New Neighbors

“It's all right, it's been dealt with already. The Cullens have a new member in their family.” Bella tried to explain things to Jacob. Who didn't seem to be taking things well.

Jacob actually sounded like he was growling on the other end of the phone. “They broke the treaty.” He snapped.

“No! No, they didn't. The treaty is still fine. She was already turned. Look, I'll come out this weekend and explain it more. I don't want Charlie hearing this, all right.” Bella silently hoped he would drop this for now.

A heavy sigh was her first answer before he spoke again. “All right, I will leave it be, but only until then. Be safe, Bella. I don't want anything to happen to you.” Jacob's voice was strained as he spoke the words. He truly did care about his friend, even though she wasn't exactly right in the head right--now in his opinion.

“Thank you, Jacob. I'll see you this weekend.” She hung up the phone just as Charlie walked into the room.

“Hey, I was wondering if you wanted to watch some TV with your old man for a while before you head off to bed.” He watched her wondering if she will say yes or not.

“Sure, dad. That would be nice.” Bella smiled up at her father before they went into the living room for a quiet evening of watching the TV.

*********************

Carlisle and Esme looked like a happy couple as they sat upon the love seat, cuddled together. Blaine chose to sit across from them in an arm chair. “Please Blaine, tell us anything your comfortable with telling us about Anna Belle. We want to know about our newest daughter.” Esme smiled at the man, waiting on pins and needles to hear the story.

“Well, if it's all right with the two of you, I will not tell you everything right away. I don't know you well enough to give you so much information. After all, it may make you reconsider your choice to help her.” Blaine's voice held a note that just screamed for them to not do that. Anna Bella needed them to keep her with them always.

Carlisle smiled his charming smile, wanting to reassure Blaine. “We have no intentions of turning the girl out. None of our children have perfect pasts, we understand she might not either. She has a family here as long as she wants it.”

Blaine returned the smile then before taking a deep breath. “Well, the girl you saw today, that it a very toned-down version of my little Angel. When I first met her, I swore she was younger than her age of 12. She was always small for her age, that's just how she is. I met her through her father. He was an ace mechanic who could fix any car, and he passed that along to his one and only child. Anna Belle was, and still is, very much a modern woman. Her father made sure she could be self sufficient, while her mother made sure that she could be a perfect wife and mother.”

Carlisle watched the expression on Blaine's face change, it obviously was a happy memory. “What year was it when you first met her, Blaine?” He wanted to know how old the girl was for obvious reasons.

“The year was 1952, the year when cars began to change. Customization was the thing, and Anna Belle's father saw the need for that type of shop. So, he opened up the shop for car repair and customizing. I went to see her father about a job, he was so swamped with work, he hired me on the spot.” Blaine laughed at the memory as he continued telling the story. “I walked into the shop and saw this tiny, little girl sweeping up the shop--dressed in some greasy overalls. Her hair was pulled up into a bun to keep it from getting dirty. I swear, I saw an angel standing before me.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out an old wallet. He opened it as he bent forward to put it on the coffee table. “Take a look for yourself, tell me you wouldn't think an angel fell from the heavens.”

Esme leaned forward to take the wallet. She looked through the photos, a smile brightening her face. “You're right. Even back then she looked like some little angel. I think she still does.” She looked up at Blaine, a question floating in her mind. “How old was she, when she was bitten?”

Blaine swallowed the lump in his throat before answering. “She was 16 at the time when she went missing. Alexander kidnapped her, just a few days after her birthday. How he did it was amazing, because I couldn't even follow her sweet scent. It was as though she fell off the face of the earth. When I found her, I thought I felt my heart beat again. It took me almost a year to find her. She was a starving new born. Alexander had already started doing something to her to make her weak, I know he was, she was just too weak for a new born. It was how she learned to feed only from animals. Much to Alexander's displeasure, she refused to feed from humans.” Taking another deep breath before he continued. “I have kept in contact with her as much as possible, back then it was hard to do so. But when technology started to rise up, it became easier. Until now, she would just instant message me when she moved. I always keep a close distance to her, wanting to be as close as possible with Alexander around. It makes me feel better, knowing I'm close to her. Even if I can't be as close as I would like to be.” He looked at the couple sitting across from him a question burning deep within him. “I have to ask a question though. if you do not mind.”

“Of course not, go right ahead. Ask us anything.” Carlisle nodded, waiting to hear the question.

“Well, since Anna Belle is going to be in your care, I have looked at a piece of property already. It's an old garage that needs a little work, but I want to open it up. Normal car repair shop stuff, and of course customizing. Anna Belle and I have worked on cars when we can, the two we have are our own custom jobs, completely done by us. Well, I was wondering if after school--once she's better of course--can I have her work with me?” Blaine asked waiting to hear their answer. He knew Anna Belle would jump at the chance to do it, but he felt it was only proper to ask her new “parents” first before even talking to her about it.

Esme smiled at Blaine. “I think it will be a great idea. If you want, Rosalie and Emmett both know about car repair, they would probably like to help. You can talk to all of the kids about it. They might like the idea, it would give them something outside of the house to do after school. The thing is Blaine, we won't be staying here much longer, maybe a few more years before we move on, we have been here two years already.”

“I understand that. I have a few shops actually, I always find good people to take them over and work for me. Mostly vampires like me—well, us. We just rotate garages every few years, and this will give us a new place of sorts. I think I have five garages already.” Blaine thinks about the number while Esme looks on impressed.

“Well, you have certainly figured out a way to adapt to this new-age, Blaine.” Carlisle smiled at him glad to hear another does what they do. “Blaine, would you like to join us in hunting tonight? We can show you around, where the best hunting is and where to stay away from.”

“Sure, that sounds like a wonderful idea.” Blaine smiled happily. He was glad that Anna Belle had somehow found her way to these people.

**********************

Two vehicles passed over the Canadian border with little problems. Anna Belle drove her car, easily keeping up with Emmett and Rosalie, as they drove to a cabin where they would stay while on their hunting trip.

Rosalie kept looking back at the car following them. “Rosie, stop that. She's fine. You do realize she's a grown woman, right?”

“No, she's not. She isn't even 17! Can't you see that?” Rosalie looked at Emmett, a glare in her eyes.

“Rosie, you also realize that Esme will be her mother, right? Not you.” Emmett made the fatal mistake of saying that, the next thing he knew he was smacked in the back of the head. “Hey! No abusing the driver, unless you wanna pull over and give me some.” He smirked, but it instantly went away as he saw her face. “Never mind.”

“Good idea.” Rosalie growled softly.

Meanwhile, Edward was laughing as he sat next to Anna Belle as she drove the car. She glanced at him confused at his laughter. “Rosalie and Emmett. He said something really stupid and she smacked him for it.” He said still laughing to himself.

“What was it this time?” Alice laughed softly, knowing it had to be good.

“Well, um, I'll tell you later.” Edward knew Rosalie and Esme would both hit him if he said what was going on, in front of Anna Belle. “No, Anna Belle . It's nothing bad about you, I promise.”

Jasper sat quietly behind Anna Belle, monitoring her emotions. He liked them right now. She was calm and happy. “Anna Belle, are you feeling better now that we have left Forks?”

Edward watched Anna Belle for a moment. “No. She wants to know why you're asking.”

“Well, your emotions. You seem calmer and happier right now. It's nice.” Jasper gently pushed the wolf pup back into it's seat, between himself and Alice. Why they brought the creature, he had no clue. It was just a pup, he shouldn't be taken so far from home like this. He jumped right into the back seat once he saw Anna Belle get into the car. He truly was attaching himself to the girl.

“She likes to drive her car. It's her baby. She and Blaine completely designed both cars and their, special features?” Edward was intrigued about what she considered special features.

“We'll know soon enough, once we get back from the trip.” Alice bounced happily up and down in the back seat her foot kicking something. She looked down and found a bag. She leaned down and pulled out the bag from under the front seat. “Anna Belle, did you put this bag in here?”

Edward frowns. “What bag?”

He looked back at Alice as she opened the bag. Inside were some odd things. A brown teddy bear that looked well worn. Jasper quickly grabbed up the bear, as the wolf cub had his eye on it. Alice continued looking in the bag. She pulled out a box that contained some combs and brushes that looked like they were antiques, but were still used and looked beautiful. The last thing she pulled out was a box. She opened it to find a dazzling jewel encrusted music box. Edward looked at Anna Belle, since she didn't look away, but continued to drive. “Anna Belle, you didn't know anything about what was going to happen, right?” Anna Belle shook her head, confused at his question. “The bag is filled with stuff that's yours. It looks like someone packed it and put it in the car for you, figuring you weren't going to come back.”

Anna Belle glanced at him, confused. No one in that house would have done that. She knew they wouldn't. No one cared about her that much to do something so nice and so kind, at least she didn't think they would. When Alice opened the box and the beautiful minuet played, she knew someone had indeed packed a bag for her. But who?

**************************

Charlie and Bella were watching a movie when the phone rang. “I'll get it.” Bella jumped up, rushing to the phone, expecting Edward's cell phone number on the caller id. When it was Carlisle Cullen on the id and the house number, she was worried. “Hello, Carlisle. Is something wrong?” Her voice held a worried tone in it.

“No, nothing is wrong Bella. I just wish to speak with your father.” Esme's warm, loving voice came across the phone.

Bella sighed with relief as she went into the living room, phone in hand. “Dad, it's Es.. I mean Mrs. Cullen on the phone to talk to you.”

Charlie took the phone instantly. “Yes Mrs. Cullen, is anything wrong?” His voice sounding official.

“No, Chief Swan nothing is wrong. Please call me Esme.” Esme's soft laughter had a calming effect on Charlie.

“Alright Esme, then please call me Charlie. What can I do for you?” Charlie went to sit back down.

“Actually, I needed to ask something of you. I know this is highly unusual, but I do need something.” Esme started wondering how to word this without sounding odd. “Well, as you know, I'm sure Edward told you that the kids went on a camping trip. Well, they left tonight and will be gone until Sunday. I thought that I would have plenty of time to get a room prepared for Anna Belle while they're gone, but I would like some help.” Esme started to explain.

“What type of help?” Charlie was scratching his head at this point, totally confused.

“Well, I was hoping that you would let Bella come stay at our house until they get back. She can help me with the room. The normal girl stuff when re-decorating. You know, picking out paint, boarders, curtains, all that fun stuff. Since I know Bella and Anna Belle are so close in age, as well as they have had some contact together, I thought, 'Who better than Bella, to help me with this project?'” Esme's smile came through in her voice as she hoped he wouldn't say no.

“Edward is not home, correct?” Charlie asking the normal fatherly questions as Bella looked on, in complete confusion as to what is going on.

“No, Charlie. He went on the trip with the others. I promise he did. Besides, even when she does spend the night, she has her own room here--across from Carlisle and I.” Esme hoped he didn't hear her slight lie.

Charlie thought for a moment while Bella continued to stare at him confused. “Well, she does have school the next few days, though.” Charlie was about to say no.

“Carlisle will drop her off on his way to the hospital and I will pick her up after school. That way she isn't pushing that poor old truck of hers to much.” Esme quickly countered Charlie's move giving him no other options.

Charlie sighed softly. “Hold on one moment, Esme. Let me ask her.” He pulled the phone from his ear and looked over at Bella, who was still watching him. “Esme Cullen wants to know if you would like to come up and stay with her and Carlisle while everyone else is gone, to help her with a room for Anna Belle. She said Carlisle will drive you to school on his way to the hospital in the morning and she can pick you up after school. Do you want to go?”

“Yes! I would love to help Mrs. Cullen.” Bella jumped up and headed right upstairs to start packing.

Charlie laughed as he put the phone back to his ear. “Well, she is packing right now, so she should be up there shortly.”

“Very good.” Esme's smile again was clear in her voice. “Thank you for letting her do this, Charlie.”

“It's no problem, Esme, no problem at all. Especially since you're doing such a good thing by taking that girl in like this, no questions asked.” Charlie smiled, glad to make the woman happy.

“It is our pleasure. Thank you again. Good night.” Esme said.

“Good night.” Charlie hung up the phone as Bella came rushing down the stairs her back pack and duffel bag in hand. “Don't forget, you told Jacob you would see him on Saturday for a while.” He reminded her.

“I won't. See you on Sunday night.” Bella called as she rushed out to her truck, jumping in to start off towards the Cullen house.

***Ok at long last its Ch 12. This one has been beta'ed already, it was ready for posting last night but had to go to the reader first. I know my posts are getting slower and slower but my computer times getting smaller for some reason hehe. I will try and pick it up again soon. Then Enjoy and thanks Ace for your constant reviews.