Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

All the breath left my lungs as I locked eyes with the prettiest of the new family, her name a whisper on my breath...
My name...

"Rosalie..."

Suddenly five sets of golden eyes landed on me, confusion evident on them all. I blink and shake my head, sure I must be dreaming. There's no way those five teenagers are the same as the ones my mother once knew, and yet... I turn on my heels, the weight of those gazes on my back as I walk away, completly mistified.

THREE DAYS EARLIER

"MUUUUMMMMM! I'm home! And I have some gossip!"

Mum pokes her head around the wall between the kitchen and dining room as I kick my shoes off into the messy shoe rack.
"What's up, Rosie?"

I bound into the kitchen, chasing the smell of vegetables roasting away, filling my nose.

“Rumour has it, we have a family of five moving to our school next week, The Platt’s. Their mum is said to be some big time interior designer or something.”
I look at mum and she seems to be lost in her own thoughts for a moment. Before I say anything, she looks at me again.

“That’s lovely, Rosie darling. I bet that’s going to be the main conversation point for a while. Brunswick could do with some fresh blood.”
Mum laughs at herself like she made a funny joke.

“Am I missing something?”

Mum looks up at me, my wider frame dwarfing her these days, and I’m sure to keep growing still. She flicks my chin.
“Don’t worry, Rosie. I’m just being weird… forget I laughed, okay?”

I roll my eyes at her, backing away.

“Yeah, sure mum. Do I need to call gramps? Tell him that Isabella Marie Swan finally went insane?”

Mum throws some flour toward me but misses by a long shot, before she tips out a bowl revealing dough.

“I’m sure Charlie would be delighted… he thought I cracked years ago.”

She chuckles, and I can’t help but laugh too.

“I’m gonna go and do some homework, and maybe give Gramps a call. I haven’t heard from him in a while.”

Mum has raised me by herself my entire life, moving around a bit when I was young, but thankfully settling down before I hit puberty. While we’ve had our struggles, I know that I’m lucky to have had a mum like her.

We haven’t always had much money, but for a joint trip in honour of mums fourthyieth and my thirtheenth, we went to Italy together, and she told me all about a festival we attened, and she told me she'd been to it when she was eighteen.
It’s honestly one of my favourite memories I have with her, as we sat wearing red hooded robes near a water fountain, eating propper gelato, watching a procession of joy pass us by.
That was the day I learned a lot more about her, like her rich ex boyfriend, the brother of the woman she named me after.

I remember when I was about ten years old and she’d told me she’d named me after a girl I’d taken to calling The Princess. Based on how close they appeared, it hadn’t occurred to me that she was essentially an inlaw.
To this day, however, mum hasn’t told me what The Princess stopped her from doing, but I can only assume it’s connected to mums ex boyfriend.
Unfortunatly for me, mum doesn’t often seem inclined to tell me about her youth often.

Gramps hasn’t divulged much either, respecting mums privacy, but he has told me that it’s best I don’t know.
Lucky for me, I’m not studying mum for my modern history project.

I look over my history assignment and groan in frustration, regretting my choice of topic from ‘modern history’.
I shake my arm and my phone screen projects in front of me. I scroll through my screens, finding my Gramps contact, a slight burst of happiness in my chest as I look at the photo of us holding a big fish, along with his best friend, Uncle Billy.
Gramps answers almost right away, his face flooding the projection in front of me. I adjust where it’s sitting, and wave at him.

“Hey kiddo! How ya doing?”

I spend an hour catching up with Gramps, and I even get to say hi to Uncle Billy, the old man wheeling past on his way to some activity in the home their in together.
Mum calling to me, letting me know dinner is ready, has me sighing, but before I say goodbye to gramps, I remember something useful.

“Hey, gramps. Mum just said dinners ready, but before you go, can I ask you something for my history project?”

His grey, bushy eyebrows rise slightly.

“You calling me old, kiddo?”

“What? You? Old! Never!”
I pause a second, relishing in the sound of gramps hearty chuckle.

“It’s just… you were Police Chief during the great Seattle disappearance of two-thousand and six, right? Anything you can tell me about that?”

Gramps looks lost for a moment, but his focus quickly returns to me.
“It was a long time ago, kiddo, and it was a scary time, especially for your mum. I think, for your sake, it’s best you choose something else if you can.”

“Oh…”

“Don’t get down about that, Rosie. A lot of messy stuff happened around then for us all, and I’d hate for your project to cause your mum pain. If you’re really set on it, send me a list of questions over the next few days and I’ll do my best, okay? Send your mum my love and enjoy dinner, alright?”

I nod at him, waving bye.

Like usual, dinner is a fairly silent affair, the daily news podcast we love playing in the background. We comment on things occasionally, but mostly we just dig into the food mum prepared. I srunch my nose up as I pick up a charred asparagus.

“I’m all for supporting your vegetarian diet, mum, but must you make me eat this during meals where I don’t get any kind of meat?”
Mum spikes some off her own plate, waving it at me.

“This is what you get for swapping our cooking night last minute. Don’t want veggies you detest, cook when your supposed to.”

I stick up the rude finger at her, but position the asparagus in front of it, getting a laugh out of her. I grab the jug of white sauce from the middlle of the tabke and drown the asparagus in it. But I know nothing will make that slightly metallic taste of the asparagus go away.
Mum laughs at me as she clears her plate and I’m still grumbling.

Chapter Text

Mum was right, the prospect of a new family really is the talk of the school. The enterity of my shift on Saturday was spent overhearing and sometimes getting to join in, as my classmates discussed the Platt family and what little they’ve been able to learn from several maybe-sightings. Despite my lack of desire to socialise on mass, working at a juice bar skate shop keeps me in the loop outside of school.

Monday morning, I roll onto campus in my latest speed skates and slide to a stop at the bike shed. Mum’s never been one for skating, saying its a miracle she can even manage to ride a bike, and only does so because we live in an area of Brunswick that encourages the use of man powered vehicles unless absolutely necessary. She and Gramps also say its a miracle I don’t fall, mum never being one much for coordination.

Storing them in my secure locker, I meander into the school entrance and am instantly ambushed by everyone staring at me as I enter. Given how quickly they all look away and the many sighs of dissapointment, I take a guess that everyones waiting for the new kids to show up. When I reach my inside locker a few minutes later, my best friends camping by it all but confirm my suspicions.

“Rosie, have you met the new kids yet? Did they come into the Boneless Switch during your shift at all?”

I narrow my eyes at Locky, his eager shoulder bump knocking me off kilter as I try to get my first and second period class suplies into my bag. His grunt of pain a moment later can only mean that his partner in crime noticed my temporary distress.

“Give the girl a minute, Locky. She just got here.”

I smile gratefully at Cam as I turn around, knocing my locker shut with a shoulder.

“Trust me, if these new kids had shown up over the weekend, we’d all know by now. It seems the whole school basically lived there this weekend…”

I was about to comment on the fact that we had to call in people to pick up overtime shifts when I recalled a particular no-show. I turn quickly to Locky, aggressivly pointing a finger at him.

“You… you better not be the reason your girlfriend failed to show up to her shift again… I had to pull a double on Saturday and cancel my dinner plans with mum. She made me eat asparagus for the second time this week!”

The blush on his face proves my point, while Cam laughs.

“Oh no, not the asparagus again! How could your mum be so evil?”

I grumble at him. He’s spent enough ‘family dinners’ with me to know I have very strong opinions about what I will and wont eat, and how. Apparently my grumbling just makes him laugh more.
Locky doesnt bother to reply to me, his blush running down his whole neck.

We walts into our pastral class and take our seats next to each other. I pull my e-write out and jot down our self-development question for this weeks essay, as well as a few potential talking points I can pitch to Mx Holden when I get the chance. The short class passes by in a blur, but its clear that my classmates are disapointed that none of the new kids seem to be in our class.

First period History fills me with dread as I approach Professor Kroeger. When I’d initally sugested my modern history topic last week, he was really excited at the prospect of having a first hand witness to the great Seattle dissapereance, but my Gramps words from the other night have been rining through my ears.

“Frau Swan, what can I do for you?” His slight german accent makes others feel like he’s unaproachable and tough, but he’s been one of my favourite teachers since he subbed for one of my freshman classes.

“Professor, about my modern history essay…”

“Ah, what’s the matter, your Opa unable to help much?”

I look down at the floor for a second, trying to think of the right way to explain myself.

“Not quite, professor… it’s more that he doesn’t think its a smart idea for me to look into it. He worries that if my mum finds out about it, it might bring up some bad memories for her. I don’t know how close she was to the action, so to speak, but Gramps makes it seem like she was affected personally by it. She was a senior when it happened, so I guess it’s possible some of her classmates were caught up in it. I mean, if he, as chief of police in Forks, had to get involved, I can only assume it impacted the locals.”

Professor Kroger rubs at his chin as he listens to me, and complete understanding washes over his face.

“Its a shame, Frau Swan, but I understand. I trust you to come up with another brillaint topic in time to get it done. If you were anyone else, I’d insisit you stay with it, but you’re capable enough to churn something wonderbar out with a false start setting you back.”

I smile, thanking him as I leave.

“That said, Frau Swan, if you do need an extra day or two, let me know right away.”

I nod, returning to my desk. Two seats to my left, Anna Lisa leans towards me, looking downright displeased.

“And what makes you so special that he offers you an extension, Rosie? Is that where you get your meat intake?”

I try to stay focused on my worksheet on the Covid Pandemic, not wanting to deign her delightful comment with any kind of reaction. I instead focus on writing about my recollection of what pandemic life was like.
You’d think by the twenty-thirties, kids would stop saying that students who do well are obviously intimate with school staff. But from what I’ve heard about Anna Lisa’s parents, it’s no surprise that she’s stuck behaving as such. Her ‘harumph’ means I must have been successful in not reacting, and I finish up the last question on my work sheet, sending it in through the class portal. I open up my notes for my essay and cross out what I’d lined up for my original topic, and start brainstorming more.

By the time my class is over and the bell goes for next period, I feel confident in my new topic choice, and walk to gym with a skip in my step. Locky intercepts me in the hall, joining me for the walk to gym.

“You look happy. Talking about dead people really gets you into a good mood… good luck to whoever has the balls to ever ask you out.”

I roll my eyes at him as we reach the gym doors, and I walk through them backwards, giving him a lighthearted stare.

“One, I really am not that scary, I just don’t talk to enough people to draw anyones attention, and two, we weren’t even talking about dead people,well, not really. We’re doing modern history and looking at things we have experienced in our life time. I finished my worksheet on Covid pretty quick.”

We sit down on a bench togther, both slinging our bags down together. I slide my e-write and look over the goals for this weeks lessons we wrote down last week. Today we are partnered up and going over lacrosse skills, in the hopes we get selected for a skirmish showcase this week, and maybe even get put straight into the team for anyone interested.

I put my bag aside, after making sliding my watch on and syncing the lesson goals with it. In the change room, I press the ‘intermediate’ option for the class guidance screen, confident enough in my lacross skills already. Back in the gym, Locky hands me my lacross pole and protective gear, leading us outside.
We’re the first pair on the field and get to pick which skill station we start at. After a quick debate over it, we start with the one likely to take us the longest, and tell our watches at the same time which station we started with so they can accuratly pick up on what we do.
We’re about halfway through the first skill station when Locky speaks up.

“Hey, I’m sorry that I distracted Sadie before her shift…”

“Ew, Locky, I don’t need to hear about how you ‘distracted’ my coworker, okay… that shit stays between you two.”

He laughs at me and I miss the ball he’s launched at me. I dodge it just in time and launch it back at him as hard as I can. The ‘thwack’ it makes as it hits him in the stomach makes me smile.

We keep our conversation lighthearted as we move through the assigned stations, and we’re up to our second last skill when I stop, spotting someone who must be one of the new kids. Locky crashes into my back, steadying himself by grabbing onto my shoulder. Normally I’d push his hand away in the hopes he’d fall, but I can’t be bothered.
Not as I look at the new kid.

From the distance, it’s hard to make out any concrete details, but theres something about the curly dusty blonde haired boy observing the class from the teachers side. Like I know him.

But as I look at his lean form, trying to asses him, he looks me dead in the eyes, as if someone told him I was staring. Something deep within me tells me to look away, to be intimidated, but another has me on edge, almost poised to attack.                        
Unable to place him, I look away. As I finish of the skills with Locky, I still feel the weight of his gaze on my back, and occasionally I look over to see him still pointedly staring. When the class finishes up, some of the other girls group around me in the change room,

“Hey, Rosie. Did you do something to Jasper, or…”

I look Danielle and her friends over, confused. Normally these girls only acknowledge me if they’re trying to get a discount from me at The Bonless Switch.

“Uh, what? Jasper… OH! You mean the new kid in our class?”

The girls all assess me, and I shift, feeling uncomfortable with their stares.

“Yeah, him. What did you do to him? He was staring at you basically all class. Did you fuck up his juice order or something?”

Unsure of how to respond, I just shrug, turning my back to them.

“Uh, I guess? I don’t remember serving him, but we were packed the entierty of my shift, so it’s possible.”

I swear I hear one of the girls stomp their foot as they leave, clearly unsatisifed with my answer. I don’t recall seeing Jasper, if thats really his name, over the weekend, but I guess it’s plausable… But I feel like the main reason he stared at me so much was because he caught me staring. Then again, maybe we have met somewhere before and we’re both trying to remember the other.

Mum did seem to recognise their last name when I mentioned it to her the other day.

I spend my next period in the library, failing to concerntrate as I work on my new history topic, but I give up, way too distracted. I check over my shoulders before I pull my social media pages up from my watch.
I start of by stalking my mums friends list, but I fail to find anyone with the last name Platt, on any of mums platforms. I decide to just search for him by name, and end up finding two, one on facebook, which, unsurpisngly, is locked, and one on Instagram, which is also completely private. But it seems he has a decent number of posts, and only a select number of followers and following. Both profile pictures seem to be of a cartoon cowboy.

Hyprocritically, I’m frustrated, but to somone who doesn’t have me on any social media platforms, mine looks much the same. Unsure of any of his siblings names, I can’t stalk them for more information, so I close the projectiuon screen before the librarian or a different student catches me.
I spend the rest of my study period reading my mums worn down copy of Pride and Prejudice.

When I head to the cafeteria for lunch, it seems to be extra crowded. I spot a lot more seniors than normal, particulalry boys, and everyone seems to be crowding around one area in particular. I finally push through the crowd to my usual table, when I stop dead in my tracks, spotting why more students stayed on campus for lunch.

One of the usually empty tables to the back of the cafeteria has five incredibly gorgeous people.

The Platts.

All the muscles in my body lock up, my fight or flight instincts warring in my stomach, as I stand there, staring. Them all being beyond conventionally attractive isn’t what’s keeping my eyes and body glued where they are.
There, in the middle of the group, wearing a pale yellow, off the shoulder sweater, her long bleach blonde hair cascading over one side, her bright red lips puckered around a lollipop, pastel purple nails pointed almost like talons…

The Princess.

Her image has been burned into my brain ever since I first saw a photo of her when I was young.

All the breath left my lungs as I locked eyes with the prettiest of the new family, her name a whisper on my breath...

My name...

"Rosalie..."

Suddenly five sets of golden eyes landed on me, confusion evident on them all. I blink and shake my head, sure I must be dreaming. There's no way those five teenagers are the same as the ones my mother once knew, and yet... I turn on my heels, the weight of those gazes on my back as I walk away, completly mistified.
I try and shake them from my mind, searching for logic to explain it. My head swims and next thing I know, right in front of what seems to be the majority of the student body, I faint.

Chapter Text

I lay down along the backseat of mums Toyota Mirai as she talks to the admin woman who signed me out and got my skates from my locker. The ice-pack I have under my head has made my whole face numb with cold, but hopefully it helps keep the bump small.

I lose track of time, and barely notice mum get back into the car, or feel much of the journey, glad the local council maintains all the roads so well. After the slight elevation into our car garage, I sit up slowly, allowing room for mum to join me on the back seat.

“Oh Rosie… I thought you grew out of your fainting spells years ago.”

I pout at mum, which proves effective as she pulls me into a shoulder hug, running her hand in circles on my back.

We sit like that in silence for a few minutes, but I sit up in a panic.

“Mum! You were working… I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to make you ditch work.”

She smiles at me sweetly as she moves to leave the car.

“Just as I’m sure you didn’t intend to ditch school?”

She holds my hand as I slide out of the car and I smile at her bashfully.

“Well, no… I didn’t intentionally pass out in front of the majority of my school, mum.”

She stretches her arm up to ruffle my hair.

“Don’t worry about my work, I was only there for a half day. I have a meeting very soon I need to get to. You’ll be okay?”

She unlocks the door and I follow her in, making a b-line for the kitchen, fetching a glass of water.

“Yeah, I am. I’ll even have dinner sorted, as I hope to still take my shift this afternoon.”

“Okay, Rosie. Don’t push yourself, okay? Don’t feel ashamed to call in sick for work. You might have a concussion, so try not to sleep, alright?”

“Mum, I’m fine, I swear. If I feel it getting sore, I’ll call my paediatrician and organise a ride there or something, okay?”

She kisses me on the forehead, having to stand on tip toes to reach.

Rolling my eyes at her, knowing full well she was just as, if not still is, significantly more accident prone than I am, I gently shove her away from me.

“Love you, Rosie.”

Mum walks away to the front door, getting ready to leave again, but I come up behind her and surprise her by pulling her into a hug, her feet dangling in the air.

“Love you too, mum.”

Once I let her back on the ground, she turns to me and lightly slaps my shoulder.

“I can’t believe how big you’ve grown… your father was tall, but I never anticipated you’d outgrow me. Hell, you’d give Jacob a run for his money.”

I open the door for her, basically shoving her out, already feeling bad that I may have caused her to be late for her meeting as it is. I wave at her as she backs out of the driveway, smiling wide.

Mum has always done her best with me, and I’m so thankful for it. Between her stories, Gramps, and the few occasions I met her myself, I know Nana Renee wasn’t the best role model, and that mum practically raised her instead of being a child. She clearly learned what not to do, and did the opposite with me.

I think the only thing their parenting style had in common, was that my first few years were spent moving about constantly.

My stomach rumbles, and I go back to the kitchen and put together some lunch, realising I didn’t get to eat mine at school before I passed out.

Why did I pass out?

I hadn’t had a fainting spell in years. Maybe I should visit my doctor and see if he has any ideas.

I pull my phone out and book an appointment for after school tomorrow, before remembering there’s a few things I need to get for dinner, and quickly place my order at the local grocer.

Five minutes later, I toss up between my skates and simply walking, and opt for the lesser, not ready to risk skating until I have to for work later.

I walk at a casual pace, taking in the world around me. There's a slight mustiness to the air that I love, the grey clouds above swelling with oncoming rain, the few sun rays fighting to reach the ground, exhausting their reach, making the most beautiful shadows all around me. There's something about moody weather that comforts me, a certain beauty in the idea of destruction.

Lost in thought, I nearly miss the man on his e-bike that stops right ahead of me.

Suddenly I feel alarm bells go off in my head, but I force myself to stay calm, feeling it quite an irrational response. I stop short of the man, his hand raised in greeting. His pale blonde hair immaculate as it falls across his forehead, despite the helmet he wears, his strong jawline suggesting he’s at least mid-twenties. But his eyes unnerve me the most. Despite the dimness of the afternoon, they shine a brilliant gold, offset even more by the pale pallor of his skin.

I shake myself out of the instant judgement, realising that it’s just a strange fashion sense in contacts.

“Hi there, you don’t happen to know if Bella Cu-Swan lives around here, do you?”

The alarm bells ring louder in my head, everything about this man telling me to run or prepare to fight. I try to maintain a calm facade, as this potential threat assess me right back, his gaze seemingly kind.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t feel comfortable answering that.”

“Of course, I do apologise for my forwardness. My name is Doctor Carlisle Platt, and while my family and I are new to town, Bella Swan is an old family friend. I must admit, in my excitement to see her, I made haste, forgetting to actually contact her about a visit.”

So he’s the father of the new kids at school.

And he’s really claiming to know my mum, and the only indication I have to make this even plausible, is the reaction mum had when I mentioned the new students last week.

“Well I’m sorry, doctor, but I can’t help you with that.”

He nods his head at me, his face remaining serene the entire time.

“Not to worry, dear, I fully understand. Have a good day.”

I watch as he bikes away down my road, passing right by my house without a pause. I quickly send mum a text about the weird encounter, hoping we aren’t about to experience a real threat, before I’m on my way again.

Later that evening, I have a less weird encounter with a member of the Platt family.

Half an hour from closing, the smallest of the Platt family enters and approaches me at the counter. I quickly put my juice down and save the document I was working on before I turn to her, a customer service smile gracing my face.

“Welcome to the Boneless Switch, home of all things skate and juice. My name’s Bonsie Rosie, what can I do for you today?”

“Good evening, I’m new to town and am looking for something to get me to school. My family and I were unaware we were moving to a district that strongly discourages cars, so we were all thrown for a loop. While the rest of my family are content with shopping online for theirs, I was told coming here was my best bet.”

I come out from behind the counter and lead the small girl over to the start of our display wall.

“We certainly hope you feel that way after your experience. With the exception of the electric models we sell, whether you go for a bike, scooter, skateboard or roller skates, everything is fully customisation friendly, to suit your needs, and comes with a three year warranty, as well as an awesome buyback scheme in case you need an upgrade. Which also means we have brilliant budget options between our house-brand, and pre-used items. Everything we sell gets assembled in house by staff, all of which are certified and trained, so you know you’re in good hands.”

The girl looks up at me, her eyes adorned by the same weird gold contacts her father wore when I saw him. Her eyes startle me, but I brush it aside as I asses the small girl before me. With her height no doubt less than five foot, and her hair chopped messily like she tried to give herself a pixie cut, this Platt looks barely old enough to be a highschooler.

She is drawn straight away to one of the highest skill level skate set ups, and she takes the demo trucks in her hands and gets the wheels spinning. They have this slight melodic sound to them as they all spin, and I’m momentarily distracted. I only just upgraded my own speed skates, and they aren’t as good as this one.

“What you’re holding there, is a bearing and wheel set up that we only recommend for our most skilled customers. These inlines are very similar in design to the roller derby set ups we recommend, and can get users from point a to b fairly quickly, but with it you really need to know how to handle yourself.”

I reach to my left and select a design much more suited to her based on my observations.

“These however, not only are the wheels material optimised to suit the surface of the footpaths and roads we have in town, but the bearings are perfect for users with little to no experience, as well as those who are younger. Paired with the right trucks and boots, they work best for those who are smaller in size.”

She looks a bit put out before she shakes her head softly and smiles up at me.

“I do have some rollerskating experience, but you’re right, I should find something more my speed.”

Over the next twenty minutes, she and I go over everything, and soon I’m ringing up her order, telling her that it will be ready to collect in about a week, and that she’ll get a text to confirm. I grab a leaflet about our loyalty program, and a voucher for a free juice, sliding them into the bag with her protective gear.

“If you join our loyalty program, every purchase, whether juice or skate related, you’ll earn Switch points, which can be redeemed in house for all kinds of rewards, from discounts and free juice, to experiences with industry stars, and so much more. As for today, your purchase has earned you a free juice that you can redeem at the juice bar whenever you like. Right now, I just need your name and contact number to make sure you can collect this purchase, and whether you would like a payment plan or not.”

The girl looks up at me, barely tall enough to see over the register.

“Oh, silly me. My name is Alice Platt. I’m a freshman at Brunswick Social college. You go there too, right? I feel like I saw you in the cafeteria?”

She types her phone number into the screen on her side, while I try and fight a blush. Great… she remembers seeing me faint.

“Uh, yeah. I’m a Junior. Rosalie Swan, but Rosie is fine.”

She waves her phone over the card reader, and it beeps as it accepts her payment in full. I try to mask my shock, noting that between her dad being a doctor, and her mum a fancy interior designer, she probably has a bit of money to throw around.

“So not Bonsie?” She winks, a light giggle escaping her, while I hide my cringe at the shop nickname.

“Yeah, not outside of this shop.”

I smile at her as nicely as I can while I hand her the bag, my blush still trying to escape, while I just want to escape this awkward encounter.

“That's fine for me anyway, calling you Rosie. My older sister is also named Rosalie, but she detests anything other than it in full.”

I try not to baulk at the confirmation that the princess look alike is indeed named Rosalie, and that I wasn’t imagining that. My head feels faint again, but I quickly gulp down some of my juice I abandoned earlier.

“I’m sure that's bound to cause confusion in any classes she and I might end up sharing.”

Alice giggles again, and it reminds me of a birds melody.

“I’m sure it will. Anyway, thank you for the help, Rosie. I’ll be sure to try and convince my siblings to come in here, assure them that they’ll get what they need. Have a good evening.”

I wave at her as I walk behind her, ready to close the shop for the night.

“You too, and walk safe! We may have a ridiculously low crime rate here, but there are groups who like to ride at night and can sometimes be a bit reckless.”

She waves goodbye, a ‘thanks for the warning’ whispered as she turns and leaves.

When I lock the door behind me, I suddenly become aware of a feeling of unease, as it dissipates. If it’s anything like the feelings I had when I met her father earlier, its great to know that customer service mode overrides fight or flight instincts.

I head into the workshop, nodding at Derek, my manager, as I head to the workstation I’m logged into. I pull up Alice’s order, and send it to my phone, before I grab a basket and head into the storage room. I come out fairly quickly, well practised with retrieving items. I double check everything is the right size and compatible, before I log them into the system for her purchase, tucking the full basket away into a spare pigeon hole, and writing the order number on the whiteboard.

“All done for the night, Rosie?”

I pick my bag up and head to the workshop door, ready to get home.

“Yup, all done Derek. I just figured I should get a head-start on the order for my last customer. She’s new to town so I thought it would be nice if I rush hers, on the house.”

Derek shuts off the workstation he’s at, and double checks that mines off too.

“That's one of the reasons I’m recommending to Thompson that we promote you to manager. You know just the right way to deal with our customers.”

My jaw drops as I let what Derek said sink in…

“Man-manager? But don’t you have to be at least seventeen for that? Policy says so, plus the training takes several months, and we only have the one manager, plus Thompson, so unless you plan on leaving-”

“Shh, Rosie. Don’t sweat it.”

He leads the way to the front of the store, grabbing a juice he made earlier out of the fridge along the way.

“You’re right about there only being room for one manager right now, but I’ve been trying to tell him we need someone else. I told him he’d be able to take more time off, but he worries about the cost of paying someone. It’s been hard enough to get him to compensate you fairly when you’ve helped me with admin and stock. Which brings me to the age and training… You’re seventeen in a few months anyway, and you already have the basic skills. Obvioulsy I’d have to test you a little, but I don’t think there’s much for you to learn, and we have the time to do it. Plus I assured Thompson that it will be cheaper to promote in-house, rather than hire externally. You know the layout of the shop as good as me, if not better.”

I take a seat on the bench outside, swapping my sneakers to my skates. Being the manager would be awesome, but I fear I’d get overwhelmed.

“I don’t know, Derek… it seems like a lot.”

He locks the door and tosses his keys into the air before pocketing them, his skateboard under his arm.

“Take your time to think about it, I’m not in a rush. Have a goodnight!”

“I’ll try...You too!”

He salutes at me as he drops his board down and leaves.

I stand up from the bench and begin heading in the opposite direction. I think about his offer the whole fifteen minutes home.

On one hand, being manager gives me a bit more leeway in shifts, plus money, not to mention I really like working at the shop, even if Thompson is a pain in the ass sometimes. He at least knows his shit as a former skate pro.

But on the other hand, I barely keep up with my homework as it is, not to mention I don’t know what mum thinks of me spending even less time at home.

I roll to our driveway and use the rail to pull me up to the porch. I’m so lost in thought that for the second time today, I nearly miss the e-bike parked out front. But this time, there's no one on it, and a second one parked with it.

Odd.

But I suppose its quite possible mum really does know the Platts. She did seem to recognise the name.

I get my skates off and let myself in, calling out to mum to let her know I made it. The unease returns to my gut and my spine goes stiff. Something about all of this feels off.

Following the sound of laughing, I find mum in the dining room with two guests, including the doctor, and empty glasses of wine.

“Hi Rosie, honey. Come here and meet the Platts.”

I remain vigilant, alarm bells ringing in my head as I smile at the guests and take a seat next to mum. Mum shoots me a warm smile, the unease loosening slightly. I turn to the guests and try not to startle as I realise Carlisle’s eyes are a normal colour, a blueish grey that fits his pale complexion. The woman next to him has warm brown eyes that matches her auburn hair. I can’t comment on her complexion given she has impeccably done make up on.

“Carlisle, Esme, I’d like to introduce you to my daughter, Rosalie.”

Both the adults gasp as they take me in, and I try to mask my fear and distrust of them, especially as I have no logical reason to fear them.

Esme turns her gaze to mum, something akin to love and sadness shining in her eyes.

“You named her after my Aunt too? She would have loved having two namesakes born so close together.”

“Of course I did… When I held my baby in my arms for the first time, I couldn’t think of a better way to honour my lost friend.”

Mum and Esme give each other heartbreaking smiles, before Carlisle turns to me, extending his hand.

“Rosalie, it’s a pleasure to formally meet you. I must apologise if I caused you any distress when I approached you earlier today. Both Esme and I were excited to see your mum, and in my haste I forgot to contact her myself.”

I shake his hand, and practically shudder at the cold and firmness of it.

“No hard feelings, Doctor. But I hope you understand why I wasn’t willing to disclose any information about mum and her whereabouts.”

He smiles at me kindly in a way that no doubts puts his patients at ease, but it just worsens my instincts.

Seriously, I have no reason to fear these people.

Esme turns her gaze on me next, and when she smiles at me I actually do feel more comfortable. There's a certain warmth emanating from her kind, round face.

“It’s lovely to meet you Rosalie.”

I smile in return, trying not to blush at the softness of how she says my name, as if we are already well acquainted.

“Please, call me Rosie. Alice said that your daughter doesn’t like the nickname, so it will hopefully help you not to confuse our names too much.”

Esme and Carlisle both seem surprised that I spoke with Alice, and mum looks at me, a goofy smile on her face. Carlisle speaks up first.

“You spoke with our daughter?”

I nod, standing up, ready to excuse myself so I can serve my dinner.

“Yeah, she came into my workplace, The Boneless Switch, right before closing. Over the next few days, I’ll be setting up her roller-skates for her. She seems lovely. You two made a beautiful and kind daughter. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to serve my dinner.”

Everyone nods, a quite thanks from a bashful Esme.

I take my time in the kitchen, trying to calm myself down and easy the tension in my body. Plate of food in hand, I carefully make my way to the dining room once more, pausing by the threshold as the adults laugh, and something about mum as a teenager is said.

I smile at everyone as I retake my seat, trying to figure out how they know mum. They aren’t people I recognise from when I was little, and the fact that their kids, specifically their daughter Rosalie, looks identical to mums high-school friend, has me questioning the little I do know. Esme said something about Rosalie being her aunt, but she was mums age, and Esme can’t be that much younger than mum, especially if she has a daughter my age.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how exactly do you guys all know each other?”

Everyone takes a breath, and both mum and Carlisle look at Esme, who in turn looks at me, her expression slightly sobered.

“Well, Rosie, that's a fun story.

<3

With some help from mum and Carlisle, Esme tells me her history with my mum, and about her family.

Esme was what’s known as a ‘whoopsie’ baby, born ten years after both her youngest sibling, Alisha, and her youngest uncle, Norman. Esme’s mother, Sandra, was basically the opposite, being the eldest of her siblings, with nearly twenty years between her and her siblings Rosalie and Joseph, Norman two years younger than the twins. Esme’s older brother Henry was the same age as Rosalie and Joseph. The weird age gaps were blamed on all being from a small town.

Esme met Carlisle in middle-school, and were inseparable through out high-school, before they got together and had the twins fresh out of school. Mum remembers Esme as a sweet child, and had always felt her and Carlisle would make a good couple some day.

As for Esme and Carlisle's children, only the twins and Alice were theirs. Edward was the son of Norman, who took his own life several years ago, and Henry had Emmett, before he died of natural causes. Carlisle and Esme were happy to take in both boys, just as her grandparents had taken her in when Sandra passed.

Mum’s friend Rosalie died shortly after mum lost contact with their family. It’s not said, but I can only assume the contact was lost after mum broke up with her boyfriend, which I can narrow down to being either Norman or Joseph.

“Oh wow… so you knew my mum when she was still in high-school? That’s crazy.”

They all laugh softly, clearly lost in memories. Esme look at me, her eyes burning fiercely at me.

“Yeah, we did. Honestly I looked up to Bella. She was one of my favourite people. It sucked when she went away to college, along with my siblings and aunt and uncles. I was most distraught when I learned that she was no longer dating my uncle… she was the coolest Aunt a teen girl could want.”

She looks to my mum with so much affection, its like the family bond never went away. I turn to mum and see she has the same level of affection, just like when she looks at Gramps, Uncle Billy or Jacob… and probably me too.

The Platts stay for a little while longer, later than should be appropriate since they no doubt all have jobs to go to tomorrow. I find myself laughing along with them as they all share stories from their shared pasts, even events that Esme and Carlisle were too young to be around for.

Like when Norman, mums ex I eventually figured out, stopped mum from dying.

“Wait wait wait… Norman just… pushed Mum out of the way of a van? What about himself, how did he manage to make it?”

Mum shoots Esme a glare before she looks at me, and in the most pretentious voice she can muster, she recites;

“It was an adrenaline rush, you can look it up.”

Her face cracks as she can’t not laugh at the ridiculous line. I just cringe, and I must do a bad job of hiding it.

“And yet you still went out with him after that, Bella.”

It’s a miracle Gramps didn't pass away from worry when mum was growing up. It seems every second story Esme or Carlisle mention, features mum getting injured in some way or another.

By the time they leave, I’ve been up for way to many hours and feel like a zombie going through my nighttime routine. But after being assured I don’t have a concussion by Doctor Carlisle, mum lets me head to bed, whispering in my ear that its okay for me to play hooky tomorrow.

I mumble goodbye to our guests, and somehow make it back to my bed.

Chapter Text

My alarm blares aggressively as I crack my eyes open. I stretch my arms out, a yawn escaping, as I asses myself. Given how tired I feel, I can only assume I had quite a restless sleep, confirmed by my sleep tracker when I look at it before I take my watch off to charge while I shower.

Not feeling any more human as I towel off, I consider taking mum up on her offer to take the day off, especially when I recall how many people probably saw me faint during lunch.

But the image of a certain blonde flits through my head as I dress for the day, has me deciding to soldier on.

I eat my breakfast in silence, mum still snoozing, not having to be up for work as early as I need to be up for school. I make sure there's coffee ready for her when she does wake, knowing she prefers it cold and iced, and will be wanting some when she wakes up from the sound of my blender, my morning smoothie being vital to making me function.

All my school stuff ready to go and my smoothie blended to perfection, I make my way to the front door, almost laughing when I see a text from mum come in.

M: Grr, luv u 2

I roll my eyes, mum sending almost the exact same text every-time I wake up before her, yet never failing to make me smile or laugh. Body through the door, I shout to her before I close it.

“Bye mum! Have a good day!”

The skate to school remains uneventful, but beautiful as always. I look towards the national park as I skate, the view of the sun trying to fight through the clouds as magnificent as ever. It makes the twenty minute skate worth it every time.

This morning, Locky and Cam wait for me out front of the skate lockers. The pair are so deep in conversation, they barely notice me until I’m standing right in front of them and knocking their heads together, affectionately of course.

“You guys going to keep sucking each others dicks, or is there a reason for waiting for me?”

They startle at the sight of me, both rubbing where their heads made impact with one another. I suck the last of my juice out, waiting for a response.

“Aren’t you just a ray of sunshine this morning?”

Cam looks me over, his words just making me smile innocently as I batter my eyelashes at him.

“Its only natural, Cam. I’m the epitome of a morning person.”

Locky eyes my empty juice cup as I shove it into the side pocket of my backpack.

“I’ll never get how you can survive waking up so early and working retail, without caffeine. Scientists need to study you, Rosie.”

I stick my tongue out at him before I lead the way to the front entrance, not bothering to see if either are following me. When I walk in today, barely anyone looks our way, but I do have a few people ask me if I’m okay. I just smile politely at everyone who does, mumbling ‘yeah I am’s or ‘i’m fine, thanks for asking’ and so forth.

Preparing for my first lot of classes, I pay no heed to what the boys are talking about. That is until I hear Cam mention Alice.

“Do you think she’d be interested in a relationship? I know she only just moved here, but shes so adorable.”

“Calm down, Cam. You haven’t even had a conversation with the girl. Besides, I’m fairly certain that her big brother, the senior, would wallop any guy or girl who approaches her like that. He looks scary.”

I slam my locker louder than necessary as I turn to them.

“First of all, Cam, that’s gross. She’s literally fourteen, leave the kid be. Secondly, I may not have had a good look at Emmett yesterday, but based on what Doctor and Mrs Platt said, any one of those kids will look out for her fiercely, so even if you managed to best the throngs of students no doubt desperate to ask any of them out, you'd be put through the ringer and dumped to the curb before you get to ask for a second date.”

The boys both look at me stunned, backing away to let me out. Locky’s the first to break the silence, walking backwards across the hall toward his and Cams’ lockers.

“You met their parents?”

I blink, lost as to why that's the thing he wants elaborated.

“Uh, yeah, I did. Turns out mum went to high-school and college with some of their family. Mrs Platt, Esme, was still a teenager last time she saw my mum. And they aren’t all siblings, by the way. Edward and Emmett are adopted, but close relatives. Their family tree is a little complicated and not really any of your business.”

Locky nods, satisfied. He proceeds to open his locker, Sadie sneaking up behind him and wrapping her arms around his torso. I ignore their little love fest and focus on Cam, who still hasn’t said anything. He holds his books to his chest, giving a disdainful look toward the couple.
I raise an eyebrow at him, waiting. He clears his throat before he looks at me, a light blush on his cheeks.

“If she’s a freshman, she’d be nearly fifteen. It’s not a big deal Rosie.”

“Seriously Cam? You’re already seventeen, while she’s barely a teenager. You barely know her, so forget about it.”

He looks down at his shoes, crestfallen.

“Yeah okay, you make a fair point. Maybe I’ll try asking the new Rosalie out. She’s in our year after-all.”

I shake my head at him, sighing.

“Please don’t refer to her as ‘the new Rosalie’, it makes me feel like you’re trying to replace me or something.”

He smiles at that.

“So you think I have a chance with her?”

I snort loudly, unable to contain my laughter.

“In your dreams, Cam.”

Meanwhile I ignore the jealous pang in my heart at the idea of The Princess look alike with anyone.

Gym is the first class I have after pastoral, and the teacher encourages us to pick different partners from yesterday. I think it’s mostly so that Jasper has a partner. He walks towards me as I stand by the corner of the gym, Locky just ditching me for his new partner. As Jasper reaches me, I spot our teacher giving me a thumbs up. I push away from the wall and stand before him, my fight or flight instincts kicking in momentarily, before I convince myself to relax, calm washing over me. 

“Hi, Jasper right? Have you played much lacrosse?”

 We walk out the gym and onto the field, Jasper nodding.

“Yeah, a little. Are you really Bella Swans daughter?”

The way he talks makes it seem like hes nervous about something, and I have no doubt that his parents have encouraged him to talk to me.

“Yeah, that’s me. Named after the same person your twin is. It’s pretty whack, no?”

He smiles at me, and I can’t help smiling back.

“Yeah… it was definitely weird when our parents told us yesterday after school that the daughter of an old friend went to our school.”

We take a moment to assess one another, both doing a once over. I note his similarities to those of his family I have had a chance to speak to. He has the same eyes as Carlisle, and his and Rosalie’s blonde hair obviously come from him. But there's a slight softness to his angular face that can only come from Esme, not to mention his smile has the same calming effect as hers. He has the same appeal of wonderment that I noticed in Alice.

“You know, when I first saw you in class yesterday, I thought you looked familiar. When my mother told us, it clicked into place. You look so much like Bella did as a teenager. And based on your fall yesterday, I can’t help but feel you have the same clumsiness we’ve heard about.”

He winks at me and I laugh, an embarrassed flush coming over my face.

I hand him a stop watch as I begin the first task, contemplating my response.
“Yeah, well… I don’t make a habit of fainting, Jasper. According to Gramps, I have never been anywhere near as clumsy as my mum… as for family resemblance, I definitely found you to be familiar. But when I saw Rosalie… well she’s a splitting image of the woman she and I are both named after… In fact I think that's what caused me to pass out.”

He shows me the time, letting me jot it down into my watch, before he clears it to repeat the task. I want to question how he defines ‘a little’ as he clears the drill quicker than I did, with an impressive form.
For the rest of class, we make meaningless small talk, trying to mostly focus on giving each other tips throughout class. Every now and then, I get to speak with Locky, his most notable comment rubbing me the wrong way.

“You’re new buddy looks at you like he’s torn between loving you and hating you.”

“Oh shove off, Locky. He’s new and is probably being made to talk to me by his parents. You know, the ones who know my mum?”

He rolls his eyes at me before he moves to his next task, Jasper looking at me sightly pained.

“You all good, Jasper?”

He nods, rubbing his arm.”

“Yeah, but I might need to sit out a bit. Will Mr Jenx mind?”

I wave him off, saying he shouldn't worry too much, as long as he keeps timing me.

It’s not long after that we get dismissed to go get changed, and once again, I get cornered in the change room.

“Alright skater girl, how on earth did you get Jasper to partner up with you today? Yesterday he looked at you like you'd spat in his juice, and today he looked like you two were old friends. What gives?”

Danielle looks at me, her hands on her hips as she sneers at me.

“I don’t see why that's any of your business. He needed a partner, so did I.”

She quints her eyes at me like she doesn't quite believe it, letting out a rather loud ‘hmph’.

“Yeah, well… he’s totally out of your league.”

I roll my eyes before I turn my back on her and her friends.

“Whatever. Mind your own business, Danielle.”

“Ugh, just leave him alone so those of us who actually stand a chance can befriend him.”

I shake my head, getting changed.

I don’t see the appeal in dating for the most part. I can see why it’s nice to have someone, or even multiple someones, who are yours and you are theirs. But growing up, I’ve seen mum being a bad ass independent woman. She might have seen some people over the years, but she never made it any of my concern, preferring us to be a strong family unit without others impacting it. Honestly, now that I think about it, the only people I know she’s been with are my dad, who I only met once, and Norman, who obviously moved on and had a kid of his own before he died.
While I can agree that Jasper is attractive, I don’t see why I would want a relationship. My schedule is full as it is, and I don’t want to be like Sadie, who forgets to call into work because shes too busy with Locky…

I shudder at the thought.

No, as of right now, dating is not for me.

When I get to my AP physics class, I nearly stop dead in my tracks. Rosalie Platt is sitting at my desk, her stuff neatly arranged to one side. I remember that I missed the class yesterday, and she probably sat there thinking the desk was unused in the seating arrangement.

“Ah, Rosie. Nice to see you in class today, how’s your head feel?”

I turn, dazed, to Ms Nelson, her warm smile snapping me out of my thoughts.

“It’s fine, thanks. Sorry I missed class yesterday. Was there anything important I need to catch up on?”

She smiles, handing me a sheet.

“We began a new topic. Here’s a copy of all the notes from yesterday, plus the questions. I know you’ll be able to catch up.”

I look the notes over, trying not to look too puzzled.

“Oh and by the way, I hope you don’t mind, but I assigned our new student, the other Rosalie, to sit with you. I figured it would be easier for me to have you guys together, so that no matter who I call on in class, I only have to look at one spot.”

I nod, a nervous feeling building up in my stomach. I do my best polite smile as I turn towards my desk and new desk companion, trying to ignore the butterflies that have suddenly made a home in my chest.

As I get closer to her, I marvel at just how much she looks like her great Aunt. Today she’s wearing a smokey purple lipstick, accented by grey eye shadow, making her blue eyes pop against her pale skin and blonde hair. Her hands look so delicate, as she scribbles… no, upon closer look her handwriting is far too beautiful to describe as scribbles, as she writes something on her physical notebook.

I quietly clear my throat as I put my books down on the other side of our shared desk, hoping not to startle her and ruin whatever she’s writing. Her cursive script is near impossible for me to make out any letters, but it mesmerises me as I wait for her to finish.

When her blue eyes land on me, her face a mix of disdain and boredom, my heart stutters and the butterflies freeze.

She’s so much more beautiful than our namesake was in photos… everything about her flawless face feels like it was sculptured by one of the greats, in honour of a goddess, like Aphrodite or Persephone… yet her eyes blaze with a fury like Medusa. I feel like I’m made of stone as I lose the ability to move at all.
Her lip quirks up at the side, before it shifts into a mild smile as she looks me over.

“You must be the famed daughter of Isabella Swan. The other Rosalie.”

She offers me her hand and I hesitate to touch it, not wanting to mess with a master piece like her. Her dainty hand has the same coolness and strength of her fathers, yet there's a slight satin like quality to her skin.

“I am… but feel free to call me whatever you wish.”

She lets my hand go, and instantly I feel its absence deep within my soul.

Rosalie shifts her seat slightly, and I take that as my cue to sit in my seat. A quick glance around the room tells me that everyone is here and that Ms Nelson is ready to begin. I blush, realising that I’ve held the class up. Ms Nelson just eyes me, a soft smile playing on her lips as she inhales, about to start.
Sitting next to Rosalie, her hair cascading down her back, over her purple swede jacket, everything in me refuses to move, and I feel like I’m as still as a statue the whole lesson. I barely manage to answer Ms Nelson correctly when she asks me a question about the velocity of a theoretical object, which frankly I should have known, but only managed to answer because Rosalie whispered a key word to me under her breath. 

Then we get the questions we have to work on as partners.

Rosalie turns to me before I even have a chance to look at the sheet in front of us, her chair shifted and everything. When I eventually turn to match, my breath catches in the back of my throat. We’re seated so close together, it boarders on intimate.

“May I, Cygnet?”

I just blink as I let out an ‘mhm’, her hand brushing mine as she takes the sheet from me. I barely even register the nickname she just bestowed upon me.

Cygnet.

A baby swan.

Because just like Jasper implied, they knew about my mother their whole lives.

My heart thuds at the… intimacy of such a personal nickname, even if I did nothing except be born to earn it.

I watch her as she scans over the worksheet, seeming to process is quicker than the average person. Her eyes dart across it, she could only be skimming the sheet.

I try and clear the awkwardness and speak up, feeling like a weirdo for just staring at her as she reads.

“Do you have a preferred name for me to call you, or is it just Rosalie?”

She pauses her reading before she turns to me, joy across her face.

“I’m quite partial to Her Majesty… but I suppose if that doesn’t work for you, just Rosalie would be preferred. At least until you come up with something on par or better than Cygnet.”

The urge to call her Princess is at the tip of my tongue, but admitting that out loud, even after she suggested I call her ‘Her Majesty’ just feels embarrassing for me, and I fear it could come across as condescending.

She smiles at me expectantly, and it makes me melt… her smile is so radiant it could replace the sun. It’s just as dangerous too… I fear she could weaponize it against someone, myself included. Yet I wouldn’t be mad.

I laugh, trying to swallow down my embarrassment at my thoughts, wishing for nothing more than to melt into my chair, feeling beyond awkward and embarrassed simply for sitting near her. But I feel like the word vomit is bound to begin momentarily.

“Well, your last name only makes me think of hair puns, but I don't feel like calling you ‘braids’ has anywhere near the same sense of eloquence as Cygnet does… I guess I could… no that's weird, forget I said anything and focus on our work.”

I look down, letting a loose strand fall from behind my ear and into my face, hoping to get some privacy as I pull the worksheet back between us, starting to write on my tablet.
Rosalie lightly taps away at the table, clearly trying to decide between broaching the subject, or doing our work. A few seconds later, shes pulling out a similar tablet to mine and starts writing away. Taking that as a sign we can talk about our task at hand, I begin discussing the group questions.

When the bell goes for lunch, I couldn’t be more relieved.

I say a quiet goodbye to her as I gather my stuff carefully, trying to not look eager to leave her side, and then power walk out of the classroom, ignoring the urge to look back. At my locker, I slump against it once my books are away, looking across to Cam and Locky’s lockers, hoping they're waiting for me.

Today they aren't, so I check their locations with my watch and see that they’re both in the cafeteria already. It makes sense. They have wood-shop before lunch on Tuesdays, and that class often gets let out first. They probably didn't want to wait for me so they could make sure to secure our preferred table.The cafeteria is filled with more quiet conversations than usual, and I look around trying to figure out why. But nothing could prepare me for what I saw.

Seated at my usual table along side Cam, Locky and Sadie- all five Platt kids.

Lucky me.

Chapter Text

I try and ignore the pressing situation as I line up for food, grabbing a bowl of pasta, an orange, some blueberry apple juice, and a twix cheesecake, paying with a wave of my wrist. Unfortunately when I turn back to my table, the situation hasn't changed.
As I walk to them, I see Cam in an animated discussion with Alice and Jasper, all three of them laughing. Sadie seems to be sneering at Rosalie, no doubt comparing herself to her, while Locky and Emmett seem to be having some kind of battle of wits from opposite ends of the table. When I get closer, Emmett cheers and Locky just laughs it off, obviously loosing whatever contest they had going on. I scan the table for empty seats and realise its either sit near Sadie, who is insufferable at the best of times, or between Jasper and Edward, opposite Rosalie.
Do I risk talking with Sadie about her vanity, or should I risk not being able to talk in the presence of a true artwork who could kill me with a smile?

I brave it and choose the latter, because at least my feelings towards Rosalie aren’t negative. That, and I’m yet to meet Edward or Emmett.

What are the odds that I’ve only met the actual siblings so far?

When I sit down, Rosalie offers me a small smile, before speaking.

“Hi Cygnet, long time no see.”

I can’t help the blush as it rises to my cheeks instantly. As I sit down, Edward scoffs at me, while Emmett offers me a fist bump.
I pointedly ignore Edward, which seems to make Rosalie laugh as she tilts her head at me.

“Hey Rosalie… I still haven’t thought of a good nickname for you yet.”

She reaches across the table and pats my hand affectionately.

“You could just call me Your Majesty…”

Her wink makes the butterflies in my stomach somersault and turn to dragons.

Realising I’ve left Emmett hanging, I weakly nudge his fist, his eyebrow raised at me. He stares at me, a frown on his face, and I worry that I offended him by not returning the fist bump quick enough, but then his face morphs into a huge grin and he looks at me, all signs of anger gone.

“Nice to finally meet you, Rosie. My aunt and uncle speak highly of you, as does Alice. Do you really work for Thompson Matheson?”
Emmett and I and up getting into a discussion of the world of pro skating, and by the end of it he’s agreed to come in during my shift this afternoon to get set up with some awesome boards and maybe even a one-on-one session with Thompson, if he so deigns to. Rosalie occasionally has input, but shes far more interested in roller derby. I tell her that The Boneless Switch actually sponsors the local league, including juniors, and that I would be more than happy to set her up with an application with tryouts coming up.

Once again, Edward scoffed, making a smart ass comment.

“Rose would never… she’s far too delicate to actually play such a rough sport. She’d chip one nail putting her skates on and that's it, she’d run off crying.”

Rosalie rolls her eyes, proceeding to launch a handful of carrot sticks at him.

“He’s full of shit… the real reason I wont play is because I injured myself a few years back, and any extraneous activity could cause a re-injury. It’s not worth the risk.”

I turn my full focus on her again, feeling sorry for her.

“That's unfortunate… what have you chosen as your ride, then?”

I hope she understands my question as the genuine curiosity it is.

“I got myself an electric skateboard coming in the mail, but for now I’m just walking. What do you ride?”

“I recently just upgraded to mid-level speed-skates. Before that I was just on standard in-lines. Sometimes I ride a skateboard, but I find it less freeing.”

The rest of lunch flies by as we all discuss different set ups and techniques and what not, even Edward, who I since learned isn't into sports and is quite off put by not being able to drive everywhere here.

When we all leave for class, I feel like I could really be friends with these kids. Everyone except Edward comes across as warm and welcoming, and nothing feels forced. It makes it worth all the dirty looks everyone sends us, especially Danielle and her friends.
As I get my stuff together for physics, Danielle looks like she wants to corner me again as she walks up to me, her posse still coming down the hall.

“What did I tell you about talking to the Platts? They're all out of your league, no matter which way you swing.”

I look at her, eyebrow raised, about to come up with a response, when both Jasper and Rosalie are by my side, squaring off against Danielle, just as her friends catch up. Right away her face swaps from the bitchy expression she was directing at me, to an innocent and friendly mask, as she looks between the two.

“Oh my god, I was just talking about you guys with Rosalie here… she was just telling me how cool she thinks you are and saying I should invite you guys to my party this weekend. What do you think?”

The twins share a look with each other, before looking at me with eyebrows raised. I just shrug my shoulders, not wanting to get in the way of their social lives. Jasper keeps his eyes on me as he speaks up.

“I’m not sure. Are you going Rosie?”

Danielle clearly wants to say I’m not invited, I can tell by the way her face screws up, before Rosalie turns her face on her. Danielle stutters out a half arsed “yeah, sure, that makes sense” before she leaves, stomping down the hall.

Both twins set there eyes on me again, looking me over.

“Are you okay, Cygnet? Did she hurt you or anything?”

Rosalie seems genuinely concerned about me, Jasper too, but the way my body reacts is definitely a response to Rosalie. Suddenly I feel relaxed, and I just smile at them both.
“I’m fine, really. Thank you both for helping me. I hope I haven’t made you late to class.”

I turn back to my locker and grab my physics stuff, planning on using my free period now to catch up on what I missed yesterday, so that when I get what I missed from Trig later, I wont have to worry about catching up on absolutely everything after work.

“Actually, both Rose and I have a free period now. You?”

I smile nervously, a mixture of excitement and anxiety swirling in my gut.

“Same.”

<3

The twins lead me to the courtyard near the library, telling me that with little wind, it was the perfect time to study outside to appreciate the weather. I’m inclined to agree when I realise the weather is much the same as it was this morning, exactly how I like it.
We make small talk as we all work on our different tasks, each of us able to help the others with this or that. I find that I’ve finished my assigned questions from yesterdays and today's physics class, with some time to spare.
Rosalie looks at me as I put my books back and pull out a novel, tilting her head at me like she wants to say something.

“So, Cygnet, about earlier… what were you going to suggest you call me?”

I blush, really not wanting to fess up. But she makes me feel like being honest. I realise Jasper has also stopped what he was doing, seemingly just as curious.

“I just… well… I’m sure you’re well aware how beautiful you are, right?”

My blush intensifies as I feel her gaze boring into me, mischief burning ablaze in her eyes.

“I like where this is headed… do go on, cygnet.”

I clear my throat, my hand reaching for the back of my neck nervously.

“Well… when I first saw you up close, all I could think of was how your beauty stands along side statues of Goddesses like Aphrodite or Persephone, like you were carved of marble by one of the great sculptors. So I’m leaning towards a nickname based of that, but then…”
I look away, regretting being honest about this. But Rosalie puts her hand on my arm comfortingly.

“Hey, if you don’t want to say it, Cygnet, I can wait for a cool nickname. We have only just met after all. Sure it would make it less weird not having to call me by your name all the time, but we’ll work on it.”
I look up at her and see such genuine compassion and honesty, and decide I can finish my train of thought, knowing she wont judge me for being forward or honest.

“As beautiful as you are, there was a fierceness in your eyes, paired with how I froze completely when you looked at me, that I couldn’t help but compare you to Medusa.”
Something sad crosses over her face momentarily as she and Jasper share a look, before she sends me a warm smile.

“You know what, Cygnet, I like that. I think its fitting.”

Jasper rolls his eyes at us as I let out a breath of relief. He bumps her shoulder before he looks at me.

“I think its fitting because she;s secretly a monster behind that beauty. She can feign being sad people assume the worst of her for her looks, but as her twin, I know better.”
He winks at me and I feel the overwhelming desire to laugh. Rosalie just pouts, not detracting from her beauty at all. I laugh, patting her arm.

“Don’t worry… eberyone else may see you as a monster, but so far you’re very sweet. I may not have siblings of my own, but I’ve seen how my aunt Leah and uncle Seth interact. Jasper just wants to annoy you. But we Rosalie’s don’t react to jabs like that so easily.”
Her other hand covers mine still resting on hers, and I feel like I can’t breath again, for all the right reasons.

“You’re right. I’m just used to all the teasing being directed at Edward.”

When the bell goes and we separate for our next classes, I feel content and happy. If their relatives that mum knew were half as cool as Jasper and Rose, Alice and Emmett too, I could see why mum loved them so much.
The Platt twins seem reluctant to leave my side, and at first I’m concerned, but then it dawns on me.

Turns out, we also have trig together, so we sit as a group, my teacher saying he expects me to help them catch up. When we get to a group discussion of the work, the three us us talk nonsense getting to know each other, our work completed quickly.
Turns out the Platt twins are math geniuses.

“I should add, Rosalie, I considered calling you Princess, or maybe Lily. But I’m not sure, Princess felt a bit… condescending. Plus Alice said you don’t like short forms of Rosalie.”
She smiles at me, placing a hand near mine.

“Well I did suggest you call me Her Majesty… I don’t mind princess, I feel like it would be more suited for in private. Can’t have everyone think I’m nice… As for Lily, I’ve never heard that as a short form of Rosalie, but I like it. My middle name is actually Lillian.”
I blush, unsure why. Jasper clears his throat from beside me.

“Aren’t lilies also considered the flower for sapphic love?”

I consider this for a moment, trying to recall the information. Rosalie beats me to it.

“Not quite. Violets are the sapphic flower. Lillies are a bisexual flower, but since flower giving has always leaned more towards women, it makes sense you’d get it a little confused. Ironically, roses are also considered a bisexual flower.”

She winks at me and I practically melt into my seat.

I’ve never really considered my sexuality, but…

The way talking to Rosalie makes me feel, it’s clear that I’m attracted to her.

She makes my heart flutter and my breath catch in my throat. I barely know her but I can’t imagine not ever knowing her. She makes me feel complete.

Before her, I’ve only ever experienced such feelings for one other person. My best friend since childhood…

I shake my head to clear my thoughts, questioning my sexuality causing me to get sidetracked. 

Jasper and Rosalie are deep in conversation about flower etiquette, seemingly stuck on a weird side-by-side comparison of courting from the nineteen-thirties and the eighteen-sixties. I just lean back and listen to them discuss it passionately as class finishes.

That night, I dream of Rosalie, the smell of fresh lillies, violets and roses a strong sense overwhelming me in my sleep.

Chapter Text

There’s a certain status quo for life… Meeting the Platt’s has turned that on it’s head. While I certainly wasn’t unpopular, mostly thanks to my job, I definitely notice an increase in attention since I’m always seen with them now, especially Jasper and Rosalie.

I don’t know why it is exactly, but the twins seem to garner the most attention. I can’t help but feel out of place by their side, and often find myself, especially when I’m without them, thinking about why they’ve chosen to align themselves with me so openly.

Surely it’s not just because our parents are encouraging it, right?

Regardless as to why, I do enjoy their company.

Jasper has decided to default to flirting openly with me when anyone else tries to talk to him, Rosalie just glares. I’ve known them for so few days so far, but I can’t imagine life without them.

Especially Rosalie.

The Princess

Medusa.

I know there’s more to her than she let’s on, but when she’s so nice to me and icy to everyone else, even Cam and Locky, I can’t help but feel special.

I’m falling hard for her and I don’t know how to stop it. I’ve never been in a relationship, let alone felt anything more than passing attraction to someone. But being near Rosalie is like being able to breath in clean, fresh air. Her laughter like a symphony playing for royalty. It feels like life is complete when I near her.

Sitting at lunch, our table full of people and conversation, it makes me wonder how the boys and I survived it being only us and occasionally Sadie. I feel like I’ve never talked so much during my lunch breaks.

A part of me feels bad, like I’m monopolising their company, and I say as such, but both Alice and Emmett rolled their eyes at me.

“Rosie, if we wanted to sit somewhere else, we would. Emmett has apparently joined the AV club, and I have friends in my year. But us kids have only had each other for so long, I’d be lost if I didn’t sit here for lunch.”

Emmett pounds the table with his fists, somehow managing to draw more attention to us, as he whoops ‘Here here!’

I laugh and let the conversation to return.

They certainly brighten my days.

<3

At night, I dream of trees, the moon… stars glistening and lighting up the snow, walking among diamonds. I dream of the wind whipping through my hair as I run fast, laughter all around me. I dream of overcast days in meadows, surrounded by flowers smelling ever sweet, of plush pillows among rocks as I laze about, contentment pooling in my gut.

I dream of a life at my fingertips, which I can’t predict, but know I want it… I crave it.

I dream of undeniable love. Of wanting… seeking the comfort of another.

I dream of blonde hair cascading across me, a waterfall behind us. I dream of red lips and white skin. Gold eyes and marble kisses.

I dream of The Princess. Her pride as she watches on, the ones baring her name living in her honour.

I dream of Rosalie Platt.

<3

The next few days pass by without much incident, with the exception of my sleep getting worse and worse. Friday morning, my whole body feels terrible and I feel like I haven’t slept a wink since Monday. Groaning as I attempt to sit up, mum comes to my aide, Friday being the one day shes consistently up when I am… normally.

“Oh Rosie, baby. You look terrible. Here, let me check you’re forehead.”

Her hand feels cool as she touches me, and I let out a spluttering cough and groan, my chest feeling like I’m being constricted.

“Oh no… it feels like you have a fever. It’s too early to call your regular doctor, so I’ll give Carlisle a call. He can assess you and write out whatever doctors notes or prescriptions you might need, okay?”

I can only manage a nod, and a raspy “water, please.” Mum nods as she stands and walks back, her phone already to her ear. When she comes back a few minutes later, she hands me an ice cold glass of water and some paracetamol.

I let the water soothe my throat before I even attempt to take the dose, leaning back into bed once I’ve drained half the glass. I barely hear mum as I begin to fall asleep, as she tells me both Mrs and Doctor Platt will be here soon, already in the area for an early morning ride.

I wake again some time later to Carlisle checking me over carefully, mum by my side and holding my hand. His cold touch offers some relief to wherever he has contact with my skin, my whole body sweltering. I feel sweaty and clammy all at once, my ears ringing and throat drier than a desert. He pulls out his stethoscope, running it over my chest, checking my heart.

“Rosie, I’m going to need you to sit up and take deep breaths when I tell you to, okay? I need to listen to your lungs.”

I nod, letting out a groan as I sit up, the paracetamol not having had an effect on me yet. One hand takes my wrist in a firm grasp, the other bringing the stethoscope to my back.

“Breathe in, hold it… let it out, hold it… again, breathe in, holding… out, holding… okay you can relax now.”

Mum helps me prop some pillows up behind me, allowing me to lean back into the headboard with as much comfort as possible.

“Well, Rosalie, it seems you have a pretty intense fever, so I can only really suggest rest, hydration and painkillers, which I know you've taken some already, yes?”

I nod, wincing.

“Is it safe to say that they haven’t done much? Based on when your mum said you took them, they should have taken effect by now, so I’ll write a script for a higher dose that your mum can pick up, along with a recommendation for some more natural remedies. Otherwise, I’ll write you a doctors note to use with school and work, and check in with you later, okay?”

He smiles at me kindly, and a heavy mix of fear and peace wash through me.

“Thank you, Carlisle. I hope to kick this soon… I was supposed to finish what Alice and Emmett ordered tonight…”

He stands, putting his stethoscope away and pulling out a small book and pencil.

“They’ll understand. You focus on getting better, okay?”

Esme steps into the room then, a smoothie and soup on a tray in her hands.

“Try and consume these when you can, dear. They should help you get some strength to fight this off.”

I thank her, taking a sip of the juice, moaning at the blend.

She smiles at me warmly, before she joins Carlisle by the door. I look at mum who gives me one final squeeze on the arm before she exits with the other adults, some discussion about me being had, no doubt.

I’m not sure how much time passes as I attempt to drink the smoothie and eat the soup, getting halfway through both before sleep begins to fight me again. I do my best to carefully set the tray down on my side table, before I nestle back into my bed.

I wake up again some time later, a fan pointed at me, my glass of water topped up and breakfast tray removed. I find a note from mum, along with two boxes of medication, and a jar of some natural remedy.

Her note simply tells me Carlisle’s recommended dosage, the suggestion of a bath, and Carlisle’s personal number, as he is closer than mum, should I need immediate assistance.

I take all the things I need to, and fall back asleep.

Before I wake up next, I dream of Rosalie… her cool skin on mine as she sits beside me, cooling me down as she strokes my hair, mumbling sweet nothings near my ear. I imagine Jasper and Alice in my room too, looking at me, concern etched on their faces.

When I fully come too, my room is empty, but I feel somewhat better. I carefully swing out of bed, checking the time to see its still too early to take more meds, Carlisle having been very insistent I take them at set times for the best results, according to mum. I shuffle like a zombie down the hall to the kitchen, and look in the fridge, smiling when I see a second serving of the soup Esme made me this morning sitting there with a smiley face drawn onto a sticky note, her name signed with two  ‘x’s.

I pour it into a pot and heat it up gently, grabbing some blueberry and apple juice while I’m at it. While it’s heating, I shuffle quickly to the bathroom, dragging a chair from the dining room with me, before returning to the kitchen just in time for the soup to be warm enough. I bring it with me to the bathroom and set it on the counter, before I run the bath.

I finish the soup right before the bath is full enough, the lavender oil I added sending fragrance through the whole space. I dip my toe in, happy with the temperature, before adding in a few more things, including something I found on the counter with a note from Carlisle, his perfectly neat and square writing telling me it will help soothe my muscles.

An alarm goes off on my phone, waking me from a half slumber in the now cooled off bath, and I carefully exit it as it drains, moving smoothly. Whatever Carlisle gave me for the bath really helping my soreness. My whole body still feels off, but it’s easier to function as I dry off, walking to my bedroom. I take more meds before I gently blow-dry my hair, changing into sweats just after and curling back into bed, pulling out my tablet to check for messages from my teachers.

Realising I’m set to start my shift soon, I give Derek a call to let him know I wont be in, doctors orders, and that I have a note I can forward him. He says its all good, he has a new hire willing to cover for me already. I hear what sounds like Emmett in the background, overly excited.

I laugh, saying goodbye before wishing Derek luck with training him.

I fall back asleep after this.

When I wake up again, its to my phone alarm blaring, and out the window, I realise night has come already. I’m just sitting up to dismiss the alarm and takes the next dose, when there's a light knock on the door.

“Come in.”

Carlisle pops his head in, dressed more professionally than he was this morning, his leather doctors bag by his side.

“I just came by to check up on you and see how you’re going.”

I nod, waving him in.

“I’m feeling much better. The medications and whatnot's you recommended doing well. I’m just about to have my next lot.”
I turn away from him as he sits near me, grabbing out what he needs as I swallow the various things.

As he checks me over, I tell him about how I felt through out the day in as much detail as I can. He nods along and makes comments here and there, before he checks my lungs again.

“Well, Rosie, while your symptoms have eased, your fever hasn't broken yet. I’ll be around tomorrow morning to check up on you again, but I think you’ll have to spend another day in bed. I hope it doesn't mess with your job.”

I smile at his concern, brushing it away with a wave of my hand.

“Ah don't worry. When I called my manager, he said its all good, and that he has a new hire willing to cover my shifts for the time being.”

Carlisle raises an eyebrow at me, obviously not convinced.

“Don’t you know? Emmett applied for a job there Tuesday. He seemed absolutely ecstatic for a chance to work there. Derek said that its not often you get someone who clearly knows their stuff AND wants to work with a man like Thompson, so he felt it a good choice.”

Carlisle laughs, his stethoscope being put away as he looks at me.

“Well, he hardly knows Emmett… I’m sure he’ll be regretting the decision soon, no doubt Emmett putting on some intense product demonstrations.”

I laugh with him, wondering what kind of shit show I’ll be returning to at work with Emmett around.

Mum comes in with some food for me just after that. The smell of garlic mashed potato wafting at me as she hands me the plate. My mouth drools as I look at the food shes served me, including some savoury mince.

“Aww, mum, you didn't have to cook me meat.”

She ruffles my hair, handing me a bottle of grape juice and cutlery.

“Oh, I know. Esme volunteered to cook it for you, deciding we need to get as much of the food groups into you as we can. The kale and mushroom salad… well that's all me.”

I feel like crying at the kindness of both Platt parents, but I wind up crying slightly as a painful cough wracks through me for the first time since this morning. Mum only just manages to save my dinner.

I feel my fight or flight instincts rear up and my whole body break out in a sweat again, the pain I woke up in returning in full force. I let out a huge groan, tears mixing with sweat as they flow down my face.

“Oh dear… CARLISLE!” Mum looks at me, concern all over her face.

Next thing I know, I’m face forward in a bucket, Esme holding my hair back as Carlisle checks me over.

I don’t remember much after that, Saturday a similar pattern of sleep, good moments and bad.

Saturday night as shivers wrack my body, I find some sleep and dream one of the weirdest dreams I’ve had in a long time.

<3

I’m running through a forest in the dark of night, the full moon up above providing more than enough light. I hear a river ahead, and almost as soon as it’s in view, I leap across it, propelled far more than I could in reality.

The only sound I hear is my feet pounding into the ground, heavy and at a weird tempo, speed aside.

A minute later, I hear shouts and laughter, someone ‘whooping’ near me. I turn to my left, my run not slowing, and observe a flash of light speed past me, blonde hair billowing behind it. I turn to face the right and see two more figures of light run past, the laughter louder, the joy more tangible.

I begin to slow my run as I approach the foot of a trail leading up a mountain, three figures stopped, two more overtaking me far too close for comfort.

I stop before them, adjusting to the sight of all five Platt kids, eyes a dark gold, skin glinting like like stars under the moon.

I growl, Emmett stepping forward, in front of Rosalie in a protective stance, arms raised.

“No need to be a sore loser, Cygnet.”

His tone is jovial, but his defensive stance remains all the same. I look over the rest, and note that Jasper holds a similar position in front of Alice, Edward off to the side, unsure of how to react.

I nod my head, and they all relax, Rosalie walking up to me faster than a human should.

“I had faith in you, Cygnet…”

Her hand reaches out for me and I go to respond, the words forming at the tip of my tongue.

“I’m glad you do, Medusa.”

Except the words I say come out as a low rumbling growl, and I look down and see fur and paws where my legs should be. I look over my shoulder, panicking as I see a wolfs body… my body.

I look back to Rosalie, trying to convey my fear to her, hoping she could explain. She runs a cold hand down my muzzle, and I feel myself relax.

“There you are sweetie, I was worried.”

I turn around and find Carlisle, Esme and my mum walking up to us. But where Carlisle and Esme have the same gold eyes as the others, I can’t see mums eyes, a shadow hood covering the top half of her face, But her skin glints just like them, and her lips are red as rubies.

I want to say something, but something pulls me out of the dream and back towards reality.

<3

“Rosalie, honey, I need you to wake up, okay? Can you do that please?”

Mums soft voice wakes me up, and I startle when I see her right over me, fear and concern all over her face. I glance at the clock and see that its four P.M, Sunday.

“Hey, there you are sweetie. I was worried about you. You seemed to be stuck in some nightmare. Are you okay?”

I let my eyes adjust to the low light in the room before I try and respond. I try to clear my throat, so mum hands me a glass with a straw sticking out. I take a few big gulps before I try and talk again.

“I don’t know if it was a nightmare, but it was certainly… weird.”

I try and remember what I was just dreaming, but all I can ascertain is that it was weird, and that mum and all the Platt’s were there.

“I can’t remember anything about it mum, except that you were there, as were all the Platt’s.”

Mum strokes my hair soothingly, and I can feel myself relaxing.

“Is it time for me to take more medication? I’m so out of it I can’t remember the last time I took some.”

“Yeah sweetie, it is. And don’t worry, I’ve made sure you’ve been able to take your meds when you needed them. Carlisle is fairly certain your fever will break tonight and that you will be right as rain tomorrow, if a little sore.”

I nod at her as I swallow my medication. Mum looks content as she hands me some food.

“Eat up and try and get some more rest. I’ll check on you later, okay?”

Mum leaves me be and I eat up, still feeling like I’ve been run over by a B-double truck carrying the empire state building.

<3

I dream again, but tonight it’s different.

The sun bares down on me, the water fountain behind me splashing the back of my hood.

“Mum, why are we here?”

“Because, sweetie. This place is important to me, and I thought you’d like to visit. The gelato makes the trip worth it, no?”

I lick at the coconut berry flavoured concoction, doing my best to savour it in the heat, it running sticky down my hands.

“I guess so, mum. What are we celebrating, other than our birthdays?”

“They say that once upon a time, many centuries ago, this town suffered a plague of monsters, until one day a brave man gave his life as he forced them out, vanquishing them with his last breath. Every year, the towns people wear red to symbolise the blood he spilled so they may live in peace.”

I nod in contentment.

Suddenly a shadow comes over me, and I look up and see two figures in black cloaks, standing out among the sea of red.

“Isabella, they will see you now.”

Mum gets up but holds her hand out to stop me from following.

“Not you, honey. Mummy needs to go speak to an old friend. You wait here with this young man. I won’t take too long, promise.”

She leans down and kisses my forehead, and I’m almost convinced a tear falls onto me. But as I look at her face after, it’s clear; water from the fountain must have hit something at a different angle.

I nod and reassure mum I’ll stay with the man, as he sits by my side. Despite the sun, I feel a sense of cold growing from him.

Mum takes her time, and I finish my gelato as I wait for her return. Another person in black walks up to us and hands me a strawberry one. I mumble a thanks, unable to look either stranger in the eye, even if I wanted to. Their hoods cover so much of their face, but if they tilt their heads in tthe sun right, I swear I see red.

I ignore their ‘otherness’ and just observe the parade around me, eating my gelato in peace.

Soon I spot mum walking out of a dark alley, and wave at her, just noticing the red dripping down my arm from my gelato. Mum gasps at me as she nears, her hand reaching for my chin to check my face. I swipe at my mouth and realise I’m covered in the strawberry. I feel my face heat as she wordlessly cleans it away.

“Thank you for watching her for me, I hope she wasn’t too much trouble, or forced you to buy her the second gelato.”

The two strangers laugh, and I look between them. The man replies to mum as the pair begin walking backwards, the crowd ready to absorb them.

“She was no problem at all… our boss asked us to be accommodating. I thought she’d like the flavour, the boss does.”

I wave them both goodbye, mum taking my other hand and leading us away, back towards our hotel.

<3

When I wake up next, its Monday morning, right before my alarm go off for school, and I feel refreshed and full of energy.

I start my morning with a shower, washing away all the sweat, and do a double take when I see myself in the mirror.

I’ve grown… significantly.  Well, maybe not significantly, but definitely noticeable. I must be two, maybe three inches taller. My shoulders broadened and my body went from being lean to almost jacked.

“MUUUM!!! PLEASE TELL ME CARLISLE DIDN’T PUMP ME FULL OF STEROIDS OVER THE WEEKEND?”

Mum comes running into the bathroom, and gasps when she sees me.

I turn to her and suddenly a wave of anger washes through me. Mum jumps back as my head spins and suddenly I’m not me any more.

I must pass out, because the last thing I remember is seeing a tan wolf in the mirror, and mum saying “I can’t believe Emmett was right.”

Chapter Text

Something’s wrong.

My whole body feels tense, and the urge to protect something overwhelms me. My eyes open slowly, darkness enveloping me. I blink a few times, my eyes adjusting to the dark, letting me scan the room. I don't recognise where I am, but the room is large and sparse. Based on the furniture pushed to the side, I think I’m in a lounge room somewhere.

Beneath me, the carpet is soft and comforting, but smells clean… too clean.

I hear talking, the faint sound of my mums voice near by, but when I look around, I can’t see her. But I can smell her. But there is another smell more pressing… more concerning.

Its acrid and makes me want to be sick, but also makes me want to pounce and protect my mum. I hear more voices talking, but its so quiet its hard to know who. But I can only hear one person breathing, one persons heart beat.

How the flying fuck can I even tell?

I sit up and look for the carpet beneath me, and startle because it doesn't look like a soft shaggy carpet like I had assumed. However, the fur covering my paws does.
I begin to freak out and call out for help. I must be having a fever dream. There’s no other explanation for this.

“Mum!”

I call out, but the only noise that escapes is a whimper akin to a dog.

I hear impossibly fast footsteps approach and see Edward carrying my mum and putting her on the floor, Carlisle next to them.

I cry out, and fall back to the floor, trying to ignore the paws I see in front of me. Whatever is happening, can’t be real.

Mum looks at me saddened, but not scared.

“Guys, she’s freaking out, what do we do?”

Edward looks to mum, something like affection in his face as he replies to her.

“Of course she’s freaking out, Bella. She is scared. We can bring Jasper in and see if he can calm her down?”

Mum nods before she approaches me carefully and slowly, Carlisle right behind her.

“Hey sweetie, I know you’re scared. I promise, there is a very good explanation for this, we just need to help you shift back before we get to it, okay? Carlisle is going to check you over to make sure there aren’t any injuries he needs to take care of first, alright?”

I try to nod as I look up at mum, and she reaches a hand out, stroking my face. She looks so small and breakable, which makes me wonder how big I am.

But the thing that’s really bugging me out is the fact she isn’t freaking out. Like at all.

I suppose, if it were a dream, she wouldn’t freak out, but… something tells me that this is real, that I’m really a wolf. So why isn’t she scared? Why are the Platt’s acting like this is okay?

Carlisle comes closer and shines a light in my eyes, just like he did the other day when he checked me for a concussion before I went to bed.

The bad smell intensifies when he gets closer, but I still can’t detect breathing or a heartbeat from anyone but mum.

Edward looks at me, taking a breath, and Carlisle takes one afterwards.

Weird.

Everything about this is weird and confusing and I’m so scared. I close my eyes and wish it all away.

The smell gets worse, but suddenly I find that I don’t care, my whole body relaxing. I open my eyes and see Jasper looking at me, concern lacing his face, but I feel calmer looking at him. Edwards lips move slightly, and then Jasper smiles at me, and I feel comforted by his presence.

Carlisle tells me and mum that I’ll good, before handing mum a huge blanket.

“Okay honey, this might hurt, but I need you to trust me, okay?”

I let out a worried whimper, but she kisses between my eyes as she unfolds the blanket and tosses it over me. I look over and see that it’s only Jasper left in here with us, and mum goes and stands next to him. He slings his arm around her and pulls her close in a way that suggests a close familial connection. But I pay it no heed as I feel way more relaxed and calm.

Jasper nods at mum and she returns her full focus on me from across the room.

“Okay Rosalie Sue Swan, I need you to take a deep breath and focus on turning back. Tell yourself to turn back. It might take a minute and it might hurt, but you’ll get there, I promise.”

Normally my full name only comes out when in trouble, but her tone conveys only love and concern.

I try and focus on mum, doing what she says. I don’t know how long it takes, but soon I feel like my whole body is burning, my muscles screaming in pain, and then suddenly I’m back in my body, naked and only covered by the blanket.

Well at least I understand why they put it on me, and why everyone else left. Well… Jasper being there confuses me, but I look over at him as I sit up and pull the blanket around me, and I feel calmness wash through me again.

Mum comes and sits next to me, Jasper remaining vigilant by the doorway. She embraces me into a hug, and I basically fall into her embrace. She lets out a quiet ‘oof’ as I settle against her, and I have the vague memory that I grew a lot some time in the last few days.

“Hey Rosie baby. You feeling okay?”

She strokes my hair comfortingly, giving me the space to reply. I find my voice again.

“I really don’t know how to feel, mum. Physically, I’m definitely feeling better, but mentally? I’m so confused and have no idea whats going on.”

I pull back slightly and look at her, her eyes scanning my face for… something.

“I really don’t know where to start, Rosie… but at least I can say that it comes from your dads' side.”

Half an hour later, I’m seated at the dining table in the Platt’s house, wearing tracksuit pants and a sweater from Emmett, digging into my third t-bone steak that Esme cooked for me, keeping it rare and minimally seasoned. Mum comes into the room stone faced, looking displeased. She whispers something to Carlisle and he nods, taking the phone from mum and continuing to talk to whoever mum was on the phone to.

But when she sees me eating the steak, she smiles.

“Got an appetite, hun?” Her eyes scan the table, covered in the remnants of several cuts of meat, and protein heavy sides.

“I don’t know why I’m so hungry, but it’s amazing that they have so much food on hand. Esme was super quick in the kitchen, it was like she was prepared for this.”

Those in the room share a look. I focus mostly on mum, who takes a seat between Edward and Jasper, Jasper the closest to me. Esme sits at my other side, poised to bring me any more food at the drop of a hat. Carlisle enters the room again and sits to her other side.

I’ve been told that the others all went to school today and should be back soon. For whatever reason, these are the ones that felt it necessary to stay with me.

“So… what’s going on and why is everyone looking at me? Am I getting let in on what is happening?”

I put my plate to the side, on the stack of other dishes I’ve accumulated, and take a drink of my malt milkshake.

“Unfortunately, honey, there’s not much any of us can say about what you just went through, mostly because none of us have gone through it, but also because there’s a Treaty in place. Carlisle and I just spoke with Jacob, and he will be here tomorrow morning to talk to you about it.”

I blink slowly, trying to comprehend what mum said. Jasper pats my shoulder, and I smile at him thankful for his calming presence.

Carlisle clears his throat.

“We can, however, tell you about us. There’s no easy way to say this, Rosalie, but my family are vampires.”

I feel like my eyebrows are going to fly off as I raise them at Carlisle’s admission. If it weren't for the fact I became some kind of wolf thing, I’d assume he’s lying to me. But at the word, I feel my body ready to spring into action, something telling me that they're all monsters and are here to cause mum and I harm.
I turn to mum, ready to take her away to protect her, but she’s not even phased. In fact, she seems to be leaning into Edwards’ touch…

Gross…

I turn back to Jasper, and he looks at me, physically pained as he reaches for my arm, and I feel myself relax. I smile when he smiles, ignoring the confused emotional turmoil I experienced.

I look over at Esme, thinking over her story from the other night, before I look back at Carlisle, some things clearing and making sense again.

“You guys are vampires… does that mean it’s safe to assume that Esme’s story about her family and mum is made up?”

Everyone breaths a sigh of relief, but I think given the lack of heartbeats, for all but mum it’s a trained reaction.

Esme looks at me apologetically as she stands, clearing the table.

“I’m sorry I had to lie to you, Rosie. And for the most part, it was true. The only thing I really lied about was the family connections and everyone else’s names… and Carlisle and I being younger than everyone.”

I look over at mum and Edward, the puzzle pieces clicking into place.

“So there was no Norman… mum was dating Edward?”

Mum looks slightly pained, especially as she sits up right, aware of the intimate position she was in with someone I was under the impression of being fifteen until a few minutes ago. As it stands, he does look to be about that age, so its no less gross, visually, to see my forty-three year old mother cossied up with him. Deciding mums dating history is not a hornets nest I want to poke at right now, I move on to the other information.

“Let me guess… Joseph was Jasper, Henry Emmett and Alisha Alice? Where do you two fit in?”

My eyes dart between Carlisle and Esme.

“We took on the role of parents, just as we are now. And we don’t see it as a front. We view the others as our kids.”

Carlisle looks at Esme with so much love as she tells me, before she looks over at mum.

“It’s also nice to have our other daughter back in our lives. We have missed Bella dearly these last twenty years.” 

Everyone else looks at mum again, and her face has a light blush.

“Oh stop it you saps… physically I’m the oldest one here. Keep at it and I’ll be claiming to be your parents next.”

Everyone laughs at that, but I just cringe inwardly.

The next half hour is spent as they clarify their history, and filling in what blanks I can. The most I glean about the relation ship between vampires, and whatever I am, is that we are supernatural enemies. I’m assured that Jacob, a man I haven’t seen in years, will tell me everything I need to know.

When the others return from school, something they have all repeated multiple times in an effort to establish their back stories, Emmett is the first to approach me.

As we stand across from each other, its apparent I’m nearly as big as him, which makes sense since his clothes are barely baggy on me. I also laugh when I realise the true youngest of the family is pretending to be the eldest of the kids.

He pulls me into a normally bone-crushing hug and I wiggle against his vice grip.

“I can’t believe I get to hang around one of you again, wolfy.”

He finally releases me, allowing me to take a deep breath.

“I don’t know what you’re on about, but you seem keen, so I guess I should be excited?”

He waggles his eyebrows at me, before he walks away.

Alice comes up to me next and runs her eyes over me.

“Please please please, Rosie, let me organise your new clothes? Don’t tell me your as fashion averse as your mum.”

It's hard to take her seriously as I now tower over her, but the pout and hand on her hips makes me laugh.

“Yeah, sure, as long as I get some input. I don’t mind looking nice, but its important to also have practical, especially since I skate everywhere.”

“Touche… but I can work with it… oh this is going to be so fun!”

She spins where she is, clapping. I cringe at the volume, and she shoots me an apologetic look, before she spots Jasper. A second later, she’s in his arms as he lifts her and spins them both, kissing.

Even though I had been warned earlier, seeing people I was made to believe were actual blood relations, make out makes me feel uneasy. But I’ll probably have to get over it.

The door opens again, and the most delectable smell wafts over to me. I look up and meet with Rosalie's eyes.

<3

Life.

Death.

For so long, that’s all existing felt like. The cycle of nature.

I do my part and fight for the environment so that future generations may have something.

But it doesn’t change that all we shall ever do is live, then die.

What we do as we live is up to us, an opportunity to make choices. We choose what we wear, what we eat, what we do, where we go. We choose how we want to live. Some things feel like they aren’t a choice, like gender and sexuality. But we still get to choose what we do with those. If we want to label like this or like that.
It’s free will, to live as we choose. It’s the freedom that those who came before us have fought for.

But sometimes something happens and it makes you question…

How much is truly up to us?

Fate.

The guiding hand. Some say it is God’s will, others say it’s the Earths will. Those who believe in fate will choose to either accept is or fight it. Still giving the chance to choose.

I’ve never given much thought into what I believe, living each day as it comes. My life has had adventure, it’s had stability. I’ve had fun, I’ve been bored. I always thought my purpose in life would be to advocate for this planet, until my last breath. That I would simply be just another person living life. Maybe find love, have a family, maybe not. Maybe have a career, or maybe stick to odd jobs and side gigs.

But all that is simply side quests to my real purpose.

My whole life flashes before my eyes; the past showing me how I got here, the future telling me what to expect, my present…

All my worries of my situation dissipate, my fear and confusion gone, as understanding settles deep in my heart, in my mind. This is where I’m meant to be, what I’m meant to do.

Who I’m meant to be.

A warrior. Equipped to be by her side to the end. What ever she needs from me, I’ll give. Whatever she wants, she’ll have.

I am hers. She is mine.

To protect from harm.

To shield from tragedy.

To have someone be there when the loneliness creeps in from the shadows.

To light the way when all hope is lost and darkness threatens to swallow her whole.

To love and be loved by.

She says jump, I say how high.

I am her servant, her hero, her best friend, her lover, her mother, her daughter… I am her everything and her nothing.

She is my everything, My fate. My purpose.

<3

Everything else fades into nothing as Rosalie comes into focus, a shining object of perfection. Without thinking, I walk towards her, unable to stop myself, like magnets drawn together, or a moth to a flame with the danger she represents.

I see flashes to a future where we lay side by side on a secluded beach, her skin sparkling like the ocean. I see another moment in time where we run through a forest together. Us working on a car, us up late reading and talking.

Everything I am was meant to be here, meeting her. Protecting her. Loving her.

Rosalie Platt just became the centre of my universe.

I drop to my knees before her, and just like when I first saw her, I whisper her name, completely enamoured by her beauty and strength.

Chapter Text

Rosalie Hale/Medusa’s POV:

All of us were waiting to hear if Cygnet was okay. Seeing her as sick as she has been the last few days has been terrifying. Especially since I was just getting used to the idea of letting a human into our lives again.

I remember the day Bella came up to me, her face showing clear signs of crying before she came to see me.

I envied her for her humanity, and seeing how much older she looked than all of us had only cemented that, as she and Edward both kept pushing back her turning. First, they’d settled on doing it after graduating high-school, but then it was after their honey moon… but soon they both started college, so Edward convinced her to wait again… but here she was, days from graduating college, human as ever, telling me she no longer wants to bind her self to Edward.

I helped her plan her leaving so Alice wouldn’t know, and kept away from Edward and kept my mind off it as much as I could. Emmett and I definitely didn't mind the time away from the family we had after that… apparently helping your adoptive brothers wife leave him isn't good sibling behaviour.

Twenty years later, to see a girl who looks so much like Bella at our new school, whisper my name without introduction and pass out… well it was a shock. But knowing Bella had made the best of her humanity was such a blessing.

Getting to know Cygnet has been fun, and I’d hate to loose her. It’s also made us seen as approachable at school, but it’s just the way it is these days. That’s why Emmett has taken to computers and made it so we have our own private social media servers for all platforms, allowing us to manipulate our presence as needed.

Cygnet has become my pride and joy in a way, knowing I was instrumental in her existence, and knowing that Bella named her after me for that reason.

I hope Emmett’s wrong. I don’t think I could handle having to introduce Cygnet to our world… for her to know what monsters we truly are.

When Carlisle gets the call, everyone is tense, and he looks solemn as his eyes go right to Emmett as he says it.

“Rosie has shifted, Esme and I are going to help bring her and Bella here. Jasper, I think its best you help out, but everyone else should go to school. It would make sense if Jasper came down with the same thing as Rosie… she was in several classes with him.”

Emmett, despite being right, looks crestfallen. I guess he felt the same.

Without another word said, I turn on my heels and run, forgoing my e-bike. I’m not even sure if I will go to school or not, but I know I can’t hang around there. Once in town, I stick to a jogging speed, and find myself going down her street. I can smell her as I stand out front, and I know I’d be crying if I was capable of tears.

Bella spots me, so I walk up to the front door to talk to her.

“You don’t look okay, Rosalie.”

I let out a harsh laugh.

“I know she isn’t mine, Bella… but I was so excited for you and for her… you guys are so human. I just… I can’t stand the idea that shes now a part of this world.”

I look at her, and realise Bella doesn’t even seem phased.

“You didn’t know… did you?”

Bella frowns at me, deep in thought.

“No, I didn’t know. But I can’t say I’m saddened by it. And it’s not like she can’t have a normal life. Sam has grey hairs and a grand-kid on the way last I heard, Paul has a fleet of children and a great job… Jacob has remained shifting only in case something happens again. But he was looking at stopping, and considering just keeping the legends alive. But now?”

Bella looks over her shoulder, concern on her face. When she looks up at me, theres tears in her eyes.

“At least now, we don’t have to lie to her. I feel like I can finally open up fully with her, once she adjusts.”

I think over her words, as I hear the quiet sounds of an electric car coming down the road. I look over my shoulder and spot Carlisle in his van, Esme at his side. Jasper appears behind me, his hair messy from a run. When my parents pull in, I see Edward in the car too.

Bella gasps, his eyes landing right on her.

I take that as my cue to leave, and turn-tail for the second time today. My brother reuniting with his estranged wife is not something I need to see.

The whole school day I’m fretting, but I refuse to look at my phone for updates. Emmett pulls me into a private space during lunch and comforts me in a way only he can, and when he holds me after, he doesn’t press me to open up.

We spent two years in the Netherlands after Bella left, so I know he’s figured out how I feel about this without me needing to say anything. When we return to school right before classes start, he hugs me again, whispering in my ear.
“I know how you feel, Rose, I see you, I love you.”

“Thank you, Em… I love you too.”

When school lets out, I don’t leave right away, letting Emmett and Alice see her first. I don’t even know if  I could stomach seeing her at all.

Nothing. And I mean nothing, could have prepared me for what happened when I did see her.

As soon as I open the front door, her eyes land on me. As she begins walking twards me, Edward curses, his eyes falling onto mine, but I struggle to look away as Rosalie looks at me, like really at me. No fear or distrust on her face.

When she falls to her knees in front of me, love all over her face as she looks right into me, she whispers my name.

I nearly collapse as the shock of whats happening hits me, our name sounding like a prayer.

Rosalie Swan just imprinted on me.

Bella gasps as Edward tells everyone what just happened, but all I feel is confused.

A vague memory of Jacob explaining what imprinting was to me when Edward and Bella were on isle Esme floats through my head.

“No one knows why we imprint, or what its true purpose is. Some say its for the best genetic match, others think its our soul finding our equal. But I look at Quil and Clare, and think how can it be romantic or sexual in any way, if he imprinted on a child? How can a three year old be his equal?

“Which leads me to why I think it happens. When one of us imprints, it means we are bound to be their protector, their friend. Sure, if your like Sam or Paul, imprinting on someone age appropriate, there’s nothing wrong with a relationship. But I don’t think that’s the point. I think somewhere in the imprinted’s future, something will happen to them where only their wolf can help them.”

I questioned him about the freedom of choice, telling him I thought the whole thing was stupid. He was inclined to agree.

The conversation definitely lead to Jacob and I being closer than I had ever imagined, but he was jealous that Edward got the girl. I was jealous that Bella wanted to throw her humanity away, never having lived.

Which makes me curious to what he’ll make of this imprint. I find it hard to believe that he could still think Cygnet will someday be my only hope.

I look up, realising I had kept my eyes on her for way to long, and I look around. Everyone seems to be in varied states of shock and awe, but it’s Emmett who I’m the most concerned about.

But he just looks happy. Like he knows something I don’t, and can’t wait to share it with me.

For once in my life, I feel uncomfortable with all the attention being focused on me, on us. I turn to leave, but Cygnet just grabs onto me, her eyes pleading.

“Please, don’t walk away… I don’t what I’m going through or what this is, I just know that I need you here with me.”

Her tone of voice makes my dead heart break, so I relent.

“Of course I’ll stay, Cygnet. It seems we have a lot to talk about.”

I’m just unsure how much of the conversation I’m ready for. I remind myself that Cygnet knows nothing about what she is, and that thanks to the Treaty, I can’t fill her in. I curse internally as I realise this.

But the anger I harbour for the cruelty of our world melts away as suddenly I find myself being enveloped into her arms. The dog stench isn’t anywhere near as bad as Jacob or his packs were, and her body feels so warm and comfortable. And size wise, shes not too far off Emmett, so my body finds itself aligning with hers easily.

What am I going to do?

Chapter Text

Rosalie Swan/ Cygnet’s POV:

Everyone sits at the dining table, and I refuse to let Rosalie sit anywhere but next to me. I have no idea why she’s suddenly so important to me, but it feels right. I don’t care to what capacity, but she is mine, plain and simple.

Whether she and I maintain a platonic relationship, or wind up with something more, I don’t know. But The thought of ever leaving her, or her leaving me, pains me. When I look at mum, she looks concerned and puzzled, but she hasn’t said anything to me regarding this.

Not that I’ve really given them the chance.

Anytime someone steps near us, I growl, before suddenly being calmed, and whoever stepped near steps back. I soon learn that Jasper has the ability to manipulate emotions, and that’s why he was there when I needed to shift back.

Edwards mind reading allowed him to understand me when I was in my wolf form, but I don’t like that he’s probably just freely looked into my mind at some other point.

While we sit down and everyone talks about me like I’m not there, I learn that Alice can see visions of the future when decisions are made. Which was part of why they were confused mum and I were here. Normally Alice would have known something like that, but apparently mum has been a blank spot for Alice for about seventeen years… mathing that tells me it was my conception, possibly even the decision before my conception, when Alice stopped being able to see visions of mum.

Apparently whatever I am, is a huge blind-spot for Alice.

But that’s not the thing that really grabs my attention.

“I’m sorry, WHAT? You and Edward are married?”

Eight sets of eyes, only one of which isn’t gold, land on me, the silence so deafening, you could hear a pin drop.

Carlisle stands, looking dismayed.

“I think we need to let the Swans have a private conversation.”

He and Esme leave first, but I keep my focus on mum. When Rosalie moves slightly, I latch on again, needing her.

“Rosie, honey, you need to let Rosalie go. She doesn’t need to be here for this.”

I glare at mum, anger rising. I feel Jasper’s attempt to calm me, but its fruitless. I feel myself start to shake as my anger gets the better of me, until it suddenly stops.

Rosalie put her arms around me, taking my attention off mum.

“Hey, Cygnet, its okay. I wont go far, alright? If you need me, just call out my name, okay?”

Her eyes seem to be glowing, but I know she’s being sincere. I wrap my arms around her and rest against her stomach, needing to feel her as close as I can.

“Its obvious you know everything my mum has to say, so why can’t you stay?”

I look up at her, pleading. She can’t leave my side. Its’ not acceptable.

“Cygnet, this is between your mum and you. Plus, Emmett and I need to talk about this too, okay?”
A jealous pang hits me as I recall that Emmett and Rosalie are married. Reluctantly, I pull back. When I look around Rosalie to see Emmett, he looks somewhat confused, but in a positive way.

“Don’t worry, Wolfy. I wont get in your way. Rose and I just need to figure out what this means. Then we can have a talk, okay?”

I begrudgingly release Rosalie, and am torn with expressing anger or jealousy or thanks towards Emmett. All I manage is a nod as the pair walk off together.

I decided earlier I didn’t want to learn more about mums relationship with Edward, but here we are…

I turn back to mum, and send a glare Edwards’ way. It hurts my brain to think about the fact that my mum, all forty-three years of age, is married to, and has been for over twenty years, a boy in the year below me at school. Like what the fuck!

“So… what? I don’t get to have a relationship with my biological father, and here you are, with your immortal teen husband? Are you guys getting back together?”

Whatever transformation I’ve been through, apparently it means no longer being the perfectly respectable and polite daughter I’ve always been. Since here I am, death glaring my mum and her HUSBAND as they sit across from me, his arm slung so casually across her shoulder as he looks at me like a disappointed father. I scoff internally, before conjuring up the image of my raised middle finger, hoping he sees.

His flinch means I was successful, I assume.

“Your relationship with your dad has nothing to do with my relationship with Edward, Rosie. As for getting back together… I simply don’t know. It’s not really something I ever considered plausible.”

At that, she shrugs his hand off, and he looks at her, shocked. She looks at him ruefully… I feel like gagging.

“Yeah, well, I don’t see why you want to tell me anything about it. Do you know how weird this is for me, mum? I just turned into a wolf for some reason, that apparently no one can tell me about because of some treaty that exists between the wolves and a family of vampires, who just so happened to move to the area we live in, and go to school with me, including your husband? I think me learning about whatever the fuck is between you two is the least of my concerns right now, and I’d rather be anywhere but here.”

“Rosalie Sue Swan, don;t you dare take that tone with me. I’m only trying to open up to you fully, my secrets no longer needing to be kept from you. I don’t get why you’re being so snarky with me young lady.”

I push away from the table, ready to scream, but I contain it.

“Well, mother, maybe I’m in a bad mood because my life is a lie and I am currently going through a mildly traumatic experience. But excuse me, today isn’t about me in the slightest. No, I need to focus on you, and that arrogant prat who has been nothing but cold to me at school, whereas literally all the other vampires have worked on getting to know me.”

I don’t let her respond, all this confusing anger swirling in me. I feel like I might turn again, and I don’t want that. Knowing that everyone here except mum has super hearing, I whisper, knowing what I need right now.

“Medusa?”

Her voice carries down to me from upstairs almost instantly, telling me where to go.

“Come on up, Cygnet. I ran you a bath.”

I jog up the stairs, my balance perfect. I find her door and go to knock, but Emmett pulls it open for me before I get to, a sheepish smile on his face. He moves aside to let me in, and I go to where I can hear a bath. 

Rosalie’s room is everything you’d expect it to be. With a king bed in the centre, fully canopied in an almost pearlescent white sheer fabric, and several pillows stacked in a love heart on the bed. Her floors are hard wood, but she has a beautiful red rug adorning half the room. She has impeccable taste in furnishings as I scan the room, with vases of fresh flowers alongside art work and books stacked about. But every now and then, I spot something so clearly Emmett, I have to hold in a snort. Such as the pop vinyls from various anime’s scattered around the room, or the pile of gaming consoles and their games in one corner, near a huge TV.

I have to walk through a rather spacious walk in closet, absolutely bursting with clothes.

And then I enter her ensuite.

Its a complete contrast to her bedroom, but it makes so much sense all the same. The floor is covered in a black mixture of pebbles, while the walls are tiled in a deep forest green. There’s real plants throughout the space, based on the smell of soil in the air, and what I can see of the shower, is a huge rain shower-head, with a moss bathmat.

And then there’s the bath…

Set into the floor partially, it takes up the whole corner its in, made of a grey marble, with gold and green flecks throughout.

Rosalie kneels by its side, pouring in a concoction of bath oils and salts and what have its. She gives it a stir before she leans across to turn it off. When she looks at me, she smiles, wiping her hand on a nearby towel.

“The bath is designed to help sooth your whole body. Some of the things I added are said to even help clear your mind. I hope it helps.”

She looks unsure of how to handle this, and I worry that she wont want to be my friend any more. I walk forward, trying to look as friendly as I can.

“Thank you, Medusa. It means a lot. And I’m sorry, by the way.”

She looks at me confused, before she steps aside, giving me full access to the bath.

“Why are you sorry? You haven’t done anything wrong.”
I dip my hand in to feel the water, and am surprised that its perfectly warm against my skin. I look at Rosalie over my shoulder, sending an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry, because I don’t want my bullshit to be causing you issues with your husband. It’s not fair of me to want to be by your side, like I was just before. You aren’t mine and I don’t want you to think that I want to force you to be mine.”

“Hey now, don’t be like that, Cygnet. Emmett and I will be fine, I can assure you. As for being yours… well, I know enough about… this-” she gestures between her and I, “to know that you can’t help the possessiveness that you feel for me. I just hope we can settle it to something we can both be happy with, without either of us having to compromise.”

For just a second, she looks like she’s about to cry. But she turns around and starts to light a bunch of candles.

“I’ll leave you be to bath now. Try and relax okay? When you’re done, you can either put what you have on now, or raid whatever you want from Emmett’s clothes.”

She barely finished what she was saying, before shes just empty air in front of me. So I do as I’m told, and try and relax in the bath.

The bath is almost stone cold when I stir, having relaxed to the point of sleep. Whatever Medusa put in this bath worked wonders for me. I sit up slowly and stretch my arms out, a small yawn escaping. I scramble through the bath to pull the plug and get out, wrapping up in a huge fluffy green towel. There isn’t a single ache in my body at all, and I feel more like myself than I have in over a week… since I met the Platts…

The Cullens?

Hales?

I have no idea what name I’m supposed to use to refer to them all.

Mum knows them as the Cullens… that’s the name she took when she married Edward, I assume, based of Carlisle’s slip of the tongue when I first met him.

I shake the thoughts away, not wanting to dwell too much on anything concerning mums relationship with him. I really don’t know what got into me earlier, but I still don’t want to think much about their relationship.

I dry off completely, finding a hair dryer and heat protectant on the sink, as if waiting to be used. There’s also a handful of deodorants on the sink, all clearly unused. Some are more feminine, others masculine, and some fairly neutral. I’m drawn to a more masculine roll on, and take a deep inhale of the spicy fragrance.

I find Emmett’s clothes in the walk in and contemplate. I look down at my bust, not one to normally show off my chest. But I don’t have a bra with me, not that I have one that fits my broader frame. So I find a decently tight singlet to offer some control over them, before pulling on a loose pair of dark blue sweat pants and a baggy long sleeve printed tee.

Happy as I can be in someone else’s clothes, I make my way back out.

The house is dead silent. I can’t hear any conversations or breathing. In the dining room, there’s more food prepared, and my phone has been left with it. I turn it on and see a couple of messages.
Both Locky and Cam are hoping I feel better soon.

Jacob has sent me a voice message, and my aunt Leah tried to call me about half an hour ago. I haven’t seen my Aunt in a while, and we don’t talk often. Same goes for Jacob… I haven’t seen him since I was ten.

Mum texted me, to inform me that she’s gone home and that someone can bring me home if I need it, otherwise I can make my own way back when I’m ready. She’s clearly upset at me for earlier, but I struggle to feel guilty.

There’s also a text from Derek, checking in on me, and also letting me know that Emmett has taken to my job with ease, and will make a solid replacement if I take the promotion.

I ignore all the messages, except to let my Aunt Leah know I’m not feeling well and that I’m sorry I missed her call.

She replies instantly.

Leah: It’s okay, sweetie. I understand more than you think. But I suggest you reply to Jacob. See you soon xx

See me soon?
She’s on her way here… and telling me to message Jacob?

Both mum and Carlisle mentioned Jacob earlier, so I assume he knows whats going on. Does that mean Leah does too? Uncle Seth probably would as well then.

Maybe I’m getting a family reunion tomorrow. 

I press play on Jacob’s voice message and listen to his voice.

“Hey squirt, I know it’s been a while. I promise you, it will all make sense when I see you tomorrow. Right now, your Aunt Leah and I are on the way to the airport. Seth said he’s available to come too, but only if you ask. We can all imagine how scared and confused you must be right now, but you’ll be okay. We love you so much.”

“I also have some gifts from mum and Charlie, Rosie. They miss their granddaughter. Hopefully you can visit again soon. Love you sweetie!”

Aunt Leah joining in on the message caught me off guard, but it warms my heart. I give him a call, hoping they aren’t on the plane already.

Jacob answers almost right away.

“Hey Rosie. We don’t have long. We’re currently waiting to board. You listened to my message, yeah?”
“Yeah I did. You guys are right, I’m scared and feel so out of sorts. But if it means I get to see you guys, I’ll be happy.”

He lets out a relieved breath, and I think Aunt Leah does too.

“Well, for now I recommend you eat those blood suckers out of house and home, and get some rest. We should be there around lunch tomorrow. And maybe catch up on school. Your mum has always been so proud of your drive at school, and I’d hate for this to cause an upset.”

I look at the food laid out for me already.

“Eating them out of house and home might be a challenge, Jake… Esme seems to have an endless supply of red meat.”

They both laugh through the phone, and I feel a sense of pride in my gut. A slightly robotic voice is muffled from their end, and I frown.

“That’s us, Rosie. See you soon, and try not to scare anyone for the time being.”

“I’ll try. Have a good flight!”

I slump into the chair as they hang up, but knowing I’ll be seeing them tomorrow makes it worth it. I dig into my food, alone in the house of vampires.

What even is life anymore.

Chapter Text

After I ate all the food I could fit, Esme joined me and offered for me to stay at theirs for the night, sensing I needed time away from mum. I took her up on the offer, and ended up being left in Rosalie and Emmett’s room.

I wake up to Rosalie and Emmett talking softly, and the smell of chicken and waffles. I blink away the sleep from my eyes as I sit up slowly, Rosalie’s bed attempting to swallow me whole. The pair turn to me right away, both smiling, but clearly struggling not to laugh. Emmett cracks first, but Rosalie soon follows. I roll my eyes and turn to see the food they’ve brought for me.

Their laughter dies down as I dig in, and I realise they have my school stuff laid out around them. I swallow my mouthful of the most delicious fried chicken I’ve ever had the fortune of tasting, and decide to bring it up.

“Why are you two looking over my school work?”

Medusa, to all her stone cold appearance at school, looks absolutely adorable and would probably be blushing right now if she physically could. Emmett beams at his wife as he turns on me, his smile wide and carefree.

“Well, Rosie, considering you missed two whole days of school, plus lost the chance to catch up on it, thanks to my family, we decided we’d help out and mimic your style. You don’t mind, right?”

Warmth blooms in my chest as I eye them both. It’s a huge relief off of my shoulders knowing I wont need to do catch up in a rush.

“I don’t know how to thank you guys… that’s so thoughtful. Would you be okay if I checked it over?”

It doesn’t take me long to see that they did a fantastic job of replicating how I would do these tasks. Any other day, I’d be greatly concerned. But today… today it makes me feel loved. Cared for.

I end up getting ready for school alongside them, being rest assured I won’t be late. Downstairs, Alice and Jasper are waiting for us, spare skate gear in Alice’s hands. I look around, expecting Edward to be brooding in the corner somewhere, but I don’t see him anywhere.

“If Edward spent the night with my mum, you guys would lie to me, right?”

No one replied, everyone in varied states of how to react. Alice looks like a deer caught in the headlights, Jasper looks like he’s holding in puke, exactly how I feel. A slight pang of guilt hits so I try and change how I feel. Rosalie looks angry, and Emmett…

Well he busts out laughing for the second time today, and I manage to discern a muffled ‘milf’ under his breath. I roll my eyes and punch his shoulder.

I check the time quickly and realise there’s no way I can skate to school in time. Not from this far out of the actual district. I’m about to say something, when Emmett turns around and bends his knees slightly.
He looks over his shoulder and smirks at me.

“Don’t get used to this, Wolfy.”

I settle into his back, a little off kilter at the sudden height increase as he stands to his full height.
I dig my ankles into his side, laughing as I say the line that I’ve wanted to say since I was a child.

“Ride like the wind, Bullseye!”

<3

There were many students giving me a double take when I rocked up to school with the Platts, and I couldn’t tell if it was because I was walking with them, or because I was suddenly a lot bigger than I was a few days ago.

Alice pulls my hand and twirls effortlessly under my arm, her voice a bells whisper in the air.

“You may think that you’re drastically larger, but you had definitely been getting bigger each day. I doubt many people would notice.”

She bounds away to a group of freshmen after that, acting all giddy and childlike- perfect for the age she is claiming.

Emmett pulls away next, waved over by the AV club.

“Later Wolfy, try not to eat anyone.”

I glare at him jokingly.

“Yeah I don’t think I’m the threat here, Bullseye.”

He gives me a rude gesture, and I gesture it right back, both of us laughing.

Locky and Cam accost me in the hallway, paying no mind to the ‘twins’ behind me.

“And she’s back from the dead. Locky you owe me three juices now.”

Locky looks disgruntled, but he pats me on the shoulder. He tilts his head up slightly to look at me, before stepping back and assessing me completely.

“Talk about juice… you a roid user all of a sudden?”

I feel Jasper push a mix of disinterest and humour, and I roll with it, letting my reply come naturally.

“Yeah you wish that was why. You’ve been too busy sticking your tongue down Sadie’s throat that you didn’t notice my growth spurt these last few weeks?”

Locky blushes, the rest of us chuckling lightly. I pull Locky into a one armed hug, and fake out a noogy. He tries to push away and I release him so suddenly, he stumbles.

“If you just asked someone out, you’d understand.”

Sadie walks past us, paying us no heed except to pull Locky away from us. He salutes before he spins, wrapping his arms around her.

I open my locker and put my bag away and grab what I need. Rosalie squeezes my shoulder, her and Jasper leaving almost wordlessly, leaving Cam to look me over.

“I know you wouldn’t be faking these muscles, Rosie, but is there anything you need to tell me? You aren’t exactly...well, its probably only because I know you so well, but you do look quite different.”

My whole body goes stiff at his questioning, but I plaster a smile on my face, forcing out a small laugh.

“I promise you, Cam, nothings amiss. It just feels sudden since you missed me for four days. My family has rapid growths spurts. You should know this by now.”

He shrugs, seemingly satisfied, as we make our way to pastoral.

Gym later with Jasper sucks, as both of us are behind after missing yesterdays class where we were assigned into groups of five. Luckily for us, Locky made sure we were put with him. The whole time we work on soccer drills, I feel Danielle and her friends glaring at me, to the point Jasper whispers to me.

“They really don’t like that we’re friends… I don’t think I’ve ever felt such an intense and unbridled jealousy. Are you safe with these girls around?”

From opposite sides of our field, I raise my eyebrows at him, knowing full well he can see it clearly.

“I’m pretty sure I could break them all with my pinkie now, Jas. But if you want, you could always make them feel, oh I don’t know… sleepy? Or anxious? Have fun with it. Responsibly, of course.”

He winks at me as we pass, the ball swapping from him to me.

“Oh, I certainly will.”

I failed to contain my giggle as Danielle and her friends all slumped into each other after class, clearly exhausted from all the hard work they put into class…

Jasper shoots me a smirk, and I make a mental note to high five him later when I get the chance.
Physics also wasn’t a breeze, but when I realised we had questions that needed to be handed in from Friday, I relaxed as I saw that it was already done. I mouth a thank you to Medusa as she takes our worksheets up. I found myself relaxing and getting through the pre-prac work easily after that.

Lunch was where my day heated up somewhat. And man… was that awful.

<3

Sitting happily beside Sadie, was Danielle. Anna Lisa and Tegan sitting across from them. This wouldn’t usually bother me, were it not the fact that Sadie was also sat beside Locky, or that the Platt kids, minus Rosalie and I, were sat at the same table. Cam was no where to be seen, which left one seat- between Emmett and Edward. Danielle was clearly hitting on Jasper. I could feel his unease from here.

He looked up at me and raised his eyebrows in distress, before I momentarily felt a surge of attraction towards him.

I smile wide at him as I round to his side and sling my arms around him, sliding to sit half on his seat, half on Alice’s.

Rosalie hides her laughter behind her hand like a cough, as she takes the seat between Edward and Emmett.

“Was about time you showed up, Rosie. I wanted to share my pizza with you, here.”

I blink away the shock as Jasper feeds me a slice of pizza. I try to play my reaction off as natural and playful. Once I swallow the bite, I poke my tongue out at him, which prompts him to squeeze my cheek.

“Aww, thanks Jas. You’re too good for me.”

Realising her attempts at flirting were going no where, Danielle got up from her seat. Instantly, Jasper moved over, giving me his.

“You have got to be kidding me…”

I shoot Danielle a fake sympathetic smile, her muttering obviously not intended for anyone else to hear. 

“Oh my goodness, Danielle, I didn’t see you there! What are you doing at our table?”

Medusa sends her a cold glare, her tone seeping in sarcasm and accusation. She taps her nails, bright red and pointed as usual, on the table in a rhythm I find surprisingly relaxing.

Danielle flicks her hair over one shoulder as she stands by the end of the table, clearly trying to get her friends to leave with her.

“I saw some empty seats, and decided to take them. I didn’t realise this table was… at capacity.”

As she glares at me, I feel anger rumble deep within. I begin to grumble, low and quiet. But Medusa grabs my hand from across the table and makes me look at her, and suddenly all is right in the world again.

It’s just me and Rosalie.

Cygnet and Medusa.

Everything else around us fades into nothing and I lose track of time as I keep looking at her.
She’s worried about me, so I smile.

“Thank you… you really need to stop saving me.”

“You need to stop needing it then, Cygnet.”

At some point as I looked at Rosalie, Danielle and her friends, Sadie included, left. Cam appeared in their place, sliding right into conversation with Edward and Emmett about some movie.

As my tunnel focus dissipates, I feel a blush heat my cheeks. Jasper nudges my shoulder.

“Sorry, I didn’t know what else to do.”

“It’s fine. I just hope she gets the memo that you aren’t interested.”

The bell rings soon after, and I head to the library, waiting for Jasper and Rosalie to join me. I’ve got all my stuff set up and waiting for them, knowing that they’re often right behind me when we have our study period, but after ten minutes of waiting, I check my phone.

M: I’ve called the school and said that your aunt and uncle are picking you up for a doctors appointment. They should be just about there.

Mum had texted me several minutes ago. Realising that means Jacob and Aunt Leah are probably here by now, I pack my books up in a hurry. Good thing too, as the librarian comes up to me.

“Miss Swan? I just heard from the front office that you need to head there with your stuff now.”

I smile gratefully at her, thanking her as I leave, accepting the sign-out pass she has for me as I go. I get to my locker abnormally quick, realising I am now faster than a regular human. By the time I get to the office, I’m a bundle of nerves.

Last time I saw Jacob was when mum and I left Forks, having only been there for a few months while Gramps had surgery.

Aunt Leah I have seen a few times since then, but it’s mostly just been the occasional family gathering. Since Gramps, Granny Sue and Uncle Billy all chose to move into a home together, those occasions happened less.

I almost don’t recognise Aunt Leah, her hair shorter than I remember it being, but she’s aged so gracefully, looking closer to thirty-five than forty-five. She looks so graceful as she turns to me and smiles. I rush to her, my arms open wide. I never noticed growing up just how much muscle she had, but as I hug her tight to me, her head only just above my shoulders, I squeeze and she squeezes back in kind, the pressure equalising.

“Aunty Leah! You look fantastic!”

She pulls back and beams at me, a hand resting on my shoulder. Despite looking so happy, there’s a hint of sadness in her eyes.

“Same to you, sweetie. You’ve grown so much. Makes me feel like it’s been more than half a year since I’ve seen you.”

“You look like you haven’t aged a day. Have I even missed anything, or have you been frozen in time?”

Leah’s mouth falls slightly, and she looks like she’s about to respond, when a man speaks up behind me.

“You don’t know how close to the truth you are, Rosie.”

I spin around and see Jacob, except he looks exactly as I remember him looking when I last saw him over six years ago…

“Jacob… I, um, ah-”

I run my eyes over him, just to verify that it’s him, but it doesn’t make any sense.
He walks up to me, and pulls me into a bro-hug, hitting me on my back a few times. I’m only slightly shorter than him now. My mind is reeling over everything.

He lets me go and stands back, assessing me.

“Well you clearly don’t take after your mum anymore. You look almost as big as the largest Cullen.”

I stare at him, dumbfounded and confused…

“Wait… do you mean Emmett? I’m having to wear his clothes.”

Leah and Jacob both sniff at me, a weird look on their faces.

“That explains the stench… how are you not phased by it?”

I just shrug my shoulders. There’s definitely a stench when I’m near the vampires, but honestly it’s not so bad, especially near Rosalie.

My Medusa…

Thinking about her, I quickly spin and find her, alongside Jasper, leaning under a tree by the field. I wave at them, and they wave back. I swear I hear a ‘good luck’ whispered.

Jacob and Leah turn to where I’m looking, and I swear they both growl. That response paired with the sniffing just confirms it. They’re both wolves.

<3

The rental car is a bit cramped, but thankfully the drive isn’t too bad, or too long. Leah pulls into a parking space beside the beginning of a trail.

“Okay Rosie, according to a local guide Jacob and I checked out, this trail isn’t super popular, and if you go a little bit off it, there is a decent clearing. It should be perfect for what we’re doing.”

I jump out of the car and take a deep breath. Whatever I’m about to be a part of… well I feel like it’s important that I relax as much as I can.

We walk for about half an hour, in almost silence, Jacob and Leah only talking to discuss how far we are from this fabled clearing, referencing a map they keep passing between them. Once we reach the trail marker they were looking for, we veer left and are faced with a steep incline with a slightly worn path.

“The guide said that the clearing we’re headed too is pretty popular during hunting season, but since it’s off peak, there shouldn’t be anyone. That said, we should be able to detect anyone before they get too close.”

We reach the plateau of the incline, and between the trees before us, I can see the clearing. When we get closer, I gasp.

The trees around us are almost perfectly spaced out, in a perfect circle. There’s a hum in my chest, and I can’t help but feel like this is where I’m supposed to be. Like this place was put here for me.

I walk into the clearing, throwing my head back as I spin with my arms out, like I’m in a movie. But it feels right. Once I get dizzy, I let myself fall into the plush grass and take in the sky above. It’s overcast, the sun trying its best to burst through and ruin this moment for me.

Leah comes and sits by my head, Jacob standing to the side, hands on his hips. I prop myself up onto my elbows and raise an eyebrow at him.

“Well? Are you two finally going to tell me about myself and what I am? Or why the vampires my mum calls family weren’t able to tell me anything?”

Or why Rosalie feels like the purpose of my existence?

Saying that out loud feels to personal, and I don’t know what it means or how Leah and Jacob would react to that. As it is, mum seems concerned over it. The only person who seems to be happy I feel this way is Emmett.

After Jacob and Leah have told me what I am, I think it’s time I discuss how I feel with them both. 
Rosalie has honestly been the only thing I can focus on since she walked through the door yesterday afternoon.

“Well… Rosalie. Leah and I’s people… I suppose they’re your people too, since I’ve never found anything to indicate anyone else is able to do what we do…”

“Jacob, you’re rambling.”

Jacob blushes under Leah’s stare.

“You think you could explain it better, Leah?”

Leah turns her focus on me, and something about her makes me sit up and pay proper attention.

“Rosalie, the Quileute have legends we have grown up with, but what we once thought to simply be a story, is our truth. We are the protectors of the land and the people.”

With some input from Jacob, Lear tells me the tales of the cold ones, the third wife, and the warriors who first became kin with the wolf. The sun set’s by the time they’re done, and I feel really emotional.
Somehow, my father is the reason I am linked to this. But mum never told me much about him, and I don’t know any of his family. It remains a mystery how he connects to the tribe, but Jacob makes a smart-ass remark about how some of the men, Billy included, may have produced more off-spring than we know of.

When she gets to the end, she stands up and offers me her hand.

“Now, we phase. Are you ready?”

Jacob runs off to the tree line, and I want to ask why, until Leah tells me I need to strip off.

“I know it can feel embarrassing. Trust me, I was the only girl in a pack full of guys, including my ex boyfriend. But unless you want to rock up naked wherever you go after this, it’s best you do.”

I do as Leah tells me, folding my clothes neatly and placing them on the ground. I shiver slightly as the breeze picks up and swirls around me.

Leah than proceeds to run me through a meditation, and then tells me how to phase. It take’s a few attempts, but soon I find what she’s talking about.

When I open my eyes, I’m a wolf. Leah smiles at me and offers me an ear scratch. Behind her, a large russet wolf approaches us, walking calmly. I look into his eyes and know without a doubt its Jacob. He bows to me, and I bow in return. I see a blur in my peripheral and then there’s a slightly smaller, grey wolf beside us- Leah.

Both of them have fairly short fur, but when I look at myself, it’s clear my fur is significantly longer. I walk around them, taking in their forms. When I stand near Jacob, it’s obvious he and I are the same size. When I face them front on again, they turn their heads to each other, and then to me, like we’re having a conversation.

I tilt my head at them, unsure of what these gestures mean. Jacob barks, and it sounds confused. Leah nudges into me, her eyes pleading with me.

Why?

Jacob looks to her before he walks behind her and phases. I can see his collarbone and up from behind Leah. He leans on her, confusion evident on his face.
“You couldn’t hear me or Leah, could you Rosie?”

I shake my head, letting out a, hopefully, confused whimper.

“Right, well that means we have to change our strategy somewhat… When you’re in a pack, you can communicate telepathically with other pack members, when phased. No matter how far away they are. I thought you would be in my pack, but it’s possible you would fall under Sam’s pack, or maybe even your own. However, none of his pack shift anymore.”

He frowns, Leah turning her head to face him. He scratches her affectionately and I feel like I’m treading on a private moment.

“While you have the space, I suggest you just test out some basic movement. Run laps, try some jumping. Test yourself without pushing. Once you have a handle on your body, we’ll get the leechs to help train you with at least the basic skills. Leah and I are going to phase back as it’s clear neither of us are much help to you like this, least of all without Edward present.”

I let out a huff, making them both laugh.

“I like that thats your response to him. Can’t say I’m happy that your mum has let you befriend any of them, but they can be helpful allies if something happens.”

He motions for me to move, so I spin and start walking to the far side of the clearing. It feels weird to move with so much more body. But there’s clear benefits to this.

I can breath clearer, smell better, see better… Not to mention I’m so much stronger and more capable.
I begin to run around the perimeter, and everything becomes a blur around me as I run. I feel free, like I’d been trapped in the wrong body all this time. The rhythm of my feet… paws, as I thunder along the ground become music to my ears, a symphony with the sounds of the world around me faded into a meaningless mess.

I lose count of how may laps I’ve done, but with the sky quickly darkening, I slow down and walk back to my clothes. Leah and Jacob seem to be deep in conversation, so I pay them no mind as I pick my clothes up in my mouth and walk to the edge of the forest.

I try not to think too hard and just let my instincts take over as I shift back, and I’m pleased to say it only took me about three minutes to work out. I jog back to Leah and Jacob once I’m dressed, the moon just visible over the tree line.

“Well, you look like you had a blast, Rosie. Ready to go home?”

“Yeah… I’m feeling quite hungry.”

They both laugh as they lead the way back out.

We get back to mums nearly an hour later, and I rush through eating, looking forward to a full nights sleep in my bed again.

Sitting across from mum was only slightly awkward, so I let Jacob and Leah take the lead, only speaking if I had to.

Maybe I should prioritising talking to mum over figuring out what’s happening with Rosalie, Emmett and I. But the yawn I can’t stifle makes me decide that that’s a tomorrow problem.

Chapter Text

It feels like I haven’t been to work in months, when really its only been a few days, and even less shifts missed. Derek’s decided that I should do a test shift, to see how I feel about being in charge. Emmett and Sadie are my only workers on shift, Wednesday’s generally being slow. At least I know I can call Derek should I need more staff.

Unfortunately, Sadie doesn’t seem to respect my authority. It’s not like telling her to take out the rubbish, or at least ensure its sorted correctly, is asking her to go beyond her duties.

Emmett at least, seems to be doing well. Less than a week of working here, and he’s already a top tier salesmen. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he’d been doing this for some time. I suppose being a supernatural predator deigned to lure in humans helps with that. But he’s so passionate about the products and he knows so much about them, it’s a huge weight off my shoulders, not having to worry about his training.

I’m picking up the slack in the juice bar, having dismissed Sadie for not following orders, a slow but still somewhat steady stream of customers.  Most customers today have been students trying to talk to Emmett. He’s having a blast getting to geek out over set ups with anyone who will listen.

With no one waiting for a juice, I get to work on taking stock and preparing stuff for tomorrow, tonight’s shift just about done. I’m lost in my own world, dancing to the vintage mix of 2000’s skate music, when someone clears their voice, trying to get my attention.

I spin around, startled, a blender jug in my hand. I relax instantly at the sight of Jacob and Aunty Leah.

“Hey you two. Can I get you anything? Juice can be on the house.”

“No sweetie, it’s okay. We just came to see how your shift was going. Do you think you’ll have time to join us today?”

I resume my work,. Talking as I go.

“Unfortunately, not tonight. I need to stay on top of my school work. But I’m free all afternoon tomorrow. What have you guys been up to while I’m at school?”

Emmett appears at my side and starts helping with the cleaning.

“We’ve been taking in the sights, honestly. I don’t phase often these days, so it’s nice to be doing it just for fun.” Jacob speaks as his eyes wander to the nearby rack displaying wheel varieties done in a pros-and-cons style.

“Yeah, exactly. I hadn’t shifted in maybe, two years? But when we got the call about you two days ago, I knew I needed to be here and help you.”

Aunt Leah looks off wistfully, probably thinking about the feel of running as a wolf. I know I find it freeing, even of it’s only been the once that I’ve done it.

Everything I can do unless we get more customers done, I turn my full focus on the wolves before me. Emmett bumps my shoulder.

“Is there a reason you guys don’t shift often anymore?”

Leah turns to Jacob, clearly unsure of how to respond.

“Well… Rosie I’m sure you’ve noticed that neither of us look like we’re in our forties. That’s because of shifting. When you first phase, you look between twenty and twenty-five, like you do now. Regular shifting keeps you young, but the more time that passes between phasing, the more your body returns to human, and therefore ages. No shifting must mean no threat.”

I ponder that, and suddenly am overcome with excitement. I turn to Emmett, who has been shockingly quiet by my side. I turn back to Aunty Leah and Jacob, basically jumping for joy.

“So that means I can stay looking young, right alongside the Platts?”

They both seem taken aback.

“Rosie, honey, why would you want to stay near them? We’re natural enemies, treaty or not.”

Aunt Leah’s hand offers unneeded comfort, but I can kind of understand why.

My instincts tell me to be on the defensive around any of the Platts, but not Rosalie, and Emmett by extension. Hurting him would hurt her, and I could never let that happen.

“Leah, don’t be so quick to judge. She’s new to this, and who knows what tales Bella has told her as she grew up. She has the right to choose how she does this, just like we have.”

They have a stare off, uncomfortably making Emmett and I both feel compelled to stay quiet. Once they break from it, both set their eyes on me.

I take a deep breath, ready to learn more about why Rosalie is important to me. There’s no point beating around the bush. I cast a glance at Emmett before I exhale.

“To answer your question, Aunty Leah, I ask you one of my own… what does it mean that Rosalie is the only thing I can really care about? Like she’s the centre of my universe and my reason to breathe?”

They both blink at me, slack jawed, turning to Emmett to confirm.

“Yup. Your little Rosie here imprinted on my Rosalie.”

Imprinted.

The word feels like a layer of clothes, like a warm scarf. Wear it just right, it offers comfort. But let it remain mis-adjusted, it could get uncomfortable, maybe even choke me. Is that what it’s like for Rosalie? Am I at risk of suffocating her?

Aunty Leah blinks at me, confusion evident as her whole body tenses. Jacob’s mouth gapes like a fish.

“Are you sure she imprinted, Emmett?”

Emmett nods, offering his arm around my shoulder to comfort me. My brain fizzled as I try to comprehended this.

“Yeah, I’m sure. We were all there Monday when it happened. The moment Rosalie walked through the door, Rosie here turned to her and just kept walking, unable to look away it seemed. Were it not for Edward being there reading her thoughts, we might not have known. She’s very territorial over my wife now, growling at anyone who dared approach her.”

I blush, looking away.

Aunty Leah composes herself and looks to Jacob, eyebrows raised.

“Well, this certainly changes some things. Have you and Rosalie talked about this yet, Rosie?”

I shake my head, embarrassment growing.

“How can I talk about something I don’t understand? As it is, I’m still struggling to grasp the fact I can now turn into a huge wolf at the drop of the hat, or that my mum has known about vampires and wolves since she was a teenager, not to mention married to one. I’ve known all this for three days. I’m incredibly overwhelmed by everything.”

Aunty Leah pulls me closer to her, leaning over the counter to embrace me.

“Aww. Sweetie. I’m so sorry. Jacob and I will take it easy on you, I swear. You can talk to any of us about this, you know that, right?”

I pull away from Leah’s hug.

“I know. I just feel like I don’t have any time for processing this, let alone talking. I kind of just want to take the rest of this week to process. Have the hard conversations over the weekend, ya know?”

They both nod, Emmett clearing his throat beside me.

“I understand you need time, Rosie. Rose and I… well as much as you may feel it’s pressing, the conversation we all need to have can wait.”

I look up at him, tears welling up.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to screw up your relationship. I’m sure this… imprint will fade, right?” I turn to Leah and Jacob. “It will fade, right? It wont always have such a tight grip on me, will it?”

Jacob looks downtrodden.

“Honestly, it all depends. No two imprints are alike. Leah and I haven’t imprinted so its hard for us to say.”

Oh…

Can this get any worse, any more isolating? Jacob and Aunty Leah are supposed to help me understand what I’ve become, yet neither of them understand the pull I feel to Rosalie.

Being away from her hurts. I long for the feeling of being near her, I long for her smell, I long to watch the way her skin seems to shimmer in the faded sunlight through the window, her foundation and highlight always being perfect.

I wish to be held in her arms as I sleep, knowing I’m safe and she is too. She’s my entire world. Yet they don’t understand the feelings.

I shake myself from my thoughts, noting it’s time to close up. Wordlessly, I walk away from them, jogging to lock the door and flip the sign, thankful Emmett ran once he realised, and brought the signs and flags from outside in.

Jacob and Aunty Leah just stay by the counter, watching as I busy around, ignoring them. 

Do they understand how isolated I feel?

I slow to a stop, my emotions getting the better of me as shudders run through my body. Tears prick my eyes as I tremble. I can’t hold it back as I sob.

Exploding into fur, the fabric from my clothes scattering…

I look up at Emmett, apologetic as I destroyed his shirt and pants.

All three of my companions look at me, all seemingly sad and sympathetic towards me. I want to run, but I know I can’t. Instead I head to the back of the shop, whimpering. I push my way through the doors to the storage room and collapse behind the boxes waiting to be recycled.

I’m a freak, even among my own kind.
I’m an emotional wreck, drowning in feelings too big for my sixteen years of age.
I shouldn’t be here… ruining peoples lives.

I lose track of time as I continue to cry. Soon, a slightly acrid smell fills my nose, tied in closely with the smell of lavender, of ocean breeze, of wet asphalt and concrete…

I look up and there she is in all her carved glory. Eyes darkened as she looks me over, worry etched into the perfect marble of her face.

Without thinking, I stand up and walk to her.

“Medusa.”

Chapter Text

Medusa’s POV
My phone rings, startling me from my reading. I place the book down in the same second I pick my phone up, answering Emmett withing the second ring.

“Rose, you need to get down here. Rosie is having a meltdown and I feel like any of us would be useless. Bring clothes.”

Three seconds.

That’s how long the overall exchange lasts. No pleasantries. It must be urgent.

I grab a bag and shove a plain green long sleeve and a pair of mustard coloured tracksuit pants, as well as a pair of underwear I’d bought earlier, hoping Cygnet would feel more comfortable knowing she can put her things in my wardrobe.

We haven’t even talked about what this imprinting means yet. I don’t think she evens knows that’s what it is. Yet I’m already making accommodations for her. Emmett just keeps telling me to wait to see what she wants, refusing to talk to me about what this means.

I don’t think it changes anything. Emmett’s my husband, but he’s more than that. He’s my mate. Has been for about one hundred years. I chose him the second I saw him, the bear satisfied with their attack. He chose me the second he looked into my eyes, bleeding out, whispering ‘angel’ as he coughed up blood.

Now he looks at me like he knows something I don’t, but like it’s a great thing I will learn soon.

I’ve never struggled to read him as much as I am now.

I move as fast as I can once I’m in town, my human run feeling disjointed and off kilter. But I smell them before I see them through the window.

Jacob and Leah are here.

I take a deep breath in, wanting to avoid as much of that stink as I can, before I go for the door. But it’s locked.

I spot the closed sign and curse under my breath, waiting as I gently jiggle the door, hoping to get someone’s attention.

Jacob stands on the other side of the door and unlocks it for me, giving me a weird look. He steps aside as I enter, locking the door behind me. I can hear his heartbeat is elevated, more than it should be. I spy Leah across the room, talking with Emmett, her heart also racing.

“Shes in the storage room. But Blondie? Be nice to her. She doesn’t understand what this means yet.”

I level my glare at him.

“And you think I do? Because of you and your treaty, I couldn’t even tell her what she experiences when she saw me.”

Jacob flinches, making me feel satisfied. Who is he to tell me how to interact with Cygnet. Unless…
Bella is yet to mention who Cygnets dad is. The worry laced in his face shows he cares. Could he…

“Jacob… is Rosie yours?”

Emmett and Leah look at us, Emmett seeming confused, Leah looking greatly amused.

Jacob splutters, his face red.

“What? No. Bella and I… we never… why would you ask?”

I put my mask of indifference on, hiding my internal relief.

“Situation at hand… how much you clearly care for the girl. It was worth asking.”

Jacob shakes his head, unable to look me in the eye.

“Well she’s not. But I was there when she was born. Shes family.”

Leah nods from where she stands.

“That’s right. None of us ever met Bella’s mystery man. She’s never said who it was.”

“Right, well. That aside, where is Cygnet?”

Emmett leads me towards a large set of double doors, swinging one open.

“She went in here. She seemed unsure of how to react after learning Leah and Jacob haven’t imprinted. I’m not Edward, but its safe to say she probably feels isolated.”

Emmett, my teddy bear. He’s never been one to hide his emotions. I pull him into a hug, letting some of the tension I’m currently experiencing to melt away. He kisses the crown of my head.

“I love how much you care for her, Em.”

He gives me a soft smile.

“Even before she imprinted on you, it was clear to me you cared. She’s your crowning achievement. Now she’s devoted to you, so in turn I feel devoted to her in a way. She’s a part of us now, whether we like it or not.”

“You’re too good for this life. I love you.”

He stands aside to let me pass, squeezing my hand.

“I love you too, Rose. Now go hep our baby swan.”

The storage room is dark, but the sound of her whimpers lead me to the far wall, where a bunch of cardboard boxes sit.

 There she is. She’s wound herself up into a tight ball, making herself seem impossibly small. She looks up at me as soon as I get close. I go move closer to her, wanting nothing more than to pat her and help her feel at ease. But before I can, she gets up and walks to me, phasing as she does.

“Medusa.”

I open my arms and embrace her, letting her sob into my shoulder. The heat from her body feels like fire against my stone, yet it feels comforting. Like I belong here.

Emmett’s right. She really does belong to me.

I shrug the bag off my back, careful to leave some contact between us as I do.

“It’s okay, Rosie. You aren’t alone, okay? You have me. You’ll always have me.”

I feel her nod above me, tears trailing down her face and into my hair. I keep holding her until she pulls back, her arms covering her chest, her legs crossed awkwardly, as if she only just remembered she has no clothes on.

The blush covering most of her body supports this.

I smile at her as comfortingly as I can, keeping my eyes trained on her face, even if it means tilting my head up almost fully.

“Don’t worry, Rosie. I’m not looking. There’s clothes for you in the bag.”

Her blush makes her look adorable, not at all like you’d expect someone of her stature looking. But it works for her.

She mumbles a thank you as I turn around, feeling like she doesn’t want to be alone yet, while also respecting her privacy as best I can.

Her heart hammers away in her chest, her breathing shallow. I’m unable to discern if its from anxiety, or from being near me. Maybe it’s both.

Cygnet catches me off guard, her arms wrapping around my torso, her face resting on my shoulder.

“Thank you for being her for me, Rosalie.”

She lets me go and steps up next to me, her hand resting near mine. Without thinking, I take her hand in mine and intertwine our fingers, leading her back out.

Only Emmett waits for us, holding his skateboard and Cygnets skates.

“Leah and Jacob felt that they were better off heading back to Bella’s. Are you staying with us tonight, Rosie?”

Cygnet contemplates as we exit the store, tossing her keys from hand to hand once she’s locked it.

“I think I should go home again. I can’t avoid mum forever. We’ve never argued like this before, so it must be a result of my change in hormones, right? Meaning once I’ve had time t adjust, I’ll be able to be civil with her.”

“I hope so, Cygnet. I really do.”

The walk back to hers is infuriatingly slow, but I don’t mind it. Not as I walk between them both, holding their hands.

When I look at Emmett, I think about all the love he and I have for each other, all we have been through. The way he makes me feel loved and safe, wanted. How he’s worshipped me and made me feel like the most beautiful person who ever walked the earth.

But when I look at Rosie, I see a murky future I can’t quite comprehended, but feel like it will be a great future. Her warmth reminds me she’s mortal, and her face holds enough of Bella, reminding me that I’m the reason Rosie got to exist. Looking at her stirs a mix of emotions including love, and when I remember the first time she saw me, hearing my name… our name, whispered, before she fainted. Or how she stood statue still when she saw me at her desk in class. I know that if I allow her the chance, she’d make me feel just as Emmett makes me feel.

But am I ready for that?

A vampire’s mate bond is meant to be definite. So much so, other vampires can tell when there’s one in place. We have been hard wired to feel only love and lust for our mate. They’re the one we seek, the one we cant part from.

Rosie seems to be turning that all on its head, and she hasn’t even done anything.

We get to the base of the Swan’s driveway, and I stop, releasing Rosie’s hand.

She turns to me, a frown set on her face as she tries to grab my hand again.

“You don’t want to come in?”

“Rosie… I don’t know…”

Emmett pulls me forward.

“I heard you have a new VR head set, right? I wouldn’t mind having a go.”

Rosie beams at him, and I relent, letting them both drag me up the drive way and to the door.

Twenty minutes later, I find myself sitting on a couch surrounded by wolves, and one human, watching my husband play some vampire hunter game. He seems to think its fantastic.

Rosie and Bella haven’t said much to each other, clearly relying on the rest if us to act as a buffer. I feel sympathy for Bella, but I do get where Rosie is coming from. The other day was not the time to talk about Edward and Bella’s relationship.

Rosie has just had her whole world change, and has little understanding of it yet, especially when she had only a few hours of knowing anything.

Rather than addressing their fight, they all seem content on just catching up on what’s happening over in Forks.

“So what did you think of your present from Mum and Charlie, Rosie?”

Rosie sets aside her plate and readjusts herself, pulling me into her side. I blink as I look up at her, but she doesn’t seem to be conscious of the move.

“I love it! Reading about the legends of our people have been really enlightening. How did they even manage to get a copy so quickly?”

“That one had been at the bookshop for a while. But that wasn’t all they got you, was it?”

Rosie blushes, and I feel her whole body heat next to me.

“No… it wasn’t. The game Emmett is currently playing was part of it, as was this weird garlic chocolate and a disco ball. I don’t fully understand that.”

Everyone, myself included, cracked up laughing. Clearly the people down in Forks have a great sense of humour.

I sit up higher, getting Rosie’s attention.

“Next time we have some decent sun, I’ll explain the disco ball thing, okay?”

She takes my hand and pulls it into her lap, her eyes locked on me.

“Okay.”

<3

Sitting up in Rosie’s bedroom, her fast asleep and curled up beside me, I decide now is the perfect time to talk to Emmett about this.”

“Babe, can we talk about what this means for us now?”

Emmett pauses the game he was playing on Rosie’s laptop, and looks at me.

“Are you sure? I was really hoping you and her would talk before we did.”

I stroke my hand through her hair, the action helping me keep grounded as my mind whirls.

“Em, I don’t think she really knows how to feel yet, and maybe if I have some idea of where you stand, it will help me broach it with her. As it is, you seem to be in on some secret that I’m not, and it’s driving me mad that I can’t figure it out.”

Emmett carefully shuffles closer to me, Rosie curled up between us.

“Fine. Rosalie, I have known you for almost a century, and I’ll forever be thankful you saved me that day. Even before it became clear we were mates, I vowed I would do everything I can to make you happy, to show you I love you and appreciate you.”

“I know, Emmett, and I have been thankful to have you. You’ve made this eternal life actually feel worth it. But what does that have to do with the situation we find ourselves in?”

He lets out an inhumanly long breath, looking at me, his eyes bursting with sincerity as the moon reflects from them.

“Rosalie, have you ever considered the thought that you’re bisexual?”

Everything feels like it freezes as I process what he’s said. If I was capable of true breathing, if I had a beating heart, I swear both would cease right now. I feel a weight pressing in on me as I look to Emmett, panic filling me.

But then Rosie stirs in her sleep, her arms wrapping around my waist, a faint ‘Medusa’ whispered, and reality comes back into focus, the weight dispersing.

My eyes trace the contours of her face, her body, as she relaxes against me in her sleep.

I look at Emmett, his eyes still focused on me.

“I’ve never… it never occurred to me that I might be… but how can you be so sure?”

He leans over Rosie’s body and presses a kiss to my cheek.

“Because I know you better than you know yourself. But if you must know, I’ve had my suspicions since the eighties.”

I let a small laugh escape my lips, reflecting on everything I can recall from then.

“The eighties? Do tell.”

<3

I scoff as I look at myself in the mirror. My hair has way too much volume and the animal print just looks out of place, especially mixed with the denim vest and printed leggings. The only part of this outfit I like are my red boots.

“Rosalie, I promise you, you look exactly how everyone else does.”

I roll my eyes at Alice, wanting nothing more than the dresses I grew up wearing to be fashionable again. Seriously, how did we end up with this being the fashion?

I look to Emmett, who got the better end of the deal. His tight white singlet tucked into his blue faded jeans really make him… hot.

“I feel ridiculous in this, Em. It’s not fair… especially since George Michael looks so good on you.”

I pout at him, hoping he’d reassure me. I faintly hear ‘I bet he does’ before Emmett responds to me.

“Rosalie, you look great, I promise. Trust me, when we get to the show, you’ll fit right in.”

He pulls me into a hug, and I carefully rest my head against his chest, hoping my hair doesn’t tangle in his necklace.

I hate to tell Alice she was right, but when we get to Madonna’s concert, I see that I really am dressed to match everyone else. A lot of people stare at Emmett and I, particularly men dressed very similar to him.
The after party is wild, and I find myself sat right next to the Queen of Pop herself. Madonna’s smile makes me feel giddy, and I can’t help but hang onto every word she says as we entertain a steadily changing tide of people. 

It’s been hours of us being here, Emmett swallowed by the crowd long ago.

“It’s been quite a night, Rose. I’m off to my room. I hope we cross paths again some day.”

I feel like I should be blushing, especially as she places a kiss on my cheek.

“You make wonderful company, Madonna. I hope to see you perform again. Honestly my favourite concert I’ve ever been to.”

She walks away, a smile on her face.

“Oh don’t flatter me so, Rose. Good night, get home safe, okay?”

I wave her good bye, and turn to see Emmett is now sat where she was. He smiles at me wide, a sort of satisfied look on his face. I grab the ring around his necklace and pull him closer to me, inhaling his scent. While it’s predominantly the same, there’s a certain extra musk to it I can’t quite place.

That’s also when I realise the ring suspended from his chain is different.

“Em, what happened to the ring you had earlier?”

Emmett pulls it from my grasp gently.

“Oh, I swapped it with George Michael. He said he liked how mine looked more. How was Madonna?”

I kiss him fully, ignoring the dispersing crowd around us.

“She was such a delight to talk to. But man do I envy her.”

He hugs me reassuringly.

“She’s not as pretty as you.”

His words comfort the vain part of me, but I can’t help but envy her for her freedom…

<3

“You realised I was attracted to women because I was into Madonna? Everyone was into Madonna, it was the eighties.”

“Rose, if you saw the way you looked at her, you’d understand. And you were right, George Michael looked terrific on me.”

I blink a few times, digesting what he means…

“You slept with George Michael that night? Why didn’t you say anything?”

Emmett looks ashamed momentarily.

“I didn’t plan on it, it sort of just… happened. I wasn’t sure how you would react, and a part of me regrets it every day, because I broke your trust. But it was the only time I’ve allowed myself to think of another person, of a man, quite like that.”

We remain silent, and I look back down at Rosie. The incident was over fifty years ago, and he’s been so good about this imprint situation…

“I suppose I can forgive you for it, Emmett. Just try not to keep things from me again, okay? We need to be transparent with each other, especially now that Rosie has imprinted on me. Have faith in me?”

He laughs.

“Yeah… I’m good at having faith in me.”

I whack him with the pillow I had propped up behind me, careful not to disturb Rosie.

Chapter Text

The next few days, I find myself being almost as unwilling as Cygnet to separate from her. Every night, I stay by her side, contemplating what Emmett revealed to me.

I never considered I could be attracted to women. I look back on the vague memories I have of my human life.

Vera has always been a more stable, reliable memory of mine. I remember feeling envy toward her, for her husband loved her and doted on her, I envied that she had a beautiful baby boy.

But to all that envy, there was a certain level of admiration. I knew I was beautiful. But I was always drawn to Vera’s beauty, too. She didn’t stand out with hers, her beauty appealing more to those who sought true love.

I loved her.

It feels like the most obvious thing now, but back then… those were feelings I couldn’t even ponder.
Yet I can recall her smell, her smile, her beauty, the softness of her hands as she did my hair, the way her dresses hid her shape, yet accentuated that subtly of her elegance. The way her laughter stirred butterflies, the way her smile always put me at ease.

I reflect on other women I’ve admired and envied over the years. All the signs that suggested I was queer, but never noticed, happy in the love I found with Emmett. But it’s always been there.

I think about how I first reacted to Edward dating Bella, or even just befriending her. I felt that allure towards her too, though her blood didn’t sing to me as it did for Edward. Even as I scoffed at the apparent desire all the boys at Forks high felt toward Bella. I felt it too, I just didn’t realise.

Then I saw Rosie for the first time.

<3

The Day The Cullens/Platts Started at Brunswick Social College

There’s a vaguely familiar smell in the air as we walk through the vacant halls to the administration office. Without having modes of transport deemed appropriate, an oversight on Alice’s part, we all agreed that arriving late for our first day made the most sense. The lovely lady at the desk beamed at us as she instructed each of us on how to log into the school portal on our tablets or smart watches. Once we all got the hang of using the portal, she let us know the locations of each of our first classes, and dismissed us.

I get to the mechanics class a few minutes early, introducing myself to the teacher and getting the lowdown on what we have to do in this class, and what I’ve missed and need to catch up on. While I know my way around cars, the newer, more environmentally friendly ones are less up my alley, but I’m excited at the chance to have a class that wont be an instant breeze. I haven’t had to put effort into my studies in decades.

I meet up with Jasper near his gym class afterwards, our literature class a shared one.  As we leave, he looks over his shoulder and points out a girl from his gym class, talking away with a guy.

“See that girl? Does she look familiar to you?”

I stop walking and look at her. There’s something about her I can’t place… her dark hair a silken curtain down one side of her face, her slightly tanned skin making her green eyes pop, even from the distance. A breeze from the open gym sends her smell towards me, and I realise she was the familiar smell I noticed when we got here.

“She does, even smells familiar. But I can’t place it. Did you get her name?”

Jasper and I resume walking, ignoring the looks we keep getting.

“I think I overheard someone call her Rosie.”

I quirk my eyebrow at him.

“Interesting… I thought my name and its diminutives had fallen out of favour of late.”

Our literature class passes by in a boring blur, same for our brief recess and study period. It’s not surprising. We’ve all done this many times. I’ve been a vampire for just shy of a century.

We get to lunch and enter the cafeteria. The whole room seems to be silent and crowding around one table in particular. Jasper and I spot our siblings and go take a set with them. Edward join us last, sitting between Jasper and I.

“I wish everyone wouldn’t stare so much at us.”

Edward scoffs.

“Trust me, the staring is nothing compared to what they’re thinking.”

Jasper nods, his eyes quickly scanning the room.

“There is an awful lot of envy and horniness coming from the vast majority. A lot of genuine excitement, too.”

Edward’s eyes pierce mine.

“Be careful, Rose. A lot of these guys seem to want to ask you out.”

The urge to sit closer to Emmett is strong, but after our last school lead to having CPS investigate Carlisle and Esme for letting us date our so called adoptive siblings, we all agreed to act like real siblings this time around.

“Ugh, why do people even think they have a chance?”

Edward readies to respond, but suddenly, he stiffens.

I smell the familiar smell right away, and turn toward the door. Edward sucks in a breath as he lays eyes on the girl possibly named Rosie.

“She looks like…”

He seems lost for words, clearly recognising her too. We all do.

I figure out why just before the girl speaks, her eyes locked on mine.

“Rosalie.”

She turns, leaving me shocked, and passes out right then. Edward and I jump out of our seats as fast as we can without freaking anyone who might be watching, and rush to her side, a small crowd already gathered.

I hear Alice mutter “How did I not see this?” as I drop to my knees next to the girl, instantly lifting her head, her friend from earlier next to me, holding her hand.

“Rosie? Can you hear me?”

I feel around her skull and find no signs of blood or swelling, and look up at Edward standing over us, shocked.

“Help me lift her, Ed?”

He snaps out of his shock and leans down, taking one of Rosie’s arms. I go to stand and grab the other, but her friend beats me to it.

“Thanks, but I’ve got this. Believe it or not, but this isn’t my first time.”

The boy looks at me briefly, before he returns his full focus to getting Rosie up. With Edwards help, he winds up carrying her bridal style.

Not wanting to leave the girl’s side, Edward and I both follow her.

“I feel like I need confirmation, but she’s Bella’s daughter. I just know it.”

I’m torn between wanting to comfort Edward, and wanting to keep him away from Rosie.

“I think confirmation would be good, Edward.”

He glares at me as we follow the boy carrying Rosie to the medical office.

“I always thought Bella and I were forever, that even after you convinced her to leave me, she’d come back. I never thought she’d move on.”

His belief that I made Bella leave still stings, even twenty years later. He was never willing to accept that Bella no longer wanted him and that she came to me.

The school nurse gets her friend to put Rosie down on the bed.

“What happened Cameron?”

“I’m not sure. One second she was standing, next shes spun on her heel and collapsed.”

The nurse tsks, before levelling a look at us.

“You two are new, right? What are you doing here… already friends with Miss Swan?”

Edward stiffens besides me.

We were right.

“No, not yet, sir. But we hope to be. We were just about to meet her. We believe she might be a family friends kid.”

He looks at us, then at Cameron, who just shrugs.

“Well, I need to check her over, and I would like to do that in privacy. So you should all leave. Cam, go tell the admin to contact Ms Swan, please.”

We all back out of the room, and I pull Edward aside as Cameron heads in the opposite direction, to the admin office we were at this morning.

Edward seems lost in his thoughts, and soon we hear Bella’s voice, muffled through the phone, but hers all the same. I slap Edward across the face, snapping him out of his revere.

“Ed, we need to go. We can’t see Bella like this. We got our confirmation.”

He looks at me, anger and confusion all over his face as he lets me drag him back the way we came.
“We need to call Carlisle. See what he says to do.”

I nod, not sure there really is anything we can do. We make it back to our table, the students around us focused on their lunch, but very silent.

<3

Carlisle paces the room, waiting on Edward to sit down. Internally, I yell out to him threatening to harm his car and piano. He flits into the room seconds later, glaring at me as he sits directly across from me.
Carlisle takes his seat at the head of the table, commanding all of our attention.

“Well, kids, it seems that somehow, Alice missed it, but it is indeed true that Bella Swan lives here, with her teenage daughter, Rosie. I met the girl briefly earlier, and honestly I think I startled her. But I followed her scent and located the Swan residence.”

Alice seems distraught, as she had been anytime she tried to find Bella in her visions for most of the last two decades. Jasper leans into her, holding her tight and offering her comfort. I look at him, unsure of how I should be feeling.

Edward mumbles from his spot, continuing to glare at me. Esme chides him to no avail. I glare right back, hoping hes paying attention to me.

“It’s dumb behaviour like this that lead to her leaving you.”

“You shut up, Rose. Had you not poisoned her against me, she and I would still be together.”

“Oh get over yourself, Edward. Had you just changed her after high school like she wanted, she never would have outgrown you. She came to me for help, Edward. Me.”

He leaps up and goes to grab me, but Jasper grabs him first.

“Don’t you dare harm her.”

His southern accent thickened as he restrains Edward, and I sent him a grateful feeling.

Carlisle slaps his hand on the table, making it shake in front of all of us.

“Edward, Rosalie, stop arguing. It is pointless. Right now, we need to figure out what to do, since it’s clear Bella’s daughter knows about us. Anyone have ideas?”

We all fall silent. Alice leans forward, looking right to Carlisle.

“Maybe we run intervention? Figure out what she knows? I heard she works at the skate shop in town. Maybe you and Esme could talk to Bella, and I go visit Rosalie at her work? Maybe figure out why I didn’t see this outcome?”

Emmett laughs to himself, Edward turning his glare to him instead.

“Anything you’d like to share out-loud, Em?”

“I just think that we only know of one cause of blind-spots for Alice. Who’s to say Bella didn’t get with one of the boys from the res.”

“She’d never do that. She loved me too much.”

“Bickering about Bella’s daughter will get us no-where. Alice, I like your plan. So unless anyone has something to say against it, we will go through with that.”

<3

That night, we were assured that Bella’s daughter, Rosalie, didn’t know what we were. She does, however, know shes’ named after me, but she believes it to be my great aunt.

Humans are gullible.

When she walked into our shared physics class the following morning, she took my unneeded breath away.

She was beautiful. She enchanted me much like the Mona Lisa. Gorgeous but unassuming.

Talking to her was easy. I promised Esme and Carlisle that I would try to be nice to her, but its effortless.
Sitting next to her, talking to her, I realise that I’m the reason she exists. I helped Bella leave Edward without a trace. In a way, she’s mine, Bella made sure of that. She bares my name.

<3

Present Day

Nerves are not something that I’m all that familiar with. The idea that I could feel like this is throwing me off balance. But this is something I need to navigate carefully. The baby swan herself probably hasn’t realised just how big of a deal it has been that she imprinted on me. Vampires are supposed to mate for life, but I can already feel that something in me has changed since she imprinted. And I don’t just mean that I’ve accepted I’m bi… pan? 

Queer.

Right now, I feel that if I overthink my labels, my head will just snap off. For now, accepting that I am genuinely attracted to Cygnet, and that she’s not the first woman I’ve ever been interested in, is enough.

Anyway, mate bonds…

When a vampire mates, it’s obvious to other vampires. Something in our make-up shifts to allow it to be noticed. It’s not a scent, but more like an instinct. Basically an extra sense. Way back when we faced off with James’ and Victoria, all of us could tell that they were together. No guess work needed. And they could probably have said the same about all of us, except for Edward and Bella.

Their relationship had always been interesting. Our instinct told us that Edward had a mate, but Bella being human, it didn’t register from her. A part of me has always wondered if their bond would have remained one-sided had Bella been turned when she left college, rather than asking me to help her run.

Being mated, when I see Emmett, I know he’s mine. His presence sings to me. Even if I couldn’t see him, hear him, or smell him, I would know when he entered a room. If he’s gone running somewhere, I can track him like I’m honing in on him. Something that goes both ways. All mated pairs can.

When it comes to Cygnet, it’s much the same. I know where she is in reference to me at all times. She sings to me like Emmett does, but not in the exact same way. It’s more like, we’re music notes, and they’re in harmony.

Alice pulled me aside after I got back from the Swans’ house the other day and told me something I’d never expected to hear.

“You’ve changed. I can tell that you no longer love just Emmett.”

Love.

Emotions can run high in vampires. Much like Edward, I’m known for being a bit more… extreme… when it comes to feelings. But love? I’ve known Cygnet for so little time, but the evidence is there. We haven’t even kissed, or even been on a date, and yet…

I know Alice is right. Emmett can see it too. The fact he’s so unbothered by it is welcoming. But that doesn’t make my inner turmoil easy. How can one love more than one person? I’ve been so set in my ways for a century, never thinking I’d ever love another. But now? I don’t have a choice.

I love Rosalie Swan. And I think it’s about time I do something about it.

As the weekend rolls around, I decide to get my shit together and talk to Cygnet about our relationship. I’ve put a lot of time into considering my sexuality these last few days, and overthinking everything. Now it’s time I let it out and bring Cygnet into my life properly.

So I plan a date. Alice told me that Sunday was going to be sunny, so I plan it around that. I asked Leah for advice, and she suggested a clearing off a trail to me.

“I will warn you, it will smell heavily of Jacob and I. Its where we’ve been shifting. We took Rosie there when we got her to shift for the first time under her own control. But it should get plenty of sun. Make sure you pack raspberry cheesecake cookies and orange juice. They’re her absolute favourites. Otherwise, meats cooked rare.”

She sends me Sue Swans recipe for said cookies, and I thank her.
How the tables have turned. Asking a wolf for help with a date? If you told me back in two-thousand-and-six that I would be asking Leah Clearwater for advice like this, I’d have ripped your head off. Literally. 
And not spilled a drop of blood.

Hoping I got the cookies right, I ready myself, heading to the Swans residence. A loose tank top under my flannelette button up, and a long pair of cargo shorts. Never have I felt like I looked more queer. Even when I wear coveralls covered in grease working on cars.

I steel my resolve as I knock on their door, nerves almost getting the best of me as I wait for someone to answer the door.

When Bella opens the door, she looks awestruck as she looks me over, before a motherly look crosses her face. At least I know I don’t need to be dealing with fighting for her approval. I smile back at her as she steps aside letting me in, and I feel like I’m stepping in to my new life.

Chapter Text

Cygnet’s POV

I go four days without talking to mum. It’s the longest I’ve ever felt anger toward her. It’s been four days of awkwardly avoiding each other in our own home. Four days of pretending the other isn’t there, and when forced to acknowledge it, our conversations are stunted, not leaving much space to reply.

So on the fourth day, I decide to cook mum a spectacular dinner. I even cook asparagus. She has a late day at the office, so she gets home just as I pull the veggies out of the oven. She comes into the kitchen, sniffing the air.

“You cooked for me?”

It hurts me how surprised she is by this.

“Yeah, I figured its time we call a truce and talk about this. Go wait at the table, I’ll bring it all out in a few minutes.”

In an effort to make sure everything was vegetarian friendly for mum, I forgo-ed any red meat. My first meal without it since I first transformed Monday morning. Instead, we have slow roasted veggies, garlic coated seitan knots, and tofu stuffed capsicum.

So many vegetables. I hope she likes it.

We eat in silence, but for the first time in days, it feels right.

Mum clears the dishes for me, and we move to the lounge room.

“Would you like some wine, Rosie?”

“Is that a trick question, mum? You do remember I’m only sixteen, yeah?”

She levels a glare at me, but I can tell there’s humour to it.

“You may technically be sixteen, but your body is that of a twenty-one year old, at a minimum. Not to mention it will take more than one drink of wine to have any impact on you with your fast metabolism. So, wine?”

I nod my head, accepting her explanation. I regret it instantly as I take a sip, causing mum to laugh and take my glass from me.

“So mum I-”

“Rosie, baby, I-”

I can’t help but laugh, mum joining me, both of us clearly ready to clear the air.

“Let me go first, hun, please?”

I nod, settling into the couch, legs crossed beneath me.

“I am so sorry about how I disregarded your overall well-being the other day. I was so caught off guard seeing Edward again. My head was in a shambles, and I let it cloud my judgement. I should have let you have more time before even broaching the subject, maybe even waited until you asked me. But the idea of being able to be completely honest with you, paired with the rush of emotions I felt being near Edward, got the best of me. And I regret that, truly. You were scared and confused, and none of us could ease your mind, all of us bound by the Quileute treaty. I should have been there for you, done more for you. I was selfish. I’m sorry.”

I feel like crying. The words I wanted to say caught in the back of my throat. So instead, I reach over and take mums glass from her hand, placing it gently onto the coffee table, before I throw my arms around her and hug her, crying into her shoulder.

“And I- I’m sorr-sor-sorreh-sorry for b-b-be-in-gg-being such-uch-ch a b-b-bra-tt.”

She rubs her hands in soothing circles on my back, shush-ing me.

“It’s okay sweetie. I may not have enjoyed you yelling at me, but it was justified. It would be stupid of me to hold that against you.”

I sit back up, wiping the tears and snot from my face.

“Are we good then, mum?”

She sits up from the couch, kissing my head.

“Yes, sweetie, we’re good.”

<3

Life started to feel normal again Friday… well at least the new normal. The Platts seamlessly adopted my friends into their circle, much to the dismay of many other students, as it meant our table was full every lunch. It was particularly fun when ever Danielle had tried to convince Jasper she was more his type, as he proceeded to be flirty with me.

It’s near the end of lunch, and a brave senior boy walks up to our table, his eyes focused on Medusa. He runs his hands through his hair nervously. Before he even gets the chance to say anything, she turns her glare on him.

I almost pity the boy as he basically yelps. I marvel at the way she goes from being so cold and indifferent with everyone, but when she looks at me, she’s almost a different person.

The bell goes and we all get up, and I say my goodbyes to Cam and Locky, as I stand between Jasper and Rosalie. They both loop their arms through mine and we head to the back courtyard we’ve claimed as our ‘study’ spot during our study period.

I’m deep in concentration, not paying any attention to the vampires I’m with, when Rosalie tries to get my attention.

“Hey, Cygent. Look here for a second.”

I feel a pebble hit my hand and I look up, anger rising at the interruption, but easing when I realise she’d clearly been trying to get my attention for a while. I feel the blush cover my body as I try to focus on her.

“What’s up Medusa, already done with everything?”

She bites her lip nervously, and I have to hold in the sound emanating in the back of my throat at the sight. Her gold eyes flicker to the side, making me notice Jasper isn’t with us anymore. I feel like my Quileute ancestors would be very disappointed in the lack of awareness I have for these vampires.

I focus back on Medusa, who is showing clear signs of being nervous. Her being nervous sets me on edge too, so I sit up properly and rest a hand on her knee.

Her eyes pierce my soul as the bore into me, and I struggle to decipher the complex emotions hiding in their depths.

“Are you free Sunday?”

I begin choking and spluttering, completely caught off guard.

“What do you mean… you know I have no plans. I haven’t spent any time away from you of late.”

She face palms and I have a feeling she’d be blushing were she capable.

“I’m sorry, I’ve never done this… Rosalie Swan… Cygnet… would you do me the honour of coming out with me on Sunday?”

My mind completely blanks. I feel like if Edward were reading my mind right now, all he would see is ‘Error 404- He’s Dead Jim’ just flashing as I try and scramble to pull my thoughts together.

Rosalie Platt… I mean Hale… just asked me on a date?

But she’s married?

The woman I was named after… the reason I exist in a very literal sense, whom I’ve always felt a weird attraction and appreciation to since I saw a photo of her as a child, just asked me out?

“But, I. um- Emmett?”|

Her smile is quite the sight as she looks at me without meeting my eyes, clearly out of her depth.

“He’s fine… it was kind of his idea, really. He thinks we should consider… well I agree, honestly, and In hope you do too… gosh I feel like I’m failing here…”

She exhales before grabbing my hand and looking me in the eye again.

“Since you imprinted on me earlier this week, I’ve had to really assess things about myself I’ve never allowed myself to consider. Apparently they’ve been glaringly obvious to my husband for nearly fifty years. I don’t know how this will work out, but I can’t deny that I want to try. I would like to pursue a romantic relationship with you, Rosie.”

Her words are like music to my ears, something deep within me settling.

My imprint wants to claim me? Or at least try?

I feel as if everything has righted itself after being all wrong my whole life, like I have my life purpose right in front of me, ready to grab onto.

“And that’s starting with a date this Sunday? I’d love to… Will Emmett be joining us?”

The smile she wears now makes the sun seem pale and insignificant, blinding me. Yet I’m not mad.

She seems to be contemplating it, my hand still held firmly in her grasp.

“I didn’t plan to bring him… unless that’s what you want?”

I stifle a growl, but it’s obvious she hears it, even if its faint.

“I mean, I’ve never dated anyone before, and I personally haven’t encountered any one dating a couple, so I guess I’m just trying to get a feel of what you hope for our dynamic to be.”

I scratch the back of my neck, feeling well and truly out of my depth here.

“Cygnet, hey, don’t back out now, you’ve only just said yes. Emmett and I are both new to this too. The idea of even being attracted to someone other than the mates we chose and bound ourselves too, goes against everything we’ve been taught about vampire instincts. But I can’t help but feel like this is the right choice. Whatever you want Emmett to be to you, is your choice. I just want to know that this, that I’m your choice. I know the imprint makes it hard, but Emmett told me he could tell from the moment you first saw me, I was your choice.”

I pull her into a hug, her head falling onto my shoulder instantly. She relaxes into me and I breath in her smell.

“The imprint doesn’t tell us who to love, Medusa. It tells us who to protect and care for. MY attraction to you is all me. I’ve been attracted to you since I was five. It’s probably why I never bothered dating anyone… no-one could compare to you.”

She hums into my shoulder, content, at least for now. Words feel wrong right now as we embrace, and I do all I can to keep my body in check so she doesn’t sense the emotional turmoil I’m experiencing.

The sound of someone approaching makes us jump apart, Medusa turning around to put her contacts back in before a human spots her gold eyes. I fight a blush as I keep my head down in my school work, doing all I can to pretend I wasn’t just cossied up with the most gorgeous person to ever walk the earth.

“Hey, Rosie, I don’t mean to interrupt, but I need to talk to you.”

I look up and see Cam standing awkwardly by our table. He eyes us both, his gaze resting on Medusa more. My possessiveness rears its head, and I try to squash it down, but it reminds me that Cam expressed interest in her when she started.

I calmly pack my books away and say bye to her, seeing that our period is almost over, and I walk with Cam back inside.

“Everything okay, you seem nervous?”

He cracks his knuckles as he looks at me sheepishly.

“Uh, yeah… I came to ask you a favour, but I realise it’s pretty stupid to ask now.”

We reach our lockers and I slump against Locky’s as Cam opens his.

“Oh? Why’s that?”

Cam leans against his open locker, chewing on his lip.

“Well… I was under the impression there was something between you and Jasper, so I was hoping to see if you could put in a word with Rosalie about maybe dating me, but it’s clear that I assumed you were interested in the wrong twin.”

I blush.

“What… what er, what did you see?”

He averts his gaze as he looks away.

“Well I saw you guys jump apart when I got close, and when I asked for you, she looked at you in a very possessive way. Are you guys dating?”

I nudge his shoulder.

“Maybe? She only just asked me out. We have a date on Sunday. We’ll see where it goes.”

I move to the other side of the hallway and open my locker and put my books away, getting my stuff for my last class of the day.

“I hope it goes well. Would I be imposing if I ask if I could come to dinner at yours Sunday? You could tell me about how your day went.”

I smile across the hallway at him.

“Been missing Swan family dinner night? I’ll see if that works with whatever Rosalie has planned. Otherwise, I know mum would love to have you around again.”

<3

Emmett beats me to work after school and is already serving a customer when I clock in. I groan internally when I see Thompson behind the counter, focused on talking to his own customer. I head to the juice bar and get set up, taking over from the previous shift person left waiting for me.

The shift is packed, Friday afternoon always being one of our busiest shifts. I scold Sadie when she gets to work half an hour late, the hickey on her neck clearly visible, telling me all I need to know. Locky is going to get another talking too after this.

We have an hour and a half left until closing when Emmett and I finally get to do some work together. He’s only just been certified, so I’m helping him fulfil his first order.

“So… you have a date with my wife.”

I check around us to make sure Thompson or Sadie aren’t lurking nearby.

“Yeah. But she said it was your idea more than anything.”

I show him the right drawer for the bearings he’s looking for as I grab the ones I need from next to it.
“She’s telling the truth. I told her that there’s no point fighting against whatever is building between you two. I could see it before the imprint.”

I turn to him, finished grabbing what I need.

“It doesn’t bother you?”

He shakes his head as I watch him carry way more than a human could for this bike he’s assembling, and I lead him back to the workshop.

“Nah. I love her and I want her to be happy. I’ve known for some time that she’s queer, even if it never occurred to her. I always knew it about myself. I actually had a boyfriend prior to being turned.”

I nod along, somewhat taken-aback by the reveal he too, is queer.

“What do you want out of this then. She’s your wife, I think what you want should be considered too. I want to make sure I know what to expect from you guys as a whole.”

Emmett takes his time to think over his answer, and I can’t help but be nervous about what he’ll say.

“I think it goes without saying, but I already feel like you are a part of our relationship, like it’s always been missing something. While I don’t feel any inkling of romantic or sexual attraction to you, I definitely feel protective of you already. You mean something to Rosalie. When she realised you were named after her, it brought a certain peace about her.

“This is more her story to tell, but she’s always envied people for their ability to live. To have children… but you exist because of her, and that means so much to her.”

I chuckle lightly, considering his words.
“You make it seem like she wants to mother me.”

He laughs loudly, the bike before him coming together quickly.

“Hey, I don’t want to know what you two get up to. Your relationship with her has nothing to do with me. As for your earlier question… I’m happy to be a separate part of it. If we end up being great friends and maybe even sparring partners? I’ll be delighted. But as long as you make her happy, you’ll make me happy.”

I finish up the board I’m working on just as he finished his bike.

“While I think our super strength is great, if we keep churning these out too quickly, Thompson might get suspicious.”

Emmett just winks at me.

“All the more time to just goof off and experiment with our own rides. Have you seen my BMX I designed for my certification?”

Happy with where Emmett and I stand, the rest of our shift is a breeze, especially as the crowd thins.
Skating home after is quicker than it’s ever been, and I don’t know if that’s because I’ve accepted my strength, or whatever Emmett did to my skates when I let him have a look at them.

Unfortunately, being home early means I see Edward kiss my mum goodbye.

Gag.

Rather than lashing out in anger like I want to, I decide to try and keep the moment light, as I roll up my drive way and pull up by the front door, mum and Edward both seeming shocked I’m home already. I had noticed a pungent smell the last few days, since Jacob and Leah found a short term rental in town. I guess Edward has been a frequent visitor.

“I’m not calling you dad. Can I get through please?”

Mum laughs as Edward looks mortified, stepping back to let me into my own home. I head straight to the kitchen and inhale the smell of the slow cooked lamb I’ve had on all day, excited to serve it with the veggies mum cooked to go with her dinner and mine.

Mum and Edward stand by the front door awkwardly, clearly unsure how to act since they’ve been caught.

“You can come back in. I wont bite unprovoked… now seems to be a good time for this chat, no?”

I walk to the dining room and wait, mums place setting still holding her dirty dishes. They join me a second later, mum taking her regular place and Edward standing behind her looking like a deer caught in the headlights,

‘I know you can hear my thoughts. Relax and don’t try to bullshit me.’

He seems to flinch as my crude language, but I ignore it as I dig into my dinner.

“Rosie, hun, I didn’t plan for you to find out like this, but Edward and I, well, we’re seeing if there’s still something between us.”

I just hum around my mouthful of food, waiting for her to go on.

“I know it might be weird for you, but the history is… well… its our history and it was a significant part of my life. I’ve never loved anyone like I loved Edward, and now that I’m more settled in who I am, I don’t see the harm in trying again.”

I look carefully at my mum, noting that something seems off, I just can’t place it. I turn my gaze to Edward, his knuckles close to shattering the wood at the back of mums chair. He’s torn between looking down at mum with affection, looking at me with a mixture of concern and displeasure, and simply avoiding eye contact and studying the painting by the doorway.

“And what do you hope to get out of this, Edward? You’re what… one-hundred-and-thirty? Looking seventeen, passing for fifteen? I meant what I said earlier, I’m not calling you dad.”

I smile mischievously, clearly getting on his nerves.

“All I’ve ever wanted was for Bella to be happy. I was hurt when she left me, I very nearly ended my life. But seeing her still human… still with a soul, it gave me an overwhelming sense of pride and love I thought I’d long lost.”

He looks at her then, and she looks at him. Despite how much love they clearly have for each other, I can’t help but feel they wont be on the same page.

“Right. Well… you guys are the adults… technically,” I shoot Edward one final glare as I stand up and begin clearing my plate away, “So I wont stop you or voice my opinion. But Edward? You hurt my mum or actively put her in danger, I will tear you to literal shreds.”

I walk away, a satisfied smile on my face.

I jump into the shower after dinner, blasting music, letting myself think about this weekend.

Tomorrow, I’m spending the day in the city with Esme and Alice, having promised her I would let her help me choose a whole new wardrobe, so I could stop stealing Emmett’s’ clothes. I’m sure Alice will be delighted that she gets to help me plan clothes to wear for my date.

I’ve also been told to not even try to pay for anything. Apparently they have collectively amassed such a large amount of wealth, I would take several days to comprehend just how much money they have access to.

When I fall asleep, I don’t dream of vampire money.
I dream of vampire beauty and the fear that I’ll wind up disappointing the woman I live for.