Wow, thanks for all the reviews and story follows and favourites. And a special thanks to Mary Mab and Frying Pan of Doom who are still supporting me 4 years later and also to melissamary55 who reviewed almost every chapter – I love it when people do that! I hope you all like this chapter! It's a bit longer than most of my others.
Two weeks rolled by pretty quickly and Bella found herself standing in front of Carlisle and Esme's front door which had a big glittering sign on it saying 'Welcome to Illyssa's fairy party! Come on in! Don't forget your wings!'
Bella took a deep breath before reaching over to put her hand on the door knob. She was going to see him again and she willed herself to feel in control – or at least look as though she was. She silently thanked God that she was meeting Angela later for cocktails. I'm definitely going to need a drink after being around him for a few hours!
Even though she hated herself for it, Bella had gone out to buy a new outfit for today. She knew it was crazy but it made her feel less uncomfortable. It was a simple blue dress with thin straps that showed off her shoulders and neckline. It fanned out at the bottom so as to hide her stomach and thighs. Most of her dresses were like this. She looked good in them. Her hair was down, she wore a little eyeliner and she had made the effort to wear her silver hoop earrings and the silver necklace with an owl pendant that Brandon had sent her for her last birthday.
As she opened the door she was greeted with the sound of children laughing. It was her favourite sound in the world.
"BELLA!" exclaimed an excited voice.
She turned to the sound of her name being called only to see a tiny little figure running towards her. She was used to this though so she was ready when Illyssa launched herself onto her.
"Well hello little fairy princess," laughed Bella as she picked Illyssa up and spun her around. I heard someone turned four yesterday. Do you know who that is?"
Illyssa gave her a big toothy grin and shouted excitedly, "ME!"
"That's right! Happy Birthday sweetie!" she said as she gently put the excited four year old down.
"Daddy got me a bike for my birf-day. He's gonna teach me to ride by myself 'cause I'm big girl now!"
Bella laughed at her excitement and in the corner of her eye noticed Edward coming towards them.
"Is he now?" she asked and looked up to Edward and they shared a smile. He was wearing jeans and a black, short sleeve shirt with the top two buttons undone. Geez this man looks good in everything. "Well did you say thank you to daddy for giving you such a cool present?"
"Uh huh! I gave him a big cuddle and lots of kisses!" So cute!
"Good girl, well I have a little something for you too birthday girl!" Bella reached into her handbag to give Illyssa her present.
"Can I open it now daddy?" Illyssa asked excitedly.
"I think you should put it with the others Lyss. You can open them after."
Illyssa jumped on Bella for the second time and gave her a big hug. "Fank you! Fank you!"
Then Edward and Bella both watched as she ran off as fast as a speeding bullet to put her present on the present table and join her friends. Bella noticed that the wings of Illyssa's costume could actually flap open and then close.
"Woah, her wings actually open and close!" she observed aloud.
Edward chuckled at the surprise in Bella's voice.
"Yeah I know, my sister's a fashion designer and she can go a little overboard." His eyes then shifted over the living room. "Which is why it looks a bit like a high school prom threw up in here."
Bella followed his gaze around the room and noted that there were more balloons and streamers than necessary. It reminded her of Brandon. She would always go a little crazy when planning celebrations.
"You'll meet her," he continued. "She's just gone pick up some things I forgot to buy and to get some stuff that I left at my apartment, but she should be back in about an hour… So can I get you a drink? Soft drink? Juice? Wine?"
"You're serving wine at a kid's party?" she teased as she followed him into the kitchen area.
"Well only to the kids that can handle it," he teased back.
Bella laughed. "I better not, I can get a bit clumsy after a drink or two. I'll have an orange juice please."
Edward shook his head and chuckled as he poured her drink. "Weak!" he teased and looked directly into her eyes as he handed her her OJ.
Bella rolled her eyes to stop herself from blushing as she once again noticed the teasing glint in his eyes. She also couldn't ignore how tall he was. She took her drink mock-forcefully.
"Well I'm going to go talk to Esme and say hello to the other parents so that I can experience some civilised conversation," she joked.
Edward laughed as he watched her walk away. "You started it," he called after her playfully.
He heard Bella laugh as she opened the door to the back garden to find Esme who was sitting in her wheelchair next to Carlisle. They were both watching the kids on the jumping castle.
It was a huge backyard and there were quite a few kids scattered around the jumping castle and the colourful swing set and playground. Their parents were there too, many of them moved to greet her and she made sure to say hello and have a quick word with all of them. Once she had done so she moved towards Carlisle and Esme. She hadn't seen Esme since before her accident.
Carlisle stood to greet her. "Ms Swan, how lovely to see you here." He reached out and held her hand between both of his. "We really are happy to have you here dear," he said more softly and smiled warmly at her.
"Thank you, Dr Cullen," she answered shyly.
"Please call me Carlisle."
Edward was now outside at the barbeque helping Emmett with the sausages and burgers but he couldn't stop his eyes from wandering across the yard to Illyssa's kindergarten teacher as she talked to his parents.
"So that's her huh?" observed Emmett as he flipped a few sausages around. "You never said that she had quite the pair of tits on her."
Edward glared at his older brother but Emmett just laughed.
"Relax ok, I'm not gonna step on your territory." Emmett liked annoying his younger brother.
"What? I – It's – no! It's not like that."
"Uh huh," replied the older brother obviously not convinced. "Then why did you get a haircut and buy a new shirt just for Lyss's fourth birthday?"
"Because I'm hosting this kid's party. I should look presentable." Edward spat these words out in annoyance knowing that they didn't really give him much of a defence.
Emmett smirked at Edward's weak answer. "Uh huh, ok, then you wouldn't mind if I asked her out then? Took her and her tits for drink and then for a bit of a ride?"
Edward's whole body stiffened at the idea of Emmett touching her. Why did he care so much? Why did the mere thought of it make him want to punch his brother?
Emmett smirked and just laughed at his brother's obvious discomfort.
"Fuck off!" Edward hissed through clenched teeth."
"You know I've missed seeing you most mornings and evenings Esme," Bella said as she took a sip of her orange juice. "No one's around to remind me that I'm running out of time to get married and have children."
They both laughed. Esme had told her and Angela this often during drop off and pick up time. Being a generation older she felt that this was her prerogative. Angela and Bella didn't mind though. They thought it was sweet.
"Honey please, take one of my boys. Please I beg you. Either one – you choose. You'd be so good for them, you're so sweet and yet I'm sure you can discipline them well with your kindergarten teacher skills."
Bella had to laugh aloud at how she talked as if her grown sons were still immature children.
"I'll think about it." Bella joked.
Bella noticed how one of the kids who was standing close to them, Matthew, was shivering a bit.
"Matthew sweetie, are you cold?"
He looked at her and nodded. Bella noticed that his father was on the either side of the yard so she took action.
"Come on then let's go get your jacket." She took his hand and they walked towards the door.
They passed the barbeque on the way in.
"You're not leaving already are you? And you're not stealing a kid right?"
Bella rolled her eyes at Edward. "We're just getting his jacket," she answered as she slipped through the door.
After Matthew was all zipped up and no longer cold he ran out to join his friends.
Bella came back out with her light blue cardigan in her hands as she was beginning to feel a little cold herself. She joined Edward and Emmett and stood in front of the barbeque as they churned out sausage after sausage and burger after burger.
"I was actually having an interesting conversation with your mum", she stated as she smiled at both Edward and Emmett, even though she hadn't met the older brother. She moved to put her cardigan on and Edward found himself watching her movements as she did this.
"Brother your being rude," Emmett said snapping him out of his daze. Emmett just smirked and continued, "You haven't introduced us."
"Emmett this is Ms Swan, Lyss's kindergarten teacher, Ms Swan this oaf is unfortunately my brother Emmett."
Bella and Emmett reached across the barbeque to shake hands. "The pleasure's all mine Ms Swan." Emmett flirted as he winked at her. Bella smiled and said that he could call her Bella.
"Oh he gets to call you Bella does he?" interrupted Edward, he was teasing her but what she didn't know was that he was jealous of his brother. He thought back to how he had yelled at her. He could never take that first impression back – but Emmett's first impression seemed to be going well.
Bella laughed. "You can all me Bella too Edward!" she replied and look directly into his eyes and smiled. It took his breath away. He needed to talk or he would be in a trance just by her teasing chocolate brown eyes.
"So what were you talking to my mom about?" he asked her.
Bella mentally pushed herself to say it even though it made her nervous. She felt that if she didn't keep talking she would get caught watching his biceps as he moved his arms to flip the burgers.
"Oh, well, apparently I am running out of time to get married and have kids so she told me I should take one of you two. In fact, she begged me to."
They all laughed at this.
"And which one of us did you tell her you wanted?" Emmett asked as he winked at her. Even though it was a joke Edward's head snapped in her direct at this question.
"Oh neither," came the response. "Arrogant jerks just don't do it for me," she joked. Bella was proud of herself for seeming easy going even though she was freaking out on the inside. Talking to two hot guys was intimidating.
Emmett laughed. "Well you know, if you were to choose, I'm obviously the one with the muscles." He stated as he wiggled his eyebrows at her suggestively - but all in jest. He wasn't lying, he looked like a bodybuilder. "I'd make you feel safe."
Before Bella could come up with a retort Edward put his case forward.
"Dude there's no way you can win this. I have Lyss and Bella is a sucker for gorgeous kids."
"Oh that's true," Bella agreed and Edward smirked at Emmett.
"That's cheating," came Emmett's response.
"Ok I've figured it out," Bella stated and the brothers gave her their full attention. "I'll marry you for Illyssa," she said as she pointed at Edward, "And I'll cheat on Edward with you for your muscles that will apparently make me feel safe."
"No!" The brothers said in unison. Bella just laughed.
She leaned in towards both of them and whispered her retort.
"Let's face it," she teased. "I'm better than both of you, you just don't deserve me."
Edward smiled. "I don't actually doubt that," he said softly while looking deep into her eyes.
Bella felt a jolt of energy rush through her as she processed his compliment. To stop herself from blushing she continued her teasing.
"I'd prefer you're father over the two of you anyway. He's a fox!"
Both men gave her a look that said "ew". She laughed and turned to see Carlisle pushing Esme in her wheelchair across the grass towards them.
"Did you hear what I said Esme? Did you Carlisle?" Bella asked in a sing-song voice.
"What's that dear?"
"I told them how you wanted me to take one of them but I said I'd rather marry Carlisle."
Esme laughed. "Please, please take him away. After thirty something years of marriage I'm sick of him."
"It would be my pleasure Ms Swan. Did you hear that boys? You're old man hasn't lost his any of his charm," he winked at Bella as he passed her and then lifted the wheelchair through the threshold of the door.
Edward marvelled at how well she got along with his parents. Tanya had never joked around with them like this. She had never been this… warm and easy going.
Edward watched Bella play with the owl pendant on her necklace and then let it go to fall back against her skin just above her neckline. This drew his attention to her cleavage and he felt his body respond immediately.
"Uh, Emmett can you finish the last few burgers while I go to the kitchen to get all those plastic plates and forks for the kids." He needed to get away from her to calm his body down.
He leant his arms on the kitchen bench and breathed in and out deeply and he became more in control of himself.
Carlisle and Esme were in the living room just past the kitchen but they didn't really notice him. Edward watched his dad gently take his mother's chin in his hand to give her a chaste kiss and he smiled. Things were slowly getting back to normal with them.
Edward heard the door behind him slide open and he straightened up.
"Hey I'll help you," came Bella's voice. She wasn't sure why she followed him. Would he think she liked him like all the mothers who flirted with him at the child care centre?
These thoughts disappeared immediately though as she noticed a photo standing on one of the shelves of a bookcase that was against the closest wall of the living room.
Edward turned around and smiled at her, "I'd like that."
But she wasn't looking at him. He watched as she walked towards the bookcase as if in a trance. She picked the photo frame up off the shelf and stared at it in shock. "Brandon." she whispered, but nobody heard.
Edward came up behind her but she barely noticed. "Hey, don't mock me for my braces," he joked.
She turned around and pointed to Brandon who was in the middle of a younger Emmett and Edward with her arms around both of them. They were at someone's house. She didn't recognise it.
"Is this your sister?" she whispered even though she knew it had to be.
"Yeah, that's Alice," he replied. "Are you ok?" He was looking at her with concern.
She put the photo frame back on the shelf a bit more forcefully than she meant to.
"I have to go." She said frantically and moved to the living room to pick up her handbag.
Edward followed her.
"Wait! Why? What's wrong?"
Carlisle and Esme were now listening to their conversation. Bella picked her handbag up quickly and began rummaging through it to find her keys.
"Look, I know this is rude, but I can't be here. She'll be so mad and I can't have this fight with her." Bella looked up, realisation dawning on her. He hand flew to her chest as if she was trying to control her heart rate. "Oh god she'll know I was here. I can't lie to her. I never could. And I took photos with Illyssa and some of the kids. Oh god she'll know."
"Bella I don't understand. How do you know Alice? Why would she be mad if you were here?"
"You know Alice?" Came Esme's voice.
"How?" Asked Carlisle, surprised.
"I – I can't. It's too complicated."
How was she supposed to explain to them that she had been best friends with their adopted daughter since she was eleven? Since before Brandon's biological parents had died in a car crash. How was she supposed to explain that Brandon had made her promise to never try to involve herself with her new family because Bella belonged in her old life. Brandon felt that Bella was one of her few remaining connections to her old life which is why she was never allowed to meet her new family. She couldn't visit and sleepover in summer break. She couldn't call their house. She wasn't even allowed to know their names.
Of course at the time she had agreed – Brandon's parents were dead, if this was what she wanted, Bella was going to give it to her. Of course, years later Bella had fought against all these rules Brandon had made, but she never won.
When it was their graduation she remembered that Brandon wouldn't even let her adoptive parents come. She wouldn't even let them come to visit when their boarding school had family visitation days. And now Bella had Carlisle and Esme's faces to put to that memory. She could imagine how hurt they would have been.
Bella suddenly remembered that Edward had said that she'd be coming here. It didn't make sense. Brandon and Jazz were supposed to be in Paris for another month.
"She's supposed to be in Paris for another month!" she said aloud panicking.
"How do you know that?" Asked Esme. They were all confused.
"She came back early two days ago. She surprised us. She wanted to be here for Lyss's birthday." Edward explained with a frown. He couldn't figure out what was going on.
"I'm sorry," Bella began looking around to all of them. "I should go before she gets here."
But she was too late. As she located her keys Brandon and her boyfriend opened the front door and walked in carrying several bags. Bella's back was towards them and they didn't really notice her at first. Brandon's eyes met Edward as she and Jazz passed by Bella and put the bags on the couch.
"Dude you owe me big! We picked up all the lolly bags from your apartment, bought a few more prizes and bought many diary free, gluten free, nut free goodies for the kids who are allergic! We are awesome. You owe us!" Brandon declared cheerfully without noticing the tension in the room. "Now where is my gorgeous niece?!"
No one replied and Brandon saw Edwards eyes flicker over to a woman who had been standing on near the right side of the couch closer to the front door.
Brandon's eyes went wide.
"Trip?!" she exclaimed when she saw Bella. It had been her nickname for Bella for years since she had witnessed many of Bella's drunken falls. Brandon wore a wide smile as she looked upon her best friend's face. They hadn't seen each other in months. However she quickly realised where they were.
Bella saw her smile disappear into a frown as the others looked on, confused.
Well there you have it! Please review – reviews are my motivation to write more!