A/N: The early update last week threw me off balance. So now I have another early update this week. Hope you like it. Review please!
Chapter 9
I knew, without any doubts, that the school day would be cut short for me. I was proven correct when Edward took my hand and dragged me out of the cafeteria towards the parking lot with Alice following on our heels. I didn't even bother to ask what was going on. The name Victoria was enough for me to understand.
The drive back to the Cullen's house was eerily quiet. We all sat in silence as Edward sped home. I would occasionally catch Edward throwing worried glances in my direction but I kept my eyes taped to my hands that were clenched into fists on my lap. I didn't dare to look up. I didn't want Edward to see the fear in my eyes.
I was terrified to the point of nausea by the knowledge that Edward and his family would once again put themselves in danger to protect me. And not to mention the inevitable involvement of my werewolf friends. I was fairly certain they would not miss out on an opportunity to deprive the world of one less vampire. This seemed all too familiar to me, like déjà vu. Edward and his family would once again protect me as they did with James and I couldn't help but be fearful that the outcome this time around may not end as well as the last.
We reached the white mansion sooner than usual. Jasper was immediately seen running out of the front door. His eyebrows were furrow with confusion and concern. I can only assume that he had sense our fears, or my fears. Alice and Edward seemed more determined than anything.
"What's going on?" Jasper questioned.
"I had a vision. Let's go inside so we can talk." Alice replied. She took Jasper's hands in hers and they disappeared inside the door right after I heard Alice called out, "Carlisle. Esme."
By the time Edward and I walked through the front door, everyone was already seated in the living room. We took a seat at the last empty couch.
"So what did you see that have you skipping school?" Carlisle asked Alice.
"Victoria." My heart was pounding franticly at the mention of her name. Edward, sensing my discomfort, started to rub soothing circles on my back. It helped.
"What did you see exactly?" Carlisle pressed and then his concerned eyes shifted towards me for a quick second as if he was afraid I would not be able to handle more details of the vision. I forgot for a moment that everyone could hear my heart hammering inside my chest as clearly as if the sound was ejecting out of a surround sound speaker. How embarrassing.
I gave a small wary smile of encouragement toward Alice. Edward sighed from beside me which made Alice rolled her eyes.
"There's no need to stress over this yet. The vision wasn't very clear. I just see her running around, like she's looking for something. She's not near Forks. She's not even in Washington." Alice explained.
My panic and fear suddenly droned down on me tenfold as I took in Alice's last input. She's not even in Washington…
"What is it Bella?" Jasper asked.
"What if she's in Florida? She's after Renee and Phil!" I exclaimed as the tears spilled out. I was on the verge of hyperventilating. Edward wrapped his arms consolingly around me.
"Calm down Bella. We'll figure out a way. I promise." Edward murmured. "Beside, she couldn't possibly know that your mom is in Florida." I weaved my arms around his waist and dug my head into his neck for support, wishing that what he said would be true.
"But what if she does know?" I whispered, unable to escape the conceivable horror.
"Then we just have to protect them." Carlisle said. "Rosalie and Emmett are on their way back now from their honeymoon, I'll just ask them to go to Florida for awhile."
I just nodded, feeling defeated and utterly useless. But at least I could sleep a little better now knowing that Renee and Phil would have some sort of protection. I just hope they get there soon.
But it doesn't have to be this way. I didn't have to be a burden to everyone. If I was more durable... if I was an immortal… than perhaps I wouldn't be a liability anymore. I could annihilate this danger towards my family myself. But of course Edward had already made it clear before that he would not condemn me to this soulless life. But maybe, just maybe, after almost losing me, he had changed his mind. However, I would not depend on that. If he hasn't change his mind then I could not risk him knowing my plan. I would need to ask someone else to change me. Maybe Alice?
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Edward left to go on a quick hunt that night with Jasper. They wanted to be prepared and on alert if Victoria plans will lead her back to Forks. Alice took me home instead to babysit me for the night until Edward came back. So after the awkward dinner with Charlie and the shower, I walked into my room to find Alice seated in the rocking chair. She eyed me up and down, taking in my old sweats and tee, and then she grimaced. I ignored her and just crawled to the center of my bed. I sat there with my legs curled against my chest, my chin rested on my knees.
"Time for another shopping trip." Alice chirped.
"Alice, how can you even think about shopping in a time like this?"
She shrugged, indifferently. "You worry too much Bella. If anything happens, I would be able to see it."
"Your visions are subjective. They have holes." I said while shaking my head infinitesimally at her. Alice walked over and perched down on the bed next to me.
"Did you want to ask me something Bella?" She asked suddenly. My eyes widen in surprise. Ugh! Why was I so stupid? Of course Alice could see my contemplation. But would she understand? I'll take my chances.
I decided to approach this matter a different way. "Alice, how does Edward feel now about my being a vampire?"
She eyed me suspiciously. "I would think he is still as stubborn as ever. Why?"
"And how do you feel about it?" I continued, ignoring her question.
"I don't have any say in this nor do I have any rights to. This is solely your decision." I grinned. She would understand.
"I've made up my mind. I want to be change. I want you to change me Alice."
Alice gasped. Her eyes widen with surprise. I suppress an inappropriate smug grin that was fighting its way to my lips. Only I could take a psychic by surprise. "Bella…" She started but I quickly interrupted her.
"Alice, don't you see? This is the best solution to our problem. Sure you guys kept me safe from James, and might succeed in protecting me this time with Victoria. But what about the next time?"
Alice was about to open her mouth to protest but I held a figure up to stop her. "And don't argue. You know with my luck, there is a highly possible chance of a next time. And what will you do then? Keep protecting me? I don't want to keep being a burden."
"Bella, is this just because of Victoria?"
"Partially. You know Edward's too much of a masochist to admit that this is what he wants too and for that, he will obstinately try to keep me human. But I will eventually die of old age anyways. What then? What will become of Edward once I die?"
I stayed quiet after my rambling ended, giving Alice time to absorb it. Alice held a perplexed expression on her face but I could see resolution in her eyes. That look alone gave me hope.
"Please?" I beseeched.
"Bella, I don't know if I can. I could kill you." She whispered.
"I trust you. Please, it's the only way."
"He's going to kill me!" She groaned suddenly.
"Yes?" I questioned, uncertain.
Alice nodded. I launched toward her, encasing her in a big hug with the biggest smile on my face. Yes! I thought.
"When?"
