Ch 54 - The Day Before You

Now you're here and everything changes
Suddenly life means so much
I can't wait to wake up tomorrow
And find out this promise is true
I would never have to go back to
The day before you

“The Day Before You” – Rascal Flatts

I peeked my eyes open the next morning and screamed, completely caught off guard. I was in Edward’s old bedroom at the Cullen house and had woken up to find Emmett’s grinning face right in front of me.

“What are you doing Emmett?” I asked, grabbing my chest and willing my heart to slow down, as the surprise of seeing him sent it into shock.

“Edward went hunting, told me to keep an eye on you,” he said with a shrug.

I rolled my eyes, sitting up. “I don’t think he meant it literally.”

He laughed. “I know, but Rose is mad at me and I was bored. Plus you’re awfully amusing when you sleep. Its’ no wonder Edward spends hours just sitting beside your bed—quite entertaining.”

I groaned and grabbed the pillow, throwing it at Emmett with as much strength as I could muster. Unfortunately it barely even touched him and the gesture simply made him laugh.

“You’re one brave human, I’ll tell you that,” he said with a grin.

I ignored him and hauled myself out of bed, walking over to the glass wall and gazing out into the backyard. It had snowed consistently all night long, a blanket of white covering the ground and trees.

Emmett walked over to stand beside me. “We’re definitely having a snowball fight, you in Bella?”

I shot him an incredulous look. Me, in a snowball fight, with him? No way. I opened my mouth to tell him so but didn’t get the chance.

“Absolutely not,” Edward said from behind us. Emmett and I both swung around to see him standing in the doorway. I gasped when I saw he was only partially dressed, taken slightly off guard by his exposed chest. “She’d end up in the hospital with internal injuries if she tried to join in one of your snowball fights.”

Emmett shrugged but nodded, knowing it wasn’t that far-fetched of a notion.

“Yeah, I’ll pass,” I muttered.

Emmett grinned at me before heading for the door. He paused in front of Edward, sniffing, before laughing hysterically and running out. Edward groaned and grabbed a shirt from the closet, throwing it on quickly. He came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me, kissing my neck softly. He was colder than usual, his clothes slightly damp from being outside, and I shivered. He tried to pull away but I stopped him, loving the feeling of being encased in his arms.

We watched out the window as Emmett bounded into the back yard, followed by Rose, Alice, and Jasper. They all took off in different directions and in a matter of seconds there was a flurry of white whizzing all around the yard, so fast that it was all a blur to my eyes. My eyes widened as I watched one slam into a tree, snapping it in half.

“Yeah that would just be begging for broken bones and internal bleeding,” I mumbled. I glanced back to see Edward smiling.

“Yeah. And I know if you wanted to play they’d do their best to contain their strength but it’s hard when you get wrapped up in it. Emmett would’ve felt horrible for it, but he would’ve definitely injured you.”

I nodded. “Rosalie would’ve probably hurt me on purpose.”

“No,” Edward said softly. “She’s abrasive but she wouldn’t have done something like that intentionally. She knows Carlisle’s disappointed in her behavior as it is, putting you in the hospital wouldn’t fare well for her with the rest of the family.”

I glanced back out and watched as Carlisle bolted into the back yard, scooping up a handful of snow and throwing it immediately. Edward chuckled as it hit Rosalie and she turned to scowl at Carlisle.

“Come on, Esme made you breakfast,” he said, tugging on my hand. He led me downstairs and I watched as Esme sprinted out the back yard to join the snowball fight. I grabbed my plate and walked to the dinning room window so I could watch the Cullen’s. Edward walked up beside me and I turned to him, smiling.

“Go, play,” I said, nodding toward the window.

“You sure?” he asked.

I smiled and nodded. “I can handle eating alone, I promise. Go have fun.”

He smiled and leaned in to kiss my cheek quickly before sprinting out the back door. The moment he entered the yard he was pelted with snowballs from every direction. He laughed while scooping up snow. I couldn’t help but laugh along with him, he looked so young and vibrant and carefree.

I watched them while I ate my French toast, unable to really keep up with the fight because they all moved so fast. When I was finished I took my plate into the kitchen and washed it. After awhile I saw Alice pop up, standing in the middle of the yard with her hands in the air. Jasper walked out next, followed shortly by Carlisle and Esme. Rose and Emmett sauntered out of the woods, holding hands and smiling. Edward appeared next but was quickly tackled to the ground by Alice. They rolled around in the snow, laughing, while Emmett started rolling balls to make a snowman. They were all covered in show and laughing. It was heartwarming to watch and I felt tears of joy stinging my eyes. These people were my family. I loved every single one of them and they all loved me, or so I hoped they did. How did I ever get so lucky?

I threw my shoes on quickly and stepped out onto the back step. Edward’s eyes fell to me immediately, sensing my nearness. He frowned as he gazed at me, and was distracted long enough that Emmett was able to pounce on him and knocked him into the snow.

“You need a coat,” Carlisle said sternly.

“Yes, father,” I said playfully, turning and heading back inside to grab my coat. I glanced behind me and saw that Carlisle was smiling brightly at me, Edward gazing in my direction lovingly. I put my coat on and zipped it up, walking back outside. Edward walked up to me and pulled me into a hug, squeezing me tightly. He pulled back a bit and smashed his lips to mine, kissing me deeply, passionately. I was momentarily dazzled and nearly forgot to breath. Edward pulled away when Emmett shouted for us to get a room.

“What was that for?” I asked softly, blushing at his public display of affection. He smiled and leaned down to whisper.

“I know you were being sarcastic, but you don’t know how happy it made Carlisle to hear you call him that.”

I smiled, realizing why Carlisle had looked at me that way. “I do think of Carlisle as a father. And Esme as a mother. Jasper and Emmett are brothers to me, and Alice and Rosalie are my sisters.” Rosalie’s head popped up and she gazed in my direction, obviously having heard her name. I realized they all could hear every word I said but I didn’t care. I wasn’t embarrassed.

“And me?” Edward asked softly.

I smiled. “You? You’re my soul mate.”

Carlisle’s head turned to look at us and he eyed Edward warily. I realized my choice of words peeked Carlisle interest and he was watching for Edward’s reaction. I knew Edward never believed he had a soul, but I adamantly disagreed. Carlisle was obviously waiting for Edward to disagree with my word choice.

“I can accept that,” Edward said softly after a moment. “I’m willing to believe anything as long as it means I get to spend forever with you.”

Carlisle smiled but Edward’s word struck me hard. Did he just insinuate what I think he did? That he’d be willing to believe that vampires had souls if that meant he could have me with him eternally? Was he saying he’d consider changing me?

I heard a whizzing noise and glanced up in each time to see a ball of blurry white fly by me. It slammed into Edward before he had time to dodge it. He narrowed his eyes at Emmett and took off after him, tackling him to the ground. Everyone laughed and I reached down and scooped up a pile of snow. It was bitter cold, so cold it stung my fingers. I packed it quickly, avoiding the sting. The moment Emmett stood up I drew back and threw it with all the force I could muster. It slammed into the back of Emmett’s head, harder than I expected. Not hard enough to hurt him at all, but enough to startle him. He swung around quickly, his jaw hanging open from shock.

“Bella?” he said with disbelief. I smiled.

“That was for watching me while I slept,” I said playfully. Everyone laughed and Emmett rolled his eyes. Edward stood up and brushed the snow off of himself, coming toward me.

“Present time!” Alice said happily, running by me and into the house. Edward grabbed my hand, intertwining our fingers and led me inside.

“Your hands are freezing Bella,” Edward said disapprovingly. I sighed and shrugged.

“I’ll be fine.” We went and sat down on the couch while the rest of the family gathered in. Carlisle started handing presents out and I was shocked when he handed a few to me. Edward and I had gotten them things over the past few weeks but I never really stopped to think about the fact that they’d reciprocate.

I opened them slowly, cautiously to avoid disaster. Emmett gave me a year-long pass to the zoo, declaring he’d go with me if Edward wouldn’t. Rose gave me personalized strawberry bath set, which I was taken back by because it was obvious she’d put thought into it. Jasper gave me a 1st edition copy of Whuthering Heights, which had to have cost a fortune. Alice gave me a shitload of clothes and Esme gave me a painting, which she had done herself. It was absolutely beautiful. After I opened them Carlisle came over and sat down in front of me. I eyed him warily and he smiled, holding out an envelope.

“From me,” he said warmly. I hesitantly took the envelope, suddenly nervous. Edward smiled reassuringly at me, and the expression on his face and the hope in his eyes made me realize exactly what it was Carlisle was giving me before I even opened it.

Carlisle was attempting to welcome me into the family—Carlisle was offering me security, emotionally and financially.

I carefully opened the envelope and pulled out the two small plastic cards. I glanced at them, the silver American Express card and the blue Visa debit card, both with ‘Isabella M. Swan’ written across the bottom. I pulled out a slip of paper next and squinted, confused. I closed my eyes and sighed when I read it. It was a receipt for $2,267 paid to UW-Seattle in my name. Carlisle had paid my first semesters tuition.

I opened my eyes and smiled at Carlisle. My heart was pounding frantically and I knew they could all hear it. I was nervous and slightly afraid, feeling a bit undeserving and overwhelmed.

“Thank you,” I said softly. My voice cracked and I felt a tear slip from the corner of my eye and run down my cheek. Edward reached over and brushed it away.

“You’re welcome, Bella. You’re family and we take care of each other. I hope you understand that. You’re a Cullen now,” he said with a smile.

I smiled when he called me a Cullen and felt a surge of desire and hope and love rush through me. It startled me, my own reaction to that. Images of me wearing a white dress and standing in front of a preacher with Edward flashed through my head. I’d never been a fan of marriage, frankly the idea of having a wedding and all that frightened me a bit and I didn’t think I’d ever do it. But just being called a Cullen had my heart soaring at the idea of Edward one day making me a Cullen officially, on paper. Edward one day proclaiming his eternal love for me in front of everyone and making me his wife.

“You okay?” Edward asked softly. I glanced around and noticed everyone was eyeing me cautiously, as I’d dazed off for a moment.

“Yeah, I’m great. Thank you so much Carlisle. I means more to me than you’ll ever know,” I said. Carlisle smiled and clasped my knee, squeezing it lovingly. He nodded and stood up, and joined Esme across the room.

I slipped the cards and receipt back in the envelope and sat them carefully down beside me. Everyone finished opening gifts and Edward handed me one.

“From me,” he said with a smile. I felt my smile fall, all the color drain from my face.

“Shit, I left yours in the closet at home,” I said. I bought Edward an amazing composition book for piano music, as I’d found him doodling original songs on scrap paper lately. Edward laughed but Esme sighed loudly. I realized I cursed and muttered a quick apology. Esme hated foul language.

“We’ll get it when we get home, don’t worry.” I took the present form him and unwrapped it carefully. It was a thick leather-bound journal. I glanced at him and he smiled.

“No better gift for an inspiring writer than a good journal.” I smiled and blushed.

After presents were disbursed and everything was cleaned up, we all sat around for a while chatting. My stomach growled and everyone glanced at me. Emmett laughed and Edward smiled.

“Come on, let’s go for a drive and get you something good to eat,” Edward said, standing up and holding out his hand.

Edward drove us to Port Angeles, because everything in the small town of Forks was shut down for Christmas. I told him I could just raid Esme’s kitchen and I was sure I’d find something edible but he refused, saying he wanted some time alone with me. I couldn’t argue with that, I’d never disagree with time alone with him.

Edward pulled into La Bella Italia, as it was nearly the only place open. The place was slightly packed, surprisingly. His phone rang as we entered and he excused himself to answer it. I watched him when he walked outside, waiting for the hostess to appear.

After a moment a throat cleared behind me. “Can I help you?” a familiar female voice asked. I felt all the color drain from my face as panic shot down my spine. I turned cautiously and gasped as my eyes fell upon Jessica Stanley’s very pregnant body.

“Bella?” she asked incredulously. I smiled timidly and nodded, too nervous to speak. She had on a pants suit and was holding a stack of menus—she was obviously the hostess I’d been waiting on.

“Are you alone?” she asked, gazing at me. Her glare was cold, almost threatening.

“Uh, no,” I mumbled. The door behind me swung open and Jessica gasped.

“Edward?!” Edward walked up beside me and took my hand, squeezing it reassuringly. I smiled at him and he smiled back.

“Nice to see you Jessica,” he said politely. “Table for two.”

She glanced between us for a moment, appearing dumbfounded. She turned and motioned for us to follow her.

“So are you guys, like, seeing each other again?” Jessica asked as she showed us to a table in the back.

“Yes. We’re actually living together in Seattle,” Edward said. Jessica nodded, not really responding but she narrowed her eyes slightly at me. She obviously wasn’t pleased with the development, and I didn’t blame her. Lauren had been her best friend.

“Your waitress will be with you shortly,” she said, dropping two menus on the table and stalking away. I groaned and put my head down but Edward just chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” I mumbled.

“Her jealousy. It’s quite ridiculous.”

I rolled my eyes and picked up head up to glance at him. “I don’t think she’s jealous Edward, she hates me. I killed her best friend.”

Edward smiled sadly. “It is jealousy, I assure you. She was just thinking about how crappy her life is going and how once again you get the dream guy.”

I glared at him, trying to gauge whether or not he was lying to me. He smiled and nodded.

“Seriously, Bella. Did you know Jessica got pregnant on purpose, thinking if she did Mike wouldn’t leave her? It failed miserably though, as he broke up with her anyway.”

“Mike?!” Edward nodded.

“Yeah it’s Michael Newton’s baby she’s carrying. A little boy.”

“Huh,” I said, quite surprised. Our waitress came by then and I ordered. Edward ordered a plate also, to play the game considering someone that knew us was there. Jessica kept her distance but occasionally would glare in my direction.

Edward pushed up his sleeves absent-mindedly halfway through the meal, as he usually did. I glanced down and gasped, noticing a mark going down his arm.

“What happened?” I asked, reaching across the table and running my fingers along it.

He stared at me for a moment, seemingly caught of guard. “Animal,” he said simply, shrugging.

“Animal?” I asked with confusion. “I didn’t think animals could hurt you.”

He smiled sadly, his expression almost guilty. “Normal ones can’t.”

“So you encountered an abnormal one?” I asked incredulously. He chuckled.

“I guess you could say that.”

He said nothing more and looked away, glancing around the restaurant. I could tell he was being evasive and glared at him, trying to figure out why. The mark on his arm did look like it could’ve faintly come from an animal, claws or teeth maybe. But I remembered him clearly telling me more than once that the only things that could harm a vampire was another vampire or fire. Animals had no effect on him.

My eyes widened after a moment, realization dawning. I was wrong--there was one abnormal animal that I knew of that could’ve done it.

“It didn’t happen to be a wolf, did it Edward?”

His head snapped in my direction, his eyes slightly widened. He eyed me cautiously and I shook my head. It was evident from his expression that I was spot on—Edward had a run in with the wolves.

I couldn’t figure it out, everything had been so fine yesterday at Charlie’s. Edward opened his mouth and started apologizing but I held my hand up to stop him. “Was anyone really hurt?”

He shrugged. “Nothing that won’t heal.”

I nodded. “Then I don’t wanna know.”

I went back to eating and Edward sighed, nodding. I was of course curious, but part of me not wanting to know exactly why they’d fought. If it had anything to do with me I’d feel terrible, worse than I already did.

After I finished my meal, we headed back to the car to head back to Forks. Alice accosted me when we arrived, demanding I go with her and try on all of my new clothes. I allowed her to drag me along with her and Edward gave me a sad smile, silently apologizing for his sister. He left with Emmett, the two of them taking off to go hunting—for real this time.

“You know what that journal Edward bought you would be good for?” Alice asked after awhile.

“Huh?” I said, slipping on a new dress that Alice had purchased me, which was entirely too short for my liking.

“Writing down all of your memories, the ones you never want to forget,” she said softly. I glanced at her questioningly.

“A lot of the family has journals full of human memories, the ones that are important. Of course they were written with haziness after transformation and I don’t since I don’t remember anything, but it’s something most of the family cherishes. I imagine it would be even that much better if you were able to write everything down before hand. None of us knew we were going to be changed so we couldn’t prepare.”

I glanced at her, narrowing my eyes. “Are you trying to tell me something Alice?”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“I mean, all this talk about transformation and human memories. Are you trying to hint about something? That I’m going to be changed?”

Her eyes widened in surprise as what she said struck her. “I mean, I don’t know, but it’s always an option isn’t it?” she said.

I shrugged, turning my attention back to trying on clothes. I wanted nothing more than to be changed but after the discussion about how it would break the treaty, I was pretty sure it was a long shot. I didn’t know what that meant for our future though, and thinking about it saddened me.

Alice noticed my expression and sighed.

“Some things are simply meant to be Bella, and happen eventually no matter what.”