`Solas na gealai fuar
Cold light of the moon
Author's note: This is my version of New Moon with my version of Bella from my Fairie fire story.
She pushed her way through the undergrowth and into what looked like their meadow. She heard a giggle and started walking towards it. Sitting in the grass with his back to her was Edward. He was leaning down and talking to someone laying in the grass. I frowned and an irrational part of me felt a bit jealous. Who was Edward in our meadow with, other than me?
I moved closer to the happy couple with the intent to find out. As I got closer the woman flung her arms around Edward's neck and he laughed allowing her to draw him into a kiss. I stopped in shock when I spotted the bracelet adorning her wrist.
A bracelet that looked identical to mine. I lifted my arm to compare them for a second, before I got a good look at the hand it was attached to. It was withered and wrinkled just like an old woman's. I swallowed a lump of fear and moved forward, I now had to see who was on the other end of that wrist.
Edward was oblivious to my presence so I was able to stand right next to them and look down. What I saw took the breath from my lungs and left a cold lump of fear in my stomach.
It was me, Edward was cuddling with an older version of me. He was acting as if nothing had changed in our relationship and even called me spider monkey when he lifted me onto his back. I stared in shock because I looked about eighty with white hair and withered limbs.
Edward still looked like a teenager but he was treating the older me as if we were still dating. I stared in shock as he took off at a run, then I woke up screaming.
I was breathing heavily, and clutching my blankets in a death grip that made my knuckles white. On reflex I checked my wrist for wrinkles and age spots then sighed in relief when I found none.
Something hit my window and because I was still hyped from the dream I jumped and let out a short scream. I turned towards it and found a concerned looking Edward sitting in my tree.
I dropped the wards on my window, so he could enter my room and he smoothly jumped through my window. He glanced me over and I knew he was going to ask about the flushed skin and heavy breathing so I beat him to it.
"Nightmare, what are you doing here?" I said
He broke into that lopsided grin, which usually meant he was going to try and talk me into something I most likely would never agree to, unless he dazzled me.
Something that I was steadily learning how to resist thanks to my father Monticello. He was staring at me trying to gauge my reaction, which I knew he found frustrating, because he couldn't just read my mind like he could anyone else. I found it absurdly gratifying that I could stymie him like that.
"I need an excuse to see my girlfriend on her birthday?" said Edward
I groaned, I had hoped he had forgotten the date. I certainly wished that I could. I pulled my legs out from under my blankets.
"I don't celebrate my birthday" I said
He snorted
"Still going to wish you a happy birthday" said Edward
He bent down to kiss me. I snorted and avoided the move
"I don't see why not, your birthday is definitely something to celebrate" said Edward
It was a sweet sentiment but I was far from feeling sentimental about this day. That dream had helped remind me of another inescapable fact about my birthday, the fact that I am getting older, while Edward would forever remain the same. The image of an older me flashed through my mind and I shuddered.
"But my aging is not" I said
He frowned at my response. He opened his mouth to spout all of the usual nonsense about loving me no matter what and age being only a number, so I cut him off by climbing out of bed.
He was instantly out the window, the only proof of his presence was the slight shift of the curtains in the breeze. One thing I could always count on with Edward, nineteenth century ideals or as Emmett put it prude like behavior.
I closed the window reinstated my wards and walked to my dresser. Pulled out some undergarments and laid them on the bed. I had already slept past the point when I could squeeze a shower in so I opted to simply get dressed.
I opened my closet and looked over my clothes. Since Alice came into my life, my clothing had gotten steadily brighter in coloring than I was used to. I think she was trying to match my colors to Edward's preferred palette. Something I noticed she did with the other Cullen's, with the exception of Carlisle, who seemed to be the only one with a more personal style.
I did however agree with her about the ugly nerd sweaters and was even willing to help her pilfer and dispose of the more horrifying ones in Carlisle's wardrobe. Just say no to the sweater vest was a campaign I could definitely get behind.
I preferred dark colors as a rule, but would occasionally choose something cheerful if the mood struck me. Alice thought it funny that I dressed closer to the more stereotypical vampire look than her.
Today the mood was morose so I opted for black on black. I pulled out a long sleeved hoody with a sugar skull emblazoned on the front and my black skinny jeans. I pulled them on and grabbed my biker boots, tugged them on and grabbed my purse.
I headed downstairs grabbed a travel mug filled it with my morning savior, coffee. Added cream and sugar and a grabbed a pop tart, then headed for my truck.
Charlie was reading the morning paper and sitting at the kitchen table which was unusual because he normally left before I did. I kissed him on the cheek, as I passed him to get my book bag.
"Wow senior year, how'd you get so old so fast?" said Charlie
I snorted at him certain he was teasing.
"I didn't, I'm not that old, yet" I said
He gave me an appraising look
"Well I don't know, pretty soon you'll be using a senior discount, is that a grey hair?" said Charlie
I froze he was kidding right? Nope he looked serious. I rushed to the hallway mirror
"No, no way" I exclaimed, as I searched my head. Until I heard Charlie's laughter from the doorway. I turned to glare at him that was just cruel Charlie.
I can't believe I fell for that
"Happy birthday" said Charlie
"Ooh, that was low old man, very funny har har" I said, in return.
He was still laughing as I glared at him.
I didn't care if today was my birthday or if Edward thought it was some sort of cause to celebrate. I did not feel the same way.
"Here, I got you a present, I know you said not to, but I saw it and couldn't resist" said Charlie
I groaned but accepted the small package and opened it. Inside was a beautiful scarf with tiny metallic moons covering it, wrapped inside of it was a small tube that looked like lipstick.
I raised my eyebrow at him in confusion. Charlie knew nothing of make-up, so I hoped he didn't just give me some hideous shade of red that I would never wear.
"It's a lipstick Taser, thought it might come in handy if that Cullen kid gets any ideas" said Charlie
I chuckled, a Taser wasn't likely to stop him but the sentiment was nice. Charlie knew I could blow stuff up but I could understand him wanting to keep that ability hushed up.
I trusted Edward to a point but it was obvious Charlie did not feel the same way. I smirked and tucked it into the inside pocket of my jacket.
"Thanks dad" I said and kissed him on the cheek.
I flung my bag over my shoulder grabbed my half eaten pop tart and travel mug and headed for the door, giving my dad a wave goodbye as I walked out the door.
Ever since I was little my birthdays had always been a disaster one that often ended in bloodshed, thanks to Monticello. I truly didn't want to be reminded of that fact.
I climbed into my cab and started my engine, secretly glad Edward wasn't there to give me a ride to school. I liked my truck, despite the fact it didn't go very fast, and was made mostly out of cold iron. It was still mine, and I felt oddly secure in its cab.
I drove down the street and parked in the school parking lot. Edward and his siblings were nowhere to be seen yet, so I walked toward the front stairs until I spotted a familiar bike. I froze and looked around for him, frowning when I couldn't immediately see him.
"You're skills are slipping, I could have killed you three times already" said Monticello
The voice came from behind me so I turned towards it, realized at the last minute that he must be projecting and turned in the opposite direction.
The air by the tree shimmered and suddenly he was leaning against it where he hadn't been there before. I nodded in his direction. We had not progressed to the familiar stage as of yet, so I opted to address him the same as I always had.
"Monticello" I said
He smirked at me because he had caught me off guard and I knew that. It was a point in his favor that I was unhappy about him getting.
"What are you doing here?" I said
He chuckled darkly and I knew I had given him another point simply by asking that question. He sauntered over to me and laid a hand on my shoulder.
"I simply wanted to wish you a happy birthday, don't worry I have forgone the party favors this time" said Monticello
I narrowed my eyes at him and he chuckled.
"You took precautions I hope" said Monticello "yeah" I said
My voice indicating how I felt about that.
"It is for the best" said Monticello
I knew he was right. I hoped I could somehow avoid what the seer had shown me, by simply avoiding the party, but I doubted it would be that easy.
"I know" I said
He nodded towards the parking lot and I glanced slightly in that direction in time to see Edward pull into the lot. He glared at Monticello and quickly parked his car.
"Good luck" said Monticello
Then in a rare show of affection he kissed my cheek then vanished. Edward was by my side an instant too late.
"What did he want?" said Edward
He sounded angry so I turned to him and appraised him for a second.
"Merely to wish me a happy birthday" I said
Edward snorted.
"I thought birthday well-wishing was strictly off limits" said Edward
He sounded slightly miffed, so I simply shook my head in exasperation.
"It still is" I said and started up the stairs. A squealing Alice barred my path.
"Ooh! You're going to look so good in it, see you at seven it will give you time to change" said Alice
She looked my current ensemble up and down and rolled her eyes. I opened my mouth to say I wasn't going, when I felt a wave of calm right before Edward kissed me. I bit my bottom lip when he did it. He backed off suddenly but not before I had felt his tongue slide over the small cut and lap up the tiny drop of blood. Someone cleared their voice behind us.
"He wants to talk to you, see you inside" said Edward
His eyes had darkened and Jake was glaring at him as he left.
"Jacob, hello biceps somebody's been hitting the weights, you know steroids are bad for you" I said he chuckled
"Bella, you know it wouldn't seem so drastic if we hung out more" said Jacob
I sighed because I knew what he was implying and I didn't want to get into that right now.
"Or if I wore heels, sorry going from looking you in the eye to looking at…err never mind" I said
He grinned in response and ignored that I had redirected that conversation. It was bad enough I had the Cullen's, school, work and Monticello vying for my time. I didn't need to add a testosterone fueled feud to the list as well.
"You could always change schools and hang out with us pale faces" I said
Jake laughed some
"No thanks I prefer the reservation school more exclusive, they let any ole riff raff in here" said Jake
He looked at Edward who was hanging out rather close to us almost as if he didn't trust Jake.
I playfully smacked his arm and noted the serious muscle tone he had under that t shirt that was hugging his... oh damn focus Bella focus.
"I go here, dip shit" I said
Edward chuckled at my response
"Well present company excluded of course" said Jake
"So what are you doing down there…here?" I said
I had unconsciously looked down and was now blushing when I realized where I had just looked
"Ah, just picking up a part for my bike" said Jake
He chuckled and gave me an appraising look, Edward growled behind us so I could guess what Jake was thinking.
I nodded in appreciation toward said vehicle, a pieced together number that looked like most of its parts came out of a junk yard
"Is it fast?" I said
Jake shook his head no.
"Its descent or at least it will be once I install this part" said Jake
He held up a box that looked like it said carburetor on the side.
Jake looked nervous for some reason and I could guess it had to do with Edward watching him so closely. I noticed quite a few of the male classmates reacted this way around Edward. I assumed it was the vampire thing and paid it no heed. I raised my eyebrow at him because I sensed he wanted to say more.
"That and I wanted to wish you a happy birthday and give you this "said Jake
He held up a dreamcatcher that looked handmade. She heard Edward snort behind her.
"It's a dreamcatcher, I saw it and thought of you. It catches bad dreams supposedly" said Jake
Oddly, I felt it was the perfect gift especially after last night, even if Edward was less than impressed. "Wow thanks it's...perfect" I said
The bell rang and I gave Jake an apologetic look. He waved it off.
"It's okay I'll see you tonight then" said Jake "actually she'll be at my house" said Edward
Jake narrowed his eyes at Edward and Edward smirked in response. I glared at Edward because I hadn't agreed to go to the party at all.
"Possibly, it depends on if Charlie lets me go, tonight is a school night after all" I said
Jake smirked in response and then leaned down to steal a quick kiss before walking off in the direction of a small patched together bike. Edward sneered at his ride as Jake pulled away and muttered something about rats under his breath.
I ignored him and walked into the school only to find some of the Cullen's waiting for us. Most notably Jasper, I wondered how long he had been standing there and if he had heard any of my conversation with Monticello.
As if he knew what I was thinking about, he turned towards me and smiled. I grinned back at him nervously and I felt the nervousness dissipate, I narrowed my eyes at him and it stopped. Edward walked in and wrapped his arm around my waist. "So why does Jake get to wish you a happy birthday and give you a present, when I am forbidden from doing so?" said Edward
I chuckled because he sounded so petulant that it was funny.
"I hardly ever see Jake anymore and he knows how I feel about parties, besides I feel weird accepting gifts from you, when I can't give you anything back" I said he snorted
"you know he spent a week searching for the perfect dreamcatcher for you" said Edward
He said it with a sneer so I elbowed him, the jealousy I could do without.
"If you don't like this thoughts stop reading them" I said
Edward frowned at me.
"I wish I could" said Edward
I shook my head and walked through the door and into the next building.
"I need to teach you how to shield" I muttered
I would never get used to schools with more than one story I was seriously missing phoenix and its spread out campus. Edward gave me a puzzled look in response.
"Look I don't need any gifts, I have all I ever wanted right here" I said
Okay so I was laying it on a bit thick but a glamour would allow you to say the stupidest most outlandish drivel and the other party would believe it.
I know it was a human custom to give gifts on this day but I was raised that you gave gifts in return as well. I still felt odd going over to the Cullen's without bringing a guest gift. It just wasn't the way I was taught.
"Bella, you give me everything just by breathing but I still want to celebrate just what you mean to me" said Edward
He put his arm around my shoulders and tried to hug me. I rolled my eyes in response. He nodded at jasper and I got the impression they were having a silent conversation. I sighed elbowed Edward slightly to get free of his arm and walked into the building ahead of them both. Jasper smirked at my retreating back.
"See you tonight Bella" said Jasper
Then he headed in the direction of his first class while I glared at his retreating back. Edward chuckled and ushered me toward my first class and left me at the door. I walked calmly to my seat and sat down. Lauren stared at me the whole time I was walking to my seat until Angela gave her an answering glare and she backed off.
"Hey how's it going?" said Angela
I truthfully hadn't seen Angela as much as I wanted to lately, between my vampire family and Monticello's side of the family, I got precious few moments to myself or ones I could spend with the humans in my life. It irritated me because I truthfully enjoyed her company. The door opened again and in walked Emmett. Since what happened last year Edward had insisted that our schedules be arranged so that I had a Cullen in each class. It was irritating but at least Emmett was fun to be around. He sat down right in front of me and grinned
"Hey bells happy..."said Emmett
"Don't say it" I said
Interrupting what he was going to say. He gave me that goofy lopsided grin of his.
"Why not?" said Emmett
I groaned because now Jessica was paying attention to the conversation.
"Later" I hissed
Just as the teacher walked in. I ignored him for the rest of the class because I was genuinely trying to focus on my school work, because my grades had been suffering due to my inattention. I started shoving my notes back in my bag right before the bell rang.
Angela looked like she wanted to walk with me, but Emmett clearly made her nervous and she scurried away at his approach. Jessica walked out the door and I turned to find a grinning Emmett right next to me.
"So?"he said
"They were all horrible now stop asking" I responded
Before heading for the door. The next class had Rose in it so I was pretty much assured of some peace, since the woman still seemed to hate me for some reason. She also seemed to be the only one not affected by my glamor, which I was certain had a lot to do with that hate.
Even after consulting with Monticello and My grandmother Anais, I still had no way to break that spell over them, unless I wanted to leave the west coast altogether. Something I truly did not want to do.
I sat down and pulled out my economics book and re read the last chapter we covered, just in case Mr. Graham gave a pop quiz.
Rose true to form ignored my presence for the entire class which was a welcome relief, to what felt like a cross between stalking and hovering, that all of the others were doing now. The bell rang and I shoved my things into my bag next was English class which I was dreading.
Not because we were going over sentence structure but rather because we were supposed to watch Romeo and Juliet. I truthfully never cared for the story and I did not want it giving Edward any stupid ideas.