The Edge of Insanity | Rosalie Hale

Chapter 19: Meeting the Family

A lively debate, bordering on an argument, erupted between Daniel and Emmett on Saturday morning. The rest of the family were sat watching the news.

"The White Sox are obviously taking the whole thing this year!" Emmett declared, his voice brimming with conviction.

Daniel scoffed. "You're about as big as you are dumb, which is to say, a fucking lot. It's the Astros, clearly." Emmet followed with a playful jab, "Have you ever even watched a game, you brit?"

"Oi! Mind your tongue, mate," Daniel retorted. "I know more about the sport than you do!"

Their back-and-forth escalated quickly, punctuated by insults. Just as Daniel was about to retaliate with a particularly colorful nickname, Esme's voice cut through the banter.

"Boys, please keep it down," she requested, a hint of amusement softening her tone.

An immediate chorus of "Sorry, Mum," filled the air. But the moment Esme's attention shifted back to the television, a well-aimed swat landed on the back of Daniel's head, courtesy of Emmett.

Before Daniel could unleash a retaliatory complaint, a somber announcement drifted from the TV. "...investigating the recent murders in Forks. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the authorities."

Carlisle sighed, a flicker of worry crossing his features. "Let's hope this coven doesn't cause any further trouble."

Wanting to change the mood, Esme announced, "Alright, everyone up! We have a meal to prepare for Bella's arrival."

Groans erupted from all corners of the room, quickly silenced under Esme's pointed gaze. The family migrated towards the kitchen, Daniel playfully wrapping his arms around Rosalie from behind and peppering her cheek with kisses. Her laughter filled the air as she swatted him away playfully.

"Daniel, baby, stop it," she said.

He released her with a grin, and together they began chopping vegetables for the salad.

"Think anyone would notice if we slipped a little poison into Bella's food?" Daniel remarked with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Rosalie snorted.

Emmett launched a nearby cooking knife at Daniel's head, the blade snapping from the impact. "You would upset Mom!" he exclaimed.

"Says the one who almost took my head off with a knife," Daniel countered dramatically, but Esme's familiar "Boys!" cut him off.

Both men mumbled apologies. Back to chopping vegetables they went.

The aroma of perfectly roasted chicken filled the air as Carlisle expertly removed it from the oven. Daniel, his tall frame leaning against the counter, inhaled deeply. "Oof, get a whiff of that," he remarked, his eyes drawn to Rosalie holding a glistening salad in a glass bowl. She moved closer to him, offering a small comfort to the thirst gnawing at him.

Excitement tinged Esme's voice as she announced, "Here comes the human! Bella, we're making italiano for you." Then, Edward added "Bella, this is Esme, my mother for all intents and purposes."

Emmett waved a giant knife in Bella's direction. "Hope you're hungry!" However, before Bella could answer, Edward interjected, "Actually, she's already eaten."

Daniel groaned just as Rosalie shattered the salad bowl. Daniel moved to stand beside Rosalie, placing a comforting arm over her shoulders.

"It's just, I know you don't actually eat," Bella clarified.

"Of course dear, very thoughtful of you," Esme reassured her. But Edward quipped, "Just ignore Rosalie, I do."

Daniel, his temper flaring at Edward's disrespect, growled a warning. "I would be very careful with your next words, Edward, very fucking careful."