CH. 9 (Emmett)

I returned from Italy to a very happy family.

Esme and Carlisle welcomed me home with warm embraces, while Alice was practically bouncing from excitement.

"So you're gonna give her a chance then?" Alice said.

"What do you think?" I asked.

"Well i've seen you two together and very happy, but who ever listens to me?"

Everyone seemed happy and congratulated me, they all knew that now i would openly pursue Red, Well almost everyone happily welcomed me back.

After the initial excitement of coming home everyone kind of went about their normal routines. I sat on the sofa next to Bella, She had her feet tucked under her and her nose buried in a thick book.

"What's wrong Little Sis?" I asked.

I always though that out of everyone here next to Jasper, i was the closest to Bella.

"Nothing," She said lying.

I chuckled and rolled my eyes. "You know, you've never been a very good liar."

She smirked a little and looked up at me from her lashes. "So that's it, you're just gonna move on from Rose?" She asked calmly.

I sighed, and sat back against the sofa. I should have known Bella would be bitter about me moving on. She and Rosalie had become very close two years ago when Bella was pregnant. She had refused to be angry with Rosalie, she always harbored delusions that she would come back and everything would go back to normal. I had the same hopes.

"Bella, when i went to Volterra, i went as a broken man searching for his lost love. I saw Rosalie and to be honest she is no longer the same women that any of us knew. She was cold and distant. Her and her husband look like they're doing very well, and as far as i could see they were happy together. But the deciding fact for me was when i looked into her blood red eyes and saw nothing but a cold hearted killer, someone who turned her back on everything she once was only to please the man she married." I said.

Bella was staring at me with wide eyed shock. I knew Everyone in the house could hear our conversation and i didn't care, they needed to know what i had seen.

"And Elle? Do you love her?" She asked looking deep into my eyes.

Without hesitation i answered her. "I Do, to be honest I've loved her since the first moment I saw her, but I was too stubborn to realize it."

I was smiling at my own admission as I recalled our first meeting so clearly.

"Now i just have to make up with her, i was kind of an asshole to her the last time i saw her, i have to gain her trust, find out more about her, let her in, and ask her to be mine. All i can do now is take it day by day and hope that she will except me and everything that comes with being with me."

Bella gave me a hug. "I only want things to go back to normal Em." Then she got up and went to her house.

I Sat on the sofa a bit longer until Jasper walked in.

"I'm proud of you Emmett." Jasper said.

"Thanks Man, it wasn't easy but i knew i had to do it to give Red and I a chance."

Jazz nodded in agreement. It felt good to be on the same wave length as my family once again, i wasn't moping around anymore. Now i was all smiles because i was always thinking about Red and i couldn't wait till the next time i would see her.

"We're gonna be out of school for a little over a week." Alice came into the living room and announced. "Starting tomorrow all the way until next Tuesday." She said sadly.

"What are we gonna tell Elle?" Esme asked.

My insides started to turn in excitement at the mention of her.

"I'll have to make something up, something that gets all of us plus Tanya and Kate out of the public eye." Alice said concentrating.

"Great." I muttered grumpily.

"What's up man?" Jake asked.

"He's upset that he left to get the go ahead on Elle only to come back and have to be away from her for a week." Edward said smugly.

"It's ok, I see you two laying in bed together soon." Alice said.

Everyone in the room started laughing. If Red was hear she would have turned crimson from embarrassment and the thought made me smile.

Soon all of the family was over, including the Denali's, Carmen and Eleazar. Garrett came up with the plan, it was a bit morbid, but the only thing realistic enough to keep from having suspicions arise.

We all agreed to tell Red that we had a Great Aunt who was sick and going to die any day now, then after the burial and family arrangements we would all return. In all reality, we were going to lock ourselves away in the house.

Jasper and Alice decided to take a mini vacation to England.

Jacob, Bella, Edward and Nessie decided to visit their families in Forks.

Esme and Carlisle decide they would visit Isle Esme, they haven't been since before Edward and Bella's honeymoon.

The thought of leaving didn't even cross my mind. I went to Italy and learned i couldn't stand to be away from Red, the distance almost hurts physically. I knew i would have to be extra stealthy if i decided to see her, but i would try and stay locked in the house for as long as i can.

My family broke apart and went their own ways. I went up to my lounge room and played some games.

I tried everything to keep my mind off of the attractive redhead that haunted my thoughts. Nothing Helped, Soon i found myself standing in the back yard gazing at her house. I wondered which room was hers?

I sighed and went back in, but not for long deciding i needed to hunt.

Soon enough the Sun had set, Alice's plan would go into motion and Red would think we all went out of town for our sick great Aunt.

TUESDAY

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WEDNESDAY

...

THURSDAY

Once Thursday rolled around i couldn't take the seclusion anymore, i had to leave the house for something more than hunting. It was nightfall so i was safe, if she saw me somehow i would just say i didn't join my family on their trip, but that didn't mean i wasn't going to try and stay hidden.

I looked down at my watch and noticed it was almost 8:30pm I wondered what Red was doing right now.

I got up from the bed, the same bed she had lain upon when i was out of the country. The thought of which brought me happiness.

I decided the quickest way to her house would be to cross the lake, there was a thin layer of ice laying over the surface. i wonder if it was thick enough to cross.

The gambler in me won out over common sense, and i took off running toward her house, bracing myself for the ice cold water that was beneath my feet.

Moisture never touched my skin and i was happy. On my way home i would have to see how thick it really was, see if it could support my full weight when i stand still.

I walked silently to the house, i looked in the windows downstairs and i saw a small light above the stove in the kitchen was on. The dinning room was dark and empty. There was no one in their sitting room, a little further down was an office of sorts, probably her Dad's, it too was empty.

There was only two more rooms on this first level of the house, one was a large bedroom and looked lived in so i assumed it was the master bedroom, a short lady with a tangle of bushy reddish brown hair sat on the bed cutting out and gluing pictures into a big book.

I made my way to the next room, it was a den, and her father sat there looking at a recorded Dallas Cowboys Game. I smirked a little, Football fans huh?

I walked to the nearest tree I found, once up in the tree I jumped forward and landing easily on the balcony on the second story.

I looked through the girly glass doors and saw Red, laying in her bed on her laptop. She had earphones in and i could see she was downloading songs onto her iPod.

I stood there for hours, hiding in the shadows as i watched this beautiful little creature go about her life. She played on the laptop, painted her nails, did some homework, and through all of this she would wonder off from her tasks, thinking about something and then smiling to herself before she would go back to whatever she was doing before.

Soon she went to shower, when she returned she looked extremely sexy, wearing very short cotton shorts, a white tank top and long damp hair, clinging to her.

She buried herself under her blankets, she laid in bed for awhile just biting her lower lip and thinking about something, in the end she smiled and closed her eyes, soon her posture loosened and i knew she was asleep. I stood there for another 5 minutes just watching her. I could hear the television in the den turn off and her Father talking to her Mom, Soon they too were asleep.

I don't know what came over me but curiosity had my hand on one of the handles to the balcony doors.

It was unlocked.

I smiled and entered her room. It smelt sweet and warm. Her room was nice and told me everything about her. She likes designer things like Alice, but i spotted some Anne Rice books that made me chuckle, Red was into Vampire romance novels.

I sat on her bed as softly as i could, she didn't even budge.

I trailed my fingers along her exposed cheekbone, i held my breath and waited for her to open hers eyes and scream. But she surprised me by squirming a little, but smiling.

Her beautiful smile made my own appear on my face. It was still mind blowing how this one little human could turn my world inside out. Something i held onto for so long, no longer seemed relevant.

I sat and watched her sleep for hours, a few times i had to keep from laughing or jumping from excitement. An hour after sunrise i ducked out and went back home.

I went into my bedroom and laid on the cold empty bed, i closed my eyes and imagined what life with Red would be like.

I did this every night until Monday rolled around, My family had all come back and even though i missed them, i was a little frustrated that i couldn't go and see Red tonight. I know i sound like a psycho stalker, but this girl had captured my dead heart and i was easily starting to fall in love with her.

I knew my siblings would give me shit about sneaking off to watch Red sleep, it was bad enough that Edward knew from poking around in my head, knowing him he just had to gossip to Bella who in turn told Jacob, Jacob who couldn't keep anything from Nessie, and Nessie not being one to keep secrets probably blabbed it to either Alice or Esme or Both, who in turn told their husbands.

Needless to say, Monday night came and everyone was smirking at me with knowing glances.

"Just go to her, we all know you want to." Esme said softly.

I wanted to be angry with her but i knew i couldn't, it was Esme, the kindest being i knew. I just stomped upstairs into the bedroom and took my regular position in the center of the big ass bed.

I laid in bed and tried to drown out the sound of my siblings talking about me.

Finally Tuesday came and i couldn't take it anymore.

"Please Alice," I begged. I was having withdraws, i wonder if this is what a drug addict feels like. I hadn't seen Elle going on two days and i felt like a broken man, i didn't know what to do with myself. I was in a pissy mood, i was frustrated, angry, and just down right desperate. "Being away is almost unbearable." I pleaded as my last attempt.

Nessie and Alice were sitting in the kitchen making flower arrangements, to keep up with our "Dead Aunt" facade.

I was asking Alice to just invite her over for the night, she could ask her to stay like a sleepover.

Nessie was just giggling at my weak attempts.

"Fine." Alice smiled mischievously. "But you better man up and start making some moves Emmett Cullen."

I was both excited and nervous now. What if she didn't feel as strongly as i did with her, i guess i would just have to take things really slowly.

Back when i was human, i was actually quite the ladies man, all i had to do was smile and the girls would swoon, then their was Rose, she was so sexually driven that we had a great physical relationship. But from what i know about Red, i would have to get to know her first, let her get to know me, let her into my life. She would have to trust me first, no easy task since i kinda fucked up and probably got on her shit list my very first day of school.

I have never been a patient Man, But for Red i would wait an eternity.

It felt like i HAD waited an Eternity for Red to get off of work. When she finally did get here, she smelt strongly of a dog, but i remember Alice mentioning her Dad Being a dog breeder and the owner of a husky dog sled business that was located somewhere in town.

She looked so relieved to see us, her smile never once wavering.

"Elle, being away from you was almost unbearable." Nessie said evilly. 'How can someone so small be so evil' i thought.

Edward growled at me and looked like he wanted to murder me. Just then Jazz came up to talk to me.

"You ok? Your emotions are kind all over the place." He said.

"I think i'm fine, it's just time to bite the bullet and finally go for it." I said smirking at him.

"Well if it helps any, i can tell you that right now she is feeling, happy, excited, and oh, um, well i guess she just spotted you because she is feeling very shy, kind of lust filled, and now she's-oh, what?" Jazz sounded, now looking questioningly at the floor.

I couldn't help but chuckle a little.

"She's very interesting." Jazz said catching my attention once more.

"How so?" I asked.

"Well, i was feeling her emotions and then all of a sudden it was as if I was the one with those emotions. Almost as if she somehow pushed her emotions onto me. And honestly this isn't even the first time."

I looked at him with wonder. Could a human really do that? I thought.

Edward stiffened and looked at us with curiosity and fear?

Everyone else seemed to miss Jasper's and my conversation with the excitement of Elle's presence.

"I think we should probably bring it up to Carlisle." I said, He and Edward both nodded.

"Well it looks like everyone is taking their seats, Elle's Nervous and anxious, Just be yourself Em, she likes you, trust me." He said giving my shoulder a reassuring pat before he walked away to sit next to Alice.

I looked up and saw Red gnawing at her bottom lip with her little brows drawn together in worry.

I stood there and listened to her heartbeat beat furiously with a swarm of emotions i'm sure Jasper was feeling.

Just then i notice Edward laughing, at her i'm sure. My hands curled themselves into fists involuntarily. I was ready to punch his smug ass face for laughing at Red. Apparently judging by the looks Alice and Kate were giving him as well, they felt the same way i did.

Before Edward had another chance to laugh at her i walked up and sat in the seat next to hers. Alice also intervened by standing up and making an announcement, one i wasn't very interested in at the moment.

The second i sat down, Red's thick sweet scent intoxicated me.

I leaned into her a little, i must have been drunk from her aroma, "Hey" I said.

Her breathing hitched ever so slightly, and she looked at me with wide eyed wonderment. She was breathtakingly stunning, her creamy white skin glowed flawlessly with a light pink blush that now dusted her cheeks.

"I'm really sorry for being a jackass to you before i left." I said honestly, i felt like a dick for hurting her and putting her through so much shit. "I really hope you don't think i'm a huge Prick."

Then she spoke. "No, i don't think that, i know it's hard being at a new school."

I wanted to close my eyes and play her words over and over, her voice was light and musical, the sound of it spoke to my heart and woke up my inner child. I couldn't hold back the smile that broke out on my face, words escaped me so all i did was nodded slightly.

"I'd like to start over." I said bravely.

"Yeah, i'd like that too."She replied shyly but her face held a smile that had me grinning like an idiot. I hope she doesn't think i''m some kind of mental patient for smiling all the time, she just radiated happiness and i couldn't help but smile at her smile.

She relaxed and sat more comfortably in her seat.

During one of the zombie movies Red's warm delicate hand grabbed a hold of my arm, I sat there smiling like a maniac as humans were being devoured and killed.

All too soon the movies ended and Everyone began talking about the movies, But my concentration was on Red.

"Sorry" She said looking down at her hand and blushing.

I smirked at her shyness, there was something refreshing in the way she was so innocent "It's ok, it's not like you hurt me or anything."

She removed her hand slowly and then Kate came over to talk to her, Red missed the wink Kate gave me.

Everyone's mindless babbling was drowned out by my own thoughts of Red, then i heard her sweet accented voice. "No, it was super scary, i'll be surprised if i don't have nightmares." She said giggling with nervousness.

I looked at her lovingly.

"Oh lord we should send her home now before she keeps the whole house up with her screaming." Jacob shouted, picking on her.

Fucking Dog, i would put him in his place. Lucky for him Red was in the room and Nessie had taken it upon herself to start hitting him, i knew she would scold him for me.

He held up his hands in surrender and smiled at her, "I'm kidding, I'm kidding." I sat back in my seat, still glaring at him.

"I gotta get going." Garrett announced. Bella and Edward following suit.

I was a little concerned that Red hadn't shown any sign of sleepiness. "Are you tired?" I asked

"No" she answered, looking down shyly, then she looked up at me and with a slight giggle she asked "But, do you know where i'm sleeping tonight?"

This got her a huge smile from me "You, Red, are sleeping in my room again."

"No." She protested, any sign of shyness gone. "I couldn't. I can't just kick you out of your room." She shook her head, standing her ground.

"You can and you will." I said smiling with a slight authority in my voice. "plus," i said dropping the Authority and exchanging it with nonchalance and a shoulder shrug "I volunteered. I can take the sofa, or even go over to Jacob's If need be. But trust me when i say it's not a problem"

"Thank You." She said smiling. "Where does Jacob stay?" She asked curiously.

"I live in the lake house out back." He proudly put in. "I'm so cool i get my own pad."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes and laugh at his arrogant comment. "More like we don't allow mutts in the house."

Nessie, Red, and Jacob ate some Pizza and then Esme came down and insisted every go to bed, reminding us all we had school in the morning. Red got up and i followed her upstairs.

I opened the bedroom door for her and let her in first. She made her way to the bed and took a seat, i went over to my dresser and pulled out a plain black undershirt for her to wear tonight.

"Here you go." I said nervously. "Sorry it isn't anything fancier, but i noticed you didn't bring anything with you." I embarrassingly said, what the hell is wrong with me, i'm over here rambling. "If you'd like, i can ask Alice to get you a pair of pajamas or something." I finished, rubbing my neck out of humiliation, i was babbling again.

"Thank you, this is fine, and very generous." She said giving me a sympathetic smile.

I gave her a thank you smirk in reply. "No Problem. Um i'm just gonna take a shower really quick."

She smiled and I went back over to my dresser and grabbed a clean pair of boxers and walking into my restroom.

I closed the door and took a shower. As a vampire, i don't exactly sweat so i didn't technically have to bathe or brush my teeth, but some human habits are hard to break.

When i was finished, i put on my boxers and smirked at my reflection. As cocky as it sounds, i knew i looked good. I've heard the way girls talk about me.

So my next move was bold, but necessary.

I opened the bathroom door and my confidence fell once my eyes found the sexy red head sitting on my bed in just my t-shirt. She had pulled her hair into an effortless but attractive up-do. She was leggy, something i didn't fail to notice on the first day of school, or the many times i went over to her place. The black shirt contrasted nicely with her pale skin and vivid red hair.

I couldn't hide the smile on my face and idiotically i said the first thing that came to me. "Cool, my shirt fits."

"Yeah, thanks again." She said as she embarrassingly tired to get the shirt to magically go lower.

"No problem. Hey if you want, i have a spare toothbrush in here if you want to use it." I said pointing my thumb back into the restroom. Her little nose crinkled in distaste. I couldn't help but laugh a deep laugh, she was just too cute. She giggled at me laughing.

"It's closed Red." I said still smiling, "still in it's package." I assured.

She got up and made her way into the bathroom.

I stopped her once she met up with me in the door frame, i leaned into her and whispered "That is, unless you want to share my tooth brush."

Her breath caught and she blushed. She continued to walk into the restroom and reached for the unopened toothbrush.

She finished brushing her teeth and rinsed out her mouth then went back into the bedroom, me following right behind her.

This was it, was Alice's vision going to come true, she had said a while ago that she had seen Red and I in bed together. Would tonight be the night.

I walked slower than normal, so much so that it felt desperate, but hell i WAS desperate. I finally reached the door and had my hand on the door Knob, i began to turn it and then i slowly cracked it opened.

"Emmett."She finally said.

I grinned a wide grin and then erased it as I turned to face her.

She gave an entire speech before she finally offered to share the bed with me.

I flipped the switched and turned off the light then walked over to the bed.

"Scoot." I said. "I have to sleep by the door in case intruders come in, they will have to go through me to get to you." I said honestly, smirking at the fact that no one would be brave enough to break into a house full of vampires, and if they did i would be ready to risk my life for hers.

Together we laid in the bed comfortably just talking.

I asked about her life Texas, she asked me about my life in Washington.

I didn't ever want to keep anything from her, i knew i had to tell her as much as i could for her to trust me. SO i told her about Rosalie and I.

Time escaped us. That is until she failed at her attempt to hide a huge yawn

"Go to bed Red,' I said happily, "We can talk more tomorrow." I told her, pulling the thick comforter up to make sure she was warm enough. She got on her side, facing me, and curled into a little ball nestling the blanket to her.

I laid on my back under the covers with my hands tucked behind my head and my eyes contently closed. "Good Night Elle." I said softly, lovingly. A huge satisfied smile covering my face.

She yawned again. "Goodnight MY Emmett." She said.

My eyes shot open, and i looked over at her still form, she was smiling innocently, and i wondered if she was asleep. But then a minute later, i heard her heart get more steady and her breathing became just a little bit heavier.

I wasted no time, I reached over and gently grabbed her sleeping body and held her in my arms. Something that i have only day dreamed about. I wanted to laugh out of pure joy, I kissed her hair.

"I love you." I whispered into her ear, i knew she wouldn't remember it when she woke up, but i had to tell her.

I would tell her every night for the rest of her existence.