Chapter 3
BPOV
"So..." Alice said as we started toward forks, "Can I ask how you met Edward in that little dream of yours? She turned and gave me a sweet smile, then added cautiously, "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, I'm just trying to understand how this could have happened."
I turned to look out the window at the blur of the moon-lit scenery. "It wasn't a dream..." I sighed as my confused mind wondered what exactly it was then.
"What do you want to call it then?" Alice asked in a soft voice.
I sighed again. "I don't know...go ahead and call it a dream, call it whatever you want." But it was more than that, I thought to myself. I could feel her staring at me, waiting for me to continue. "I moved to forks to live with my dad-"
"Police chief swan," Alice said to herself as if she remembered something she'd forgotten. "A lot of people wondered why he moved out of town so suddenly. Sorry, please continue."
"I went to your school, Edward and I had biology together. He acted like he was in pain or something the entire period, and he kept giving me these death-glares. It wasn't until later I found out that he almost killed me that first day. He told me the only thing that kept him from snapping everyone's neck right then and there and taking me, was plotting all the different ways to do just that; or lure me out on my own." Alice looked at me slightly confused.
"Why would he do that? We don't feed on humans, and Edward especially has amazing control, its been years since he's even entertained that kind of thought, what would provoke him to mass murder your class?"
"Oh... apparently my blood appeals to Edward more than anyone one else's ever had. What was it they called me?..."
I thought for a moment, trying to find a memory I'd tried so hard to repress; the one in Volterra. "La Tua Cantante, because my blood "sings" for him. You probably think that should terrify me, it surprised Edward when I told him it didn't. But it was actually one of my favorite things about us. It was the whole reason we ended up together in the first place." I angled myself in the seat so I was facing more toward Alice.
"After the first day he took off and went to Denali, then decided he overreacted and came back a few weeks later. He really couldn't avoid me since we were lab partners, and after that he managed to civil towards me. Then I almost got crushed by a van in the school parking lot, and Edward ran over, at Vampire speed, and stopped it with his bare hands to save my life. That was sort of the beginning of the end really. That's when I realized something was up, but Edward refused to talk to me after that. He insisted it was better that we not be friends. He finally gave up on that, he said I was too tempting to resist. He still wouldn't tell me what he was exactly, but I figured it out for myself, and once I did all the walls came down. He learned to control himself around me enough for us to have a relationship. We realized we loved each other and although it it kind of went against nature, we made it work."
"Wow. So how did you figure out what we are?" she asked.
"I had a friend in La push," Suddenly I remembered that I didn't actually have a friend named Jacob. Not anymore. I took a breath and continued my story. "After he told me about an old tribe legend, I put two and two together." I tried to bring Alice up to date, only highlighting on the major events. James and the Ballet studio, Edward leaving, Cliff jumping, Italy, Volterra, Werewolves, Victoria and the newborns, the engagement and the wedding, then finally the honeymoon and my disappointing attempt to change. "Then I woke up; and I think you know the rest."
"That's quite a story. So lets get this straight? You wanted to be a Vampire?" she didn't wait for me to answer. "You must have really loved him."
"I still do." I remembered where we were headed then and turned to Alice and asked nervously, " Alice, will he be there?" I was worried, I didn't know if anything would be the same.
Would I still appeal to him in the same way? Would he want to take my life like he did that first day?
If he did there would be no potential witnesses like last time, his family would support him through any mistake he made. No, I tried to reason with myself, Alice wouldn't have asked you to come if she thought it was dangerous for me.
But what if this Edward is different? I panicked. What if he doesn't love me?
No, I have to believe that Edward in any form would love me or my reason for living would cease to exist.
"No Bella," she said sensing my emotions, or rather my quickened pulse. "Edward and Emmett went hunting for the weekend, they shouldn't be back till sometime tomorrow, unless they change their minds and come home early, but I don't see that happening."
"What about everyone else?"
"Don't worry, Carlisle and I will be there. He knows you're coming, Although he's not expecting us till tomorrow. I wasn't sure how willing you'd be to come."
"So whats the plan?" I asked as we came into Forks and sped down familiar roads.
"First we talk to Carlisle and see what he thinks. I have my theories but he knows much more than I do. Then we'll decide what to do."
"Alice, what did you see, when we were back in the hospital?"
"I don't think I should tell you," She looked at me hesitantly, then saw my worried expression. "Oh, but don't worry Bella, its nothing really." She smiled confidently, but I knew she was keeping something from me and that made me worry.
We turned into the hidden lane just outside town and the Cullen residence came into view. It was odd (to say the least,) that everything was so different now, but these details had remained the same.
My heart started beating nervously. I had to meet the Cullens all over again. Though I knew them well, I wasn't sure how they'd react to me this time. Alice pulled into the garage and the car came to a stop.
"Ready?" Alice asked. I nodded and opened the door to get out. It was dark outside now, but there was a light on in the garage. I turned around and Carlisle was there to greet us.
"Hey Carlisle." Alice said.
Her nodded to her, "Alice. So," he said, turning to me with a polite smile, "You must be Miss Swan?" I nodded in response, unable to find my words. Miss Swan. Sigh. I was just starting to get used to being a Cullen."Alice, I think perhaps we'd better talk outside for a moment, the others were already suspicious of something, but now..." Carlisle glanced at me.
"Oh, they're probably just thinking Alice caved and brought Jasper a snack." I joked, trying to lighten the mood and my nerves. But no one laughed.
Carlisle turned to look at me but spoke to Alice. "Wow. You weren't kidding Alice."
"I know, odd isn't it? Thats not even the half of it!" She replied with an excited smile.
Carlisle glanced over his shoulder. "Perhaps we should walk this way?" He gestured towards a path that led into the nearby wood. Alice grabbed something out of a box on our way out and handed it to me. It was a flashlight. Great; hiking the dark.
Alice and I followed him a good distance from the house ( Alice had to catch me 3 three time as I fell) and when we were out of earshot, they both stopped to look at me. I recognized where we were. I'd been here quite a few times with my Edward. We were a few feet off the trail where there was a break in the trees, making a small little clearing. There was a full moon over head giving off some pale light, it was just enough for me to make out their faces. There was a few large odd shaped rocks (conveniently smooth and flat) about knee high. I walked over to one
and sat down, leaning forward and bracing myself with my hands on my knees. I didn't have the advantage of never tiring as they did, and my legs still weren't used to this much exercise in one shot anymore.
"Alright. Now, would either of you like to explain what happened?" He asked calmly. "We need to sort this out before Ed-...Before anything else happens."
I knew what he was about to say, "before Edward comes home and finds a crazy human claiming to me his wife." Sigh. This was gong to be bad, I could tell.
Too tired and out of breath for words I lifted one hand and pointed to Alice. She knew the story well enough, plus whatever she had seen and wasn't willing to share with me yet. She turned to Carlisle and explained everything so fast I could barely catch it all. She accomplished in only a few minutes what it had taken me hours to explain. Then they started discussing something else even faster and I couldn't keep up. Now that Carlisle was up to date he started pacing, deep in thought.
"That's very interesting," he murmured. He stopped and turned to me."You say it wasn't a dream, but you were in a coma, Correct?"
I sighed. "Yes, but I don't know how to describe it to make sense to anyone. It was real Carlisle. Completely tangible. There's no way I could have dreamed those kinds of details, I'm not creative enough."
"Well, Alice seems to think you're sincere, so I won't bet against her. She had some interesting theories and I think she is quite accurate. It's not impossible, but remarkably uncommon. Alice and I think that when the plane started to crash and you sustained your head injury, it triggered something in your mind. Something that was probably always there, unnoticed. There has been stories like these for centuries, that people with a rare gift could pass through to different dimensions, worlds, or times."
Gifted? Me? I"m about as gifted as I am graceful.Carlisle continued, "Now this is speculation from my part, but it could have been possible that the plane passed through a break or crack, for lack of a better word, in this world; leaving an opening that would only be usable for one of the gifted. A gateway so to speak. I don't mean physically of course, but immaterial, like an energy. That crack may have interfered with the gravity. Assuming it was something along those line, my next guess would be that you passed through, not to a different world; It was clearly the same one. Perhaps into and alternate course of the same world, both happening simultaneously. But your mind must have subconsciously been trying to protect itself from this reality and allowed you to continue your life as it would have happened had the plane not crashed. The pain of going through your..Uh...Change, must have triggered the same part of your mind as the crash had, but closing it this time, sending you here completely conscience again. Like I said, it's only theory and speculation, but it's the best I've got I'm afraid."
I sat there in shocked silence for a moment to think about what he'd said. Well, hey, I guess anythings is possible, right? It made enough sense, considering nothing was very normal or traditional when you were hanging out with vampires. I was relieved to have some sort or explanation at least. Then I thought of something.
"Carlisle?"
"Yes, Bella?"
"In my, uh, Alternate life," I guess I could call it that. "My mind was guarded from vampire powers that allowed them inside my head. Do you think it was because of this "gift" thing? If I'm back now does it work the same way? Do you think Edward will be able to read my thoughts?" I was slightly panicky now.
Alice giggled, "Don't worry Bella, it still works the same way. Just because that part of your mind isn't in use right now doesn't mean its not there."
I let myself calm down and grasp what this really meant.
So I'm not crazy. It did happen. Thats how it should have happened. Stupid Plane. Stupid crack in supernatural energy. If I'd taken another flight I still would have been here in forks right now, but in Edwards arms, where I belonged. Why is my life so damned complicated!?So if this all happened in the same 'world' as Carlisle had said than this Edward would still be my Edward, wouldn't he? He would still love me like he should, right? He promised he'd always love me forever, no matter what. I think this could fall into the "no matter what" category.
"Thats not quite all," He continued. "Alice says she has another theory, but I'll let her explain it. It's better if fewer people know, so I'll wait for you at the house." He turned to face Alice gave her a nod and run back to the house. Alice took her cue.
"You're both trying to keep as much of this from Edward aren't you?" she nodded.
"What's your other theory?"
"Well, Bella, along with everything that Carlisle has said, I believe that your future with us is inevitable. If you weren't meant to know us now, I don't think I would have had my vision of you. I think that you will be part of our family someday. One way or the other."
"One way or the other?" I asked.
"Yes, that's the tricky part. You seem like a lovely girl Bella, and I think you and Edward are perfect for each other. And I know you love him already. I'd like nothing more than to see my brother as happy as you say he was with you. But I think we all know how stubborn and temperamental he can be. He's not going to like the idea of me trying to set him up with a human, no offense."
"None taken."
"But I have a plan. If fate says you and Edward belong to together, then it should happen eventually. He'll be angry with me, I've seen it, but I think he'll come around soon. I don't know all the details yet."
"So that's one way, what about the other?"
"I'll give you a choice. If it all happens the way you and I want it to, this wont be necessary. But; if He decides to hold a grudge, or tries to leave and doesn't come back till you decide to give up, or has another stupid theatrical idea, I'll give you the choice. If you still want to be one of us, I promise I'll make it happen. I'm only offering because of your aversion to aging. If he doesn't come around in the next few years, you'll have eternity to try. But like I said, thats up to you."
"Thanks Alice." I tried to sound grateful, but now I was terrified of what might or might not happen. I liked Alice's plan, but having to wait for Edward to realize he was in love with was going to difficult. That is, if he if he realizes. I didn't want to do the awkward dating thing again, but if it was the only way to get back to being his wife for forever, I'd do it willingly. "So what exactly do you want me to do?
"Nothing. Just be yourself, and I'll take care of the rest."
"Won't Edward know what your doing?"
"Probably, that's why he'd be mad. But I'll try and confuse him by thinking of something else."
"So now what do we do?"
"Now we go back to the house, and let everyone know we're going to have a guest with us for a while."
"Will that be ok? I mean Jasper-"
"Oh of course its ok, and don't worry, He's gotten much better. And the others will just have to deal with me if they have a problem."
I felt uneasy about this but what else was I supposed to do? I got up and followed her back through the forest. Carlisle was waiting for us in the yard. So we could go in together.
He turned and lead the way up the steps to the house. I took a deep breath. Here we go.
As soon as we were inside I saw that Esme, Jasper and Rosalie were already in the living room waiting for us. Of course they probably smelled me from miles away, now they all wanted to know why I was here.
Esme was sitting patiently on the white sofa. Jasper was standing in the doorway on the opposite end of the room, waiting in case he needed to make a quick escape, no doubt. Rosalie was standing in the middle of the room with her arms folded across her chest. Glaring at me now. I thought I'd be used to that by now, but I still felt my self start to blush under her stare.
"What.Is.That!?" Rosalie asked not even bothering to hide her anger and disgust. She looked at Alice.
"Come now, Rose-" Carlisle started to warn her, but neither of them were paying attention.
"She is Bella, and she will be staying here until I say so." Alice replied in a calm but firm voice.
"You didn't...Kidnap her, did you Alice?" Esme asked in a tone that mothers used when they reprimand their child. I laughed.
"Of course not!" Alice said defensively. Carlisle chuckled and then spoke.
"Bella is Alice's friend, and I have agreed to let Bella stay here as long as she likes. I have given Alice my word that Bella will be safe here."
"But Carlisle-" Rosalie started.
"My decision is final Rosalie. I won't debate the topic."
Rosalie was seething with anger, but her voice was controlled when she spoke. "May I ask why, then, we will be having the pleasure of Bella's company?"
Alice answered, "Sorry, Rose, right now thats on a strict need-to-know basis, and I don't think you need to know." Alice had a innocent smile on her face and that pushed Rosalie over the edge. She gave me another glare before disappearing from the room in a fraction of a second.
I could see the worried expression on Esme's face. She was obviously wondering if I thought Rosalie speed was surprising. Carlisle saw her expression.
"Bella knows what we, and she is more comfortable around us when we are ourselves. I can't explain more than that." He announced to Esme and Jasper.
I could feel everyone staring at me still and I was getting extremely uncomfortable, then I felt a flood of calm wash over me. I turned and gave Jasper a smile, which he wasn't expecting. He looked at me, then Alice, who gave him and apologetic smile.
"Need-to-know, huh?"
"Sorry Jasper." Alice said walking toward him. He met her half way and she way him a hug.
He let out a sigh, "I understand. So, no snack?" He gave me a smile over Alice's shoulder. I smiled back, he must've heard my joke earlier.
"No Jasper, no snack." Alice answered.
Esme frowned at them, then stood up and held her hand out to me, "It's very nice to meet you Bella." She smiled.
"Thank you Esme."
"I'm sorry for Rosalie's behavior, I should go speak to her."
"Oh, no, it's ok, really." But she just gave me another smile and whisked away.
"If you'll excuse me, I'll be in my study." Carlisle started to exit, then added, "Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything Bella." He smiled then he was gone.
"Alright Bella, Follow me." She said taking my hand and leading upstairs. She took me to hers
and Jasper's room and shut the door behind her. My bag was already on the bed and I vaguely wondered when she slipped away to go and get it. Oh well. "You'll sleep here tonight."
I opened my mouth to protest but she cut me off.
"Oh, don't argue Bella, You know you wont win."
I closed my mouth. She's right anyway. "Thanks Alice, for everything."
She smiled, "Your welcome. Now I want you to get some rest, you've already abused you body enough for today. Try to sleep, I'll be right downstairs if you need anything."
She left me to change back into my pajamas and I curled up on her bed, exhausted. I really didn't want to go to sleep. I was still afraid I'd wake up and find myself back in that hospital bed.
Eventually I started feeling drowsy and I found myself slipping into a comfortable void.
A/N: So this chapter was a little longer, What did you think? Comments and reviews would be great!
