It was far easier than I would have thought. Perhaps they truly did think I needed a vacation. I couldn't fault them for that. If the others had acted as I had I would think the same. Guilt was a constant bedfellow now. Guilt over lying, guilt over hiding things from them, guilt that they so readily believed all the lies I spat out. Although, this time it was Jacob doing the lying for me. It didn't seem to bother him near as much as it bothered me. Lying to an aunt who could see the future was absolutely impossible, unless you happen to be a being that is shrouded for her. It helps. All four of us sat in the main room of our house. Or three of us sat while the forth paced back and forth near the coffee table. I watched my Jacob's progress as he circled for the sixth time, I had counted. He was gesturing animatedly and for all the world seemed to be excited about this upcoming vacation to Hawaii. We had even bought plane tickets on my credit card. Aunt Alice seemed just as excited, I think mainly to do my packing for me. That and new tropical places meant shopping, everything meant shopping to her, and this was no different. She was already mentioning the stores she wanted to go to, me in tow. She had told me once that I handled being dressed up much better than my mother had. I didn't, it was just easier to let her do what she wanted. Which is how I found myself at some trendy boutique in Portland a couple days later.
"Oh Nessie you would look wonderful in this!" We were in the swimsuit section. I already had a couple swimsuits, so of course I needed more. I sighed softly and plastered on a smile. Aunt Alice was going through so much effort and I adored her, I wanted to make her happy. Especially considering I was lying to her.
"You're right it's very pretty." She held up a two piece swim suit, if it could even be called that. It was a deep red with white flowers on what little material was there. It was not a piece of clothing that left anything to the imagination. "...but not quite me.." she pouted, prettily, and put it back. I laughed and flung my arms around her. "Don't be mad auntie, you'll get wrinkles."
"Hush you. I'll be beautiful forever." We both grinned enjoying our secret. An older woman smiled at us indulgently as she browsed the bikini's. I didn't want to be rude, but someone should tell her that sixty year old women should not be wearing bikini's. I smiled hesitantly back.
"How about this one?" Alice had found another bathing suit she liked. This one was better. Not just string with little bits of clothe, at least this one looked like it could cover my butt. It was a deep blue with silver squiggles resembling waves on the cups and a plain dark blue bottom. It was settled. We paid and left. We had already been to many many shops today, I couldn't even count the amount of bags in the car and there was no point wondering how much it all cost.
Afterward we went out for dinner. Some for me anyway, she didn't eat anything, of course. I was grateful for the day spent with her. We were leaving for Italy in a couple days. Jacob had bought the tickets, his money was completely separate from the main house. He used what he made working on cars. Plus we had cash, I wouldn't be putting anything on my card. No need to have them wondering why there was some strange charge in Italy. I can't say I know if they keep that close a track of the spending but better to cover all my basis.
"I'm going to miss you guys." I looked up at my aunt caught mid-chew, a bite of mashed potato on my fork.
"I'm going to miss you guys too.. Since finding you again we haven't spent a day apart." I agreed after swallowing.
"I won't lie, I have been worried about you. Especially after the whole Romanian thing." I froze, my heart sinking, the food thick and heavy on my tongue. I forced myself to swallow. Her look was far too knowing.
"Ness, I can't see you or Jacob but I can see them." I set my fork down with a small clatter, and took a sip of soda. The food felt lodged in my throat. "Why did they come here?"
"...I asked them to come." Loopholes worked both ways. Of course she would keep an eye on them after I had called them. How stupid could I be. She waited, eyebrow cocked, for me to continue. Couldn't worm my way out now.
"I just... I don't know. I wanted to know the truth.. I guess. I wanted to know what they know. I wanted to learn what they know. How they fell." I shrugged and dropped my gaze to my plate, I could still feel her golden gaze on me. I fairly squirmed.
"Grandfather Carlisle trusted them. He counted them among his friends.. I just wanted to know more." I swear I was pulling shit out of my ass now. Something I said must have convinced her though, because she nodded. The ride home was quiet. I would have to be more careful. Except by the time they learned where I had gone it would be too late. They wouldn't risk coming to get me for fear it could get all of us killed. I just needed to last a few more days.
Those days were the longest and shortest of my life. We had been packed for nearly a week in advance. I had a wardrobe, Jacob had one suitcase. I envied him. Aunt Alice was sending me away with nearly a carload of bags. We planned to be gone quite awhile. Finally, the day of liftoff arrived. It had been awhile in coming, I was growing antsy. Fear and eagerness an unhappy combination on my stomach. Goodbyes were heartfelt and I wasn't ashamed to say I got teary eyed. This could potentially be the finally time I see them. I could be walking into my own death. Strangely though, even thinking that, my resolve did not waver. If anything it burned hotter. It was a step towards something I had wanted my entire life. Even as a child, after seeing what Zafrina had shown me, the massacre of my entire family. My desire to see them avenged was on the steps toward fruition. It helped keep the fear at bay. We had to board the plane to Hawaii, it was going to be an extremely long trip to get to Italy. We planned on staying in Hawaii a few days and buying souvenirs to send back. Then it was cash payment to fly back to Washington and off to Italy. I had spent a fair amount of time on planes throughout my life, this would be the longest trip by far.
Italy was beautiful. It was one place I had never been too before. We traveled all over the world when I was young, Italy we avoided. Best not to get too close to the enemy. After we landed we exchanged all our cash, it took awhile, stayed in a hotel for the night, and bought a car the next day. Paying in cash raised more than a few eyebrows. I can only wonder where they thought the money had come from. Drugs, robbery, heiress. The salesperson had watched wide eyed and suspicious as I counted out the thirty grand. It was chump change compared to what I had taken out of the bank. No one cared, we had gods knew how much money bundled away all over the world. They checked the bills, we were there for hours, but it was better to buy a car, since we would be here awhile. We were many hours in the car to drive to Volterra. It loomed on the horizon. Radiant and imposing. The sun glinted off its white marbled buildings, the Volturi seat of power. We were about to enter the lions den. Terror filled me and the determination I had been clinging to faltered. Could I actually overcome something so powerful? Or would they kill me as soon as I entered their presence?
Our first order of business when we entered the city was to find a hotel to stay in. It was easy enough, Volterra was a popular tourist destination. The one we found was in the center of the city, it had a gorgeous view of the clock tower. People milled below in the square enjoying the blinding sunshine. Exhausted after the last few days of travel I had no interest in exploring. All I wanted was sleep. My body felt weary. It felt as if my eyes had only just closed when I was woken by a knock at the door. Jacob was asleep beside me, his body sprawled over way more than his half of the bed. I had been squeezed onto the corner. I was used to it, I slept curled up. Bleary eyed and blinking sleep from my eyes, I dragged myself to the door. Thinking it to be room service or a maid I opened the door. The man who stood on the other side was neither. Word traveled quick in Volterra. His unearthly beauty and the burning red eyes told of what he was. He smiled, a terrible cruel smile that sent shivers down my spine.
"Welcome to Volterra little Renesmee. Aro would like to welcome you personally. Bring the mutt along as well."