Chapter Ten

I braced my muscles not knowing what to expect the first second. I'm not even sure how much he was bombarding us with when we first meet him in the forest. I hope that that was his most powerful attack. All of a sudden I felt the pain. It started in my stomach and I bent over for a second. Aunt Alice face looked alarmed. I stood back up and concentrated on blocking his attack. The pain eased up to an uncomfortable feeling; not quite painful. I didn't know how to explain it but it was like a powerful wave flowed out of me in the direction of Fred. The pain disappeared.

"Are you still doing it?" I asked.

"Yes... you no longer feel anything?"

"No… I don't."

Aunt Alice glanced between Fred and myself. Fred sighed and started rubbing his forehead appearing nervous.

"How do you feel Renesmee?" She asked concerned.

"I'm perfectly fine."

"You promised to tell me if you were ok. Everything is normal?" Fred asked.

"Yes... I'm Ok."

"Ok… this next one is not going to be so easy," Fred warned.

Just then Uncle Emmet appeared at the door. I didn't really feel like having an audience... but I guess two was fine.

"This is nerve racking," Aunt Alice said very low.

"Well she has to learn sometime. You have to let her grow up," Uncle Emmet said.

I braced myself again even more and took a few deep breaths. This time it hurt my entire body at the same time. I fell to the ground on my knee for one second then stood back up. I noticed Aunt Alice leaning in my direction. Uncle Emmet held out his arm to stop her from coming to me. I held both hands in a fist and narrowed my eyes. The pain was still radiating through my body but I didn't show it on my face. I was sick of being the weakest link. I wanted to do this even more than a few minutes ago. I can do this. I won't let him bring me to the ground. I prayed for strength as tears started to come to my eyes. I let out a wave stronger than the one before. I don't know if my eyes were playing tricks on me from the pain, but I swore I saw rays of heat bursting from my body. Fred stumbled an inch back and the pain disappeared. I felt it trying to come back starting in my stomach. Fred wasn't playing with kitten gloves anymore. He continued.

"Are you still at the same level?" I asked.

"Yes... can you no longer take it?"

"I'm fine, just wanted to know."

So if this is the same level. I knew from muscle memory or mind memory what I had to do to make that wave flow out of my body. But I had to keep the pain away for a longer time. That was going to be harder to do. I thought of Jacob and the pack being hurt because I wasn't as strong as my mother to help them. That made me angry and I grunted and a continuous wave flowed out of me; one after another. The pain disappeared but I felt extremely tired. We stood there for thirty seconds. His eyes were narrowed as if he was doing something… but I felt nothing painful. It was just a weird feeling like I knew something was going on. I also felt my muscles burning but it wasn't that major. I also started to feel dizzy; dizzier than I ever felt before. "You're doing great. You held out longer this time," he said surprised. I was smiling and glanced at Aunt Alice and Uncle Emmet. They all had smiles on their faces. Then all of a sudden their expressions changed to alarm. The room started spinning and I was in my aunts arms. I only know it was her because I recognized her scent. I don't think that I could open my eyes if I tried. I felt like something was keeping them closed making my body feel heavy. I felt like I was cliff diving. But not reaching the water… just falling. The sounds in the room went mute. My God… what is wrong with me? I know when I come to Aunt Alice is going to say I told you so. Ironically, this feels like the best rest I've had in ages… one level up from sleeping next to Jacob. Maybe because I'm losing consciousness?

I later heard my name being called over and over. Great… I wind up hurting myself. I'm supposed to have a celebratory night tonight with Jacob.

"Renesmee... wake up."

"I'll get some water."

"Honey wake up."

"I know I shouldn't have done this."

"Should I get Carlisle?"

"Fuck."

"Edward's gonna freak."

I heard all of these voices at once. I knew exactly who was in the room. I didn't want an audience… now I have mostly the entire house hold in here. Thank God my parents are not here. Oh wait… I spoke too soon. "Renesmee," my father called out. I started seeing fluttering light as I tried to open my eyes.

"Renesmee," my mother said in a calmer voice than expected. Both my mother and Aunt Alice were holding me now. I opened my eyes and looked around. My entire family was hovering over me except for my grandparents. They must not be here. I sat up and held my head. "Here drink some water," Aunt Rosalie said. I took the glass and my hand was trembling a little. I took a few sips and started to feel completely embarrassed.

"That was weird," I said.

"Are you ok?" My father asked.

"Yeah... I just feel a little week. How long was I out?"

"For six seconds," Aunt Alice answered.

"Really? It felt much longer," I said confused.

"I'm so sorry Renesmee," Fred said pained.

"No… it's not your fault. I asked you to do it."

Aunt Alice helped me to my feet and I stumbled at bit. My mother led me to the bed to sit down.

"That snuck up on me. I felt fine up until the last second."

"I'm so sorry guys," Fred said to my parents.

"It's ok Fred. We're not blaming you for anything. We've known this stubborn one much longer," my father said.

"I asked her to tell me to stop when she couldn't take it anymore," Fred said still in a panic.

"Jasper… please take Fred out for some air and calm him down," my father said calmly.

Fred started breathing evenly and looked confused. I guess that was the first time he experienced my Uncle's powers. Uncle Jasper put his hand on Fred's shoulder and they both dashed to the back yard.

"You want me to get your grandfather?" My father asked.

"No dad I'm fine… I'm starting to feel a lot better."

"You know I was even drained a little when he used his powers on me... and I'm a full vampire," my mother said. "If you want to improve your abilities… you have to take baby steps. I'm not opposed to you trying. I want you to be able to protect yourself. You're not gonna have your mom with you 24/7. But promise me to take it slow ok."

"Ok… I promise."

I looked around and everyone had gentle smiles on their faces.

"You sure know how to pull a crowd. I didn't even hit pause on the game. I'm probably blown to bits by now," Uncle Emmet said playfully.

"Well I'm sorry if you have to start from your last check point," I said sarcastically.

"Are you really ok?" Uncle Emmet asked sounding more serious.

"Yes… I'm really ok."

I think I was speaking too soon. I felt weird and nauseous but played it off well.

"Come on Renesmee, I'll help you pack," Aunt Alice said.

I glanced at my parents. I know both of them agreed for me to move. I figured they would be leery because they saw me hurt. They both smiled at me.

"Make sure you take your iPod," my father said.

Wow. It's really true. I'm a free woman. I can come and go as I pleased. I grinned at my parents and stood up.

"You need me to carry you?" Aunt Alice said.

I don't know if she was joking or not. I didn't want to seem sick... so of course I said no.

Aunt Alice looked at my choices of clothes that I packed in my purple suitcase. Her mouth was twisted for most of them. I made sure I had all of the toiletries I needed. I stuffed my iPod, phone charger, and laptop in the side pocket. "I think I have everything I need for now." Aunt Alice shook her head no with a sly look on her face and dashed down stairs to her room. She came back with a Bloomingdales brown paper bag and handed it to me. She placed her finger over her mouth. I was just about to say thank you. I looked in the bag and there was another bag inside. I pulled it out and it was a Victoria Secrets bag with a small card inside. I took the card out and read it.

I went to California this week and couldn't help but to buy you this. It's something that every woman needs who lives with a man. Two weeks supply of sexy underwear. I was saving it for your birthday… but since you're moving in with Jacob now… you'll need it sooner.

Love Aunt Alice

I smiled at her and mouthed thank you. I opened the bag and pulled out a few panties. They were all fancy in several of colors. A few g-strings made me blush. The bras were sexy and I knew Jacob would appreciate them all. Each bra had a matching panty. This is a big stretch from my cotton bikinis. I really wanted to feel sexy right away. I smiled at her and took a red set with me to the bathroom to change. I still felt weak but I figured it would ware off by the time I got back to Jacob's house. I was starting to feel more nauseous and looked at the toilet. I can't throw up if I wanted to. I would have a bathroom filled with worry warts thinking that I was injured by Fred. I hope he's ok. I know that Uncle Jasper is calming him down. I probably won't ever get to practice with him anytime soon… now that he thinks I'm going to get hurt or pass out.

I quickly freshened up and put the underwear on and looked in the mirror. I looked hot. I never wore anything like this before. It was odd looking in the mirror knowing it was me and not a Victoria Secrets model. If I only had a pair of sexy heels to complete this. I'll have to get some for the honeymoon. I really hope I have enough energy to do whatever Jacob has planned for me tonight. He's going to freak when he sees me in this. But I really don't feel well. I feel like I need to just go to sleep. All of a sudden my mouth started watering. I felt like I was going to throw up at any moment. I brushed my teeth thinking that would help. I stood still after I was done because motion was making the feeling worse. I took a deep breath. I can do this. I just need some Pepto. I opened my medicine cabinet then realized that Aunt Alice would smell it. So I closed it and started putting my clothes back on.

Aunt Alice came to the door and looked disappointed. She mouthed, "I wanna see how it looks." Itook off my clothes to show her and spun around. Wow, she mouthed. I gently smiled and put my clothes back on and went to pack my underwear in another suitcase.

"I'm ready."

"Ok… let's go."

I said bye to everyone. Uncle Jasper and Fred were still in the woods. I guess they got into an interesting conversation. We carried the bags to the car. There wasn't that much room in my trunk, so I had to put the second suitcase in the back seat. All of this movement was making it worse. I didn't want to be obvious and ask her to drive.

"Renesmee… you look peekish."

"Oh… I'm fine.

"Well I'm going to drive anyway. You were just passed out a few minutes ago."

"If you insist."

I tossed her the car keys and I felt relieved. We got in the car and she started it without pushing on the gas. I was looking forward to the loud roar, but thought about it... the extra vibration would have probably made me sick. I let my head rest on the seat and closed my eyes. I was so tired and drained.

"Sleepy?"

"Just a little. My sleep schedule has been off lately."

"I can't relate… but you look like you need rest."

Aunt Alice drove off. I tried to keep my eyes open but it was hard. I swore I was going to fall asleep at any moment.

"I told Leah that she can pick out whatever dress she wants. I just want it to be a soft fuchsia. She's looking on line tonight. Hopefully she will find something she likes by tomorrow and email it to you."

"Well I can take you with me when I go to the fabric store to show me exactly the color you're talking about."

I started to doze off. The vibration of the engine was lulling me to sleep.

"If you were hit in the head, I would think you had a concussion."

I opened my eyes; they were really heavy.

"I'm just really tired," I mumbled.

"Are you sure you're ok? I mean… did it take that much out of you?" She asked concerned.

I started to feel like I was going to throw up again. The vibration of me talking wasn't helping. I nodded my head yes. "Ok," she said skeptically. I dozed back off. I woke up when I heard the engine turn off. Aunt Alice parked right next to the Van.

"You're home," she said softly.

"Oh thank you so much for driving."

"No problem."

Aunt Alice dashed out of the car and reached in the back seat for my bag then got the bag out of the trunk. I slowly took off my seat belt and climbed out of the car. She already had the bags at front of the door. She dashed back to me and carried me to the door. It made me dizzy. I wasn't expecting to be moved that fast.

"You have a set of keys yet?" She asked.

"No," I said then let out a yawn.

I went to go knock on the door and Jacob opened it.

"Hi Jacob," Aunt Alice chimed.

"Hey Alice," Jacob said cheerfully.

Jacob looked at me and lifted his eyebrow. He started to look worried. I was trying my best to not throw up. No one noticed that I was nauseous. I probably just looked beat.

"Hey Nessie. What's wrong with you?"

"Oh… the human side of her is just tired," Aunt Alice said.

"Oh ok," he said unsure.

Jacob picked up the bags in put them inside the house near the door.

"I'm going over Leah's to measure her for her dress. Then I'm heading home," Aunt Alice said. Jacob gave her a look like she too shouldn't be traveling by herself. My aunt may be tiny, but she's one of the most dangerous vampires I know. Since she can foresee a person's decisions, she can predict her opponent's moves. If she ran into another vampire she can protect herself pretty well. She noticed the look that Jacob gave her.

"I can take care of myself thank you very much," she said trying to hide the snip in her tone.

Jacob backed off.

"Well since I'm leaving Leah's and her boyfriend will be there. It would be suspicious if I left all by myself when I live nowhere near here. I'll call Jasper to meet me. Will that make you happy?" She said sarcastically.

"You can take my car," I suggested.

"No… that would just slow me down." Aunt Alice reached for her cell phone and called Uncle Jasper. "Will you meet me at Leah's in five minutes? Thanks Jazz."

She looked at Jacob, "Is everyone happy now?"

"Yes I'm happy now. Just because you're a vampire doesn't mean I can't be concerned about you Alice," Jacob said in an exhausted tone.

"Chivalry is not dead with this one," Aunt Alice beamed.

She kissed both of our cheeks and disappeared into the night. I walked in the house. It was dark because most of the lights were off. I noticed that Billy was home. He was softly snoring in his bedroom.

"Honey you look tired," Jacob said softly.

"I'm sorry Jacob... I just want to go to sleep. I hope you don't mind? Some official first night."

"No Baby, just go to sleep."

Jacob picked up my bags and followed me up to the bedroom. I kicked off my shoes and took off my top then jeans. He dropped the suitcases to the ground in a big thud.

"Wow you look… amazing," Jacob said flabbergasted.

How did it slip my mind that I had this on? I gently smiled.

"Aunt Alice bought me some underwear from Victoria Secrets; two weeks worth."

"Thank… you… Alice."

Jacob walked towards me and hugged me rubbing my back. I closed my eyes and stood there motionless. His scent was making me more relaxed. I would have fallen asleep right there if gravity wasn't a factor. He noticed that I wasn't hugging him back and leaned away to look at my face. I slowly opened my eyes and looked up at him.

"Are you alright?" He breathed.

"I'm sorry Jake. I want you… but I also want a mattress right now."

"Oh... ok."

I walked over to the bed and laid on top of the covers and closed my eyes. I heard Jacob turn off the light. A few seconds later he lifted me up and carried me to the other side of the bed. He gently placed me back on the bed and pulled the covers over me. I wanted to say thank you. It was such a thoughtful act. But all I managed to say was a mumbled sound. I wasn't satisfied with my expression, so I tried to rejuvenate myself to say one last audible thing. "I love you." I felt his lips on my forehead. "I love you too," he whispered.