(A/N:) Guess what?! I have a Beta now, so after this chapter, there won't be as many grammar mistakes! Yay! Also, I'd like to know your viewpoints on the story; like what I should change or what you like so that I could keep it going. Some motivation, anyone?? Gosh.

And hold on to your hats, romance is on the way. It'll get stronger in every chapter, probably! Read and review! Enjoy!!!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

Chapter 2: And So We Meet Again

I walked briskly down the stairs the next evening, thinking idle thoughts. Thoughts like the National Anthem, quotes from Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, that time I tripped on top of Jacob and,

Easy girl…

"Goin' out with Jake, Nessie?"

Emmet was coming down the hallway. He took in my simple attire; jeans and a v-neck camisole. It would appear so, wouldn't it?

"Uh," I tried to think of a lie without actually thinking of a lie. I knew my father was just in the other room and he was probably already suspicious of my current thoughts. "Something like that, Em."

"Ooh, tell me you're not 'stepping out' on the dog. I never pegged you as a cheater baby niece." He grinned, catching the secretive tone in my voice.

Ugh. Here we go with the 'baby niece'. That name was always followed by some vivacious flow of jibes from him.

"No, I'm not stepping out on Jacob. I just have other things to do," I said urgently. This damn family could hear every word I spoke and I didn't want anyone else questioning me. "This means I need to go. Now."

I continued past him, only to hear him laughing lightly.

"Hey, what's your rush?" He called after me. I ignored him. Emmet always had the habit of being around when I needed him not to be. Not a good thing me, considering, I had a tendency of always getting in some kind of trouble. But that was neither here, nor there. I had to get going!

I grabbed my keys off the key hook and headed towards the garage. Just as my hand touched the knob, my father's velvety baritone stopped me in my tracks.

"Renesmee, where are you going?"

His voice was an odd mixture of amusement and suspicion. Amusement, I supposed, because of the random thoughts I forced myself to think, suspicious because he wanted to know why, exactly, I was thinking them.

"Oh, just to meet Lulu in Port Angeles. We're eating dinner over there." I lied swiftly, thinking about what I wanted to order when I got there. Or what I would order, had I actually been going.

Lulu was half vampire and half human like me. She was born about eight years before me and after the whole Volturi ordeal, word got out about a half-breed to vampire to covens all over. For her entire life, her and her uncle had thought she was the only one. Seems we all did. At least, my parents did, and Nahuel and his aunt did as well. She came to us a few years later after her uncle died, and when I met her, we were instant friends. Before then, it was always Jacob and the wolves, my parents and the vampires, and then, there was just me. Lulu changed all of that. She made me feel a part of something and now, 2 years or so later, separating us was very much impossible. She lived here at the big house, but we spent a lot of time sharing my room at the cottage. When my parents weren't acting like horny teens, that is. Gross. It was that exact reason that I had taken over my father's old room here at the house. If Bella and Edward wanted alone time, they could have it. Ugh.

Find a happy place. Find a happy place.

So anyways…

Lulu had a job in Port Angeles, at a restaurant, so the lie wasn't as see through as one would think.

My father looked at me blankly.

"So," I said evenly. "I should probably get going." I beamed my most Daddy-I'm-Totally-Innocent-Smile and began slowly backing away. My brain was on overdrive, practically screeching Paramore lyrics all over the place.

He raised an eyebrow. "What are you girls getting into after you eat?"

"Probably just look around. Shop a little, maybe. Who knows?" I was really trying to be casual, but Edward was making this pretty difficult. I shrugged a little, acting the role. "You know us girls."

"Alright then."

I was frozen. Did he really mean it? Or was he tricking me?

"Yeah, why, was there something else?"

I blushed. I hadn't realized I had thought it for him to hear and that could've been a major slip-up for me.

"Nope, nothing else!" In less than a second I was out the door. I really didn't want to give him time to ask me more questions.

Once in the garage, I breathed a relieved sigh as I headed to my car.

For my seventeenth birthday, Uncle Jasper bought me a 2007 Honda Accord. It was black and I loved it more than anything. Uncle Jasper was my favorite uncle. He made almost everything better. Of course that was his gift, but I don't just mean emotionally. Whenever I needed something, he was always there. I laughed to myself. Uncle Jasper was the man.

I stepped on the gas, feeling the soft purr of my engine. Ah, I loved my Emily. I named my car Emily after Emmet and Rosalie because they decked it out on the inside. The interior was yellow and black like Bumblebee from Transformers, because they knew that was my favorite movie. It had a CD player with the hook-up to my iPod, and even a DVD player that hooked up to mini-screens in my visors. Though, I never used these things, it was nice to know if I got that bored, I could pull over anywhere I wanted, recline my seat, and watch a movie. Emily was also the name of one of my closest friends. Speaking of friends, I flipped open my cell and dialed Lulu.

"Hey Sis," I said.

"Hey Ness," she replied. "Where are you?"

"Halfway to Seattle."

She was quiet for a moment on the other end. "Do you really think it's safe for you to be meeting some strange man who you don't know? I mean, he made it a point to make sure Edward didn't find out. Don't you find that the tiniest bit apprehensive?" She was the only one I told. I had to, after all. She was my lie and also I don't think there was a thing I could keep from her.

"Calm down Lu. Everything will be fine. I can take care of myself and if he wanted to hurt me, he wouldn't have showed his face to Charlie, knowing that he could just go and tell Edward everything."

"Ren, that doesn't mean a thing," she sighed into the phone. "You don't even know that whoever gave Charlie the note is the person that you're really going to meet. You're being reckless."

"Ah, hell, I don't think my signal travels this far. I've got to go Lucy Goosey. Kisses. Tell Seth hello for me," I said quickly, flipping the phone shut with a scowl.

Leave it to her to try and talk some unnecessary sense into me. Didn't she realize that I'd thought this through already? Did she really think I was that stupid? Ugh. I loved her, but at the same time she knew how to nag. Poor Seth, I snickered. Seth had imprinted on Lulu upon first glance and she was so in love with his playful personality that she didn't even mind. I thought they were just too cute together.

My heart accelerated a bit as I pulled in at the restaurant that was on the paper. I had to admit, I was a little nervous. But I felt like I was supposed to do this. I took a deep breath and cut off my ignition. I put my phone in the glove compartment. Something told me I should keep the interruptions in this meeting to a minimum.

I ran my fingers through my bronze curls as I stepped out the car. The restaurant was called Soloma's Cavern. It had a cabin theme and looked extremely homey, yet classy at the same time. Huh, some place. Never heard of it.

A young woman stopped me as I walked through the door. "Ms. Cullen?"

"Yes, that's me."

"Right this way ma'am. Your party is waiting for you on the private patio."

"Thank you," I said as she led the way. Party? What the hell? Just how many people was I meeting with?

As I stepped out onto the patio, I was greeted by the sight of three people. A translucent looking man was standing there, two others flanking him on each side. One was a female, pale also, with bright crimson eyes. The other could've almost been her twin, but he was very different. Whereas her face scowled menacingly at me, he was looking at me with confusion. The man waved the hostess away. "Thank you, kind woman," he drawled.

She mumbled something, probably 'you're welcome', and closed the door behind her.

"Please sit, Renesmee," he pulled out a chair.

I sat with my chin high, trying to come off as confident as I wanted to be. The two flunkies sat on either side of him as he took his seat.

"How do you know me? And why didn't you want my father to know we were meeting?" I demanded.

"Be patient, young one," he smiled. "I believe an introduction is in order." He motioned the young male and female. "This is Jane," he said and she turned her nose up in response. "And this is Alec."

I looked at his face really for the first time and gasped slightly. He was beautiful. His features were perfect and his eyes, though red and dangerous, almost melted my soul. Sheesh. I shook my head a tad. He nodded to me as the man spoke.

"My name is Aro. Do you truly not remember me?"

I thought about it. His face was oddly familiar. And then it hit me.

Now I remembered fully; the Volturi, the army, the witnesses. I remembered it all. I bit back a grimace.

"You wanted to kill me…"

"Ah, you've a wonderful memory, child. But that was when I thought you were dangerous. And I apologize. But we are not here to reminisce the past. I've come to you with a proposition."

I leaned back in my seat. A proposition? I didn't understand, but I'd be damned if I was going to appear ignorant. "Go on."

"My traveling companions and I have certain… abilities. A different ability for each of us. Something similar to what you and members of your family possess." Now, he had my attention. He continued, "There are many like us back in Italy, where we traveled from. You are very captivating, Ms. Renesmee. I'm interested in you and to put it bluntly, I would like for you to join us."

At this, I was taken aback. Join them?! Was he out of his mind?!

"Excuse me?"

Aro smiled gently. "I can understand your reluctance. Let me show you something." He reached for my hand, and I hesitantly placed mine in his. The moment I did, I was stunned. Every thought I'd ever had swooshed through my mind. I would've thought it was amazing if my mind wasn't being totally violated. It was like the reverse of what I could do. But when I showed people my thoughts, they saw only what I wanted them to see. Not everything like Aro could. I didn't like this at all. I pulled my hand away and he chuckled slightly.

"Ah, I see why you would be uncertain to leave. You've quite the life."

I really didn't know what to say. It was amazing, I guess, that there were others out there like me, but I was quite satisfied with my life as it was. I had a caring family, close friends, and a boyfriend that I wouldn't trade for the world. I had a car, two places to live, and could probably get anything I want plus more. Lulu and I were enrolled at Forks High School as younger siblings to the older Cullens and our teachers and the students loved us. He was right. I had a wonderful life. I looked up to heavens. And now, we see if he's a lunatic.

"Look…uh,"

"Please, call me Aro," he insisted.

"Aro," I continued. "I don't mean any disrespect, but I'm not interested."

I looked up as Jane slammed her hands on the table and glared at me. I looked back, undaunted. Suddenly I jumped back. She had fallen to the ground writhing as if in pain. Aro looked from her to me, in wonderment as Alec rushed to Jane's side. I got up as well, shocked.

"My, you're more talented than I thought, Renesmee," I heard Aro say through a clouded mind. I didn't know what was going on. What had I done? Why had she fallen out like that? I had to go. I started backing up to the door, my hand on my chest, still confused.

Finally Jane got up, but this time she didn't even look my way. I could tell she was angry, and though I didn't care much for her, or more like didn't care at all, I had other things on my mind. Aro had gotten up by now. "Come now, Jane. Alec. Ms. Renesmee is quite clear in her decision. Much like her father, if you ask me."

The three got up and stalked past me, but Alec stopped short of the door and turned around. "A word with her, if I may, Aro?"

"Carry on, my boy," Aro replied. He and Jane continued through the door. I stood, rooted to the ground, wondering what this beautiful boy could possibly have to say to me.

"You intrigue me," was all he stated, looking at the ground almost timidly. Weird. Why won't he look at me?

I glared at him. Didn't he just understand when I told Aro that I was not interested? "I'm not joining your little army of murderers. Or did you not hear me the first time?" I snapped.

He looked up at me. "No," he said quickly. "I mean," he started, more calmly this time. "I didn't mean it that way. I meant… I'm… drawn to you. Very curious… I've never reacted to any female this way."

I didn't know what he was saying.

"What do you mean? I don't understand."

He sighed. "Maybe I should start over," he said. "You're beautiful."

I blushed, not believing my ears. He looked like a sculpture of perfection and here he was calling me beautiful? Right.

"Uhm thanks. I guess."

"Do you not believe me? I've never seen someone as lovely as you. And I've been on this Earth a very long time and I've encountered a lot of females. Never have I—"

Aro had peeped back through the cracked door to the inside of the restaurant. "Alec, your sister is getting more annoyed by the second. She no longer wishes to be here."

"Coming Aro, my apologies," Alec said. He looked back to me as Aro disappeared back into the restaurant. He grabbed my hand and looked me in the eyes. I almost swooned, it was such a romantic gesture. I thought I was in romance novel about to be swept off my feet.

"Renesmee, I'd like to come back and visit you. Would that be alright?"

I was silent, eyes wide, heart beating madly. A nuclear war could have broken out in that very moment and I wouldn't have noticed a thing.

"Y-Yes. Of c-course." It was all I could get out, I was so astounded.

He smiled then. And it was over for me. This boy could do whatever he liked and it was all fine by me. I noticed he still had my hand as he flipped it and pressed his cold lips to my palm. "Goodnight then. I will inform you of my next visit, Renesmee." My name sounded lovely from those lips. " See you soon," he said.

And in a breeze, he was gone.

I walked back to my car in a daze. That had to have been the craziest hour of my life. The Volturi wanted me to join them and I think I had just met the man of my dreams. I maybe even had made an arch-enemy in Jane. I was flabbergasted.

When I got in my car, I pulled my phone out the glove compartment where I left it. Six missed calls; one from Momma, three from Lulu, and two from Jacob.

Oh shit! JACOB!

How could I have completely forgotten about him?! I was his imprintee! I just didn't understand. I was so confused. My mind was packed with unanswered questions and there was no one who could give me the answers I needed. If my father found out, he would probably murder me, then save me by turning me into a full vampire, then lock me away for the rest of eternity. I wouldn't have been able to make it here if Alice had seen it, so she must not have known. Jasper would be disappointed, Emmet would just tease me mercilessly, and Esme would probably be hurt that I put myself in such danger without informing any of them. Then there was Carlisle and Bella. Carlisle would be very understanding and helpful, even though he'd also be a little disappointed in my irresponsibility. That only left Bella. She could help me. And on the plus side, she was the only one who could keep her thoughts from Edward.

It was settled then. I would tell Mom everything and she would help me. And maybe she would even protect my mind too. Just enough to keep Edward from finding out until things were sorted out.

Whew! Things just got reeeaalll complicated.

My phone buzzed in my lap. It was Edward.

"Hey Dad," I answered.

"Renesmee, where are you?" he demanded. He didn't sound like he knew anything though. Just worried.

"Driving. I needed to stop off and have some alone time. I'm fine dad."

"Alright. Are you on your way home?"

I thought about it. I couldn't go home. Not with the thoughts I was containing. Dammit.

"Uh, no Dad, not tonight. I'm think I'm gonna go and stay with Emily and the kids. Sam's working late tonight so I'm just going to go and help her out."

There was a pause. "Okay," he said. "Call me when you get there."

"'Kay. Night Daddy. Love you. Kiss Momma for me"

"I love you too. Goodnight baby girl."

I closed my phone and rolled my eyes. No matter how many times I objected, he always called me his 'baby' girl anyway. It made me smile though. I started the car and before I knew it, I was speeding up the highway.

I had a lot to think about.

(A/N: I'm sure you're wondering what Emily and Renesmee's relationship is. Hopefully you're patient enough to find out! Please review; it makes my world a whole lot better! Will update soon.)