You're a Scribbled out Name That My Love Keeps Writing Again and Again

Sophia’s right leg bounced up and down with unconscious worry. Her bottom lip was caught in her teeth as she chewed nervously, keeping her eyes out the window and never on Edward’s anxious gaze through the mirror.

“Sophia.” Bella said, turning round in the front seat to face her sister. “Are you okay? You’re inability to keep still is starting to make me nervous.”
“Oh. Sorry Bella.” She said, halting her leg. She hadn’t even realised she was bouncing it. She knew she was nervous, sitting in the backseat of the silver Volvo that Edward owned, off to meet his family, the Cullens. She knew all that, she just couldn’t understand why she was nervous. She couldn’t find a logical reason. It was as if the word Cullens made her stomach turn.
Her eyes caught Edwards in the mirror and she couldn’t help but shudder slightly. There was something strange about him. It was as if he gave of an eerie presence that repulsed everyone and told them to stay away.

Her eyes turned to Bella, who was staring at Edward with adoration. Sophia rolled her eyes. She had just escaped a love sick couple but managed to run into the arms of a new one.
In Sophia’s eyes she thought that Bella and Edward were much worse than Renee had ever been with Phil. She had only been with Edward ad Bella an hour but could already see the connection between them. She hadn’t even seem them do more then hold hands but it was just the way they looked at each other, with such love and devotion that you could practically see it radiating off of them. It made Sophia grimace. And become filled with raging jealousy.

Sophia had told Bella that boys were the last thing on her mind but seeing Bella's love made her rethink that. Ever since she was little, Sophia dreamed of a fairytale life. One where a prince charming would sweep her off her feet and safe her from her dismal life with her wicked mother, Renee. Sophia smiled slightly at that thought. They never did get on.

But as Sophia grew older, the only boys she had the pleasure of meeting were insensitive, cocky, self absorbed jerks. Her fairytale dream quickly died and she spent her daydreaming days reinventing herself as a comic book character with hardcore superpowers.
Sophia sighed. Suddenly her fairytale dream was resurfacing, rising back up under the thin layer of childhood in her mind. Looking at Edward and Bella, she suddenly realised that she wanted what they had. She wanted someone to love her.

She mentally cursed herself. She didn’t want this. Didn’t want to feel like this. She refused to be one of those silly schoolgirl infatuated with a boy who claimed to love her. She refused to be one so blinded by love that she would believe him.

She focused out on the scenery, trying to banish all ideas of love in her head. The car wound round the empty road and Sophia could see a house ahead of them. It was in a secluded area, hiding by the masses of trees. It was very modern and stylish. And looked very expensive. That didn’t really surprise Sophia as she had seen Edward’s car and clocked what clothes he was wearing. Designer.

Bella was biting her lip and fiddling with her hands in her lap. The car had stopped but Bella continued to stare out the window, not acknowledging that they had arrived.

“Yeah. I’m the nervous one.” Sophia said, rolling her eyes and opening the car door.

“Bella love? Are you okay?”

“I’m sorry Edward. I can’t help but be nervous.”

She glanced at Sophia who was leaning against the car and raising her eyebrows at the other car parked in front of the house. Bella knew they would be able to sense she was here. Be able to hear her. Smell her.

“Everything will be okay. All you have to worry about is my family taking a disliking to her. And how will that ever happen? Your family is our family.” Edward reasoned.

Bella smiled at Edward. “I’m being silly aren’t are?”

“You’re just being a responsible sister, looking out for Sophia.”

“Argh and I told myself I wouldn’t come down all paranoid and overprotective.” She opened the car door and was helped out by Edward, who suddenly appeared in front of her. Bella raised her eyebrows but Sophia’s hadn’t noticed Edwards little display of inhuman speed. Sophia’s eyes were glued to the other car, following the curves.

“Nice.” She commented.

He smiled. “That’s Rosalie for you. Fast and flash.”

Sophia glanced at Bella. Bella had been very vague on Edward’s family, outlining their personality as little as possible. All she really knew was that Carlisle was a doctor, Alice was like a sister and Rosalie wasn’t too fond of her brother’s new girlfriend.

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to be here? They do know I’m coming, right?” Sophia asked frantically.

Edward chuckled. “I’m sure. They’re actually very excited to meet you.”

“Oh. Well that’s cool then.”

Bella tried to force a reassuring smile at her sister but Sophia could see the strain and worry in her face and she couldn’t understand why.

Edward started to walk up the driveway, holding Bella tight to him. He opened the door and smiled at Sophia.

“Ladies first.”

Sophia complied and stepped in, waiting for Bella to stop so she could whisper. “Wow, Bella. It’s like he came straight from the 19th century.”

Bella instantly froze.

“What?” Sophia mouthed to Bella as from the corner of her eyes she could see Edward had stopped and was looking at her too.

Bella quickly recovered and smiled, whispering a quick “Nothing.”

“Jeez Bells. I was just kidding.” Sophia muttered. She stopped short as she took in her surroundings.

The house was very open and white which should of looked dull and drab if it wasn’t for the modern furniture and décor. The inside looked like the front of a interior design magazines.

Sophia’s eyes were instantly drawn to the paintings which were scattered along the walls. Her eyes followed the row of still life and abstract until one in particular made her stop.

“Ah! Starry Night is one of my personal favourites by Van Gogh.” She commented smiling. She stepped closer tilting her head. “Wow, I mean, this is amazing fake. It looks like an exact replica.”

“It’s amazing what the internet sells these days.” Edward said smoothly.

She smiled and continued to look at the paintings.

Edward turned to Bella who was staring wide eyed.

“Edward. Please don’t tell me that…” She trailed off.

Edward smirked. “Carlisle knows some very interesting and important people.”

Bella shook her head in disbelief.

“Here they come.” Edward muttered, turning his head towards the stairs.

Sophia looked up at the sound of footsteps, following the noise until her gaze landed on the staircase.

A small, slender girl with short inky black hair, wearing a white dress was bouncing down the stairs wearing a huge grin on her beautiful face. She moved with impossible grace, flouncing down the steps with so much poise and balance.

“You must be Sophia!” She cried, wrapping her small arms around Sophia in a cold embrace. Sophia jumped slightly, at the jolt of coldness and the shock of being hugged by a stranger.

She pulled away; laughing at Sophia’s perplexed face. Her laughter was like a song on its own. “Oh sorry. I’m Alice. And you of course are Sophia. It’s great to finally meet you!”

“It’s nice to meet you too…Alice.”

“I’m so glad I finally get to meet Bella’s little sister! She speaks so much about you! And I’m sure Bella has told you all about me. Isn’t that right Bella?”

Bella rolled her eyes. “Of course Alice.”

Sophia saw a boy, who was still on the last step of the staircase, watching Sophia. He was very tall and lean, his face still, serious and breathtaking. As he caught her eye, Sophia felt a strange feeling of ease pass over her. She felt calm and comfortable almost as if this was her own house and these people she had known all her life.

“That’s Jasper.” Alice said as she saw Sophia looking. Jasper smiled slightly at Sophia but didn’t move from his spot. “Sorry, he’s not what you call a social butterfly.”

Sophia nodded, smiling at Alice before her eyes saw two new figures approaching.

The girl was stunning, beautiful and flawless in every way. She had long blonde hair which was elegantly curled. She reminded Sophia of an old Hollywood actress.

Holding her hand was a boy, who was smirking as if something was very amusing. It was probably Sophia’s face when she took in his burly frame and muscle that bulged from under his sweatshirt. He was terrifying yet beautiful.

“This is Rosalie and Emmett.” Edward said gesturing.
Rosalie smiled, her lips pulled up in a strained attempt at kindness.
Emmett grinned and waved. “I would hug you, as a proper welcome but I don’t want to break you. You’re almost as puny as Bella.”
The room filled with laughter and Bella’s edginess with suddenly replaced with embarrassment.
Sophia just laughed, slightly uncomfortable.
“Damn, I was hoping I got to make you blush.” He grinned. “It’s always fun to embarrass Bella and I was hoping some fresh meat could become my second victim.”
“Always the charmer Emmett.” Edward mumbled.
“Hey, what can I say? I have a way with the ladies.” He winked.
Rosalie glared at Emmett and hissed in his ear.

So far, Sophia found this family extraordinarily amusing and weird.

Bella shifted closer to Sophia, nearly all traces of anxiousness on her face gone.
“What do you think?”
“They’re different, I’ll give you that. Though they're very ...welcoming.” Sophia couldn’t help but let her eyes flicker to Rosalie at the last word.
Apparently Alice had managed to see that minute movement. “Don’t worry about Rosalie. She’s not always this bitter.” Alice said with a grin.
Rosalie’s head snapped up and she glared at Alice.
“Don’t even think about pinning all this on me. Apparently I’m the only sane one here.” Rosalie’s burning eyes turned to Edward. “You know how foolish this is.”
“Rose.” He said quietly though Sophia could hear the warning was clear in his voice.
“Now, now Rosalie, we don’t want our guest to feel unwelcome.”

Sophia looked up and saw the source of the voice was coming from a gorgeous, well built man with blonde hair, neatly slicked back so there wasn’t a strand out of place.
Next to him was a woman, with his hand resting lightly on her back. She too was gorgeous with soft brown curls and big eyes.
She smiled warmly at Sophia.
The men stepped forward, patting Rosalie on her shoulder as he passed.

“Welcome to our home.” He smiled. “I am Carlisle and this is my wife, Esme.”
He gestured to the woman next to him and she smiled once again and said softly.”Hello Sophia.”
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Carlisle continued.
He outstretched his hand and Sophia took his wearily, question this strange family and their formal greetings.

Sophia shook his hand, saying once again to another Cullen how nice it was to meet them. Under her politeness she couldn’t help but be confused. She distinctly remembered Bella saying that Carlisle was Edward’s father. Not biologically his father but the man who adopted and raised him. So Sophia couldn’t help but be puzzled by the fact that Carlisle didn’t even look ten years older than Edward. It wasn’t possible…

She quickly abolished the idea, scolding herself mentally for being so silly. Many people looked years younger than they actually were. So why was Sophia questioning it?

Maybe it was because of the certain predicament she was in. Standing in the centre of the room facing the most bizarre family she had ever come across. All exquisite and beautiful with unusually pale skin and peculiar golden eyes. All those eyes were fixed on Sophia now as she stood, evaluating her surroundings.

She smiled, hoping it looked genuine. It was enough to reassure Bella as she had stopped fidgeting and was standing still by Edward.

“It’s lovely to meet you all. Bella has told me so much about you so I’m glad I got the chance to put faces to words.”

Everyone smiled at Sophia.

“So, Bella’s little sister huh?” Emmett said, grinning wickedly. “I would have never guessed. You don’t come across as sisters at all.”

Sophia smiled. “We get that a lot.”

“Like chalk and cheese.” Bella said, patting her sister’s arm.

“Hmmm, well at least this one has much better fashion sense.” Alice commented, nodding approving. She studied Sophia intently , making her thankful she took the opportunity to change.

Alice’s scrutinizing eyes stopped at Sophia’s converse clad feet and she heaved a sigh.

“The footwear defiantly needs more work.” Alice looked up at Sophia. “Where on earth did you get these? They look as if they are falling apart at the seams.”
Sophia shrugged. “They probably are. I’ve had them for years.”
Alice tutted and shook her head as if she was a mother scolding a small child.
Sophia gave Bella a “Help me!” glance but Bella just grinned, shaking her head.
Alice’s eyes lit up. “Crisis averted! I have the perfect pair of shoes for you. Gucci sling back heels! They’re in my room somewhere, if you just wait here I’ll-“
“Alice.” Edward said sighing. “Knock it off.”

Alice pouted, her beautiful face suddenly filled with innocent sadness.

“Thanks for the offer and all....but heels aren’t my thing. Especially not, err, Gucci heels. Sorry.” Sophia apologized.
Alice sighed dramatically but was still smiling. “It’s okay Sophia. I understand if you don’t want to wear heels.” Alice grin became bigger. “Yet.”
Sophia raised her eyebrows, as the room laughed.
“Sorry about that. Alice is prone to criticizing everyone’s dress sense. She’s like a one woman show of extreme makeover.” Edward said, chuckling.
“Yeah, she can get pretty scary. She’s very vicious when it comes to fashion sense.” Emmett said laughing.
She glared. “Just because you have no common sense Emmet, doesn’t mean I won’t help you look good.”
He laughed. “Ouch Alice.”
Alice rolled her eyes, turning back to Sophia.
“I saw you admiring the art work earlier. I’ll show you into the dining room, we have some fabulous pieces!” She exclaimed, reaching her own dainty hand out and taking Sophia’s in a cold grasp.
Sophia found herself being dragged out of the room by the quirky Cullen. As Sophia passed Jasper she saw him smile at her again, one corner of his mouth turned up in amusement.

Rosalie watched Sophia exit the room, her eyes sharp and cold. She turned to her family and they could sense the blazing anger in her.

Emmett rolled his eyes. “Calm down babe.”

“Shut up Emmett.” She growled. “You can all keep pretending. Keep playing happy families. Keep acting oblivious to the truth. But I’m done. I’m sick of pretending that this isn’t dangerous for all of us. Humans. Vampires. We shouldn’t be doing this.” Rosalie directed her last sentence to Bella causing her to flinch. “Don’t expect me to welcome her into our house again with open arms. I’m fed up of playing this pathetic charade.” And with that, Rosalie flew out of the room, running at inhuman speed.

The room was silent for a few seconds.

Emmet sighed. “I suppose I better go after her.” He looked at Bella’s alarmed face. “Don’t worry Bella. She’s just having another diva tantrum. She’ll have forgotten all about it by tomorrow.”

Emmet grinned and ran swiftly out the room after her.

Edward caressed Bella’s cheek and lightly kissed her on the forehead with his frozen lips.

“Don’t fret about it Bella. I assure you that once she has cooled down; got herself in a reasonable frame of mind then I’ll talk to her.”

Bella nodded once, trying to conceal the nagging guilt in her mind that kept popping up and reminding her that this was her fault.

“I can see why you were keen for us to meet your sister. She’s a very gracious girl, Bella” Esme said, changing the subject and being affectionate as always.

Bella smiled, proud and dreadfully relieved that the Cullen’s had taking a liking to her sister.

Jasper strolled forward, for once eager to be part of the conversation.

“She has a very strange aura. Her emotions were joyous yet held a serene presence to them. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a human with such a peaceful atmosphere.” Jasper said, referring to his ability to sense and manipulate emotions.

Edward looked deep in thought, hardly paying attention to his family.

“Carlisle, I wanted to ask your opinion on a certain matter. You see, Sophia’s mind is very different to any I’ve come across, except from Bella’s of course.” He paused to see everyone was now listening to him.

“Carry on son.”

“Her mind is very tricky. It seems I have to search for her thoughts and when I unearth them, they vanish within a second of me finding them. I have to focus on keeping them to stay, almost as if I have to hold on to them.”

Bella listened to Edward, explaining the situation to Carlisle. She watched as Carlisle listened, intrigued by what Edward was saying. Bella couldn’t help but be annoyed. It was as if her sister was an experiment, a new topic for them to research on.

“Hmmm.” Carlisle said, his eyes narrowing. “This is very odd. It seems she has developed some sort of defence mechanism in her mind.”

Edward nodded, his face showing understanding as he read Carlisle’s unspoken verdict.

“Somehow, Sophia’s brain can detect the intrusion and flings up a defence, a sort of barrier if you will, to keep Edward out. She is not aware she is doing it. Her mind subconsciously protects her. Very fascinating. Very fascinating indeed...”

“So, I presume you have a nice time at the Cullen’s, then ?” Charlie said as Sophia sat down next to Charlie, a grin on her face.

“Yeah, it was great. I’ve never meet anyone like them.” She smiled at Charlie, leaning her head on her father’s shoulder. “They are all very lovely people.”

“Hum, I beg to differ.” Charlie mumbled as Edward came to stand in the doorway with Bella.

After Bella made dinner, to which Edward excused himself from, Sophia decided to help clear up and then head to bed.

Picking her way through clothes and unopened suitcases, Sophia crawled into her unfamiliar bed, shivering at the frosty sheets. She yawned, feeling her eyes grow heavy and her mind wander into unconscious thoughts. Just before she fell into her slumber, her drifting mind stopped, pulling up an image to the front of her thoughts. The pale faces of the exquisitely beautiful Cullens.