Disclaimer: Go see chapter one, which ever floats your boat :)

oh yeah, I don't own 'Wherever you will go' by the call, or 'only hope' by mandy moore

The calm before the storm

Part 11

March 10

They've abandoned me, they've left me here in Alaska to die! I just know it! Why else would the twins not contact me for a week and a half. They've completely disappeared off the face of the planet. Things would have been so much easier for me if they were here, then maybe I would be able to ignore the rumours that much easier.

That's right, the rumours that I talked about before had doubled in size, and you know what? They get even more absurd day by day.

Some people might bask in all the attention I was getting, me on the other hand is absolutely hating it. It's not helping that I'm currently not talking or taking any calls from Edward, Alice was acting really strange too.

I've got a feeling that she feels great sympathy for her brother. Well…fair enough, they are siblings after all, but what about me? This feels like torture. I need to talk to someone! Or else I am going to go insane.

March 10 (Later)

I'm sorry I know I wasn't making any sense before. I've been very jumpy lately. The result? Rambling on and on about random insignificant things.

It's true though, I really need to talk to someone. You remember those messages I got nine days ago? I've been getting some more. Actually I've had about ten already, not to mention I feel like I am being constantly watched. the text messages gets even more and more graphic everyday.

Last night I felt like there was somebody in the room with me, I kept my eyes closed and ignored the dreadful feelings that kept popping up. I was home alone.

I was more aware of the scraping of the branches right outside my window, and every pitter patter sound I heard sounded like footsteps going up the stairs.

I groaned every time the house made a sound. All the same I kept my eyes closed and thought of my happy place and happy time. A place in the middle of the run way, surrounded by trees, in the arms of a boy who's warmth I desperately needed.

I took deep breaths until my own memories took me back to one rain drenched day that never failed to take my breath away. With those thoughts I fell asleep only to be woken by Charlie's footsteps from downstairs.

Charlie…I know, the smart thing to do would have been to tell Charlie, but he's been very busy lately, he's been in and out of the house a lot lately. I just couldn't find the time to tell him. I would have to tell him though, either today or tomorrow.

I wish I could talk about it to someone though, I missed the twins like crazy. And despite the fact that I really didn't know Maya or Jill, I still missed them. I missed Maya's dry humour, and Jill's sarcasm.

March 11

I was rushing towards the cafeteria during the start of lunch time when a certain fluffy haired boy ambushed me and practically dragged me the other way. One thing was for sure, Alice was not going to be happy with me.

I yanked at my hands and glowered at Alec. "What are you doing? I have to get to the cafeteria!" I said loudly. I tugged at my hands, but his grip was very tight. I sighed then dug my foot on the ground.

"Will you shut up, I just want to show you something" he hissed, noticing instantly the unwanted attention from random people who just happened to walk by the two of us.

That's pretty much us now. He'd drag me away, I'd try to scream bloody murder, but still end up following him grudgingly in the end. I had wondered how the hell he found me in that little room a week ago. My first thoughts were he was stalking me.

I was wrong I guess, I was so far from the truth. I frowned at Alec as he tightened his grip on my wrists. I looked back at the cafeteria door wistfully, then glowered at Alec.

"I consider this kidnapping you know" I said in a cold voice.

Alec sniggered then looked at me. His breath caught then he snorted. I gave him a filthy look, resisting the urge to punch his pretty face.

"Will you stop with the theatrics Juliet? Don't worry, this Romeo is not going to rape you" he mocked, his voice filled with humour.

My scowl deepened. I knew I shouldn't have told him about the stupid play, but it was a stupid slip. Still though, I can't believe I opened up some stuff to him. I even told him a bit about Edward.

When I told him about Edward he just snorted. "I already know" he had said in a low voice. He had pushed back his hair casually, then turned to me. "Jane had told me" he said simply. I frowned at that. Of course. They just looked like the type of siblings who would tell each other everything.

We went up a flight of stairs. I instantly recognized the passageway. In no time at all he was pushing me inside the little music room where he had found me passed out on the floor being taunted by three girls whose name I never learnt.

I had wondered how the hell he ended up there, but I got my answer today. It turned out that the old fashion room was his own little hide out. What are the chances huh? I just so happened to stumble across his own private little space.

As we walked inside, I noticed that the fireplace was lit. The fire emanated a distinct orange tint to the room.

The room temperature felt good compared to the awful crisp winter air outside. I looked near the piano and noticed a guitar leaning against the side. Alec headed straight to the guitar and sat on the piano stool.

He looked up expectantly, and I sighed. I moved towards him and sat next to him. "So, what do you want?" I said, all the fight in me just seemed to have died away. Alec looked at me warily before reaching for a folder.

He opened it and took out a piece of paper. "Well, I wrote a song, and I wanted to know what you thought of it" he said casually. He wasn't looking at me. I started to wonder if he was feeling nervous or shy, but I realized he was merely getting his equipment ready.

He took out his black guitar out of the case gently. He tested the guitar and found that the thing was still beautifully tuned. He sighed and started strumming. At first I wasn't expecting so much, but as soon as he started playing, the melody began and I found myself closing my eyes.

When I opened them, they focused on Alec's face. For once he wasn't Alec, the pretty boy. He was transformed, there was such fragility that seeped through his lyrics, as though his heart was really aching.

If I could, then I would

I'd go wherever you will go

Way up high or down low

I'll go wherever you will go…

The pain in the lyrics filled me up with curiosity. I mean its not exactly newsflash. Alec and I had somehow formed the most unlikely friendship. Another reason why Alice was very hostile with me at the moment.

The lyrics of the song made me think that perhaps there really was more to Alec than meets the eye. As he finished the song, I could feel goose bumps running up and down my arm. I knew I had shock written all over my face.

It was just that good! The last person I heard played that well (even better) had been Edward. It seemed like a lifetime ago, but the memory of Edward's beautiful music playing in the air brought back other memories that really didn't need to be tapped.

I swallowed audibly. I knew Alec was waiting for my feedback. I didn't know how to react. Hugging him would have been weird, but if I started clapping, he would think I was weird. So I settled with silence. I don't think I would have been able to say anything at that very moment anyway.

He was snapping and flicking his fingers in front of my face, it didn't help the shock at all. So I uttered the only words that could form in my head.

"Wow…" I said in awe. Alec, who had looked worried before hand, relaxed completely. He smiled and for once he looked a little embarrassed.

"Yeah…its just a little song I wrote a year ago" he said, casually shrugging. There was a red tint on his cheeks which I found utterly adorable. Don't hate, I'm just a girl.

I nodded and gave him a smile this time. There was a formidable silence as we stared at each other. We didn't have a moment or anything, it was just…

Alec cleared his throat then raised his eyebrows, he was back to his old self again.

"So anyway, yeah I just wanted to show you, coz I'm thinking of entering battle of the bands next month. Do you think its good enough?" he asked. I just nodded.

Huh. Why did he even bother asking? I could tell from his voice that he knew his song was good enough. He probably just called me up so he could gloat.

He shifted slightly so his body was turning towards me.

"So…How about you? Do you play an instrument?" he said, clearing his throat once again.

I uneasily fidgeted, my eyes wandering towards the piano. He must've noticed the direction of my gaze because he too stared at the piano keys. He raised his eyebrows at me, and it was my turn to clear my throat.

"You play the piano?" he said in a surprised voice, obviously staring at my stubby fingers. I knew what he was thinking about, and I blushed. My fingers had always been short, that's why I never pursued piano, I just knew the basics.

"Yeah, mum thought me how to do it. But I don't play anymore though" I said in a low voice. I felt uncomfortable talking to him about this topic. I wasn't Mozart or anything, and my skills were kindergarten level compared to Edward's.

"So, play me something then" Alec said, a light smile forming on his lips. His cocky façade was gone, and I have to say, I quite liked him this way. It gave me an insight of the kind of person he was inside. You know, if you put aside the whole I'm a famous Volturi, I'm so hot! bit.

I hesitated before turning around to face the keys. I suspended my hand on the air, leaving room for more hesitation. I took a deep breath then brought my hands down the keyboard gently. I started to play the first notes to 'Only Hope' by Mandy Moore, my fingers were gentle on the keyboard.

I know he didn't ask me to sing, but it just seemed like the most natural thing to do. I'm not a brilliant singer, but I'm not tone deaf either. My voice was soft, some people might even say it sounded sweet.

I'll give you my destiny

I'm giving you all of me

I want your symphony

Singing in all that I am

At the top of my lungs

I'm giving it back…

As the song continued, I was surprised that Alec hadn't stopped me to insult me. I mean he just seemed so much like the type of person who would do that. But then again, when it comes down to some things, I just don't know Alec Volturi.

The song ended in such a sweet melancholic fervour. I took my hand back and laid them on my lap. I waited for Alec to say something, anything, but he was quiet. I finally turned to look at him to find him staring at me with a really weird expression on his face.

"Who are you? What did you do to Bella?" he asked in a bewildered voice. I rolled my eyes at him and blushed furiously.

"Well, it wasn't that good…" I started, but stopped when Alec started shaking his head.

"Are you kidding? Its like you're not the same person when you're playing. It's freaky" he said sincerely. I just blushed some more then instantly got nervous when I saw a bright spark in his eyes.

Something I recognised. Jane often did that too. The whole sparkly eyes thing I mean. I knew that a plan was forming in his head, and I definitely didn't like where everything was going.

Then as though a light bulb went off in his head, he looked at me through new eyes. "I know, why don't you sing something for battle of the bands?" he said enthusiastically.

I shook my head immediately. "Are you insane? Hell no!" I said straight away, making chopping gestures with my hand.

He looked at me all wide eyed, and it was all I could do to stop myself from finding him so adorable at that very moment. He was nodding his head as though to say 'yes' while I was shaking my head to say 'no'

We shook and nodded for a while until he held out his head. "Okay, we need to stop before we get whiplash!" he said, massaging the back of his neck.

"Look, why don't we make a bet? If you win, you don't have to do anything. BUT, if I win, you are going to sing you little heart out at battle of the bands!" He pushed on. I sighed, looking up at the ceiling.

I knew he wasn't going to let it go. He would probably annoy me or pull some strings that would mean I would have no choice but to agree.

I sighed then nodded at him. "Fine, so what's the deal?" I said in a resigned voice.

He smiled mischievously then. "I bet The Striker twins will be back today" he said. I frowned at his weird bet. I shook my head. "There's no way! They would tell me when they would come back. Duh!" I said, suddenly so sure of myself.

Alec just laughed at that, then took out his hand. I shook it. The end of lunchtime bell rang and I jumped on my feet. There was no way he was going to win this.

Alec and I parted ways. I turned and waved him goodbye one last time before turning to go. I stopped abruptly when I found Edward standing there, leaning against the wall. "Are you following me?" I hissed. He looked up then and gave me a guilty look.

I rolled my eyes and walked passed him. I felt him hold my wrist and I spun around to face him. "What?!" I snapped. Edward flinched slightly and let go of my hand.

"Look, we really need to talk" he said in a casual voice.

"No, all the talking is done. Don't say were friends either, because last time I checked, friends don't keep things from each other!" I said angrily. All my anger just escaladed.

Edward was running his finger through his hair, looking utterly distressed. I just couldn't afford to soften up, not when my annoyance was so strong. I mean, I'm not his friggin door mat, he can't step on me whenever he wants!

But damn it! That guilty look on his face made me soften up just a tad bit.

"Look I'm here to tell you the truth okay?" he said. I crossed my arms then and waited for him to spill. But Edward looked at me uncomfortably. "Not here…" he said in a low voice.

Before I knew it, he had dragged me towards a small empty room where he sat me down on top of a table. He remained standing, phasing up and down as though trying to contemplate what to do next.

"Look, Tanya is…she's…" he started. I could tell that he was having difficulty talking. He took a deep breath then looked at me. "Tanya is crazy" he finally said.

I stared at him, raised my eyebrows. I was about to leave when he stopped me. "Please, just hear me out. I'm not lying. Tanya really is crazy. She's suicidal. I've tried leaving her so many times before…Over and over again she would threaten to kill herself, then she would start breaking things, she's a screwed up basket case! I just can't leave her alone, not now" he said in a pained voice.

I could tell that he was telling the truth. It pained me to see him beating himself over this. And I could tell he hated it, hated the fact that he felt restless, no doubt he probably feels like he's holding on to Tanya's life with a peace of breakable string.

I felt an incredible anger and resentment towards Tanya. I wanted to lash at her, I wanted to hurt her, beat her to the punch. But I knew I didn't have enough courage to do that.

Edward had his face on the palm of his hands, and I could feel the frustration emanating from him. I jumped off the table and walked towards him. I hugged him tightly feeling like I was the only thing that was keeping him intact.

He wasn't crying, Edward was stronger than that. I kept him in my arms for a bit until I felt his arms wrap themselves around me too. We stayed that way for a couple of moments until his irregular heart beat went back to normal.

I sighed and pulled away. I honestly didn't know what to say. In a sick twisted way, I was glad that he told me, glad that he wanted to leave Tanya. A string of hope sprung inside of me which I tried my hardest to push away.

My hands were still in his, he was stroking the back as though it was the most fragile thing in the world. I could feel it again, that magnetic pull.

As though there was a force field that was pulling me towards Edward, I slowly went back in his arms. Our bodies fitted together like puzzle pieces. I rested my face against his chest, while he rubbed slow deliberate circles behind my back.

I closed my eyes and listened to his heartbeat. But we sprung apart as soon as we heard the door being yanked open.

"Oh! There you are! Where the hell have you been?! We've been looking everywhere for you!"

I stared in shock. Sam and Sean Striker were standing in front of me. They were pulling at Edward and me, pushing us through the door. I couldn't really register what the hell was going on, because at that very moment, all I could think about was I just lost the stupid bet!

"Wait, wait! What the hell are you two doing?!" Edward yelled at the two of them, trying to pry their hands off of mine.

"No time to speak, gotta get out of here. Lots to talk about!" Sean said hastily. We found ourselves being pushed out of the school building. When I finally snapped back to reality, I took in my surrounding, my brain still reeling.

"Wait, I'm confused, what are we doing in the car park?" I said dizzily. The twins tutted, not answering my question. They pushed us inside their cars, and before I knew it, we were driving away from school.

I took in Sam's anxious expression, then Sean's worried face. I knew that something was wrong. Something was very wrong.

"What the hell is going on?" I said in a small voice, looking from one to the other.

"James is out Bella, he's back" Sean said in a grim voice. I looked at Edward, completely horrified. Just then I heard my phone beep, indicating I just received a message.

"Payback is a bitch" That was all it said. Four small words, yet I could sense the hate in each and every syllable.

--

Author's Note

Aww shucks you guys, I expected so much more reviews from last time. But that's okay, review this one please! Reviews makes me update faster! For those of you who reviewed this last time...Thank you! You guys always brighten up my day. School is almost over!! YAY! more time for updates. So anyway, as you can see the story has moved again. Let me know what you think, and hmm yes I hope Edward's little revelation answered your questions! More things are going to happen, if you want to know, then review!!

xo-Rose