Chapter 11: Deeper Understanding

The moment Edward and Bella disappeared down the driveway, Alice, Rosalie, Kate and Abby commandeered the living room. After allowing the boys to each complete one song on Guitar Hero, they turned off the television and the PlayStation 2.

"Hey! Abby! Not fair!" James complained, sounding like a small, petulant child rather than a 273 year old man.

Abby looked at him. "You can play later when Edward and Bella are back. But while they're gone, we have important wedding related work to do," she explained in a tone that wasn't to be questioned.

Again, the first to catch on was Liam since he had recently experienced his fifth party at his brother's insistence. "Stags and Hens?" he asked with a smile.

Emmett and Jasper both brightened up noticeably when their wives nodded. The looks in their eyes could only be described as wicked.

"We know you boys have been waiting for a very, very long time to tease Edward and rest assured we aren't going to try to take that away from you," Alice smiled in a frighteningly sweet kind of way. "However, the point of a bachelor or bachelorette party is for the guest of honor to enjoy it. So we have an idea as to how we can accomplish both."

Preempting what was an inevitable protest from her husband, Rosalie interjected, "Involving a certain famous pirate ship."

"Besides," Alice continued. "The thought occurs that we've never done this as humans before, so we're probably going to need help."

Jasper shrugged and nodded. "Fine," he agreed begrudgingly.

Emmett merely grunted as the girls sat down on the floor opposite them, forming a circle.

"Dude, bachelor party on the Black Pearl?" James grinned, waggling his eyebrows playfully. It worked, of course, and Emmett was soon grinning like an idiot.

Jasper groaned. "You had to do that! Now he's giddy again."

"I most certainly am not giddy," Emmett announced, puffing up his chest in indignation. "Just because I happen to enjoy certain things more than the average person does not mean I'm giddy whenever they're mentioned."

The others shared a look and managed somehow not to burst out laughing at his defensive response.

"So, quick vampire question," Liam asked, trying to divert the conversation to safer waters.

"Only if you answer a pirate question," Jasper responded.

Liam shrugged, "Fair enough. So what happens when you guys drink."

An odd sort of tension built in the room.

"What do you mean?" Rosalie asked guardedly.

The Turners looked confused at their reactions for a moment before the miscommunication dawned on Kate. She quickly explained, "He means what happens when you drink alcohol?"

The unease disappeared and the Cullens laughed.

"Absolutely nothing," Emmett answered, slapping his knee in amusement. "Can't digest it."

Liam and James looked at each other. "Ten bucks says someone falls off the ship drunk," James wagered.

"Pick who and we'll talk," his brother responded.

Emmett interrupted, "Can we get in on that?"

"Keep in mind we girls will be there too," Alice added in a sing-song tone. "And since I won't know the outcome until people decide how much to drink that night can I play too?"

Soon enough all eight of them had been drawn into the bet.

"Well let's see. To be fair, we'd have to talk tolerance levels. Uncle Jack doesn't count. He'll get rip-roaring drunk, but he'd never, ever fall off the Pearl," Abby said. "Mum and Dad might have one, but I doubt it. They almost never drink. You saw in Curse of the Black Pearl how the blacksmith was passed out drunk? That was a frequent occurrence. Mr. Brown never got anything done, leaving all the work for Dad. Seeing what rum could do to a person, he never touched it. Mum too. And they both saw how it could effect Uncle Jack. Besides, they don't like it anyway. As for the rest of us, well, we drink once in a while. But never in excess. So bear that in mind."

"I wonder if human experiences we had will come back to us or not?" Emmett asked.

"If that's the case, it's important to mention that not only has Bella never had any alcohol, neither has Edward or I," Alice said. "But I doubt human experiences will matter much."

"It'll probably be size related, honey," Jasper looked at her in amusement.

Alice's mouth formed a perfect 'oh,' indicating either she hadn't been lying about not looking ahead or Jasper had made a last minute decision. "Jasper Whitlock Hale! Are you implying I would be so uncoordinated if drunk that I would fall off a ship?"

"You? Not at all," he backtracked. "My money's on Bella."

"Are you kidding? Edward won't let her go near the rail, Jasper," Rosalie rolled her eyes.

"Not if Eddie's drunk too," Emmett looked smug. "But my money's on him."

Rosalie, Kate and Liam sided with Emmett and chose Edward. James agreed with Jasper and wagered it would be Bella. Alice and Abby bet it would be Emmett.

Once they all shook on it Kate announced, "We have an accord. So back to the pirate question?"

"What was with the name for the van?" Jasper asked frankly.

The Turners broke into smiles. "Uncle Jack names every vehicle he ever rides in," Liam explained succinctly. "If he winds up in any of your cars, be prepared for names."

"Mum thinks it helps him cope with changing times," Abby offered. "I think he thinks it's respectful. After all, the Pearl was not only his means of transportation, it was his home. That deep and basic respect for a 'vehicle,' if you will, has carried over."

James nodded in agreement, "They all have deeper meanings. Like the rental cars – one's the Flash of Green and the other's the Silver Streak. The Flash of Green refers to a phenomenon we're all quite familiar with. It happens on rare occasions when the sun sets. Just as it disappears, a green flash shoots up into the sky. We've learned it signifies a soul's return to this world. Since both Uncle Jack and Dad were technically dead, there was one for each of them. The Silver Streak is a company Kate's involved with and refers to the fact that she drives like a bat out of hell."

As Kate leaned over to smack her brother, the Cullens tried not to snicker at his assessment of her driving. They knew it couldn't possibly be "worse" than theirs.

"So what did Uncle Jack name the big white van?" Abby asked.

"The Swann Song in honor of Bella and Mum 'wot brought us together,'" Liam answered.

The Turner girls nodded in appreciation.

Alice wanted to get started and cleared her throat, "Alright, well, back to the topic at hand because they will be home at some point."

"You can't see it?" Emmett frowned.

"First of all, no one has made the decision as to when to return. Second of all, Edward called Seth to watch Bella while she's at the beach. Apparently an immortal aunt, two immortal uncles and an immortal cousin aren't enough protection for her," Alice complained. She liked Seth, she just hated being blind. "He's sulking and listening to Debussy again, waiting quite impatiently."

"Alice really doesn't like it when the wolves are around," Rosalie explained unnecessarily. "Anyway, we were thinking that because it's them, Bella and Edward are going to be miserable if they're apart. Not exactly fair to them since, like Alice said, the whole point is to let them have a good time. Besides, if they're miserable they'll take it out on us."

"So Abby had the brilliant idea of having separate parties that end up in the same place. We didn't plan anything for Edward's – we'll leave that up to you – but Bella's will be a scavenger hunt that ends on the Pearl," Alice explained.


Edward was sitting in the Volvo, trying to be patient. Bella had only been gone for about an hour, but despite her family and the fact that Seth had promised to check on her, he was anxious. The only thing that was helping him remain somewhat calm was the CD playing in the background. Identical to the disc he burned for Bella's eighteenth birthday, the soft strains of "Claire de Lune" currently filled the space.

Far from other sentient beings, his head was relatively clear save his own thoughts. He forced himself to enjoy the peace while he had the chance and let his mind wander among pleasant thoughts. He contemplated the wedding and the upcoming change, unable to resist the grin that tugged up the corners of his mouth. Bella's family had offered them so much. They would be getting a second chance. He would become human and, more importantly, Bella would stay human.

His ringing cell phone brought him out of his reverie. Reaching out, he turned off the CD player. The screen showed an incoming call from Seth and he tensed.

"Hello? Seth? Is everything alright?"

Seth's calm voice sounded tinny over the phone. "Calm down, man. Bella's fine. Everything's good. I just thought I'd give you a heads up – Jacob's imprinted."

"What?" Edward sounded deadly. He knew how the phenomenon supposedly worked but couldn't help the surge of fear that Jacob had finally managed to imprint on Bella.

"On Bella's cousin. Yeah. It was strange. He was all intense and upset that Bella was there and then Charlotte spoke and he noticed her and his whole manner changed. He was quieter and calmer and much nicer. Bella figured it out, actually. It was cool."

Edward let out a sigh of relief and said a silent prayer of thanks to a god he wasn't sure listened to his kind. "That's great."

"Oh yeah. It'll be easier without the Bella show playing in our minds when we've phased. Now we just have to deal with Leah trying to make Sam miserable. I really hope she imprints, if only to shut her up. I know she's my sister, but she's a big pain sometimes. Speaking of, I'm near home now so I've got to go. But I want to hear all about this human again thing soon. Talk to you later, Edward."

"Goodbye, Seth," Edward was smiling as he closed his phone. He was glad that Bella was right and the ancient enmity between werewolves and vampires could be put aside. His friendship with Seth was the first relationship outside of his family and Bella that he truly enjoyed.

The moment he turned the music back on his phone rang again. This time it was Bella calling.

"Hello, love. How are you? Is everything alright?" he asked, doing his best to remain calm. It helped that he had an idea about why she was calling.

He could hear her smile through the phone. "Yes, everything's just fine. Better than fine, actually. But I'm sure Seth called you about that already."

"I did hear something very interesting from him just now, yes."

"Then I'm hoping you won't freak out when I ask you if you would let Jacob come back with us?" Bella sounded hesitant but hopeful. "He doesn't know I'm asking, so don't feel pressured. I just thought it would be good for him and for Charlotte. Easier."

Edward thought for a very brief moment. "I don't see what it could hurt. I suppose I should check with Car – Hold on, I'm getting another call."

"Alice," Bella asserted.

She was correct. "Edward Anthony Masen Cullen!" the diminutive vampire shouted through the receiver as soon as he answered. "We have no futures! Everything is dark again! What is going on?"

"Jacob has imprinted, Alice, on Charlotte. Bella asked me if he could come home with us. I assume it is because he is uncomfortable letting Charlotte out of his sight, especially if she is to be around us. Is Carlisle around? I would like to check with him before I give them a definitive answer."

On the other end of the line, Alice was pouting, "That must be why we disappeared before. Charlotte's decision to go today changed all that. Regardless, I don't see why you need to talk to him. Obviously he's going to say yes or I would be able to see us. Here he is."

Edward relayed what happened to Carlisle who readily agreed Jacob should have the option to join them. He clicked back over to the line where Bella waited patiently. "Carlisle says Jacob is more than welcome to come along, love."

"Thank you for understanding, Edward," she sounded truly grateful. "We'll be leaving here shortly, I would imagine. I'll see you soon. I love you."

"I love you too, my Bella. And I'll be eagerly awaiting your return."


Elizabeth watched as Bella paced back and forth several yards away down the beach, her cell phone in hand. The girl looked nervous, as if she was dreading something. Out of respect, no one in their party strained to hear what she was saying – they focused on speaking with and listening to each other – but Elizabeth assumed the phone call had to do with the treaty.

Turning her full attention back to Jacob, Elizabeth was fascinated by the werewolf legends he was telling them. Furthermore, the sudden and intense bond between him and Charlotte was remarkable. It was as if they had known each other forever. It was hard to know what to make of the situation because on one hand, Charlotte seemed happier than she had in decades. But on the other, everything seemed to be happening very fast. Elizabeth's maternal instincts made her a bit uneasy with that.

Bella was smiling as she carefully picked her way back across the rocky shore. Just as she reached the others, she tripped and pitched forward. Jacob reached out and caught her before she fell very far, setting her back on her feet.

"Thanks," she flushed in embarrassment.

He grinned at her. "Sure, sure. What kind of friend would I be if I let you fall on your face, Bells?"

For a moment it looked as though Bella would cry at that. She blinked a few times before she spoke. "I was just talking with Edward. He says you're more than welcome to come with us, Jake."

"I don't know," he hesitated.

Charlotte rolled her eyes and looked at him, "Oh please. You can't have it both ways. It's not like someone's going to hurt you. I'm going with Bella. You can decide what to do."

He looked conflicted for a few moments as he debated with himself before he nodded. "I'll come too. Give me a few minutes to go get my car." Charlotte's answering smile seemed to make the decision worth it for Jacob because his demeanor changed. He stood straighter. "I'll be right back," he promised before hurrying down the beach toward town.

"Are you alright with all of this, Charlotte?" Will asked. Like Elizabeth, he wasn't sure how to feel about the situation.

She frowned in confusion, "With all of what?"

"Jacob."

"Of course," she smiled. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"It's just a bit sudden, sweetheart," Elizabeth explained. "And I don't like that it's not your choice. To see supernatural forces dictating our lives again… it's unsettling."

"Actually," Bella spoke up tentatively, "the way Jacob first explained it to me you certainly do have a choice in the matter. He was telling me about his friend imprinting on a toddler and trying to keep me from being horrified. How did he put it? 'It's not like love at first sight…it's more like gravity moves… nothing matters more than her.' He said that basically they become whatever the imprintee needs. I asked him if the baby would have a choice and he said she would, but his friend would be 'her perfect match. Like he was designed for her alone.' It seems to me that imprinting is a different term for the meeting of soulmates."

Will and Elizabeth nodded, but still looked concerned. Charlotte understood why her parents were asking, especially given her past.

"Mother, you were just as concerned when Liam met Kate and James met Abby. The only difference now is that there's a word for it. I know you're worried, but this feels completely different than it did before with Daniel. And we already know Jacob won't go running."

Ignoring the caution etched on her parents' faces, Jack hugged his niece. "Good fer you, dahrlin'. But 'f yeh ask me, 'at boy does not look sixteen, eh? Yeh did say he was sixteen, right?"

"When they first phase, that is, when they first transform into wolves, they physically become about twenty-five. As long as they keep phasing, they stay that way," Bella said.

Charlotte only shrugged. Jacob's age and appearance didn't bother her either way.

Finally, Elizabeth smiled. "Alright, Charlotte. As long as you're happy."

Will stayed silent, no doubt more concerned for his daughter than he had been for his sons in that ancient, fatherly way. Elizabeth elbowed him softly. "Yes. As long as you're happy," he echoed.

"If it helps, he's unfailingly loyal and kind. And he's saved my life," Bella offered, editing out some of Jacob's more selfish actions. She had a feeling her aunt and uncle would understand why in time, but there was no need to talk about them now.

"'S not surprisin', luv. Seems everyone's 'ad to rescue you," Jack gave her a mischievous smile. "Honestly? I think 's the name. Causes trouble an' what not."

Bella blushed and looked down as the others chuckled.

"Oh honey. Have you fallen off the wall of a fort into the ocean? Have you been kidnapped? Have you been marooned on an island?" Elizabeth started listing her own mishaps to ease Bella's mind.

"I jumped off a cliff. Alice and Edward have both kidnapped me. But I've never been marooned," she responded, missing the point of the exercise. They all stared at her over her admission of jumping off a cliff. "Cliff diving looked fun," she explained nonchalantly.

Soon after that, Jacob returned. Naturally, Charlotte rode with him. They all paused where Edward waited for Bella at the border, allowing her to transfer cars. Jack waited until they were moving again to speak.

"Now listen you two," he leaned forward between Will and Elizabeth drawing their attention. "I know you're concerned, an' as 'er parents yeh have a right to be. But Charlotte's not stupid, eh? Maybe 's a supernatural thing, maybe Bella's right. Either way, it'll work out the way it should, savvy?"


"Wow," Edward said as I got into the Volvo.

He closed the door and was around the car in his seat in a flash. I turned to look at him in confusion over his comment. "Wow what?"

"I've just never heard such pleasant thoughts from Jacob. He's apologetic."

I had been trying to buckle my seat belt, but couldn't seem to manage it in my surprise. "What? Why?"

Edward sighed, clearly weighing whether or not to tell me. "When we were in the tent that night before the battle, Jacob and I had a long talk about you. I described you as the reason for my existence and basically accused him of trying to, for lack of a better term, steal you from me. Now that he has imprinted, no longer harbors romantic feelings for you and truly understands what it's like to have another be your reason for existing, he is sympathizing."

"I thought that was a dream," I murmured thoughtfully.

"Hm. No," there was a long pause before Edward spoke again, not managing to entirely mask the tension in his voice. "Did you find a solution, love?"

I nodded, "Yes. And it doesn't involve changing me. I'll tell you when we get back so I don't have to repeat myself." We rode in silence the rest of the way to the Cullens' house, Edward keeping my hand in his.

After it took him a full four minutes to get out of his car it was quite clear that Jake was very nervous. He dragged his feet as we all approached the Cullens' front door.

"It'll be alright," Charlotte said quietly. I had a feeling she was squeezing his hand reassuringly. It's what I would have been doing if the situation were different; if she hadn't been there or if Edward was visiting La Push.

Edward turned and completely floored me when he promised, "I swear they will all be on their very best behaviors, Jacob. There's absolutely no cause for concerned."

To my further amazement, Jake seemed to take Edward at his word. He nodded and began to walk at a normal human pace rather than at that of a snail. I smiled to myself and Edward chuckled a bit. I looked up at him for the reason. He smirked and promised to tell me later. As we climbed the front steps, I found myself feeling a little nervous as well. Rather than holding the door for the rest of us the way he normally would, Edward stepped inside, keeping himself between his family and mine – between his family and Jacob, just in case ancient animosities flared briefly. I could barely think straight I was so shocked.

"Jacob, welcome," Carlisle smiled genuinely, making no move to approach. "It's good to see you again."

I had forgotten Carlisle had spent more time with Jacob than any of the Cullens but Edward while treating his injuries.

"Hey," Jake sounded a little uneasy. It almost sounded as if he was talking in questions. "Thanks for having me."

I wondered briefly why Jasper wasn't calming nerves before remembering how much Jacob hated that. No doubt Jasper knew that as well. I found myself grateful that my brother-to-be wasn't interfering.

Alice broke the tension. "I'm not the best judge from down here," she joked at her own expense. "But did you get taller?"

Jake looked like he didn't know how to respond at first until I tried to stifle my own laughter. I knew Alice was kidding, trying to make him feel more comfortable. This is why I loved my family-to-be. The corners of his mouth drew up into a smile and he chuckled briefly. "Yeah."

"Oh man!" Emmett groaned. "You did! Now you're a lot taller than me. That's not fair!"

Everyone laughed and the sense of camaraderie and family that had been building since my aunt, uncles and cousins arrived returned full force. Edward was right, as usual. There was no reason to worry. As I had come to expect of them around others, the Cullens were nothing if not unfailing polite. I'm sure they were all willing to tolerate practically anything given what would soon be happening. Jacob was important to Charlotte who was helping to make the impossible a reality. He was not intruding. He was welcome. There were no snide comments, no wrinkled noses and no dog jokes from any of them. And though it seemed Jake had a bit more difficulty, he behaved as well. I was both pleased with and proud of them all. And for once, though neither of my biological parents was with me, I felt utterly complete. I had my family – though the number of people that term now included was doubled – and I had my best friend. My world had finally become what I dreamed, what my bracelet represented. It was wonderful. I just need to add a pirate charm now, I thought.

"So Bella, we should probably tell them all what we learned," Aunt Elizabeth's voice drew me from my happy musings.

I swallowed and nodded. It's not that I dreaded the solution or carrying it out, I just didn't want to see Edward upset again. She pulled me over to sit beside her on the couch. I think she understood my hesitation and wanted to offer support.

"Well…" I began, my voice sounding small even to me. "Basically she, that is, Calypso – the sea goddess?" I paused for confirmation and my biological family nodded. "She said she was helping because we had proven ourselves worthy and we were all pure of heart," I looked at Edward when I said that. He did not look convinced, so I plunged ahead. "She implied that if I were to be changed, I would be able to block not just my mind but yours as well. Um, so, we have to trigger that ability."

Edward was staring at me, much as he had on my first day at Forks High. He wasn't growling or snarling or pacing, but he wasn't speaking either. He only stared and I found myself unable to continue explaining. His silence was worse than an overreaction.

To my great surprise, Rosalie asked the question on everyone's mind, "So we would have to put you through that?" She shook her head sounding hesitant and pained, as if it hurt to think about putting me through the hell that was becoming a vampire. They all looked averse to that option.

"No. Sorry," I finally managed, not fully understanding why this was so difficult. It was worse than telling them I wanted to learn to swing dance. Unlike my fiancé, my siblings-to-be visibly relaxed.

Esme frowned in confusion, "For what, dear?"

"For not saying that in the first place and worrying you unnecessarily."

Alice rolled her eyes. "Yes, you have something to be sorry about," she said sarcastically. "Do you hear yourself talk, Bella? That's just silly!"

I blushed and looked at my feet. "She said that before I drink the water, we have to mix it with venom. That will trigger whatever ability I might have had. There's more to it. She said that in order to make sure that it worked, I would have to share my blood with you all in some way once you're human again. I don't really understand that last bit, but she said we had all we need. So…" my voice trailed off.

My cousins seemed unfazed by any of that. James shrugged and spoke, probably for all of them, "So we need to figure out what that means. No big deal. We've got resources. If Calypso said we have everything we need then it's not like there are missing pieces of the puzzle. Let's put them together."

Edward was still staring at me, his expression unreadable. He wasn't livid – his eyes were still beautifully golden. Then, very deliberately, he gave a small nod, his eyes widening slightly, one eyebrow raising. I didn't think anyone saw the movement but me, but I could be very wrong about that assessment. I thought about what it could mean. If I had given him that look, it would have meant 'I'll tell you later, please don't push.' I hoped that was what Edward meant, but recognized the real possibility that it wasn't.

"I don't know if the blood bond needs to be as complicated as it sounds," Uncle Will offered. "The goddess chooses her words carefully and it seemed to me that even a tenuous connection like one Bella and Elizabeth share would be enough."

Abby looked concerned, "But we don't want to risk anything. We should be thorough."

"Bella suggested two options on the beach, ranging from a more symbolic sharing like children do to make themselves 'blood siblings' or more concrete like a transfusion," Aunt Elizabeth added.

"But even a transfusion would be temporary," Carlisle countered in full doctor-mode. "If this needs to be more than symbolic, I doubt it would be enough."

Rosalie looked thoughtful, "What about a bone marrow transplant?" I'd forgotten she'd been to medical school too.

"That might be more what we're looking for," he nodded in agreement.

Liam winced. "Don't those hurt a lot?"

I bit back my response of 'it doesn't matter.' I didn't want to upset Edward again when he was staying so calm.

"Not if performed properly with the correct anesthesia," Edward spoke for the first time since we entered the house.

"But we don't know if that's necessary," Esme added. Certainly she trusted their medical knowledge and expertise, but I'm sure she didn't want me to have to go through something unnecessarily.

There was quiet for a moment as we all tried to work the problem out in our heads.

"Well how are we supposed to know?" Kate finally asked.

"Alice?" Jake began sounding a little uncomfortable with his position in a house full of vampires.

"What?" she seemed somewhat surprised that he had used her name rather than a epithet and that he was addressing her.

"You can't see because of me? Because I'm around?"

"Right."

"And changing decisions changes what you can see?"

"That is correct."

He shrugged, "What if I do this?"

Nothing that I could see changed at all, but suddenly Alice's face lit up and she clapped her hands together. "Perfect. Thank you! But you don't have to leave. Just go sit over there and decide to stay there indefinitely and things will be great."

Jake did as she asked and made himself comfortable on the floor outside the door to the kitchen.

"Start making decisions and I'll tell you what works," Alice directed authoritatively. "I would start small. Bella, what do you think?"

"I'm willing to do anything we've discussed," I asserted. "Or anything we come up with later, so long as we agree it's necessary." I added that last part to try to appease Edward. I think he understood what I meant and that I wouldn't be making the decision on my own. I was genuinely trying to follow the rules we'd established for ourselves.

They went through each option slowly, allowing Alice to check on them all.

"The only sure thing is the bone marrow transplant," she finally said. "The others have varying degrees of success, and that includes changing her and visiting Italy."

I fought the instinct to respond immediately, waiting for the others to comment. They all looked to be in agreement, even Edward.

"That seems reasonable to me. But I'm not entirely thrilled with the general anesthesia part of it," he said to Carlisle. "If you were in charge I would feel better."

Carlisle nodded, "I could probably even arrange for you to assist if you would like."

"That would be helpful, yes."

Alice closed her eyes again. "That works out."

"Then," I asked hesitantly, "It's settled?"

Before Edward could respond, Jasper spoke up. "Bella, I know you're afraid of making Edward mad again, but if you could try to relax, I'd appreciate it. He's not upset right now, if that helps."

"Besides, it's almost inevitable that he'll get mad again," Emmett added with a mischievous grin. "After all, it is Edward."

Rosalie nodded, "It certainly doesn't take much."

"When you say things like 'at what d' you expect?" Uncle Jack smirked.

"You know, he probably doesn't like it when you talk about him like he's not in the room," Jake offered from his position near the kitchen.

Edward had a pinched look on his face as he tolerated their teasing. "Are you all quite finished with the verbal sniping? I assure you, your thoughts are bad enough."

Aunt Elizabeth ignored all of them and asked, "So this will work then?"

Alice nodded enthusiastically.

"Do we have to worry about any of the typical complications or side effects?" Carlisle questioned. "Veno-occlusive disease? Mucositis? GVHD?"

"No, no, and no. I assume it has to do with the combination of the fact that we aren't trying to destroy existing bone marrow, no one is sick to begin with, and the fountain."

"And you won't have to be concerned about the Volturi?" Uncle Will queried.

"I see them looking for us and unable to find us. As long as we disappear whenever they send someone for us, we'll be fine."

Emmett looked confused, "How will we know when to disappear, Alice?"

"We keep our abilities," she responded simply. "That's why it will work as long as we can get Bella's to manifest. She would have been able to project the same kind of shield her mind has over others as well. So when I see them coming, we'll leave and she'll be able to shield us. The blood connection we have to create between us all will make it easier for her. Less strenuous and more sustainable."

"Oh."

I didn't know how to feel about that. Part of me was pleased that I would be able to help protect my family. Part of me was terrified of that responsibility. They would all be counting on me. What if I failed? What if I couldn't shield them and the Volturi killed us? Worse, what if I couldn't shield everyone and only some of us died? How would the rest treat me? How would I be able to live with the guilt? Alice's visions weren't perfect. Something horrible could certainly happen. With me in the equation, something horrible occurring was not only possible, but likely.

Of course Jasper knew I was reacting emotionally to that idea. And since Jasper knew, Edward knew. He gave me another strange look.

"So we have a plan then," Abby affirmed. "What's the next step?

They discussed the necessity of some kind of water feature on the Cullen's land. The river that ran along the back was not a good choice because it would effect the environment, turning fish and animals and other things immortal as well. Apparently Edward decided we did not need to be present for this conversation because he stood and walked toward me.

"May I have a moment?" he asked me quietly, sounding oddly formal, even for him. The others continued talking, not distracted by his movement.

I nodded and let him lead me upstairs, far from prying ears, though that did little good.

"Bella, are you alright?" his voice slid over my senses like velvet, even after all this time.

I took a deep breath and nodded again.

He didn't believe me, and for good reason. I didn't believe me either. I wasn't 'alright.'

"Jasper said you were terrified just now. Why?"

I sank down to his couch, sighing and biting my lip. "Because while I've dreamed of being able to protect our family the way you all protect me, the idea of being responsible for everyone's well being is overwhelming. What happens if I can't control this shield properly? What happens if it fails when we most need it? What happens if someone dies because I'm not good enough to keep you all safe?"

"Bella," he whispered, taking me into his arms. "That won't happen, love."

"How do you know?" I asked softly. "Alice's visions aren't perfect. One tiny decision and everything could fail. I could lose one of you. And then I would have to spend an eternity not only looking into everyone else's faces, but dealing with my own guilt. I'm a danger magnet. Something horrible is bound to happen."

"We will find a way," he assured me. "Aro still wants Alice and me. If all else fails, we can use that knowledge to bargain for the rest of you. We'll let him change us again if we have to, so long as he lets you all go free. And bear in mind that is the worst-case scenario. But do you remember how confidant Alice was that you would become a vampire?"

"Yes."

"The visions she has of this working are much stronger than even those were."

"Those changed," my voice was so soft a human might have missed my words. "I'm not going to be a vampire."

He tucked my head against his chest and rested his cheek on my hair. "Even with Alice around it is impossible to know the future, love. We have to have a little faith, I suppose. What happened to refusing to bet against her?"

As I tried to formulate a clear response, tried to put my emotions into words, he trailed his icy fingers up and down my arm and back. "This seems too good to be true."

"My Bella, everything about my life with you seems too good to be true," he declared.

"Why were you laughing when we first arrived?" I asked. "You said you'd tell me."

He smiled again at the memory, his perfect features looking even more radiant. "Charlotte was thinking that she didn't care if she was human, if any one of us did anything to Jacob she would 'do something about it'."

I smiled at that thought too. "I guess I'll never be able to beat Emmett at arm wrestling for you," I suddenly remembered my promise.

"Don't think twice about that, sweetheart," he was nuzzling the top of my head.

I let the silence stretch for a few moments before I couldn't wait any longer. "What was that look you gave me downstairs?"

"When?" I had a feeling he was stalling.

"After I explained the solution."

Very gently, Edward took my face in his hands and looked into my eyes. "The idea that even in some small way we'll share both venom and blood… it means we'll be bonded together on yet another level. I like it."

When he leaned down to kiss me sweetly, all of my troubles faded. All that mattered was my love for Edward and his for me.