New Neighbors

Thanks to everyone for your continued support.

MalSlaves: Yes Jacob is getting annoying but that is because the wolves are helping the vampires so much, as for why well you will soon see. I have listed hints that are ultra susbtle.

Also please note your reviews will mean more than ever now, see my Author's Note at the end of this chapter to find out more.

Now on to chapter 19 please note this is the edited version, what I had posted earlier actually my beta reader got me the wrong file sorry. She has already been whipped for it.
************************************************************************************

A routine fell into place over the next few days. Anna Belle spent her days alone with Edward and Esme. Part of the afternoon and early evening with the others. But once Carlisle came home from work, it was school work time. A few hours of that, and it was time for bed. She slowly was getting better, energy wise. She was hunting a couple times a week. The naps during the day were getting shorter. Even her sleep at night was getting shorter. Carlisle looked at Anna Belle's throat every day. He was happy that the damage was healing nicely, but still no sound came from her.

Edward was busy at his piano composing a song, while Esme was arranging some flowers in a vase. Anna Belle was taking her short half hour nap on the couch. “Esme.”

Edward's playing halted, and Esme's hands stopped, dropping the flowers. They both looked over at the couch, moving over to it using their vampire speed. They both looked down at the sleeping girl. “Maybe we just heard wrong?” Edward looked at Esme who shook her head.

“No, she spoke. And I was her first word.” Esme was grinning from ear to ear as she rushed to get the phone to let Carlisle know the news.

Edward shook his head as he laughed watching Esme run from the room to call Carlisle. Rosalie wasn't going to be happy. First of all, she wasn't there for Anna Belle's first word and her name wasn't it. He looked down at the girl, watching her sleep. She truly was an enigma in their family.

Carlisle was home soon after the frantically happy phone call from his wife. He was looking down Anna Belle's throat. “Say Esme again, honey.” Carlise's voice was soft and encouraging.

“Esme.” Anna Belle's voice was still rough and raw when it came out, but she spoke.

Esme squealed again while Carlisle laughed softly. “Esme, it's not like she called you 'Mommy'.”

“Close enough for me.” Esme said, smiling from ear to ear.

“Well, the damage is a lot better than it was a few days ago. Words and sounds will be slow in coming. The damage is still there, even if it is less.” Carlisle explained softly. “This will mean you can go back to school tomorrow, Edward. I will take some vacation time to spend home with her to help her through this.”

“But won't it do more damage, her using her throat all the time?” Edward's concern was written on his face.

“No. When you guys get home from school, she can use you while she's awake.” Carlisle looked at Anna Belle who was smiling.

“Well, can I go to school today?” Edward asked hopeful.

Carlisle laughed softly while nodding. “Go on. I'm home, so I can start with her today.” Both himself and Esme laughed as Edward ran up the stairs and out the door within seconds and then speeding out of the driveway. “I do believe we have the only teenagers who like to go to school, dear.”

“I believe so, and one who is more than eager to go back.” Esme hugged Anna Belle's shoulders who was still grinning from ear to ear.

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

Edward had missed the first half of school and it was lunch time when his silver Volvo pulled into the parking lot. He made his way straight to the lunch room, not even bothering with his locker. Once he walked in, his mind was bombarded. Mostly those who knew Anna Belle wanting to know how she was doing and wondering if they should approach him about it. He ignored them, heading straight for the table where Bella and the rest of his family sat. Alice was sitting on the edge of her seat, nearly bouncing up and down while Jasper attempted to calm her down. Rosalie didn't look to happy.

He sat down next to Bella, kissing her cheek. “Did I miss anything interesting today?” He asked as he put an arm going around the back of her chair.

“Did you miss anything? We missed everything.” Alice's voice was full of excitement.

Edward laughed softly as he made sure no one was listening to them. “Guessing you saw, huh?”

“She sure did.” Rosalie growled at Edward.

“I guess your not happy that she said Esme instead of Rosalie?” Edwards words were a question and a statement at one time. When Rosalie didn't answer, he sighed. “Rosalie, Esme spends more time with her because you are here in school for 8 hours a day. It's only natural for her to say her name as her first word.”

“Whatever.” Rosalie turned away from Edward and the rest of the table to examine her nails, which were perfect as always.

“So, what was it like 'in person'?” Alice was grinning ear to ear and almost jumping out of her seat and into Edwards lap. If it wasn't for Jasper holding her down physically, she would have done just that.

“The same as your vision, Alice, and you know it. She was napping when suddenly we her Esme's name come from the couch. Esme, I swear. She was like a mother whose baby just said 'mama'.” Edward laughed softly at the memory. “It was cute. Carlisle said a lot of damage has been repaired now, so it may be just a few more days before she's back to normal. He is going to take time off from work and stay home with Esme, while we are in school, to work with her so that she isn't tempted to use me to talk. But once we are home, she will be able to do the same thing.”

Edward had just gotten that last part out when Jessica and Angela approached the table slowly. “Um...Edward, since you have been at home helping your mom with Anna Belle and you're here today...does that mean she's a lot better now?” Jessica asked slowly.

“Actually, yes it does. My fathers going to stay home with her now to make sure she gets better, faster.” Edward explained, making both of the girls smile.

“Well, tell her we miss her and that we hope she comes back soon!” Angela blurted out. She then held out a small bag to Edward. “And this is from all of us, for her.”

“Oh, I am sure she will love, whatever it is.” Edward took the bag and put it on the table. “I will relay the message.” Edward flashed his brilliant smile and the two girls rushed off again.

“You're dazzling people again, Edward.” Bella teased softly, just before the bell rang and it was time for classes to begin again for the day.

“You know you're the only girl I want to dazzle.” Edward cooed softly, smiling down at her with that all-knowing smile that made her turn a few shades of red, remembering the night before.

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

Blaine stood back, looking at the work he had finished just a few moments ago. He had to do a lot of work to the small garage. It was pretty run down when he had bought it. Because of his connections with his other shops, he was able to get the things he needed to upgrade and fix the place up. It was looking good. Not completely done, but close enough for him to open. A knock came to one of the garage doors. He walked over and hit a button to start up the automatic door opening system he just installed. He was soon face to face with Charlie Swan.

Charlie looked around the old garage, impressed. “Hey, I heard you bought this old place from Jack. Wanted to come by see what you were doing here. I'm Chief Charlie Swan.” He held his hand out to Blaine.

Blaine smiled at Charlie before taking the man's hand. “Blaine. Yes, I did. I am just finishing up a few things before I open. Not completely done renovating, but it's a start. I hear you're one of the two people to thank for Anna Belle Collins' new situation.”

Charlie looked at the man, impressed and shocked. His hand was cold and hard. “You know Anna Belle?”

“Since she was 12. Sweet little girl, to bad about what happened.” Blaine turned to look over a few more pieces of equipment, including a new hydraulic lift he had just installed.

“What happened to the Collins kid's parents anyway?” Charlie asked, curious to find out more about the girl.

Blaine stopped a moment then let out a breath. “Car accident. They were both killed. Unfortunately, Alexander—her brother—was always a bastard. Became even more so after that.” He quickly answered, not wanting to look back at Charlie.

“Well, I think it will be good for the Cullen's to have someone around who knows so much about Anna Belle, helpful even.” Charlie was glad about this news. “They are the people who have been kind enough to take her in. I'm sure they would like to meet you.”

“Actually, I've already met them. They seem very nice, very good for her.” Blaine smiled at the idea of her being in such good hands. “I am glad she found them.”

“My daughter helped with that. She loves Anna Belle, adores her even. So do I, for that matter.” Charlie smiled. “She is just so sweet. Here she is, sick, and she made dinner for Bella when she came over the other night. She even made enough so I could take some and it was great.”

“Sounds like my Anna Belle, she's always been like that.” Blaine turned back around to Charlie. “And handy, I'm going to be hiring her to help me work here. She is great at working on cars. Ace mechanic, just like her father.”

“Wow! That's great to hear. So, when will you be opening?” Charlie was interested so very much about this, now more than ever.

Blaine laughed softly before he answered. “Tomorrow. I am having some friends come to help work more on the shop. But it's operational enough to open up to the public. Any reason why your asking, Chief?”

“Just wanted to know, let people know when you will be open.” Charlie turned to leave when he noticed the booth. “Is that a...paint booth?”

“Yeah, I do customizing too, so does Anna Belle. It's one of my trademarks.” Blaine smiled proudly as Charlie nodded before saying good bye and leaving. Blaine looked around the shop with a bigger smile. At last, he and Anna Belle will get to be together again. He missed their times working in the shop together, side by side. He had longed for that once and maybe, just maybe, he would have it again.

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

Alexander was busy typing away on his laptop searching old records, newspaper articles and such. His fingers flew over the keys quickly and easily. Soon enough, something caught his eyes.

'Family of missing teenage girl state they will always live in their home, in the hopes that she will finally return.' He smiled as he read the article. He started writing some stuff down. He moved down the old article to the photo. Anna Belle was standing in the middle of two young parents. 'Maria and Jackson Logan, shown here with their daughter Anna Belle, just days before she went missing.' The article continued on about the missing girl. But all he was interested in was the address of the house.

Soon enough, he was printing off photos of a house and a map to get to it. He smiled as he watched these print. Then he started doing some more searching. He easily hacked into Forks High School's students records. Soon the photo of Isabella Swan filled his screen. “Ah, so sweet looking. Would be a shame to let that go to waste.” He laughed softly, while printing the photo of her and her school schedule. Morgan walked in, hearing him from the hallway.

“What has you laughing, Alexander?” Morgan purred as she moved up behind him.

“Revenge has me laughing, Morgan. Revenge. And it will taste so sweet.” Alexander picked up the photo of Bella, smiling. “As well as a plan forming, even as we speak.”

AN

And she speaks, hehe. Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter as much as I loved writing it. Chapter 20 is in the works don't worry. Till then, what does Alexander have planned for Bella?

Also this is calling upon ALL of my fans. Give me your idea's for the name of Blaine's Garage. I am leaning towards Switch Blade Car Customizing and Repair, my beta reader's thinking Dawsons Repair and Customizing. Remember Blaine has no last name so help me out and I might use your idea. So give your idea's or votes. Thanks.