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Chapter 9 The Wicked Witch
APOV
There is so much to do and so little time! We're finally settled in the new house in England. It was time to leave the states for a while and Bella has never been to England.
In about a month, she will be turning eleven and I'm planning a family vacation to Paris to celebrate! This may be her last birthday before she becomes a woman. I can't believe it but I cannot wait either. Bella Barbie time is going to be even better!
Rose and I booked our flights and the hotel rooms. The hotel we booked has the best view of the Eiffel Tower in the area. We made sure the room had its own kitchen, living area, and dining area so that Bella could eat in comfort when she wanted. It had five bedrooms and even had a baby grand piano, I knew Edward would appreciate.
I really wanted this to be special for Bella so Rose and I decided we would only spend two days shopping with her. She would have the other five to go to the museums. She and I were working intently when I had a vision.
"Rose! That is a great idea, let's call them now!" Rose is a genius! I heard Edward snicker at that thought.
"Umm, Al, I have no idea what you're talking about." She really was clueless.
"We should invite the Denali's and surprise Bella with them! Kate and I could do some serious shopping damage while Bella is asleep! I'm so excited!" I rushed off to call Kate and invite them. They all agreed and booked rooms in the same hotel. Tanya returned to them shortly after we left, but Kate assured me she and Irina would be staying behind. This was so perfect!
BPOV
I am so tired. I just want to go to bed but for some reason Alice has been forcing me to stay awake. Tomorrow is my birthday and I know she has something planned and I will need my energy for it. I was about to nod off again when Alice started squealing and jumping up and down.
"It's 12:01! Everyone get down here!"
Everyone rushed into the living room with excited faces. I just groaned, of course they were all in on it.
"Happy birthday, Bella! Open your present!" She shoved a box in my face. It was light and honestly I thought there was nothing in it. I opened and found a hotel booking confirmation. I read it and it was for a hotel in… "PARIS!?" I looked up and everyone was nodding with huge smiles.
"This is so awesome! When do we leave?" I asked.
"Our flight leaves in a couple of hours. You're already packed so we just need to load up the car and get on our way!" Alice said. Once the cars were loaded, we all got in and went to the airport. Since it was a short flight I decided not to take any medicine. I was so tired anyways that I still ended up sleeping. Edward had to help me walk once we landed. I was so thankful that Alice had actually booked our room for the previous day so we could check in once we landed. I didn't even get to look at the room before I passed out again.
When I woke up after a few more hours of sleep, I was able to better take in my surroundings. The first thing I noticed was that I was alone. That almost never happened, Edward was always with me. I brushed it off and looked around the room. It was in was gorgeous! It even had its own private balcony that faced the Eiffel Tower! I ran out of my room after taking care of things in the bathroom, to explore the rest of the suite.
I noticed Edward at the piano and smiled at him. He was so lost in it, he didn't even notice me. I continued investigating and took in the living room and dining room. The kitchen was immaculate especially considering this was a hotel.
I ended up on the balcony outside the living room with a cup of hot chocolate, just staring out at the view. I couldn't believe I was in Paris!
I was starting to wonder where everyone was and turned to head back inside. Edward was standing in the doorway looking at me. "Happy birthday, love." He said and I swear my heart melted a little. It was weird; I was starting to have moments like this when he would just take my breath away. I know I'm only eleven but I'm physically thirteen or fourteen.
I blushed and said, "Thank you."
He chuckled and held his hand out for me, "Come on, Alice has another surprise for you. She will be arriving shortly with it."
We sat down in the living room and the door to the suite burst open. I looked up and Kate, Carmen and Eleazar were there. I screamed and ran to hug them. It has been so long since I've seen them. They all said "happy birthday" and when we were done with the greetings, I noticed everyone standing there. Alice said "Surprise" and I figured out they were the surprise Edward was talking about.
"We need to get down to business now. I have the entire week planned out and Bella my gift to you is only two days of shopping!" I was shocked at Alice. She loved to shop.
"Ali, I can't do that to you. You're in Paris, you need to shop!"
She just smiled and said, "Don't worry Bella. I'll have plenty of time when you're sleeping. Kate and I have it all planned and scheduled out. Tomorrow we will visit The Louvre, Notre Dame and take a boat tour of the Seine River. But today is designated shopping day number one for us ladies, while the guys do whatever guys do. Let's get you ready Bella; we have a long day ahead of us."
She rushed me back to my room and Bella Barbied me. Soon we were rushing out the doors and I had to shout goodbye to the boys. I wondered what they would be doing today without Alice to instruct them.
We spent several hours shopping and I had to remind Alice to stop for food. I really wanted to try something new but since we still had more shopping I decided to play it safe. We stopped at a café and I got a simple sandwich. Once I was finished, it was more shopping. By the end of the day I was exhausted. Alice already made arrangements for Edward to make me dinner at the suite and it was ready by the time we got back. Alice dropped off her bags then she and Kate went out for more shopping.
After I finished dinner, I just wanted to crash. Edward offered to rub my feet and I just couldn't refuse. I quickly changed into my pajamas in the bathroom and when I came out he was in his pajamas waiting for me on the bed. I lay down and he began rubbing my feet. It felt so wonderful but I was so tired I just couldn't stay awake.
The next morning I woke up alone again. I didn't like this new routine. I really missed him. I still feel that ache in my chest when we're separated and I know he feels it too. Things have been changing between us and I'm just not sure what to make of it.
I got ready for the day and went out to join the family. Mom made me breakfast and we discussed our plans before we set out. I was so excited to go to The Louvre. We were in the middle of the tour when Alice gasped. She quickly snapped out of it and had a huge smile on her face. I knew she had a vision but I couldn't ask her here. I was hoping Edward caught it but he didn't and I'm guessing Alice is blocking him. Since she was smiling, I didn't worry about it too much.
The day passed by in a similar manner. Notre Dame was amazing, as was the boat ride. I was again exhausted at the end of the day. Edward rubbed my feet again while I passed out.
EPOV
Paris has been a lot of fun. I'm glad Alice set this up. Bella has needed a vacation for a while now, especially after the trip to Brazil. I can't quit thinking about how Bella could someday have my children. It hasn't been helping that our relationship is changing. I can't figure it out but it's just a feeling I have.
I often think about our children while she's sleeping and I feel guilty for thinking that way so I've been playing more piano. I feel bad for not being there when she wakes, but it just doesn't feel right having those thoughts while sharing a bed with her.
On our first day here, I just wandered the city. I passed a jewelry store and noticed a claddagh ring. I was sterling silver and held a stunning emerald. I knew I wanted to get this for Bella. I would give it to her as a promise ring when we approach that time in our relationship.
The next day was spent being tourists. All of us had been to Paris at least twice except Bella and Esme so it was nice to see it through their eyes.
In the middle of the tour at The Louvre, Alice had a vision of Bella. She was quick to block her thoughts so I didn't get to see it. She was smiling so I knew it wasn't bad but I still wanted to know.
The next couple of days were much the same. The girls went shopping again and we continued to see the sights. Poor Bella was exhausted each night and I realized we never took her to any restaurants. I brought it up but she said she preferred to eat in the suite. Since it was her birthday, I didn't argue but vowed to myself I would bring her back and take her out.
The last day we spent at Disneyland Paris. Emmett was like a big kid. Even though we couldn't get the adrenalin rush from the rides, they were still fun. Bella would scream and hold on to me while I just smiled. I don't think I stopped smiling the entire day. She was again exhausted but happy. While she slept, I packed our bags and prepared to leave in the morning.
While we were on the plane, Alice began planning a hunting a trip for the guys. She was planning a three day weekend for us, claiming the girls needed a weekend to themselves. I had a feeling this had to do with her vision and asked her about it.
"Alice, you girls spent two days by yourselves and we all just had a vacation. Why are you insisting on this? Does this have something to do with that vision you've been blocking from me?"
"Edward, please just trust me on this. We really do need a girl's weekend. It's very important. Just do as I say and you will soon find out everything, I promise." I could tell she wasn't going to budge so I sighed defeated.
"Fine, but I want answers soon." She nodded her head.
As soon as we got home and unpacked, Alice shoved us out the door. I held Bella to me and took in her scent. This will not be the longest we've been apart but it still hurts.
"Be careful, love. I'll miss you so much." I murmured in her hair.
She took a deep breath, breathing me in as well. "I'll miss you too. Have fun and catch something good for me."
I kissed her forehead and hugged her again before I took off with the guys.
BPOV
I didn't want Edward to leave. I walked into the living room and Alice patted the couch beside her. Mom and Rose were already sitting watching some movie.
"So you're probably wondering why I called a girl's weekend, huh?" Alice asked. We all nodded and she continued.
"Well, last week I had a vision of you Bell. Sweetie, tomorrow you're going to get your first period!" She squealed and I blanched. I couldn't believe this. This is so embarrassing! I live with vampires, of course they'll all know.
"Don't worry, I have everything you'll need and I thought maybe you might want your mom to tell you how to use them. I know you're overwhelmed right now and that's only one of the many reasons I made the boys leave. Also, you'll have to take twice the dosage of pain killers for the cramps. So do you have any questions?" Alice was trying to kill me, I'm sure of it.
"No, no questions at all. I understand how to use the 'products' you bought also? Do not remember Emmett's demonstration about sex and puberty when I was five?" Everyone shuddered remembering that. I was studying anatomy and biology and everyone was hunting for the day so Emmett decided to take over my tutoring. I have no idea where he found those videos. They seemed educational but they were graphic! It explained in great detail what changes occur in the body and further explained how babies are made. I had nightmares that night.
"We have all weekend, just us girls, so if you need anything at all let us know. Now let's paint our toes and watch movies!" No matter how embarrassing it is knowing she has seen what will happen, I'm thankful she got the boys out of the house. They'll eventually know but hopefully mom will rein them in.
The next morning was not as bad as I thought. I had some cramps and took the medicine Ali gave me. She said it would be over in a couple of days and that was it. We continued with our girl's weekend. The guys would be back tonight because daddy got called in.
EPOV
Thank God for Carlisle getting called in early. I've been so worried about Bella. We were coming back late so she would be asleep but I knew just seeing her would make me feel better. We ran up to the house and were met by the girls. They were all blocking their thoughts.
"Family meeting in the dining room." Alice said then ran up to grab Jazz's hand to drag him into the house. The others greeted their mates and we walked into the house. I was itching to see Bella but when Alice had a vision of me doing so, she shot me a glare and forced me into my seat.
"So what is all this about?" Carlisle asked.
"Do you guys notice anything different?" Rose started.
We all looked confused and that was when I smelled it, blood. I shot out of my chair trying to get to my Bella but all the girls were blocking the doorway.
"Chill out, she's fine. We need to discuss this with you all. Now sit!" Alice commanded.
Once we all sat back down, Esme took Carlisle's hand and said, "Carlisle, our baby is becoming a woman." I had no idea what she was talking about.
We all stared at Esme like she was crazy when Rose piped up, "Oh for God's sakes, Bella got her period and that is why you smell blood."
We all froze. It all made sense now, making us leave as soon as we got home, Alice blocking her thoughts and the drugstore she stopped at. I just thought she really had a problem with shopping. My angel was becoming a woman. I knew this was going to happen but I really have no idea what to do. I hope she's not in a lot of pain. From the thoughts I've picked up from girls in the high schools we've attended, it can be a very painful experience.
"This is nothing to freak out about. She is perfectly fine and Edward she's not in pain. Please don't treat her any differently, she's still Bella. Also, do not make fun of her about this, Emmett. She's moody enough as it is." Alice started showing me events from the weekend. Bella was crying because we didn't have any chocolate in the house then she was crying because Rose went and got her some but she didn't want it anymore.
The meeting concluded and everyone went off with their mates. I really didn't want to be in the house tonight but I couldn't be away from my Bella anymore.
I got to her room and took my spot in the rocking chair. She was wrapped in her favorite blanket and had her arm wrapped around the stuffed mountain lion I got her from the zoo. I knew I was finally home when she mumbled my name.
The next morning I made her French toast and woke her up like usual. It had been at least two weeks since I had done that and when she woke she had the most brilliant smile.
"Edward, you're back! I've missed you so much!" She hugged me. I chuckled and held her just as tight.
"I've brought you breakfast, love. What do you say to an 'Edward and Bella' day? I have something I want to show you."
"That sounds wonderful but you know I hate surprises." She pouted at the end but I was not going to cave.
"I know, but when have I ever let you down? Enjoy your breakfast and meet me downstairs when you're ready." I kissed her forehead and went to the kitchen to prepare a picnic for her.
I wasn't paying attention to anything but preparing her picnic, so I missed Emmett approaching her in the hall.
"Hey little sis! I heard you had a visitor this weekend?" Oh, no Emmett, you idiot.
"What are you talking about? No one visited this weekend."
"I heard Aunt Flow came to see you! That's what the girls said." I swear I could feel Bella's blush from the kitchen.
Alice ran up to save him, "Emmett, Rose needs your help in the garage. Come on Bella."
She brought Bella into the kitchen with me and I saw the tear tracks down her cheeks. I pulled her into my arms and kissed the top of her head.
"Is that why you're doing this for me?" She asked.
I pulled her back to look at her and she was still crying softly. I wiped her tears and said, "I'm doing this because I've missed my girl. I want to spend time with you, Bell. Do you still want to come with me?" She just nodded her head and I hugged her again.
I finished preparing everything and packed it in a backpack. I handed it to Bella and helped her put in on. "Ok, so why am I doing all the heavy lifting?"
"Love, in order to get to where we're going I need to carry you and I can't give you a piggy back ride with a backpack on."
I swung her onto my back and took off into the woods. I had found this place a couple of weeks ago on a hunting trip and I knew she would like it. It was a small but beautiful lake complete with a waterfall. It wasn't large enough to garner a lot of attention so I knew it would be perfect for us.
As we neared the lake, I stopped and pulled her from my back. I took the backpack from her and grabbed her hand. We were both quiet as we approached and when she finally saw it she gasped.
"Edward, this is beautiful. Look there is a waterfall!" She was so excited.
"I thought this would be a nice place to just hang out. I packed a picnic for you and even brought your favorite books." I said as I laid out a blanket on the ground. She took off her shoes and rolled her pants up and waded through the water a little. She then joined me on the blanket and we spent the afternoon relaxing.
~*~
The past year and a half has been one gigantic roller coaster ride. Bella is becoming more and more beautiful every day. She attracts as much attention and Rose and Alice do. She's almost thirteen but looks closer to fifteen.
My feelings for her have definitely changed too. Everything seemed to change overnight. It was like she went to bed a little girl and then woke up a woman. Her body is curvier and she's losing her childish roundness. Nowadays, it takes everything in me not to grab her and kiss her senseless.
I'm so scared to make a move though. What if she's not ready? What if she doesn't think of me like that? I know we're mates but since she's known me growing up she may always just see me as a friend or worse, a brother.
BPOV
Tonight we're having a family night with movies and games. We're playing Monopoly and Edward is my partner again. He has his arm wrapped around my shoulders and normally I would be perfectly fine with this but lately I wish it was something more. I love Edward. I wish he would love me. We're mates but I don't know if we'll ever be romantic. He saw me in diapers why would he ever think of me that way.
He deserves someone so much better. I'm nothing compared to my sisters and mother. They are all so beautiful and I'm plain. As much as I hate to admit it, even Tanya's more beautiful than I am. There is nothing extraordinary about me and Edward is the epitome of perfection. His hair is always in complete disarray but it looks so good on him. He is like a Greek God in his perfection. I could never come close.
"Bella, did you hear me?" Oh crap, I was totally spacing out staring at his perfection.
I, of course, blushed then responded, "Sorry, my head was up in the clouds."
"You've really been out of it lately, are you ok, love?" Why did he have to call me that? It just makes me love him more.
"Everything's fine. So what did you ask?"
"I asked if you wanted to buy Park Place." Oh, the game, I totally forgot about it.
"Yeah, let's get it."
We spent the rest of the night playing and forgot about the movies. Everyone was hunting tonight so I would be by myself. I didn't mind, I was old enough that I wouldn't burn down the house. I told everyone bye and went to get ready for bed.
I had just climbed into bed, when the security system went off. I jumped up and locked my door knowing if it was a burglar I would be able to take them but didn't want to risk exposure. The others were probably on their way home anyway. I wasn't too worried but then I heard steps come up the stairs and they stopped right outside my door.
My door burst open and I knew it wasn't a regular burglar. There in the doorway was Tanya. She looked feral and her eyes were blood red.
She lunged for me but I was faster. Somehow I got past her and ran down the stairs. I was almost to the bottom when something shoved me and I fell.
There was a sharp pain in my arm and leg and when I looked up she was standing above me.
She leered at me and starting speaking in a voice that sounded possessed, "You know the saying 'if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself?' Well, it is very true. I told the Volturi about you so that they would kill you and they didn't. They let me down. So now I'm here to do it myself. The Cullen's guard you very closely and this was the first chance I had at you. I thought they would at least let you have an afternoon alone in Paris but you were always with someone. At least I have you now and soon Edward will love me. He'll see the error in his ways and notice how much more beautiful I am. You're nothing but a plain jane and he'll see that soon. Then we'll be lovers and you'll be nothing, not even a memory."
I was trying to drag myself away from her while she ranted in her lunatic state. I kept praying Alice would see this and come home soon. Tanya took out a crow bar she was hiding and held it above her head. I knew she was going to hit me in the head with it and I wasn't sure if it would kill me or not. Then she got a wicked gleam in her eyes and stomped her foot on my already broken leg. The pain was unbearable and I could feel myself slipping into unconsciousness. Right before I slipped under I said, "I love you, Edward."
EPOV
I was anxious about leaving Bella alone. I don't think she has ever been alone before. Alice thought it was a good idea to show her that we know she's not a little girl. I understood but I still didn't like it. We took off into separate directions. I wasn't really thirsty so I just found some deer.
As I was draining my last one, Alice came running up and was screaming at me with her mind, "Edward! Tanya is at the house! She's trying to kill Bella."
I didn't listen to anymore, I just ran. I prayed I got there in time and began planning what I would do to that bitch. If she so much as hurt a hair on my angel's head, I will torture that woman until she begs for death then I'll torture her some more. No one hurts my angel.
I burst through the door and saw Bella crumpled on the ground and Tanya standing on her leg with a crow bar raised above her head. I heard Bella whisper, "I love you, Edward" before she became unconscious.
My brain didn't even register my next movements. I tackled Tanya and pinned her down. My family was coming in then and my brothers took Tanya from me. I wanted to rip her to pieces. They took her outside and I was about to follow when I heard Carlisle's thoughts, "Edward, let them deal with her I need your help with Bella."
I went to Bella and she was lying lifeless on the floor. I could still hear her heartbeat and it was strong, thank goodness.
"Her arm and leg are broken. Alice, get the morphine from my office, I'm going to have to set them before they heal." Alice came back with the morphine and the right needle. Carlisle injected her and then he and I carried her up to her bed.
"Edward, I'll need you to help me hold her stable while I reset the bones. Alice, can you go to the hospital and get the supplies for the casts."
I held my sweet angel while Carlisle re-broke her bones and then set them straight. I will never forget that horrifying crunch. Alice came back and we put her arm and leg into the casts. Thankfully when Tanya stepped on her leg it didn't crush the bone and was a clean break.
Bella was still unconscious and I looked to Alice to see when she'd wake. "She'll wake up tomorrow afternoon. I don't see her having any nightmares but stay with her in case."
Jasper, Emmett and Rose came into Bella's room then and Emmett said, "Tanya's been dealt with." I saw from his thoughts how deranged Tanya was. They were going to just detain her and see if Eleazar wanted to deal with her but she attacked Rose and Emmett snapped. He ripped her apart and starting burning the pieces before he even realized what was going on. I was upset that I didn't get to kill her but thankful she was out of our lives.
The realization that I almost lost my Bella hit me like a truck. I sat on the floor by her bed and sobbed. Esme came and held me and cried with me. I don't know if Jasper couldn't control feeding everyone with the emotions or if we all felt the same but everyone was sitting around Bella sobbing. We would be so lost without her.
No one moved from her side the next day. We all just wanted her to wake up. I kept stroking her arm, face, hair anything I could and I would whisper how much I loved her. I promised to take her back to Paris, to take her anywhere she wanted.
Finally, about two that afternoon she started to wake up. Her eyes fluttered and I started begging her to wake up. "Please love, open those beautiful brown eyes. I need to see them. I've missed you so much."
She opened her eyes and looked deep in my soul and said, "I love you, Edward."
I smiled so big it probably scared her and said, "I love you so much, angel." I knew if I didn't do it then, I never would, so I leaned in and kissed her. Her lips were so soft and warm. At first she was shocked but then she responded and kissed me back. It was short and sweet but so perfect. I pulled back and looked into her eyes and my life was complete.
I was forced away from her by a little pixie and a big bear. They wanted to see their little sister so bad. Everyone hugged Bella and I could tell she was a little confused. Carlisle started to ask her questions so I moved beside her again and helped her sit up.
"Princess, how are you feeling?" Carlisle's tone was borderline doctor/father. It was like he didn't know what mode he should be in.
"My arm and leg hurt a little but I'm ok daddy." She would always be Carlisle's little girl and she knew he loved being called daddy.
"Do you remember what happened last night?" He asked her.
"I was just getting into bed, when the alarm went off. I figured it was burglars so I just locked my door and waited for you guys to come home. I heard footsteps outside my door then all of a sudden it was gone." I looked at the door and noticed the shards of wood. It looked like her door had exploded. "Then Tanya was standing there. She lunged at me but I got past her and started to run down the stairs. I was almost at the bottom when she shoved me and when I landed I broke my arm and leg. She then started telling me how she told the Volturi about me so that they would kill me but since they didn't she was going to. She said Edward would come to his senses and realize he wanted to be with someone beautiful and not a plain jane." She was looking down then and I knew I had to reassure her.
"Love, you are not plain. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, no offense Esme, Alice and Rose. Don't you dare listen to anything that bitch said. She was completely insane. You are so beautiful and you don't even realize it. I have been going crazy from the thoughts of teenage boys and some men when we go out." I kissed her again hoping to convey my love for her in that one kiss.
"Edward's right, Bell. I can't believe I'm admitting this but I'm jealous of how beautiful you've become. You were so adorable when you were a child but now that you're becoming a woman, you are just stunning." I was shocked that Rose would admit to being jealous. I had heard it in her thoughts lately but I never thought she'd come out and say it.
Bella blushed when everyone agreed and continued with her story, "Anyway, she pulled out that crow bar and was about to hit me when she stepped on my leg and broke it again. I couldn't take the pain and I passed out and that's all I remember."
"I suspected it was Tanya that went to the Volturi. I guess the good news is, we don't have to worry about her anymore. I'm going to call Eleazar." Carlisle said as he got up and kissed Bella's forehead. Esme did the same and followed Carlisle.
"We're just so glad you're not hurt too bad little sis. Who would help me do my pranks if you were gone?" Emmett said trying to lighten the mood. Bella giggled and we all smiled, thankful she was with us.
There ya go. Tanya's out of the way and they had their first kiss. I thought about stopping when Tanya first showed up but I hate cliffies so I'm not going to do that to you. The poll is still going so vote!