In Dire Need of Cessation

Fifteen

"That would equal in me being the second eldest here, does it not?" Bella smiled as we were all seated in the lounge. All eight of us had been seated in the living room for at least six hours, exchanging stories of the various time periods Bella had missed. It was only when Carlisle began telling his transition story, in an attempt to make Bella discern that we were 'good vampires', that she realized she wasn't the eldest here.

It was humorous how it felt as though Bella belonged here.

"Younger than Carlisle by approximately sixty odd years," I answered, seated next to the newest resident. Throughout the many hours, the family, Bella, and I have been stationed, I had ignored the inquisitive glances Jasper had been supplying- a knowing glint in his darkening gold eyes. I didn't require any more stress about his predictions. What could he possibly know, or be guessing, that I didn't know already?

Bella rose her head to look up at me, a curious expression molded with a sweet smile on her delicate face. "How are you aware of the year I was birthed?" From when Carlisle had suggested we all amassed in the living room, Bella hadn't been able to prevent her smile; joyful that for once, in such a lengthy amount of time, she was having a conversation.

"Naturally," I shrugged, "I was curious about the history that occurred in this house; merely to fill in the gaps, I investigated." I didn't want to offend her, as my 'investigating' could have been perceived as invasive.

"Justifiable." She tilted her head slightly, while the relief washed over me. I felt like I was treading on eggshells to make it perfect with her, was that wrong?

A subtle chuckle from Jasper made me pull my eyes away from Bella, one of the very few times I had done so, and give him a silent warning. What was his problem?

"The previous time I had seen the attire of humans, was when two adolescent boys and a girl trespassed on the territory," Bella admitted abruptly, her eyes flicking between what everyone was wearing. "If I was to be candid, the clothes were...aberrant. The girl was equipped in blue pants and a matching shirt of the same material. The males were similar." Her brows were once again pulled down in concentration. "I must admit, this era of clothes is much more bearable." I chuckled with her, agreeing on the most part. However, Bella hadn't seen the other side of society, where it was fashionable to wear the littlest material possible and to take clothes off on camera. Disgusting, really, this generation. 

"The only time that was really fashionable was the '70s," Emmett murmured, cringing over the decade of double denim.

As the usual patter of the morning rain began, clapping against the roof and blanketing the windows, Carlisle glanced once at the clock and stood. "I apologize, but I have to go to work," he smiled apologetically at Bella, who returned the smile; careful not to startle her by our vampire speed, Carlisle walked upstairs at a human pace to dress, while I averted my gaze back to Bella.

"Yes, and you lot need still need to attend school," Esme sighed, talking to my four siblings. As I had matters to care for here, I was excused from the purgatory named school. Instead, though, I would have the finest assignment to help Bella become acquainted with modern society.

Emmett threw his head back into the sofa, cautious not to break the furniture, and groaned in annoyance, earning a couple of laughs around the room. I laughed too, of course, so I wouldn't be the black sheep, but really, my attention was directed to the soft giggle from Bella. Needless to have said, she didn't roar in laughter, but just gave me a glimpse of what I was missing; like a trailer for a film, creating anticipation for the real thing. Even if it was the last thing I would do, I desired to hear her laugh, a laugh with no boundaries.

Carlisle returned to the living room to say his goodbye and kiss Esme, leaving the family assembled together. "Walk with me?" I requested to Bella, pulling up my lips into a smirk. My family pretended to not be interested in our exchange, Emmett playfully twiddling his thumbs and looking around the room.