New Neighbors

Carlisle and Blaine were sitting downstairs in the living room talking, waiting for the rest of the family to arrive. Esme was busy upstairs, putting some last minute touches on Anna Belle's room. They had sent Bella home already, knowing it was safer for her to be gone before the others came back. It was a oddly sunny day in Forks.

“This whole relationship between Bella and Edward is so very interesting. She really wants to become a vampire?” Blaine asked, his voice filled with shock .

“She wants to share our world and the rest of eternity with Edward. They truly love with one another. Edward fights the urge to take her blood every second of the day he's with her. He is still fighting the vision that Alice had about her being one of us.” Carlisle sighed.

“This treaty you have with the tribe, if he bites Bella and makes her one of us, the treaty would be broken and your family would be punished for it.” Blaine sat back with an unneeded sigh. “They are truly star-crossed lovers, aren't they?”

Carlisle nodded. “Yes they are. Edward wants to keep her human, but I don't know if it's truly possible for them to have a relationship that way. Bella is so fragile to us as a human. I have to remind Esme and Alice about that sometimes, especially when they hug her so tightly.” He looked away. “She almost became one of us a few months ago. A tracker and his coven came through here. He caught her scent and knew Edward's feelings about her. We sent her with Alice and Jasper to Phoenix and he followed them. Edward arrived just after he bit her arm. He had already broken her leg and did so much damage to her. She was dying from both the blood loss and the venom.”

“Oh my god! She's still human and alive, though. How could you have possibly stopped the venom?” Blaine was truly shocked at what he heard.

“Edward sucked the venom from her wound. It was hard for him to stop, but he eventually did. He wouldn't have been able to live without her if he didn't. He is so insistent on her remaining human and it has nothing to do with the treaty.” Carlisle softly said. “Edward's world turned upside-down the moment Bella walked into it, but it was for the better.”

Soon enough though, both men looked up at a sound they heard. Esme was down the stairs seconds later, a big grin on her face. “They're back.” Carlisle couldn't help the laugh that escaped his mouth. His wife was like a small child at Christmas right now. She was so happy and excited. It made him happy having her like this.

“Yes, I do believe they are.” Carlisle stood up to go to Esme, Blaine following suit, as they walked out onto the front porch, watching the jeep and car pull up.

As soon as the back door opened, the wolf cub leaped out and made his way to the woods, reacquainting himself with his home. Edward was out of the car even before Alice or any of the others, looking at Carlisle confused. “What is this about asking the dogs for help?”

“It was Bella's idea to ask them. I think it might be a good idea. It would give us some advantage over Alexander.” Carlisle explained, while Rosalie joined Edward's side.

“We don't need their help! We can protect Anna Belle just fine.” Rosalie said, anger pouring from her. She didn't like this idea one bit.

“We are doing this. We don't know what Alexander's plans are yet.” Carlisle voice held a note of finality. “Now, you two can either come with us, or stay behind. Edward, I would like you to come. You will be very helpful with Anna Belle.”

Anna Belle had gotten out of the car, looking around as Esme bound down the stairs pulling the girl into a tight, motherly hug. She looked much better and was acting more like herself, returning the affection from the other woman happily.

“Come with you where?” Edward asked, confused at what Carlisle wanted to do. That is, until he read it. “You want to introduce her to them?”

“Sam wants to meet her so they know who they'll be watching after.” Carlisle explained, coming down the stairs. “Let's get this done now please, Anna Belle looks tired.”

“Fine. Let's go.” Edward snapped, not liking this.

“Good, Rosalie you can come too, but I think everyone else should stay behind. I think 5 of us will be enough to stand their hair on end.” Carlisle explained.

“Five? Who else is coming?” Rosalie was confused, looking towards Esme.

“I am. I thought it might be a good idea if I came with you to introduce myself as well.” Blaine stepped off of the porch to stand beside Carlisle.

“Fine. let's go then.” Rosalie moved to grab Anna Belle's hand and pulled her from Esme's hug, stomping off towards the Mercedes.

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

Jacob, Sam, and Billy stood at the border to the reservation, waiting for the Cullens to come. “Thank you for coming, Billy.” Sam smiled at the older male.

“I thought it best that I come too. I want to see this girl for myself. It was a good idea that you didn't have the rest of the pack come.” Billy commented at the fact that it was only the three of them.

“I thought it would be too much of a show of power. I thought 'keep it small'.” Sam explained.

“What if they bring their entire family?” Jacob snapped, angrily.

Sam sniffed the air. “We'll know soon enough.” Just after he got those words out, the black Mercedes pulled up, stopping just short of the border.

Carlisle and Edward sat in the front,while Rosalie, Anna Belle, and Blaine filled the back seat, in that order. Rosalie had Anna Belle pulled to her side, the young vampire's head rested upon her shoulder. “Jacob doesn't like this.”

“I know. He made that clear yesterday.” Carlisle explained, turning in his seat. “Rosalie, you and Anna Belle stay in the car for a few minutes until I call you.” Rosalie nodded, holding the girl to her as the three males exited the car.

Sam nodded towards Carlisle as did Billy.

“Carlisle.” Billy said, watching the vampire closely.

“Billy. Good to see you're still in good health.” Carlisle—always the doctor—looked over the older man. “Sam, Jacob, Billy, this is Blaine. He's an old friend of Anna Belle's, the newest member of my family. He knew her, before she became one of us.”

Blaine nodded towards the men. “I am pleased to meet all of you.” He flashed a smile at them.

All three men regarded Blaine, looking at his eyes. “Carlisle was right, you don't drink human blood.”

“No, I don't. I learned that animal blood can sustain me just fine. As did several other friends of mine. I was the one who taught that to Anna Belle.” Blaine watched them curiously.

“Blaine is also a mechanic, Jacob. He and Anna Belle have something in common with you.” Carlisle said, trying to do what Bella wanted.

Jacob snorted, not taking his eyes off of Edward. Edward did the same, glaring back at the wolf. “I highly doubt that about Anna Belle.”

“She is very good. Her father taught her all she knows about old cars, and customizing. Whatever else she has learned, she did so on her own. I am actually buying an old garage just outside of town. You should come by and check it out.” Blaine offered.

“Maybe. Now, can we please meet Anna Belle so that we can get on with this?” Sam asked, watching the others closely.

Carlisle turned to the car and called for Rosalie. She slowly opened the door and slipped out, holding her hand out for Anna Belle. Anna Belle took the offered hand happily. She slipped from the car and instantly felt the tension in the air. Without thought, her taming ability went into over drive as they neared the others. Rosalie held onto Anna Belle protectively.

“Rosalie, I don't think I have ever seen you quite like this. You are holding onto that girl, like a mother would a child.” Billy commented, watching the two females approach. But he was shocked as the feeling came over him. All of the hostility within him seemed gone—reined in somehow. “What is this?” He asked.

“This,” Edward said, “is Anna Belle. She can tame animalistic tendencies. We found out about her talent while we were on our trip. She was among three bears, one of which was giving her a ride like it was a bear at the circus. It was very amazing to watch.” Edward felt the taming take effect within him too. “It must be a natural instinct by now. Since she lived with three vampires who feed on humans and they lived amongst the humans, as we do, she must have been able to keep them tamed using this ability.”

Billy, Sam, and Jacob all watched Anna Belle closely now. Billy and Sam were intrigued at this ability the girl had. Sam especially, since she was able to affect so many people at once. It seemed like even Edward was affected by her. Jacob, on the other hand, didn't like it at all. He saw it as something the Cullens could use against them.

“Well tell her to turn it off!” Jacob snapped, trying to fight the affect the girl was having on him.

Anna Belle looked at him with her head tilted, confused, while Edward answered for her. “She doesn't how to turn it on and off. It just works when it's needed.”

Jacob huffed, looking at Sam and his father. “Are we done here?” He demanded.

“Yes, I think. We will do as Bella asks and protect this girl.” Sam announced, causing Jacob to groan.

“A girl with your abilities needs to be protected.” Billy said simply, intending on doing some research at home. He knew something about this girl, but needed to recall what.

“Thank you, Sam. Myself and the others appreciate it.” Carlisle smiled, happy that they were going to help with Anna Belle.

“Not all of us.” Rosalie mumbled under her breath.

Carlisle shook his head. “We must return home. Esme has missed Anna Belle greatly. She is happy to have another child in the house.”

“Esme would be.” Billy nodded. He, Sam, and Jacob turned to head towards his truck to go back into the reservation.

Carlisle and the others went back to the car and headed back home.

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

Esme sat on the front porch waiting for everyone to return. Once she heard the car, she jumped up, watching it pull up. She smiled as everyone returned. “Well?” Esme asked, more than excited to hear the outcome of the meeting.

“They will help protect Anna Belle, Billy seemed very keen on the idea.” Carlisle smiled at Esme as he got out, telling her what happened.

“Oh, this is great news! I think Bella might be right. This may change things for us here, now.” Esme smiled up at Carlisle as he took her hands.

“It might.” Carlisle smiled down at her, the love in his eyes brightly shining.

“Anna Belle, I have a surprise for you.” Esme smiled, holding her hand out to the girl. She happily walked over to Esme too take her hand. Esme lead her into the house and up the stairs. “Bella and Blaine helped me with this. I hope you like it.” She walked down the hall on the second floor and opened a door, stepping back to let her enter first. Rosalie and Edward followed.

Anna Belle walked in and was awe struck. The room was painted in a pale purple, the border—a stenciling of roses in pinks, blues, and whites. The furniture was oak stained in a light color. The bed, dressers, and vanity all looked like the same furniture that was in her room with Alexander, except it didn't look so child-like. The bed was dressed in white with roses matching the stenciling on the wall covering the blanket and pillows.

“Esme, this is beautiful.” Rosalie looked around in awe of the work. She walked over to the closet, looking inside. It was big, just like hers and Alice's rooms.

“She loves it Esme, she is so happy right now.” Edward spoke as he looked around the room with a smile. The room did look perfect for Anna Belle. “Now I know why Alice was singing show tunes all weekend.” He laughed, and as if on cue, Alice came bouncing into the room.

“Yep, this is why. And don't worry Anna Belle, we will have that closet stuffed full of clothes in no time. We can go shopping tomorrow after school.” Alice squealed with delight. “Till then, you can borrow something for tonight and tomorrow.” She hugged Anna Belle quickly before pulling back. “So....can we go and you and Blaine can show us what's so special about your cars.”

Anna Belle nodded before bouncing over to Esme, to hug her, who happily hugged her back. Soon enough everyone was heading out of the house. Piling into the two cars, they headed out to an abandoned air strip. All of the Cullens got out of the two cars, while Blaine and Anna Belle rolled down the windows to look at one another, sly smiles upon their faces as they both took off down the runway. Their speed climbed, going higher and higher—far beyond what the cars should have been able to do. But when they made their turns to come back is what was spectacular. They both reached forward just as their cars drifted to turn around and hit an airplane type button, flipping it up to reveal the switch under it and flicking it on. Anna Belle's car, like the flapping of wings, became a metallic purple, while Blaine's car like the opening of a switch blade became silver. As they raced back to their starting positions, they hit another button and along the sides of their cars an under-glow kit turned on, again Anna Belle's like the unfolding of wings, Blaine's like the flipping open of a switch blade.

They both came to a screeching halt before the Cullens whom all stood stunned at the beautiful machines that stood in front of them. Anna Belle and Blaine left the cars running as they stepped out, leaning against their own cars with smiles upon their faces. “How do you like our work?” Blaine asked.

“Oh. My. God. That was awesome! Can you do this to the jeep?” Emmett asked, while checking out the colors on both cars. Blaine's under-glow kit was a blue ,while Anna Belle's was a darker purple.

“It's a long process. Paint job is what is the longest. It's two colors but there are two under- glow kits on each of the cars. One to project the other color you see as the base, and then another kit that is specially designed to go along the sides of the cars. It was Anna Belle's idea. Took a lot of work and practice but we finally got the cars just right.” Blaine explained.

“This truly is amazing work, your shop will do great here, Blaine.” Esme looked over the cars in awe.

“I say you show this to the mutt Jacob. I bet it will make his head explode.” Rosalie laughed at the image in her head.

Meanwhile, Anna Belle stood watching them with a sly smile. “Wait, that's not all. Anna Belle's car has another modification.” Edward announced as she leaned down to pop the hood. She opened it up and the Cullens all looked in. “Is that a super turbo driver?” Edward asked shocked, getting a nod from Anna Belle.

“It works with a special fuel cell. We got the car modified to where she can hook her laptop in and active this system, as well as another. She will never get stopped by cops for speeding with this baby. She has written a program on her laptop that taps into the car's computer. Whatever speed she sets the computer at is what cops read on their speed guns. It's amazing. This car can top out at 310mph. Faster than any race car out there. We are still working on the modifications to hers, so it's kind of a prototype car so to speak.” Blaine explained it all again.

“You need to show this puppy to Jacob. Seriously.” Rosalie said again, smiling at the images in her head, as the Cullens finished fawning over the cars and soon headed home.

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

Soon after getting home, Anna Belle retired to her new room, happily showering before changing into a nightgown Alice borrowed for her. She had already placed her music box on the night stand beside her, winding it up before opening it. She laid down, listening to the music. She snuggled down in her new bed and room, smiling at all that had happened in the last few days.

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

Bella finished her shower in record time, and entered her room to find Edward waiting for her, as always. She dove at him, hugging him tightly. “Anna Belle loves the room and said to tell you thank you for doing it.”

“It wasn't a problem. I missed you Edward. But, shouldn't you be at home in case Anna Belle needs to speak?” Bella asked, worried.

“She is asleep, so no need for a translator.” Edward explained with a smile before his face frowned. “You shouldn't have done what you did without talking with everyone else first .”

Bella sighed. “I wanted to help some how and I think this might be a good thing, Edward. This fighting isn't good for anyone. What happened, anyway?”

“They agreed to help, and Billy Black looked at Anna Belle a little too curiously.” Edward explained softly. “Like he knew something about her, but I couldn't grasp anything from him.”

“This may be a good thing. Don't get too excited, yet.” Bella pointed out.

“Or, it can be the worst thing ever to happen.” He softly said as he held her to him. He laid down with her, tucking her in to keep her warm as sleep took over. He needed to lay there and think things through.

A/N

Hey guys hope your all still liking my story. Haven't heard from my regular readers. Well Ch 16 is in progress.