Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

An Imperfect Life

By Midnight Dreamer

Chapter 22: Welcome Home Surprise

(EPOV)

We were on our way home. I was sitting with Bella on the plane when my cell vibrated. I looked it was Esme.

“Hello” I answered.

“Edward dear, how long till you arrive at the airport?”

“About an hour why?”

“Your father and I are planning a welcome home dinner for all of you.” she said.

“Mom you really shouldn’t. It’s not like we were gone for a year or anything. It was only two weeks.”

“To late dear. Everything is set up for when you get here. Tell Bella and Emmett to go home and get settled first and then they can come here afterwards. Bella shouldn’t have to cook on their first day home. We missed all of you dearly, please.”

“Fine Mom I will tell them” I said rolling my eyes.

“Don’t you roll your eyes at me mister. Now… I will see you when you get home.”

Damn, I would swear she could see the future or something too.

“Yes Mom”

I was off the phone with her then. Bella was eying me suspiciously.

“Mom wants you and Emmett to come by after you unpack for dinner. She said you shouldn’t have to cook your first day home.” I looked at her and smiled.

“That’s sweet of her. She didn’t have too. I would have been fine. She is too much.”

“Yeah well I’m pretty sure if you two don’t show she’ll come get you.” I said shrugging.

“You may be right. Okay we will be there around 5ish.”

“That would be perfect.” I said picking her hand up and kissing it.

We have become closer over these past two weeks. It’s nice having her know how I feel about her, and knowing she feels something for me too. I’m still worried about that Riley guy though. He may have said he was leaving it alone, but his thoughts told me he wasn’t giving up. I didn’t tell Bella or the others this yet, I didn’t want to upset them or get them worried. I’ll ask Carlisle what he thinks I should do, before I worry anyone else. Alice will see anything before he does it, we’ll have ample time to prepare if he tries to get to Bella.

“Edward”

Someone was calling me, bringing me out of my thoughts.

“Yes”

It was Alice.

“Are you okay, you seem distracted.”

“No just thinking”

“About what” she asked.

“Nothing in particular, just going over the last two weeks in my head.” I lied.

“Oh anything you wish to share?” she asked.

“Nope” I smiled and looked at Bella. Who smiled in return.

“Your no fun” Alice said. Sitting back in her seat.

“I know” I smiled to myself.

We were landing. I could feel the cabin pressure starting to change. The flight attendant came over the speaker and said to return our trays to an upright position and buckle our seat belts. We did as instructed. Bella reached over and grabbed my hand. She didn’t mind the flight. Just the taking off and landing scared her. I squeezed her hand reassuringly. Once were landed we left the plane and went to find our luggage. When we got to the parking garage we went our separate ways for now. It would only be a couple of hours till they would come to the house. But to me hours would feel like days. We got home and parked the car in the garage. I called to Esme once I entered the kitchen.

“Mom we’re home”

“In the living room kids I have a surprise for you.”

I listened to her thoughts. She wasn’t giving any clue to what the surprise was.

“Mom that’s not fair”

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if you could read my mind now would it Edward dear. Now come in here and see your surprise.”

“We’re coming”

I looked to Alice and Jasper, they had no idea either. Wow mom must have thought last minute to escape Alice. I walked with the others to the living room. My mouth dropped. There sitting across from Esme was our cousins from Germany. Tanya, Irina, and Katie. Oh this isn’t good.

“Hello. This is a surprise. When did you get here?” I asked.

“About an hour ago.” Tanya said smiling at me.

Great here we go again. When will she get the hint. I don’t like her. Her thoughts caught me off guard though.

 It can’t be true, there is no way he would choose a human over me! Not when he could have this body.

Shivers ran down my body. Eeeewwwww! Her thoughts alone were sickening. She smiled at me.

“How long are you staying with us?” Alice asked.

“A couple days. We are just passing through. We are to meet up with Carmen and Eleazar in Alaska on Friday.” Kate replied.

Oh god five days with Tanya and her disgusting thoughts. Oh no Bella and Emmett will be here later.

“Alice can I speak with you outside please” I asked.

“Sure Edward” she looked at me with a questioning look.

“Please excuse us for a moment.” I said to our guests.

“No problem Edward” Irina said.

Alice and I headed out the back door. We ran until I was sure no one could hear us.

“Alice, Bella and Emmett are coming tonight for dinner.” I said in a hurry.

“What. Edward I didn’t know that. Why didn’t you tell me.” she was getting angry with me.

“I didn’t say anything because I thought you would see. Mom called while we were on the plane. She has had this dinner planned for most of the day.” I told her.

“I wasn’t watching Edward. I’m sorry. I didn’t even see Tanya and them arriving either. It must have been a last minute decision on their part.” Alice seemed upset now.

“Mom must have told her about Bella and I. Tanya was making me ill with her thoughts. She can’t believe I would choose a human over her.” I said.

“But you have told her time and time again your not interested in her. She just doesn’t get the hint does she.” Alice stated.

“Apparently not.” I told her. “What are we going to do?” I asked.

“Well we have to warn Bella and Emmett. I don’t think they would take to kindly to being surprised. Bella in particular.” Alice said.

“I agree. I think you should go though, If I disappear I think they would get suspicious, where with you I could just say you saw a sale you didn’t want to miss.” I chuckled.

I got smacked for that remark.

“Your right, I will go tell Bella and Emmett to brace themselves.”

With that she was off. I headed back to the house. Jasper came up to me.

“Where’s Alice”

“We were talking and she zoned. She said something about a shoe sale and took off.” I said chuckling.

Jasper nodded and went to the living room. I followed behind.

“So Edward I hear you found yourself a girlfriend?” Kate asked.

“Yes I did. Her name is Bella.” I said.

“Does she know?” Kate replied.

“Yes she knows and is okay with it.” I told her.

Kate looked shocked. Then she looked sad. I could tell what she was upset about, it was written all over her face and thoughts. This is not fair, everyone is finding love. I will never find anyone to be with me. I shook my head and walked over to her and put my arm around her shoulder.

“You will find the right someone eventually, it just takes time.” I told her.

“Thank you Edward. So when do we get to meet this girl who stole your heart?” she asked me.

“Actually you will get to meet her and her brother at dinner tonight” I said with a huge grin on my face.

Kate saw the grin and smiled.

“I can’t wait to meet her. If she makes you smile like that she has to be one heck of a girl.” she said.

“Oh she is you’ll see.” I then proceeded to tell Kate about the prank that Bella concocted. She was stunned.

“Wow” was all she could say.

“Yeah I know”

“She definitely will fit in fine with this family. She doesn’t put up with your crap.” she sneered.

“Hey”

“Well. It will be nice to have some advantage against you. You can’t read her thoughts so taking her shopping for you will be a breeze. You can’t cheat and see what we got for you.” she laughed.

“Huh I never thought about that. Your right it might be nice to be surprised.” I smiled.

“Let’s go see if Esme needs help in the kitchen” Kate said taking my hand.

“Alright” I went willingly.

I could tell by Kate’s thoughts that she was happy for me and wouldn’t be any trouble. If Kate was okay with all this then her twin Irina would be okay too. Yes before you ask they are actually twins. The vampire that turned them found them wandering the streets in Germany. They were alone. Their parents had died. Tanya found them later and took them in. Tanya is the oldest. She is 20. Well she looks 20, where Kate and Irina are my age. She is kind of like their mom. But they say they are sisters. After all Tanya was turned by Carmen. Carmen is a wonderful person. Very compassionate. She like Carlisle has never tasted human blood. They knew each other from along time ago. They meet in South Africa when Carlisle was traveling with the missionaries. They became close and so we consider them extended family. Tanya wishes I would make it more official but truthfully the girl gives me the creeps. If she isn’t trying to get me into bed with her she is picturing me naked or undressing me with her eyes. (shivers) gross. While helping set the table I noticed Alice still had yet to return. Maybe she decided to just stay there and ride with them to the house to make them more comfortable. I wish I could have went with her to see Bella. (sigh)

I must have zoned out cause Kate elbowed me.

“You okay there lover boy” she picked.

“Yeah just thinking about Bella” I told her.

“You got it bad for this girl don’t you” she asked.

“That I do. I love her Kate, and she loves me for me. Even with me being a vampire and the mind reading, and everything else. She excepts us. Her and her brother Emmett treat us like family. After her dad died we are all they have left.” I told her.

“That’s great Edward. I can’t wait to meet her. Is her brother taken?” she asked. Rose growled from upstairs.

“I’ll take that as a yes” Kate said. We laughed.

“Well Kate you won’t have to wait much longer I can hear Bella’s car coming up the drive” I said smiling.

We both looked at each other.

“Race you to the door” Kate asked.

“Oh your on.”

“Ready. Set. Go.” she yelled.

We both took off toward the door. Just as they were about to knock Kate whipped it open. There stood my Bella. She looked surprised.

“Hello” she said. Looking from Kate to me.

“Hello love.” I said pulling her to me. She giggled.

“Who is your friend?” Bella asked.

“This is my cousin Kate” I said introducing them.

“Kate this is Bella”. Bella smiled at this.

“Hello Bella. I have heard so much about you. Edward hasn’t shut up about you since he walked through the door.” Kate said.

Bella looked at me cocking her eyebrow. I just shrugged. She laughed.

I love to hear her laugh.

“Well Kate it’s nice to meet you” she said reaching for Kate’s hand. Kate looked hesitant at first, but took her hand. Kate smiled slowly.

I read her thoughts. Kate tried to use her ability on Bella. It didn’t work!

“Your right Edward she is one special girl” Kate said smiling to me.

“Told you” I said kind of smug.

Just then Esme came in.

“I see we are all getting acquainted.”

“Yes Mom, I was just introducing Bella to Katie” I smiled.

Kate gave me a dirty look. She hates being called Katie.

“Okay well why don’t you all go sit in the living room dinner will be done shortly.” she told us.

“Okay” I started ushering everyone into the sitting room.

“Edward” Bella asked.

“Yes”

“Do you think we could go to the library and play awhile before dinner?” she smiled at me.

“Of course love. Do you wish to play or shall I?” I asked.

“Why don’t we both play. Kate would you like to join us?” she asked looking at Kate. I smiled.

“I would love to Bella. Do you play the piano also?”

“Yes I do. Would you like to hear me play?” she asked Kate.

“Sure lead the way.” Bella grabbed Kate’s hand and ran to the library. I looked at Alice who looked like she was about to cry.

“It’s okay Alice, I’m sure Bella won’t replace you.” I said hugging her.

She smiled.

“Emmett, Rosie is upstairs in her room. I’m sure you can find your own way there.” I said. Emmett Smiled.

I went to join the girls in the library. I wasn’t even halfway to the second floor when Bella started to play. I stopped dead and just listened. She was playing Green sleeves. At least I think it was. She added a lot of embellishments to it but it still sounded lovely. Almost Enchanting, I felt my feet start to move on their own. It was like the music was bringing me to it. I noticed Rose and Emmett heading toward the library also. When I got to the door way Jasper, Carlisle, Tanya, and Irina were already standing around the piano. Kate was sitting in the window seat that Bella usually occupied. I went and sat myself next to Bella. She looked at me and smiled. We all just sat and listened as she ended that song and drifted right into another. It was the same one she played the first time they came over. I watched as the others eyes glazed over. It was like she was putting them into a trance. Suddenly I noticed my thoughts were jumbled. I couldn’t keep one line of coherent thinking. Everything went blank. I felt at peace. I was just drifting with the music. Then the music stopped. I came back down to solid ground. What the hell was that! I looked at the others. They were shaking their heads from side to side trying to clear them. Bella didn’t seem dazed in the least. I looked at her. She turned and gave me a quick kiss. She excused herself to the restroom. As soon as she was out of the room I looked at Carlisle.

“Did you feel that?” I asked him.

“I’m not sure, what are you talking about?” he asked me.

“I mean, it was like I lost all thought, I felt peaceful, like I didn’t have a care in the world. It’s like I spaced out.” I told him.

“Yes I felt it to. I wonder.” he puzzled.

“Carlisle who could cause this?” I asked.

“I’m not sure I have never met anyone who could do anything like that.”

“Could it be Bella?” Jasper asked.

“Why would you ask that Jasper” Carlisle and I both asked at the same time.

“Well the first time she played that song for us I felt the same thing. Peaceful, I also noticed that I can’t pick up any emotions from Bella at all. It’s like she leaves her body.”

We all looked at Jasper like he was crazy.

“Emmett has it always been like this when she plays?” Alice asked.

“Well yeah. I never noticed anything different thought. At least nothing like what you guys are talking about.” he told us.

“You mean to tell me you didn’t feel any different?” Carlisle asked.

“No. I just felt happy that Bella is enjoying playing again.”

“Huh. It must only effect us vampires.” Carlisle said.

“Wait I didn’t see Esme up here” I stated.

Just then Esme called up the stairs.

“Dinner is ready, please come to the dining room.”

“I will ask her about it later.” Carlisle said. “For now let’s Eat!”

We all laughed at this.

“I’ll wait for Bella and we’ll join you in the dining room.”

They all turned and headed toward the stairs. I sat back down on the piano bench just tinkering with the keys when Bella placed her hand on my shoulder. I jumped slightly. I hadn’t even heard her enter the room.

“Are you Okay” she asked.

“Yes you just surprised me, that’s all. I didn’t hear you come back.” I told her honestly.

“With your senses I didn’t think that was possible.” she chuckled.

“It’s not normally. With you everything is different.” I said.

“What do you mean different?” she questioned.

“I didn’t mean anything by it Bella” I said standing up and wrapping my arms around her waist. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes.

“I’m sorry Bella. Don’t cry.” I said wiping the tears off her cheeks.

“What do you mean by I’m different?” she sniffled.

“It’s just you are special. You can do things no human should be able to do.” I told her.

“Like what?” she stated.

“Well you can block Alice from your future, you block your emotions from Jazz, I can’t hear your thoughts, you stopped Kate’s shock…”

She cut me off.

“Kate’s shock?”

“Oh yeah I didn’t tell you. Kate can run an electric current over her skin. It’s so strong it can bring a vampire to his knees. You should have her show you sometime. It’s slightly disturbing for the rest of us but you might find it funny.”

“OH”

“Then there’s the piano thing?” I said looking at her with a questioning look.

“What about the piano?”

“Are you telling me you don’t know that when you play you put us into a trance like state?” I asked.

“No. I thought it was just me who drifted off into la la land.” she said.

“Well it’s not. I lost all train of thought, I couldn’t see straight. All I heard was the music. How did you do it?” I asked.

“I don’t know. I just played. I feel free when I play. Peaceful. Like nothing can hurt me. I’m sorry if it upsets you.” she said.

“I’m not upset Bella, I’m confused, even creeped out a little. I don’t like feeling vulnerable.” I admitted to her.

“I didn’t mean to do it, hell I didn’t even know I could. I won’t play again.” she said.

“No. Bella I didn’t mean that you shouldn’t play” I told her.

“No I won’t play around you guys anymore. I don’t want you guys to feel uncomfortable around me. I will just have to play at home when you are not around.” she stated as if that was final. I knew there was no point to arguing with her. Once her mind was made up that was it.

“Fine, let’s go eat” I said to her.

“Don’t you mean I will go eat and you guys will hide your food somewhere.” she said.

“Actually, we only set place settings for you and Emmett. Rose and I are the only ones still going to be here. The rest are going out to eat.” I said.

“Oh”

We headed downstairs to join Rose and Emmett in the dining room. Rose gave me a dirty look. I should have known she would hear the whole conversation. I would hear it later no doubt. I wonder if the others heard everything.

“You two just missed the others” Rose said. Almost like she knew what I was thinking. Crap.

“Sorry we were talking” I said hanging my head.

“That’s fine they said they would catch you when they get back” she glared again. I caught the double meaning to her words. Double crap.

We sat and talked steadily while Emmett and Bella ate their dinner. Then we did the dishes together and retired to the living room. We talked most of the evening. Around eleven Bella said It was getting late and that they should head home. I kissed her on the cheek and told her I would be by tomorrow. She hugged and kissed Rose’s cheek and said to tell everyone they said Thank you for the dinner, and good night. I was also supposed to tell Kate that Bella said it was nice meeting her. As soon as we heard their car hit the roadway Rose started.

“Edward how dare you”

“How dare I what?” I was confused.

“Bella plays beautifully, and so what if we all zone a little, it’s not like her and Emmett would hurt us. It’s nice to feel calm and peaceful for a change. Not having to think or worry is a delightful change of pace for this house. Now she will never play for us again.” she was yelling.

“I’m sorry Rose. I didn’t mean for her to stop playing for us. I was confused by the feelings I get when she plays. I was just curious if she knew that she was doing it. It’s not my fault she took it the wrong way.” I was defending myself.

“Actually it is all your fault. If you would have just waited Carlisle was going to ask her about it. Now I doubt she will talk to him, or play again. Your really are an ass Edward Cullen.” she said storming off towards the stairs.

“I’m sorry” I yelled after her.

“I’m not the one you should be apologizing to. Jerk” I heard just before she slammed her bedroom door and blared her radio.

Great! Rose is pissed at me. If she’s that angry I wonder how the rest of them are going to be? I went to my room to wait for the onslaught of anger. I didn’t know when they would be back so I just sat there writing in my journal.

Dear Journal,

I really made an ass out of myself tonight. I asked Bella about her playing. I wasn’t trying to be a jerk about it. I was just wondering if she knew that when she played that way it put most of us in a trance. Well she got upset and defensive. She said she would never play around us again. Great. That is not what I wanted at all. I love to hear her play. Apparently I’m not the only one. Rose is pissed off at me. I can only imagine how angry the rest of them are going to be. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kate zaps me. She seems to have taken to Bella right away. Oh great! Now her and Alice are going to tag team me. Bad cop, worse cop. Bet you can’t guess which would be which. I really didn’t mean to upset Bella. I hope she will forgive me. I will have to find a way to apologize to her. I wonder if Jasper would help me find a way of apologizing to Bella. I won’t be able to ask Alice. She is going to be mad for a while. When am I going to learn to keep my big mouth shut. I love Bella, I hope she will forgive me. She loves me too. Maybe it won’t be so bad. I wonder if she will be mad at me for a long time. She seemed okay during dinner and when we were talking in the living room but then again, I can’t tell what she is thinking so it could have all been just a show. She is good at hiding her true feelings. Even Jasper can’t get a good read on her. I really hope she forgives me.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

I’m must have been out of it. I didn’t even hear anyone come upstairs.

“Who is it?” I asked.

“It’s me Kate”

Great! Here goes round two.

“Come on in” I said.

She opened the door slowly.

“I know you think I’m going to yell at you but I’m not. I figure you have been up here beating yourself up enough with out my help.” she said.

“Are you sure you can’t read minds too?” I asked.

“I’m sure. I just know you.” she replied.

“Well you would be right then.”

“Well what are you going to do?” she asked.

“Do? About what?” I looked at her.

“About Bella. You know you have to go apologize don’t you? How are you going to do it?” she asked.

“I don’t know. You have any ideas?” I looked hopeful.

“I have a few but you will have to beg!” she smiled.

“I will not beg. I will just pick your brain.” I smiled back.

Twinkle, Twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are. Up above the world so high. Like a diamond in the sky. Twinkle, Twinkle little star.

“Kate” I yelled.

“What?” she laughed.

“That’s not fair.” I told her.

“Neither is you trying to pick my thoughts.”

“Okay your right. But Twinkle, Twinkle little star?” I asked.

“I couldn’t think of anything else.” she laughed.

“Okay so what’s your Idea” I said.

With that she went into full planning mode. She had a really good idea. I was definitely going to need help with this. We called Alice, Jasper and Rose. They all agreed to help. Good. Now to set everything in motion. I hope Bella will forgive me. I hope Kate’s plan will work. Alice said it should but she couldn’t tell for sure, Bella is blocking her again.

Damn I hate when she does that. I never know what is going to happen. She knows this too. That’s why she does it. She is truly the most evil, enchanting creature I have ever encountered. And I love her all the more for it.