Chapter 12- Homecoming
Now that I had my wish and the two weeks sped by I would give anything to turn two weeks back. I was dreading going to the dance. Even though everyone else around me was thrilled.
I decided to spend most of my two weeks at home except for practicing with Alice last weekend as I promised. I thought I could breath easier when Phillip Chase was the first person to ask me to the dance. I thought he was going to die from a heart attack when he received an uncontested 'yes'.
I didn't even have to tell Alice my date for the dance. She had already seen who asked me, and was excited by my choice. Ness was just as thrilled, thinking of some long winded romance fantasy in her head. Such a hopeless romantic.
I got into my Infiniti and headed towards the Cullen house. I was dreading the moment so much that I drove well below the speed limit all the way there. Jacob and Seth's flight came in two days ago and I had been successfully able to postpone the meet for the entire two days. I didn't see how I would be able to avoid it today though. Whether they liked me or not I only had to grit my teeth through the night. I could hang out at my house until they left on Monday morning.
Jasper would be bringing Phillip to the Cullen house and we would all be taking my SUV together. Edward seemed smug about the fact that the four of us wouldn't fit comfortably in his two door Vanquish. I tried several times to duck out of the night but despite my best efforts I was on my way with straightened hair for my appointment with Alice.
When I got there I walked slowly up the driveway. Alice opened the door and sprinted down the paved path, pulling me up over her shoulder, and literally carrying me up the stairs just as fast. I heard the laughs of Emmett and Edward as I passed.
She sat me in a chair in her workspace and began hefting and parting my hair in different spots. She took large rollers and began rolling them into my hair.
"Alice, what was the point of me straightening my hair if you were just going to curl it when I got here?" I complained thinking about the two hour process that I went through in my bathroom.
"Your curls are pretty but I think that thicker barrel curls will go with the dress." She took another three inch roller and clipped it in my hair. It took twenty minutes even with Alice's quick hands, to cover my hair in the rollers.
"Your face is flawless so we don't need to put makeup on you." Rosalie acknowledged as she guided Renesmee into the chair next to me. Alice and Rosalie seamlessly switched positions as Alice started straightening Ness's hair. "I am going to give you some lipstick with a nice hint of color though."
"Where's Jacob?" Ness asked impatiently.
"They will be here shortly, not that it will matter, I will work on him downstairs when he gets here." Alice stated running the straighter through Ness's hair again.
I could hear the sound of the door opening downstairs.
"Jacob is here," Rosalie said frowning up her face. I didn't understand the reason behind the face but I continued to look in the mirror.
"Ok, can you get them dressed while I go work on Jacob?" Alice asked in a hurried tone.
"Yes I can finish up here." Rosalie promised as Alice ran downstairs.
I could hear a deep voice groaning and complaining downstairs and another voice I didn't recognize laughing along with what sounded like Jasper and Edward.
"I don't need a haircut Alice!" I heard the deep voice groan.
"You aren't going to be on Nessie's arm looking like a shaggy dog." I could hear Alice teasing.
"Looks like you have to just tough through it bro," the other voice sided with Alice, I guessed that was Seth.
"Jacob it will grow back in a week I don't know why you are complaining." Bella's voice was the quietest. I could tell that she still wasn't thrilled with him taking her to homecoming.
"It's only a few inches." Edward's voice still seemed amused.
"Here you go," Rosalie handed Ness and I each a garment bag, snapping me back to attention, "Go behind the dividers and slide into them, come out and I'll zip you up." I mentally groaned as I went behind the divider. I slid into my dress and walked out for Rosalie to help zip me up.
I looked at myself in the three way mirror. I had to admit I looked nice in the dark purple silk fit and flare dress, it was snug until just below the hips where it flared out slightly. The jeweled one shoulder strap looked gorgeous and matched the beaded accent on the side of my hip all the way to the end of the floor length dress. I liked the dress, it was just really binding. I slid my feet into the peony colored stiletto sandals and I felt like I was an accident waiting to happen even though I knew I had the balance.
I turned to look at Ness and my mouth fell open. She was wearing an ivory shirred bodice dress with a sweetheart neckline, the Grecian draped bottom flowed to the floor and was accented by an ivory pearled waist. I was jealous, her hair was up off of her neck in a perfect bun and soft curls around her face.
"What do you think?" she smiled looking at her finished product in the mirror. Rosalie was already taking a thousand pictures.
"No fair," I complained, "why does she get the elegant flowing number and I have to wear this? I'm afraid to walk, I'll probably rip it if my stride goes to wide." Rosalie laughed as she handed Ness her diamond jewelry.
"It's important that the snug part of your dress is longer before it flairs out. It makes you look taller, plus Nessie is already tall." Alice said reentering the room.
"Is Jacob dressed?" Ness asked Alice excited.
"Yes he is, and he's downstairs on the couch with Phillip waiting until we send you down." She stated flatly.
"Wait Phillip is here?" I didn't hear him come in.
"Yes he is down there with the boys looking great, surprisingly without my help. Jasper picked him up ten minutes ago. He's nervous I can tell but he looks great." I could hear a smile in her voice.
She took out the rollers in my hair as Rosalie put my jewelry on. I wore an emerald necklace and earrings. They matched my eyes perfectly. I was fidgeting with my dress while they finished me up and I realized that I was nervous. Why was I nervous?
"I can't do this Alice, look at me." I whispered.
"I am looking at you, you look amazing, now hold still. I have to get your bangs just right." She played with my bang in different places and finally decided to just swoop it above my eye and pin it back.
"No way your getting out of this Asima, we are going." Ness said walking over to me.
"No, no, you don't understand." I said in a hushed whisper.
"What's wrong Asima." Rosalie asked me fixing my dress and forcing my hands from causing the silk to wrinkle.
"I've never been on a date before." I whispered in a really low voice.
"What?" Ness asked in disbelief, "You have met and killed hundreds of vampires and your scared of a date with a boy?" She was biting her bottom lip to keep from laughing, even though Rosalie and Alice were already giggling.
"Awe…" Alice let out a soft coo. "JASPER!" she yelled towards the downstairs. I was sure it was more for acting human around Phillip because everyone in the house could have heard her if she spoke normal.
I could hear Jasper tell the others he would be back before he walked normal pace to the top of the stairs. He used inhuman speed down the hallway and was in the doorway. "Yes Alice," He looked at Nessie and then at me.
"I need you to work your magic please. This is Asima's first date and she's a little nervous and I'm sure that Nessie could use some calming as well."
I could see him fighting back a smile but I couldn't make myself be pissed enough to say something smart. I took a few deep breaths and I was fine.
"Ok... Lets do this before I change my mind."
Alice and Rosalie took more pictures of us together before heading downstairs. Alice made us wait at the top of the stairs as she took more pictures of Jacob and Phillip.
"Your dates gentlemen," Rosalie introduced.
I could hear audible and mental gasps as we walked down the stairs. Emmett gave me a quick thumbs up and winked. Edward and Bella couldn't take their eyes off of Ness as she walked down the stairs. If their bodies were physically able to cry I know that they would.
"Oh you both look lovely," Esme cried wrapping her arms around both of us at the same time.
Oh my god, she is beautiful. What do I say? What do I do? Come on feet work this is it. Oh the corsage! "Hey Asima, you look beautiful." Phillip complimented.
"Thank you" I said bashfully holding my head down.
There was a brief silence as we looked at each other.
Oh crap corsage, get it together Phillip. "I guess I should put this on you," He smiled holding up the purple orchid.
I put my left hand up for him to put it on, then I heard a mental jolt, Other hand Asima, you're right handed. You want people to see it don't you? It was Alice. I switched my hands quickly and he slid it on my wrist.
"It's pretty thank you."
"Your welcome."
Alice walked by and handed me a boutonnière. I pinned the flower to his jacket before I was bombarded by pictures again.
"Asima I want you to meet Jacob." Ness pulled me over to him.
"Hi Jacob, nice to meet you." I smiled. He had to be nearly seven feet tall because he towered over my five foot two inch frame. He wore an ivory colored suit and black vest. His hair was neatly slicked into a ponytail. When I looked at him I was easily reminded of my brother Azeem. After he went through the transfiguring process he grew as tall and muscular.
"Nice to meet you too Asima." This is the dangerous one? She can't be that much stronger than Nessie. She doesn't smell as gross as the rest of you blood-suckers, if she becomes a problem let me know.
I assumed he was talking to Edward. He doesn't know that I can hear him does he? I asked Edward while still smiling and taking pictures.
Not unless Nessie told him, but from the sounds of it no. He was still smiling looking at Ness. He had the same look that I would imagine every father has when their daughter was growing up and going to a dance.
We were bombarded by more pictures as a group. I could feel Phillip's nerves as he wrapped his arm around my waist. It felt comfortable to me.
I don't like the way he's touching her. It should be me on her arm. She's too beautiful for him. Like a flower or something… no something more rare than that…. Like a red diamond. That's it. The rarest , shiniest, diamond… Why is his arm still there, the pictures are over?…
I frowned as I heard the thoughts, not looking away from the cameras and my date.
"Oh and I almost forgot Seth, you need to meet Seth too." She said pulling us from the pictures again and over to the tall stranger. He towered over me by at least a foot. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. His hair was cut shorter than Jacob. He was almost as muscular but still had a young face. He couldn't have been any older than twenty-one. He was looking at me strangely as I walked over. Like a dear caught in headlights just before you run it over. "Asima this is Seth, Seth, Asima" She didn't seem to notice.
"Hello Seth nice to meet you," I forced myself to smile.
"Nice to meet you too." he answered, Nice to finally meet you. I have been waiting my whole life to meet you, and now I have. So beautiful, so perfect.
I let my hand fall out of his. I walked slowly back over to Phillip, What's wrong with your friend Edward?
He looked at him reading his thoughts, and then at me with wide eyes and smiling, I'll explain later. Have fun, you really do look lovely. I nodded as everyone wished us good luck and headed out the door.
We drove to the dance just listening to music. Everyone else talked but I wasn't really into the conversation. I was thinking about what was wrong with Seth.
By the time we got to the school I was determined to have a good time. I didn't want the memories of my first and probably last date be soured.
Phillip got out of the car and walked around to the drivers side to help me down without messing up my dress. Football had made him strong for a human. We walked hand in hand into the school followed by Ness and Jacob. He seemed to fit with her perfectly. Even though he looked a lot older than a regular high school student no chaperone was brave enough to walk over and question him.
Phillip and I danced together and the night flew by. The nerves didn't seem to return until our first slow dance. I didn't know what to do. I looked around at everyone else dancing. She seems nervous. I wonder will she freak out if I pull her closer. He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me in a little closer. I looked at him only for a second before I laid my head on his shoulder. I took a deep breath and inhaled his scent as we rocked back and forth.
The smell of his cologne was intense. It pulled me in close to him like a magnet. I could feel his face in my hair.
Everyone is staring at us. I don't care, she smells wonderful. Like sweet pea and vanilla. I am so glad she said yes. She's the most beautiful one here.
Really? Was everyone staring? I looked around and I could see the glares I was getting from Ashley and Morgan. I didn't care either, up until that moment I only saw him. I looked over at Ness who was wrapped in Jacob's arms. She gave me a quick wink before her back turned to me.
I let myself sink back into the dance. I closed my eyes as we slowly turned and swayed. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled myself in trying to identify each distinct scent that made up the aroma that was Phillip Chase. Before I could finish the song was over, and the tempo of the music was back to normal.
We continued to dance and enjoy the night. I couldn't have picked a better first date, or a better person to have a first date with. I was sorry that the night was almost over. I didn't want it to end. It was approaching midnight and I knew that the dance was over.
As the four of us walked out into the parking lot a wind blew and I stiffened. Damn it. I looked at Jacob and his expression mirrored mine.
Shit, vampire. Phase or get Nessie out of here?…
Phillip seemed to notice me get tense, "Are you cold?" He asked taking off his jacket and wrapping it around my shoulders.
Up until now I forgot the main reason I steered away from getting close to humans, it was dangerous. Situations like these tend to get humans stuck in the crossfire. It felt like I got another gift from heavens when Jason Withers ran up to Phillip.
"Hey Asima, Ness," He greeted. We both greeted him. Wow Asima looks hot. I've never seen her in a dress before. Why was I over here again? Oh yeah. "Hey Phillip a bunch of the other players are going to Kevin's after we drop off our dates. Did you want to drop off Asima and come too?"
"I don't have my car Asima took her dad's." he said pointing to the SUV next to us.
"Oh even better, you can ride with me." Jason offered.
Phillip gave him a look like he didn't want to leave me yet, but I needed him too. "It's ok, ride with Jason. I was just going to spend the night at Ness's anyway."
"Are you sure?" he still didn't want to go.
"Yes, I'm sure. We can hang out another day." I promised.
He seemed to like a promise of later. "Okay, I'll call you tonight." He pecked me on my cheek as he ran off with Jason to meet up with the other guys.
I waited until they were out of sight before I turned to Jacob. "Did you smell that?" I asked him even though I knew that he did
"Vampire." He confirmed.
Ness's face dropped as she realized we were talking about a threat.
"Ok we need to get Nessie home," he stated more for himself than me.
"No, you take Ness home, I'm going to follow the scent." I ordered handing him the keys.
Who does this girl think she is? She's going to get herself killed. Usually it would mean one less bloodsucker I have to worry about, but I can't waste time while she lets him get away if I'm going to have to hunt him down anyway. "I'm going to follow the trail, you take Nessie home."
"Look, you need to take Ness home and alert Edward. I will follow the trail and meet you guys there when I know where it goes. It could be a trap. Wait until I contact you." I knew he wouldn't let Ness out of his sight with danger around and he wouldn't take her on the trail either.
"Fine," He said through clenched teeth.
"Be careful Asima," Ness cautioned as she jumped in the passenger seat.
I nodded and watched them speed away before running off into the direction of the scent.
I followed the scent into the school building, scanning for nearby thoughts to avoid being caught by a teacher. It lead down the halls to the lockers. I walked right past our lockers. I followed it around the school to different classes, Ness's class, my classes. It got stronger as I got to the female locker room. I knew immediately where the scent would go before I smelled it. My locker, Ness's locker, they both had been forced open, and from the looks of it smashed shut to close, it took a lot of force but I opened them, both were the same as we left them today after school.
I picked up the scent leading out of the back exit of the school. The scent was faint but I could still follow it through the trees. "What am I a damn vampire magnet?" Who was this? I ran the path quickly thinking about my night. I was pissed, hopefully the person I found wouldn't be a friend of the Cullen's because they ruined my night and whoever it was, was going to pay.
As I ran past Hanover Reservoir I was over come with a feeling of power. This vampire had a talent, he was a tracker. A very strong tracker. I needed to find whoever this was quickly and kill them before whatever reason they came was carried through.
The trail ran north farther than I expected. I left my phone in the car and couldn't call the rest of them and tell them I was ok. It's been almost an hour and I knew they would want to know something. I told myself that I would follow the trail as far as it went. It wouldn't help to turn back now and have no information that I could use.
I followed the trail all the way to Dean Memorial Airport. "Damn it all!" I screamed. Whoever it was got on a plane where I couldn't follow. At least not right now. I knew I had enough of his scent to pick up the tracker's talent. I can find him anytime I wanted to now. I turned around and as fast as I could in the dress and heels ran the fifty miles in the opposite direction towards the Cullen house. I was on a warpath, I needed answers, and I was going to get them.