Thank you to Rosabelle Crombwell for letting me use her plotline!

Also, thank you to RDoster2012 for being my beta!

Good gracious, I am really bad at keeping a schedule for updates. I could give you excuses about schoolwork getting in the way or having writer's block(although that is slightly true), but the full truth is I fell prey to the lures of other authors' fanfics and real print books. Don't all of us on this website have that sleep disorder called reading? Anyways, I am so, SO, SO, sorry for seemingly abandoning this story for months. Please don't hate me. *Hides face behind journal. So, I'm going to stop groveling now and let y'all get on with the chapter. Happy Reading!

Bookwormlover1

Word Count-3576

Chapter 3- Frustrations

Edward POV:

September 10th, 1997

I was running through the forest, my speed making it possible to leave the thoughts of my family behind me. The feeling of the wind in my hair, and the absence of extra thoughts was a wonderful feeling.

There was only one place I wanted to be in this moment, the only place I could actually be secluded and alone. Changing my direction, I sprinted towards my meadow; it only took a few minutes to reach it.

Ava had called Carlisle a week and a half ago, rambling on and telling us that we just had to go to our house in Forks, and that she would explain everything once we were together. We came as quick as we could, but Ava wasn't here, so now we're stuck here waiting on her to show up or call us.

I walked to the center of the perfectly circular meadow and sat down among the wildflowers, and I sighed contently. This was the perfect night to visit this space, the sky was clear and the moon was out, causing the night blooming flowers to be out. They lent a sweet smell to space, and the grass was soft against my skin, and I was… being interrupted.

"Edward! Edward! Oh Eddie boy… where are you hiding?" Emmett's voice cut through the silence and I was instantly annoyed.

I also knew that correcting him would fall of deaf ears, but I do it anyways, every time!

"Emmett! How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that? My name is E.D.W.A.R.D, and I don't know why you insist on calling me that. What is so important that you had to follow me here and invade on my private space?" I ground out through clenched teeth.

'Jeeze! Why must you be so dramatic little brother? Oh! This place is nice! I wonder id Rosie would like to come out here and play a game with me."

I growled at Emmett's thoughts, there was a reason why my family didn't come out here. They all knew that this was my sanctuary. I quickly blocked his thoughts when he started to envision him and Rosalie in this place.

"Seriously Emmett, why did you come out here?" I ground out, trying to get him to focus on his purpose again.

'Oh right! Carlisle wants a family meeting.' He answered in his thoughts. Then I caught the rest of it as he turned to walk away.

'We might adopt a little human child tomorrow. Rosie is so excited! I hope they will become a great sibling, and I can have a new partner in crime! I can teach them all the best pranks!" His thoughts were giddy as he strolled away.

'WHAT?!' My head roared. A human? A child? In a house full of vampires? NO! This cannot happen!

I will do whatever it takes to prevent this! I vowed to myself.

I leapt up and whooshed past Emmett, running through the forest at breakneck speed, this time I did not enjoy the run. The house came into view a few seconds later, and I jumped over the stairs and crashed through the open front door, coming to a skidding halt in front of Carlisle.

"Carlisle! What are you thinking? We cannot have a human child in this house! No… just no! Are you insane? I demanded, my voice rising to a shrill yell, almost vibrating the windows.

"Edward, son, it is a possibility. Besides, Esme wants a child, and I would do anything for her. The others have also expressed an interest in adopting a child. Perhaps you would enjoy having someone new here as well." Carlisle said softly, trying to not cause more conflict. His thoughts were begging me to reconsider my outburst.

'Please think about it Edward. Ava has said she would not mind adopting a child as well, and you of all people know how she feels about kids. They remind her of her little sister too much.'

I mentally sighed; I wanted my newest sister to be happy, for the whole family to be happy. I do like children, more so than human adults to a certain extent. Their thoughts were mainly simple, or they just didn't think at all, but they did tend to smell better than adults, more pure. Still… it was just too dangerous for humans to be around us that closely.

I started fishing for something else that could keep us from adopting the child, and then my eyes landed on Jasper. And I knew it was a low blow, but I was becoming desperate.

"But what about Jasper? He could lose control, he could…" Alice cut me off, and the tone of her voice made me stop dead.

"Edward Anthony Masen Cullen! I'm warning you… Not one more word! Jasper will not harm a hair on this child's head! So just stop!"

And then as I was standing there gaping at her, it hit me, the ultimate determent. The Volturi!

"Alice, the Volturi will find out! We will all die, or they will kill the child, or possibly take them away. I, am the first son of Carlisle and Esme, and I am making this decision. I am saying no! No humans in this house! It is either the child or me." I stated firmly to the family.

As I stood there staring Alice down I noticed that chaos was breaking out around the room.

Rosalie was screaming profanities at me, calling me every name she could think of both out loud and in her thoughts, Emmett was murderous, and glaring daggers at me for daring to upset his wife. Alice was distraught, and so angry… And Jasper, he was rolling his shirtsleeves up, taunting me with his thoughts.

'You wanna fight? Come on over here and we'll go round for round!' His thoughts more venomous than ever before.

I shook my head in his direction; I didn't want to fight, at least not today. It wasn't worth destroying the forest.

Esme's eyes were filled with tears that would never fall while her body shook with horrible sobs. Carlisle, whilst comforting his distraught wife was pleading with me in his thoughts. He wanted me to at least meet the children at the group home before making a true decision.

"I would love to have another sibling, but it's just too dangerous. Did you all forget that we're vampires?" I asked the room in general.

"You don't say!" Emmett sneered at me with his sarcastic remark.

"A human's life will be in constant danger being with us!" Was my response.

"I checked the future!" Alice shouted.

"What if we accidently kill him or her? Humans are just too fragile!" I was losing this battle, and I knew it already, but I just couldn't stop myself.

"I checked the future!" Alice quipped again.

"Shut up Alice!" My voice lost some of its volume then, and I knew I would give in.

"No! If I do, I'll just keep screaming at you in my head!" Alice responded cheekily, sticking her tongue out at me childishly.

I sat down in the chair heavily; there was no point in continuing to argue. I would go meet the children, and then if I thought it was going to be too much, I would leave.

"Fine, I will go meet the children, but I am letting you all know right now, if need be, I will leave this family!"

Everything went silent instantly. I wasn't sure if it was because I agreed to see the girl, or my proclamation that I would leave the family. I blocked their thoughts as best as I could; I didn't want to hear any more.

{{{{{{{{{{}}}}}}}}}}

September 11th, 1997

The brand new SUV that Carlisle bought for this occasion sped down the highway under Rosalie's careful hand. I didn't understand why it was necessary for the new car, we could have just taken two cars like we usually did and not be cramped all together, but I guess it wasn't up to me to question his motives.

I was glad that with our vampire reflexes we were able to make the usual four hour drive in just over two. Being cramped in this car was only bearable because I didn't need to move around as much as a human would, but I was thankful that we would be there sooner rather than later. Judging from everyone else's thoughts, they were also not pleased to be so cramped in this car.

We finally arrived, and I was contemplating kissing the ground when we stepped out, but decided that it wouldn't be a good idea, so I followed suit and got out of the SUV and straightened my clothes like everyone else.

I made sure my features were impassive while Carlisle knocked on the door. A woman who looked to be in her early thirties answered. "Hello," she said in what she thought to be a sultry voice, but was really quite nasally. I looked into her thoughts then.

'Another family has come to see these little brats? Ever since that Swan child got here I've had more families thinking about adoption than I've had in three years. Oh well, the men in this family are extremely hot, and maybe they'll take one of these urchins off my hands. Hopefully it's that Swan girl.'

I stopped listening to her disgusting thoughts then, barely restraining myself from hissing at her. Why would she get into taking care of children if she despised them? I wondered who the "Swan girl" she seemed to hate was.

She introduced herself as Ms. Jenna and led my family and I inside to a room she simply called "The Meeting Room." Ms. Jenna then picked a gong up from where it was leaning against the wall and proceeded to bang it, as it seemed to be the tool she used to get the children downstairs faster.

The children came bounding down the stairs then. The beating of their hearts and pounding of their feet created a strange rhythm, though not altogether unpleasant. They all seemed to be excited at the prospect of being adopted.

Then came the sounds of footsteps on the stairs, but no heartbeat. Our newest family member came into view; we stared at her in complete shock. What was she doing here? She winced slightly, and I could tell she was being bombarded by our questions and thoughts.

"I promise to explain later, okay?" Ava whispered at vampire speed.

None of us were satisfied, but we were willing to wait.

Ms. Jenna then did a headcount and realized one child was missing.

'That stupid Swan girl,' she thought. 'How is she unable to hear the racket these idiotic rascals are making?'

The children waited patiently while Ms. Jenna stalked upstairs. Thanks to our enhanced senses, my family and I could hear when she said, "There is some family called the Cullens here to meet you brats, so get downstairs." We listened as the girl sighed and seemingly stretched before making her way down the stairs. She stopped dead on the bottom step, her eyes cataloging my family's features, giving me ample time to study her.

She had ivory skin, quite like a vampire's, but it had a slight pink tinge to it, letting me know she was human. She had waist length mahogany hair that framed a heart-shaped face. She was adorable now, but I could see that she would grow to be a beautiful woman. Her eyes flashed to mine then, and I was surprised by how deep her eyes were. Most humans with brown eyes had eyes that were flat, yet hers were soulful, like a pool of molten chocolate.

Then she muttered the words that changed everything.

"What's a vegetarian vampire?"

'WHAT! How does she know about us? Who is this girl?' All these thoughts and more were swimming in my head as well as my family's. All of my family, except for Ava. There was a guilty undertone to her thoughts as she recited lines from her favorite plays in Latin.

I eyed her suspiciously, the rest of the family catching on. The little girl who somehow knew about us moved to stand at the end of the line the children had formed.

I decided to read her thoughts to see how she knew about us, but where her thoughts should be, there was only a blank space. I tried focusing only on her; that was a mistake. Everyone else's thoughts I'd been blocking were suddenly shouting in my head.

I shook my head, contemplating this new phenomenon. Who was this girl?

I suddenly realized I had missed the other children's introductions while scrutinizing the girl. She was the last child to speak about herself, and she seemed to be arguing with herself. Could it be… I turned to look at Ava, and she looked decidedly away from me, staring intently at the floor.

The young girl finally calmed down. She took a deep breath and tugged on the sleeve of her cardigan before beginning.

"Hi, my name is Isabella Swan, but I prefer Bella! I love music and have created a few compositions for the piano and flute. I like architecture, gardening, and would like to be a decent cook when I grow up. I enjoy studying cars and even signed myself up for Car and Driver. I recently became interested in Civil War history, and no offense to any Yanks, but I'm on the Confederates side. While they had some bad views on certain topics, like slavery, they also had some really great ideas for the government. Although it isn't really my thing, having grown up on a small town Chief of Police's and kindergarten teacher's salary, I will let you give me makeovers and go on shopping trips with you. I love literature, and one of my dreams is to do something in that field, but I do like studying medical journals and texts. I will also joke around with you if I feel like it!"

My family and I stared at the girl, no Bella, in shock. She was rather complex for a human, and advanced for her age. The fact that she was also interested in hobbies each member of the family enjoyed doing as well was remarkable.

We broke out of our stupor as we realized Bella was getting self-conscious, surrounding her in a group hug, excitedly saying, "Welcome to your new home!"

She smiled and led us to her bedroom. Bella cringed at the slight mess, but otherwise did not outwardly show any signs of being upset at having us in her room.

Bella flabbergasted us all, though, when she gathered up what Carlisle recognized as medical journals and stated, "These are my journals, do NOT touch them without my permission or else you will meet the real side of Isabella Marie Swan Vol- uh, just Swan for now."

I briefly pondered over why she slipped when saying her name, but then laughed with the rest of my family at the thought of this innocent little human being able to hurt us.

What really astonished us was when she retaliated by snapping, "I'm serious. I own my dad's old lighter. You will not live to see the sun rise again."

That shut us up quickly.

'Holy shit, she means business,' Emmett thought.

Bella smiled sheepishly as she apologized. "I'm sorry; you know I was just joking, right? My journals are just very special to me."

We grinned at her and Carlisle strode over to her, got down on one knee, and asked kindly, "May I please have a look at your journals?"

She bit her tongue, trying to fight a grin, though we all saw it. "Yes," she said simply.

Carlisle took the journals from her and sat down at her desk. The rest of the family took up positions around the room. I myself took residence upon her bed, having another go at reading her thoughts; I was as unsuccessful as last time.

'Edward,' Jasper started, directing his thoughts at me, 'there's somethin' up with her scent. Doesn't she smell a little off to you?'

I inhaled deeply, noticing the same strange scent on her as Jasper had. I nodded slightly, about to speak about it with him at a level Bella would be unable to hear when she surprised us all by dashing into the closet and coming out with a bulky bag thrown over her shoulders. At our questioning gazes, she said, "These are gifts from other families who wanted to adopt me. They're supposed to be for my eyes only."

Everyone pretended to accept her answer and went back to what they were doing before, although I am certain that Carlisle, Jasper, and I maintained curious looks.

Just then Rosalie and Alice came out of the closet with one small suitcase. Alice instantly ran over to me. "As soon as possible," she said excitedly, "we are taking you shopping. You don't have the proper amount of clothes."

"Proper?" Bella lightly inquired.

Alice simply grinned and bounced on her toes.

Carlisle and Esme went downstairs to take care of Bella's adoption papers while she went to say goodbye to her younger friend. Then we put her one suitcase into the back of the SUV, and Bella clambered into my lap during the short ride to the hotel.

After a few minutes into the ride, Bella suggested we play Truth or Dare. We stared blankly at her until she said, "Well, who's going first?"

Emmett immediately said yes, making Jasper his first victim.

"Dare," Jasper said lazily, still thinking over the mystery that was Bella.

Emmett grinned evilly. "When we get to the hotel," he said, "you have to act gay and flirt with all the men you see, except us, of course."

'Aww, shit!' Jasper thought, out loud saying, "Shoot, I hate you Emmett!"

We laughed at his expense before moving on with the game. Jasper turned to Bella and asked, "Truth or Dare?"

"Dare?" she replied hesitantly.

He smiled at her nervousness for a second, then he said, "Let me see your right arm, darlin'."

She started breathing heavily until Jasper pushed a wave of calm over her. My family and I were once again dumbfounded; it was such a simple thing. Why was Bella so frightened?

Jasper thought, 'It's got somethin' to do with the strange scent, Edward.'

Once Bella completely calmed, Jasper gave her a level stare whilst raising an eyebrow. She sighed and said, "Fine, but when we get to the hotel."

He gave her that, knowing he would get his answers when we arrived. Bella turned to Alice and asked, "Alice, Truth or Dare?"

"Dare, of course," Alice chimed.

"Alright, Jasper, now I can get you back through your ma- I mean, girlfriend. Alice, I dare you to-"

"You are going to have to finish the game inside, Bella," Carlisle interrupted. "We are here."

I held Bella as we walked to check in, marveling at how I could have kept myself from meeting her had I not agreed to see the orphans for my family's sake. I heard chuckling from Jasper's thoughts.

'It's amazin' how he didn't even want to adopt a child in the first place, and now he's so taken with her because of her maturity. Then again, we all are. Bella is quite the intriguin' creature.'

I had to agree with his assessment; Bella was something else. His thoughts moved on to other things he wanted to do with Bella.

'I can't wait to discuss the Civil War with her. It's amazin' that she's on the Confederate side. It'll be nice to show her my southern accent.'

I coughed to cover up my laughter. 'Stay outta my head,' he thought.

Carlisle booked three rooms for us, to keep up appearances. Once all of the "luggage" was placed in the rooms, the family congregated in the largest room. We had Bella sit on the couch and formed a circle around her. Her panicked countenance had me whispering, "Give her some space. Something has her worried."

We each took a seat around the room, though Jasper remained standing behind the chair Alice occupied. Jasper nodded to Bella and said, "Well go on. Show us your arm; you promised."

"You'll still want me?" she questioned meekly, her small body tense. No child should have that much anxiety.

Everyone's heart broke at that small inquisition. What was so wrong with her arm that could possibly make us want to send her away?

She nodded slowly, took a deep breath, and pushed up the sleeve of her cardigan to reveal seven perfect crescent moon scars only a vampire's bite would leave.

We were speechless.

At our mute state, Bella's face crumpled, and she bit her lip as though to keep herself from crying. She rushed to push her sleeve down to hide the evidence of her being different from other human children, but in one swift motion only vampires could achieve, Jasper pulled her sweater completely off.

Once again, we were aghast to see five bites marring the smooth skin of her left arm. Bella curled herself into a tiny ball, hiding her face in her knees and long hair. What had happened to Isabella Swan before my family met her?