*I posted twice today - be sure you read 10 1st.*

Chapter 11 - Plotting

D – P.O.V.

I know something is bothering Bella, she has been looking more thoughtful than normal at night before they rest. She has always been an observer, watching everyone around her looking for the hidden reactions. While I think Renee's stress level has been decreasing steadily since her change I believe that Bella's has been climbing higher.

The past year has shown me that you can never know how anyone will react. We all had expectations of what would happen when Nahuel called us back to the tree house to meet Joham latest victim. I had expected the woman, Renée, to be fearful as a human and act as a typical newborn after the change, if she made it that far. Our expectations for the child were that he or she would behave similarly to Aurora. With all high-tech advancements of the area Aurora's childhood was not that different from a humans nowadays, she was far more intelligent but still seems to enjoy life and behaves like most modern teens.

Renée as a human had put all of her faith in Nahuel, and trusted him completely by the time we were introduced. I had assumed it was this trust that allowed her to take everything we said as fact. When Huilen and I, spoke with her privately she made it clear that she would not risk our family to try to stay human. She wanted to be changed to eliminate whatever risks to her child that she could. Nothing seemed to bother her; she just rolled with the punches. Her change went well; she was nothing like the out of control newborn that Robert made, or even the one's I was witness to while in Volterra. She was able to think with some clarity, from the moment she woke up. After many hours of questioning her about her change, we think that her level of control was a side effect of knowing what was happening to her at the time.

However, after spending a year with Renée I now know that her calm reaction to the situation that brought her into this life was nothing more than her impulsive nature. She is always on the move, trying this and that; she starts to do something and moves on before she even makes it half way through. I had hoped that it was part of her newborn lack of concentration and that she would outgrow this trait. However, it has only gotten stronger, she seems to only be able to focus on our family road trip for any length of time.

The road trip was her idea for Bella's big birthday gift; and I must say it was the most selfish gift she ever could have given. Renée has been so focused on getting back into society that she pushes everything else to the wayside. I do think the trip will be a good experience for Bella, and even Zora to an extent. The trip is a good way to interact with humans while Bella is still growing so fast. I pretty sure that Renée came up with the idea to go for Bella's birthday thinking that we would be less likely to deny her request, and it puts Renée back within the human world a year prior to what we had planned. I'm sure she see's it as a win, win situation.

Poor Bella had been so excited to search out the Amazon's before her birthday road trip was announced. This is our third day of searching, Renée is get discouraged while Bella just seems lost in thought all the time when we meet up or have family talks at night which have been centered on the road trip. I don't think I have seen her smile since she told us about her accidentally knocking Aurora to the ground when she drop out of a tree onto her back, that was our first day out. She has only been running with Nahuel and Aurora, at our next stop I am going to see if she will come with me and we can talk about what's bothering her.

I was the first to arrive at our meeting spot, and still had forty-five minutes before the others were due to arrive. I used my time to think about Bella's recent behavior. It was not unlike her to be contemplated; I am, however a little concerned that she has been for such a long stretch of time. We all had noticed that she came home from our last game of capture the flag looking more relaxed than she had been in months. I assumed she and Nahuel had a good talk, and worked out something that had been stressing her. But now that she knows about the road trip she is radiating stress once more. Maybe she just doesn't want to go on the trip. I can't begin to think of a reason why she would not want to go, but I'm clearly missing something.

The others arrive and we pick out our next meeting spot before we set off once more. Huilen has decided on running with Renée to see if she knows what is bothering Bella. Bella took me up on my offer to travel, we me for the afternoon, as soon as we were out of hearing range I started.

"Bella, I know that something has been bothering you. Is it anything that I can help with?"

"Bothering is not a strong enough word." she muttered. I was stunned she never complains about anything, and her standard response when she gets this way is 'I'm fine' so for her to admit that something is more than bothering, she has me on instant alert.

"How can I help?"

"I'm not sure that you can, but I could really use a distraction how about you tell me a story."

"I'm not sure that will do any good, are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"

"For now, just the story, then we shall see."

So for then next hour I told her about Demetri the tracker for the Volturi. Amun turned Demetri around one thousand A.D. and they became great friends. Together they spent a century, developing his tracking power. After they figured it out they played a worldwide version of hide and seek where Amun tried to evade Demetri for two straight years. No matter how far away he was Demetri could always find Amun. Demetri had once told me that he could find any vampire, he has ever met or that has come in contact with someone he meets. He tracks them not by scent; he follows the essence of their mind.

When I had known him he had never met anyone he could not find. The Volturi heard of his powerful gift and offered him a spot in the guard. Because it was such an honor he accepted and left Amun behind. While Demetri is comfortable with his life in the guard, he sometimes still misses his creator. I went on to tell her about how he helped to track down the immortal children as well as Benito the vampire who began the vampire wars in Central America.

"Well, while that was not a Mom approved bedtime story, I do love to hear about our history and the powers you have come across over the years, Thanks for the distraction it really helped." When I looked over my shoulder she was smirking at me not her real smile, but it was better than nothing.

"Now that you're feeling a bit better why don't we talk about the real problem? I am pretty sure that the road trip has you worked up, but I don't know why?" I asked in what I hoped was a carefree voice. She sighed loudly.

"It's not the trip it's self that has me worked up; I am just worried about Mom. She has been solely focused on 'getting back to the human world' I am worried about how she will handle it all."

"Are you just concerned about your mother's bloodlust or thirst causing her problems?" I am not the least bit surprised that this would concern her, but it seems too small to be causing this much stress.

"No, it's not that as much as the other stuff." I am not really following her train of thought. I stop running now, needing to see her face as we have this talk. We sit Indian style facing each other.

"What other stuff?"

"Umm, just look at where she wants to go, she gave me a postcard of the Hollywood sign, and then last night she was talking about being able to swim in the ocean again." She looks so sad now, I can see why she is worried now. "It's like she thinks when she get back to America things will just go back to being the way they were before she was changed or something. I mean she can't go to the beach now, not if it's sunny anyway. But she won't think about that all she thinks about is seeing all the stuff she thinks she is missing out on. In my head, I see her trying to meet celebrities in LA, and other crazy stuff that we just can't do . . . I just know it's going to be hard for her." She rarely opens up like this, now I see why Nahuel thinks that she overheard way too much before she was born.

She has been alive for one year and two days, and has put more thought and worries into this trip than all of us combined. Nahuel thinks it's just part of who she is, he blames himself of course. He thinks it is because keep telling her when she was only a fetus that he would find a way to keep her and her mother safe. He also spent time telling her that she had to be careful to not hurt Renée, and when it came time for her birth not to move no matter what because she would really hurt her mom. Renée on the other hand was going on about how great her father was. Telling her about the wonderful adventures they could go on as a family. Then she overheard everything we said to prepare Renée for the worst, and all about the dangers of the world she was not even in yet.

"You're right that stuff will be hard for her, but we can get her through it together." She cuts me off, rolling her eyes.

"I know that, I just feel bad like I'm plotting against her but really, I just don't want to disappoint her. Now I have talked to you, Zora and Nate about it behind her back, when she finds out she's going to be so mad. But I think we need to plan where we are going to go so that we start with places that she is not as excited about so that she gets used to her limitations before we get to the things she really wants to see and do."

"She won't be mad you were just planning your birthday trip. I do agree with you on starting with stuff that won't tempt her into risking exposure." I said the first part sarcastically under her breath, she mutters yeah, my trip; it is so soft that I can hardly make it out.

"Ok, so my siblings and I want my trip to start on the southeast coast of the states and work our way north for Christmas and New Year's in N.Y.C. I am hoping that she will like the idea of spending the holidays in New York enough not to make us start on the west coast."

"My God, you really have been plotting, (snickers) doesn't stress, I like that plan. Now we just have to all sit and talk about it together."

"I know, but when we do, I think she is going to be mad, but I think the sooner we get it over with the better. That way she will get over before we run into the Amazons."

"Alright, you evil genius, let's get a move on, and try to have some faith in your mom, she won't get mad."

"You always tease me about thinking I know something, but I know my Mom and she is going to be upset after we talk tonight." With that we are off running again.

Later that night Huilen and I sat just close enough to the sleeping hybrids that we hear their hearts. The evening had been a disaster; I started the conversation about the road trip and how we needed to plan where we going to start along with the different stop we all wanted to see along the way. Aurora quickly started telling us about how she and Bella was thinking about starting in Georgia and slowly heading north to New York Where we would spend the Holiday's. Renée quickly countered with starting in L.A. and we could fly to New York for Christmas if they really wanted. The two of them went back and forth a few times before, Nahuel made a statement about how we were supposed to drive everywhere. Bella said she thought Renée would like New York at Christmas time. Then Renée was snapping at all of them about it being a family trip and it was not up to them. Huilen tried to speak, but could not get a word in edgewise. Bella finally said something about us not fighting that we should just vote about which side of the country to start with. Everyone voted to start on the east coast, except Renée and Huilen. Huilen voted last, I know she only voted for the west coast so that Renée would not be alone in her vote. Renée then stood and growled out that we were all ruining her trip, causing Aurora to jump up and reminded Renée that it was Bella's birthday gift from the family.

"Well, Bella is being a brat, talking with you two ahead of time and getting you all to side with her!"

Then she stormed off, Huilen caught up with her but came back quickly saying Renée would be back by sun up. Bella looked no more upset that she did this afternoon, but Huilen and Zora were both livid with Renée for calling Bella a brat. Bella was right, she knew her mother.

B – P.O.V.

I was right Mom was mad, the road trip talk spun out of control almost right from the start. I was shocked at how she and Zora were so nasty to each other; I know that it is my fault for getting Zora excited to spend Christmas in N.Y.C. Now both Huilen and Zora are upset with mom. I told them that I was fine, which I am, and that we would make up tomorrow. I am heading off to sleep when Huilen gives me a big hug, muttering,

"She didn't mean it."

"I know it was said in the heat of the moment."

Mom and I will be fine, tomorrow by this time we will be back to normal. I am more worried about Zora and her, they have always been so close and enjoyed the same types of things, I am pretty sure this is their first argument. I know Mom will move on from it quickly, but suspect it will take Zora some time.

When morning comes Mom is back, she is being reserved which is so odd for her. We map out where to meet up then Dermott questions me,

"Whom are you traveling with today?"

When mom did not jump in, I quickly replied. "I want to hear some more stories about your glory days in Volterra." I knew Mom wasn't ready to talk yet; it would do no good to push her.

With that we all ran or in my case rode, off in different directions. Dermott keeps a steady stream of stories going the entire day, he went into great detail about Aro, Caius and Marcus's personalities. Caius has been cruelest of the leaders, never showing mercy, always quick to sentence death for any and all infractions. Aro is more likely to grant a pardon of sorts if they were willing to serve in the guard, he hates to destroy vampires with talents of any kind. Aro loves to entertain, telling stories about the things he has witnessed over the past almost thirty-five hundred years. Dermott tells me that it's a shame we keep hidden because Aro would keep telling stories for years on end if he could, he thinks we would get along great if I were not a hybrid. Aro has the power to read every thought you have had, with a single touch he knows all. Marcus has been a shell of his former self after the murder of his wife, now he is apathetic at best. Only responding with a single word or using Aro's power to show the bonds his power allows him to see. Her death changed everything for the Volturi; the wives are never let out of the castle and murder was the catalyst for the destruction of the Romains.

Then he moved on to the love that was once shared by Aro's sister Didyme and Marcus. It only lasted three hundred years and took place at least three thousand years ago, but those who witnessed say the still to this day they have never witnessed a love as strong as what was shared between Marcus and Didyme. Didyme's power made everyone around her happy. She was killed and the Volturi believes the Romanian were to blame because they were worried about the large coven of then six, gaining any more strength. Everyone who knew Didyme was heartbroken by her death. When word got around that the Romains killed her in hopes that it would prevent the Volturi from gaining more members. They found all the support they would need to take down the Romains, which they did nearly fifteen hundred years after her death.

That victory would not have been possible without the witch twins, Jane and Alec. Aro created them just a decade before the battle with the Romains. They are very young looking Aro says they are thirteen, but many think they could be as young as eleven, however, no one would say such a thing because that would mean they were Immortal Children. Aro had watched them grow as part of a coven of witches, he wanted to turn them we the reached adulthood. He had to step in to save them when they were sentenced to be burned at the stake.

They believe that Jane's powerful pain mind trick is the memory of her pain she felt while being burned alive and change into a Vampire at the same. Alec's power on the other hand made you feel absolute nothingness; all of your senses become deprived. The first time the twins used their powers was during the battle with Romains the Volturi were outnumbered and the odds were not in their favor, they say it was the stress that awoken the twins powers. The fight was over before in begun, and the Volturi remain the undisputed leaders of the vampire community.

I wanted to ask more about how the different powers worked, but I held back, most of the all the powers he mentioned are what's considered mental powers and would not be able to harm me or my family if they were in the range of my shield. If I ever came in contact with them, I would gain those powers as, I shuddered at the thought, I have enough worries without thinking of that. I am looking forward to seeing how Zafrina's power works.

"Not exactly a fairy tale but still the story has a hidden meaning Bella, first no one can stand angst Volturi. Second in times of great need your power will come to you." Great I really don't want him to ask about my shield, if they don't ask and I don' tell; then it's not a lie, at least that's what I keep telling myself.

"I don't want you to worry about your shield, it will come if you ever need it, and I don't think that you will lose control over it. If just popped up out of instinct alone, we would have tricked you into using by now." He states confidently, I am so glad they never asked me to try to use it; they only tried tricking it into working.

"You're right, it's not instinct that makes it work, it's more than that." A very true statement not a lie in the least. After the first time I used it, my shield has been under my control, I knew what I was doing and what would happen the second time I pushed Nate away from my Mom and me.

"We are almost to the meeting spot, do you want to stay with me or do you think your Mom will be ready to talk yet?" My intuition tells me not to try yet.

"I think I will run with Nahuel for the afternoon, I will talk with her tonight that way if she gets upset I can go to camp and she can do what she needs to blow off steam. I hope that she apologizes to everyone, I feel really bad that I caused her to snap at everyone like that, but at the sometime, this is why I wanted to do it now not when we got to the U.S. or when we pack up the house"

"Bella it's a very hard lesson for some like you to learn, but you must try to understand that you are only responsible for your own action. How someone else reacts in never anyone's fault but their own."

"Yeah, but if I put them in a situation where they react badly how can it not be my fault. I knew it was going to cause problems when we started to plan out the trip; I spoke with you and Nate about my concerns. With Zora I just said I thought it would be better if we started off in small towns, she assumed I was thinking of bloodlust but I did not correct her. When I asked for the vote I knew I had four for the east coast, I knew she would lose I did set her up."

"Yes, you did know that we would win the vote, but you did not make any of us vote for the east coast. You simply voice your concerns and we made choices. Besides Zora will always pick N.Y., if you give her a choice, we have never lived there and she wants to so badly."

"I feel bad that I did not give her a chance to defend herself when I spoke with you guys. Maybe I should just tell her why I think we should start on the east coast." The only feeling that I have with that choice was indifference.

"Maybe, but she never even asked why last night, do you think she would be more upset that you talked about your concerns with us before her or would she be able to see that you were just trying to help."

"I'm not sure, but I do know that she planed this trip without talking to me about it first, I did not get a say at all. Then she said it was my present, but I know it's just as much for her. I don't mind that we are doing it, I just want us to be safe and happy. I'm having a hard time believing that we will be safe running around the country while everyone fights about where we go next." He said nothing for a little longer that I was comfortable with.

"Your right, none of us would be safe or happy like that. I can see it being complete chaos if we don't plan it all out."

We stayed quiet until we got the meeting spot, I was stressed about the road trip, but at least we seemed to be on the right track. I just wanted the whole thing planed then we could move on.

A/N: Thanks for reading and please review, if you do, I'll send you a hint!

Also send ideas for the road trip, fun stuff, silly stuff and crazy stuff like visiting an 80 statue of the Golly Green Giant.

Also check out my profile for charter index for this story and a link to photos!

*BIG thanks and hugs for snowgoose, be sure to check out her stories*