Mail Order Bride
Disclaimer: Twilight is owned by Stephanie
Meyer. No copyright infringement is meant. I am using the characters for
enjoyment purposes only.
Disclaimer: This fic is rated "M" for language,
violence, and sexual situations. If you are under 18, SCRAM! It is not my job to
police you. If you don't like what you are reading, STOP!
#--------
Chapter 9
Taking a deep breath, Bella said, "I'm getting married….."
Pandemonium broke out from every direction. Everyone started talking over
each other, trying to be heard….
"Bella! Are you insane?-Mike
"Bella! You can't be serious!-Sue
"Who is it? I'll kill him!"-Charlie
"Why would you do this?"-Leah
"Who's gonna make all the food now?"-Jacob
"I can cook, Jacob Swan!"-Leah
"No, Bella can cook….you burn water!"-Jacob
Thud! "OOOOOOWWWWW!-Jacob
"Children, enough!"-Sue
"Tell me who he is! He'll pay for this!"-Charlie
"Who are you talking about?"-Mike
"The boy who (whispers) put Bella in a family way."-Charlie
"WHAT!"-everyone
Suddenly, there was a loud roar, followed by "SILENCE!" Everyone turned to
look at Emmett. "Now that I have everyone's attention," he said sarcastically,
"Perhaps you would all be so kind as to let Bella speak now."
Bella stared at Emmett, truly glad that for once in her life, he was on her
side. She stared at her family. Taking another deep breathe, she tried again.
"As I said, I'm getting married. I answered an ad in the paper for a bride,
and I was accepted. When my ticket arrives, I'll be leaving on the next train
after that," Bella said, daring anyone to speak. Everyone remained silent. Bella
took a moment to look at her family.
Charlie was sitting in the chair, fuming. There was no doubt in Bella's mind
that if Edward was standing in front of him, he would be a dead man.
Jacob was sourly eyeballing Leah, rubbing the back of his head where Leah had
clobbered him with the book that Bella had left sitting on the table. Leah was
silently shooting daggers at Jacob.
Mike and Sue were staring at Bella as if she had suddenly grown another head
and wings had sprouted out of her back.
The only two who were unfazed by the announcement were Emmett and Rosalie.
They were sitting calmly next to each other on the couch.
The silence dragged out. Finally, Charlie spoke.
"Bells? You're not, you know.." he said, gesturing toward her stomach. Bella
grasped what he was asking and blushed.
"No, Father. I'm not in a family way. My groom lives in Chicago. I have never
even met him," she told him calmly.
"Why, Bells? Why would you want to marry an absolute stranger?" Jacob asked
from the other couch.
"All my life, I've felt pushed aside. Like I didn't matter. Like I wasn't
important. Ever since Mother passed away, you've all treated me like a slave. I
make all the meals, I clean everyone's houses." Bella paused, knowing this next
part would be hard for all of them to hear. "I want what I see all of you
living. I want a husband who will love me and only me for eternity. I want
children running underfoot. I want my own home to take care of, not everyone
else's. Plainly speaking, I want to see what else is out there. I need to know."
Charlie had the grace to blush. " You could have all that here. You don't
need to move so far away."
"My brothers, in their well meaning ways, have run off every possible
suitor who has ever come to try to court me. I can't very well have a family if
I have no husband," Bella was quick to point out.
"Bella, we only had your best interest in mind," Mike said sadly.
Bella shook her head. "No. You all have only had your best interests in mind.
I have been the cook, housekeeper, babysitter. Basically, you have all turned me
into Mother. If I'm to be anyone's mother, it will be to my own children, not my
siblings and father."
"Who will cook and clean and sew and…." Jacob started, before Bella cut him
off.
"Your wife will. And," she looked pointedly at Mike, "Your fiancée will."
"But, Bella," Jacob said, looking wearily at Leah, before whispering loudly,
"Leah can't cook!"
Why me? I know I'm going to regret this offer, but…
"I'll teach Leah and Jessica everything they need to know before I leave."
Sue spoke up for the first time. "Dear? I must say something. I know I'm not
your mother, but I am still worried about you traveling across the country all
alone."
Bless you Sue!
"I won't be alone. Emmett, Rosalie and Jackson are coming with me," Bella
said, again waiting for an explosion.
Charlie glared at his eldest. "You agreed to accompany her on this foolish
journey?"
Emmett stared at his father. He had always loved and respected him, but today
he wasn't even sure he liked his father. Foolish journey is it?
"Father, Bella and I spoke about this at length. This is what she wants to
do. Bella is 18 now. She has the right to live her life the way she wants
to. She's right. We all used her as a replacement for Mother. We all thought if
we chased all the boys away, that Bella would always stay here. We were wrong.
All of us need to respect the decisions that she has made."
Jacob and Mike stared at their elder brother like they had never before seen
him. Where did this maturity come from? Emmett was never the serious one.
It was shocking to see him….act like an adult.
"Is this really what you want, Bells?" Charlie asked, already knowing her
answer.
"Yes. There's no changing my mind. I am going to Chicago to become the bride
of Edward Cullen."
#------------
"Auntie Bwela?" Jackson said for the 10th time in the last hour. Bella sighed
and looked at her 3 year old nephew.
Currently, they were 2 hours into a 9 hour train ride. Jackson had been
bouncing non stop since they had gotten on the train. Having never been on one
before, Jackson was curious about everything! He had already asked about
the seats, the windows, the platform, the stairs, the compartment they were all
riding in. What else could he possible want to know?
"Yes, Jackson?" Bella asked patiently. Emmett smirked at her from the
opposite bench. Just you wait….
"Are we there yet?" Jackson asked, looking up at Bella with big innocent
eyes. Bella glared at Emmett. Why hadn't he explained how a train ride worked
before they had gotten on it?
"No, Jackson. We still have a long way to go," Rosalie said before Bella
could respond.
"But, I want to be there alweardy!" Jackson wined. So do I…..
When the four of them had boarded the train earlier, Bella had been surprised
to see her whole family come to say goodbye. Charlie actually looked misty eyed.
He had pulled Bella into a hug, whispering in her ear, "This will always be your
home. If this doesn't work out, you can always come back home."
Tears had sprung to Bella's eyes. In that moment, she knew that her father
did truly love her. "I know, Daddy. I know," she had whispered back.
Even Jacob and Mike had looked teary eyed. Probably going to miss my
cooking….
Trying to teach Leah and Jessica baking and cooking, was an experience Bella
would prefer to forget. Jacob had been right about Leah. She was very good
at burning water….
But, finally, she had taught them both all the basics, and was happy in the
knowledge that Sue would continue to teach them after she was in Chicago.
Hopefully neither one burns down the house….
After boarding, Bella had looked out the window, seemingly looking upon her
family for the last time. She memorized their faces, committing them to her
memory. The train started, and Bella and Emmett waved at their family one last
time. Both continued to look out the window, until everyone was only a small
dot.
Which brought them to their current position….
Only 7 hours to go…..
#-------
Finally, they arrived at the train station in Chicago. Jackson had fallen
asleep, so Emmett had him thrown over one of his massive shoulders, while a
porter helped them all with their bags. Stepping off the train, Bella took a
moment to look around her. The sun was a little brighter here, then in Seattle.
People rode by on bicycles. She even saw a few people with automobiles. She
didn't know anyone back home that could afford an automobile.
For the first time, Bella felt insecure. What if her new husband was wealthy?
Would he be happy with someone who…wasn't? Would he even…like her?
As Bella stood taking in her surroundings, she became aware of a young man
and woman making their way over. The man was tall, with blonde hair that was a
bit longish, but on him, still attractive. He walked with his shoulders back,
much like an officer would do.
The woman beside him looked, to Bella's mind, like a pixie. She had short,
black hair, a fashion that had recently started becoming popular. She was
walking quickly, practically bouncing.
Jackson and her would get along perfect….
The duo stopped in front of Bella and company. The woman stepped forward.
"Are you Isabella Swan?" she asked, even her voice sounding bell like.
"Yes, I am. You must be Alice?" Bella questioned. Emmett and Rosalie held
back, letting Bella have this moment alone.
Instead of answering, Alice reached forward and pulled Bella into a hug.
Bella's eyes widened. She was not a physical person by nature. The only two
people who had ever really hugged her were her father and Emmett. She stood
there, unsure what to do. Finally, Alice released her.
"I am so glad you are going to be my sister!" Alice exclaimed. She looked
Bella over from head to toe. Edward wouldn't know what hit him! Jasper cleared
his throat.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. This is Jasper, my fiancé," Alice said, stepping back.
"This is Emmett, my brother. His wife, Rosalie, and the little boy on
Emmett's shoulder is Jackson, my nephew," Bella said, introducing the rest of
them.
Alice squealed. "Oh, he's adorable. He and Nessie will have so much fun!"
"Alice, why isn't Edward here to meet me?" Bella asked. She had found it odd
that her fiancé wasn't there to greet her.
Alice's face fell. "He had something come up at the last minute and asked
Jasper and I to come in his place," she lied smoothly.
"Oh, I see. When will I be seeing him then?" Bella really wanted to see him.
"Soon. Very soon. In fact, he is waiting for you in our parent's home," Alice
told her. It wasn't a total lie. He was at their parent's house. He just
thought it was for a family dinner and get together.
When Alice and Jasper had gotten up to head down to the train station, Edward
had stopped them.
"Where are you two off too?" Edward asked.
"We thought we would take an evening stroll. The weather is starting to turn
colder, and soon we'll be forced to stay indoors," Alice had lied.
"Would you mind if I accompanied you? I could use some fresh air myself,"
Edward had said, reaching for his coat.
Alice's eyes had gone wide. "No!" she practically screeched. Edward stared at
her.
"I mean-um, Jasper and I would really like some time alone, just the
two of us," Alice begged.
Edward sighed. He got the hint. Nodding to them, he went back into the parlor
to chat with their parents.
Once outside, Alice had said, "That was too close!"
"Why did you react like that? Edward is suspicious now," Jasper told her.
"No, he isn't. He knows nothing," Alice said with confidence. They continued
on to the train station….
Coming back to the here and now, Alice began to tell Bella about Edward.
"He's tall, with Bronze colored hair. He has green eyes. Edward has a little
girl named Nessie. She is 6. Nessie is part of the reason you are here," Alice
told Bella.
Bella nodded. "I gathered that from your advertisement. You said Edward is a
widower?"
"Yes. His wife, Tanya passed away last year. She caught the Spanish
influenza. It happened so quickly, she was gone before we knew it. Edward was
heartbroken. He and Tanya had been married for 6 years. Nessie had been born
just under a year after the wedding. They had married at 17," Alice recited.
"That's young!" Emmett spoke up for the first time. Alice nodded.
"Yes, they were very much in love and did not want to wait," Alice agreed.
"So, Nessie needs a mother more than anything else?" Bella guessed.
"Yes, but, Edward wants a wife very badly as well. He has changed in the last
year. He has become more temperamental. Nessie is feeling the change and
reacting to it," Alice stated. "Edward wants to change and he wants Nessie happy
again."
"But, does he want me?" Bella couldn't help but ask. The way Alice made it
sound, it was all for Nessie…
"Of course he does," Alice told her. "Come on. We need to get going. Edward
is waiting to meet his bride!"
So, the little group trooped behind Alice and Jasper. Bella couldn't help but
feel that something wasn't right. Alice had spoke a lot about Nessie, but very
little about Edward.
#-----------
About 20 minutes later, Alice stopped in front of a large home. "This is my
parent's home," she said excitedly.
Bella took in the huge house. Edward's parents are wealthy…..
Alice turned to Bella. "Wait right here and I'll be right back. Give me two
minutes," she said, before running into the house. Jasper just shrugged.
"You get used to it," he said by way of explanation.
"This is one huge house!" Emmett spoke up. Bella had never known her brother
to be silent for this long in his life.
"Look at the beautiful curtains in the windows," Rosalie said in awe.
Bella had to agree with both of them. Her old home in Seattle would fit
inside this house twice over. Suddenly, Bella felt unsure.
The door opened and Alice emerged. "Bella, come on," she said.
Turning to Emmett and Rosalie, Bella said, "You might as well wait here. We
don't want to over whelm him with family the first 10 minutes."
"If you need anything, we'll be right here," Emmett told her.
Bella stepped toward the door. Jasper put a hand on her arm, stopping her.
Looking at him questioningly, Jasper told her, "Relax. He doesn't bite."
Bella nodded and headed toward her destiny.
#----------
Disclaimer: Twilight is owned by Stephanie
Meyer. No copyright infringement is meant. I am using the characters for
enjoyment purposes only.
Disclaimer: This fic is rated "M" for language,
violence, and sexual situations. If you are under 18, SCRAM! It is not my job to
police you. If you don't like what you are reading, STOP!
#--------
Chapter 9
Taking a deep breath, Bella said, "I'm getting married….."
Pandemonium broke out from every direction. Everyone started talking over
each other, trying to be heard….
"Bella! Are you insane?-Mike
"Bella! You can't be serious!-Sue
"Who is it? I'll kill him!"-Charlie
"Why would you do this?"-Leah
"Who's gonna make all the food now?"-Jacob
"I can cook, Jacob Swan!"-Leah
"No, Bella can cook….you burn water!"-Jacob
Thud! "OOOOOOWWWWW!-Jacob
"Children, enough!"-Sue
"Tell me who he is! He'll pay for this!"-Charlie
"Who are you talking about?"-Mike
"The boy who (whispers) put Bella in a family way."-Charlie
"WHAT!"-everyone
Suddenly, there was a loud roar, followed by "SILENCE!" Everyone turned to
look at Emmett. "Now that I have everyone's attention," he said sarcastically,
"Perhaps you would all be so kind as to let Bella speak now."
Bella stared at Emmett, truly glad that for once in her life, he was on her
side. She stared at her family. Taking another deep breathe, she tried again.
"As I said, I'm getting married. I answered an ad in the paper for a bride,
and I was accepted. When my ticket arrives, I'll be leaving on the next train
after that," Bella said, daring anyone to speak. Everyone remained silent. Bella
took a moment to look at her family.
Charlie was sitting in the chair, fuming. There was no doubt in Bella's mind
that if Edward was standing in front of him, he would be a dead man.
Jacob was sourly eyeballing Leah, rubbing the back of his head where Leah had
clobbered him with the book that Bella had left sitting on the table. Leah was
silently shooting daggers at Jacob.
Mike and Sue were staring at Bella as if she had suddenly grown another head
and wings had sprouted out of her back.
The only two who were unfazed by the announcement were Emmett and Rosalie.
They were sitting calmly next to each other on the couch.
The silence dragged out. Finally, Charlie spoke.
"Bells? You're not, you know.." he said, gesturing toward her stomach. Bella
grasped what he was asking and blushed.
"No, Father. I'm not in a family way. My groom lives in Chicago. I have never
even met him," she told him calmly.
"Why, Bells? Why would you want to marry an absolute stranger?" Jacob asked
from the other couch.
"All my life, I've felt pushed aside. Like I didn't matter. Like I wasn't
important. Ever since Mother passed away, you've all treated me like a slave. I
make all the meals, I clean everyone's houses." Bella paused, knowing this next
part would be hard for all of them to hear. "I want what I see all of you
living. I want a husband who will love me and only me for eternity. I want
children running underfoot. I want my own home to take care of, not everyone
else's. Plainly speaking, I want to see what else is out there. I need to know."
Charlie had the grace to blush. " You could have all that here. You don't
need to move so far away."
"My brothers, in their well meaning ways, have run off every possible
suitor who has ever come to try to court me. I can't very well have a family if
I have no husband," Bella was quick to point out.
"Bella, we only had your best interest in mind," Mike said sadly.
Bella shook her head. "No. You all have only had your best interests in mind.
I have been the cook, housekeeper, babysitter. Basically, you have all turned me
into Mother. If I'm to be anyone's mother, it will be to my own children, not my
siblings and father."
"Who will cook and clean and sew and…." Jacob started, before Bella cut him
off.
"Your wife will. And," she looked pointedly at Mike, "Your fiancée will."
"But, Bella," Jacob said, looking wearily at Leah, before whispering loudly,
"Leah can't cook!"
Why me? I know I'm going to regret this offer, but…
"I'll teach Leah and Jessica everything they need to know before I leave."
Sue spoke up for the first time. "Dear? I must say something. I know I'm not
your mother, but I am still worried about you traveling across the country all
alone."
Bless you Sue!
"I won't be alone. Emmett, Rosalie and Jackson are coming with me," Bella
said, again waiting for an explosion.
Charlie glared at his eldest. "You agreed to accompany her on this foolish
journey?"
Emmett stared at his father. He had always loved and respected him, but today
he wasn't even sure he liked his father. Foolish journey is it?
"Father, Bella and I spoke about this at length. This is what she wants to
do. Bella is 18 now. She has the right to live her life the way she wants
to. She's right. We all used her as a replacement for Mother. We all thought if
we chased all the boys away, that Bella would always stay here. We were wrong.
All of us need to respect the decisions that she has made."
Jacob and Mike stared at their elder brother like they had never before seen
him. Where did this maturity come from? Emmett was never the serious one.
It was shocking to see him….act like an adult.
"Is this really what you want, Bells?" Charlie asked, already knowing her
answer.
"Yes. There's no changing my mind. I am going to Chicago to become the bride
of Edward Cullen."
#------------
"Auntie Bwela?" Jackson said for the 10th time in the last hour. Bella sighed
and looked at her 3 year old nephew.
Currently, they were 2 hours into a 9 hour train ride. Jackson had been
bouncing non stop since they had gotten on the train. Having never been on one
before, Jackson was curious about everything! He had already asked about
the seats, the windows, the platform, the stairs, the compartment they were all
riding in. What else could he possible want to know?
"Yes, Jackson?" Bella asked patiently. Emmett smirked at her from the
opposite bench. Just you wait….
"Are we there yet?" Jackson asked, looking up at Bella with big innocent
eyes. Bella glared at Emmett. Why hadn't he explained how a train ride worked
before they had gotten on it?
"No, Jackson. We still have a long way to go," Rosalie said before Bella
could respond.
"But, I want to be there alweardy!" Jackson wined. So do I…..
When the four of them had boarded the train earlier, Bella had been surprised
to see her whole family come to say goodbye. Charlie actually looked misty eyed.
He had pulled Bella into a hug, whispering in her ear, "This will always be your
home. If this doesn't work out, you can always come back home."
Tears had sprung to Bella's eyes. In that moment, she knew that her father
did truly love her. "I know, Daddy. I know," she had whispered back.
Even Jacob and Mike had looked teary eyed. Probably going to miss my
cooking….
Trying to teach Leah and Jessica baking and cooking, was an experience Bella
would prefer to forget. Jacob had been right about Leah. She was very good
at burning water….
But, finally, she had taught them both all the basics, and was happy in the
knowledge that Sue would continue to teach them after she was in Chicago.
Hopefully neither one burns down the house….
After boarding, Bella had looked out the window, seemingly looking upon her
family for the last time. She memorized their faces, committing them to her
memory. The train started, and Bella and Emmett waved at their family one last
time. Both continued to look out the window, until everyone was only a small
dot.
Which brought them to their current position….
Only 7 hours to go…..
#-------
Finally, they arrived at the train station in Chicago. Jackson had fallen
asleep, so Emmett had him thrown over one of his massive shoulders, while a
porter helped them all with their bags. Stepping off the train, Bella took a
moment to look around her. The sun was a little brighter here, then in Seattle.
People rode by on bicycles. She even saw a few people with automobiles. She
didn't know anyone back home that could afford an automobile.
For the first time, Bella felt insecure. What if her new husband was wealthy?
Would he be happy with someone who…wasn't? Would he even…like her?
As Bella stood taking in her surroundings, she became aware of a young man
and woman making their way over. The man was tall, with blonde hair that was a
bit longish, but on him, still attractive. He walked with his shoulders back,
much like an officer would do.
The woman beside him looked, to Bella's mind, like a pixie. She had short,
black hair, a fashion that had recently started becoming popular. She was
walking quickly, practically bouncing.
Jackson and her would get along perfect….
The duo stopped in front of Bella and company. The woman stepped forward.
"Are you Isabella Swan?" she asked, even her voice sounding bell like.
"Yes, I am. You must be Alice?" Bella questioned. Emmett and Rosalie held
back, letting Bella have this moment alone.
Instead of answering, Alice reached forward and pulled Bella into a hug.
Bella's eyes widened. She was not a physical person by nature. The only two
people who had ever really hugged her were her father and Emmett. She stood
there, unsure what to do. Finally, Alice released her.
"I am so glad you are going to be my sister!" Alice exclaimed. She looked
Bella over from head to toe. Edward wouldn't know what hit him! Jasper cleared
his throat.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. This is Jasper, my fiancé," Alice said, stepping back.
"This is Emmett, my brother. His wife, Rosalie, and the little boy on
Emmett's shoulder is Jackson, my nephew," Bella said, introducing the rest of
them.
Alice squealed. "Oh, he's adorable. He and Nessie will have so much fun!"
"Alice, why isn't Edward here to meet me?" Bella asked. She had found it odd
that her fiancé wasn't there to greet her.
Alice's face fell. "He had something come up at the last minute and asked
Jasper and I to come in his place," she lied smoothly.
"Oh, I see. When will I be seeing him then?" Bella really wanted to see him.
"Soon. Very soon. In fact, he is waiting for you in our parent's home," Alice
told her. It wasn't a total lie. He was at their parent's house. He just
thought it was for a family dinner and get together.
When Alice and Jasper had gotten up to head down to the train station, Edward
had stopped them.
"Where are you two off too?" Edward asked.
"We thought we would take an evening stroll. The weather is starting to turn
colder, and soon we'll be forced to stay indoors," Alice had lied.
"Would you mind if I accompanied you? I could use some fresh air myself,"
Edward had said, reaching for his coat.
Alice's eyes had gone wide. "No!" she practically screeched. Edward stared at
her.
"I mean-um, Jasper and I would really like some time alone, just the
two of us," Alice begged.
Edward sighed. He got the hint. Nodding to them, he went back into the parlor
to chat with their parents.
Once outside, Alice had said, "That was too close!"
"Why did you react like that? Edward is suspicious now," Jasper told her.
"No, he isn't. He knows nothing," Alice said with confidence. They continued
on to the train station….
Coming back to the here and now, Alice began to tell Bella about Edward.
"He's tall, with Bronze colored hair. He has green eyes. Edward has a little
girl named Nessie. She is 6. Nessie is part of the reason you are here," Alice
told Bella.
Bella nodded. "I gathered that from your advertisement. You said Edward is a
widower?"
"Yes. His wife, Tanya passed away last year. She caught the Spanish
influenza. It happened so quickly, she was gone before we knew it. Edward was
heartbroken. He and Tanya had been married for 6 years. Nessie had been born
just under a year after the wedding. They had married at 17," Alice recited.
"That's young!" Emmett spoke up for the first time. Alice nodded.
"Yes, they were very much in love and did not want to wait," Alice agreed.
"So, Nessie needs a mother more than anything else?" Bella guessed.
"Yes, but, Edward wants a wife very badly as well. He has changed in the last
year. He has become more temperamental. Nessie is feeling the change and
reacting to it," Alice stated. "Edward wants to change and he wants Nessie happy
again."
"But, does he want me?" Bella couldn't help but ask. The way Alice made it
sound, it was all for Nessie…
"Of course he does," Alice told her. "Come on. We need to get going. Edward
is waiting to meet his bride!"
So, the little group trooped behind Alice and Jasper. Bella couldn't help but
feel that something wasn't right. Alice had spoke a lot about Nessie, but very
little about Edward.
#-----------
About 20 minutes later, Alice stopped in front of a large home. "This is my
parent's home," she said excitedly.
Bella took in the huge house. Edward's parents are wealthy…..
Alice turned to Bella. "Wait right here and I'll be right back. Give me two
minutes," she said, before running into the house. Jasper just shrugged.
"You get used to it," he said by way of explanation.
"This is one huge house!" Emmett spoke up. Bella had never known her brother
to be silent for this long in his life.
"Look at the beautiful curtains in the windows," Rosalie said in awe.
Bella had to agree with both of them. Her old home in Seattle would fit
inside this house twice over. Suddenly, Bella felt unsure.
The door opened and Alice emerged. "Bella, come on," she said.
Turning to Emmett and Rosalie, Bella said, "You might as well wait here. We
don't want to over whelm him with family the first 10 minutes."
"If you need anything, we'll be right here," Emmett told her.
Bella stepped toward the door. Jasper put a hand on her arm, stopping her.
Looking at him questioningly, Jasper told her, "Relax. He doesn't bite."
Bella nodded and headed toward her destiny.
#----------