Disclaimer: Under no circumstances have I ever, nor will I ever, own Twilight. *tear*

Chapter 7: Strategies

The week progressed without a hitch, Bella had been working with Carlisle very closely to learn the control necessary to see Charlie. She was kept updated on his condition whenever Carlisle went in for a shift at the hospital. But, as was to be expected, she was anxious and growing more so as the days progressed and Carlisle still refused to let her see her father. At some point she was considering different plans to just sneak out and check on him, make sure he was okay but it was like Edward already knew this. He never left her side and if he did Alice would take his place.

This was extremely frustrating for her as well because it made her feel like she was being babysat, just like when she was human. The days had blurred as the two of them and Carlisle kept her busy through her days. Monday had blurred right into Friday and she was standing in a dressing room in Seattle with Alice in the one next to her chattering away about some dress she was trying on.

"Oh Bella, your going to love it! I can't imagine what Jasper will say. Of course he never says much, but I know. Did you know his favorite color is green? This will be perfect, deep green and short enough to make some serious suggestions," she giggled and Bella rolled her eyes, she could almost picture Alice wiggling her thin eyebrows at that statement, "come out here and tell me what you think!" She sighed but did not refuse Alice's request. It was pretty much impossible to refuse Alice anything, especially when she was so excited about something.

"Don't be so glum silly!" She exclaimed as Bella stepped out of the dressing room to approve her dress. It was stunning, that couldn't be denied and only made more so with Alice in it. Alice could pull off rags and look like a supermodel so this was almost over the top gorgeous on her pixie figure. The dress sported thin black straps and made her legs look about ten times longer then they really were. That was probably because the dress was so short. It covered her butt but barely and if she bent over in anyway it would have been a lost cause. The dress fit snugly around her petite waist and flared out gradually. It was a deep green but held no laces or decorations. It was a perfect accentuation Alices pale beauty.

"It's gorgeous. Jasper is definitely going to freak out when he sees this dress on you Alice!" She grinned and then slipped back into her own dressing room while Bella turned back to try on the next dress Alice had picked out for her. She wasn't sure why Alice was so adamant on buying her more clothes, she had already filled her closet with all sorts of outfits Bella knew she would never wear.

Once they had tried on the rest of Alice's choices, Alice went to the register with a pile of clothes in her arms which included the green dress. They would have been in Seattle all day but tonight was the strategy meeting that was being held with the Elders and the wolves of the Quileute tribe and Bella had refused to miss it. She wanted to talk to Jake about what had happened the other day and apologize. She knew there was no way Jacob would not fight and she didn't want to be angry with him when he was going to be in so much danger.

Although a normal trip back to Forks would have taken around 3 and a half hours Alice and Bella returned in only an hour. One of the benefits of driving fast and avoiding the law enforcement that they passed. It was useful having Alice know when they would pass a cop on the highway so she could slow down. When they arrived Alice had Bella go into the house and make sure Jasper wasn't right inside the door so that she could drag everything upstairs and hide the dress. It was actually pretty comical watching pixie Alice walk in the house with bags piled up higher than her head. Of course it weighed close to nothing for her but it was funny to watch none the less.

Bella then moved around the house, looking for some sign of her family. When she got to the kitchen she found a note directing her and Alice to make their way to the baseball field to meet them. Alice would have to lead because the only time Bella had been there was when she was human and her memories were fuzzy on how to get there exactly. Alice was downstairs in a flash and the two set off for the field.


Edward hadn't done much today, mostly just discussed the coming night with Carlisle and waited for his beloved to come home. Alice had somehow roped her into going shopping with her in Seattle again. That girl truly was addicted to fashion and clothes, it was sad really. He had tried to no avail to sooth Carlisle's anxieties about the next week. Carlisle's every thought was saturated in the unhappiness he felt at the upcoming battle. He truly detested hurting another creature, no matter who they were or what they did but he knew it was necessary to protect his family. That was the only reason he allowed this strategy meeting to continue, why he was willing to fight.

The girls hadn't returned before they had to start towards the field so the rest of them decided to leave a note and head to the field. It was a quick run but Edward couldn't help but enjoy the elation he always felt when running. It was relaxing and yet exhilarating, something he knew he would never tire of.

When they arrived the Elders and the wolf pack were already there. It was obvious just in their formation that there trust of the vampire clan was almost non-existant. Their thoughts only helped to prove that theory.

The wolves had set themselves up in a close semi-circle, close enough to provide an adequate boundary but spread out enough to cover all sides except their retreat. Behind them were the Quileute elders, Billy Black having a wheel chair and the other Elders having had chairs brought for them. They were not a young group and standing for any length of time wouldn't have worked well for them.

Edward signalled for his family to spread out in a line in front of the wolves, keeping a safe distance, not wanting them to take any action as offensive or threatening. Once they had lined up Edward listened closer to the wolves. All of them were looking to Sam, their leader and obvious spokesperson for them. Focusing on the thoughts of the lead wolf Edward opened his mouth to speak Sam's words.

"We apologize for the formation, we will not change into human form and I hope you understand the protection of our people is necessary." Edwards voice was detached as he relayed the information to his family. Carlisle took a small step forward.

"Of course. We would like you to be as comfortable as possible. However that must be done, by all means, we hold no judgments." Sam nodded his head in acceptance and Edward spoke again.

"Thank you for the understanding. The Elders wish to ask what your family's plans were concerning the upcoming-" his words cut off and both Sam and Edward turned to look into the trees where Alice and Bella were emerging. Alice waved and smiled, moving to Jaspers side while Bella stook next to Edward.

"Apologies for our tardiness, shopping takes up quite a bit of time." Alice commented in a chiper voice. Edward rolled his eyes and Sam just looked at her, his eyes betraying his confusion at her words. Edward opened his mouth again.

"That is... quite alright." Was Sam's confused reply, "As I was saying... upcoming battle." Carlisle smiled again and stepped back while Japer stepped forward.

"That will be under my jurisdiction actually. I spent over a century of my vampire life fighting newborns and matured vampires and am the most experienced in this matter." Sam again nodded at his words.

We wish to speak to you as well Edward. Edward froze and turned his attention to the thought that had mentioned his name. It had originated from Billy Black.

You don't need to speak aloud, just listen please. Edward nodded infinitesimally and Billy's thoughts continued. Bella had seen his movements though, always the observant one and Edward was almost certain she would listen through the medium of his thoughts. Jasper had stepped in between the two groups by then and was demonstrating his explanations. None of the three in this secret conversation was paying any attention.

We made an agreement with the wolves to let them speak for us and I will allow them to do that. I made that agreement knowing full well you would listen if I needed you to. Edward nodded again, he kept his eyes on Jasper, as though he were agreeing with what he was explaining. He knew Billy would take that as acceptance. The thoughts continued.

I am not about to plan for injuries to the wolf pack, the thoughts of what could happen are a little to painful for us even if they are inevitable. I would ask that you inquire of Carlisle if he would be willing to doctor our boys should there be any... major... injuries. Edward nodded again in agreement. I would also ask, does Victoria know of our little pact? Edward moved his head one way and then slowly the other way to answer no. He could hear Billy's relief at this. So the wolf pack will be something they are unprepared for? Well that calms some of my fears anyway. Edward smiled at that. Thank you Edward. Then Billy's thoughts focused on Jasper's explanations again.

As Jasper explained, he had each of the Cullen family members practice with him. They didn't wrap up until around 4 in the morning. Jasper stepped back into line once he was done and looked to Carlisle. As head of the family he stepped forward.

"We will be here tomorrow night too, you are welcome to return and watch."

"We will be here." Edward answered for Sam. Carlisle nodded and all but one of the wolves backed up to the Elders and three of the boys shifted to their human forms to carry the men back to the reservation. The wolves never turned their backs to the family until they were well into the woods. Still one of the wolves remained and Edward could hear the thoughts of Quil and Embry in the forest waiting for Jacob to turn and leave with the pack.

He instead took a step forward, looking right at Bella.

Bella... He thought and Edward turned to her.

"He wants to talk to you, apologize if I am hearing correctly." She looked up at him and smiled.

"I know, I'm listening too." She whispered softly. Edward shrugged and watched as she moved towards Jacob.

"I'm sorry too Jake... I didn't mean to order you around and I know you are going to make your own decisions, I just worry about you. Your my best friend..." Edward couldn't help the chuckle that slipped out when Jacob huffed at her words. Bella turned her head to glare at him for a moment. He smiled apologetically and she turned back to Jacob.

Well I'm still sorry that I upset you but I can't just sit back and watch my brothers fight without me. It just doesn't work that way. I worry just as much about you, I know it's hard for both of us, your my best friend too. He shifted then and in a few seconds he was standing, back turned to her as he pulled on his black shorts. He turned around then and stepped towards Bella with his arms out. Edward watched as she ran to hug him a pang of jealously in his heart. Best friends or not, they had a history and it was hard to watch.

"You stink Bells." Jacob wrinkled his nose and she laughed at his words pulling away slightly with the same look.

"Yeah well so do you Jake." They were laughing then at the irony of the situation. Jacob looked at her apologetically then.

"Well... I kinda gotta go but I'll call ya okay?" She smiled, a grin she saved just for her best friend and again Edward felt that pang. He hid his feelings on the matter well though. He didn't want to hurt her or make her upset.

"Alright. I will see you tomorrow of course!" He smiled at her comment and then he was running to the woods. He was gone in an instant. Bella turned back to Edward with a smile and when she reached him again she slipped her hand into his glancing up into his eyes. They ran home together, keeping pace with each other. He could feel, she was not in too much of a hurry and he enjoyed the time alone as they ran in silence back home.

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