Hey guys!!
Let me just say...Oh my God! haha Thank you for all your reviews people they made me very happy!! :)
Also guys.. I've just realized I made a huge mistakee!! Lizzie said she was 42 in chapter 8.. well, she's not! that's just vampire years, she's 60! (42 +18) I'll fix it later!!
Here's the next chapter.. Alice is back!! :) Hope you enjoy!!
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, Stephenie Meyer does!
I began to pace near the driveway, for I could no longer stay put, sitting on the front steps of the house. Recent events had gotten the best of me, and I had to admit, Lizzie had one hell of a right hook.
Once I was done watching my brother and Lizzie's brawl, I looked into Edward's future, just to make sure he'd get home safely. It was only after I'd eased my worry that I took the time to process the things happening around me.
I felt as if my head was going overdrive with everyone's issues and emotions flying around. I wasn't surprised Jasper was so moody these days.
Jasper, I thought sadly.
I sighed, shaking my head. Edward just couldn't learn to shut his big mouth. First, hurting Jasper by pointing out his guilt over Bella's death, and then going off and picking up a fight with Lizzie. Despite the fact that I liked her, I wasn't going to say she held back, because she sure didn't. But I guess she was in her rights after having Edward lash out at her like that. Besides, I was touched by what she said about my family, and maybe that was exactly what Edward needed to hear to finally change his ways.
I stopped pacing and glanced at the house, Jasper would be coming down any minute now. It was always like this. Whenever he wanted to be left alone for a while I'd give him his space, and once he was ready, he'd come looking for me. I paced some more before hearing his approach, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the silent morning.
"Hey," I said, giving him a quick peck on the lips.
"Hey," he replied, a smile on his face.
"Are you okay Jazz?" I asked him concerned.
"Sure, I'm fine," he answered.
"He's really sorry you know," I told him.
"Yeah, I know he is," Jasper replied, tiredly.
I frowned and stared deep into his captivating eyes, searching for any trace of pain. After a fraction of a second, I found it. I was about point it out, but he beat me to the punch.
"Love, don't worry about it," he said softly, caressing my cheek.
"How can I not?" I argued placing my hand over his.
He sighed. "Alice, I can't let it go," he said, "If I hadn't lounged for Bella, we wouldn't have left" his voice anguished, "And maybe none of this would've happened, and you'd have your best friend with you,"
I felt as if my heart was being constricted, as I heard the desperation hiding behind Jasper's voice. Because I knew that no matter what I told him, he wasn't going to listen. Still, I had to try.
"Jasper, honey, I don't think you should blame…" I trailed off when I heard someone else coming out of the trees, and felt Jasper tense up. Must be Edward, I thought, turning around, but he wasn't supposed to come until later, had he changed his mind?
"Lizzie?" I exclaimed, surprised she'd come this way after her little dispute with my pain struck sibling.
"Hey Alice, Jasper," she nodded to both of us. I noticed her anxiously glancing around, looking nervous.
"He's not here," I said, thinking she might be looking for Edward.
"What?" she asked, perplexed.
"Edward," I simply said.
"What makes you say I was looking for him?"
I lifted one eyebrow, hoping she'd catch on.
Understanding flashed across her features, "Oh, you saw that," she stated.
I nodded.
"Saw what?" Jasper asked me.
"Lizzie and Edward had a disagreement and…" I shot Lizzie a glance, unsure of what she wanted me to say.
"I sort of hit him," she continued.
"You sort of hit him?" Jasper asked slowly.
"Ok, I punched him," she confessed.
Jasper's brows shot up but I intervened before he could say anything, "He was asking for it," I defended Lizzie. And it was true, even if Lizzie had said something to hurt him, it was nothing compared to what he threw back at her.
"Alice," he started, giving me a stare, I stared back, my eyes begging him to go along with just this once. He sighed, giving in.
"Was there something you needed?" he politely asked Lizzie.
"No, no, I was just…I was running around aimlessly and ended up here," she said. "I'll just go," she added taking a step back, but then stopping altogether. She glanced at Jasper, looking torn. It seemed like she wanted to speak her mind, but something was making her hesitate. I didn't need to mull things over to know what. Jasper's hostile attitude was enough for any other vampire to keep its distance.
"Is there anything else you wanted to say?" he asked, making an effort to stay polite.
"Look, I know it's none of my business," she began, after summoning enough courage, "But I couldn't help but overhear you guys talking just now," I saw Jasper's fists clench and I gently squeezed his forearm, "I wanted to say something, if you don't mind," she eyed Jasper, waiting for his permission.
What are you doing Elizabeth? I thought, as Jasper gave her a curt nod.
"Jasper," she said, "Alice told me what happened forty two years ago; the day Bella turned eighteen. Now, you're an empath," she carried on.
"What does that have to do with any of it?" Jasper interrupted.
But Lizzie continued as if he hadn't said anything, "And I've been thinking, hasn't it ever occurred to you, that maybe it wasn't only your own thirst that you felt that day, but everyone else's too?" she asked him.
I gasped in realization, how did we not think about this sooner? I saw Jasper's eyes widen, finally seeing things from a different perspective now that new light had been shed in the matter. His posture relaxed, and he looked like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
Oh I loved this girl! I thought; an enormous grin etched on my face. No matter what anyone said about her! Finally he could stop blaming himself for everything! Finally he could be happy again!
Lizzie noticed the changes in Jasper and smiled at my husband, "I'm pretty positive that's what happened all those years ago. I don't think any vampire's resolve is strong enough to resist the draw of human blood in that situation, not when it's feeling six other vampire's bloodlust as well as his own.
"Also, you don't strike me as someone who would attack anyone dear to your family," she said, "Even if pushed by your instincts. It was just bad luck. And from what I've gathered, if Bella were here, she probably wouldn't hold you responsible for anything. I know I wouldn't," she said with a carefree shrug, though her eyes were glued to Jasper's and were bright with the most sincere honesty.
"Why are you doing this?" Jasper asked her.
"I just don't think you should beat yourself up because of something that was out of your control," she answered, "That's all,"
"Thank you," he whispered.
"You're welcome," she whispered back.
I turned to Jasper and hugged him tightly, he returned my hug and let out a small laugh, filled with relief.
"Well," I heard Lizzie say, "I'd better go now; I'll see you soon," she said waving goodbye.
I turned to her and debated whether or not I should tell her to stay. I was still a little shaken about our previous conversation, and I didn't know what to make of her strange behavior. I wanted to talk to her and clear things up. But one look at Jasper's radiant face, and I knew I wanted to be with him right then. Everything else could wait.
"Take care," I said, "Come by this afternoon! Bring Anna with you!" I called out to her as she faded away into the early mist.
"So…" I said, stretching the word and eying Jasper.
"So…what?" he smiled.
"Jazz,"
"Oh, all right," he said, "She's not that bad,"
"See, that wasn't so hard now was it?" I smirked.
He laughed out loud, picking me up in his arms, and kissing me tenderly, "Oh Alice, what did I ever do to deserve you?" he asked turning serious, his loving eyes gazing into my very soul.
I felt my dead heart swell with happiness, as I got lost in my husband's adoring gaze. I remembered having asked myself that same question hundreds of times, 'What had I done to deserve him?' I chuckled, I hadn't come up with an answer to that question yet, and I didn't know how to answer his, so instead I said: "I love you," grinning, before leaning in and kissing him deeply. He kissed me back; putting everything he had into that single kiss.
"I love you too," he whispered between kisses.
"Alice!" came another voice.
I sighed, annoyed at the interruption, and glanced in the voice's direction.
"Edward?" I said as Jasper put me down, "What is it now?"
He came to a stop in front of us, and after taking a deep breath, he addressed Jasper.
"I'm so sorry Jasper," he said, "What I said back there, it was uncalled for. I'm truly sorry," he said one more time.
"It's okay Edward, I should've known I was pushing it too hard," he said, accepting his apology, and then offering one of his own, "I'm sorry if I hurt you too,"
"So are we okay?" Edward asked.
"We're okay," said Jasper.
"Alice!" Esme's voice called out, "Come on inside! I want to talk to you!" she said. I sighed, why couldn't I enjoy some time alone with my husband? I thought, irritated.
I heard Edward chuckle lightly at my thoughts and I shot him a glare.
"Edward!" Sabrina exclaimed in her annoying voice, "You're home! I've been waiting for you!"
I saw Edward's smile disappear and his expression turned to one of dismay. I was laughing on the inside.
Good luck with that, I thought sarcastically with a mocking smile, taking Jasper's hand and leading him to the kitchen, where Esme was waiting.
"Very funny Alice," I heard Edward mutter under his breath as Sabrina came out of nowhere and tackled him.
"Hello Esme," I greeted her as we walked into the kitchen.
"Hello Alice, how was your trip?" she asked, a warm smile on her face.
"It was great," I replied, "We had a really good time," I said, purposefully not mentioning the fact that I felt as if I'd just taken Bella out shopping. She didn't need to hear that.
"I'm glad honey," she said.
"Alice," she said after a pause, "Will Lizzie and her friend be joining us tonight?"
"I think they will, yes," I said.
"That's good," she smiled, "I like her, and I'd like to get to know her friend, though," she paused, and something like worry flickered in her eyes, "Rosalie told me she wasn't a vegetarian," she said.
"We won't have to worry about that Esme, I checked up on her, and she'll be careful," I had indeed looked into her future, and she wouldn't cause any trouble with the humans, which reminded me. "In fact, I think she might even join us for a hunting trip soon enough," I added as an afterthought.
Esme appeared delighted at the news of another vampire converting to our lifestyle, but even so, she frowned at me questioningly. She wanted to know what would push Anna to become a vegetarian.
I just smiled at her and said nothing. I wasn't sure it would happen, so until then, I'd keep what I'd seen to myself for a while.
"You wanted us to go get that painting you liked right?" I asked Esme before she could, knowing that's what she was about to do. "The one Lizzie made?"
"Yes, honey," she replied, "Could you and Jasper go downtown and get it for me? I'd go myself but, your father wanted to talk; it seemed important," she said.
"Sure," Jasper said, "'It's no trouble Esme,"
"Thank you," she said to us both, "Here's the money," she said, fishing out a closed envelope from her purse on the table, and handing it to me, "Tell the old lady I said 'hi' and 'thank you'" she told me.
"Sure will mom," I said, "Let's go Jazz," I prompted him as I started to walk away. I made for the keys to my Porsche but he stopped me halfway.
"I'll drive," he smiled.
"Aw Jazz," I pouted.
"Not gonna fall for it love," he chanted, deliberately not looking at me. "Besides, the painting won't fit inside the car, we'll need the Jeep; and you hate driving the Jeep,"
I sighed defeated, he was right indeed; I hated to drive that thing.
"Okay, you won this time" I said giving him a quick kiss "Congrats," I said, before waltzing to the Jeep. He caught up fast, a huge smile on his face, and got the door for me. In the blink of an eye, he was on the other side, revving the engine to life with a roar. Jasper chuckled quietly and I rolled my eyes, as we drove away.
We parked in front of the gallery and got inside just as the nice old lady was descending the stairs on our left.
"Oh! Alice dear," she exclaimed raising her hands, "You came back. Does this mean you'll be getting that beautiful piece?" she asked, her questioning eyes were big and round behind her thick glasses.
"Yes, it does," I smiled, taking out the small envelope with the money.
"Wonderful!" she said, "I'll have someone take it down for you," she paused, "Would you like us to ship it home? Or would you rather take it with you right now?" she asked, making her way to the counter.
"We'll take it with us," Jasper answered.
"Splendid," she said, "Just wait a moment and the guys will help you load it," she said.
As if on cue, two burly humans that appeared to be in their early twenties came down, carrying the 4x2 wrapped painting. I handed Jasper the money and he gave me the keys. I motioned for the guys to follow and they nodded and did as they were told.
They both accommodated the painting and secured it to the Jeep with a few ropes and knots. I noticed them flexing their arms on purpose whenever they passed close to were I was standing. I rolled my eyes, as if I would fall for some muscles when I had my Jasper.
"I think that'll do boys," I heard my husband say, as he came to a stop by my side, put his arm around my waist and kissed me in front of the two humans. They lifted their eyebrows and climbed down.
"Run along, Peter, Bobby," the old lady said, clapping her hands.
"Yeah," they both grumbled, hurrying inside.
"Thank you, for everything," I said, shaking the woman's hand. "My mother sends her best, she wished she could've come, but she was…busy," I added.
"Oh no, thank you my dear," she said, "Tell your mom I said hi,"
"I will," I promised.
With that she bid us goodbye and returned to the gallery.
"We better head back," Jasper said.
"Yeah, we…wait," I said, squinting my eyes. I caught a glimpse of red and noticed Anna racing down the street, coming after Lizzie, "Look," I told Jasper.
"Mmm, you think it'd be wise to follow them?" he asked, as they met up and started towards a more crowded area.
"Maybe…" I trailed off, my feet moving on their own, picking up the pace as the two of them threatened to disappear. I heard Jasper following close behind me. We were careful enough to avoid bumping into the humans and we kept our distance from the girls.
I knew what we were doing was wrong. An invasion of privacy. But I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. If they thought they were alone, they'd talk freely, and maybe I'd learn something more about Lizzie, something she wasn't so intent on sharing with us, despite the fact that she'd recently admitted to liking us.
They slowed down as they neared the busiest zone at noon in this town. They were arguing.
"Lizzie! Wait, I'm sorry!" Anna exclaimed.
"Sorry? You're sorry?" Lizzie countered, turning around abruptly. "Anna, you don't know the meaning of that word!"
"What? Of course I do!"
"No," Lizzie replied stretching the word, "You don't!" she said, "Ever since I've known you, you've never once asked for forgiveness, Anna, and that's okay, you know, actually it was one of the things that made me want to be your friend in the first place," she said, "You were always confident and sure about everything you did, that's why you never sought forgiveness from anyone, because you knew you had done the right thing. I always admired that trait of yours. Back when it didn't involve any of my friends!"
"Lizzie, please," Anna said, "I didn't want you to find out this way, and I didn't mean for it to happen, it just did," she said, gesturing helplessly with her hands, her face showing true remorse.
What happened?
"Anna. Human and vampire relationships don't work," she stated to low for human ears, her voice dead cold.
"It doesn't have to be that way. Even so, who said I wanted a relationship?"
"Anna, I may be a lot of things, but I'm no fool. I saw you on that coffee shop, both of you, the looks you gave each other… I know that look Anna, I've been there… twice," she sighed, "I just don't want you to get hurt, neither of you and I promised myself I wouldn't let anything happen to Bryan for as long as I lived,"
I frowned, twice? Well, she did say she'd been heartbroken, that means she'd been in love before.
"I won't hurt him," Anna said, steel in her voice, her eyes bright with determination.
"I hope you don't," Lizzie said softly, though her eyes were hard, a silent warning for her friend.
"He misses you," Anna whispered.
"Me too," she said, closing her eyes for a moment.
"You should talk to him,"
"No," she shook her head.
"Why ever not?" Anna asked, "Elizabeth you–"
"I'm no good for him," she opened her eyes.
"Lizzie, if this is about what happened with Jason and in La–"
"Anna!" Lizzie cut her off, letting out a quiet growl.
"All right! All right! I won't say it! I'm just telling you, you can't blame what happened on yourself!" she said, raising her voice, and taking Lizzie by the shoulders.
"That place was burned to the ground because of me," said Lizzie, her voice deadly.
"It wasn't your fault, you did everything you could,"
"It was me they wanted Anna, they had no business with them," Lizzie replied calmly.
Anna suddenly let go of her, and sighed, looking tired. "Someday," she said, "I'm going to make you forgive yourself,"
Poor Lizzie, I was right, there was something she wasn't telling us, and it wasn't pretty.
"You wanted to talk to me about something," Lizzie said, changing the topic.
Anna shook her head but followed Lizzie's lead anyways, "Aro's put a price on your head," she stated.
"What?"
What?
"What can I say? I guess if he can't have you, he wants to make sure no one else does," she shrugged.
Lizzie just shook her head disbelievingly, muttering "After all these years…why?"
Anna eyed her worryingly, "Because he's got a lead,"
Her comment made Lizzie's eyes shot in her direction.
"He wants you alive though, I've heard it's you or–"
But I never heard what Anna wanted to say, because at that moment the sound of loud screeching tires exploded in my ears and I winced, turning to the source. In just fractions of a second, I saw and heard how a small black car collided with a truck on the intersection, and became crushed by the impact. I watched helplessly as the man driving the car flew out the windshield and rolled on the pavement. Everything stopped for a second before more crashes followed, and honks blared.
I stood there, agape and motionless when I heard a low snarl. It shook me out of my state, and for a moment I feared Jasper's control could be wavering. But it wasn't Jasper. It took me a second to notice the smell of blood in the air, and another one to see Lizzie firmly grasping Anna's free hand –for the other was covering her mouth and nose– and pulling her away from the site. I caught a glimpse at Anna's tortured expression as she let herself be dragged away by her friend and I felt myself pitying her, I hoped she'd be okay.
"Alice," came Jasper's restrained voice, "Let's get out of here,"
I agreed in a heartbeat and we retraced our footsteps back to the gallery, were the Jeep was waiting. We got inside and sat there, taking a while to recover.
"That was close," I said.
"Much too close," replied Jasper.
"Maybe we shouldn't have gone eavesdropping," I told him, turning to look at him.
"Maybe, but it was worth it, wasn't it?" he asked.
"Worth it?" I asked in turn, waiting for him to elaborate further.
"Yes, now we know I was right," he started, "She can bring harm to this family by her being here," he said.
I should've seen this coming. Hadn't he just said she wasn't that bad?
"Jasper–"
"No, Alice. Didn't you hear what Anna said back there? Aro's looking for her, who's to say he won't hurt us when he finds her?" Jasper said.
"Jasper, I'm not going to leave her to fend for herself!" I exclaimed.
"We have to confront her about this,"
"And say what? Jasper?" I argued, " 'Hey Liz! We were eavesdropping on you the other day, why don't you tell us a bit more about the fact that Aro's searching for you?' " I said sarcasm dripping from my voice.
"If you won't tell her, I will," he said.
I sighed, "I'll tell her," Jasper's posture immediately relaxed, "When I think it's the right time," I finished. He was unhappy at my words but said nothing. I looked into the near future and saw he'd respect my wishes as long as I didn't take too long.
"Thank you," I said. He just nodded and with quick movements started the Jeep and left the parking lot.
The first thing I noticed once we were home, was Lizzie's car, parked on the driveway, next I saw her and Edward talking just a few feet away. The wind carried their voices to me and I could distinguish a heartfelt apology, from Edward. Lizzie also apologized and they both smiled. Good, they'd worked out their issues.
Jasper called out Emmett and he was there within a couple of seconds, helping him to untie the knots holding the painting in place. Edward and Lizzie saw us and approached us and Esme was soon out of the house, making her way towards our small group.
"This way, I have the perfect spot," she said, going back inside.
Emmett carefully lifted the painting and followed Esme, the rest of us close behind.
"Here," said Esme, pointing to the blank wall behind the couch in the living room.
Emmett nodded and tore the wrapping paper to reveal the painting underneath. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lizzie's eyes widen. My brother hung it up and then stepped back to appreciate the view.
Elizabeth took a step forward and stared at the painting she'd made. I could only guess what was going through her mind right then.
"That's a very nice piece you made there," Esme told her.
"You made it?" asked Edward.
Lizzie just nodded her head.
Just then the front door opened. Everyone took his or her eyes off the painting to stare at the newcomer, and Rosalie, Sabrina and Carlisle came downstairs to see what was going on.
"Liz," Anna said breathing heavily, "Your apartment just went up in flames,"
Kind of a cliffie! :)
Thank you for reading guys!! Tell me what you think!
