I knew this was gonna be cool! I knew it (Lynne Stone, Girls Just Want to Have Fun)
(1) Confrontation
I cringed and turned to Alice. She had a boastful look on her face brimming with excitement. Jasper put his hand on her shoulder and she quietly shook it away. Lets see, Alice had converted her Porsche into a four-seat, convinced me to go on another road trip, and managed to get Esme and Rosalie to come along with us. Now she was telling me there was more news. I couldnt take it anymore! The news that is! Edward looked like he had reached his limit with Alice.
Edward looked like he was foaming at the mouth ready to tell her exactly what he thought of her ideas. I immediately spoke up before he got the opportunity to unleash his opinion.
"What is it?" I asked carefully while Edward leveraged himself against the Porsche.
"You have to guess." Alice hinted and was about to say more when Edward cut her off.
Edward moved in front of Alice menacingly. "No, Alice! No! No more guessing. This charade has gone on far enough! I am trying to maintain a grip on my anger but you are pushing me." Edward warned and drew his fingers into tightened fists.
"Edward, enough." Carlisle said as he moved to stand between Edward and Alice. He knew that his son had peaked his patience level.
"Carlisle she is clearly testing me and seeing how much she is capable of getting away with." He mockingly turned to Alice. "Yes, Alice I have figured it out. And it stops NOW!"
"Calm down, Edward." Carlisle said tensely and I was frightened that Edward might physically harm Alice, unintentionally of course.
"Please," I muttered. I didnt want to leave if Edward was going to be upset with Alice or me. That was the last thing I would do.
"Its okay Bella." Edward murmured and moved beside me putting his freezing fingers on my arm.
"Just tell me Alice before he becomes furious." I pleaded and saw Alices expression deflate. Her eagerness was vanishing and she sulked.
"Seriously it wasnt bad at all. I just wanted to tell you that we are going to Las Vegas on our way to your moms house." Alice said innocently but I saw the quiet burning behind her golden eyes.
"Thats all." I tested to make sure she was saying everything.
"Well, almost." Alice said shyly.
"What else?" I asked again.
"I spoke to your dad today." She began and Edward stiffened slightly but continued to stroke my arm. I was relieved that Alice had thought to call Charlie.
"You told him?" I asked cautiously. I knew Alice wasnt the one most likely to hold a secret in.
"Sort of." Alice gestured with her hand. The action was so fast if I blinked I would have missed it.
"What did you tell him?" I asked slowly.
"Well, I told him you were going to visit your mom." She announced but someting about her expression indicated more.
"But theres more." I goaded.
"No thats all." Alice lied.
"Alice." I trilled drawing out her name. I was getting angry.
"Okay, theres a little more. I told Charlie we were driving to Arizona to see your mom. He was ecstatic really and he told us to be careful. He also asked if Edward was coming. I said no he was camping. Then, we talked about what we were going to do in Arizona and he thought it might be fun to go to a few places." Alice paused and Edward pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. Alice was officially the master of suspense.
"What do you mean I dont get it?" I asked puzzled. I was certainly glad she spoke to Charlie but what was the big deal.
"Spit it out, Alice." Emmett complained even he wanted to know what was happening.
"I'm getting there. So he suggested a couple of places that he thought we might like to visit. He had some very interesting ideas." Alice revealed with surprise.
"Yes, but I think since I lived there I might be a more accurate tour guide." I scoffed shrugging my shoulders.
"Yes, he mentioned that. He also said that he was worried about you. He wanted to make sure you had a good time. He thought the vacation might be relaxing for you." Then she trailed off her words mumbling in the background.
"What, I didnt hear that?" I said leaning closer to hear her.
Emmett chuckled and Jasper sent me a calming wave of emotion. Edward pulled me against him to hold me in place. Rosalie snorted and gave me a pointed look.
"He told me to tell you that Renee has a surprise for you. He said try not to lose your temper." Alice responded.
"So tell me the surprise. I know that you know. That way I can be prepared." I reasoned but was immediately suspicious. The last time Renee surprised me she signed me up for skydiving lessons. This surprise must be bad.
"But its not my surprise to tell." Alice whispered and grinned at me.
"Edward, tell me." I ordered and saw Edward look deep into my eyes.
He put his fingers softly on my chin. "I cant do that." He looked miserable.
"Seriously. I wont go if you dont tell me." I spewed and turned to walk away from the car.
"Fine by me." Edward gloated.
"Okay, Ill give you a hint just one hint though. The hint is it will change your life." Alice suggested helpfully.
I rolled my eyes. "Thats it. That is so cryptic." I complained. Alice just hunched her shoulders and went to Jasper.
"Say the word and I will take you home away from my mischievous sister." Edward whispered and Alice glowered in his direction.
It was so tempting. I wanted to spend time with Edward but I wanted to see my mom. If I got my wish I would spend forever with Edward so by that standard I needed to see my mom now. I really did miss her. I was also curious about what sort of surprise she had for me.
"I know you would but I want to see Renee." I said quietly and Edward hugged me.
"I knew that you would. Alice fights dirty." Edward teased and glared at his sister. He usually saved the glares for Rosalie so I knew Alice must be in trouble.
I opened the passenger door and Esme moved into the backseat. Rosalie was already sitting in the backseat. Alice jumped happily and got behind the wheel. I sank into the seat and put my seatbelt on. Esme put her hand on my shoulder for comfort. It helped a little.
"Well, gentlemen I think thats our cue to leave. The great wilderness of Washington awaits us." Carlisle said gently and Emmett waved while walking beside Carlisle.
"Be safe." Jasper whispered loudly and touched his hand to Alices for a brief moment.
"I will see you soon." Edward declared and touched my cheek. He put his fingers to his eyes and gestured to Alice. No doubt he would be watching us. Well hearing her thoughts to be exact.
I peered into the darkness my weak eyes were trying to follow Edward. I saw him run with the others into the night disappearing behind the Malibu Mountains. Alice cheered and pumped her fist in the air. She started the car and revved the engine. The motor purred in response mimicking her cheer in its own way.
She turned on the dash lights and backed up. We rode the freeway in silence. Esme was leaning her head to the side enjoying the breeze. Rosalie was holding her hair from the same breeze that threatened to frizz her hair.
Alice hummed quietly and steered the car to the right carpool lane.
"Alice, wheres the hard top?" Rosalie sneered.
"It doesnt have one." Alice admitted and smiled.
"What?" Rosalies voice actually raised an octave.
"I designed the car so it wouldnt need a cover. Besides its a very small opening." Alice said.
"Hmm, if its so small why does it feel like theres a mini tornado whirling around in the backseat?" Rosalie grunted.
"If it bothers you so much you can use your body to block the wind." Alice suggested helpfully.
"How am I supposed to do that?" Rosalie said testily.
"Get out of the car and Ill show you." Alice retorted.
"While Im at it I can show you how to drive a Porsche." Rosalie scoffed and Alice stiffened.
"Ladies stop." Esme warned her two daughters.
"Whenever your ready." Alice commanded.
"Lets do this." Rosalie said.
The Porsche veered sharply to the left and Alice cut off two cars. We exited the freeway and Alice pulled into the parking lot behind a Circle K. Two men in front of the store glanced our way when Alice stopped the Porsche and got out.
Rosalie hopped from the backseat and faced off against Alice. I went to open my door but Esme put her hand on mine to keep me inside the car. I looked at Alice my nerves already short-circuiting. I didnt want them to fight but if they did I hoped Alice won.
They stood glaring at one another still like statues.