Chapter ten: Shopping trip!

I changed slowly. Brushed my teeth. Decided to let my hair hang loose. Went downstairs and had breakfast. During in which time I phoned Ivy, telling her that I wasn't going to school since Alec and I had to go shopping. She agreed, stating that she wasn't going either; she had a long earned shopping trip ahead. I had asked if she wanted to go with me, but she declined. She had to babysit her little brother while her mom and dad worked for a couple of hours. That was a deal anyway. She was allowed to go to Seattle and get a new dress if she babysat for a couple of hours. Good deal, if you ask me.

Apparently, Edward and Carlisle had spoken to Alec during the night. He agreed to keep a close eye on me, allowing me to go to Seattle. I had full on authority to go. Confirmed by my Grandma with her wakeup call.

That left me, standing at the door, with a load of cash in my purse located in my back pocket, Edward's car keys— which I was to give to Alec, seeing as I wasn't trusted to drive my father's 'baby.' I don't see how he could trust Alec to drive and not me. A Volturi member over your own daughter? Didn't seem fair— in my hand. All that was missing was Alec. He hadn't changed his mind, had he? Because I would go mental. Go to the cottage and drag his ass out. There was no way I was missing out on tonight. This was like... A date. Sorta.

Alec eventually came through the trees, the black shirt done up only to the third to top button.. only he was wearing a pair of blue jeans, having the black shirt tucked in neatly. Blue eyes, yet again. Did I really want to ask where he got the blue pants from? I highly doubted it.

"Morning," Alec greeted.

I sighed in response, tossing him the keys. Alec caught them quickly, no effort needed.

"Tired?"

I shrugged.

"Evidently so. Your chat with Jacob must be the cause of that."

I frowned, really not wanting to speak. Though, I found I had too. "How do you know Jacob was here last night?"

Alec pointed to his nose. "I could smell him a mile away and when you're father and Carlisle blessed me with a little visit they had his stench. Plus, you're father mentioned our little... friendship and explained the little argument that went on in my absence."

Ah, crap. He heard me defending Alec. Figures.

"Was he angry?"

"About your argument with Jacob? No."

I rolled my eyes. "No, about... us... being friends?"

Alec pursed his lips for a moment, twirling the keys with his index finger. "I wouldn't say... Angry. More relieved, if anything. I doubt he would want you having to attend hour long sessions with me when you despised my guts,"

True. I knew Edward took my happyness very seriously. Though, the only thing that would make me happy was pretty much impossible. Staying in Forks.

"Shall we get going?" Alec then asked, moving towards the garage. I nodded my head, leading him towards what car it was. The lineups were gone. I was usually a clash of everyones car. Aunt Rose's red convertible, Uncle Em's Jeep, Uncle Jazz's motorcycle, aunt Alice's yellow porsche, Bella's Ferrari, Edward's Volvo and Grandpa's black mercedes. But there was only Aunt Alice's, Edward's, Bella's and Grandpa's. The rest were gone, living within the garage in Denali.

I took a stance beside the Volvo and climbed in once he unlocked it. Placing the seatbelt on, I cleared my throat. Alec backed out carefully; then set on down the road like a maniac. Thankfully I was used to Edwards driving, so it didn't bother me much.

"When did you learn to drive?" I asked, looking in his general direction.

"I didn't." He shrugged. I instantly grabbed hold of the door, eyes wide. He began to chuckle, which I took as a sign he was kidding. I eased off my grip from the handle, giving a glare towards him."You're not funny," I stated.

"On the contrary, I find I am."

I rolled my eyes. Only he would find amusement out of me crapping myself, due to a near death experience. If he was seriously not kidding about never learning to drive, I was getting out the car. I was getting the hell out of the damn car!

"Relax, Reny. I'm kidding. It doesn't take a mastermind to know how to drive,"

Alec made me feel like a idiot, considering I had failed my permit at least four times already. Douche.

"But not everyone is a one thousand year old vampire." I retaliated, "Besides... I failed it a few times."

I heard Alec hold back a little scoff. At least he tried. "How.. many times?"

"... Four."

Alec, against all his hard work holding it back, laughed. Loudly, might I add. I glared at him, knowing that my cheeks were flushing a thousand times redder than what they have done in the past. "It's not that funny," I mused.

Alec, still laughing, shook his head. "Oh, it is. I thought women were meant to be able to multitask. That is all it is, working your feet while steering. Changing the gear every now and then," He pointed out, making me glare towards him even more deadly. "How did you manage to fail?"

Ah, crap. I felt my teeth clenching tighter. "I'm not telling you."

"Five points?"

"No." I wasn't planning on giving in.

Alec glanced to me from the corner of his eye. His lips curved, laughter still escaping every few seconds in gentle chuckles. "Twenty five?"

Damnit. Breaking point. I really, really wanted a new teddy. "I... Backed up into a lampost."

The laughter started up again. I sat, head dropped down in total embarrassment. Shame flooding in all around me.

"Hey," Alec said, his laughter dying down. "At least you didn't hit any old men,"

My jaw dropped, I was so glad he was finding my embarrassment amusing, prick that he was. And he was a prick. Just imagining me hitting an old man was enough to cause guilt to flood in.

"Do you really think that's funny?"

Alec gave me one of his side glances yet again while turning round a corner effortlessly. Prick.

"Honestly," He smirked, coming to a stop at a red light. Alec then turned his head to me fully. At least he was paying attention to the road. " I do find it amusing. Highly amusing."

"You're a prick" was all I replied, crossing my arms and setting my eyes out the front window away from his god-like features. If he was consistent on acting like a dick, then I'd treat him like a dick. I wouldn't talk.

Alec didn't say anything for around five minutes, but eventually he cleared his throat. "So, where are we planning on shopping?"

I refused to reply. I shrugged. That was all that was needed. I figured he would understand I wasn't speaking to him. He did, for he scoffed and carried on the rest of the journey in silence. All in all, I didn't understand why I was being a bitch towards Alec. In fact, I don't think he did anything wrong in the first place. It was me. I was doing it because I was confused, mentally scarred, and truly repulsed by the dream. I mean, 'can I keep you?' Where the hell did that come from? Honestly, I didn't know. Why on earth would I want to keep Alec? He was... Alec, for god sake! I figured it was a spur of the moment thing. My mind was simply playing with me. Getting the best out of my time asleep. I just hoped, and prayed, that Edward hadn't been stalking my dreams. That would be a serious redneck.

The silent treatment, I planed would go on until we reached the store. It was then I would really have to talk to Alec. Informing him on what he would have to wear. But that would be it. All because I was too... idiotic to get my dream out in the open. I sighed to myself, letting my eyes peel from the window and rest securely and very secretly onto Alec. What would he do if I did tell him about my little... should I say nightmare? No, I couldn't class it as that. Since... A nightmare implies that you were scared of it. That you didn't enjoy it. And truth was, which scared me more than anything... I did enjoy it.

He was so, oh, what was the word! Concentrative whilst driving? Yup. I think that was what it was. His lips were in a thin line, eyes forward on the road and hands, firmly on the wheel, giving gentle turns every now and then. At every few stops due to red lights, or turns, he would change gear. I'd be telling Edward just how... Careful he was whilst driving his car. Hopefully that would put Edward's mind to ease with me spending more time with Alec.

Alec parked the car eventually. He unbuckled his own seatbelt, then clicked mine free also. I was out the door quickly. Alec followed, glancing up towards the sky and frowning. I had to agree, we'd have to be a little careful. It was cloudy, but specks of sunlight were finding little gaps to appear on through; in a frantic search for vampires to cause to sparkle or glow...

He flicked the keys in his hand after locking the car. "Where to now?"

I crossed my arms, more of a security thing. Silent treatment, Renesmee. Don't let yourself break. I began to walk off, heading towards the store I had in mind. Alec followed after me, continuously twirling the keys with his index finger.

"You do realize you'll end up talking to me sooner or later," Alec said bluntly, now by my side. I continued to stuck my nose up in the air. "I'm just too irresistible to ignore,"

My eyes widened, looking up towards him. "You? Irresistible? Alec, don't make me sick."

"Ha. Got you talking," He smirked; a smug smile appearing on his lips.

Damnit! For god sake, Renesmee? Couldn't I keep my mouth shut for five minutes? Obviously freaking not! I kicked myself mentally repeatedly.

"Are you planning on telling me as to why I was receiving the cold shoulder?"

"Not really, no."

Alec nodded, pursing his lips ever so slightly. "Did I offend the old people?"

I had to hold back a laugh. Not at what he had said, but how he had said it. He wasn't being sarcastic, I don't think. He seemed serious, which only made it even more hilarious. I glanced to him, confirming that he was serious; due to the look on his face.

"Maybe." I shrugged. "You're old, did you offend yourself?"

He smirked in return, and shrugged. "No, not really. But if you were to hit me with the rear end of your car, it wouldn't be me with the severe injuries. It would be your father's precious little Volvo."

"Don't tempt me to run you over," I mused to myself; however I was fully aware that he may of heard it.

There was silence as we headed down a crowded street, passing faces with each step we took. Eventually, the silence proved to get the better of me. Figures.

"You know these points?"

He nodded. Ooooh, was he returning the whole silent treatment? Taste of my own medicine? Ha.

"You said they could toll up to whatever I desired..."

"Indeed, I did."

A playing smile planted itself onto my face, while I continued to walk. "What if it's information about you?"

Alec's brows lifted, his eyes looking right on down to me. He was oblivious. Good. That's how I liked it. "That would depend on what information you craved."

"You're human years," I said bluntly.

He obviously didn't like that, for his jaw clenched tightly, his eyes did that anger flare thing, and his head turned back to the front. I even saw his fists clench for a slight moment by his sides. Careful, dude. Don't wanna break my dad's keys. He'll have a hissy fit!

"Oh come on, Alec. What would be so bad that you don't want to tell me, eh?"

Alec gritted his teeth again. I swore I heard a little, low, yet dangerously effective, growl pass his lips. "Why can't you understand that it isn't anything to do with you?"

"Waaaaait, so I'm not allowed to know because it's nothing to do with me?" I laughed sarcastically. "My life has nothing to do with you and the Volturi but you don't hear me bitching that you're invading my space."

He seemed to take this into account, but rolled his eyes in the end. "Your live is the Volturi's business."

"Why? Because I might be a danger to everyone walking that holds a pulse?"

"Exactly."

"Do you want to go over who it is exactly who ends lives?"

Alec sent a glare my way. I knew what this meant. I had proved my point. He turned his eyes back in front of him, ignoring my statement. He continued to walk in silence. Eventually, it grew tiring. I pushed him on the arm, causing his eyes to advert back to me, his brow arched. Well, it was a statement I was drawing the white flag. But I made it my personal goal to find out what happened to Alec. I would, even if it killed me.

Alec shoved my arm back; causing my feet to stumble. He chuckled, obviously thinking it was over. Oh, how wrong he was! With both hands, I pushed him back; sending him over the sidewalk and onto a car parked on the street. That's when I set off into a run, weaving through rushing people. I could tell he was following, for I could hear the running feet behind me. I could also hear the car that he had landed on alarm going wild. This sent me off into laughter while running. He couldn't run at full immortal speed that he was clearly used too, but at least he was playing along. I did wonder what he would do when he eventually caught me. Would he push me onto a car? Would he result into doing what Jacob did when he caught me? A large tickle fest? One could only wonder. Approaching the store, that's when Alec caught me. It wasn't a tickle fest. Nope. He wrapped his arms around my waist from behind and spun me around. Granted, I almost kicked a few bystanders, but who cared? To those humans, we probably looked like a couple having a nice day out. But it was a whole lot more complicated than that.

Alec eventually allowed me down, where I playfully pushed him yet again. He shook it off and followed me into the store; where I was surrounded with amazing looking clothes, all ready for my choice. What would look best on me and what would look best on Alec. Maybe we could colour code! In fact, we would be.

"What are we looking for?" Alec asked, clearly taking back by the amount of clothes on display. This was like my own personal heaven. Probably aunt Alice's also. But to Alec? It probably, no, scratch probably, definitely was girl central. A man's worst nightmare.

"Anything cute," I mused, walking on in while running my hand over some clothes. Feeling the material, judging the style. Alec followed, closely behind me, might I add. I took this as him feeling slightly out of place, considering by his choice in wearing his cloak all the time; he hadn't been in a store like this... at all, maybe?

Each piece of material that fell victim to my touch, I longed to own it. It was probably obvious to Alec, considering he would chuckle at every long gaze I'd set onto something. I knew what he was probably thinking. 'You can't buy the whole damn store.' Well, there was nothing wrong in trying, was there?

Coming to the escalators, I took a step onto them and began my journey upwards. All in all, it took me to the halfway mark when I realized Alec wasn't right behind me. Turning, I set eyes on him standing at the bottom, watching the moving floor.

"You have to step on it."

To be honest, Alec was acting more like a child than ever. I came to the conclusion that he hadn't ever been out. Did they even have escalators in Volterra? Judging by Alec's confused expression, obviously not.

"Step on it?" He repeated. "What is it, exactly?"

I laughed, still moving further on up. I figured I'd probably be at the top by the time he even dared set foot onto the moving device. Against all rules of the store's regulations, I began to walk down the up escalator.

"Haven't you ever used a escalator before?"

"Escalator?" Yup. That proved it. "Elevator, yes. Escalator, no."

"Just freaking stand on it, Alec. I'm going to get yelled at,"

I could already see a security guard making his way over towards us, but my worries as to what Alec might say to the man. 'What witchcraft is this?' And start randomly using some mad ninja vampire attack on the floor, smashing it up with his strength. That would be one hell of a sight.

Alec reluctantly took a step, it moving him to me still walking downward. Eventually, I was by his side. "Relax. It isn't going to eat us at the top,"

He rolled his eyes, setting a hand onto the bar and gazing on down to the rest of the store. I couldn't help but follow his gaze, only then realizing how big the store actually was. And to think, it was all just clothes.

Reaching the top, I set on into the world of boys. Clothes hung from hangers, displaying the best of the best. As we past the counter, I couldn't help but notice the fact the girl behind it mouth drop at the sight of Alec. Eh, I guess he did have that effect on girls after all. Wasn't just me. Thank god...

Clothes were easily located. If you knew what colour, size and length, etc, you wanted then you'd be able to find it within a second. All the whites were together. Blacks were up the back and the items which held actual colour rather than black and white were located towards the elevator. We'd be taking that when we left the store, that was for sure.

I wandered right on up towards the white shirts, considering I had only ever seen Alec wearing black and white; which he did look heavenly in. Alec didn't seem to take much notice in me. In fact, he walked on past; to the hat counter right by the whites. When I turned; after picking out a shirt, Alec stood adjusting a... sailor hat on his head. My brows instantly pulled together in a confused, yet highly amused frown.

"What are you doing?" I asked, hanging the shirt back up.

He turned to look at me, giving me a small flash of his teeth. "Erm... Running for president? What does it look like?"

Sometimes, I really disliked his sarcasm. Especially at times like these, when I desperately wanted to get the hell out of the store, in order to carry on my day and then eventually meet the girls and meet Nathan at the school. Whether the three queens of Forks High would be there would be a different story. If they were there already, I'd probably keep quiet and to myself. If they weren't... Well, it'd give me a chance to mingle with Nathan. Talk to him some more, y'know? After all, that's what Alec wanted me to do in the first place.

"Can we be serious here please?" I scolded, walking on up to him. Alec scoffed, taking the hat off his head in one quick move. He flicked his hair, in order for it to sit right—Did I mention I loved it when he did that? Alec then placed the hat upon my head. Adjusting it ever so slightly. "Reny, live a little." He smirked. That was rich! Coming from him who had basically been dead for over one thousand years. I scoffed, as he wandered on past me yet again. However, I froze the moment I felt his chin rest on my shoulder, —instantly reminding me of the way his chin rested on my head within my dream— letting out a cool breath. "No pun intended."

The pressure of Alec's chin vanished; as did his presence behind me. I was left... stunned. Unable to move. The burning from where his breath lingered across my neck was still going. Fluttering within the pit of my stomach curled, leaving a uneasy feeling. I felt as if I were about to throw up. The hairs on the back of my neck where probably halfway to the moon, rather than just standing up!

"What about this?" His voice shook me from my trance, though the feeling didn't vanish. It was still there... mocking me. I cleared my throat, snatching the damn hat off my head and tossing it back onto its shelf. I half expected Alec to pick out something stupid, considering the whole hat move. But to my surprise, it was nice. Standing in front of us was a mannequin wearing casual clothes. A white shirt, clinging to the plastic dolls manufactured muscles. A casual pair of worn in blue jeans, held up with a black silver studded belt, topped off with a black tie and waistcoat with a buckle on the lower back.

Nice wasn't a good word to describe what this would look like on Alec. Perfection would be a colourless word also. The mere thought of Alec within this outfit left my mind wanting my jaw to drop and hit the floor. I knew instantly this was the one.

"Try it on," I demanded. He had no choice. "Now."

Alec raised his left brow. "What? Take the clothes off the mannequin?"

I shrugged. "Take the mannequin for all I care."

Alec continued to look at me with a raised eyebrow. There seemed to be questions roaming around within those violet slits of his, but he withheld them. "Okay." He mused, stepping up onto the platform and taking the mannequin in his arms. Alec then stepped down, holding it under one arm. "Where's the changing rooms?"

I blinked, not actually believing what I was seeing. "Alec, what the hell are you doing? I was kidding!"

He shrugged. "Too late now," He smirked, then began through the store; heading right for the counter. Oh crap. Might as well kill me now, Volturi boy! I was going to die of embarrassment anyway.

The girl at the counters eyes did widen, but that was probably due to the fact it was Alec appearing with a mannequin under his wing. "Uh... Can I help you?"

"Yes, you can. Might you be as so bold as to informing me where the changing rooms are, my dear?"

The girl blinked. Seemingly confused. I saw Alec mentally kick himself. There was that little look in his eye. Told him, we didn't speak like he did. The girl cleared her throat, averting her eyes to other customers watching Alec with the mannequin under his arm. I decided to hate Alec from this point. Hate him, but adore him. I wished only one day I would be able to have the courage to pick up a mannequin and walk through the store like nothing was wrong.

"Er...sure they are up the back beside the onesies and underwear."

Alec nodded in thanks and began to walk...with the mannequin. I followed after him even though my mind was telling me to get the hell outta the store. Once I caught up to Alec's side, Alec turned his violet orbs towards me. I looked up at him with full amusement and envy.

"What's the onesies?" Alec whispered, completely oblivious.

I held back a giggle. Well, as best as I could. "It's pyjamas that are all in one."

Alec arched his brow yet again. "This time era is strange."

"Yeah, well get used to it... Old man."

—xXx—

Alec eventually found the changing rooms, sadly, it was far too small for the mannequin — which I had mentally named Bob— to fit into. So, he left me with it. Naked. Yup. I had a big, large male mannequin, butt assed naked by my side. It's ass cheeks were shinier than my dad's car. And that was pretty shiny!

He was taking his time in there, leaving me to sit outside waiting for what I already knew would look good on him. Oh well, it gave me a chance to let my mind wander. Would Alec bring Bob home with him? Keep him company in that little ole' cottage? I could imagine that now. Walking in the front door and not only having to greet Alec, but Bob also; who'd be sitting — if he could bend that is,— with a pipe and a newspaper. That'll be the day. I sighed, deeply to myself, running a hand through my chocolate locks and then returning my eyes towards the changing room door. It wasn't closed. It was wide open, with the god like creature standing with his hands out gazing down at himself.

Alec, was one hell of a picture. Not only did it compliment his tall stance, but it hugged at his muscular figure, pointing out each and every flawless detail under that thin piece of cloth I had the sudden urge to tear from his body. Just imagining those rippling pectorals under my touch as I shed the probably expensive clothes from his body. I couldn't help myself thinking these things. I mean, I was a girl. I was aloud to think he was gorgeous, wasn't I? I basically had stated to myself on numeral occasions that he was the best looking guy I'd ever set eyes on. I couldn't help it. Nope. He was just... "So hot,"

Shit. I gaped towards him, hand instantly coming to my lips to cover my mouth. Why the hell did I say that? In all the moments you could have freaking word vomit, why now?

"Uh... Thanks?" Alec said, sort of wary. He pulled at the shirt, untucked. I could see it was bothering him. Tuff. He had to keep it out. It made him look all the more... scruffy. Dangerous. Seductive... Human.

"I mean, you look.. good."

"I figured," He smirked.

"Well, do a spin." I instructed, wanting to admire all aspects of him. Alec arched a brow, but eventually turned; allowing me to see how perfectly the buckle at the back of the waistcoat looked. Not to mention the jeans.. No, Reny. Don't look.

"So, is this the outfit?" He asked, turning around again.

I nodded, frantically. Tell you one thing, he wouldn't be wearing that damn cloak for a while, that was for sure. He adjusted the tie, then done up the buttons fully. Before he had a chance to even consider putting the tie right up; I was over at him. Undoing the buttons yet again.

"I don't like them undone." He hissed.

"I don't care, you leave them or I'll break your fingers,"

He rolled his eyes, but I saw him flexing his fingers at his sides. I played around with the tie and nodded fully. "Perfect. Now, change back."

He nodded; shooing me off. I took this as the chance to go pick out my own outfit. I was sure Alec would find me, seeing as he didn't have any trouble doing so when he magically appeared in the coffee shop. After the few seconds ride on the escalator— avoiding the watchful eye from the security guard. I figured he was just waiting for me to about turn and begin to run up the way. Seeing as he saw the stunt I pulled with the last escalator ride— I reached the bottom and headed towards the dress section. Colours filled my eyesight's, though I was adamant on finding a single piece that would match to Alec's. Maybe... I'd match Nathan too? What was a colour that went with everything? Well, that was easy. White. But a white dress in a nightclub that you were most likely going to be sweaty and lights shining down on you... Talk about see through...

Continuing to roam around the aisles, I flicked through dresses. Pushing the hangers to the side. Then, I stopped. Who said I had to wear a dress? I wasn't much of a dress person anyway. But I did like shorts...

I about turned and headed back down the aisle, following signs which lead me right to them. A pair of black short shorts, and right above them on a hanger was a perfect top to go with it! A dark purple boobtube made entierly out of sequins. I would definitely shine on the dancefloor..

Wait a second... Shine. Oh crap! Alec's skin would surely be shimmering ten times as much as the darn disco ball. Think, Renesmee... Think.

Body glitter? I suppose that would work; if I somehow persuaded everyone to wear it. I knew the girls would have no problem in putting it on. But... Nathan and his friends? I suppose they would give it a go if Nathan did. And Nathan would if he saw Alec 'had some on' too. Well, all I could do was hope. That would be my next mission. Going to a store that sold body glitter. I'd make sure I was sparkling just as much as Alec would be. That'd be sure. My stomach moved into a small twist. I'd finally see what Alec looked like in the sun... kinda.

I'd try the clothes on once I was at home, fretting about. Eh, screw going home and having aunt Alice mess with my hair. By the time we returned, I'd just want to get ready and leave. I'd be best getting dressed at the cottage, that way I'd be there to scold Alec for putting those two buttons up. Because let's face it... I knew he would put them up, sneakily.

Taking the clothes from the hangers and folding them, I turned to find Alec with his original clothes returned on, and the ones we would buy in his hand. I picked them from his hands and began towards the till.

"Purple?" He asked, following along.

I nodded. "I like purple."

He scoffed. "That was my mo-" Alec went to say but stopped. I glanced to him and frowned. "What?"

He shook his head. "Never mind,"

What on earth was Alec about to say? I knew that would bug me now.. For a while. Forever, most probably! I sighed, nodding my head. I could at least pretend I had let it slide, but reality was I'd have to ask about it. Eventually. Truth be told, I'd have to have a sit down and ask Alec a whole lot of questions. Maybe tomorrow, when my feet would be recovering.

Paying for the clothes, Alec continued to fret about, peeking to the side every now and then. I didn't pay much attention, but it was when I reached the door I understood why he was so... concerned. The sun was brighter. In fact, it would of been classed as a sunny day. This wasn't good.

"Reny, I think... I'll meet you at the car," He muttered into my ear, still in the shade of the store. I nodded my head ever so slightly. Alec rushed on out; his head down and before I could even blink, and I think before anyone else noticed he was there, he was gone.

Reluctantly, I sighed. Right, to the store to somehow get body glitter.

—xXx—

I didn't keep Alec waiting long, thankfully. I found a store without any trouble and bought the largest bottle of body glitter I could find. When I returned to the car, I found Alec already sitting with his seatbelt on... in the passenger seat.

"What are you doing," I said once I opened the door to the side that should be mine. Alec didn't so much as look up to me.

"Letting you drive."

Wait.. What? Me? Drive? I didn't think so. Didn't he hear me clearly? I hit a freaking lamppost! I didn't want to redo that humiliation, never the less do it in Edward's car! He'd kill me! Or worse... Try and kill Alec, resulting in his own death! I wouldn't stand for it. No, I couldn't. I just.. couldn't.

I shook my head rather quickly, crossing my arms with the bags held firmly. "No. You're driving. Not me,"

"No, Reny... You're driving, I'm going to help."

Alec had been helping with a whole lot of things lately. Romeo and Juliet. Nathan. And now this? Was he trying out to be a freaking saint or something? Redeem his crimes for the many lives he had killed in the past? I doubted it. But Alec had been nothing but friendly to me his entire time here. What happened to the rumours that went around of Alec and Jane, the two sadistic twins? The twins of torture? Where they all fake? Made up because of the fear surrounding them? I supposed that was the case. People just hadn't given Alec and Jane a chance. Or... Hadn't given Alec a chance. I didn't know about Jane, and to be honest; because of the rumours, I didn't want to know her.

"You're wasting time, Renesmee. We could have been half way home by now," He muttered, leaning his head back and turning his eyes to me. He did that... Eye thing. That almost instantly made my legs feel like jelly. I groaned, slamming the passenger door shut and heading round to the other side. There, I sat in and buckled up after tossing the bags into the back seat. I started up the car, letting out a deep breath.

"I hope you know what you're doing," I warned.

Alec scoffed, but simply nodded.

I backed up and to my amazement, did it perfectly. Maybe that was because he was in the car and I was wanting to show off. Perhaps I'd take Alec on my next test. He could scare the instructor into giving me a pass! My lips curved at the thought. Alec eventually cleared his throat.

"Okay, put it into second."

"Second?" I repeat, none the wiser. He nodded his head; but then eventually understood what I meant. "Is it switching gear you can't do?"

Damnit. He found my weakness. I nodded.

"Alright, I'll do the gears, you just concentrate on the steering and keeping the car going."

"Shit, Alec.." I said quickly, eyes wide.

"What?"

"I can't remember what ones the break!"

His eyes flared, causing the contacts to dissolve instantly. Rather magically, might I add. I saw the whole thing. The outer being eaten alive first and then completely being overtaken by the red. The red eyed Alec was back. The red crimson was my favorite...

"Relax, I'm kidding." I smirked; leaning back and relaxing myself. At least I'd broken the tension a little.

He went over things, while I tried so hard to take them in, and to be honest... I did. I was learning more out of driving from him than what I've ever learnt from the real driving instructor. Maybe I would be able to pass next time. Alec eventually messed around with the C.D player and the Radio. He hadn't said which tracks he liked or didn't like, considering he just went through the channels and songs then turned it off completely. Dad was out with Grandpa' when I returned, but aunt Alice, Bella and Esmé were there to greet me once I'd managed to park the car.

I skipped out, bags in my hand. "Did you see it? I parked it perfectly!"

"I did, I did." Grandma' chimed, pulling me into a little hug. Had to admit, was a sucker for Grandma's hug.

"Alec taught me. He worked the gears and showed me step by step what to do!"

Bella sent a little look towards Alec. He was unaffected. Just standing like his soldier like self. "Mom, can I get dressed at the cottage with Alec?" I asked.

Her eyes were on me again. "What?"

Ah, crap. I didn't word that right. "No, I mean... I mean,"

"What she means to say Isabella, is that I am unable to understand how this buckle on the waistcoat works. Thus, she has to fret around with it in order for it to sit right."

Alec saved my ass. I owed him. Big time. Bella looked between Alec and myself before slowly nodding. I guessed she saw no chance of whatever she was thinking happening.

"Oh, and... I might be staying at Ivy's." I whispered. Yup, I'd drop that bomb shell on Ivy when she met us. Bella nodded. With a large grin, I gave each of the girls outside a hug and a kiss then set on towards the cottage with Alec behind me. I was skipping, he was more or less walking boredly with the bags in his hands. I did offer to take them, but he refused. Said it wouldn't be the right thing for a, yeah- get this!, woman to be carrying items with a man standing by. Yup, Alec called me a woman!

I pushed the door on open and walked right in; still dancing around. One thing was probably apparent. I was very excited. More excited than anything, if I was honest. Even more excited than my birthday coming up. When I would reach the grand age of sixteen. I'd be able to roam around and do as I please.

Alec set the bags onto the chair, where I instantly swept in and tossed the bag with his belongings to him and rushed off to my room with mine. There, I locked the door. I was kinda glad the lock was still in tact. It was strange, being in my room again. It felt foreign. I hadn't set foot in this room for days and yet, I'd been practically in the living room, just a mere few inches away from it, the whole time. Odd how little things seemed to scream out at me. Like the slight odd part of the wall that had to plastered up, due to Jacob and I playing ball too hard. Jacob had thrown it and caused it to go right through the drywall. Dad wasn't impressed, but then again... Apparently he wasn't impressed by Jacob full stop. I was well aware of the little... love triangle he, my dad and my mom had before I was born, but it didn't bother me. Jacob and I would never end up like that. We were best friends...

Well, I hoped. After the little argument I wouldn't be surprised if Jacob refused to talk to me ever again. Defending a vampire that had the power, literally, to decide if I lived or died. If we all lived or died.

I peeled down from my clothes, shoving on the new ones which fitted like a glove. The purple top clung to my body the way I had seen in magazines. The shorts complimented my pale skin and the body glitter only made things all the more jazzy. My legs reflected light, as if I too were sparkling like a full vampire. Make up was simple. All I did was add a touch of eyeliner and mascara and straightening — the best I could manage— my hair. There were still curls though, but those were forever there. Curse of being naturally curly.

Stepping out of the room, I didn't bother listening out to see if Alec had taken my parents room, which I assumed he had. I assumed wrong. Alec didn't bother going to change in a different room. Nope. He changed in the living room. I didn't see anything, which... I felt slightly disappointed. After the little glance of his chest before, not seeing it again was a dismay to me for some strange reason. Whatever, though. I shook it off and headed into the kitchen, getting myself a drink of water.

Alec was pulling on his waistcoat when I came back into the room to notice he had those two freaking buttons done up! I placed the glass onto the table, took a firm grip of his collar and undid the buttons. He didn't complain this time, thankfully. He rolled his eyes and allowed me to straighten his tie, and adjust his waistcoat.

"There." I muttered, patting his chest lightly. "You look great."

Alec smirked, shrugging. "Don't I always?"

"Don't get cocky, Alec. It's not a turn on," I muttered, picking up my glass again and sitting down. Alec sat down also; his eyes never leaving me. Still a ravishing bright colors of crimson. If only it was halloween, then he wouldn't have to hide behind those violet contacts. I used to like violet, in fact, it was one of my favorite colours. Now? Well, lets just say my new favorite colour began with a R and ended with ED.

"You look ravishing, might I add," Alec said from the other room. He had gone to fix his hair or something like that. I wasn't paying much attention, I was simply trying to keep my nerves from going all over the place.

"Don't I always?" I called back, scoffing.

I heard Alec chuckle, so that was a good sign. Him chuckling, smiling or even full on laughing was always a good sign that he was in a good mood.

"Hey, Alec? Can you give me a piggyback to the school?"

Alec didn't reply right away, but when he did I couldn't help but smile to myself.

"Would your babe say no?"

When Alec did eventually reappear, he had a jacket on over the top of his waistcoat, reminding me of some sort of posh elder dude from a century men had pocket watches and that crap. But all in all, Alec looked smart. A kinda... Gentlemanly hot.

"Ready when you are, m'dear." He said, walking on past and opening the door for me to head on out. I jumped up, leaving the now empty glass on the coffee table. I was sure Alec wouldn't mind doing a bit of dishes when he returned. After all, it would give him something to do. Oh, crap! The books! I'd have to remember to give them to him tomorrow...

Mental note, Reny. Give books to Alec in the morning. Then he might answer some questions.

Alec shut the door behind him once I was out, then about turned. I took the signal and jumped on upon his back. His arms wound around my legs, while my arms locked around his neck.

"Giddy up, horsie."

Alec let out a low scoff, but then set off at complete and immortal speed. In that moment, when we took off through the forest; was when our night began.

A/N:

As promised! Five more reviews than what I expected! Thank you so, so, so much! Every time I get a email saying I have a review or a story alert, my heart skips a beat!

I can't declare how amazing you guys are! Without you, I'd have no muse to continue writing!

Next chapter wont be long. I'm not going to post a review request thing for an update, since you guys are forever beating me at trying to make it harder for you!

Review and I'll give you each a cookie. (:

-C.H.