Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Differences Between Us Make Us Special

By Midnight Dreamer

Chapter 07: Pen Pals and Birthday Surprises.

Two years have passed since Edward and Isabella had met the Aunt they never knew they had. Letters and pictures were exchanged. Once a month Renee would call and speak with both of them. They were becoming rather close with her even over such a long distance. They would even receive letters from the grandparents they thought were dead. It was nice not to feel alone. Both Edward and Isabella would get gifts on holidays, and birthdays from both Renee and Mr. & Mrs. Masen.

It was coming up on Edward’s 15^th birthday. The children were waiting patiently for the mail man to deliver the mail. They were expecting a letter and possibly his gifts from Renee and Charlie, as well as Granma and Grandpa Masen. The two refused to be called anything but.

The Mailman approached the two smiling siblings. He has come to know the pair well. He also knew of the secrets the two kept from everyone else. It was safe to say that Edward and Isabella had a family, even though none of them were blood related, they still felt that way. He slowed his approach as he searched his bag for any mail for the orphanage. He found several pieces for them. Some were for Isabella. Former occupants no doubt. Only one for Edward this time. He held out the mail to the two. He gave Edward the rest of the mail for Mrs. Tanner. Edward looked saddened for a moment but he remembered that there were a few more days left before his birthday.

The Mailman then took out a small package he had stashed in his coat and handed it to Edward. The smile gracing his delicate face made it worth the while. Edward opened the package to find a baseball and two gloves. He looked questioningly at the man.

“One is for you and the other is for Isabella to play with you.”

Edward nodded his head. Smiling even more brightly knowing that the man thought of including Isabella. He thanked him and gave him a hug. Isabella smiled at the man and curtsied, then turned and headed inside followed by Edward.

Before heading upstairs to their rooms they stopped by Mrs. Tanner’s office and dropped off the mail. He showed her the ball and gloves the Mailman had given him.

“That was very sweet of Mr. Newton.”

“Yes ma’am. He even included a mitt for Isabella.”

“I see that. Well you go have fun. I still have some paper work to get done and I believe you have a letter to open.”

“Yes I do.”

Edward took his leave from the office and headed upstairs. Isabella was already elbow deep in letters. She had envelopes, and blank sheets of papers surrounding her. He just shook his head and continued to his room. Sprawling out on his bed he opened the letter and began to read.

Dearest Edward,

 It has been a while since we last wrote. How is everything? We are all well here. I know you have a birthday coming up soon. We have something special for you this year. We won’t be sending you a gift this year. Please don’t be sad I can already picture the frown and creased eyebrows on your face. I promise you will be surprised. We have also sent a letter to Isabella explaining everything. And don’t try to do your mind tricks on her she won’t fall for them. She has been sworn to secrecy. Now we hope to hear back from you soon. Please don’t wait to long to return a response. We love you both dearly.

Yours Truly,

Aunt Renee, Uncle Charlie, Granma and Grandpa.

Edward refolded the letter and sighed. He can’t say that he wasn’t disappointed that he wasn’t getting a gift mailed but they did say they had something special for him.

“Oh Eddie don’t be so mopey. They said they have a surprise for you.”

“Shush Bella I didn’t ask you.”

Edward started tossing his baseball up into the air. Only two days left until his birthday.

(E&B)

Edward woke up Saturday morning to someone singing in his head. Isabella was singing Happy Birthday over and over and over again in her head. As much as he loved his sister this got annoying. She did this every year, he would be awoken by her singing to him on his birthday.

He still had not gotten anything else in the mail from Renee or their grandparents. He was starting to worry.

“Stop worrying Eddie, it’s a surprise. They didn’t forget about you.”

He simply shrugged to himself and headed into the bathroom to start his day. Unlike on Isabella’s birthday Edward would get a special breakfast, whereas Isabella would have a special supper. She preferred the evenings, and Edward preferred mornings. They once asked why the other felt that way about those specific times of day. Isabella said that it was because evenings was when the world was silent as everything was going to sleep. Edward like the mornings because everything was waking up. They were the perfect example of yin and yang. They complimented each other perfectly.

Edward headed down stairs to the cafeteria where he knew Vicky and Mrs. Tanner would be waiting there for him so he could choose what breakfast would be today. As he entered through the doors he stopped dead in his tracks. There standing with Vicky and Mrs. Tanner was Mr. Newton the mailman, Louie the bakery owner, Renee and Charlie, and the only two family members he had yet to meet. He had only seen the two in photos sent to him by Renee. Granma and Grandpa Masen.

“Well child are you just gonna stand there or are you gonna come give us a hug?” Granma asked.

Edward didn’t have to be told twice. He ran to the older couple and wrapped his arms around the both of them. In the back of his mind he heard Isabella come into the room. “Told you not to worry!”

Edward released his grandparents so Isabella could have a turn. They all gave hugs and birthday wishes. Then Mrs. Tanner asked what he would like for breakfast.

“I think I would like Southwestern Omelets, with home fries, toast, and sausage links please.”

“Right away.” Louie disappeared into the kitchen surprising everyone.

“Louie you don’t have to cook you’re a guest here.” Vicky yelled following him into the kitchen.

“Beat it woman it’s my special gift to one of my favorite employees.” Louie said while chasing her out of the kitchen.

Vicky was laughing the entire time. It was always nice when they were all smiling and laughing. But all good things must come to an end. The phone rang in the office and Mrs. Tanner gave him a kiss on the forehead before heading off to her office.  They continued with their breakfast and they all worked together to clean up. Edward’s party would be later that evening after supper. No need to spoil everyone’s appetite before they even had lunch.

Granma and Grandpa Masen got permission to take Edward and Isabella for the afternoon to the zoo. They all left after lunch to go. It was a beautiful day out. The animals were out of their houses and exploring enclosures. They saw lions, tigers, monkeys, hippos, lemurs and Edwards’s favorite the giraffe.

It was getting close to supper time as the six returned to the orphanage. They were going to eat together and then they would have Edward’s party. They all ate together. Edward was telling everyone about all the animals they had seen at the zoo. Just as they finished cleaning up there was a knock on the door. Mrs. Tanner went to answer, while the others we busy setting up the party stuff.

“Edward, Isabella could you please come to the door.”

Edward looked questioningly at Isabella who just shrugged her shoulders. Little did Edward know that Isabella knew exactly who was at the door? They left the cafeteria and walked down the short hallway to the front door. Standing there were none other than Sargent Andrews and Derrick the EMT. Again Edward was stunned. He walked to the two men who he hadn’t seen in almost three years. Shaking hands with both these men he then turned to his sister glaring at her.

“You knew about this didn’t you?”

Isabella just rolled her eyes at him and turned back toward the two men. She hugged both quickly and made her way back to the cafeteria. The rest followed shortly after. Upon entering the room Edward introduced everyone and explained the circumstances on how the pair knew the two new comers. They all exchanged handshakes and hugs and thanked the two men for lookin after Edward and Isabella.

“It was no problem Miss as I was saying earlier Edward pretty much handled everything we just had to show up.” Sargent Andrews told Renee.

“That’s true he was even lecturing me on how I was checking her over in the ambulance.” Derrick chuckled.

They all were laughing then. The party started and all their family and friends including those from breakfast were there having a good time telling stories about Edward and Isabella over the years. It ended around bed time and when everyone said their good-byes it was sad but Edward told everyone it was his best birthday party ever. He went to bed that night feeling truly loved, and a smile a mile wide on his face.