Gifted

Chapter 17: Family

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. Please take the time to review.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

"Emmett! Put me DOWN or so help me God I will super glue your balls to your ASS!"

Bella heard a chorus of chuckles downstairs, and unfortunately, from the person making her mouth off.

Emmett ignored Bella's protests and continued hauling her around like a potato sack. Until 10 seconds ago she was very happy to see him-he had just rescued her from Alice's clutches after all. Alice had stuck to her promise of 10 outfits to try, but Bella had failed to stipulate the number of shoes and accessories. So the combinations increased exponentially when, with every pair of pants and shirt, she also had to model shoes, belts, scarves, jewelry, hats, and things she didn't even have names for.

"Bella Bear, you spent hours with Alice!" Emmett pouted, which would've been pretty funny to see on a ripped guy like him...except the only thing Bella could see at the moment was his behind. "It's my turn! You promised!"

He plopped her beside Rosalie on the couch, where he had already laid out her controller, snacks, and glass of water. Bella was touched, and though she wanted to continue to glare daggers at him, rolled her eyes and smiled to herself a little.

"You can say it," Rosalie said with a smile. "My Emmett's a toddler."

Bella had to laugh at the mental picture of Emmett in diapers. She wondered if she could see any of their baby pictures, but just as quickly as the thought had come she dismissed it. She didn't know a lot of the details behind their adoptions-they might not have any such childhood mementos. She certainly didn't.

"Don't let him monopolize your time," said Rosalie. "You probably have a ton of school work to catch up on. Oh, and I could use your help with a few calc problems if you don't mind. You seemed to have it down in class."

Bella nodded, still unsure how to behave with a friendly Rosalie. She supposed she'd get used to it, but part of her worried that as soon as she did, Rosalie would change her behavior again. Bella also thought she shouldn't mention that her work was already completed. Completed, and of course, perfect. She knew she should be a teensy bit careful and not draw too much attention to herself at school. But great academics weren't the end of the world. Surely there were plenty of whiz kids out there. Bella only had two years and change to build herself a way to to move on. Perfect grades and glowing recommendations should help secure college and, hopefully, a scholarship.

Bella didn't have time to ponder anymore, because she now had to keep her character alive through the assault Emmett had them walk into. Bella really did enjoy hanging out with Emmett. No matter what they did together, Emmett had a way of making her constantly laugh-like when he started whistling the Jaws theme as they prepared for an ambush. She couldn't help but be envious a little-if only she could be carefree like that. Emmett shouted instructions to her ("Bang Bang, Bella Bear!"), prompting her to laugh again. It was then that she realized she was carefree and happy...when she was with this family. Emmett and Alice, Rosalie and Jasper, Esme and even Carlisle when she got to see him...they made it hard to linger in her usual depression. It was easy, so easy to smile and laugh and joke around in the company of these slightly odd golden-eyed bunch. They made her feel like a part of their family. Bella thought back to her earlier fears and vowed that she would do everything in her power to keep them from harm. Even though she had "superpowers" Bella had never felt like a superhero. If anything, her years in exile were a desperate attempt to avoid becoming a villain. Now though, she thought as she looked at each member of her surrogate family, now she has something to protect.