Growing More

Chapter 11: Anniversary

(Here I Am; Bryan Adams. The song was originally from the movie Spirit; Stallion of the Cimmaron)

**4 Years Later**

**Bella is 16

**Alice is 16.5

**Emmett is 17.5

**Edward is 16, but his birthday is in 12 days.

**Jasper is 17.25

**Rosalie is 17

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Bella's POV:

"Get up! Now!"

I woke with a start, like every morning, to our housemother screeching at us again.

I threw back the covers and stood up, walking over to open my bedroom door.

"Ugh, you look wretched. Change, wash up, and go eat breakfast while I wake up your siblings. Your father and I have important visitors today, with kids your age. You'd better look your best and be on your best behavior." Petunia *;)* squawked at me.

"Yes, Miss. Petunia," I said, trying to fight the acid in my voice. She turned and walked down the hall to Emmett and Alice's room.

I walked to my calendar and crossed off another day. I noticed the date, and realized it was four years since I last saw... them.

It was too painful to think of their names, even now, and I remembered it clearly.

*Flashback*

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Cullen, but someone has already begun filling out the adoption papers." the blonde woman said.

Edward and I looked at each other - only feet apart, but it seemed like miles. Rosalie and Alice had tears in their eyes. All of the guys looked pained. I had tears streaming down my face.

I thought I saw Edward's eyes well up.

"Isn't there any way?" Esme pleaded.

"I'm sorry. They came early this morning, saying they were looking for 'durable' children. We had just finished adding them into the system."

"So, that's it, then?" Rosalie snapped suddenly, "there's nothing we can do?"

"I'm afraid not."

*End of Flashback*

I changed into my blue lace knee-length flowing sundress and some blue velvet flats with diamonds at the toe. I used barrettes to pin some of my hair back. (image is at the beginning of the chapter).

As I walked out into the hallway, I saw Alice folding clothes at the end of the hall in the living room. As I walked into the living room I saw Emmett in the kitchen scrubbing dishes.

Alice turned to look at me. "March 4th," she mumbled.

"I know," I said, walking into the kitchen to help Emmett by drying the dishes.

"Happy 4th, Bells," Emmett said as I picked up a dishrag.

"Don't remind me," I said, as Emmett handed me a soapy plate.

"I know you miss them, Bells, but look at the bright side!" Emmett smiled, scrubbing a bowl.

He went silent. I figured I had to hedge him on.

"And the bright side is...?"

"Oh. I was actually hoping you had something, 'cause I got nothing."