I R E N I C

e i g h t e e n

It was dawn, Bella stood before the entire Cullen family. A look of determination and hint of desperation shined in her eyes. They were surprised at the look in her eyes, the way she held herself a bit taller, her chin held higher than normal.

"Is this another meeting about loosing your humanity?" Rosalie spat out, her arms crossed over her chest. She leaned her back against Emmett who had his arms wrapped around the tall blonde.

Esme glanced over towards Rosalie with a pointed look, "Rose." She warned with a soft motherly tone. Though it would probably be about turning her.

Bella shook her head. "This is more important than turning." This caused some confusion and raised eyebrows.

Carlisle rubbed Esme's shoulders. "What is it, Bella?" He asked with concern in his voice. His head tilted a bit to encourage her to continue.

"I come to ask for your help, to protect someone dear to me." She took a deep breath. "I need your help to protect Hailey, my sister, from Victoria."

There was a beat of silence. Rosalie was the first to step forward. "Why would we help her? Just another human to protect." She scoffed at the idea of helping a suicidal teenager who willingly got mixed up in the supernatural.

Bella glared lightly at Rosalie. "She needs protection because she was dragged into this because of me. She is a child with no idea what is going on." Bella took a moment to calm down, looking around. "I don't regret loving Edward or knowing you guys...I regret the danger I unknowingly caused to my family."

Esme smiled and walked over towards Bella, placing her hands on her shoulders. "It's going to be alright..." she looked over towards her family. "I'm sure everyone would be happy to help." She assured.

Bella then became nervous. She picked at the skin near her nail. "Also...Sam...and the pack want to protect Hailey personally..." She slowly said. Nervous of their reaction.

Carlisle look surprised while Emmett voiced his thoughts. "Guess this sister of yours really got herself a couple of guard dogs." He laughed at his own joke.

"If she's in a relationship with one of those dogs then she should stay with them." Rosalie muttered though everyone heard her.

Bella looked at her confused. "Relationship? She's 5." She said, her face shifter from confusion to disgust. Jasper almost made the same expression as her based on her strong feelings of disgust.

Rosalie froze, her mouth slowly widening. Though the shock quickly turned to anger. "What the hell is that red-head wench doing antagonizing a human child?!"

Emmett tightened his grip on Rosalie slightly so she doesn't run off to hunt Victoria herself. "That explains the reason why you'd want more people to protect her." Emmett nodded to himself.

Jasper squeezed Alice's hand tightly. The anger radiating from Rosalie and Esme was getting overwhelming to the point even he felt angry.

Alice patted his hand. "Well, I won't say no to seeing her pretty face again." She beamed, her happiness was enough to dim down the anger Jasper was feeling.

Carlisle looked around, "if the pack has agreed to discuss a temporary truce then I don't see why we shouldn't be able to help protect her."

Bella nodded. "I was in the Reservation today, they have agreed to discuss that with you guys just until Victoria is dealt with." She confirmed.

Carlisle smiles with a nod. "Then we should set it up."

Edward suddenly spoke, bring attention towards him. "How are we going to protect her during the day? Bella is not allowed anywhere outside school and her house."

This did raise concerns. At this moment Bella cursed herself mentally for making Charlie worry. "I'll try to convince Charlie to unground me. That way we can alternate who we are with throughout the day."

"What about Hailey?" Alice asked. "She seemed pretty angry with us." When she said 'us' her eyes glanced quickly towards Edward. A way to let him know that he was in fact at fault too.

"Maybe we can try to get her to like us." Rosalie suggested. This caused Bella to look at her in disbelief.

"We could take her some snacks." Esme offered. This was the cue the men needed to stay out of the issue of Hailey. The women would handle and spoil the adorable child.

Rosalie shook her head. "A clear sigh of bribery." She disagreed. Bella nodded in agreement with Rosalie.

"Hailey would see straight through it and would make her dislike for everyone worse." Bella explained though it could work if they visit right when she is waking up. No one cares about bribery when they are grumbling in the morning.

Emmett raised his hand. "Maybe a day out?" The women silently looked at him.

Rosalie let out a sigh. "If we try to take her out before she is comfortable with us that would make her throw a tantrum."

"Leading her to hate us more." Alice added on to get him to see the flaw in his plan.

Emmett saw no issue. Why would she not want to spend other people's money? Plus it was free stuff. Women, no matter the age, are complicated.

[i have no idea what movie in twilight i am in. at this point i'm winging it 💀.]