I was holding Bella tightly against my chest when suddenly she went limp in my arms. I was alarmed. Did I squeeze her too tight? Had I hurt her? I was panicking. I checked my hold on her, making sure my arms were gentle. I wasn't exerting any more pressure then I had all night when I was holding her.
"Bella?" I whispered in fear.
Her eyes fluttered and met mine. She was breathless, "You...made...me...faint," she said.
I rejoiced at her voice. I couldn't read her eyes, they were unfocused.
"What am I going to do with you?" I groaned in exasperation. "Yesterday I kiss you, and you attack me! Today you pass out on me!"
She was still limp in my arms, but a small laugh came out of her lips, "That's the problem. You're too good. Far, far too good."
She was still unmoving in my arms. I was holding her up. She looked dizzy, "Do you feel sick?"
"No - that wasn't the same kind of fainting at all. I don't know what happened." She shook her head, "I think I forgot to breath."
She hadn't taken a breath, I remembered. What would Esme and Alice think if I brought her over there like this?
"I can't take you anywhere like this."
"I'm fine," she insisted, "Your family is going to think I'm insane anyway, what's the difference?"
I suppressed a sigh, deciding another distraction was needed. I looked down at her clothes.
"I'm very partial to that color with your skin," I told her.
The flood of blood to her cheeks made her glow. She was glorious.
"Look, I'm trying really hard not to think about what I'm about to do, so can we go already?" she said impatiently.
"And you're worried, not because you're headed to meet a houseful of vampires, but because you think those vampires won't approve of you, correct?"
"That's right," she answered quickly...and maybe a hint of surprise in her voice.
I moved my head back and forth, "You're incredible."
As my house became visible Bella's eyes widened in surprise. I watched her eyes dart from the trees, the lawn, and finally to the house.
"Wow." She exclaimed.
I smiled, "You like it?"
"It...has a certain charm." She replied.
Bella's here! Alice bellowed from her mind. I ignored her.
I reached out and pulled the end of her ponytail lightly. What a human gesture, I mused to myself. I chuckled lightly. I parked her truck and was out of the driver's side door and outside her door opening it before she realized I was gone. She didn't even blink at the fast movement, she expected it.
"Ready?" I asked her.
"Not even a little bit - let's go" she attempted a laugh. It sounded more like choking. She was patting her hair, a nervous gesture.
"You look lovely," I reassured her.
I took her hand in mine, leading her up the porch. She was tense. I began caressing her hand with my thumb, trying to soothe her.
"Carlisle, they are on the porch," Esme called.
I opened the door to the house for Bella; she stepped in, still tense. I found it odd that Alice wasn't waiting at the door. I watched as Bella's eyes searched the house, looking for something suspect, I assumed. Her eyes darted from the far wall, which was made of only glass, to the piano and then to the staircase where Esme and Carlisle were waiting for us. They were grinning at her, but didn't approach.
She is lovely! Esme thought.
Then the scent hit her, I can see her initial appeal, she does smell wonderful...don't worry Edward, I'd never hurt her. Esme's thoughts continued.
Welcome home, Edward. Carlisle thought.
"Carlisle, Esme, this is Bella." I introduced them.
"You're very welcome, Bella," Carlisle stepped closer.
She isn't...scared is she? Carlisle wondered.
I shook my head in a motion that Bella wouldn't have noticed. Each step Carlisle took was slow, careful, and cautious. He raised his hand to shake Bella's. She stepped forward without hesitating and shook his hand, "It's nice to see you again, Dr. Cullen."
"Please, call me Carlisle."
"Carlisle," Bella grinned.
I was relieved that this initial meeting was over with, and I was sure Bella could read my body language.
Is she even nervous? Esme wondered, looking in my direction. I shook my head behind Bella.
Oh...I knew she was meant for you, and so maybe she is meant for our life too, Edward. Esme thought.
I banished the idea from my head immediately. I couldn't let myself...hope...to take her life.
Esme stepped forward, feeling elated about this meeting, and reached her hand to shake Bella's also. Bella took her hand like she was meeting a normal human.
"It's very nice to know you," Esme said sincerely.
"Thank you. I'm glad to meet you, too." Bella truly looked happy.
During these first meetings with my vampire parents Bella's pulse didn't speed up once. She was brave. Alice was still a no show. I searched for her thoughts and found them.
No, that color doesn't look right...yes, blue, Edward loves it when Bella wears blue. That's it, this dress will look spectacular on her!
"Where is Alice and Jasper?" I called out to them.
They both appeared at the top of the stairs in that second.
"Hey, Edward!" Alice called enthusiastically.
This is what I've been waiting for. Alice dived down the stairs and was abruptly in front of Bella.
I wanted to shout at her for doing this, but I decided that saying something in front of Bella was not a wise idea. She was taking everything so well, no need to scare her now. I knew Alice wouldn't hurt Bella, she loved her, too. Esme and Carlisle were giving her a reproving look.