Chapter 13: Saturday
"Get up! Get up," three voices shouted at Margaret as she rolled over in her sleeping bag. "Listen to your brothers they been up two hours already and we aren't leaving till noon," Dominique chuckled as Margaret was attacked by William and Rupert. "Got off you brats," Margaret said as her brothers began to tickle her. Laughter filled the Mackenzie living room and Margaret tried to wrestle the two fourteen year olds off. "Be careful his hand is at your throat," Dominique warned in his musical laughter. "I can't…I can't get up if you won't let…let me," Margaret got out in a burst of giggles. The boys looked at each other smiled before removing themselves and dragging away her sleeping bag. "Okay, I'll get ready, boys. Help mom pack lunches, towels, sunscreen, and the big umbrella in from the garage," Margaret stood patting their backs so they rushed forward.
Margaret showered and dug around boxes they bought to find her surfer shorts and bikini top. She braided her long hair tightly it seemed to slither down her back and curl around her hip slightly. "That is so creepy," Dominique and Margaret said together; it was a natural thing that happened since she was little. "You always look like a model," Theresa said as she held a picnic basket. Margaret blushed while saying, "No just that my ancestors had very strong genes." William appeared saying, "Yeah mom can't you see in just three years both Rupert and me will be working as models. We are so totally hotter than her." Rupert flings his hair across his face and smiled devilishly with a curt nod. Margaret pretended to faint while William caught her saying, "Ma'am you'll be fine the handsomeness will wear off soon."
Theresa laughed at her children and gave them each a kiss before heading out to find Charlie waiting in his cruiser. "Sunscreen me please," Margaret asked Rupert as she rubbed cream on her arms, legs, face and neck but couldn't reach her back. He rubbed in the sunscreen tossing her brad in front to get all her back. "Thanks baby bro," she said pushing out the door, it now hung correctly. "Hey guys," Charlie said taking in their swim suits. "Did you bring your coats?" Charlie asked when they all settled in. "No," William said it had been raining for the past two days. "I can wait," he said but Rupert replied, "No need weather man say it ain't raining." Margaret looked at the sky, it looked cloudy, yet her power of weather told her no rain today and only an hour of sun. "Okay," Charlie said as they left the house and made their way down to the beach.
When they arrived to La Push, the sun had peaked out before returning into the clouds. William and Rupert raced toward the water splashing into the coldness. Margaret watched aching to follow as was Dominique but she helped her mother set up their items while Charlie went looking for his friends. There were some people also having fun, "Mom, I'll be back when Charlie comes back," Margaret said slipping from her sandals to feel the rough rocks and smooth sand. "Okay dear, watch out for your brothers," Theresa said from her magazine. Margaret raced forward feeling the cold water against her hot skin. When she was deep enough she dived deep into the sea water. She twirled and giggled searching for her brother's legs. William and Rupert were horsing around that they didn't notice a flash of red in the water. Margaret grabbed their legs and pulled, they yelped in fear.
She appeared from the water laughing and Rupert plus William grabbed her shoulders pulling her down. "Don't cheat," said Dominique as Margaret called a small wave toward the boys yet let it die at his words. "Fine," she thought dancing in the water to pull the boys down and swim away from them. Margaret popped up a few feet away from him yelling, "Boys," giving the best girly wave she had and they smiled diving under. "Coming around you," Dominique said excitement in his voice as she took a breath sinking into the water opening her eyes against the stinging finding the boys inches from her. She grabbed them to her and lifted them out of the water to the beach. "No fair, put us down," Rupert said as she held him to her side. William went limp in her arm making himself heavier. "Cheater," Margaret panted dropping to her knees. "All's fair in love and war," William said laughing as she fell onto her stomach from their combined weight.
"Children come meet some new friends," Theresa shouted grabbing their attention. "Wow, their huge," William whispered under his breath as Rupert smirked nudging his sister. "Boys," Margaret smiled warningly getting to her feet and pulling them up along with her. There was a man in a wheelchair, a lady who could only be Sue seeing how Charlie held her hand, three men that were burly and huge plus a little girl who giggled at the man who held her. "Hello," Margaret said sweetly the Irish coming out as she felt Dominique on alert. It hit her then the smell they gave off was of dog and she felt their high temperatures. She held her position eyeing them closely. "So this is Sue," Rupert said expanding his hand toward her. "I can see where she is more beautiful than a sunset," William said shaking her hand and nudging Charlie who blushed. "Why thank you. You must be Rupert," she said to William, "and you must be William," to Rupert. They looked among each other correcting her, "No, am Rupert and he is William," Rupert offered gently. Margaret smiled hitting him lightly with her hip shaking Sue's hand, "You can tell them apart by William he has a small mole on his neck or he is usually the first to open his mouth," she said after pointing out the mole. Sue smiled while saying, "So you're Margaret. Wow, your pretty." Margaret blushed.
"Yes, your very interesting to look at," Billy said and they shook hands. Charlie introduced them, "This is Billy Black, this is Sam and his niece Claire, Quill is the one holding her, and the last one is Sue's boy, Seth." They exchanged hellos and handshakes, when Margaret touched Sam, Dominique tensed. Heat washed over them making Margaret shift at it and the smell intensified adding rain, forest, secrets and a dog. Sam studied Margaret closely she looked like a Cullen but why hang around humans, even smelled slightly like them. He noticed once she said hello to all of them she stepped back positioning herself close to her family, her body tensed.
Seth looked Margaret over taking in her red snake tight hair, her tan color, she was almost his height, and since she just wore her swimsuit he found she was built athletically pure muscle. It was her face was what caught her attention perfect reddish eyebrows, smooth skin, pouty lips, slender nose and her eyes made him look closer, green laced with golden brown as the Cullens' even carried a vampire smell like Nassie.
She glanced at him and he felt funny as if he would imprint but only felt flushed and butterflies in his stomach. Margaret relaxed her body as Dominique whispered, "They're not dangerous just different but I'd keep our eyes on them." She gave a nod in the breeze the sun finally peeking out for its hour. When the sun came out Billy, Sam, Quill and Seth looked at her expecting something to happen, they hardly relaxed when nothing happened. "They knew about vampires," Dominique said in awe, "did you see how they studied your skin when the sun came out." "Yeah," she said mentally turning her attention to Sue and Theresa's conversation. "They think you're a vampire," he whispered squeezing himself smaller in her. She shrugged saying, "Well it is such a pleasure to meet you all but I think these guys want to head out." William and Rupert tried to look interested in what was going on but the water was calling out to them. "Go on boys. I'll call you in for lunch," Margaret shooed them away.
Sam looked at her and she hated that so she decided to stare right back at him, they did that for a few minutes before Sam said, "Come guys we got to talk somethings over. Claire stay with Sue okay baby," he said grabbing Claire and setting the four year old down. She placed a hand in Sue's free one while Sam, Seth and Quill went a ways out of hearing distance. Billy got involved in the conversation while Margaret used Dominique's hearing ability.
"What is she?" Quill asked to the other two glancing in her direction. Margaret busied herself with looking for a juice in the small cooler they bought. "Don't know," Sam said looking at Seth who seemed deep in thought, "What are you thinking Seth?" Seth looked up saying, "She smells like Nassie but there's something different about her." Dominique took their pause to say, "Vampires in Forks not surprising. The weather is perfect cover for them." Margaret saw the edge of a juice pulled it out and drank from it. "I'll go tell Jacob about this. He should be with Bella and Edward," Seth said. Sam nodded saying, "Yeah make sure you show him too or let Edward read it off you." Quill said, "I'll go too just in case he need to re…" the hearing cut off as a loud truck veered into view.
Chapter 14: Emergency!
"Quill," Claire said somewhere in between the two of the groups right in front of the truck. Sam and Quill turned as shock covered their faces to find Claire in danger. They went into motion the truck only feet from Claire, they were too far. Margaret did something she had never done before one second she was feet away the next right next to Claire. Margaret lifted her up turning to flit away when the truck hit her. Margaret went flying through the air as Claire screamed. Dominique snapped up a shield but it only protected Claire before Margaret landed on the hand, rough ground bouncing to hit again. "Margaret," Theresa screamed racing toward her daughter as Sam and Quill reached her first. Charlie and Billy pulled the driver from the truck who was drunk. Dominique was panicking in his place as Margaret seemed to shut down around him. "Claire," Sam said collecting her from Margaret's arms checking her over as she cried. Seth and Quill turned Margaret oddly blood covering the ground. "She's not healing or even conscious. If it was Edward or the others the truck would have dented not thrown them," Seth whispered.
He touched Margaret's face gently gasping, "It's cold." Theresa had finally reached them the boys behind her. "Is she alive?" Theresa asked touching Margaret's hand. Seth hadn't really thought she could die but the way Theresa grabbed at her. "Quill grab her gently we'll drive to the hospital in my car," Sam said shouting at Sue. "Take them in your car to the hospital. Seth race to the doctor tell him we'll need him." Everyone separated, Quill sat in the back seat with Margaret while Charlie's cruiser speed them through the streets and lights. "Looks like she broke a rib," Quill said as a bone project from her side. Sam stepped on the gas nearly ramming into Charlie's cruiser.
Seth changed so quickly it was nothing but a blur. "Leah, where are you?" Seth called frantically to his sister as she ran quickly into the forest. "Just leaving Jacob, what's wrong?" Leah said ready to sprint to him. "You have to send Carlisle to the hospital there was an accident at La Push. Charlie is taking the hurt parties to the hospital. Carlisle needs to be there to check out Claire," he told her showing the images as he ran passing into the Cullen's territory. He felt her leave his mind as she changed into her human form.
When he arrived, the Cullen's place Bella was awaiting him as Jacob plus Leah in wolf form taking in his imaginary. He shifted and put on his shorts panting to catch his breath. "A truck almost his Claire. Margaret flitted grabbed her but the truck struck her and she flew with Claire. She's hurt bleeding and Claire crying. Charlie rushed to take them to the hospital need Carlisle," he said in a hurried rush.
Jacob and Leah had changed when he did grabbing hold of Seth to say, "Is Claire fine?" Seth looked at Jacob as he blurred into two saying, "Yes, I think not sure, they hit the ground twice." Bella stepped forward, "Was Charlie hurt?" Seth looked at her shaking his head saying, "Just Margaret and Claire were in the accident plus the stupid drunk driver." He collapsed on his butt trying to calm his body and emotions. "Why was Carlisle needed?" Bella asked not really liking him and Edward gone, when he could disappear.
"Margaret hit by truck. We thought she was a vampire but we are not sure," Seth said cupping his head in his hands. "Margaret? I don't know a Margaret," Bella said but that wasn't much a surprise, she was still meeting most of Carlisle's vampire friends. Seth whined and they all talked and waited for news.
"Come on Margaret! Talk to me," Dominique said probing her mind. They were close to the hospital. Margaret had not responded to him or Quill's calls, she just kept sleeping. The car squealed to a stop in front of the ER doors, Quill lifted Margaret into his big arms and Sam bought in Claire who was crying silently. Carlisle was ready and prepped, surprised to see Sam and Quill walking, he had thought that they would be the ones injured the reason for his coming. He saw Quill carried a female blood smeared them both. "What happened?" he asked sending her into a station calling for a portable x-ray, monitors and morphine. "Carlisle, Claire was in the accident can you check her over real quick," Sam said as he placed her on an empty bed.
Carlisle nodded checking her over gently and carefully as other doctors worked on the female. Edward stood close by reading off information in Quill's and Sam's mind, gasping in shock when they thought the girl Margaret was a vampire. "She's fine. Not a scratch on her, Sam," Carlisle said before turning to help with the girl. "Margaret," Theresa said rushing forward as the boys followed. "Hi, I'm Dr. Cullen. Can you tell me what happened?" Carlisle asked as he worked on Margaret's prominent damage. When he touched her, he jerked his hand back, she had a skin temperature that was cold as his, making her warm to his touch. "Her skin is always that cold since birth, her heart rate always beats at 80 per minute even when she exercises, she heals quickly if will take her forty-six days to heal of something cut that time in half twice and she'll heal that quickly," Theresa said struggling to remember. William stepped forward saying, "She had her file faxed over Friday." Carlisle sent one of the nurses to look for it.
"Come on, Love. Wake up," Dominique sobbed. A mist of sorts came into their minds he growled, "If your death, think again to enter here." Edward gasped stepping back from Margaret. It hadn't been a female voice to answer his entrance but a male's. He tried again asking, "Who is there?" Dominique eyed the mist warily saying roughly, Dominique Mackenzie. Who would you be?" Edward's perfect brows frowned; he looked at Carlisle speaking in a low frequency, "She's not there mentally. It's like her mind fell asleep," the only response he got was a nod. "I'm Edward Cullen," Edward thought at her then said, "How can you hear me?"
Dominique gave a sad chuckle saying, "Very high about yourself, Vampire. Margaret has powers but since she's out, I must contain them." Edward looked at Margaret for the first time, her skin tan, her hair was loose, blood covered her head and ribs plus stained her swim shorts, she looked like a beautiful human. "Keep your thoughts…" the warning was cut short when Carlisle's thought hit Dominique. "Damn it; well have to operate to set her ribs. She might be in a coma if Edward can't hear her," he thought when a stream of blood came from Margaret's rib wound. "Okay guys this just got worse, we're heading into the operating room. Be careful she might have nicked a lung," Carlisle said and Theresa fainted, Charlie caught her.
"A Coma! What a bunch of poppy cock for the damn bloodsucker to say," Dominique shouted in Edward's mind causing him to flinch. William stepped forward as if to follow along with Rupert and in both their minds a soft call of 'mom' as Margaret got wheeled away. "Come on boys lets go wait out in the waiting room. Let your mother collect herself. Sam, you should call Seth, he must be worried," Charlie said as Theresa began to wake up. Everyone moved their group to the waiting room and Quill called Seth who was relieved to hear that Claire was fine and Margaret was being taken care of by Carlisle, they would be waiting for news. Carlisle worked setting her ribs and checked the damage to her lung which only had a small bleeder. He was happy that her pelvis had been set correctly and he was very happy to have her patched up and stable.
Chapter 15: Playing with Death
Margaret had no idea where she was but it was very dark. "Dominique," she spoke his name in fear, she felt alone and did not like that feeling.
No response comes.
Was she dead? She seemed to float in the darkness not sure of the time. "Maybe I did dead," she spoke aloud not liking the words together.
"Remember when Dominique said he was in black waiting for me," she spoke to herself. "He thought he was dead but it turned out he was waiting for years," she gasped after the word years.
"Years! He spent years waiting for me," she screamed. She was gasping letting panic hit her fully.
She couldn't stay years here! The boys needed her, Theresa wouldn't make it without her, Dominique needed to fulfill his destiny and she had lots to live for.
"Dominique," she screamed as it echoed around her. She controlled herself and focused on Dominique before screaming, "Dominique," into the air.
She felt jolted as if lighting hit her and once again screamed, "Dominique. Help Me!" She sobbed when something jolted her again.
"DOMINIQUE! AM HERE! COME GET ME!"
Chapter 16: Breathing in Reality
They crowded into a hospital room when a beeping rant and rave near Margaret.
"We're losing her, Doctor," a nurse said as the second jolt didn't do anything to restart her heart. "Edward tell him to try again. I heard something," Dominique pleaded with Edward who stood near the rear of the room. "Try it again," Edward said with such command the nurse nodded readying the paddles without Carlisle's orders. Margaret had been stable for a day and a half before she spiked a fever of 120. Carlisle placed her in a tub of ice water keeping her cool when it broke two days after that, now she flat lined for no reason at all.
"Dominique," Edward heard in a female voice weakly, "Am here! Come get me!" it sang in dark depths. Dominique released a burst of energy in her mind singing in his deep Irish voice. Edward listened as a voiced sobbed, "Dominique." He sang louder, harder with passion that it hurt Edward with everyone in his mind then the singing. "We got a beat," a male nurse said watching the machines. Carlisle sighed and looked at Edward who was clutching his head in slight pain but a smile on his lips. The monitors caught a steady rhythm the male nurse announced, "She's back."
Edward listened to Dominique when he suddenly stopped singing to sigh and sob. Margaret surrounds Dominique in her familiar way and he loved the feeling. "Miss me," she whispered and Dominique curled around her saying, "Yes, I've missed you dearly." Edward relaxed looking at the others to laugh lightly and hug the ones that expected it. Then Dominique was gone from his mind and he glanced at Margaret everything was stable. He came close to her trying to listen in but nothing came, just pure silence. He frowned, was she blocking him out? Dominique had said she had different powers, so maybe she had a shield. Margaret groaned as her eyes flashed open to reveal their green and golden brown eyes causing Edward to gasp.
Carlisle came forward and saw her eyes refocus on him and he too gasped. "Hey," Margaret choked out in a grated tone before moving to look at William and Rupert who was the closet to her. "My boys," she said raising her index finger. Theresa stepped closer grasping the finger gently and began to cry. "Oh mom," Margaret whispered before her eyes fell closed. Theresa looked at Carlisle who spoke softly, "She's sleeping. Am sure she'll be in good shape soon." He and Edward turned to step out of the room followed by Charlie who looked tired. "Am going to go call Billy tell him she woke up. It'll be good news for them," he said sensing they wanted to talk among themselves.
Once out of ear shot Carlisle looked at Edward asking, "What does Dominique say?" Edward looked at his father saying, "He's gone. I can't hear him anymore. It must be because she awoke and is controlling her powers now. A shield must be up when she's awake or in control." Charlie nodded glancing through the glass wall at Margaret who slept soundly. "Did you manage to get any information out of him about her or them?" He asked as her heartbeat stayed in the same rhythm even after she was jolted back, that wasn't normal for humans. "No, he could read my mind and knew what I wanted to ask or find. He would put up shields when he thought I was probing too deeply," Edward stated.
It was odd for him to meet someone who could get into his mind. "Well, I guess we'll have to wait and hear the story from her. She heals like we do but at a slower rate. And her skin it was to our temperature, what about her eyes?" he said thinking out loud and to Edward. Edward nodded amazed at the color of her eyes too; she had many characteristics of a vampire but was human, nothing like Nassie or Nahuel.
Margaret had been the discussion at the Cullen's home since her arrival to the hospital. Alice had tried to find her in the future and found she was the person who was hazy and moved from her. Nahuel was contacting his sisters and aunt to see if they had any information on someone as Margaret. The other covens began to search silently as well trying very hard not to attract attention from the Volturi. The Irish coven became very interested in Margaret since Edward told them she was Irish; they searched their folk stories and checked with human story tellers from the old days, coming up dry.
Later that day…
"Dominique, I haven't seen you so excited before?" Margaret whispered to him as he jolted her with his excitement and joy. "Well love there really wasn't something as big to be excited about," he replied that she could picture a smile on him if he had a body. "My body feels tired and sore," Margaret said as her mind asserted herself. Laughter came from Dominique in pure delight to have Margaret back.
"How's Claire?" she asked sensing that she should find out if her life was worth the pain. "She's fine, sent us flowers a day ago which wilted. Her uncle and his friends are so grateful that they're finishing the rest of the work on the house," Dominique reported.
"Am glad your back! Edward wasn't really fun to talk too," Dominique said. Margaret gave a mental laugh which rang aloud, "Am glad you didn't take up on anyone else while I was gone." Dominique whined saying, "That's so not what I meant," sounding as a true teenager rather than ages old. Margaret laughed again till she felt something on the outside shift.
She awoke to find Dr. Cullen looking at her. "Hello," she croaked with a weak smiled which hurt because the smile pulled at her stitches on her head. "Water," he said already leaning over her to let her drink from a straw in cold water. Margaret drank till the thirst no longer bothered her even burping. "Oops, excuse me doc," she blushed placing her hand over her mouth incase another should erupt. Carlisle chuckled saying, "I can understand. How are you feeling?" his face serious again. Margaret eyed him curiously going over the memories Dominique held of him and Edward. Dominique whispered groggily, "He's a good man. He wonders what our purpose is in Forks."
She smiled openly causing Carlisle to step back, "Sleep Dominique, you've been up too long," she said almost a caress against him. The musical humming filled her mind yet she refocused on Carlisle. "As any normal human being sore and hurt," she said watching him. He nodded saying, "Your pelvis was fractured, you have three broken ribs and a head laceration but you seem to be healing faster than human rates." Margaret sensed questions from him and she frowned that her power sneaked away from her, unaware. She felt hot and a slight breeze entered the room; this shocked her greatly. "What is she doing?" the light thought from Carlisle came into her mind making her gasp.
"Are you in pain?" Carlisle spoke stepping close enough so he touched her hand. Margaret looked up at him asking, "Did you feel that breeze moments ago?" Carlisle nodded not really sure how that was of any importance. "I did that," Margaret gasped nudging pain into her body that she groaned. "Am not sure I understand," Carlisle said watching her intently. "My powers...I have many but I always have to focus to use them. And just moments ago they seemed to adjust to me. I felt hot and a breeze came in, I wondered how you felt and what you were thinking and immediately receiving answers to both from you," she said looking at herself almost wanting to find a physical anomaly to cause her powers reaction.
Carlisle stared at Margaret taking in her genuine shock and awe. "They've never done that before your gifts," he asked sitting on her bed. She shook her head saying, "No, not even when I was learning how to use them. I always had to call and this was strange." Carlisle took note of the monitors they had not changed in any way to show it was a bodily problem. "What does Dominique say?" he asked interested in the development. Margaret looked up at Carlisle as the question settled in her mind, he knew of them Edward had shared information with one of his coven. "He's sleeping," she said judging his reaction. Carlisle's eyebrows went up and he looked at Margaret asking, "Does he do this often?" She felt odd talking about Dominique yet she trusted his instinct replying, "Yes, it's normal." Carlisle leaned forward responding, "Interesting." Margaret was inches from the handsome doctor felt uncomfortable and her shield expanded nudging Carlisle away gently.
Carlisle gasped at the feel of a force pushing him away. He removed himself saying, "Am sorry about that. Did you just think it and it happened?" he referred to the gift. "Yes," she said adding, "Am not used to people examining me that closely. But the shield has never been felt, it would just surround me closer not repel that person." They stared at each other till the door slammed open scaring Margaret she flinched. A big bought of sunflowers pushed its way into the room. "Damn it," the voice behind the flowers said shoving into the room. "Ramona," Margaret said as a Mexican teenager entered the room holding the weight. "OMG, Mars. They called me up and say you nearly died. What the hell?" she said dumping the flowers next to a window. "Ramona this is Dr. Cullen. Dr. Cullen this is my best friend Ramona," Margaret said lifting a hand to gesture the introductions. "Wow!" Ramona said looking over Carlisle as if he were a model.
"He's married, so behave," Margaret said so Ramona gave her a face saying, "See what I mean. They are all taken, married or gay." Margaret gave a laugh and regretted it as her ribs burned in pain. Carlisle stepped closer to her squeezing her hand while worry covered Ramona's face. "Am fine it was dumb of me to forget," she said a hand over her left side. "Oh man, Mars, this is bad. You can't laugh must be a sign of an apocalypse. I don't want to die young," Ramona said clutching her throat; Margaret laughed. "Sorry Doc. Am a big believer of laughter is the best medicine," Ramona said with a grin. Carlisle smirked, "Yes, we should wait till her ribs heal," he said. Ramona smiled winking at Margaret to say, "Then she can bust a gut," Which got her laughing again. "Ow," Margaret said suddenly as something shifted in her. Looking up at Carlisle saying, "I think I hurt myself," yet she didn't feel any pain.
Carlisle nodded pushing a button saying, "Nurse I need you to bring a portable x-ray to room 506, please. We have a possible broken rib." Margaret shook her head at him and wished she could speak to him privately. "Carlisle," she thought and watched as his eyes widen the only response to her entry, he looked at her. "You can hear me," she asked mentally as Ramona grabbed her hand. "Yes," his voice said in thought as he nodded visually covering her foot. "Carlisle umm I don't think I broke anything," she said in his head so that he looked at her saying aloud, "Am going to check so that means I must lift your gown." Margaret nodded and his hands placed on her side pain shot through her when he touched under one of the ribs but above nothing but soreness, "I think it healed completely," he thought amazement on his face. "This one was broken. Does it hurt?" he asked glancing at Ramona who faced Margaret. "No, just sore the others hurt like hell," she said before yelping in pain when he touched a spot under the heal rib.
He jerked his hand away saying, "We'll need an x-ray to be sure but I think one of your ribs healed." Ramona beamed at Margaret giving her an I-told-you-so look to which Margaret replied, "What can I say? When your right, your right." In came a nurse with an x-ray machine and Carlisle laid out Margaret, moving Ramona from her side and reviewed the x-ray. "Yes, it has healed completely. Looks right there was the break and now it's smoothed over. The two others are going in the same direction," Carlisle said in awe examining the picture then said, "It's amazing." Ramona giggled clapping her hands saying, "Am a miracle worker," very satisfied with herself. Margaret smiled telling her, "Why don't you set up the bed, run home and get my family, bring a boat load of food cause am starving. Then maybe I'll call you a miracle worker." Ramona glanced at Carlisle and jerked a thumb at Margaret saying, "Bossy."
Carlisle smiled saying, "I can…" the sentence was cut off as Margaret said softly in his mind, "No, I need to talk to you privately." "See if I can have a shower, please," Margaret finished while Ramona nodded. Margaret tossed a pillow at her giggling slightly Ramona said, "So I get to see your messed up home already lucky." Carlisle shook his head replying, "Actually, Sam and his friends should be there today. They are finishing that house up today." Ramona's eyebrows lifted high on her forehead saying, "Okay I'll be back after I cook for all those single stripping men. Love you darling, bye." She blew a kiss to Margaret waved at the doctor and Margaret shouted, "Last house on Palm Lake Avenue." She sighed against her pillows looking at Carlisle as if they just dodged a bullet. "She is always so close to discovering my powers umm gifts and that's exactly what she was thinking over. Nice of you to mention Sam and his friends that did the trick nicely," Margaret smiled then her stomach growled, she blushed.
Chapter 17: Plans and Home Warming
Carlisle smiled, "I'll have the nurse bring in some food," he took a step to the door but she stopped him saying, "Wait, close the door, please. I think we have a problem." Carlisle did as told and returned to her side, "Trouble is arising and I don't have much time left to do what needs to be done." Carlisle frowned he had no idea what she meant. "You will soon, because you and I were destined to meet but before I can tell you my story we must prepare for the next move," Margaret said sounding older than nineteen years, Carlisle nodded. "I need to be discharged and taken to your house after you send away the covens, you have visiting. We mustn't draw attention if they don't want to return home then send them far but close. My mother can be conceived that I don't need to stay here because let's face it we don't have the money. Charlie bless him will volunteer your services you must accept," she said holding his hand giving it a squeeze.
"Why must you stay at my home?" he asked. Margaret smiled, "My gifts have adjusted and I will be fully healed in three days, I sense that. Two weeks of pretending at your house is easier than hiding at my house plus you're a doctor and would love to keep track that I heal well." Carlisle had figured all that out but to a confirmation, "I'll set things up at the house on my lunch break and discharge you when I return." Margaret smiled at Carlisle, her stomach growled again. "I'll work on my mother maybe you can help Charlie hint it's for the best. Ramona is planning on staying the month so she'll gladly help care for my family since she enjoys the wolves," Margaret said frowning slightly at something mentally. "How did you know they are wolves?" Carlisle asked clearly shocked at such a leap if it was one. "Edward and Dominique talked," she said blushing slightly and Carlisle nearly hit himself of course Edward would share. Margaret's stomach growled again and this time Carlisle left to get a nurse to get her food and start on the discharge papers.
Margaret ate a plate of oatmeal and was still hungry but kept that to herself since everyone was still thinking that she should eat slower. Dominique woke and was informed about the plan and he thought it was an okay idea, yet he suggested they be on guard. A nurse came in around eleven telling Margaret, she earned a bath. So Margaret sat in a tub with lots of soap bubbles as nurses, cleaners, and many other people who fixed up the room. Margaret ignored them all enjoying the warm water and scrubbing clean, she didn't notice Seth, Ramona, William, and Rupert. Theresa and Charlie at the door till William said, "Good thing you were starting to smell a little." Margaret looked up blushing moving bubbles to cover herself up saying, "I know! I've been in here for two hours and they even let me shave my legs, now am all smooth." She lifted a leg out of the water and showed a hairless leg. "Boys if you don't mind waiting outside while the nurses' help her dress," Theresa said and all four boys moved into the hallway. "We got some clothes for you to take to Dr. Cullen's. I want you to behave over there and do as you're told," Theresa said shocking Margaret some, since she hadn't known that someone talked to her already. Margaret recovered with a smiled nodding changing into her favorite blue sweats plus just a bra and sweater.
"You don't mind spending time with my family do you?" Margaret asked Ramona who shook her head eagerly with a smile on her face. "Oh I guess Sam's friends were interesting. The guy with you is Seth, right?" she said looking at Ramona who blushed nodding. Once that was done they gently set her in a wheelchair and took her to the front of the hospital were Carlisle was waiting in his normal clothes which were of black stacks, polished black shoes and a blue dress shirt. "He looks nice," Margaret said to Ramona who gasped out "Wow!" Carlisle smiled and thought gently at Margaret, "Sorry, I didn't have time to tell you that everything went according to plan." Margaret smiled at him and came face to face with Charlie's cruiser and their jeep. "We'll follow you in the car; I can't wait to meet his family. I wonder if their as handsome," Ramona said winking as she rounded the jeep.
Margaret was put in the back of the cruiser along with Carlisle who had her lean into him as they lay sideways. Margaret blushed as he wrapped his hands around her securely. "Is there a problem?" he asked in her ear as Charlie focused on getting out of the hospital parking. "No, just not use to being handled by men," she said smiling tossing him a glance. He nodded and loosened his hold on her but kept her in his arms, she relaxed completely into him. He chuckled and she was delighted to feel the rumble. "Hey Charlie, I feel like am in a soap opera. Say something charming," she said and Charlie smiled looking at her in the rearview mirror, "My darling don't worry we'll take care of you." After that they joked, told stories, and were merry that when they arrived to the house they found that the jeep had been lost a few miles back but Seth would lead them back. They joked as they climbed out of the car. Charlie grabbed the two bags for the two weeks while Carlisle lifted Margaret from the car with ease. The door opened yet Margaret wasn't paying attention she was using a southern accent as Carlisle walked them through.
She said, "Hey Charlie, my acting skill at work. Oh doctor I feel faint," since she was being held bridal style she placed a hand on her forehead and shut her eyes. They all started laughing as Charlie gasped out Brava and she gestured a wave at him as a superstar would. The laughter continued till she felt a twinge on her rib cage she gasped. Carlisle moved so quickly and laid her out over a piano waiting for her to relax against the surface saying, "Ow!" Carlisle leaned over his hands lifted her sweater to the bruises that covered her body to touch the second rib. "It's healed," he told her as she nodded glancing at him saying, "Now if only my pelvis would heal." He soothed her hair from her face and said, "It will." She nodded then felt something shift to her right a woman stood there and Carlisle smiled lovingly at her. "Oh Carlisle, is this Esme," Margaret said shaking her hand as she added, "Wow!" Esme who would have blushed at such an introduction placed a hand on her cheek as to hide such an action.
"You are Margaret Mackenzie," Esme said as she shook Margaret's hand. Margaret gave her best smile while Esme eye's focused on her own. "The color scares everyone," Margaret said glancing away at Carlisle who smiled gently. Esme seemed to sense her discomfort and shifted her glance to Carlisle as well. "Charlie, I think you might have to carry me out so I can let Esme molest Carlisle for a few hours," Margaret said to Charlie who nodded smiling. "Kiss the hell out of him for me, Esme. He deserves it." Charlie chuckled placing her on a sofa before a big plasma t.v. "This is my room," she gasped holding he arms out to hug the t.v. Charlie whispered, "That's how I felt."
They laughed among themselves when Dominique nudged her to say, "Edward should be here." Margaret nodded interested in meeting Dominique's temporary companion. "Your daughter lives here as well," Margaret said looking around wondering where everyone was. Suddenly a young man was standing before her that she smiled saying, "You must be Edward." He smiled nodded saying, "Margaret a pleasure to meet you. Let me introduce you to my wife Bella and my daughter Renesmee." Margaret turned to look at a brown petite woman and a child who appeared to be ten. Dominique said, "She's three actually but Charlie doesn't know much about it. They try to keep him in the dark from the Volturi," he hissed the last word. "Hi," Margaret said extending her hand shaking it with Bella then waving at a shy Renesmee before racing toward her grandpa.
"She's bigger than last I saw her," he said frowning slightly as he hugged her. "Charlie children are miracles God forged and they grow at their destined rates," Margaret said smiling at him adding, "The twins shot up after five years and they still have more to go." Charlie chuckled at Margaret saying, "It's horrible isn't it," and it was Margaret's turn to laugh as she was laid out to say, "Yes, but it's all for the best." They locked eyes and understood each other than she flinched. Her eyes landed on Bella saying, "Can you extract your shield a little," under her breath that only Bella and Edward heard. Bella looked at her then nodded and Margaret sighed the pressure from Bella's shield removed. "Is there a problem?" Charlie asked as he made Renesmee giggle, "No just a kink in my back," Margaret said watching Charlie play with his grandchild.
"Is this what we fight for?" Margaret said gently to Dominique who gave off a pong of sadness, "Yes, peace among us." A memory floated up from Dominique, it was a living memory; one about Cara with the children and her husband John with immense feelings of want and long. "We'll do it. The Volturi will go down," she said surrounding Dominique who gave a weak chuckle. Her mind felt a nudge so she looked at Edward connecting to his mind, "Yes?" Edward's eyes widen slightly then Dominique spoke, "Hello, Edward. This is my many a great grandchild Margaret C. Mackenzie." Edward's face fell into a smile and a mental "Hello," Margaret smiled and replying, "Hello, Edward. I want to thank you for being with Dominique while I was out. I've never left him alone and that was kinda scary for both of us. Thank you Edward for your help." His smile widened making him look more handsome she averted her eyes to glance at Charlie. "How long till we are by ourselves?" she said to no one in particular yet received an answer from both Dominique and Edward mentally, "Soon."
She nodded pulling away from Edward mentally saying, "Edward don't you have other siblings?" Charlie glanced up at that asking as well," Yeah, were are Alice, Jasper, Emmett and Rosalie? I thought they would be here to welcome us." Bella smiled at Charlie saying, "They went out to eat and should be back by nightfall." They all nodded when the sound of the jeep came from outside. Edward moved to open the door allowing Seth to enter first. He glanced at Margaret feeling that tall-tale sign of imprinting but nothing happened, she blushed under his graze. "Hi, I'm Seth we meet earlier before the accident," he said heat omitting from his body to Margaret's cool skin. "Hi. I think I remember you," she said frowning slightly but smiled at him to cause him to blush.
"Whoa, Wolf boy likes you," Dominique said chuckling at Margaret who blushed before Ramona entered saying, "Gosh you all are just so Wow!" looking at Bella and Edward before shifting her glaze to Carlisle and Esme. "Behave Ramona. Edward is Carlisle son who is married to Bella, Charlie's lovely daughter." Margaret explained as she felt Seth move slightly away from her to make introductions. Ramona throws a dirty look at Margaret before smiling lovingly to everyone, Edward's eyebrows lifted as he no doubt heard Ramona's thoughts, he looked at Margaret a slight smile on his lips; and Margaret shrugged. "This is Edward and his wife Bella, and this here is Renesmee their child. This lovely lady over here is Carlisle's wife Esme," Seth said before he changed sides, "This is William, Rupert, Theresa and the family friend Ramona." Margaret watched from the sofa as they exchanged hellos and handshakes.
William immediately asked questions and gained friends easily. Rupert started to play with Renesmee who delighted in having a friend. Theresa spoke with the adults while Ramona and Seth talked with ease. "They seem to be getting along nicely," Margaret said to Dominique who, "mmm." Seth returned to Margaret's side to say, "Well I guess we should be going if Ramona is to make dinner for Sam and the others." Ramona nodded saying, "Yes, I almost forgot," starting to head out but returned to hug Margaret whispering, "If you see any of them naked send me a pic." Margaret blushed and winced as all the vampires looked at her before returning to conversations. "I'll see what happens even of the," she said only to have Ramona pinch her saying, "No, just the boys. We'll visit okay." Margaret nodded saying, "I umm I really," Ramona nudged her saying, "No problem." They smiled and squeezed hands before she went on to say good-bye walking to the jeep.
Theresa hugged her saying, "Do everything the doctor tells you and please remember you're a guest in the house." Margaret squeezed Theresa saying, "Irish honor," receiving a kiss from Theresa on both her cheeks. She left letting William and Rupert to step up to receive hugs. Margaret kissed their cheeks twice to have Rupert blush and William smile. "You both please behave but you know get your share of dirt and sun," Margaret said hugging them to her again. "Yes," Rupert said as William said, "Sun and dirt, of course." Margaret waved good-bye to them before they were gone leaving her alone with the Cullens.
Chapter 18: Powers/Gifts
Renesmee came up to Margaret asking to be held in her arms. Margaret helped her up and settle on her comfortably for both touching Margaret's cheek. Renesmee smiled as did Edward yet Margaret frowned before touching Renesmee's cheek. "I don't understand," Margaret said to Renesmee who frowned. "Look please," Renesmee said sending a slight chill down her back as she touched her again, nothing happened. "I don't see anything," Margaret said in a whisper causing a gasp to be heard from the Cullens. "Try to put down the shield," Dominique said and Margaret relaxed the shield slid down her then looked at Renesmee again, "Okay try it now," Margaret said a smile and Renesmee touched her a slight shock hit her before pictures came into his head.
The pictures were of Margaret who looked nervous yet smiled beautifully. How she made Edward smile and relax, Bella who was protective of her family. How her family came to meet Renesmee's family. And pictures of Ramona, Theresa, how she saw them; then the meeting between Seth and Margaret as they blushed; then how Rupert seemed so friendly and how fun she thought he was; soon the pictures of the good-byes to her. The last picture was of her holding the boys to her. She was amazed by what Renesmee showed her how everything looked different from someone else's eyes. "Thank you," Margaret said as she stared at Renesmee who smiled. "Can I do it to you?" Margaret asked Renesmee's cheek showing her how she wakes up seeing Edward and Carlisle. The next was of Esme and how glad she was to meet her then came Bella standing next to Renesmee who seemed shy to meet Margaret. Finally Margaret gave two last images one of Seth and how she looked at him then one of Charlie smiling.
Margaret pulled away her hand and looked at Renesmee who smiled before saying, "How did you do that?" Margaret put up her shield automatically catching Edward's eye who was staring at her. She turned back to Renesmee who waited patiently, "You taught me," she said so simply, Renesmee smiled accepting the answer. Edward stepped forward lifting Renesmee from Margaret's arms and she flinched like she was being hit. "That really was amazing," Edward said tickling Renesmee but looking at Margaret. Dominique shifted in her mind saying, "Maybe we should tell them how your power works." She nodded saying, "My basic power is replication that is why I could copy Renesmee. My other powers, I was taught how to use them." They looked among themselves and she said, "Dominique taught me the others. He learned from a vampire when he still existed in his bodily form." Carlisle stepped forward saying, "Dominique was a vampire?"
Margaret looked at Edward but nodded saying, "Am a descendant from his line. It's why we think he was born with me and also because I was gifted as you put it." Carlisle sat on the coffee table asking, "Which vampire did he learn it from?" Margaret studied Carlisle saying sincerely, "Am afraid I can't tell you that yet, Carlisle. As I said before time is running short in two days' time I'll be healed then I must search. Once I find what I need I will tell you everything I know." Carlisle looked at Margaret and sensed she spoke pure truth, he nodded squeezing her hand. Then something so embarrassing happened Margaret's stomach growled, she blushed. "Am sorry but could I please have something to eat," she whispered and Esme placed a hand on her shoulder saying, "Come I'll get you fed." Most of the contents of the fridge was gone some of the cabinets were left bare all to satisfy Margaret's hunger. She smiled patting the small bulge that appeared on her stomach then she blushed saying, "That must have been the most disgusting display you've ever seen. Excuse me." Edward and Bella looked at each other than everyone started laughing. "I've missed something," Margaret said perplexed nudging Dominique as he also wondered about the reaction. "You have yet to see a werewolf eat. My best friend Jake eats as much as you do but not as neatly," Bella said once the musical laughter ended.
Margaret smiled weakly; well at least she knew someone ate worse than her. "Oh Ramona must be in hell at the moment," Margaret said suddenly everyone glanced at her. "Ramona only cooks what she needs for serving and the pack is eating over at my house. They are going to be left starving but Seth is with her maybe she'll cook more if she knows," Margaret said while an image of a hunger wolf plagued her as Dominique laughed, he could imagine Ramona's face. "Am sure they'll eat before they go over and still clean everything from their plates," Bella reassured her. Margaret actually felt a little better gave a smile, "Yes am sure that's the case." Carlisle lifted Margaret from her position gently since she was laid out on the table to keep her flat.
"I eat so much to keep my energy. My body runs differently than others as you know," Margaret said to Carlisle as a small thought of bodily functions come to her mind. He smiled before saying, "I want to study you if you don't mind me saying so." Margaret gave a laugh saying, "Doc, if things go according to plan you're going to have a ball with me," Carlisle smiled weakly. "So what do you want to do?" Esme asked as she was laid out on the sofa again and Margaret gave a slight yawn, "Nap if I could." Everyone nodded and went their respective ways. "Will you hum me a song Dominique?" she asked aloud curling as she could comfortably falling into sleep as a musical tone filled her mind.