Woo, so here's chapter 23! I'll make this short so you can get on to reading.

Recommendation for this update:
The Canvas Loner by BellaCullenVampirz
Pretty good story so far, so you should go and check it out!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. . . .blah blah blah.

Jasper POV

Disgusting. Simply disgusting.

The lust coming from the boys here in this school was incredible, it was hard to hold back and give them a taste of their own medicine. Ugh, and they were all concentrated on my sisters and wife. That just made it ten times worse. The jealousy I could deal with but this, this got to me. Of course, the outfits they had on made it hard to miss them but they had the liberty to wear whatever they pleased, well what Alice pleased, and not have boys annoy them.

There were fifteen minutes left until my Art class was dismissed for lunch and I was dying to see my Alice. Mrs. Helida was in one of her good-inspiration moods so we had free day to do as we wished as long as it had to do with Art. She had the radio turned on and one of her favorite CD's was playing. I had to admit it was rather relaxing. I sat in a corner sketching Alice's sparkly eyes, a near impossible task, grateful that everyone was engulfed in their own work and emotions.

There it is again!

Those. . .unsettling emotions. I had been feeling that since this morning and I didn't like them. Somehow they reminded me too much of the time when I was with. . .Maria. The 'need' to settle the score. Anger. Pressure. Revenge. Amusement. Danger. Too many emotions that struck close to home. My home. I followed the thread to its owner and was surprised when a sudden barrier was put in place right before I could latch on to the person. What I did get was that it was coming from this very classroom. Towards the front of the class and to the right.

My eyes barely lifted from the page inconspicuously and just saw a group of girls chatting away. None whom I would ever consider a threat to us, unless they were vampires with the gift of illusion which I highly doubted. Behind them, or rather in front, was the new girl drawing and with her earphones on. Nothing suspicious, but I know what I felt. I've lived for a while now and I know not to ignore this. Yet again, I haven't hunted properly and the school's emotions were probably getting to me.

The screeching of the school bell broke me from my thoughts and made me go deaf for a few seconds. I packed up and quickly met up with Alice. She was in her locker putting away her books. I crept up behind her and wrapped my arms around her tiny waist, placing slow kisses on her neck.

"Guess who?" I whispered.

"Let me guess," she paused and leaned back into my embrace, "a cowboy with an untamed heart?"

"Ah, untamed am I?" I chuckled, "I believe you have it all wrong Miss, you see my heart has been tamed. . .here."

I placed my hand over her silent heart, which may as well be beating to me, and placed another kiss on her neck. Alice sighed in content and her emotions flooded my own.

"I love you Jasper," she smiled and placed her arm around my waist.

"I love you too Alice," I smiled back and walked us to the cafeteria.

Most of the students were already in there and gossiping like the teenagers they were. Because of our startling presence to humans, naturally, we were stared at as soon as we set foot inside. This was typical and we just ignored it instead getting our toy food and searching for our family. They were seated in the back like always.

Emmett and Rosalie were glued together by the lips, there's a shocker, but at least they weren't engaging in more disastrous activities as they were known for. Edward kept glancing at them with disgust, glaring at various people across the room, namely Mike Newton, and shooting Bella worried looks. Bella herself looked exhausted unlike this morning. She was rubbing her temple and her eyes were closed. There was annoyance, confusion, and slight pain rolling off her in waves. I wonder what happened. Alice took a seat next to Bella while I took a seat next to her, and next to Emmett.

Is Bella okay? I asked Edward through my thoughts.

"Headache. . ." It sounded more like a question than a statement.

Since when?

"Last class I believe," answered Edward scooting closer to her.

"I know you're talking about me," muttered Bella opening her eyes.

Something wasn't right in her eyes, I could tell that much. They weren't the usual deep brown eyes but wild in a way. I touched her hand gently and tried to soothe a few of her emotions. Her entire body visibly relaxed and the tension in her movements faded, though, I could still feel some pain in her.

"Thanks Jasper," she smiled.

"Bella, are you alright to go to class today?" Edward asked.

"I'm sure I can handle two more classes, don't worry about me," replied Bella, "besides, you're in one of them."

"I don't see anything bad happening between now and when we get out of school," Alice piped in, "You should be fine Bella."

"I hope so," said Bella taking a bite out of her mini-carrots. Gross.

"You have to be fine, Bella, we're playing tonight!" Emmett interrupted speaking for the first time. Well it seems someone has unglued their lips.

"Uh no, you are playing," Bella said, "I will be watching."

"Aw, but that's no fun at all," Emmett whined.

"Yeah, until something unexpected happens to me and then you'll be fun and laughs at my expense," huffed Bella.

"So what's the problem?" asked Emmett confused.

Edward, Bella, Alice, and I rolled our eyes and ignored him.

"Leave Bella alone, Em," Rosalie said, "I doubt you'd want to get your butt kicked."

"Oh Rosalie, that's a challenge right there!" exclaimed Emmett, his eyes lighting up.

Rosalie sighed and shook her head, "Only me."

"How are you going to play if it's raining?" Bella suddenly asked. All of us turned to stare at her which promptly made Bella blush from the attention. I chuckled to myself and Alice giggled next to me while Emmett and Rosalie laughed a little more loudly and Edward stared at her with adoration painted in his eyes. "What?"

"You're very adorable when you blush," Edward had leaned into her ear to whisper but we all heard loud and clear. This made Bella turn a darker shade of red and avoid looking at all of us.

"Okay, stop torturing the human," Alice interrupted our little tease-Bella fest, "It's going to rain for a little while but it should clear up enough by the time we actually start playing so no worries."

"Not gonna disagree with the weather psychic," said Emmett, "I can't wait for tonight!"

Emmett's excitement for tonight was starting to make me bounce in my seat and it was annoying so I sent it towards Mike's table without thinking. All of them began bouncing in their seats, except Angela and Ben because they were good people, with a high look on their faces and talking at an impossibly fast pace. They looked possessed to me for some reason.

"See ya after school, guys," Alice chirped standing up from her seat. Three seconds later the bell rang again signaling the end of lunch.

I threw away my untouched food and walked Alice to her class before heading to mine. The rest of the school day passed by uneventful and I was grateful I didn't get another burst of those weird emotions from this morning. I shivered at the thought of it and headed to my locker to put away my books so I could meet up with Alice and head home. I set everything inside and closed my locker but as I turned around something slammed into me.

Not something, someone.

It was the new girl, Audra. She was on the floor staring up at me with a surprised expression and embarrassment in her blue eyes. Her backpack was still on her shoulders but her books and notebooks were scattered around my feet. I held my breath in case she had gotten hurt and may be bleeding.

"Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going," she apologized.

"Not to worry," I breathed out quickly and bent down to help pick up her stuff. A particular notebook caught my eye, it was opened up to an impressive black and white sketch.

It was a small clearing from what I could tell with trees surrounding it, keeping it secluded, and in the middle was a. . .person huddled in a ball. I could only see their back and there were wings protruding from the person's back. Dark spots were drawn in here and there, I think it was blood. I couldn't see everything clearly like if there was some sort of mist descending blurring certain details. Overall it made me nervous to just look at it even if it was impressive.

I gathered the rest of her books and handed them back to her. She thanked me and I took that as my cue to leave. Alice was waiting for me at the entrance to the school, the question clear in her eyes but I just took her hand in mine and headed to Rose's car quickly. The rest were waiting for Alice and I.

"A quick stop to the janitor's closet, did we?" Emmett teased, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively in our direction.

I growled at him letting Alice in then myself. Rosalie had smacked Emmett and threatened him with no "touchy" tonight. I did not want to know. . .

As soon as we were all inside it began to pour down, just like Alice said. Edward's silver Volvo sped away with Edward and Bella, and us behind them. All through out the ride we sat in a comfortable silence, for once, Emmett didn't try to break with his jokes. This was simply peaceful. Rose parked in the garage and we walked inside where Esme greeted us like always, with that same motherly smile on her face.

"Your father should be home in a few hours and then we can head out," Esme informed us. She was as excited at us for tonight, maybe because Bella would be there with us. Her complete family. I had to agree with her.

"You know what that means," Alice shrieked. She was met with blank stares, "I only have a few hours to put together our outfits, come on Rosalie."

Both dumped their backpacks on the couch and ran up the stairs to Alice's closet. The door banged shut and I knew nothing more of my wife and sister. I sighed and decided to read for a while up in my study. As I passed Edward's room I heard music playing and Bella's laughter on the other side. Avoiding any Emmett-type-incident I walked by quickly, having the sense to give those two some privacy but not too much, and pushed open the door to my study. I got comfortable in one of the leather couches and immersed myself in the pages of the book.

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Alice POV

I'm amazing. Genius. Magnificent. Well, of course, this is me we're talking. I am Alice Cullen. Now if only my family would not disagree with me then this will be perfect. No matter, I have my ways of making them say yes to me. I wanted everyone to match in some sort of way and at the same time each of us have a unique style. So the best way to do this would be to match in colors with the main theme of black. Like I said, I'm a genius.

Only fifteen minutes for Carlisle to get home and twenty for the rain to lighten enough for us to play. After much debate and flickering images of outcomes, I decided Bella would not play with us but much of that decision was because even though she was not entirely human she wasn't a vampire and we could get really competitive.

Edward, I need Bella up here! I tried not to shout too loudly at Edward. She needs to change.

I waited a decent amount of time before I waltzed out of mine and Jasper's room and headed to Edward's where I know for a fact Bella had been hiding the whole afternoon. How cute.

"I hope you're decent in there 'cause I'm coming in!" I teased and opened the door. Various laughs came from the house and Edward growled.

"Alice, was that really necessary?" asked Edward scowling. Bella was red as usual.

My brother and Bella were sitting on the couch "relaxing" when I came in. Bella had a book in her hands while Edward had a CD cover in his, which by the way, was upside down indicating that he hadn't been doing much reading at all. Like I said, cute.

"Yes it was," I replied grinning and turned to Bella, "Come on Bella, we need to get you in an appropriate outfit."

"Can't I just wear some sweat pants and a t-shirt?" I stared at her horrified at making such a suggestion. I see I would need to teach this youngling much.

Either I take her now or you won't be able to have her for the next three days, I threatened Edward, Your pick.

"Alright," he said in defeat, "I'm sorry Bella."

"You traitor," Bella said. I would have taken her seriously but there was a smile on her face that made it impossible.

"Let's go dear sister," I sang and pulled Bella along to my room. "Don't think I won't forget you too Edward."

"Well at least that's some sort of punishment too," Bella mused.

"Okay Bella, I have put your outfit in the bathroom, go change," I instructed, "I'll go give Edward his clothes."

"Sure sure," she muttered and shut the door.

* * *

After a lot of arguing and teasing we were finally out of the house and to the clearing where we played baseball. Carlisle, Esme, Rosalie, and Emmett had gone in the Jeep and Edward, Bella, Jasper, and I had gone in the Volvo. I was in the backseat with Bella trying to convince her that she looked gorgeous but she wasn't listening to me.

"I can't believe you're making me wear these shoes," Bella muttered looking out the window.

"But they look amazing with this outfit, and besides, they're not that bad," I tried reasoning with her.

"Whatever you say, Alice, whatever you say," she muttered and remained silent.

I looked over her outfit again and found no reason why she should not like it. For her, I had laid out a cute blue vintage tube top that buttoned up at the middle and a black undershirt. Then some black leggings that hugged her waist and legs perfectly, and to complete that were the blue wedges. Apparently Bella had a problem with the height of the shoes. . . For Edward, I had chosen a similar blue colored button down shirt with short sleeves, some dark blue jeans and blue slip-ons. On the side, I had added his jacket. Not that he'd get cold but. . .let's just say I didn't bring a sweater for Bella.

For Rosalie and Emmett I had chosen the color orange. I wasn't exactly sure why. Rose had a tube top too but it was orange with a black long sleeved undershirt and leggings like Bella. She had on some orange Converse which made her outfit look totally casual but attention grabbing like she wanted. Emmett was a little easier, he had on an orange polo, low loose jeans, and orange boot Converse.

Carlisle and Esme had the white theme going on and they looked so adorable. Esme had on a white slim camping shirt with the sleeves rolled up and black boot cut jeans. Of course, some black Converse shoes too. Carlisle had on a white Baseball neck tee, faded dark jeans, and black boot Converse. I added a cashmere black sweater for him because he asked me nicely, or rather threatened to make me cancel one of my favorite cards. I guess I had no other choice.

Now for Jasper and I, I picked the yellow theme which consisted of a yellow tube top, long sleeved shirt and leggings like Rosalie and Bella, and yellow Converse. For Jasper, I picked a black button down shirt, because he gave me that look that stopped me from putting him in a yellow shirt, lose jeans and boot Converse, not to mention one of his favorite canvas military jacket. Hmm, I must have been really into Converse when I picked the outfits, except for Bella's. But we looked amazing! I'm so proud of myself.

"Alice, you're scaring me," Bella's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. My eyes focused on Bella, Edward, and Jasper and found them looking at me in a weird way.

"What?"

"Does she get like this often?" Bella asked Jasper.

"Most of the time," he answered.

"What? What did I do?" I asked.

"You were squealing and clapping your hands," answered Bella, "and had this huge grin on your face with a faraway look in your eyes."

"You look possessed Alice," Edward said in a blunt manner.

"Gee, thanks Edward," I said sarcastically, "Can't even admire all my hard work."

"Aw, we were just kidding, Pixie," said Bella, "I think you worked really hard on these outfits."

Pixie. I like it.

"I'm glad you feel that way," I patted her hand, "because I like having you as a Bella Barbie."

Bella groaned and slapped her forehead with one of her hands.

"Are we gonna play or what!" Emmett's loud voice interrupted our moment. I hadn't even realized we were here.

We got off and joined the rest of the family in the middle of the field. Carlisle and Esme were setting up and were done in a matter of seconds. As I predicted the rain had stopped momentarily and the thunder would start in a few minutes. The bad thing was that the field was muddy and it was inevitable to get dirty. Oh well, this would just make things interesting.

"Okay, groups are: me, Edward, and Emmett," Carlisle directed us, "then Alice, Rose, and Jasper."

"Bella and I will keep watch over all of you," Esme pointed to all of us.

"She thinks we cheat," Emmett whispered to Bella.

Esme turned to Emmett and raised her eyebrow, "I know you cheat."

I giggled and showed Bella where she could sit without getting hurt. She sat on a semi dry rock and folded her legs under her in clear anticipation. Her eyes were shining bright but I noticed the shiver that went through her body.

Edward, she's cold, I directed my thoughts to Edward.

He was next to us in less than a second taking off his jacket and handing it to Bella. She pouted and took the jacket. From the corner of my eye I saw Edward shiver himself and a speck of desire passed through his darkened topaz eyes. I kept my thoughts blank or else he would freak out since I doubt he noticed what was happening to him.

"Call it Emmett," Esme said tossing and catching a coin.

"Heads!" he shouted.

"Heads," confirmed Esme, "Bat first or let them?"

"No way, we bat first," Emmett laughed and ran to get his favorite bat out of the bag.

"Keep an eye out for these cheaters, Bella," I pointed to Edward grinning.

"Hey," exclaimed Edward, pushing me lightly to the side, "You're the one that can see the future."

"Just go have fun," laughed Bella. Edward smiled at her and went to get in position. Bella looked dazed for a moment before she looked down and a mini blush permeated her cheeks.

I grabbed a new ball and prepared to pitch when I glanced over at my new sister. Wait for it. Wait for it. There. Bella lifted the collar of the jacket and breathed in the scent of my brother. A smile grazed her beautiful features and she wrapped it closer around her. Like I said, those two are so in love with each other.

"Hey batter batter batter batter!" Jasper called out teasingly from out in the field.

"Bring it!" Emmett stepped up to the plate.

"Play ball," I grinned.

______________________________________________________________________

Bella POV

Watching the Cullens play Baseball was one of the most exciting things I had ever done. The natural competitiveness that sprung between them was pretty funny, especially between the guys. Esme had to come in more than times than I could count. Since the beginning of the game I was holding on to my sides from laughing so much. So far, Emmett had had "time out" three times, Jasper two, Edward two, and Carlisle none. Alice and Rosalie got close to having one but had the common sense to drop the argument before it got worse.

Both groups were tied and were going for their last runs because it was beginning to rain, not to mention the stunts they were pulling off were getting 'dangerous'. I closed my eyes and tipped my head up to the dark sky enjoying the moment. There was another argument breaking out and in way it was comforting to me, it was familiar and so right. It made me feel like I was meant to be here, caring for this family and just being a part of them.

Then there were the feelings I had developed for Edward, feelings that were as strong and foreign raging through me. The battle going on in my head regarding this situation was being pushed back and back by my heart, which told me to forget it all and just bask in the feeling of it. Just loving Edward with all my heart and forgetting the consequences. More and more that idea began to rule out my thoughts, so much that I felt like I was losing control. Yet, I was okay with that.

With a sigh I pushed all my thoughts away and opened my eyes. I gasped at what I saw. All around me there was a heavy fog that even with vampire sight you wouldn't be able to see. I could barely see my hands out in front of me. Then I noticed I couldn't hear the Cullens anymore, I couldn't hear anything for that matter. I panicked and shot up from my seat scanning what I could from my surroundings. There wasn't anything!

"Esme! Carlisle! Alice! Jasper!" I shouted walking forward with my hands up trying to touch anything, "Emmett! Rose! Edward!"

I was met with only silence.

My breathing sped up and my instincts took over. I changed into my Angel form with my wings out and alert.

"Bella!" I breathed out a sigh of relief when I heard Alice's soprano voice.

"Alice!" I yelled back hoping to hear where her voice had come from. "Where are you?"

"Over here!" this time it was Edward who answered.

"Don't move, I'm coming!" I warned them and headed in the direction where I heard their voices from.

My steps were slow and cautious and my body was too tense while I walked. Most of my thoughts were with Cullens and how they were. How Edward was doing? I'd been walking forward for less than five minutes when my body shivered involuntarily and my wings closed around my body.

"Bella. . ." I spun around at the sound of a voice whispering my name. It wasn't one of the Cullens.

"Bella. . ." Another voice called my name.

"Sweet little Angel. . ." They kept on whispering making my heart beat faster with dread.

"Who are you?" I whispered back, "What do you want?"

A new emotion began spreading through me pushing out the fear coursing through my body. Rage.

"We want. . .the Cullens dead. . ." my heart stopped for a moment before I sprinted towards the fog now desperate to find my charges. ". . .and you."

No! I will not let this happen!

I stopped where I was and relaxed my body as much as I could, spreading my wings out on either side of me. Again the ancient language was pouring out of my mouth in a steady stream of words and my eyes had closed. I let go of my fear and bent down to touch the ground, drawing strength from the earth. As if a light had been turned on, the fog vanished instantly and everything was once again clear.

About a hundred feet away were the Cullens still as statues. Three strange shadows stood in front of them wearing dark and ripped cloaks. They were the things I was looking for, the ones that started this fog, I was certain of that. Before I could react, one of the shadows sprung from its place and headed straight for Esme. To my horror, Edward jumped in front of Esme and took on the blow.

A deep, pain-filled scream tore through Edward's lips as he fell to the ground. The shadow touched Edward's temple and let out an evil laugh. Not Edward. Not my Edward. My feet were off the ground and I was flying straight to the shadow hurting Edward. I threw it off Edward and took a defensive stance in front of him, hissing at the creatures. They simply laughed and beckoned me to come forward, daring me to leave my charges unprotected to come and fight them.

"He's dying and it's all thanks to you," the one that attacked Edward said.

I hissed again and met the shadow half way as it sprang to attack again. The other two joined the fight and then I was trying to keep the three occupied on me long enough for the Cullens to escape. Suddenly I heard another of Edward's cries of pain and I felt something in me snap. I grabbed the nearest shadow and wrapped my arms around it as best I could. My wings emanated a strong light and then the thing was screaming in pain before it turned to dust while the other two vanished. Adrenaline coursed through my body but I collapsed to my knees on the ground, feeling as if I had been drained of all my energy.

How had I done that?

"Bella!" I heard someone shout my name, they sounded miles away to me. Black spots danced along my vision while I tried hard to clear them because the Cullens could still be in danger and it would do nobody good if I passed out.

Edward.

I focused my attention on getting to Edward and found his family gathered around him. He was still crying out in pain clutching his head. Oh no. I crawled over to him and grabbed his hand.

Please, let me have enough strength for this.

"Edward, look at me," I commanded him gently. His eyes remained shut but he slowly opened his eyes and found mine, "That's it, just look at me, keep your eyes on mine."

I touched his temple in the same exact spot that vile creature had and rubbed small cirlces there. His eyes began to close from the pain and I knew I was loosing him quickly. "Edward, look at me, please."

He opened them again and I felt my heart contract painfully. I brought his hand to my lips and placed a soft kiss on his knuckles. I breathed in deeply and let my energy flow through my hands and into Edward. The effect was instantaneous and the pain in Edward's eyes faded. I had taken whatever they had done to him into me knowing my spirit would eliminate it.

"Bella," he whispered before I passed out.

Le Gasp! What just happened? So, what do you think? I want to hear it all!

If you really want to see the outfits for this chapter I'll post them up so you can go check them out.

Until next chapter (which will be up in a few days because I don't have school but I do have work, although I do decide when I want to work. Ok, I'll stop rambling. Sorry, it's really late and I'm falling asleep)!

~*~Mimi-Love-4Ever