Little Red Riding Hood
Disclaimer: Don't own Twilight. No copyright infringement intended.
***WARNING: This story is not beta'd.
I apologize in advance for any mistakes you may find :)
Chapter Four
"She saw you coming," Edward repeated more to himself this time. He knew Alice saw things coming. He knew.
Bella stared at him dumbfounded, her mouth agape. This world was getting stranger and stranger. Surely this was all a dream of her own creation. Only in a dream created by her own mind would a man as painfully handsome as Edward look as though he was attracted to her as well. Only in a dream of her creation would her fears and suspicions become true. On the other hand, if it were her dream she would be a good liar, wouldn't she?
"I find it odd she did not tell me though," Edward continued, breaking Bella from her deep thoughts. "What was so important that she had to hide from me?"
"I have no idea what you mean," Bella finally stammered.
Edward's eyes flashed to hers as he smirked smugly at her. Then she knew her denial was pointless.
Suddenly, the smirk was gone as his face darkened dangerously and he leaned closer. "I am no fool, Bella. Do not play me as one," he said darkly, his eyes burning into hers intensely.
Alice returned with Jasper in tow. Her happy smile quickly dropped as she saw the expressions of Bella's face and then Edward's. Her lips pulled down into a frown before she scowled at Edward.
"Edward?" she demanded.
Jasper slipped into his seat quietly, undetected, as if he knew what was to happen.
"Alice?" Edward replied mockingly in the same tone as he scowled right back at her.
This only angered Alice more. "What have you done?" she practically hissed at him before turning to Bella. "Has he said something inappropriate? It would not be the first time, I can assure you."
"We should speak privately," Edward said calmly as he stood before Bella could give a reply.
Alice and Edward were locked in a glaring contest while Bella watched and Jasper looked bored. Edward was clearly the more intimidating one, and Alice eventually caved.
Finally, Alice huffed in annoyance. "Fine."
Jasper sighed heavily and stood. Bella stood, too, since it was obvious she needed to be a part to this conversation.
"Where shall we have this talk?" Alice asked Edward.
Edward motioned for them to follow as he led them away from the festival and its unsuspecting merry occupants. He led them to a barn not far from the party. It was deserted save for the horses and other animals that lived inside. Hay loitered the ground and the air was unpleasant due to the animals.
"What is it you wish to say, Edward?" Alice demanded, glaring at him again.
"Who is she?" Edward demanded, cutting to the chase as he pointed accusingly at Bella.
Alice stepped in front of Edward's finger and stood in front of Bella protectively. "She is exactly who I say she is."
Edward laughed humorlessly. "You forget I know you, Alice. I know your meddlesom behavior. You cannot seem to keep your nose out of my business."
"Edward," Jasper, who rarely ever spoke, warned as he now stepping in between his wife and his friend. "You are my friend, but there are only so many things I will overlook. Speaking to my wife in such a manner is not one of them," he told Edward as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Bella wondered how far Edward would go. He certainly didn't seem like the type to back down, and so far he seemed arrogant enough to push things, not that she was worried for his safety. Jasper was tall and built, but Edward was taller and also pretty well-built.
But Edward simply rolled his eyes. Apparently he valued his friendship with Jasper enough to respect the man's wife.
Alice stepped around Jasper to face Edward once more. She stood, unafraid, with her chin held high.
"Do you not recall that I told you big change was coming, Edward?" she asked him.
He nodded. "You would not let on to what the change was to be though," he recalled.
"It is true Bella has been in my visions. She is here for a purpose," Alice said.
"And what purpose is that?" Edward demanded.
"I cannot say," Alice said, crossing her arms.
Edward laughed at her. "In that case I say your words hold no truth. Who is this stranger you have brought into our village?" he demanded, sounding angry now as he stalked towards Bella and began circling her like a shark.
"She is no stranger. She is my friend," Alice defended, rushing to Bella's side again.
"Since when?" Edward scoffed at her before addressing Bella directly. "Why were you in the dark forest?"
"Do not interrogate her," Alice snapped before Bella had a chance to even think of a response.
"I am not speaking to you, Alice. I was speaking to Bella. Have you suddenly gone deaf, girl? Answer me!" he shouted at Bella whose eyes widened slightly in fear of this beautiful, enraged man yelling at her.
"Edward," Jasper warned again.
Edward ignored him and continued to glare at Bella. "How do we know they have not sent her? She could be anyone!"
"Oh, would you listen to yourself? You sound as paranoid as William Black," Alice said.
"They could have had a witch cast a spell on you, Alice, to put her in your visions. Bloody hell, she could be a witch herself!" he shouted angrily.
"Edward..." Alice began. "Bella has a destiny here."
For the first time since Bella had arrived, Jasper looked curious.
"What sort of destiny?" Edward asked, appearing just as curious now yet still suspicious.
"I believe she is destined to save us."
Bella knew one thing for sure...she sure as hell wasn't in the Land of Oz either. This place was much crazier.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you are enjoying the story.
See ya next Sunday...