Author's Note: Sorry I took so long to update. My one year old is demanding more of my attention lately. I do NOT own Twilight, it's world, or it's characters. They belong to Stephanie Meyer. The triplets and Daemon are mine, though. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
This chapter is dedicated to my dear friend, Shaun, who just had all four wisdom teeth removed.
Evening Stars
Chapter 19: The Discussion
(Nessie's POV)
Jake and I arrived at my family's house early the next morning with the triplets, Seth, and Leah. Jazzmine was the first out of the car and the first inside. She was anxious to see Nahuel again. The rest of us quickly followed. We would find out today if we were going to be the new governing authority for vampires and to where we would be moving.
Everyone was in the living room waiting for us. Most of my family and the ex-Volturi members were standing; the only ones sitting were my parents. They were at the piano again. Emma, Seth, Swanson and Leah sat down on the sofa, and Jazzmine was already standing next to Nahuel. I shook my head and smiled as Jake pulled me onto his lap on the recliner.
"Alright let's get this started. Alice said we can play baseball later, and I really don't want to miss out on the chance Bella might trip over a base or something." - Emmett smiled
My mom just laughed; Uncle Emmett was always trying to catch her being clumsy. He was always up for an opportunity that might reveal my mom to be the first clumsy vampire.
"So, are you guys going to take the Volturi's place?" - Jake
"I think so. I believe it is our responsibility to take over ensuring that our race maintains discretion. Jake, if you, Nessie, the triplets, and your pack are coming with us, we would like for you to consider joining us in our new responsibility as well." - Carlisle
"Whoa...You mean like...we would help you guys govern the entire vampire race?" - Seth
"Yes. That is precisely what I mean." - Carlisle
"Cool." - Seth
Emma and Seth both looked excited. Swanson and Leah looked like they were contemplating. Jazzmine looked at Nahuel as he took her hand. She smiled and nodded.
"You know Emma and I will help." - Seth
"Yeah, I know. How about you two?" - Jake looked at Swanson and Leah.
Swanson looked at Leah before responding, "We will both help, but we have a condition, Dad...if that's okay."
"What kind of condition, Swanson?" - Jake
I could tell Jake was worried about for what Swanson was going to ask. Jake had that same nervous look he had when Seth and Leah imprinted on Emma and Swanson. I looked over at my dad; Jake thinks the condition is marriage, doesn't he? My dad smiled and nodded; the fact that he smiled let me know that marriage was not the condition Swanson wanted.
"Well, I'm assuming we'll be moving away from here pretty soon. I know Sam's pack can protect the reservation and probably all of Forks, but I was thinking. Would it be possible to make Forks a safe zone? You know, no vampires allowed unless they have our permission...or something like that." - Swanson
I could hear Jake let out a relieved breath. "I'm not sure, Swanson. Carlisle, what do you think?"
"I don't think it would be a problem to set Forks up as our home base, and essentially a no feeding zone for all vampires. Of course this will mean that we need to stay relatively close for awhile." - Carlisle
"As long as we can make Forks a 'no feeding' zone for vampires, Leah and I will join the team and go wherever you need us to." - Swanson
"What about you Jazzmine? Will you help, too?" - Jake
"Of course." - Jazzmine
"Well, I guess we're joining the new vampire government, Carlisle." - Jake
"Splendid. Now, where should we move to? I believe it should be somewhere close. What about Lindell, Canada? It's just right across the border." - Carlisle
"Man, we're going to have to enroll as high school students again, aren't we?" - Emmett
"I believe it would be for the best, Emmett. Then we could stay close for a bit longer. Though, I'm still unsure as to how we're going to explain such a large family of teenagers." - Carlisle
"I think Jake has an idea." - Edward
My dad pointed to his head as he looked at Jake. Jake just shook his head, smiled, and said, "mind readers."
"Jake? What's your idea?" - Carlisle
"Well, I was thinking you and Esme could be a wealthy couple who can't have children; so you take in orphans and runaways...sort of like a halfway house. That would explain the number of 'teenagers' under one roof. We would have to have some of you guys be 'counselors', but the rest of us would be orphans or runaways." - Jake
"I think we have our new cover story." - Carlisle
"Yes! Can I be a counselor?" - Emmett
"No, Emmett. I think it would be best if our new family members were the counselors. I don't think it would be a good idea to send them to high school yet." - Carlisle
"Man!" - Emmett
"Don't worry, Emmett. I'm sure we can work it out so you'll have gym with me. Who knows, I might channel the old Bella while I'm in gym, just for you." - Bella
Uncle Emmett smiled, "Promise?"
Mom and Dad laughed; Aunt Rose just snorted. It was a nice moment; it was almost like old times. Zafrina had been standing so still and quiet I had almost forgotten she was there until she spoke.
"I'm afraid it's my time to leave. I need to get back to Senna and Kachiri. Please, come and visit us whenever you wish." - Zafrina
"Thank you for coming, Zafrina." - Carlisle
I got up and hugged her, and through our contact, I showed her how thankful I was to her for her help.
"You are all very welcome. If you ever need me or my sisters, just let us know, and we will come." - Zafrina
With that she was gone. I sighed. I would miss her; we didn't have nearly enough time together. I went back to sit in Jake's lap.
"Alright, back to location...is everyone okay with moving to Lindell, Canada?" - Carlisle
Affirmations went around the room. Some were not quite as enthusiastic as others, but everyone agreed it would be a good distance away, and yet it would still be close enough for us to keep an eye on Forks.
"Alright, Esme will you get our house ready there? We'll need a few more rooms added to it. Jasper, if you would, please, pay a visit to Mr. Jenks, and don't forget about our recent additions. As soon as everything is ready, we can move." - Carlisle
Esme and Jasper left to start their assignments, and Jake and I got up to go get lunch for those of us who eat human food. My dad stopped Jake at the door.
"What do you want to ask me, Jake?" - Edward
"Well, Embry imprinted, but the girl and her family are new to Forks. They're not a part of our tribe like the rest of our imprints have been...with only one exception...Do you think you could find out more about her and her family? It's just strange that Embry imprinted on this new girl, and I want to make sure everything's kosher before we leave." - Jake
"Sure, Jake. What's her name?" - Edward
"Serenity Reynolds. She has a twin sister named Inara. I don't know the parents' names. Thanks, Edward." - Jake
"It's not a problem." - Edward
"Ooh, yay! We're going to solve a mystery! This is going to be so much fun!" - Alice
"Alice, we are not going to dress in suits and call each other codes names like Mr. Pink and Ms. White." - Edward groaned.
"Come on, Edward...yes! Thank you!" - Alice
"You could at least wait until I actually gave in to your crazy, pixie whim before thanking me." - Edward
"Sorry, Edward, but I just didn't have the time. I have to get all of our outfits ready by tonight. This is going to be so much fun!" - Alice
Aunt Alice was already on her way to the garage. They must have picked it up from the airport yesterday. A few seconds later, we heard the Porsche's engine start, and Alice drive off.
"Will she at least get me pants instead of some ridiculously short skirt?" - Bella
My dad laughed as he answered, "There's no telling what she'll decide once she gets to Seattle, but when she left, she was planning on everyone wearing black pant suits like they wore in the movie Reservoir Dogs."
"Whew. I hope she doesn't change her mind." - Bella
My family all laughed again. Aunt Alice loved nothing better than a chance to play dress up with my mom as her doll. Demetri and the other ex-Volturi looked amazed at my family's insouciant behavior. They weren't used to such a carefree and relaxed environment.
"I should give you guys fair warning, Demetri. Alice is getting outfits for everyone. She wants to include all of you in this little mystery as well." - Edward
"I have to admit, Edward, so far being around all of you is extremely entertaining. I look forward to joining the little pixie in her fun." - Demetri.
"Heh, just wait until you've lived with her for a few decades, she's always trying to find an excuse to re-do our wardrobes." - Emmett
"Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if she comes home with a complete wardrobe for all of you in addition to our special outfits." - Bella
"I wouldn't say no. I'm looking forward to actually being able to wear real clothes, instead of just my old 'lure' costumes or an old hooded robe." - Heidi
"Just be sure the mutts don't get near your new clothes. You can never fully get the smell out."- Rosalie
I'm sure Aunt Rose was hoping Jake would let her comment slide since we were almost out the door, but she should have known better. Jake turned to face her smiling and my dad laughed out loud.
"Hey Rose, Want to know you confuse a blonde?" - Jake
"No." - Rosalie growled
"You tell her to count the stairs on an escalator." - Jake
Jake gently nudged me out the door, laughing on our way to the garage. I could hear everyone laughing inside, everyone except my Aunt Rose. I could hear my Uncle Emmett laughing and telling her, "Come on, Rose. It was funny...and you started it."
I laughed as Jake and I reached the garage; I heard what must have been Aunt Rose slapping Uncle Emmett, and him yelling, "Oww! What did you do that for?!"
When Jake and I got back, everyone had dispersed around the house. The triplets, Seth, Leah, and Nahuel joined us in the dining room to eat lunch. We had decided on Chinese food, so we went to South North Gardens in town. I loved their egg rolls.
We all stayed at my grandparents' house for the rest of the day just goofing around. My dad decided to show off and cook us dinner. He made one of my favorites, Chicken Parmesan. It was delicious. As we finished, my mom took our plates to the sink and cleaned them. She was putting the last dish away when Aunt Alice returned.
"Who wants presents?!"- Aunt Alice