts in, "Where did you live in New York?"

"I lived in Rochester."

Rosalie looked surprised at that answer. "I also lived in Rochester."

She turned towards me. "Where did you live?"

I was surprised she asked. "Well, I lived in Gatlinburg, Tennessee." As soon as I said that Emmett perked up. "You lived in Gatlinburg, Tennessee? I lived there before I became a vampire! That's so cool!"

I could see Carlisle's face glancing between all four of us. It seemed like he was trying to figure something out or maybe he figured something out and was trying to find proof.

Now that I think about it, it's kind of strange that both Faye and I lived in the same places where Emmett and Rosalie lived before they became vampires.

I wonder if that was a factor that Liam had when picking a fandom for us to be reincarnated into.

I could see how that connection would make things easier for Faye, being their bond child, but what about me? I don't get it—where do I fit into all of this?

I look closer at the colorless string that connected me, Rosalie, and Emmett. I wish it would change color to see what I was to them.

Faye cleared her throat, "Like I was saying, I grew up and lived in New York and I worked at a bookstore."

Esme chimed in, "You worked at a bookstore? But you are a child, how did you get the job? What about your family? Did they allow you to work?" Hearing that question, Faye became nervous. I gave her a squeeze of reassurance. I knew that she was scared to tell them so I offered.

"Would you like me to tell them?"

She shook her head, looking determined.

No, I want to tell them. I can't be afraid anymore. I don't want to be.

I smiled at her decision feeling proud. She looked up at Esme to answer. "Liam, who was the man in charge of reincarnations chose to make me younger. I'm not sure why, he didn't tell me."

They all looked at her shocked which made sense they weren't expecting that answer. Esme seemed to snap out of it first. "What about the people that you left behind, dear? What about your family?"

She shook her head. "I am an orphan. I grew up bouncing between foster homes until I grew out. I died at 23, leaving behind only my cat, Ivy, and my best friend, Harry—the elderly man who owned the bookstore where I worked."

"Wait, you died at 23? That's so young! How?"

I could feel Carlisle question burning against my head but I ignored it and kept my eyes on Faye as she continued to explain.

I knew what he wanted to ask.

"I was walking home from work, daydreaming, when I got hit by a car when I was crossing the street." I heard them let out gasps but Faye continued. "It didn't hurt but I did hear people screaming, cars screeching and honking before it went black. My only thought was that I hoped that Harry would take care of Ivy for me before I woke up in limbo."

"I'm assuming you met Liam in Limbo, was it?" Carlisle asks. She nodded. "Yeah, he explained that I wasn't supposed to die in the crash. The man next to me was. One of the angels made a mistake with the lights." I could see Rosalie's face become angry. "Because of that, he gave me a choice. I could go back in time at any age unable to change anything but the way I died or I could reincarnate into a fandom of his choosing. I chose reincarnation."

Rosalie stood up looking angry. "Why did you choose to reincarnate you could have gone back to a normal life?!"

I glared at her pulling Faye closer. I don't care if she was one of Faye's parental bonds. She can't yell at her like that. Faye didn't tell me why she chose to reincarnate, but I'm sure it was a good reason.

"I was lonely."

Me and Rosalie looked at Faye surprised. She was looking down wringing her fingers. Rosalie sat down.

"What?"

"I said I was lonely. I didn't have a family waiting for me, no one to go back to. Besides Harry, I had no friends, and even he wouldn't be around much longer. If I stayed, he'd eventually pass, leaving me alone with Ivy. Do you know what it's like, to wish you had someone to come home to? A mom, a dad, maybe a sibling? I'd walk through the door every day to nothing but silence—sometimes, if I was lucky, Ivy would meow. I'd sit there, in the quiet, or turn on the TV just to fill the space with some kind of noise. Most nights, I'd end up talking to a cat because there was no one else. So yeah, when I had the choice, of course, I chose to be reincarnated."

We sat in silence for a minute. I could see the realization settle on Rosalie's face. She looked devastated. Emmett gave Faye a sad look, while the rest of them gave Faye pity stares.

Carlisle cleared his throat. "Sorry to ask, but I am curious about the different fandoms you could have chosen. Do you mean that we are also a fandom?"

Faye nodded. "Yes, you are a fandom. Your fandom is a book and movie named Twilight. To keep it simple, it revolves around Bella, who travels to Forks to live with her dad and meets vegetarian vampires. In the movie, Bella falls in love with Edward, they get married and stuff happens."

They all stare at me, making me shrug. "Hey, I'm not your Bella. I was only told to follow the storyline until Faye arrived then I was allowed to do whatever I wanted afterwards."

Alice spoke up. "But Robyn, we could have been sisters if you stayed with Edward."

Faye lets out a growl before I place my hand on her back. I gave her a silent look saying, I got this, before looking back at Alice shaking my head. "No, we couldn't have. Like I told Edward, I'm a lesbian. I like women. Look, I'm really sorry for leading him on. I know I messed up, and when he's ready, I'll make sure to apologize to him. I realize I made some mistakes, and I'm not trying to excuse that, even if he made some too." I took a deep breath to steady myself. "For example, when he would come in my room or by my window and watch me sleep." I gave them a pointed look. "Do you know how hard it was to pretend that I didn't know that he was watching me sleep almost every night? Which was creepy, by the way, and none of you stopped him."

They seemed to look down understanding where I was coming from and feeling guilty that they let that happen. All of them except Rosalie and Emmett.

Rosalie and Emmett looked furious. "I didn't know he was doing that!" Rosalie said. "I should rip him apart and scatter his pieces around the world!" Emmett nodded his head with a determined look, indicating that he would help.

Esme and Alice let out a gasp. "Rosalie! Emmett!" Esme exclaimed.

"No, I told you that he should leave her alone. Watching her sleep is going too far, Esme!"

"Okay, everyone let's just calm down. I will talk with him when he comes back."

"You better, Carlisle. If I hear about him doing it again, I won't be able to stop myself or Emmett."

It was silent before Carlisle asked me, trying to change the subject.

"Excuse me for asking this Robyn, but what were your choice of fandoms? Did you have the same choices?"

I shook my head. "No, I don't think so. I had a choice between SAW but with new traps, From, which is a TV show, or this universe. So, I had to choose between a fandom where I get tortured and try to survive or a fandom where I have to deal with human-look-alike monsters at night that try to kill me. That's why I chose this one. I would deal with vampires any day." I turned and looked at Faye. "What about you?"

She thought about it for a moment, "So, I had a choice between human-eating Demons, killers/demons/torturers, or this."

I look at her in surprise, "Wait, what was the name of them?"

"Demon Slayer and American horror story."

I shivered, "Yeah, those are accurate descriptions of them. I see why you chose this one." She nodded her head with a serious expression. The Cullens looked at us in shock, likely taken aback by how casually we were discussing the choices as if we were talking about the weather— or perhaps it was the choices themselves that left them stunned.

Carlisle shook off his shock and nodded, a thoughtful expression settling on his face. "Faye, do you mind going into more detail about what happened after you chose to reincarnate?"

She nodded, "Yeah, I can. Where was I? Oh, right. Since I chose to reincarnate into this world, I was given a little boost for the journey. I got to spin two wheels—one determined how many species I'd become, and the other decided which ones. I ended up with three: vampire, werewolf, and witch. As for what I can do... well, I'd rather not get into all the details right now."

Carlisle looked like he was going to ask more about it, so I gave him a glare making him quickly close his mouth. "That's okay. Please continue."

"After that, he told me that I would be reincarnated back into my nine-year-old self and would live in a cabin in the woods until Bella arrived. He also told me I would be getting bonds. Parental bonds and a mate bond." She gave Rosalie and Emmett a quick look to see their reaction. They both looked at Faye with a stumped look. Before pointing to themselves making Faye nod shyly as she curled into my arms more.

Seeing her curl into my arms made Carlise look at me with questioning eyes. "You said you also have a mate bond, so is Robyn…"

As soon as the question left his lips, both Emmett and Rosalie narrowed their eyes at me. Ignoring their stares, I couldn't help but burst into laughter, which earned a disgusted look from Faye once she realized what he was insulating. "No," I chuckled, shaking my head. "I'm not her mate—I'm her bond sister." The Cullens looked taken aback, surprise flashing across their faces.

"How do you know?"

"Liam told me I wasn't allowed to change species like Faye which I was fine with. So, along with Bella's gift of a mental shield, he also decided to give me an extra gift. I have the gift to see bonds. That's how I knew about mine and Faye's bond and how Edward wasn't my mate."

I could see recognition dawning on their faces. Suddenly, Alice blurted out, "THAT'S WHY OUR GIFTS DON'T WORK ON YOU!" I nodded, a slight smile creeping onto my face as the realization settled in.

Carlisle gave me his attention, "I am quite curious, what do the bonds look like? How can you tell the difference between them?"

I cleared my throat, quickly gathering my composure. "Well, they look like colored strings that are connected to people. Each string has a different color which tells me what bonds they have. I can see the mating bonds between pairs like Alice and Jasper, you and Esme, and Rosalie and Emmett; they are soft pink strings. Faye and I share a bond as well, though it's not a mating bond—our true mates are far away at the moment. Instead, I see a gentle yellowish-orange string that is connecting Faye and me, signifying our sibling bond. I can also see Faye's parental bond which is blue-" I freeze staring at the string.

I could see that Cullen's face looked worried. I heard Emmett's voice. "What? What happened?" I shook my head, not wanting to believe it.

Faye looked up at me, her voice soft but urgent. "Robyn, what's going on? Did something happen?" When I didn't respond, she gently grabbed my face looking into my eyes, she could tell I was terrified. She could see the fear in them, and I knew she understood, why.

"Is it… your string?" she whispered, her words tinged with realization.

"I can't… I can't do this. I have to go." My voice trembled as I looked back at the blue sting that was connected to Emmett, Rosalie, and me.

It was the same color that was connected to Faye, Emmett, and Rosalie.

I guess, I got my wish.

I kind of wish I hadn't…