Author's Note: I do NOT own Twilight, it's world, or it's characters. They belong to Stephanie Meyer. The triplets are mine, though. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Evening Stars

Chapter 10: Visitors

(Bella's POV)

The day after Peter and Charlotte left we had more visitors...Zafrina, Senna, and Kachiri. I called Nessie to let her know. She asked if Edward and I would mind if she, Jake, and the triplets stayed with us for Zafrina's visit.

"Of course you can come and stay with us." - Bella

"Thanks, Mom. I just think it'll be easier than having to pack the triplets up every day. So, did Dad ever say if the people in town were getting suspicious?" - Nessie

"Yeah, we're still safe for now. Evidently, an old friend of mine from high school, Jessica Stanley, is spreading a rumor around town that we've all had plastic surgery. She still loves a good story that she can repeat to everyone. So, Edward conveniently ran in to her, and confirmed her suspicions. She's been telling everyone now that we're a family so vain we all have cosmetic surgeries to stay beautiful."

Nessie and I both laughed before saying our goodbyes and hanging up. She had to get the triplets bathed, dressed, and packed before coming to stay with us. Jake was packing his and Nessie's things while she and I were on the phone.

They arrived a little while later. Edward helped Jake unload and carry their bags into our house. Nessie and Jake were going to stay in her old room. Since Edward and I don't sleep, we had already set up three cribs in our bedroom for the triplets.

While Edward and Jake were unpacking the bags and putting everything away, I rode with Nessie to Carlisle's. She didn't want to walk the path with the triplets again; it took too long.

When we pulled into the garage at Carlisle's, Edward and Jake were waiting for us.

"What took you guys so long? Did you get lost?" - Jake joked.

"Funny, Jake." - Bella

Nessie rolled her eyes as she got out and went to get Jazzmine out. I was already getting Emma out and handing her to Jake. I got Swanson out and closed the door. I couldn't believe how big the triplets were getting; they had grown even more in the past few days.

We all went inside and were greeted by my family and the Amazonian coven. Nessie handed Edward Jazzmine, and then gave Zafrina a hug.

"Nessie, how have you been? I see you have enjoyed your married life so far, yes?" - Zafrina smiled as looked at the triplets.

Nessie blushed as Emmett laughed, "That's an understatement!"

Rose elbowed Emmett in the stomach, and then said, "Don't mind him, Nessie."

"Thanks, Aunt Rose."

Nessie and Zafrina went to sit on the sofa while Jake put Emma down in a play-pen someone had set up. Edward and I put Jazzmine and Swanson in the play-pen as well, and then we went to sit on the piano bench. Nessie was already showing Zafrina everything that had happened since she and Jake were married.

"I must say, Nessie, you have had an eventful two years. You know you mustn't let your nightmares stress you. They're a gift, you just have to learn how to use them." - Zafrina

"But, Zafrina, they're always of horrible things, and I never know when or how to stop them." - Nessie

"Yes, my dear. That's what you will have to learn. I will help you. You will learn how to control your nightmares; you will be able to look for things that will let you know when and how to stop them from coming true." - Zafrina

"Are you sure?" - Nessie

"Of course, I am the one who helped your mother learn how to control her shield. I can do the same for you. Come, let's get started. We shall go to your father's old room. It still has a bed you can use." - Zafrina

Zafrina hadn't changed. She enjoyed helping me learn how to control my shield. She even taught me how to move my shield away from my thoughts so I could let Edward hear my thoughts. She was a great teacher. I hoped it went as well with Nessie. How do you control your nightmares?

Nessie and Zafrina excused themselves, and went up the stairs to Edward's old room. I went back to watching my grandbabies play. Swanson was beating on a toy drum, Jazzmine was silently swaying to the lullaby Edward was playing on the piano, and Emma was babbling to a stuffed wolf.

"I believe we have more visitors." - Edward smiled.

Just then, Emma squealed, "SEH, SEH!"

I looked to the door, and there was Seth and Leah. Seth just smiled. Leah looked kind of nervous.

"Mind if we join the party?" - Seth

"Of course not. Please join us, Seth, Leah." - Carlisle

Seth was already on his way to pick Emma up as he thanked Carlisle. Leah was right behind him; on her way to Swanson. Despite the nervous look, she really did look happier. Jake was right, I could see the change in her.

"I need some fresh air. It smells like wet dog in here." - Rose

"Hey, Rose, why do blondes write TGIF on all of their shoes?" - Jake

Rose stormed out to the garage as Jake called after her, "Toes Go In First!"

Seth and Emmett roared with laughter, even Leah giggled a little. Emmett eventually went out to the garage to join Rose. The rest of us continued watching the triplets. Emma was laughing and pulling Seth's hair, Jazzmine was playing with an interactive stuffed bear, and Swanson was snoring in Leah's lap.

The next few days passed much the same. Seth and Leah would come over to see Emma and Swanson, and Nessie would go with Zafrina to work on controlling her nightmares. I don't think any of us expected much success with that, but we were wrong.

Zafrina and her coven had stayed with Carlisle for a week, when Nessie had her breakthrough. Zafrina, Senna, and Kachiri left after Nessie had gained complete control of her nightmares, promising to return when we needed them. We were all anxious and amazed for what came next. Nessie had made herself have the first Volturi nightmare over, except this time there was more to it, a lot more.

"Sam was right. Dad and Jake are the key. After the part in my nightmare where I screamed and woke up, I saw Jake, Dad, and...I believe Emma, Swanson, and Jazzmine. They were older though...much older. The Volturi may plan something, but Jake, Dad, and my babies are going to save us. We have two years to get ready, and I'm going to scout out my nightmares every night. We will stop the Volturi. They will not come after us again...ever."

I had never seen Nessie so feral. Edward told me she meant every word. She wasn't planning on just surviving an encounter with the Volturi; she was planning on destroying them.