I've been out for the count for a while, since I'm recovering from a concussion. I had a nasty accident April 13 (knew that was a bad number...) I don't remember it at all, and barely remember the nine or so days after it (four in the hospital.) No driving, tons of sleep, and major meds during that time. I'm better now, but here are some important words for you – When horse riding or biking – WEAR A HELMET. I always will now. You never know what'll spook your horse – no matter where they've been or what they do. (Mine has done TONS of shows, trail riding, training, Parelli level 2/3, lessons and camps with numerous young riders...) Must have hit the head hard, though, because I can't wait to ride again soon. Sorry for the preachy-preachy, dears. Hugs to you all! FYI: Sadly, I don't own Twilight
Renesmee
The metal rope on my wrists chafed. I felt it with each step, yet dared not complain. It was much harder to keep my balance. Nahuel knew that; could see it with his own eyes. If my choices were to be drugged or be uncomfortable, my decision was obvious. Things could be so much worse. We bumped along, rushing toward some unseen goal.
Nahuel glanced toward me frequently. I saw the worry and frustration on his face, but didn't comment. There was no need. He had no idea where my head was, but somehow he must have suspected I had a plan. Tricks up my sleeve.
The truth was far more chilling. I had nothing. My plan consisted of showing up and seeing what happened once I arrived.
The foliage was getting thick, but we weaved and dodged most of the largest items. We'd managed to travel to Panama or thereabouts, somewhere in Central America. Silently.
The pointed looks Nahuel sent toward me increased until I wanted to shoot him a juvenile comment or two. I wanted to tell him to mind his own business.
Yet somehow, the fact that he'd told me the truth about his predicament had felt like a breakthrough. It wasn't him against me anymore. It was us against the volturi. His only family was being held against her will by the most dangerous group of vampires in existence; perhaps the most dangerous – except for my mother.
I imagined Nahuel's aunt, free, and Nahuel's grateful look as they left me with the volturi. Then I imagined my family rescuing me. The triumph on their faces as they overwhelmed their foes. Uncle Emmett's victory dance; the one he used for great touchdowns during football games. Aunt Rosalie's fussing once she saw me. The giant hug Grandmother Esme would give; never wanting to let go.
I sighed once again at Nahuel's scrutiny.
"Get it over with already," I said, slowing.
His head whipped back to center as if he had never looked at all.
"Seriously. I can't take too much of this or I'll start throwing things." I rolled my arms in their sockets. "Just get it out of your system already."
"Erm," he started with a slight cough. Nerves. I could see it in his face. "What are you going to do to me?"
That threw me. "What do you mean?"
"Your mother is full of surprises. I have heard of her many talents and seen some of them. If you have been given such gifts-"
I snorted. "I should be so lucky. My gifts rest in my palms. That's it. I can show people the truth, or rather the past truths I've seen, even people who don't want to know or don't want to see it. They have to believe me, because I don't know how to lie. It's obvious to anyone who sees." I shrugged. "I can show you anything, as long as I know the answer or have seen what's happened with my own eyes."
His eyes bored into mine even before I'd finished my sentence, and I saw there something I'd hoped for. That is, until he was suddenly an ally.
"I wish to see," he said, gesturing to my bound hands. "Show me what you see in your head. It will change nothing, yet I need to see."
Bella
We were allowing the volturi a very large lead. I could breathe again, however uneasily. I mentally threw myself under a train for the umpteenth time. Jane. Allowed to run wild and torture anyone she desired. Under my watch. I shuddered.
Edward caressed my shoulder. He knew there weren't any words.
The phone buzzed. My sense of urgency won over despair. The thoughts in my head whirled around Esme and Carlisle. I answered without hesitation.
"Yes?" I asked.
"I hate playing cell phone" a female voice grumbled.
"Leah?" I asked, incredulous.
"Yeah," she griped. "So I'm stuck playing go-between with my oh-so-fearless leader and his leaches. It sucks. I'm supposed to relay the message that Jake saw the volturi and continued on to try and pass them to find Renesmee. We figure it isn't a coincidence."
"What's he going to do about his scent?" I asked. I heard a huff of air through the phone.
"He says they'll never know he went through," she mocked. "As if he knows what way they'll travel. I think he's off his nut, personally, but he's never listened to me."
"So are you, Seth, Rosalie and Emmett on your way?" I asked, watching Edward's face as he grew more impatient. Like a stick of dynamite. Dangerous.
"Rosalie and Emmett took off right after we found Emmett's legs," Leah said casually. "We were lucky Jake threw them into dark areas. Though it's not like people around here aren't used to carnage," she said saucily.
"So they're on their way here?" I asked.
"I guess," Leah said breezily. "Seth was going to chase after the two of them, but we lost their scent for a while. I found your scent, but Seth's off goodness knows where right now. He's pretty far north based on what he's said, but I'm not sure. Stupid boys." Disgust poured through the phone line like a toxic fog. "So since the little bloodsucker told me to carry a phone-"
"Wait. Alice told you to carry a phone with you?"
I must have nearly screeched, because Edward ripped the phone from my hand.
"Tell me what's going on," he demanded into the receiver.
We waited, eyes locked, as he heard Leah's story. His tension never ceased, and if possible, it increased.
"Watch your grip," I said gently as small cracks appeared on the phone's plastic cover. He closed his eyes briefly and nodded, loosening his grip slightly.
He fired some questions into the phone and then hung up.
"So?" I asked, allowing him the opportunity to speak.
"Seth followed another trail," he stated. "She said she figures it must be important, but he was vague about it. Jake's hoping to pass the volturi and cut Nahuel and Renesmee off before they're anywhere close to them." Edward's adam's apple bobbed, as if in a spasm.
"What are we doing next?" I asked, holding my head high.
His eyes softened considerably. "I love you, sweetheart. Jake's doing his best right now to keep up with the situation from his end. Alice and Jasper-" his voice broke off.
"Don't know about everything yet," I finished. The phone was already out, dialed, and to his ear before I'd finished my sentence.
"Jasper, it's time to end this thing," he said, finality in his voice.