When the Snows Thaw

by gempire

As usual the summary is inside to avoid spoilers of previous stories.

7. Chapter 6

Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer

I'd like to dedicate this chapter to Noble, Fadewind, Bibika94, Alphabloodwolf, Lsb123, Alexsandra, Lauren j, BellaNessieCullen, Justandsimplyme, and Skys the limit 7507

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As soon as I entered the house I let my mind wander up to Mom's, I let out a sigh of relief when I felt it functioning on all levels once more.

"You're back." Esme said with a smile. "They're still finishing up at the moment. Let's take your things to your room and I'll fill you in."

"What…" I began.

"Nine pounds, she's pretty big." Esme cut in as she ushered Grace and me up the stairs. "Bigger than you and Liza were, but twins are generally smaller at birth. All her reflexes are in working order, but that's all I know at the moment, there's still a lot more to do before we can see them."

Esme's behaviour made me nervous and so I checked Mom's mind again. No she was definitely fine, she even asked me what was wrong. I hid my worry deep from her as I told her I was just impatient to meet the baby and to finally know what her name was.

Mom chuckled.

As soon as I know I'll tell you. She promised me.

Thanks Mom. I replied, then pulled my mind away as Esme herded Grace and me into our room.

"Grandma, do you know what happened?" I asked earnestly as she sat Grace and me side by side on the bed.

"We're not sure yet, but as soon as Essie saw Baby was out she snapped right out of her…" Esme trailed off, searching for the right word.

"Episode?" I ventured.

Esme nodded.

"So what are the theories so far?" I asked as Grace frowned at me wondering what we were talking about.

"We haven't had chance to discuss it." Esme said. "There is a lot of cleaning up involved and ensuring that Essie and Baby are both fit and well."

"Yeah." I agreed.

"What happened?" Grace asked.

"I'll leave you fill Grace in while I go see what's happening. I think it's best you stay in here until we come get you." Esme said in kind but firm tones and I knew this wasn't the time to argue with her, Esme had her matriarch head on and it wasn't wise to disobey.

"Ok." I agreed.

"Promise me you won't leave here until one of us comes to get you?" She asked, ensuring that I didn't try to get around it somehow.

"I promise." I said solemnly and I meant it because there was nothing worse than having Esme upset with you. It was heartbreaking.

"Good." Esme said. "I'll have Alice bring you breakfast while you wait."

"Is it likely to be that long?" I asked.

"No, but it's best not to face the world on an empty stomach."

I agreed and Esme tapped my shoulder before she left the room.

"What happened?" Grace demanded.

"When I got here earlier Mom was out of it. Her mind was slipping away and my sister was itching to get out. I was worried Mom was gonna slip away completely." I replied, trying not to let that worry take me again, Mom was fine.

"You mean die?" Grace asked in shock.

"Worse than that." I stated. "I thought her mind was gonna go. What if she did disappear completely? Would that Esther-Marie person who took hold of her in Volterra ride her again?"

"What happened exactly?"

I told Grace everything.

"Hmmm… So she was repeating what she told you and Liza just before you were born?" Grace inquired, picking out that one fact.

"Yeah. It was exactly what she said. You know I could never remember it before, but when Mom spoke those words I knew that's exactly what she said to Liza and me. The last thing we heard from her before we were brought into this world." I stated.

"On the morning when the birth was imminent?" Grace asked, so used to my talks of the Time Before that she didn't even bat an eyelid that I could remember that now.

"Yes."

"Then do you think that maybe Essie was having a flash back to when you and Liza were due to be born." Grace suggested.

"No." I replied.

"Hear me out?"

"Ok."

"Well Essie had to be anxious after what happened the last time, that had to be playing on her mind. Especially since she's worried about Liza being so far away. Maybe she had a nightmare that mixed together and caused her to think she was back having you and Liza and she would have to give you up?" Grace reasoned.

"It's a good theory, but Mom wasn't dreaming. Her mind was too weak for that. It really was exhausted, like something had been draining it away." I stated, and then I gasped as something occurred to me. "Maybe it was Esther-Marie, hoping to exploit Mom's anxiety over the impending birth and the fact that Liza's not here in the hope of gaining control once more."

"That's more believable than Essie having a nightmare?" Grace asked in disbelief.

"I did look in her mind Grace. I can tell when someone's dreaming or not." I stated.

"In that case wouldn't you have sensed if Esther-Marie was trying to take over?"

I shrugged since I wasn't sure about that.

"Honestly Tony, a hostile personality trying to take over the host body? You'll be telling me the baby was draining her next!" Grace mused.

"That's not too far a leap to take." Alice said as she entered with a tray, Jasper was carrying another one and he was keeping his eyes firmly on me.

"What do you mean?" Grace asked.

"The powers our kind possess can extend beyond mind reading and visions of the future. Some have powers that can affect other people's powers, like Bella being able to shield people from mental attacks. I've heard that there was a vampire once, who could enhance other people's powers, but I never met him and I don't know how true it is. And what about Alec? He can shut off all your senses. If he can do that couldn't someone have the power to cut off another person's power?" Alice explained.

"But we're talking about sucking out a person's mind." Grace observed.

"And there was once two vampires who could do that." Alice stated. "They were known as the Fire Twins because of their red hair. They had the power to remove memories and put others back. They were a prized possession of Aro, but he forgot something important."

"That if they can remove memories and replace them they could do it to him and he'd have no idea?" Grace ventured.

"Yeah." Alice said with a smile. "They caused a lot of havoc. They even…" She trailed off, unsure if she should go on.

"They did it to Dad." I stated, since there was no point hiding this from Grace. "To punish Mom for exposing them to Aro they removed everything from Dad's mind and put this helmet on him that blocked his sight and hearing. They locked him in a tower and threw humans in with him. He was the demon in the tower Mom kept dreaming about."

"Oh god." Grace whispered.

"Mom managed to rescue him, but it took a long while to put his mind back to right." I said sadly, remembering the full memory I got from Dad not long after him and Mom had returned to us.

"I see now why you were so worried about your mother's mind draining away." Grace observed and I nodded. "And there's a hell of a lot about our world that I don't know."

"I've been in this life for over two hundred years and there's still much I don't know." Jasper observed.

"You can't know everything." Alice stated. "But maybe you should fill Grace in on the full family history. Not just the pretty love stories, but all the dark stuff as well."

"Yeah." I agreed.

"Good. Then I'll leave you to it." Alice said with a smile, as her and Jasper put the trays down before they left the room.

"You might want to eat first." I said, picking up one of the plates.

"That bad huh?" Grace joked.

"It is bad, but there's also a lot to go through. The food will probably get cold by then."

"Ok." Grace said.

We ate the breakfast in silence. Once we were finished Grace and I moved so our backs were resting against the wall before I told her all about the dark things in my family's past. Dad's early days in Volterra, Jasper's days as a vampire soldier, the true extent of Mom's distance in the persona of Esther-Marie. There was a lot to cover; in fact it was fully morning by the time we finished, although it was hard to tell by the heavy November sky.

I glanced at the clock and noticed four hours had gone by and no one had been in to check on us. I was so worried that I flashed my mind to Mom. She was there; she was perfectly fine, even her shields were up to full. I couldn't read her mind, but I knew she was ok.

Tony? What's wrong? She asked when she felt me searching.

Mom. Can I come see you now? I asked.

Of course you can. Who said you cant? She demanded with a growl in her mind voice.

I tried not to think of who'd said it.

They were just being protective I guess. I stated. So can I?

Of course you can. We've been waiting for you.

I smiled and focused back in on Grace who was watching me with a cautious smile.

"I was talking to Mom." I explained. "She said we can go see her."

"Great." Grace said with a smile, but then she looked thoughtful. "Maybe you'd like to go in alone?"

"Why? You're my mate, we do everything together." I stated.

"We may be mates Tony, but sometimes you have to do things as a son and a brother. I think this is one of those times. I can see Baby later, but I think when you meet her for the first time you should do it as just Tony and not as Tony and Grace."

"But…" Grace put her finger to my lips to cut me off.

"If Liza was here would you want me to go along with you?" She asked.

I went to answer yes.

"No you wouldn't." Grace said firmly before I could speak. "She would be at your left side, you'd be holding hands as you went to greet your baby sister. You would do it as the twins, Liza and Tony always together."

"But Liza isn't here." I pointed out.

"I know, but it would be wrong for me to take her place. Think how hurt she'll be if she finds out." Grace stated.

"If she'd been here…" I began.

"You don't mean that." Grace cut me off. "You're annoyed with her right now, but you don't want to hurt her. Or give her something else to run away from you again."

"But…"

"Tony, I'm your mate, that's true, and some day I'll be your wife, we really are soulmates too, but Liza is your twin. She really is your other half and she shares a bond with you that I can't even begin to understand, and I don't think I ever will. All I know is that in certain circumstances she should be at your side, and not me. This is one of those times and I really can't take her place in her absence." Grace said firmly.

Before I spoke again I thought over all that Grace had said, and she was right, if I did have Grace in Liza's place when I met Baby for the first time then she'd always feel a little betrayed. As if I was replacing her, even though she wasn't here for me I had to take into consideration what she would feel when she did come back.

"Do you mind?" I asked.

Grace shook her head and gave me a reassuring smile.

"I can meet Baby later. But this first time is something special for your parents and your siblings. I have to sit this one out."

I nodded and kissed Grace on the lips before I got to my feet and walked to the door. I looked back and waved before I stepped out into the corridor. My left hand twitched at me side; I really wished Liza was here so I could take her hand as I had always done when I was feeling nervous. Liza wasn't here now, so I had to be strong for myself, and for Baby.

I paused at Liza's door, put my hand left hand to it and pictured her in my mind. I tried to imagine her opening her door and taking my left hand. To stand beside me as she always had. Our minds flowing in and out of each other as we used each other's brains to think on a larger scale and see the bigger picture. To spot things that alone we might have missed.

It did kinda put my mind to right and I felt more prepared as I crossed the top of the staircase to the side of the house that Mom and Dad's room was situated. Funny, it was only then that I thought about how it was the opposite corner to my room. It was the room that Liza and I had shared from the time we were one, up until we were five and she'd wanted her own room. Maybe she should have stayed and I move rooms since she would have had the one furthest away from Mom and Dad.

No wouldn't think that. I had to be positive and happy. I was about to meet my baby sister for the first time. My left hand closed around thin air, but I imagined Liza there. If only so that she was part of this experience too. Maybe she'd feel something through our connection. She'd recognise it for what it was.

I entered my parents' bedroom. Mom and Dad were sat on the bed cooing over my little sister who was lying on a blanket on top of the bed. She was smiling at our parents, her arms and legs moving a little out of her control. I could vaguely remember that when I was a few hours old my limbs hadn't really been under my control. By the time I was a day old I had more possession of them; I could make them move where I wanted, but for a while they had to work on their own.

"Hey li'l Sis." I said, dropping to my knees beside the bed and I tickled her ear.

My sister turned to me, regarded me with a level look from two very dark eyes before she grinned and began to babble.

"Good to see you too Baby." I said with a chuckle. "Have you thought of a name yet?" I asked Mom and Dad, looking up to find that they were watching my sister and me with fond expressions.

"Still trying to decide." Mom said.

"I know the name I like." Dad said. "Astra."

"And Star, and Stella and Etta, in fact any name that happens to be an alternate form of Esther." Mom said with a wary smile.

"There is a problem with that?" He demanded.

"Yeah. You'll be wanting to call her Myrtle next." Mom replied.

"I happen to think Myrtle is a nice name." Dad said firmly.

"Yeah, but you're not the one who'll have to go through school with it." Mom snapped.

"I have to agree with Mom on that one." I stated. "Kids can be cruel."

"Very well." Dad said despondently. "But you are yet to give a suggestion."

"I'm waiting until I know her name." Mom said, looking down at my sister who frowned a little as she peered up at Mom, my little sister was of the opinion that any name was better than none.

Mom laughed having picked up on her thoughts too.

"Yeah. You're right and I think one just came to mind." She said directly to my sister. "I've been thinking about it ever since you first opened your eyes."

My little sister gurgled.

"Who do those eyes remind you of?" Mom asked Dad. "Those dark eyes that look so full of deep wisdom but still have a spark of mischievous youth."

"Your Grandfather." Dad replied.

"Yep. Those are Billy's eyes alright and I think it's only right that he should be your namesake." Mom said as she picked my sister up and held her aloft. "You're name is Billie." She said with a smile.

"Perfect." Dad said, smiling at Billie also.

"But I know you might want a change when you're older, maybe you'd like something a little more feminine, and also to take into account of the fact your dad is so old fashioned, your full name is Wilhelmina Charlotte Black."

Billie liked her name and Mom beamed as she laid her back on the bed.

"Pleased to meet you Billie." I said, placing my finger to her palm. Her finger closed tightly in reflex and I shook her hand with a smile. "I'm your big brother, Tony."

I was fascinated as I watched that name snap into place in her memory. I'd never quite got how impressive Liza and me had been as babies, you don't when you're the one everyone's cooing over. But seeing it from the outside is a whole different story. It helped that I had seen the minds of other babies, and they weren't near as sharp as Billie's mind. Their thoughts tended to be jittery, like their limbs, they were practice thoughts, exercising those neurons before they learned how to use them. Billie could already think in sentences and she could already name everyone she had seen so far in her head.

Mom of course held pride of place, Billie had her own Time Before, but only Mom had existed in hers, whereas Liza and I had each other. It would have been better if Liza was here to share in this experience. She loved babies so what did she have against our little sister?

I felt the question in Billie's mind as she saw a flicker of Liza in mine. I had to check for a moment to be absolutely certain, but it was clear Billie wasn't telepathic; I was just linked with her in that moment. Probably because I was holding her hand.

"That's our big sister Liza." I stated. "She's at college at the moment. But she'll be back soon."

I tried to bury my worry and doubt over my own words. Billie was really sharp, and although she didn't have the experience to apply words to the emotions she was witnessing in us, she was taking note.

"How would you like to come meet Grace?" I asked, rising to my feet and reaching down to pick Billie up off the bed.

"No." Mom protested, she didn't want to be separated from Billie.

It'll give you chance to shower and then you can have your nap together. I stated with a smile as I cradled Billie into the crook of my arm.

Mom looked uncertain, but Dad put his arm around her as he thought, Tony has a point my love.

Mom considered it for a moment, then nodded her head.

"Ok. But no longer than half hour. I can't be…" She trailed off, not quite able to say what was bugging her.

"Yeah Mom. I understand." I said with a smile since I knew exactly what Mom's anxiety was about having Billie out of her sight. It brought back memories of having to be away from Liza and me. I rocked Billie in my arms for a moment. "Say bye-bye to Mommy and Daddy, we're going for a walk." I said as I waved.

Billie watched my hand and tried to copy, she didn't quite have it yet, but she'd soon pick it up. These first few months we did our fastest growing, and had our quickest development. Liza and I were walking at around three weeks, I wondered if Billie would be the same. Liza had spoke before me, at one week, but I had been a little shy even then, clinging to my telepathy for as long as was possible. I mean I could speak, I'd do it when Liza and I were playing, but when I had to speak to adults I'd use my mind.

Like all half vampires Billie was already sturdy, despite the fact I was cradling her in my arms like a new born. She'd gained some control of her limbs and she sat up in my arms, pulling herself up so she could tap my cheek. I looked to her and she looked a little sad. She was thinking about Liza and how that was making me sad. Me being sad made her sad; she wanted to know why.

"Because Liza is our big sister, and we're worried about her." I stated. "But don't worry. I'll know if she's hurt." I kissed Billie's cheek. "So be happy for me."

Billie wondered what happy was, so I showed her. I showed her when I'd been happy with Liza, and how I'd been happy when I saw Billie just now. Billie smiled, she knew happy. It was what she felt when she was with Mom mostly, and with Dad too. She felt it when she met new people.

"You're gonna meet Grace." I stated as I got to my bedroom door and stepped inside where Grace was reading on my bed. "Grace, I'd like you to meet my sister Billie." I said.

Grace looked up at us and her mouth fell open in shock.

"But she was only born a couple of hours ago." Grace stammered.

"Yeah." I said, chuckling slightly at her reaction.

"But look at her, sitting up already." Grace observed as I sat on the bed.

"She's a half vampire. This is normal." I stated.

"You were like this too?"

"Yeah, and Liza and Granny Ness and Auntie Tish and any other half vampire you'd care to name." I explained.

"Wow." Grace said as she looked into Billie's eyes.

Billie smiled and placed her hands to Grace's cheeks.

"She likes you." I informed Grace. "Yeah, this is Grace, my partner."

Billie turned back to me and she thought of Mom and Dad together, and Granny Ness and Grandpa Jake, Edward and Bella, Esme and Carlisle, the couples she'd seen so far. She could tell there was something between them but wasn't sure what it was.

"That's right." I stated. "No, Grace can't hear you. She isn't telepathic like Mom and me, but I can help her hear you."

I reached out for Grace's mind and linked it to Billie's; I knew when Grace caught Billie's thoughts because she looked shocked all over again.

"You understand everything." She said to Billie. "Are all baby's minds like this?"

"They're not this focused. Billie's mind is more like a one year olds." I stated.

"Wow." Grace observed, then laughed as Billie pulled at her hair, comparing the colour to Auntie Rose and noting the similarity. "We're not sisters." She answered Billie's unspoken question. "We just have the same hair colour. I guess it is different from the others, but you got different hair too."

Billie frowned, she wanted to know how her hair was different, but she didn't know how to see her own hair.

"This way." I said, picking Billie back up, and Grace followed as I carried her into Liza's room.

I switched on the light and I was a little sad to see the thin layer of dust on everything. It was a clear sign that Liza hadn't been in here for a long time. I tried not to feel sad about it as I carried Billie over to the huge dressing table with its three-leaf mirror. I placed my hand over Billie's eyes for a moment as I sat her in front of the mirror; I sat behind her on the stool to make sure she had support. Billie was wondering why it was suddenly dark when I moved my hand and she blinked before turning her head from side to side as she focused on her reflection.

She reached toward it.

Billie? She asked.

"Yeah. That's you." I said.

Billie frowned, taking in her tufty bronze hair and dark eyes. She thought of Mom, she had the same hair colour but it was long and curly.

"Maybe it'll go curly when it grows, but it doesn't matter if it doesn't. I got straight hair. See."

I put my head closer to Billie and she pulled at my hair again. She put her hand on her own head and smiled widely.

"And so has Grace." I pointed out.

Billie looked at Grace in the mirror and smiled again. She liked straight hair as much as curly hair. She wanted to know what Liza's hair was like.

"Dark and curly like Dad's hair. Only long." I stated.

Billie wanted to see Liza to see how long it really was, but before I needed to say anything her mind changed and she was feeling hungry and wanted to be with Mom. Mom was the one with all the food.

I chuckled as I picked Billie back up.

"Mom's probably finished by now." I said, "And if not we can go look what's in the kitchen."

Billie didn't know what a kitchen was, not that she was particularly interested at the moment. She just wanted to be back with Mom.

I carried her back to our parents' room and knocked on the door. Dad answered and Billie burbled in greeting reaching out for him. She knew he'd take her to Mom who had all the food.

"She's hungry." I said as I handed her Dad. "And she wants Mom."

"Do you wish to see Mama? You want to see Mama." Dad crooned as he tickled Billie's nose and she smiled. "Then we will go and see Mama." Dad looked up at me. "I will take her to Mother immediately. Perhaps once she has fed you and Grace would like to come for a proper visit, perhaps down in the informal sitting room?"

"If Mom's up to it." I replied.

"Of course I'll be up to it." Mom called from the room. "Now bring Billie here so I can feed her."

Billie wriggled in Dad's arms and reached over his shoulder, trying to get into the room and to Mom now she knew she was definitely in there.

"I will call on you when it is time." Dad stated, trying to stop Billie from crawling over his shoulder and falling on the floor. "Now I'd best get this little one to her mother before she pulls me over."

"See you later." I said with a grin as Dad nodded and turned to go back into the room.

I turned to find Grace was waiting for me, leaning on the railing that overlooked the entrance hall. She smiled as I approached her and she gave me a big hug as if she hadn't seen me in ages.

What's up? I asked.

Nothing. She sighed. I just realised what a great father you'd make.

I didn't know what to say to that.

I don't mean right away. Grace thought while she laughed and stroked my hair. In the future when we're ready, you'll be a brilliant dad.

And you'll be a brilliant mom. I thought toward her as I kissed her cheek.

Yeah. Grace agreed.

…If I get the chance to be a mom…

That thought she didn't want me to hear, but it echoed through her mind in a way that was hard to ignore. I pulled back and looked down into her eyes.

Of course you'll get the chance. I said.

But what if I'm… She tried to bury the last word too.

Infertile? Why would you think that? I demanded. Come on, we need to discuss this now. I said, pulling her to our room.

Grace followed along behind me, but she would have avoided this conversation if she could. I sat on the bed but she stood. It didn't matter, I preferred not to dominate her in this conversation, but we had to talk about it and that was that.

I just strengthened my shield around us both. I stated as I cupped her hand in mine, trying to make her feel as comfortable as possible. No one else will hear us. Now please, why do you think you're infertile?

Because…because it's been a month since I changed Tony and I haven't had a period. When you told me how other half vampires bleed after sex I was really relieved when it didn't happen to me. But there was this little doubting voice that said if I had bled then at least I'd know for sure. I dismissed that voice, especially when you told me Liza had a normal cycle. I just had to wait for my time of the month. Well that was a week ago Tony and still nothing. Isn't that a good indication that I have no cycle now? That I'm as barren as the full vampire women? Grace demanded.

No. I said firmly. Because if that was true then you wouldn't be my imprint.

But what if I'm not? She asked in despair.

"You are!" I said firmly, unable to stop myself from saying it aloud.

"But how can you be sure?"

"Because I am. This isn't something you think about. It's not quantifiable. It's just something you know. Deep in every corner of your being you know. There's only one girl for me Grace and that's you. There'll only ever be you." I stated. "Can't you feel that it's true?"

Then why haven't I had a period?

Well maybe… I trailed off from Grace's stern look.

I already thought of that and the answer is no. Anyway, we always use protection. She pointed out.

There's still a small chance it could fail. I stated.

I know, but I checked. She said glumly.

Then it's more likely because you're still changing.

But I've already changed. She said with a frown.

Ok, you've done the biggest part of the change, but the newborn stage lasts a year, and the newborns are still adjusting in that time. You're probably the same. Maybe it was the shock to your system; stress can sometimes effect women's cycles. You're body just needs chance to recover properly.

So what I need is to be patient? Grace asked.

Yeah. Be patient. If you're still haven't had a period after a year, then we'll start to panic. But whatever the reason, it doesn't mean you're not my imprint. I know you are Grace. I just know.

I placed my arms around her waist and pulled her closer, kissing just below her naval as if I could suddenly make her all better. Grace sobbed and wrapped her arms around my head as she buried her face in my hair.

"I'm sorry." She whispered.

"Hey, there's no need to be." I crooned as I pulled her down into my lap and she wrapped her arms around my neck as she leant her head against my shoulder. It was something that was worrying you; I just wish you'd told me sooner. We could have discussed it and I could have put your mind to rest before it became something between us.

I'll make sure I talk to you in future. Grace promised.

Make sure you do. I said as I kissed her cheek. But if you still need to put your mind as rest we could ask Carlisle to run some tests.

Maybe we should give it a few months first. Grace conceded.

If that's what you want. I replied.

There was a knock at the door and I got up to answer it.

"We are ready downstairs if you would care to join us." Dad said with a smile.

"We'll be down in a moment." I assured him.

Dad continued to smiled and tapped my arm before he made his way toward the stairs.

I turned back to Grace who was composing herself. I knew she'd need a minuet or two just to he certain. She took my hand and we went down to the informal sitting room where Mom was sat in a wingback chair with Billie sleeping in her arms.

We could come back later. I said.

"No, no." Mom said. "I thought I'd get all the visiting out of the way by holding court, but Billie had other ideas. Anyway, the others can come look at her now and it gives me a chance to just go sleep later when I want to."

"Sounds like a good plan." I said, sitting on the floor next to Mom's chair, and Grace sat beside me.

"Well I hope it is." Mom said, "It depends how Billie is through the night."

"Ah, but you forget the advantage of having a husband who requires no sleep." Dad stated.

"You'll get up for the night time feeds?" Mom asked a little dubiously considering Dad didn't need sleep and was quiet happy in any domestic situation.

"Of course I will Miss Esther, I will not disturb you, unless Billie has want of you." Dad stated.

"Well yeah, if she wants me. And I can handle a few sleepless nights. I've done it before." Mom said with a shrug.

"I know my love." Dad said and kissed her cheek. "But if I am awake regardless then there is no need to rouse you unless it is necessary."

"I knew there was a reason I married you." Mom joked.

"Yes. Of course it had nothing to do with your grandfather demanding that our children not be born out of wedlock." Dad responded with a grin.

Mom stuck out her tongue before they both laughed about it.

"Observing the right customs is no laughing matter." Edward said sternly as he came in the room with Bella.

"You're always going to be a stickler for the old ways." Bella observed. "Making me wait while my hormones were running wild."

"It worked out for the best." Edward observed as he took her in his arms and kissed her lips.

"Yes." Bella agreed wistfully. "Waiting for Isle Esme was worth it."

"I hope you two are waiting." Edward said to Grace and me and I felt my cheeks burn.

"I think they waited long enough Grandpa." Mom replied. "Now stop teasing my son and come say hello to Billie."

"You named her Billie?" Bella asked in astonishment as she reached for my sleeping sister.

"Yeah. Cause of her eyes. Her full name is Wilhelmina Charlotte Black." Mom stated as she handed Billie over to Bella so she could have a hold.

"You got Charlie in there as well." Bella said with a smile as she rocked Billie in her arms. "He would have been so pleased to know that."

"But why Wilhelmina? Why not simply name her Billie?" Edward asked as cooed over Billie.

"Because that way she's not stuck with it if she'd like something more feminine when she's older." Mom explained. "It can break up into so many different things, and it'll help when she has to change places. Like Billie Black here and Mina Hannigan in Michigan. It makes it more versatile."

"And she likes it." I stated.

"She is most certainly fond of her name." Dad agreed.

"Where's my granddaughter?" Nessie asked as she entered the room. "Hey Mom, stop hogging her."

Bella laughed and handed Billie over. Billie stirred a little at the change in temperature, but then settled back into sleep.

"So what's her name, or will we call her Baby all her life?" Jake asked as he had a hold too.

"Billie." Mom answered.

"Heh, heh, the old man would have been proud to have a grandchild named after him. He never did forgive me for not giving Hunter the middle name of Billy." Jake observed.

"You chose Essie's name, I got to choose with Hunter, that was the deal." Nessie stated.

"Yeah, but he said I should have persuaded you." Jake said with a chuckle.

"Persuaded me how?"

"Oh you know how inventive I can be." Jake said wiggling his eyebrows and they kissed.

I looked away, looked toward Grace who smiled and took my hand. She was enjoying the exchange between my family, and wondering at the fact that here were four generations in one room and all of them looked around the same age.

"It is astonishing when you first think about it." Edward said, answering Grace's unspoken thoughts.

"I don't think about it for ages, then it hits me again and I think wow." Grace stated. "Does it ever stop seeming amazing?"

"No." Dad answered. "I have lived for millennia, I know full well the passing of the years, yet I marvel at our family, growing and never aging. We will always be together."

"Nearly always." I stated as I thought about Liza.

"There will be times when we may part ways, but we will always be family and there is a place for everyone who joins, and that place will always remain. Liza will return to us and realise she fits in that place perfectly." Dad said in reassuring tones.

"I hope so." I said with a sad smile. "Talking of Liza, do you think we should maybe let her know?"

Everyone looked at me and I realised nobody had thought of it.

"None of you have told her yet?" Mom demanded. "I want a phone! Now!"

I was closest so I handed mine over.

"Ok." Mom said scrolling through my phonebook for Liza's number.

"None of them will work." I said. "I did phone the college but they weren't very helpful. I was gonna ask Masen if he'd hack their system."

"Uncle Masen!" Mom called.

Suddenly Masen was in the room with Layla in tow. They'd been waiting in the library with everyone else since they'd decided to let the grandparents visit first.

"What's up?" He asked.

"I need you to hack Riverside U admin. Get the phone number for Liza's room." Mom stated.

"Ok. But it may take a few minuets to get around their fire wall." Masen replied.

"As long as I get the number." Mom said.

Masen saluted and left the room; Layla stayed behind and managed to work her way into the group around Billie who was now awake and revelling in the attention. Layla was soon cooing over her too.

Will entered the room and ignored the baby party, heading straight to Mom instead.

"I know Mal's number." He said.

"You do?" She asked.

"Yeah. I memorised the caller ID when Liza used the phone the first time." Will stated.

"Right." Mom said and she typed in the number, taking it directly from Will's head. "Thanks Will."

Will nodded then left the room, not looking at the others cooing over Billie. Maybe Marlin had warned him not to meet Billie before her. Mom typed for a while then sent it.

"Can I read it?" I asked.

"If I didn't want you to I would have deleted it." Mom said and threw the phone to me.

I caught it and brought up the last sent message.

Hey Mal, I would stop and chat but this is for Liza. If she hasn't told you anything yet and you really don't want to find out from us then I suggest you hand the phone over now. Sorry to do it this way but we don't know how else to contact her. Essie x

Then Mom had inserted a column of twenty greater than symbols before the message began again.

Liza, I know you're hating on me right now Lamb, but I thought you'd hate me even more if I didn't at least let you know your sister was born this morning. She's already been asking about you and is eager to meet you. When you're ready to know more just text or ring. Or text and I'll ring you right back. Anyway, I thought I should let you know, Mother xxx

You had to hand it to Mom; she knew how to word it in a way that would stop Liza from complaining. I just hoped Liza was as eager to meet Billie. Maybe she would be and she'd text tonight. Well just a text so I'd know she's ok would do. I saved Mal's number and decided that if I hadn't heard from Liza by eleven I'd text Mal and ask him if she was ok. I'd keep to his rule of not saying what was happening, but he was bound to know about the link between Liza and me by now.

Since Billie was happy amongst our relatives, and all our vampire side was in the room now cooing over her, taking it in turns to make her giggle, I decided to ask Mom about this morning.

"What do you think happened?" I asked.

Mom exchanged a look with Dad before clearing her throat.

"I think maybe we should have Eleazar come look at Billie just to be sure." Mom said carefully.

"Who's Eleazar?" Grace asked.

"He's a member of our sister coven who reside in Alaska." Dad replied. "Eleazar can sense powers in other vampires."

"He can?"

"Yeah." I stated.

"Is it useful?" She asked.

"For finding out if someone has a power it is. And he knows what their power is too. Sometimes he can even judge how powerful they are." I replied.

"Then it is useful." Grace conceded. "And I guess that if you think someone has a power that could be dangerous then it's safer to just have Eleazar look at them than have them test that power."

"Exactly." I said with a smile.

Billie go Momma! Billie go Momma!

The yell was loud and Billie was getting agitated that Emmett couldn't read her thoughts. Edward went to take her from Emmett to bring her to Mom, but Em decided to be his usually goofy self and held onto Billie, saying that he hadn't had a hold yet with everyone hogging his niece.

Billie screeched, it was real high pitched and since we all had sensitive hearing and the room carried an echo we all winced. Billie placed her hands to Emmett's face and she was crying now, calling for Mom in her head, demanding that Emmett let her go.

"Whoa!" Emmett gasped and he had trouble pulling Billie from him.

Mom ghosted to his side and called Billie's name. Billie turned to Mom, let go of Emmett's cheeks and reached out. Mom took her in her arms and brought her back to the chair while Emmett stood there panting, rubbing at the back of his neck. He was looking at Billie with fear.

"I think someone's had enough excitement for one day." Mom said cheerfully, although she was sharing a worried look with the others. "Shall we go back up stairs Baby?"

Billie clung to Mom; she wanted to be away from the people now. There'd been too many, they'd scared her. She couldn't see Mom and she'd wanted to get back to her. Grandpa Edward was taking her back but big mean Emmett wouldn't let her go. She panicked.

The others were still wondering what was going on as Mom carried Billie from the room, all except for Edward, Masen and myself, we could see into Emmett's mind.

"Did she really sap your strength?" Edward asked once he was sure Billie was out of earshot.

Emmett nodded, he looked haunted.

…She's dangerous…

"She's not dangerous!" I growled, shooting to my feet. "She's not even a day old and she was scared because she wanted to go back to Mom but you wouldn't let her. She didn't do it on purpose, she just hasn't got control of it yet."

"I didn't mean to think it." Emmett said mournfully as he dropped into a chair. "God, I feel like I've just gone ten rounds with Ali. I haven't felt like this since I was human. I feel tired. I mean really tired."

Carlisle assessed Emmett and nodded his head as if taking notes.

"All you need is some blood and some rest and you'll be as right as rain." He said, tapping Emmett on his shoulder.

"Blood? I feel kitten weak, I don't think I'm hunting anything." Emmett remarked.

"Come on Big Bear, I'll help you catch some deer." Rose said as she pulled him to his feet.

Emmett really did look tired and Rose had to support him out of the room. He whinged all the way out to the back yard where Rose told him to stop being a baby and if he'd listened he wouldn't be in this mess. Things like this happened a lot to Emmett when he didn't listen.

"Guess we won't need Eleazar then." I observed.

"It will do no harm to allow him to see Billie." Dad stated. "He will give us an accurate reading of the full extent of Billie's power. There may be precautions we need to take until she has full control of herself."

"To avoid another incident like today?" I asked.

Dad nodded.

"If she saps strength then how did she take Essie's mind?" Layla mused.

"Well, strength is Emmett's biggest…err…strength isn't it?" Grace began.

"Yeah." I replied.

"It's like his power?" She ventured.

We all agreed.

"Then what if it's not strength she's taking, but their biggest advantage. So Emmett is his strength, he's stronger than most mature vampires. Essie's advantage is her mind powers, so when Billie was agitated, and wanted to come out of the womb…"

"She sapped Mom's power and in turn destabilised her mind because of how twisted complicated it is." I cut in as it all became clear in my mind.

"And prolonged exposure." Grace added. "Look how quickly she took Emmett down."

"Less than a minuet." I stated.

"Who knows how long Billie had been in distress before her birth." Dad observed. "Although it appears to work through touch."

"She didn't drain Emmett until she put her hands to his cheeks." Alice stated. "Maybe it works through her palms, like Nessie's mind speak when she was a baby."

Everyone agreed with this.

"And I couldn't send through clothes back then." Nessie stated. "It had to be skin-to-skin contact."

"Then we have a temporary solution." Dad said. "Now where did I put those mittens?" He muttered as he ghosted from the room.

"An excuse to knit." Alice said gleefully. "Come on Jazz, we got a trip to the Sewing Centre."

"Yes Ma'am." Jasper said as they left the room.

"I'm going to check on Essie." Granny Ness said and left the room with Esme and Bella.

"I will phone Denali, see if Eleazar can spare us a visit." Carlisle stated.

"I think we'd better talk to Jane." Marlin murmured, it was the first time I'd heard her speak in ages. She'd been silent and distant ever since she learned the sword woman spoke her language.

Oh my god, the sword woman! Olwen was from Marlin's time; she had to be if she really was in the obelisk.

"Aunt Marlin." I said.

"Later Tony, I must phone Jane." She said and left the room with Will following her with a slight frown.

He wasn't sure what was the right thing to do at the moment where Marlin was concerned. She'd always been the strong sure one and now he didn't know what to do for the best. He thought that they should go back to the Smithsonian and see if they could pick up a trail. Or even around the Stables, but Marlin had become withdrawn, working through the problem in her head.

The trouble was that Marlin had usually relied on her big brother when she had a crisis, but Dad had been preoccupied with Mom over the last month. She would have discussed it with Will, but Will was too young to understand the full extent of it yet. She'd long ago accepted her people were dead, now this? How could Will comprehend?

I felt like telling her to trust him, but she always found an excuse to avoid me at the moment. I felt a little sour about that, like she was shooting the messenger. I told her the facts, I didn't create the situation. I could help maybe; I had to tell her about Olwen.

I went to follow, but Masen stopped me.

"I'd give it a month or two." He stated.

"Are you sure?"

Marlin's a little fragile at the moment, you push her over the edge and she'll shatter. He stated.

But she needs to know… I protested.

And you can tell her in due time. It's been a while since you saw the sword woman anyway; she's probably long gone. Masen observed.

"You're right Uncle Masen." I said with a shrug. "I think I'm gonna make some food. It's nearing dinner time, I'm hungry, Grace is hungry, I bet Mom is too."

"Would you like me to cook instead?" Layla asked.

"I got Grace to help me." I stated. "I'm surprisingly good in the kitchen when Grace is there."

The others laughed, and I didn't really care. If truth be told I was happy to get out of the room now Mom and Billie weren't the focus.

Grace and me cooked dinner for all the solid diners and we visited with Mom for an hour before we turned in for the night. But Liza still hadn't got back to me and I really was worried about her. Well if she wouldn't let us know she was still alive, Mal could.

"What are you doing?" Grace asked as I reached for my phone in the dark.

"I have to check on Liza." I said firmly.

"But she won't reply."

"I'm hoping her friend will." I stated as I wrote my message.

Hi Mal. I know you don't know me, but you know my sister and you know how she is right now, which is more than I can be sure of since she hasn't got back. You might know about the link we share, the one that let her know that I was ripping my heart out about Grace? Well it works both ways and lately she's been worrying. What has she been worrying about? Is she in any danger? Please let me know because it's tearing me up not having my twin near. If she's in trouble I can help. I'll do my best to help without the others knowing if that's what she wants. I just need to know she's safe and whether her worry is something I should worry about, or whether it's just Liza worrying that she hasn't got the right dress for the end of year ball. I'm trying not to trivialize this, but I need to know my sister is safe. Tell Liza, cause I know you'll show this to her, tell her that if I don't hear anything back then I'm gonna bail on Bob, and me and Grace are gonna be hitting sunny Cal. You know how serious that makes me Liza, so just, I just need to know you're ok even if I got to do it through your friend. Well it's that or I'm coming down there to see for myself, so you decide.

Tony

I sent the text and placed the phone back on the cabinet, wondering when or if Mal would reply. I had a text back within five minuets.

Hiya Tony, I'm glad you text me. I got to let you know that the reason Liza's been feeling worried is because of that bastard Malcolm. He's only gone and disappeared. The police was questioning her cause she was the last to see him, maybe. He's probably living it up somewhere, using his dubious ways on other unsuspecting girls. He can take his pet policemen and shove them up his arse. It's not like they got power here anyway, just looking into it for old friends. In this part of the world their glorified PI's. Although you might want to get the lawyers on standby just in case. Liza told me to be truthful, so I am. If this goes any further she will be out of her depth, she's gonna need a bail out or the Volturi are gonna be all over her like bees to honey. I'll do what I can to monitor the situation, and it's not at crisis point yet, but we may need you in an emergency. I like the thought of having this link if she's in trouble, but I will ask you one thing, respect my wish that I don't want to know the reason Liza left home less she tells me herself. I know she will when she's ready, so please don't do it?

Mal :)

I read it over feeling a little confused.

Who's Malcolm and what did he do?

A few minuets later I got the reply.

He tried it on with Liza. She thrashed him though. He didn't get to do more than touch her cause she whacked him one. I'm glad cause he is bad news. She did report him. But now he's been reported missing, but the cops here are not taking it serious. Just those Florida lot and they'll clear out soon.

"Did he try to rape her?" Grace asked, whispering in my ear as she read the message over my shoulder.

I didn't have an answer for that. I was finding it hard to concentrate on the text in front of me.

He tried to rape my sister? Who is this guy? I'll kill him…

Grace took the phone off me and deleted that last bit before typing at speed and sending the message before she gave the phone back to me.

This is Grace, please I must know. Did that Malcolm try to rape Liza? If he did we have a firm case against him. Even if he's since disappeared. We can find a way to clear Liza, to show that she is a victim in all of this.

It wasn't long before Mal replied.

He would have raped her if Liza hadn't been quick with her fists. She wanted to forget it, but I made her report him. He had to be stopped; I think he might have raped Sophie on his first night here. Liza hasn't really confirmed that because I think Sophie asked her not to tell, but it makes sense. It's my fault Liza even got involved with him. She thought he was me. Mousy hair, green eyes, called Mal. I thought it was funny that she got mixed up, was a little annoyed too. I wanted her to remember me on her own, but I left her open to him. I got a lot to make up for, and I will protect her!

I considered a moment before I typed.

I know you have Liza's best interest at heart, and I know how hard it is to change her mid when she's decided something is real, even if it's not. I know you're looking out for her. Even in all the worry I can feel her love for you. You're a good friend to her, so stop worrying. As long as you let me know if anything crops up I'll know you're looking out for her. I'm gonna have to say night now, but feel free to text any time you want. All I want to know is how my sister's doing.

Tony :)

I hoped he'd keep the link open. I didn't want to spy on Liza, but that reassurance that she was fine would be great. That's all I wanted was to know for certain that Liza was ok. To be on hand before her panic got through on our link and I turned it into something greater in my mind.

I told Mom the next day and she said she'd talk to Jane when she got here. Jane would know the best way to clear Liza's name. If her name needed clearing. At the moment she'd only been questioned and she didn't seem to be a suspect. But if the detectives were friends of that guy then they might try and pin it on Liza just to undermine her allegation so their boy looked clean.

I text Mal that morning to ask him to keep us posted on any developments. It was lunchtime when Mal text back to say that he'd let us know if anything else happened on the Malcolm front.

Other than discussing Liza and Mal's texts with Mom, Grace and I spent the morning with Billie. We took her into the old playroom and she liked all the toys. She especially liked the old stuffed lamb, the one Liza used to love as a kid. If we were having a fight and I was feeling mean I'd only have to threaten Oen and she'd cry. Or kick my butt; it really depended on how she was feeling that day.

Billie also liked finger painting. They were just splodges of colour at the moment, she loved the way the paint felt between her fingers and how the colour transferred from her hand to the paper. She also liked the fact that when she was painting she was allowed to take off her mittens.

Dad had explained the mittens to her in a way that made them seem magical, but the novelty soon wore off. As soon as she realised how they stopped her picking stuff up, and they made her hands hot and sweaty, but she'd have to put up with the mittens for a week or two until her hands were big enough for gloves. Alice was working on some cotton ones that would let a little air get at Billie's hands.

Over the next few days a few things became clear about Billie, the most prominent was her strong personality, she knew what she liked and what she didn't like and wouldn't be persuaded either way. She didn't like pink or dresses, she absolutely refused to let Alice near her now when she had to change her clothes after Alice had dressed her in a pink frilly dress for dinner on the nineteenth. Billie cried until Mom took it off her and placed her in a white baby grow. Billie thought it was an improvement.

She didn't like her hair being brushed, at first it wasn't so bad, but it grew longer every day and it had a tendency to tangle. Whoever was gonna brush her hair had to make sure her mittens were firmly in place. She didn't like bows in her hair, she pulled them out at the first opportunity. It was clear that Billie was a tomboy through and through and Mom loved every moment of it. Granny Ness thought it was cute too, Billie was exactly like Mom used to be, well when Mom got old enough to decided that dresses weren't so good for playing in the mud and climbing trees.

Alice wasn't so happy, she'd wanted a little girl she could dote on and dress in pretty dresses and do her hair in braids and ribbons like she used to with Liza. Instead she had to deal with another tomboy who preferred to be used as ball by Emmett and Jasper than star in a fashion parade.

Yep, Emmett and Jasper decided to throw Billie back and fore to each other out in the back yard. It was the Saturday so I'd started back to work and I'd decided to pop in to Tregarran on my way back to the Stables to see how everyone was. I'd felt Mom's worry for Billie and I rushed to Tregarran, but Billie was in her element, laughing and giggling as she sailed through the air. Urging them to go further apart with the few words she was starting to use with the non-telepaths.

Finally Dad leapt up and plucked her out of the air when Emmett decided to throw her the entire length of the garden. Billie chuckled and hugged Dad tight, she liked being thrown around, but she had been starting to feel a little sick.

"I think that's enough excitement for one day young lady." He observed, which was something Billie was starting to hear a lot of.

"But it's fun." Billie protested.

"It is fun Baby, but it soon won't be." Mom said. "Shall we go swimming instead?"

Yes, I love swimming. Billie thought as she reached out to Mom. We go swimming now?

"After we say good morning to your brother." Mom stated as I made my way toward them.

Billie turned to me and smiled.

"Tony." She yelled, then grinned.

"You said my name." I said with a smile.

"I'm learning words." She said with a nod of her head. Some are more difficult than others. They're harder to say, but I can think them.

"You're a clever girl." I said and kissed her head. "Knowing your words like Liza."

"Liza." Billie said and waited for our praise for pronouncing it properly, which we gave. "Now to swimming?"

"Yes." Mom replied, giving me a thoughtful look. "Will you be by later with Grace?"

"Try keeping her away from Billie." I said with a laugh.

"Grace." Billie said, but she couldn't quite get the 'r' sound and it came out Gwace. She started repeating the word, trying to get it right.

"That should keep her occupied for the next half hour." Mom said and winked.

"Perhaps you will have learned to say it properly by the time Grace visits this afternoon." Dad suggested.

"Yes Dada." Billie said, before repeating Grace again.

"I'll see you all later." I said. "Bye."

"Bye-bye." Billie said and waved her hand.

I waved back as everyone else said goodbye. As I moved away from Tregarran I could hear Dad suggesting to Emmett and Jasper that next time they decide to have a throw about they use a real ball and not his daughter. Even if Billie had been having fun, Mom had been near the edge of panic so Emmett and Jasper said, they'd teach her to play catch next time, and not use her as the ball.

Grace didn't know how to take it when I told her about it. She was a little shocked that Em and Jazz would throw Billie around like that, but if Billie was enjoying it what was the harm. She was a half vampire after all and much tougher than normal kids.

"Oh and guess what she's learning to do today in time for dinner." I stated.

"What?" She asked carefully, still not convinced by my argument.

"She's learning to say Grace." I said with a grin.

"I didn't know your family was that religious?" Grace teased. "But seriously, she's talking now?"

"Yeah."

"Were you talking when you were three days old?" Grace asked curiously.

"Nah. Billie's pretty advanced even for a dhampir, but then she has a strong will and is fed up of the non-telepaths ignoring what she wants. Learning to talk is a good way to boss them around." I said with a laugh, but I was only half joking.

"How old were you?"

"I didn't start until I was two months old, and then I'd only whisper to Liza. I only started using my voice when I was one. I used to just fall back on my telepathy, but the family decided I had to learn to speak properly too so they started ignoring me unless I asked aloud." If they hadn't I think I'd still be using only mind speak to this day and I'd be no good in the human world like that. I really would have to stick to the shadows.

"You would have learned to speak eventually." Grace said firmly.

I shook my head. "I used to get Liza to do it for me. She loved speaking, but I preferred mind speak and would only talk when I really had to."

Grace nodded as she absorbed that information.

"So Billie's talking already, when will she start walking?" She asked.

"Around two or three weeks, I guess it depends on how much she really wants to get about. I think Billie's impatience will push her to do things sooner than we expect even for a half vampire baby."

"Right." Grace said thoughtfully. "If she's learning to say Grace by dinner time, does that mean I get to hear her?"

"We're going to visit." I said with a smile.

"Yay." Grace said excitedly.

"Is my cooking really that bad?" I joked.

"You know it is." She replied and kissed my cheek. "Well I guess I'd better get back to writing." She said sadly. "I've enjoyed these last two days of vacation. Looking after Billie has been fun."

"Yeah. Who knew kids could be so amusing."

"You've been around other babies." Grace pointed out.

"Yeah. But never a half vampire baby. You get to fast-forward all the newborn stuff and get straight to the toddler stage where they're eager to learn about the world."

"Yeah." Grace said with a wistful smile. "Oh well, back to writing."

The week past in a happy blur where Grace and I would spend at least an hour every day at Tregarran. Grace marvelled over Billie's progress, and you know, even expecting it, I found it pretty amazing myself. It really was weird to observe all this from the outside. Liza and me had never known we were very different from each other. At least not when we were as young as Billie. It was only when it was time to mingle with normal kids that we started getting drilled on how to fit in and say that we were a different age than what we were. That was when we first started to know we were different. Then on the Res, doing things kids who looked the same as us couldn't even dream of not to mention how every year Liza and I would be so much older and our friends from last year seemed too young to play with us again. It could get a little confusing if you weren't careful.

We spent Thanksgiving Day at Tregarran, and it was treat to watch Billie as she took in all the festivities. She wanted to know why we were eating so much, and why everyone was together. Why were all the vampires sitting at the table when they didn't eat? Who were Eleazar and Carmen and what did they want? Who was Jane, why did she look unhappy, people always smiled, but Jane was sad, why?

Jane wasn't in the best of moods because the nomads had been up in arms demanding that she do something about the spate of vampire deaths, but Jane had nothing to work with. I wondered if I should mention Olwen to her, but there hadn't been any more deaths since I'd seen her so maybe it wasn't the best idea to sic Jane on her yet. I would have to talk it over with the rest of the family before I took it to Jane. Besides it was info I could trade on if we did need Jane's help with Liza.

Talking of Liza, there was something in the way of a breakthrough. Mom took me aside when Billie was happy entertaining the guests by showing off her swimming. I'd wanted to watch her, she was getting pretty good, but Mom wanted me to follow her with as little fuss possible into the library where she turned a great big grin on me.

"Liza will be home for Christmas!" She announced excitedly.

"Really?" I asked, a little sceptical to accept this without a little reservation.

"Yes." Mom said firmly.

"How can you be sure?" I asked.

"She text." Mom said, showing me her phone.

"Why does that message make me feel apprehensive?" I asked.

"I know. I was worried it was a…a…" Mom trailed off looking agitated.

"A suicide note?" I asked.

"Yeah. I just…" Mom shook her head.

"You were worried that things had got over her head and rather than ask for our help she decided to end it all instead." I stated.

"Do you think I over reacted?" Mom asked in worry.

"Given Liza's tendency to take the most dramatic option available I'd say no." I assured her.

"So I thought maybe she was saying goodbye so I phoned her up straight away and she answered. And spoke to me. She was even happy to learn Billie's name. She is really gonna be home for Christmas Tony, our Lamb is coming home." Mom declared and there were happy tears in her eyes.

"Really? I hope so, I don't want to be expecting her and then she doesn't turn up." I said, not wanting to put a damper on things, but we had to he realistic.

"And not only that she's gonna text at least every other day. We'll know she's ok at least."

"That's something I guess. What does Dad think?"

"That it will take more than a few texts for Liza to redeem herself fully." Dad said firmly, I hadn't noticed him sitting in the chair. "But it's a start. Provided she keeps her promise to come home to us for Christmas."

"Well yeah, it would be pretty mean if she went back on her word now." I said. "So why all the secrecy?"

"We don't want Billie to know." Mom replied.

"Why?"

"You have witnessed yourself her constant questioning about Liza." Dad stated. "We do not wish to get her hopes up only to be disappointed."

I nodded, they had a point.

"When will you tell her?" I asked.

"As soon as I sense Liza on the drive." Mom said firmly. "I just don't want to take any chances."

"Then I won't mention it." I promised.

"Now let's get back before Billie wonders where we are." Mom said with a smile.

Luckily Billie hadn't noticed our absence so we didn't have to invent what we'd been doing. Although I knew I'd have to tell Grace later, which she accepted when she questioned me quietly.

Since there were so many guests at Tregarran and even if they didn't sleep they could do with a private place if they needed it, Grace and me headed back to the Stables. We went to bed fairly early, but that's because I was back in early in the morning. I was needed in the store on Black Friday, no exceptions. It was always the busiest morning of the year with everyone stocking up on travel supplies before hitting the stores or heading to the wilderness to avoid all the commotion.

It was so busy that it seemed unfair to leave Dannan when they were queuing twenty deep and more kept coming. There was no way I'd get out of here at this rate so I rang Bob and he agreed to come to help Dannan, well it was his job since he was the boss. Anyway, I was over half hour late and although I text Grace to let her know I was running behind she was worried about me.

She turned up at the store in the first lull of the morning and I gave a sigh of relief since I could just leave now without feeling guilty.

"Good morning Miss Pearson, what can I do for you this morning?" Dannan said cheerfully.

"Oh nothing much." Grace said. "Just thought I'd come meet Tony from work since he's running late. Maybe we could head out somewhere for the day?" She added, directing the latter to me.

"That sounds good." I said as I rounded the counter. "Where was you thinking of going?"

"Maybe you can surprise me." She said as she pulled me close to her and kissed me lightly on the lips.

Dannan gave a sharp intake of breath and I felt Grace grin before she turned to Dannan.

"Hey, Dannan, you want an exclusive for your Blog?" Grace asked.

Dannan nodded her head.

"Then tell them you were right. Brody is based on Tony and you've been working right here beside him the whole time."

Dannan seemed to take a moment to take it all in, then she let out a squeal of delight as she jumped up and down.

"Oh my god! I knew it! I knew it!" She gasped.

"Yeah, you were right." Grace said with a smile, "And I believe Tony here made you a promise."

Dannan had to think for a moment, then she grinned widely.

"You mean…"

"Yeah. But I thought we'd go one better." Grace stated.

Dannan frowned.

The door chimed and Bob walked in.

"Just in time." Grace said as she turned a smile on him.

"Just in time for what?" He asked.

"To put all you learnt in photography class to good use." Grace stated as she threw a digital camera to him and he fumbled to catch it.

"What am I taking a picture of exactly?" He asked.

"Us." Grace said as she motioned for Dannan to come around the counter.

"I thought you said the place was busy." Bob grumbled as Dannan moved slowly toward Grace who was holding her arm out.

"It was, this is the first lull we've had all morning." I stated as I stood the other side of Dannan cause that's what Grace wanted.

"Make it a good one Bob." Grace said and we smiled while he took the photo.

"Well at least the takings will be up this morning." He said, holding the camera out to Grace.

Just as Grace went to take it back he pulled it away.

"Hey, I just had a thought." He said. "Are you doing anything today?"

"We have plans." Grace said firmly.

"I was wondering if you'd like to make a little money out of your celebrity." Bob stated.

"And split the profits?" Grace asked. "Sorry but Garry will go ape if I agree to any money spinning publicity without his knowledge."

"He doesn't have to know." Bob tempted.

"Word would spread." Grace stated.

"Yeah. Soon as one person Tweets 'Grace Pearson is doing a signing at OP General Stores' people will descend on Olympic Pines in their thousands." Dannan said firmly. "Believe me, I know the Tidians. I'm one of them."

"Well it was just an idea." Bob said despondently as he handed the camera back.

"I'll give Garry your number, maybe you can work something out." Grace said and gave him a conciliatory tap on the arm.

"Thanks." Bob said.

"And Dannan, have you got your bluetooth switched on?" Grace asked as she fiddled with the buttons on the camera.

"Yep." Dannan replied as she pulled her phone from her pocket.

"Ok." Grace gave a little laugh. "Lady Dana?"

"Yeah." Dannan said carefully.

"So you're the infamous blogger?" Grace asked.

"Guilty." Dannan said bowing her head.

"I like your Blog, it's the only one I'll read because you always give a balanced view." Grace stated as she pressed some more buttons on the camera.

"Really?" Dannan asked in awe.

"Yeah. I liked your last Blog about the significance of the promise ceremony."

"Wow." Dannan was speechless.

"You need to accept the image." Grace stated.

"Oh. Right." Dannan pressed a few buttons on her phone.

"Well at least I know where to look out for the photo now." Grace said with a smile.

"Can I say you like the Blog?" Dannan asked.

"Better not. I can't be showing favouritism. Besides, you'll have to out yourself and I thought you wanted to remain incognito?" Grace stated.

"Yeah. I'll just post this as a commentator." Dannan conceded.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Lady Dana." Grace said, holding her arms open.

"Likewise Lady Anna." Dannan said, looking particularly ecstatic as Grace hugged her.

Grace laughed as she pulled away.

"You look after yourself." She said, tapping Dannan's shoulder.

"I will."

"Come on Brody, I mean Tony." Grace teased as she winked at Dannan.

I laughed as Grace took my hand. We said our goodbyes and left.

"Is she really Lady Dana?" Grace asked once we were in her car and she was heading out of town in the opposite direction to Olympic Drive.

"Yeah." I replied.

"How long have you known?"

"Only then when you found her out. She's quite good at concealing things. But when you outted her she was a little annoyed then basking in the glory that you thought her work was worth reading." I stated.

"I'm glad she wasn't pretending." Grace observed.

"Yeah." I agreed. "So where were you thinking of going?"

"I thought we could head out to one of the remote trails and go on a big hunt. Maybe we could find a nice little place to spend a few hours, maybe have a picnic."

"Sounds great."

Grace and I spent the rest of the day running the forest somewhere south of Olympic Pines and Ridgeborough. We kept off the human trails, going deep into the heart of the forest where the humans never ventured. We found a nice little spot for our picnic next to a waterfall that Grace wanted to go under. We did and found a cave, all dark with just enough light filtering in through the curtain of water.

Grace was a regular girl guide, always so prepared. We spent a few hours in the cave and under the waterfall, and in that general area. I wasn't sure whether it was being out in the wilderness but Grace certainly got more frisky when we were out of doors. I wasn't complaining.

We spent the whole day out and it was late by the time we got back. We stopped by Tregarran where Billie wouldn't speak to me because I hadn't shown up all day. She seemed to think that we all had to attend on her, but I explained that we all needed time away from the family.

Billie didn't think so and I realised she wasn't gonna forgive Grace and me that night.

I apologised to Mom and Dad for upsetting Billie, but they told me not to be silly. Billie had to learn that the world didn't revolve around her. I felt bad about making Billie upset, but they were right, she had to learn.

Grace and I tried to make it up to her the next day by turning up really early and offering to take her on a picnic. It was a way to try and bribe her to eat human food as well as make it up to her. We wouldn't go far, just to the rock pile about a mile out from the house. Billie had started walking, but we wouldn't push her too hard.

She was friends with us again by the time we were heading back to Tregarran. She was riding up on my shoulders having tired of walking and she was happy about this. It was like she'd put us in our place. She was a right little madam, maybe more so than Liza, what Billie needed was a sibling, one her own age I mean. Would Mom want another baby again so soon?

Then as we drew nearer Tregarran I registered a mind I hadn't felt in ages and the from signals I was getting I wondered if maybe a little cousin would work just as well. I began to jog toward the house.

Grace picked up her pace beside me.

"What's going on?" She asked.

"Ebony is here for a visit and she's got some news." I stated.

"What news?" Grace asked.

"Just wait and see." I said as we entered through the kitchen.

I had to pull Billie down into my arms to clear the door, and led Grace up to the rec room where everyone was gathered around Ebony. A very pregnant looking Ebony who was weeping into a hanky that was already soaking wet.

"All I wanted was to be with my siblings when my baby is born." She sobbed. "But Nahuel said we should be with his family. But I'm the one having the baby, not him. I wanted to be among my family and have a competent doctor on stand by. Nahuel didn't seem to get it. So I thought if he wasn't going to bring me, then I'd bring myself before it's too late."

"How long have you got left to go?" Carlisle asked as he placed his hand to Ebony's bump.

"I'm not sure." She stated. "It's slower than a normal dhampir birth, as if it is double the length."

"Taking a guess you look about seven months pregnant." Carlisle stated. "I will have to observe you over the next few days and we will have a better picture. But for now I recommend you eat something and drink plenty of fluids. You seem a little dehydrated."

"I just wanted to be with my family." She whispered.

"You should have phoned and we would have met you." Marlin said gently as she hugged Ebony.

"I wasn't thinking Marlin. I just had this urge to be home, and home was with my siblings." She murmured into Marlin's shoulder.

"It's an understandable urge when it's your first child." Marlin said softly.

Ebony nodded.

"You have baby?" Billie said softly, and she wriggled in my arms so I put her down.

She walked over to Ebony and Marlin moved to her side as Billie raised her mittened hands and placed them to Ebony's bump.

"I am Billie, you are baby. How are you?" She said.

She frowned, but all the telepaths in the room laughed, the baby, a boy, had heard and was responding to her voice. He was wondering why it was different from the others he'd heard. He was used to the lower pitch of adults.

"He can not answer to me yet?" Billie asked.

"Not until he's born." Mom said, squatting next to Billie. "But if you listen closely you can here his heart beat."

We all went silent and Billie listened, cocking her head to the side before grinning widely.

"I heard him, I heard him." She sang, clapping her hands before she looked up at Ebony. "I am Billie Black, who are you?"

"Your Auntie Ebony." Ebony replied, smiling through her tears.

"Where have you been?" Billie asked.

"South America with my husband Nahuel."

"You didn't come to see Billie." Billie said sadly. "Why?"

"Billie, that is rude." Dad chastised.

"But others came, why not Auntie Ebony? And why not Liza? Where is my sister Liza?" Billie asked, turning to Mom.

"Come on Billie, I think it's time for your nap." Mom said, scooping her up off the floor.

"I'm not tired." Billie said grumpily.

"Then we'll go in the playroom."

Billie realised she was being ushered out and there was nothing she could do about it. Mom wanted to explain to her that Ebony was a little upset right now and that meant we had to be nice to her.

After that everyone went into activity mode. They had to prepare a room for Ebony for a start, then they had to set up the theatre once more. Carlisle observed Ebony over the next few days and agreed that she'd been right, it was slower than what you'd expect from a half vampire pregnancy. Taking that into account there was about two weeks left before the baby would be born.

Luckily for Nahuel he turned up about ten hours after Ebony. It was the earliest flight he could catch. He was upset that she'd just up and left, but Ebony wanted to be here with her family and Nahuel wouldn't listen. Marlin gave him an ear bashing on the quiet about respecting a woman's wishes of where she chose to give birth. Nahuel admitted he'd been a fool; he just wanted his child to be born on his native soil. I decided to side with Marlin on this one since Ebony was the one giving birth and she had every right to choose where it would take place.

So life was about to get a little more interesting and I wanted to tell Liza all about it, but I wasn't sure it would be pushing things a little. I didn't want to risk it at the moment since we were starting to make a breakthrough with her.

It had been a week since Thanksgiving and Liza had kept her promise to Mom by texting every other day. She didn't say much beyond being fine, but it was a start. Besides we were in December and I was counting down the days until my twin was home and she could finally meet our sister. I had so much to fill her in on, stuff I didn't want to tell her in text just in case.

Yeah, Liza's been texting me too. On the twenty-eighth of November she sent me a happy birthday message and it took me a moment to realise she was referring to the pretended date of birth we'd used in school. I'd sent her back a 'lol' and she responded with an apology and the promise that she would be home for Christmas, she'd arrive on the twenty-first, a day after her college closed for Christmas.

She text me every night with a report on what she'd done that day, talking about people I'd never met as if I already knew them. She asked about Grace a lot, and she asked after Billie too, although I was careful to keep my texts about Billie simply to her health and nothing about her progress, I didn't want to rub Liza's nose in it that she was missing out on so much. Even if it was her own stupid fault.

Having this channel opened between us meant a lot, and it also meant that on that Sunday morning, a week after Thanksgiving I could text her and ask what was wrong. Why had I felt a wave of anxiety?

Her reply was short and sparse. She stated nothing was wrong and counselled me not to worry. What can I say? I know my twin well and suddenly I was very worried about her.

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