I want to apologize to all of my readers for the delay in this post...The holidays, school, and some personal stuff got in the way of my finishing it, which I did just do today. Thank you all so much for your supportive posts and I hope you enjoy this installment. I should have the next chapter done by next week, I hope. No promises, so if you could be patient I would really appreciate it. I seriously love you all for commenting and rating.
Love to you!
Stephanie
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Chapter 4 – The Human Things In Life (Bella)
I tossed my kill aside and dusted off my jeans. I wiped the corners of my mouth with the bandana that’d fallen from my hair and sighed. I’d been practicing, but I still wasn’t perfect. I could not wait until I was as flawless at this as Edward was. I felt a hand run down my back, I shivered involuntarily. I turned to Edward’s glowing face and smiled gently.
“You’re getting much better at this,” He said, plucking a leaf from my hair.
“But not perfect.”
“In your opinion. I think you make a very sexy huntress.”
“Sexy, huh?” I asked with a smirk, running my hands up his firm chest until I was holding his face.
He only nodded, kissing my lips fully. An electric charge shot through my being. I couldn’t have pulled away if I tried and I wouldn’t have if it hadn’t for the tiniest of giggles behind me. I turned as Alice and Jasper strode toward us at a human pace, their fingers intertwined.
“You have a house for that,” Alice said juvenilely as they halted beside us.
“Maybe we don’t care.” Edward shot back in the same tone.
These two were definitely meant to be siblings. Edward and Alice were much closer than most would assume since they spent so much time out of each other’s way. But the connection was there, buried beneath sarcasm and distance.
“Yeah, yeah. You haven’t cared since she turned.” Edward lifted an eyebrow at her comment. Alice’s face went blank for a second and she smiled, “We should get back. I want to be there when she asks.”
“Who asks what?” I called as they took off into the forest.
“Nessie, I think. The vision was unclear.”
I nodded in understanding as he took my hand and we darted off behind our brother and sister.
Nessie’s beetle pulled into the drive only minutes after we stepped through the back door. Alice was already poised beside the door with her hands on her hips, the tiniest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her perfect lips.
“Hey!” Nessie greeted as she entered the living room.
“Hello.” I said leaning against the newel post, Edward’s arm wrapped around my shoulders, his forehead puckering in uncertainty. She must have been doing something block him from reading her thoughts. “How was your day today?”
“Great. Grandpa Charlie took me to a shooting range.”
“That’s what I smell.” Carlisle nodded in understanding from the couch.
“Yeah, I couldn’t get all of the gunpowder off. It kind of stinks.”
“It’s not so bad,” Alice eased as Nessie put her bag down beside the entrance to the dining room.
“That’s good. He gave me a twenty minute lecture on proper handling then told me I should never play with them. Like I ever would.”
I chuckled, “I got that lecture too. He’s very particular about his gun.”
Nessie paced back and forth across the living room, “A bit over obsessive about safety if you ask me, especially since his granddaughter is clearly supernatural.”
“You do have limits, Nessie,” Edward frowned.
“I know. It’s just a bit silly. I don’t have any use for a messy old gun. Why would I touch it?”
“He’s just being protective. He thinks it’s his duty to inform young people about the dangers of drugs and weapons. Occupational hazard, if you will,” I informed as she quickly halted her pace, looking to Alice who nodded once in reassurance.
She sighed, “Daddy?”
“Yes?” His eyes tightened as he stared into Nessie’s.
“I was just wondering if, maybe, my friends could come over this weekend. Like, overnight?”
We all stared silently.
“Fresh meat?” Emmett asked excitedly as he descended the stairs, Rosalie close behind.
Nessie glared.
“Smooth.” Rosalie scolded, smacking him on the shoulder.
“I didn’t mean it that way.”
“Do you really think that’s such a good idea?” Edward asked slowly, his eyes on Emmett.
“Please?” She begged, looking over each of our faces.
“Who would you like to have over?” I asked gently, not completely against the idea. Renesmee was very self sufficient and rarely asked for anything. Why not let her have this human experience as well? So what if her family was comprised of vampires, we were different, controlled. They would be in no danger, as long as we kept them from hurting themselves during their visit.
“Kasie and Michelle.” She bit her lip, staring around at each of us awkwardly.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Esme chimed from the couch.
“It would be interesting,” Carlisle agreed squeezing his wife gently. “What do you think Jasper?”
Being the last to control his appetite for human blood it was natural for Carlisle to single him out when any non-supernatural visitors came about.
“Why not?” He replied rather cheerily. He must have felt Renesmee’s plead as much as I could see it.
“I’m rather curious about these girls,” Alice added. “It may be a good idea to have them over. Let Edward pick their brains a bit.” Renesmee giggled lightly; this comment had obviously struck some kind of nerve.
“All right,” Edward said finally.
“Oh, thank you, Daddy!” Renesmee rushed forward and kissed him on the cheek. “I’m going to let them know!” She ran up the stairs.
“Well, that just made her day,” Rosalie surveyed with a nod.
“She deserves it,” Esme said, nodding as well.
“Is there anything we need to prepare?” We hadn’t had any humans over for the evening since I’d turned.
“We can shop tomorrow while she’s at school.” Alice squealed excitedly, “Isn’t this exciting?” She skipped up the stairs, giggling all the way.
Renesmee had known these people for over a month and had spoken of them without pause. It was only right we give her this chance. She was half-human after all.
The next morning flew by. The family hunted while Alice and I took a drive to Port Angeles. Apparently, the items found in town weren’t nearly good enough for such an important event.
“Oh, this is perfect!” Alice exclaimed, holding up a violently neon, pink vial of nail polish.
“Alice, I’m not sure if your idea of a slumber party will be the same as Nessie’s.”
“Why wouldn’t she like my ideas?” Her lip jutted out. I couldn’t believe she was taking offence to something so trivial.
“I don’t mean it that way. I’m just saying, what if her idea of an entertaining slumber party doesn’t involve manicures and pedicures? What if she would rather sit on the sofa with some popcorn and soda and laugh with her friends? Maybe watch a movie? “
“How conventional,” She said flatly, tossing the nail polish into the shopping cart and running her hand down the rack while she looked for another color. “Tell me honestly, do you really think your daughter’s that boring?”
“Boring? Alice, some people are only into this sleepover stuff for the company. Why do you think I liked having Edward around every night?”
“Because you were a hormonal masochist?”
I laughed, “No. Because I liked the way it felt when someone was near me, someone that I could easily share my time with. Don’t you like just sitting with Jasper? Enjoying a comfortable silence, because you like being with him? Maybe that’s all Renesmee wants with her friends, time to connect on a more personal level.”
“I guess,” She sighed, staring at the rack in front of her. “Oh well, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared,” She finished, tossing a few more colors into the cart.
We pulled into the garage and began unpacking our purchases.
“Hello ladies,” Jacob greeted from the doorway.
“Hey Jake, could you give us a hand?” I asked, handing him four shopping bags.
He looked at the contents in his arms, his eyes squinting in confusion, “What is all this stuff?”
“Essentials,” Alice said quickly.
“Renesmee’s having a slumber party.” I answered properly, closing the trunk and heading for the house.
“Ooh, letting humans in for the night?”
“Is that really so strange? I spent plenty of time here when I was human.”
“Ah, but you were family,” He countered.
“We’re not big fans of murder Jake. They’ll be fine.”
“You want to come?” Alice asked as we entered the dining room and put the provisions on the table.
I whipped around, “What?” Had I been my old clumsy self, the items I still had in my arms would have gone flying across the room.
“Um, no thanks, Alice, as tempted as I am,” He began, pulling out the small bag of nail polish and manicure and pedicure tools, “girly parties are not really all that appealing to me.”
“If you say so,” She shrugged, carrying a bag of fresh fruit to the kitchen.
“That was an odd thing to ask. Nevertheless though, I may stop by after they get here. You know, scope out the situation.”
“All right,” I said slowly.
“I’m going for a run. You hunting at all?”
“Maybe, I’m not sure just yet.”
“Well, I’ll see you out there if you do.”
“Have a nice run.”
“You bet.” He moved swiftly out the back door and disappeared into the trees, removing his clothing as he went.
I didn’t really need to hunt, but I thought it may be a good idea. Who knew what might happen while there were humans here? I was sure I could handle something as small as a paper cut or pin prick, but you could never be sure what might happen. Humans were clumsy, I knew this from experience. If one of them happened to scrape a knee, I needed to be ready.
I finished with the groceries then took a seat in one of the arm chairs. Edward silently sat upon the chair’s arm and wrapped his arms around my shoulders. I held him close, my head on his chest.
“Are you nervous?” He asked gently, letting his lips press into my hair.
“Not at all,” I replied simply with an unnecessary sigh.
“Then why the long face?” He lifted my chin to look me over.
“I don’t know. I guess I never really had friends I could do things with. I didn’t have a lot of slumber parties and stuff when I was a kid. It’s weird to think that now I’m the one approving the event instead of actually participating in it.”
“You miss being human.” It was a statement, not a question. He honestly thought that living the rest of my days with him was a waste. Still? How discouraging.
I paused for a second to reflect on my human years. As a human I was clumsy, awkward, shy, and undeniably fragile. Now I was strong, an equal to all those I loved. I finally fit in. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that I was where I was meant to be.
“Not at all,” I stated with finality, caressing the soft skin on his neck with my fingertips.
“You’re certain?”
“Edward, if I were any surer I would ask you to bite me again.”
He chuckled, “Well, as long as you’re satisfied. To be honest, I think you are my masterpiece.”
“Your best work yet.” I nodded in concurrence.
He pulled me closer kissing the top of my head as the sound of Renesmee’s bug pulled into the drive followed by a rougher more outspoken engine.
“Showtime,” I smiled, gently pecking Edward’s lips.
The sound of giggling teenage girls flowed toward us as the engines fell silent and car doors slammed; four total. I didn’t know what he was worried about. I’d spent more than enough time around humans since I’d turned to know how to react. I was fine, but I still felt Edward’s arm tighten slightly as Alice skipped out of the kitchen.
“They’re here, they’re here!” She giggled, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Rosalie and Emmett entered through the back with Jasper and Esme as the excited chattering out front grew louder.
Renesmee entered, a smile spread over her face, “Hey, everyone.”
“Hello,” We each said in unison.
“And believe it or not, that was unplanned,” She said with raised eyebrows to the two girls who stood effortlessly inside our living room, smiling. “Kasie, Michelle, these are my parents, Bella and Edward Cullen.” She gestured between the two of us and the two of them.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Kasie said, moving forward to shake our hands.
“Good to meet you both,” Edward nodded, taking the girl’s hand gingerly. Oddly enough, she didn’t flinch at our cold grasps. She turned to Michelle who nodded once before taking two large, somewhat clumsy, strides forward. Edward’s eyes squinted under his furrowed brow. His eyes moved around the room swiftly before he took Michelle’s hand.
“Hello,” She said gently with a soft smile, shaking my hand with another nod.
“It’s great to meet you,” I said encouragingly. “Nessie’s spoken very highly of you both.”
“That was sweet of her,” Kasie cooed looking back to Renesmee who shrugged obviously.
Edward stared blankly ahead apparently in thought. Renesmee’s eyebrows puckered as she watched him stare at her friends.
“Anyway, this is my Aunt Alice.” She gestured to the tiniest of the Cullen’s without a second thought.
“Hello!” Alice exclaimed with more than enough exuberance, grabbing each of the girl’s hands and shaking them up and down in excited up and down motions. Jasper moved slowly to his mate’s side, his hands held behind his back in a most formal manner. “This is my husband Jasper.”
Just as he had at our first meeting he nodded once peaceably, “Pleasure.”
“That’s Aunt Rosalie and Uncle Emmett.” Renesmee stepped forward to point out the two members of our family who were standing furthest away, Emmett’s arms wrapped tightly around Rosalie’s waist. They each nodded their greeting. “And over here are my Grandpa Carlisle and Nana Esme.”
“Doctor Cullen,” Kasie said with another smile, moving forward too take his hand. “It’s good to see you again.”
“And you Kasie.”
“You know each other?” Rosalie chimed in. She almost seemed appalled by the idea.
“Kasie volunteers at the hospital. She’s quite the candy striper.” The girl blushed gently, looking to the floor.
“I’m so pleased to meet you both,” Esme greeted with a soothing smile.
“And I you, Mrs. Cullen,” Kasie murmured, forcing the blood from her cheeks.
It was silent then. We all stared around at each other looking for some common ground when Alice skipped forward and took Michelle’s hand.
“Come on, I’ll show you where you’re sleeping.”
“I’m sure Nessie can handle it.” Edward said flatly, his eyes set questionably.
Sticking her tongue out, she moved toward the staircase without releasing the girl’s hand.
“Its fine, Dad,” Nessie said brightly, grabbing both Kasie and Michelle’s duffle bags and following. Kasie glanced around at each of us before joining the rest of the girls on the staircase.
I giggled to myself as they disappeared around the corner of the second landing.
“What’s funny?” Edward asked, lifting my chin again.
“You’re the mean parent. I never saw it before. How weird.”
“I am not,” He protested with a smile. “Though, those girls are a bit odd. For a moment I heard both of their thoughts at once. Not that I haven't done that before. But, it was almost as if they were communicating with each other. I think they share some sort of telepathic link, like twins sometimes do.”
“That’s odd.”
“It really is, but from what Renesmee’s told us they were only born weeks apart. Maybe their father had some kind of gift.”
“’A mugging gone bad’ I think is how Nessie put it.” I nodded.
“Hmm . . .”
“Do you suspect a vampire?” Jasper asked, stepping forward to join the conversation.
“Maybe, if they knew he had a gift. We can’t be too sure.”
“Has Nessie said anything about the father? Anything about his body?”
“No, but I’m sure we could find out.”
“Shall I intrude into their personal lives or will you?” I asked sarcastically, looking between Edward and Jasper.
“Bella, we’re not trying to be intrusive. We’re just curious.” Edward defended, running his fingers over my cheek bone. That sneak was trying to change my mood so I wouldn’t ask anymore questions. He obviously still had a lot to learn about me.
“What has you so curious?”
“You know Aro has a craving for the gifted. What if he knew their father was special and sent a team to acquire him?” Jasper asked calmly, his head tipping to the side to solidify his claims.
“True. But how would he know, I thought Eleazar was the only vampire who could sense such things.”
“There could be another, though in some new variance. We can never be sure what the Volturi are up to these days, not that I mind at all.” Edward said, turning to Jasper who nodded once in agreement.
“Okay, fine, we ask about their family, but if they don’t give anything up we don’t pry. Okay?” I compromised. I wasn’t about to drive off two of Renesmee’s good friends.
Edward lifted my chin for the last time, a smile stretched across this face, “All right. We promise.”
I looked to Jasper who nodded his consensus then rose from my seat, “Good. Then, if you will excuse me, I am going for a quick hunt.” I started for the door feeling the eyes follow, “Just in case.”
I darted through the forest and tore through the flesh and sinews of a large mule deer. My stomach was full and I was more than prepared for our visitors but it felt good to over compensate. I wanted to endure what Edward had before he crawled through my window each and every night. In a strange way, it felt good to be a little fuller than necessary. It almost gave me the feeling I had when I was human after finishing a delectable holiday meal. Not that I missed doing such things but it was still nice to reminisce.
Jacob trotted forward as I tossed the carcass aside. I dusted the leaves and dirt from my dress quickly as he pressed his head into my side.
“Hey, Jacob.” I greeted, fixing my hair. “Are you having fun?”
He barked his answer then nudged me playfully. I put a hand to my stomach to ease the sloshing. He whined, taking a step back.
“I’m fine, Jake. You didn’t hurt me I’m just a little full.”
He barked once more, throwing his large head in the direction of the house.
I sniffed the air, “Carlisle must be back with the pizza.”
Jacob danced around me, tossing his head up and down in excitement.
“Would you like to join them?” I asked with one eyebrow lifted in amusement.
He bounded away. With a giggle I followed. This would be interesting. Now these humans would be subject to not only the presence of vampires, but a werewolf too.
Love to you!
Stephanie
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Chapter 4 – The Human Things In Life (Bella)
I tossed my kill aside and dusted off my jeans. I wiped the corners of my mouth with the bandana that’d fallen from my hair and sighed. I’d been practicing, but I still wasn’t perfect. I could not wait until I was as flawless at this as Edward was. I felt a hand run down my back, I shivered involuntarily. I turned to Edward’s glowing face and smiled gently.
“You’re getting much better at this,” He said, plucking a leaf from my hair.
“But not perfect.”
“In your opinion. I think you make a very sexy huntress.”
“Sexy, huh?” I asked with a smirk, running my hands up his firm chest until I was holding his face.
He only nodded, kissing my lips fully. An electric charge shot through my being. I couldn’t have pulled away if I tried and I wouldn’t have if it hadn’t for the tiniest of giggles behind me. I turned as Alice and Jasper strode toward us at a human pace, their fingers intertwined.
“You have a house for that,” Alice said juvenilely as they halted beside us.
“Maybe we don’t care.” Edward shot back in the same tone.
These two were definitely meant to be siblings. Edward and Alice were much closer than most would assume since they spent so much time out of each other’s way. But the connection was there, buried beneath sarcasm and distance.
“Yeah, yeah. You haven’t cared since she turned.” Edward lifted an eyebrow at her comment. Alice’s face went blank for a second and she smiled, “We should get back. I want to be there when she asks.”
“Who asks what?” I called as they took off into the forest.
“Nessie, I think. The vision was unclear.”
I nodded in understanding as he took my hand and we darted off behind our brother and sister.
Nessie’s beetle pulled into the drive only minutes after we stepped through the back door. Alice was already poised beside the door with her hands on her hips, the tiniest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her perfect lips.
“Hey!” Nessie greeted as she entered the living room.
“Hello.” I said leaning against the newel post, Edward’s arm wrapped around my shoulders, his forehead puckering in uncertainty. She must have been doing something block him from reading her thoughts. “How was your day today?”
“Great. Grandpa Charlie took me to a shooting range.”
“That’s what I smell.” Carlisle nodded in understanding from the couch.
“Yeah, I couldn’t get all of the gunpowder off. It kind of stinks.”
“It’s not so bad,” Alice eased as Nessie put her bag down beside the entrance to the dining room.
“That’s good. He gave me a twenty minute lecture on proper handling then told me I should never play with them. Like I ever would.”
I chuckled, “I got that lecture too. He’s very particular about his gun.”
Nessie paced back and forth across the living room, “A bit over obsessive about safety if you ask me, especially since his granddaughter is clearly supernatural.”
“You do have limits, Nessie,” Edward frowned.
“I know. It’s just a bit silly. I don’t have any use for a messy old gun. Why would I touch it?”
“He’s just being protective. He thinks it’s his duty to inform young people about the dangers of drugs and weapons. Occupational hazard, if you will,” I informed as she quickly halted her pace, looking to Alice who nodded once in reassurance.
She sighed, “Daddy?”
“Yes?” His eyes tightened as he stared into Nessie’s.
“I was just wondering if, maybe, my friends could come over this weekend. Like, overnight?”
We all stared silently.
“Fresh meat?” Emmett asked excitedly as he descended the stairs, Rosalie close behind.
Nessie glared.
“Smooth.” Rosalie scolded, smacking him on the shoulder.
“I didn’t mean it that way.”
“Do you really think that’s such a good idea?” Edward asked slowly, his eyes on Emmett.
“Please?” She begged, looking over each of our faces.
“Who would you like to have over?” I asked gently, not completely against the idea. Renesmee was very self sufficient and rarely asked for anything. Why not let her have this human experience as well? So what if her family was comprised of vampires, we were different, controlled. They would be in no danger, as long as we kept them from hurting themselves during their visit.
“Kasie and Michelle.” She bit her lip, staring around at each of us awkwardly.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Esme chimed from the couch.
“It would be interesting,” Carlisle agreed squeezing his wife gently. “What do you think Jasper?”
Being the last to control his appetite for human blood it was natural for Carlisle to single him out when any non-supernatural visitors came about.
“Why not?” He replied rather cheerily. He must have felt Renesmee’s plead as much as I could see it.
“I’m rather curious about these girls,” Alice added. “It may be a good idea to have them over. Let Edward pick their brains a bit.” Renesmee giggled lightly; this comment had obviously struck some kind of nerve.
“All right,” Edward said finally.
“Oh, thank you, Daddy!” Renesmee rushed forward and kissed him on the cheek. “I’m going to let them know!” She ran up the stairs.
“Well, that just made her day,” Rosalie surveyed with a nod.
“She deserves it,” Esme said, nodding as well.
“Is there anything we need to prepare?” We hadn’t had any humans over for the evening since I’d turned.
“We can shop tomorrow while she’s at school.” Alice squealed excitedly, “Isn’t this exciting?” She skipped up the stairs, giggling all the way.
Renesmee had known these people for over a month and had spoken of them without pause. It was only right we give her this chance. She was half-human after all.
The next morning flew by. The family hunted while Alice and I took a drive to Port Angeles. Apparently, the items found in town weren’t nearly good enough for such an important event.
“Oh, this is perfect!” Alice exclaimed, holding up a violently neon, pink vial of nail polish.
“Alice, I’m not sure if your idea of a slumber party will be the same as Nessie’s.”
“Why wouldn’t she like my ideas?” Her lip jutted out. I couldn’t believe she was taking offence to something so trivial.
“I don’t mean it that way. I’m just saying, what if her idea of an entertaining slumber party doesn’t involve manicures and pedicures? What if she would rather sit on the sofa with some popcorn and soda and laugh with her friends? Maybe watch a movie? “
“How conventional,” She said flatly, tossing the nail polish into the shopping cart and running her hand down the rack while she looked for another color. “Tell me honestly, do you really think your daughter’s that boring?”
“Boring? Alice, some people are only into this sleepover stuff for the company. Why do you think I liked having Edward around every night?”
“Because you were a hormonal masochist?”
I laughed, “No. Because I liked the way it felt when someone was near me, someone that I could easily share my time with. Don’t you like just sitting with Jasper? Enjoying a comfortable silence, because you like being with him? Maybe that’s all Renesmee wants with her friends, time to connect on a more personal level.”
“I guess,” She sighed, staring at the rack in front of her. “Oh well, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared,” She finished, tossing a few more colors into the cart.
We pulled into the garage and began unpacking our purchases.
“Hello ladies,” Jacob greeted from the doorway.
“Hey Jake, could you give us a hand?” I asked, handing him four shopping bags.
He looked at the contents in his arms, his eyes squinting in confusion, “What is all this stuff?”
“Essentials,” Alice said quickly.
“Renesmee’s having a slumber party.” I answered properly, closing the trunk and heading for the house.
“Ooh, letting humans in for the night?”
“Is that really so strange? I spent plenty of time here when I was human.”
“Ah, but you were family,” He countered.
“We’re not big fans of murder Jake. They’ll be fine.”
“You want to come?” Alice asked as we entered the dining room and put the provisions on the table.
I whipped around, “What?” Had I been my old clumsy self, the items I still had in my arms would have gone flying across the room.
“Um, no thanks, Alice, as tempted as I am,” He began, pulling out the small bag of nail polish and manicure and pedicure tools, “girly parties are not really all that appealing to me.”
“If you say so,” She shrugged, carrying a bag of fresh fruit to the kitchen.
“That was an odd thing to ask. Nevertheless though, I may stop by after they get here. You know, scope out the situation.”
“All right,” I said slowly.
“I’m going for a run. You hunting at all?”
“Maybe, I’m not sure just yet.”
“Well, I’ll see you out there if you do.”
“Have a nice run.”
“You bet.” He moved swiftly out the back door and disappeared into the trees, removing his clothing as he went.
I didn’t really need to hunt, but I thought it may be a good idea. Who knew what might happen while there were humans here? I was sure I could handle something as small as a paper cut or pin prick, but you could never be sure what might happen. Humans were clumsy, I knew this from experience. If one of them happened to scrape a knee, I needed to be ready.
I finished with the groceries then took a seat in one of the arm chairs. Edward silently sat upon the chair’s arm and wrapped his arms around my shoulders. I held him close, my head on his chest.
“Are you nervous?” He asked gently, letting his lips press into my hair.
“Not at all,” I replied simply with an unnecessary sigh.
“Then why the long face?” He lifted my chin to look me over.
“I don’t know. I guess I never really had friends I could do things with. I didn’t have a lot of slumber parties and stuff when I was a kid. It’s weird to think that now I’m the one approving the event instead of actually participating in it.”
“You miss being human.” It was a statement, not a question. He honestly thought that living the rest of my days with him was a waste. Still? How discouraging.
I paused for a second to reflect on my human years. As a human I was clumsy, awkward, shy, and undeniably fragile. Now I was strong, an equal to all those I loved. I finally fit in. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that I was where I was meant to be.
“Not at all,” I stated with finality, caressing the soft skin on his neck with my fingertips.
“You’re certain?”
“Edward, if I were any surer I would ask you to bite me again.”
He chuckled, “Well, as long as you’re satisfied. To be honest, I think you are my masterpiece.”
“Your best work yet.” I nodded in concurrence.
He pulled me closer kissing the top of my head as the sound of Renesmee’s bug pulled into the drive followed by a rougher more outspoken engine.
“Showtime,” I smiled, gently pecking Edward’s lips.
The sound of giggling teenage girls flowed toward us as the engines fell silent and car doors slammed; four total. I didn’t know what he was worried about. I’d spent more than enough time around humans since I’d turned to know how to react. I was fine, but I still felt Edward’s arm tighten slightly as Alice skipped out of the kitchen.
“They’re here, they’re here!” She giggled, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Rosalie and Emmett entered through the back with Jasper and Esme as the excited chattering out front grew louder.
Renesmee entered, a smile spread over her face, “Hey, everyone.”
“Hello,” We each said in unison.
“And believe it or not, that was unplanned,” She said with raised eyebrows to the two girls who stood effortlessly inside our living room, smiling. “Kasie, Michelle, these are my parents, Bella and Edward Cullen.” She gestured between the two of us and the two of them.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Kasie said, moving forward to shake our hands.
“Good to meet you both,” Edward nodded, taking the girl’s hand gingerly. Oddly enough, she didn’t flinch at our cold grasps. She turned to Michelle who nodded once before taking two large, somewhat clumsy, strides forward. Edward’s eyes squinted under his furrowed brow. His eyes moved around the room swiftly before he took Michelle’s hand.
“Hello,” She said gently with a soft smile, shaking my hand with another nod.
“It’s great to meet you,” I said encouragingly. “Nessie’s spoken very highly of you both.”
“That was sweet of her,” Kasie cooed looking back to Renesmee who shrugged obviously.
Edward stared blankly ahead apparently in thought. Renesmee’s eyebrows puckered as she watched him stare at her friends.
“Anyway, this is my Aunt Alice.” She gestured to the tiniest of the Cullen’s without a second thought.
“Hello!” Alice exclaimed with more than enough exuberance, grabbing each of the girl’s hands and shaking them up and down in excited up and down motions. Jasper moved slowly to his mate’s side, his hands held behind his back in a most formal manner. “This is my husband Jasper.”
Just as he had at our first meeting he nodded once peaceably, “Pleasure.”
“That’s Aunt Rosalie and Uncle Emmett.” Renesmee stepped forward to point out the two members of our family who were standing furthest away, Emmett’s arms wrapped tightly around Rosalie’s waist. They each nodded their greeting. “And over here are my Grandpa Carlisle and Nana Esme.”
“Doctor Cullen,” Kasie said with another smile, moving forward too take his hand. “It’s good to see you again.”
“And you Kasie.”
“You know each other?” Rosalie chimed in. She almost seemed appalled by the idea.
“Kasie volunteers at the hospital. She’s quite the candy striper.” The girl blushed gently, looking to the floor.
“I’m so pleased to meet you both,” Esme greeted with a soothing smile.
“And I you, Mrs. Cullen,” Kasie murmured, forcing the blood from her cheeks.
It was silent then. We all stared around at each other looking for some common ground when Alice skipped forward and took Michelle’s hand.
“Come on, I’ll show you where you’re sleeping.”
“I’m sure Nessie can handle it.” Edward said flatly, his eyes set questionably.
Sticking her tongue out, she moved toward the staircase without releasing the girl’s hand.
“Its fine, Dad,” Nessie said brightly, grabbing both Kasie and Michelle’s duffle bags and following. Kasie glanced around at each of us before joining the rest of the girls on the staircase.
I giggled to myself as they disappeared around the corner of the second landing.
“What’s funny?” Edward asked, lifting my chin again.
“You’re the mean parent. I never saw it before. How weird.”
“I am not,” He protested with a smile. “Though, those girls are a bit odd. For a moment I heard both of their thoughts at once. Not that I haven't done that before. But, it was almost as if they were communicating with each other. I think they share some sort of telepathic link, like twins sometimes do.”
“That’s odd.”
“It really is, but from what Renesmee’s told us they were only born weeks apart. Maybe their father had some kind of gift.”
“’A mugging gone bad’ I think is how Nessie put it.” I nodded.
“Hmm . . .”
“Do you suspect a vampire?” Jasper asked, stepping forward to join the conversation.
“Maybe, if they knew he had a gift. We can’t be too sure.”
“Has Nessie said anything about the father? Anything about his body?”
“No, but I’m sure we could find out.”
“Shall I intrude into their personal lives or will you?” I asked sarcastically, looking between Edward and Jasper.
“Bella, we’re not trying to be intrusive. We’re just curious.” Edward defended, running his fingers over my cheek bone. That sneak was trying to change my mood so I wouldn’t ask anymore questions. He obviously still had a lot to learn about me.
“What has you so curious?”
“You know Aro has a craving for the gifted. What if he knew their father was special and sent a team to acquire him?” Jasper asked calmly, his head tipping to the side to solidify his claims.
“True. But how would he know, I thought Eleazar was the only vampire who could sense such things.”
“There could be another, though in some new variance. We can never be sure what the Volturi are up to these days, not that I mind at all.” Edward said, turning to Jasper who nodded once in agreement.
“Okay, fine, we ask about their family, but if they don’t give anything up we don’t pry. Okay?” I compromised. I wasn’t about to drive off two of Renesmee’s good friends.
Edward lifted my chin for the last time, a smile stretched across this face, “All right. We promise.”
I looked to Jasper who nodded his consensus then rose from my seat, “Good. Then, if you will excuse me, I am going for a quick hunt.” I started for the door feeling the eyes follow, “Just in case.”
I darted through the forest and tore through the flesh and sinews of a large mule deer. My stomach was full and I was more than prepared for our visitors but it felt good to over compensate. I wanted to endure what Edward had before he crawled through my window each and every night. In a strange way, it felt good to be a little fuller than necessary. It almost gave me the feeling I had when I was human after finishing a delectable holiday meal. Not that I missed doing such things but it was still nice to reminisce.
Jacob trotted forward as I tossed the carcass aside. I dusted the leaves and dirt from my dress quickly as he pressed his head into my side.
“Hey, Jacob.” I greeted, fixing my hair. “Are you having fun?”
He barked his answer then nudged me playfully. I put a hand to my stomach to ease the sloshing. He whined, taking a step back.
“I’m fine, Jake. You didn’t hurt me I’m just a little full.”
He barked once more, throwing his large head in the direction of the house.
I sniffed the air, “Carlisle must be back with the pizza.”
Jacob danced around me, tossing his head up and down in excitement.
“Would you like to join them?” I asked with one eyebrow lifted in amusement.
He bounded away. With a giggle I followed. This would be interesting. Now these humans would be subject to not only the presence of vampires, but a werewolf too.