AN: 2014 is going by way too fast for me. I feel like it should be February and it is already the end of April! I have been hard at work on this story and I want to thank everyone that reviewed or left me a private message about Bella's Choice. It seems quite a few of you are interested in who Zach's mate will be. I am still taking suggestions, so feel free to review, tweet, or send me a private message. Now here is the next story in The Choice Series, Zach's Choice! Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 1
Alaska was known for its frigid conditions and snow-capped mountains in the wilderness, but in September, the white of the snow was simply the backdrop for an array of color. Autumn was rolling in and the leaves began to change on the various trees in the forest. It was a sight to behold, but Zach was far more interested in what the time of year meant for the animals in the region. Zach inhaled deeply as the scent of a grizzly bear filled his nostrils. Grizzlies, caribous, and moose tended to venture into lower elevations to stock up on food before winter hibernation. Edward chuckled at the thoughts floating through his nephew's mind about the prey lurking in the distance.
"I thought you would be full after the last hunt," said Edward, but Zach shook his head.
"I never want to miss out on a good grizzly."
"You sound just like your father. We can hunt if you want to, but remember that we are on a schedule. I promised your Aunt Alice that I would have you home in time for the family meeting, so what will it be, hunting or racing," challenged Edward. Zach smiled mischievously at him.
"I hate passing up on some good grizzly, but proving that I am now the fastest in the family is too good to miss out on."
"You haven't proven it yet," taunted Edward as he drew a line in the dirt.
"Race to the Gulf of Alaska," asked Zach and Edward winked at him.
"That should be a good enough distance to see what you are really made of. Oh, and no cheating," warned Edward.
"I have no reason to cheat."
"You are Emmett's son. You don't need to have a reason." Zach's booming laugh echoed around them as he nodded.
"Good point, are you ready?" Edward gave a nod, along with his crooked smile, and took his stance.
"On your mark, get set…..go," shouted Edward as he sped off, but was surprised to see that Zach hadn't moved. Edward glanced back at him in confusion as Zach closed his eyes. Suddenly, a burst of energy pulsed out of him, boosting him forward at a speed Edward had never seen before. Zach let out a whoop of delight as he effortlessly surged past his uncle and headed toward the gulf. Edward ran as fast as he could, but it was a futile effort. By the time he arrived at the shore, Zach was pretending to yawn and look down at his watch.
"Took you long enough," teased Zach and Edward chuckled as he ruffled his nephew's hair.
"Don't get too cocky. I am naturally fast. You grew into your speed because your ability is growing."
"Hey, my ability is naturally a part of me. Don't be a sore loser," snickered Zach. His phone began ringing and Zach groaned when he saw the number. Edward laughed at his thoughts.
"Be nice to him. You know he is just excited," warned Edward and Zach grumbled under his breath as he answered his phone.
"Yes Josh, what now," deadpanned Zach, but Josh was too preoccupied to notice his best friend's unenthused tone.
"I found this awesome leather jacket in Port Angeles, but I don't want to get it if you think it will make us match too much. I want us to look like we have style, not like we style each other, you know what I mean?"
"I thought you were supposed to be packing and getting ready for the party tomorrow on the island?"
"I am just doing some last minute shopping for the first day of school."
"J, I am worried about you. No respectable teenage boy should be shopping this much."
"Dude, this is senior year we are talking about! We are going to run Forks High School, so of course I need some new threads to show that."
"You have way too much in common with my Aunt Alice. Look, wear what you want. It will be fine."
"I am not going to match you. Do you know how lame that…."
"I have several different jackets, J. Buy yours and I am sure Aunt Alice will make sure we don't clash."
"That's what I like to hear. Alright, see you soon!" Zach shook his head as Josh hung up the phone.
"No good shopaholic," muttered Zach. Edward smiled sympathetically at him.
"You know he is just excited about going to school with you."
"Yea, but do you know how many times he has called me this summer alone? He has been talking about school nonstop. About our clothes, our schedules, even school supplies, Uncle Edward someone has to stop the madness," exclaimed Zach as he stared up at the clear, blue sky. Edward eyed him curiously as he sifted through his mind.
"You are scared," stated Edward and Zach scoffed.
"Me, Zach Cullen, scared of something? Come on, Uncle Edward. I have faced armies of vampires and wolves and…..just this year, I beat a guy that could turn into smoke. I am not scared of anything."
"Not even high school girls, dun, dun, dun," teased Edward. Zach rolled his eyes.
"What if they don't like me or worse, what if they like me too much?"
"Well, face the facts. You are going to be wanted. Not only are you a vampire, so you naturally attract them, but you have a personality that is larger than life. Don't worry though, you will figure it out and once they realize you are not interested, they will get the hint….hopefully." Zach sighed and stared out at the water.
"Maybe I am making a mistake. I am going to miss being on the island and seeing you and Aunt Bella all the time. What about Renesmee and Nahuel? Who is going to annoy them if I am not around?"
"You are acting as if we will never see each other again. Yes, I admit that our family has become accustomed to always being in the same place together at all times, but that doesn't mean this change will affect us that much. We will come to visit during the weekends and you can always run back to the island when you need a night of peace and quiet because Josh is talking your ear off about the latest Forks High drama. Plus, remember, it is only for the school year. I think this will be good for you."
"Really?"
"Really, because everyone should experience high school, even if just for a few months. Your parents and I survived it several times. You can certainly survive ten months."
"I know. I just wish everyone was coming with me."
"Well we are needed on the island. You know Charlie and Sue are still adjusting to their newfound youth. We will be around though, especially when you get into trouble."
"When," questioned Zach and Edward smirked at him.
"Oh I think we both know that it is inevitable with you and Josh. Now come on, we should head back before Alice throws one of her epic hissy fits." Zach begrudgingly nodded and followed his uncle back toward the island.
An hour later, Seth and Kaya moseyed into the main house as Alice ushered everyone into the living room. They sat down beside Renesmee and Nahuel, who looked just as unenthused as they were. Alice skipped over to them and handed them each a folder of papers. Seth rolled his eyes as he perused through it.
"Seriously Alice, handouts," he asked and Alice shrugged.
"It is an official family meeting and these things need to be handled in a certain way," explained Alice.
"Everyone involved has no problem with their memory so isn't this overkill," asked Renesmee.
"Seth might act like a vampire, but his memory is not flawless so…."
"That doesn't mean I cannot remember how this works, especially since I have been there. I know Forks. I know people there," argued Seth, but Alice waved him off.
"It is not just for you. We could all use a refresher, but it is mainly for Zach. Besides, I quite enjoyed putting together this little presentation. Oh good, Zach and Edward are finally back. Okay everyone, it is time for the family meeting," she announced as Zach and Edward joined the others in the living room. Zach sat beside his parents as everyone filed in. As soon as Alice handed him the packet of papers, he opened his mouth to protest, but she stopped him.
"Not another word from anyone in this room about my presentation. Jazzy and I spent a lot of time obsessing over every little detail to make sure your move to Forks goes smoothly. Now, let us begin. Everyone, please flip to page one," instructed Alice and everyone, but Carlisle and Esme groaned as they did. Esme giggled at the notes on the page.
"This is quite detailed, sweetheart. The two of you thought of everything," complimented Esme and Alice beamed with pride.
"Thank you, at least someone appreciates the effort. Now, Zach, we have covered the basics with you already. The story is that your parents decided you should get a chance to experience public school and believe that being with your best friend at Forks High School would be best. Jake and Leah will be your guardians. The story itself checks out just fine, but there are some people you may run into that we have crossed paths with in the past," explained Alice and Jasper pointed to some pictures on the first page.
"Mike Newton went to Forks High School when we were students there. He now owns Newton's Olympic Outfitters. If you go into the store, understand that he may recognize you, but there is no reason to be alarmed. Simply mention who your parents are if someone asks. Never volunteer information, but do not shy away from the story when necessary," advised Jasper. Bella raised her hand as if she were back in school and Alice happily pointed at her.
"Yes Bella?"
"What about Jessica Stanley? Are they still a couple," asked Bella.
"No, Jessica lives in Seattle now and the rest of her family moved to Oregon. She dumped Mike before going off to college. However, Ben and Angela are still there," answered Alice. Jasper pointed to another picture.
"Angela Weber is now Angela Cheney. She married Ben Cheney. They are former classmates of ours as well. Both of them graduated from Washington State University before moving back to Forks. Ben owns the comic book store in town, but Angela is the one you will most likely encounter. She is the librarian at Forks High. They have two children, but neither is old enough to be at your school. Carlisle, you are all set up at the hospital in La Push. You should not have many issues with recognition by Quileutes. The hospital is only for members of the tribe and those that do recognize you already know who you really are. Plus, working the night shift will help. You should be fine," said Jasper and Carlisle smiled appreciatively at him.
"It will be nice to practice medicine again. It has been almost 25 years since I have worked at a hospital," said Carlisle.
"Now onto our former place of residence, Jazzy and I will be there to help update some of the features of the house. Esme, I know you are looking forward to redecorating and I am happy to help of course. Jasper is going to focus on updating the security measures," explained Alice.
"Security measures," questioned Zach and Jasper gave a curt nod.
"Anytime we have lived close to others, we make sure we have plans in place in case of emergencies. That was especially the case with the home outside of Forks because of our close proximity with the wolves. Now, I am more concerned about nomads and any outside threats. It is simply a precaution, but you know I am always one to advocate being prepared," said Jasper.
"With that in mind, let's talk about exposure. Most of the people in Forks that would recognize us are people we can easily avoid. The location of the house has always been convenient for staying away from prying eyes and Carlisle, you can take the back roads to La Push so that you do not even have to travel through Forks. The same precautions that we took while living there will still be in place. La Push will be quite different. You can go to and from Jacob and Leah's without issue. It works in our favor that the Elders of the tribe now are Sam, Embry, and Quil. They understand that we will be back in the area and for the most part we will act like we always have when we visit Jake, Leah, and Josh. You can hunt like usual. You can go to Seattle. You can come and go as you please really, you just must be careful if you go into Forks, just like we have been for the past decades. Everything else has been taken care of. Edward, Bella, you have an appointment with Jenks at two in the morning on Sunday. He will present all of the paperwork we will need, including for Charlie and Sue," added Alice.
"What about Zach's identity? Will he be a Cullen or McCarty," asked Emmett and Jasper winked at him.
"I know you want your son to still have your last name. I understand how important that is to both you and Rose, so technically the answer is, both. When asked, he can introduce himself as Zach McCarty or Zach Cullen. It is up to him," said Jasper.
"How is that possible," asked Rosalie.
"Because of our history in Forks, according to everyone that ever knew us there, Rose and Em were adopted by the Cullens just like the rest of us were. So, while Zach has his father's actual surname, McCarty, it will be of no surprise that Em and Rose still consider themselves Cullens and so would their child," answered Jasper and Zach slowly nodded in understanding.
"And based on your histories in Forks, mom and Uncle Jasper were Hales," questioned Zach and Rosalie smiled at Jasper.
"Twins," said Rosalie and Jasper in unison.
"Okay and Aunt Bella was a Swan, Seth is a Clearwater, dad was technically McCarty but went by Cullen…."
"And what will you be," asked Renesmee. Alice clapped happily.
"I already know the answer," she sang and Zach chuckled.
"I will be who I have always been. If anyone asks for my full name, I am Zachary Carlisle McCarty Cullen, but Zach McCarty Cullen for short," he announced
"That's a mouthful, are you going to write that on all of your papers," teased Seth and Zach shrugged. Esme kissed Zach's cheek sweetly.
"A unique name for a beautifully unique boy," cooed Esme.
"Indeed, so have we covered everything," asked Carlisle and Alice shook her head.
"Nope, we still need to speak about the story for Charlie and Sue," said Alice.
"I was curious about that. How exactly will that be explained," asked Nahuel and Bella pointed at him and Renesmee.
"Actually, you two will help with that. Edward and I have already been in touch with some people in Forks to explain my dad and Sue's disappearance. Luckily, my dad already retired from the force years ago and he and Sue spent most of their time at home anyways, only venturing into town when they needed something. I called some of his neighbors and informed them that the two of them have decided to travel and we have put the house up for sale."
"Is grandpa okay with that," asked Renesmee.
"It was his idea. I wanted to keep the house, but your grandpa thought it would look odd to keep a house that no one lived in. That house has so many memories though," said Bella.
"True, but my mom and Charlie can make new ones together," added Seth and Bella nodded in agreement.
"That is what your mom and my dad said. So, the house is up for sale and Renesmee, you and Nahuel will drive a moving van to the house to gather the rest of their things. Since they are going to stay in Seth and Kaya's cottage while the two of them are in Forks, it will be good for them to have some things to make the place their own until we get them settled," explained Bella.
"They still haven't budged about living here permanently. My mom says they still aren't sure what they want to do or where they want to live, so they haven't decided either way, even if it is convenient for them to just stay with us for now on. I don't get why they are making it so difficult. We could even build a cottage for them here," said Seth and Rosalie smiled sympathetically at him.
"I know you want them here just like Bella and Renesmee do, but Charlie and Sue are used to being on their own. Maybe they will embrace being a part of our little bubble after some time, but they might enjoy living alone as a young, married couple," suggested Rosalie.
"Either way, they will have plenty of time to decide and Alice and I both believe the first step is to cover their tracks. Renesmee, Nahuel, make a show of it when you move their things out. It will help to solidify the story, so do it in broad daylight. The neighbors will look on and simply think Charlie's granddaughter and her husband are coming to gather his things for him and Sue. They will all think Charlie and Sue decided to spend their last years together traveling," explained Jasper and Renesmee nodded.
"Okay, will do, is that all," asked Renesmee and Jasper winked at his niece.
"I think that about covers it," said Jasper. Zach wrapped an arm around his cousin and grinned cheekily at her.
"You know, Renesmee, it isn't too late for you to enroll in high school with me. I can picture it now. You, Nahuel, me, and Josh, we can form our own little group of popular kids," suggested Zach and Renesmee guffawed.
"Not happening, little cousin," she said as she ruffled his curls and Seth huffed.
"Why am I not invited to join the populars," asked Seth and Zach sighed dramatically.
"Sorry big bro, you just look too old to pass as a high schooler," he teased and Kaya giggled at her mate's dejected face.
"I am not too old," pouted Seth.
"You could pass as a college kid with that baby face, but not a high schooler, sorry Seth," said Renesmee and Nahuel snickered.
"Yea, sorry, old man," added Nahuel.
"Oh I know you aren't talking," said Seth and Renesmee shrugged.
"It doesn't matter anyways because I am not going to high school. Zach is just going to have to endure the gaggle of teenage girls on his own," said Renesmee.
"Alright, meeting adjourned, but do not go too far to hunt tonight. The guests will start arriving tomorrow afternoon for the party," announced Alice and Renesmee groaned.
"Aunt Alice, I can't believe you are making us have a party," whined Renesmee.
"You are acting way too much like your mother right now. I am not making you do anything. It is a party, a party to celebrate Zach going to high school no less, so simply enjoy it. You know you love my parties," said Alice and Zach grinned at his aunt.
"Oh good so we are celebrating that and Renesmee's birthday and my birthday all at once right," he asked hopefully and Alice smirked.
"Honestly, it is like none of you know me at all! Of course not, this is the First Day of School Bash. Now, unfortunately for you, Zach, you will be in school during Renesmee's birthday so I have appeased her with no party this year."
"Yes," whispered Renesmee.
"But, that does not mean that you will go without a party on your sixteenth birthday. It is far too special of an age to go without an extravaganza," announced Alice and Bella threw her head back dramatically.
"So we are having a party now, at the beginning of September, and one in two weeks," questioned Bella and Alice frowned at her.
"What is your point," asked Alice. Bella shook her head in amusement and followed Edward, Renesmee, and Nahuel out of the living room. Everyone, but Rosalie, Emmett, and Zach followed suit. Rosalie began to stroke her son's hair as he rested his head against her shoulder.
"Are you nervous," she questioned and Zach shrugged.
"Kind of," he mumbled and Emmett winked at him.
"Hey, you are looking at this all wrong, baby boy. You are Zach McCarty Cullen. It is about time you grace Forks High School with your presence," boasted Emmett.
"But what if they don't like me? I don't exactly have a lot in common with teenage humans."
"Oh I am sure the problem will be them liking you too much….okay, well that will be my problem," admitted Rosalie.
"Mom, you have nothing to worry about. I am not interested in human girls." Rosalie grinned from ear to ear and kissed his cheek.
"Music to my ears, but don't worry so much. You will have Josh and I know this will be a big change, but we will be there for you. You never know. You might actually enjoy acting like a regular teenager for once."
"Doubt it," he grumbled and Emmett nudged him.
"Come on, let's go finishing packing," suggested Emmett. Zach slowly nodded and followed his parents to their cottage to finish packing for their big move.