A/N: Hi guys! ^^ Yay, I managed to update it within a week! I'm proud of myself. Thanks for the reviews! They always make my day. A few of you have commented on the fact that there are similar fanfics out there and I want to remind you that I have stated this at the very beginning of my fanfic. I'm aware of this, but I simply loved the idea and decided to write one myself. There seem to be several similar fanfics out there. I know some of them, though I haven't fully read them. I didn't want to, because I was afraid that they would become too similar and I'm determined to write it the way I want it to be. But I think some things will be the same... I'm not sure about that, but I think that's unavoidable. I hope all of you can see that this fanfic is unique in its one way, just like all the other fanfics and that you love it because of that. Well now, here's the next chapter! Duh! It's the chapter where Bella has to say good-bye to London and her friends. We all knew it was coming, but I had to write it nevertheless. So, this is the last chapter in London. There will be some time jumps again in the near future. I haven't fully decided when, but they're coming soon. I love to write every age, but I'm anxious for her to be a teenager. Well, enojoy and I'll see you on the other side!
Disclaimer: SM owns everything!
POV'S: Emmett, Bella.
Emmett's POV.
'' Leave me alone, Alice! '' Bella shouted from upstairs while the rest of us were busy preparing the house for Bella's good-bye party. Alice had ordered us to decorate the ballroom just like we had done when Rose and I had gotten married. I was gonna miss this place, but it was the price we had to pay. It wouldn't be the first time, nor the last.
'' Bella, stop being such a drama queen and let me finish! '' Alice yelled back.
'' No, you've done more than enough already! '' Bella shouted through her closed bedroom door. She had locked herself in there an hour ago, hiding from Alice.
'' If you don't unlock the door I'll kick it in! '' I looked up at the ceiling and snorted. They were both in a right state today. This wasn't going to be pretty.
'' No, you won't! '' Bella screamed. '' This is my bedroom! You can't just come in here and you can't break the door! It's mine! ''
'' You won't need it anymore anyway! We leave first thing in the morning! ''
'' Ugh! Go away or I'll call Edward! ''
I laughed at that and turned around to see Edward gritting his teeth in frustration.
'' Tough break, dude, '' I snickered while I helped him with his sound system.
'' Shut up, '' he grumbled. He connected two pieces with a little more force than necessary, but somehow managed not to break it.
'' Oh, I'd love to see him try! '' Alice sneered. I looked at Edward again and he growled under his breath.
'' Dude, what does she have on you? '' I asked, wondering why Edward had been so moody and cooperative these past two days.
'' I don't want to talk about it, '' he grumbled softly before he turned around and left the room without another word.
I shrugged and was distracted when Jazz called me over to help him with the lights.
'' EDWARD! '' Bella shouted at the top of her lungs. She knew he could hear her anyway, so the screaming was just to add a dramatic effect.
'' Call him all you want, '' Alice laughed in a mean way. '' He won't come! ''
'' Er, babe? '' I called, looking around. I spotted Rose on the other side of the room with Esme. They were preparing the snacks. '' Shouldn't we go and help her? ''
Rose laughed and shook her head. '' No way. She made a deal with Alice and now she's trying to get out of it. I can't really believe I'm saying this, but I'm on Alice's side this time. ''
I raised an eyebrow at her and turned back with a shrug.
'' You're an awful person! '' I heard Bella shout again. I looked at the ceiling once more and shook my head. I knew better than to get involved in this. I had learned a long time ago that women are both crazy and terrifying. They may have looked beautiful, but that didn't stop them from tearing you apart when you crossed them. I looked at Rose once more and smiled. I married one of the most terrifying women on the planet after all.
'' We had a deal, Bella! '' Alice growled.
'' I changed my mind! ''
'' You promised! You can't break promises. That is awful! ''
Edward entered the ballroom again, muttering under his breath as he carried a couple of chairs with him.
'' Can't even stand up to my own sister, '' I heard him mutter as he dropped the chairs with a bang and slouched off again. '' Pathetic. ''
I heard Jasper laughing next to me and turned my head. '' Do you know what this is all about? ''
'' I'm sworn to secrecy, '' he chuckled. '' My lips are sealed. ''
'' Why did Alice need to threaten Edward anyway? '' I wondered. '' If Bella has already promised Alice? ''
It's complicated, bro, '' Jasper sighed. '' Trust me, you want to stay out of this one. It's a girl thing. I think, '' he added, somewhat confused. Then he shook his head with a grimace and turned his attention back to the lights.
'' Bella, just open the door! '' Alice's voice sounded exasperated. '' I wasn't kidding about kicking it in. ''
'' No! You've ruined everything! '' Bella shouted back.
'' Ruined? '' Alice yelled, she sounded almost hysterical now. '' I have never ruined anything! I know what I'm doing and I'm good at it! ''
'' I don't like it! '' Bella shouted back.
'' Duh, that's because I'm not finished yet! ''
'' Jasper, Emmett? '' Carlisle's voice carried across the ballroom. I turned around and saw him beckoning us.
'' What's up, Carlisle? '' I asked when we left the ballroom. He walked to his office, closed the door behind him and set behind his desk. He folded his hands together in front of him and adopted a restful pose.
'' Is this about the thing that's going on between Bella and Alice? '' I asked, confused. I had been so absorbed in their fight that it seemed ridiculous that the others had been busy with something else.
'' No, '' Carlisle smiled, but it was only briefly. '' I'm not getting in the middle of that. ''
'' Agreed, '' Jasper nodded, that same grimace back in place. I was baffled. Everyone in this house seemed to know what it was about, except me.
'' This is about something a little more important, '' he said before he turned to Jasper.
'' Our papers, '' he clarified.
'' What about them? '' Jasper asked, his tone serious. He seemed to have forgotten the horrors that were apparently going on upstairs. '' Is there something wrong when you went to pick everything up? I shouldn't have made it so last minute, but I didn't have a choice. Jenkins, he's - ''
'' I know, '' Carlisle nodded. '' It's not your fault. ''
'' What about Jenkins? '' I asked, feeling like I was missing something. Again!
Jasper sighed and leaned over in his chair, folding his hands between his separated knees. '' He's gone, '' Jasper whispered. My eyebrows knitted together at this news and I looked at the door again. It was obvious that he didn't want our conversation to be overheard. That seemed a bit useless with Edward in the house. He could hear our thoughts no matter how soft we spoke.
'' What do you mean he's gone? '' I whispered back. An automatic response, before I remembered my reservations. '' Why are we whispering anyway?
'' Because I don't want to be overheard, '' Jasper explained.
'' But Edward - '' I started to say, but Jasper shook his head.
'' Edward has gone out for a bit after he dropped the chairs off, '' Jasper said. '' I heard him leave just before you called us in. '' He looked at Carlisle who nodded at his words.
That I believed. Hearing the fight must have been too much for him. Whatever Alice had on him, he seemed powerless to do anything about it. Poor guy.
'' Right, '' I said. '' So what do you mean he's gone? ''
'' Before we left on our summer vacation I stopped by, like I always do, to place our orders, '' Jasper began. '' I knew we had to move in September and I didn't want to wait until the last minute. ''
'' But when you got there he was gone? '' I asked, bewildered.
'' No, '' Jasper said with a shake of his head. '' I placed my orders and told him I'd be back in a couple of weeks to collect them. Everything seemed fine when I left. ''
'' So, what? '' I asked, still not fully understanding. '' You think he ran for it? ''
'' No. '' Jasper shook his head again. '' He wouldn't do that. ''
'' Well, aren't you trying to find him? I mean, the guy has information about our family. Not much, I know that, but he's not stupid either. ''
'' I don't need to find him, '' Jasper sighed. '' I already did. He's dead. ''
'' Was he ill? ''
'' No, he wasn't ill, Emmett, '' Jasper said, his tone a little exasperated. As if I were overlooking something obvious. '' He was murdered. ''
'' Oh, '' I said lamely. '' Well, he wasn't exactly an honest guy, '' I reasoned. '' He must have pissed off a lot of people in his days. I mean, he was a forger, not to mention a devil's advocate. Literally. He was involved with all sorts of criminals. ''
'' Yeah, that's what I thought at first, '' Jasper nodded. '' Assassinations happen all the time in those less than civil communities. But that's not what happened. ''
He looked at me with meaning and it took me a couple of seconds to understand what he was trying to say.
'' You don't mean, '' I mumbled with a shake of my head. '' Our kind? ''
'' Yeah, '' he said. '' They didn't even try to hide the body. He was found within hours. He was in his office, like he has been every day. Very dead, but he was there. Whoever killed him, didn't even hide the body. His assistant found him the next morning. He must have been working late the night before. ''
'' Then how do you know for sure it was our kind? '' I asked, puzzled. '' They usually try a little harder to cover their tracks. ''
'' Because I'm not stupid, '' Jasper said and he sounded irritated. '' I saw his report. He suffered from major blood loss. ''
'' Bite marks? '' I asked, shocked now. Who the hell would be so stupid as to leave such obvious evidence behind?
'' None, '' Jasper shook his head. '' But a lot of cuts along his major arteries. ''
'' Then how do you know- ? ''
'' There wasn't enough blood at the crime scene, '' Jasper explained. '' The police thinks that someone must have dragged him off somewhere and bled him to death. As in torture. After he died he was placed back in his office. But there are no signs of a break in and the security camera's haven't found anything. '' He sighed and rubbed his face with his left hand. '' But that's not all, '' he continued. '' I went to search the office. The police said that there weren't any files missing, but I wanted to make sure. ''
'' You don't mean to say - '' I started. I felt a sense of panic wash over me. This was bad.
'' Our files were still there, '' Jasper said and I breathed a sigh of relief. '' But something seemed off. ''
'' Off? '' I asked, my previous sense of relief leaving me as if someone had just pulled the stopper out of a bath full of water. I felt it draining away at a quick pace as I looked into Jasper's eyes.
'' Jenkins would never leave our files out in the open for everyone to see, '' Jasper continued. '' I've always made sure that he treated our information with the utmost care. But they were in his suitcase, as if he had just carried them around like normal files. He would never do that. ''
'' So, what? '' I said, trying to fit all the pieces together. '' You think some vampire went after him to extract our files and tried to make it look as if some common criminal tortured and murdered him for information? ''
'' Yes, that's exactly what I think. ''
'' But who could possibly be behind it? '' I wondered.
I racked my brain, trying to find a vampire with a grudge against any of us, but I came up blank. Sure, we had crossed paths with others before. And parted again without too much trouble. Some were suspicious of us, because of how we lived. Another part of them had been curious. But most of them simply went about their own business and didn't bother. Carlisle had never really made any true enemies. I couldn't picture it either. He was too kind. Same for Esme. Besides, she had been with Carlisle ever since he turned her. Same went for me and Rose. We had never left Carlisle's side. Sure, we lived on our own from time to time, acting as a married couple should. Rose enjoyed the privacy every now and then. Edward was also turned by Carlisle, so he couldn't have... Well, he did leave Carlisle's side for a few years, but he was too busy killing criminals to do anything else. He went off on his own and he never told us anything about joining other vampires. He wouldn't have seemed out of place either, because he lived the way most of our kind do.
Alice and Jasper weren't turned by Carlisle and only joined us later. I knew of Jasper's troubled past. It was very possible that he had made enemies before he joined our family. Though I think he killed most of them. Perhaps Maria... No, what business could she possibly have with him after all these years? And from what Jasper has told me, she isn't one to sneak around. She's used to war. She would've made her presence known in much less pleasant ways.
Alice doesn't remember anything of her human life, so there is not much to go on, but she never made any enemies as a vampire. That much I know. From the moment she turned 'til the day they moved in with us she only searched for Jasper. She has told that story many times.
The only plausible option was Jasper then...
'' I'm not sure yet, '' Jasper sighed, answering my question. '' Tracking vampires is a lot harder than tracking humans. If that weren't the case, we would have found the vampires who killed Bella's parents by now. ''
'' Bella! '' I said, sitting upright in my chair. '' I forgot about her! ''
'' Excuse me? '' Jasper said, clearly not following. '' You forgot about her? How could you forget about her, she's your sister! ''
'' No, no, '' I said impatiently. '' I was racking my brain, trying to think of a vampire who could have a grudge against any of us. I went through every family member and I came up with only one person who could have enemies from the past. ''
'' Me, '' Jasper said with a nod. '' But I can't think of a vampire who would do this. Besides that, they are far away from here. They wouldn't bother. I think, '' he added as an after thought. '' But what was that about Bella? ''
'' Well, I didn't think about her, '' I said, mentally slapping myself for my stupidity. '' We know that there are vampires out there who might still be looking for her. We don't know what happened after all and we haven't found them yet. What if they are behind this? ''
'' I don't see how they could have found her, '' Jasper said with a shake of his head, but I could hear the doubt in his voice. '' It happened years ago in Pennsylvania State. We live in London. She changed her name. We did all that to ensure her safety. ''
'' That doesn't mean they wouldn't be able to find her, '' I disagreed. '' If they pulled some strings. If they knew where she was found three years ago. Carlisle and Edward brought her to the nearest hospital and we officially adopted her. We filled in a lot of paperwork to make sure she could come home with us. Those files are still out there. The only thing they needed to do was break into the police office, or the hospital, or child services. They are all linked to Bella, and to us. ''
I could see the worry in Jasper's eyes. '' But that still doesn't make any sense. '' He shook his head, maybe to convince not only Carlisle and me, but himself as well. '' They left her for dead in the middle of a road. They disappeared without a trace. Why on earth would they come looking for her after three years? And why, '' he added, determined it seemed to write these suspicions off. '' would they go through Jenkins off all people to collect information? If they found information in Pennsylvania they already know where she lives. We left an address behind, remember? In case they would ever need to contact us. ''
I seemed to think about that for a minute. '' I don't know, man, '' I sighed. All of this was messing with my head. Jasper was usually better at finding things out than I was. I only saw what was right in front me. And that wasn't much.
'' Who else could have done it then? '' I added, a little tired from all the information that was circling my brain.
'' I don't know, '' Jasper sighed. '' I don't have an answer either. ''
'' Jasper and I already agreed that it would be foolish to ignore it completely, '' Carlisle said, speaking for the first time. He must have heard the entire story already.
'' So, what? '' I asked, confused again. '' Do we have a change of plans? ''
'' Not exactly, '' Carlisle answered. '' Whoever killed Jenkins was after information and we can assume that they have found it. They have read our files. That means that they are aware of our plans to move to Alaska. ''
'' So we'll go somewhere else instead? '' I asked, thinking that this was the safest option. I didn't mind a run in with a couple of blood thirsty vampires, but we had Bella now. We couldn't take those kinds of risks anymore, as much as I would like it.
'' No, '' Jasper responded. '' That would be too obvious. If we want to find out who's behind this, we can't let them know that we're on to them. ''
'' But isn't it obvious already? '' I pointed out. '' With the whole murder thing and the files. ''
'' Perhaps, '' Jasper allowed. '' I can't decide if they are simply stupid or if they wanted to rile us. Either way, we can't give in to that. If we want to find out we need to move to Alaska just like we planned. ''
'' But what about Bella? '' I asked, concerned for my little sister.
'' We don't know if those vampires are after Bella or something else, '' Carlisle reasoned.
'' No, I wasn't just referring to that, '' I said with a shake of my head. '' Look, I'm always in for a good fight, you know that. But we have Bella now. We can't bring her into this. It's not safe. Rose would never allow it. Not to mention Edward. And to be honest, I don't like it either. She's human. It doesn't take much for her to get hurt. ''
'' We would never allow that, '' Carlisle said, his tone serious and fierce. '' But moving to another place wouldn't do us any favors. We have family there. At least we have some back-up in case something happens. We can count on Tanya and her family to help us if it comes to that. But I don't think it will. ''
'' You don't? ''
'' No, think about it, '' Carlisle said, resting his hands on his desk. '' If they were really after Bella they could have done something already. But they didn't. They may have followed us, but they didn't attack or do anything to harm her. Even though they've had plenty of opportunities. ''
'' That doesn't mean they won't do anything in the future, '' I said, still not liking this plan.
'' No matter where we go they will find us if they are determined to, '' Jasper spoke. '' At least now we are prepared. And Carlisle's right, '' he added. '' We have family there. That means more protection for Bella. ''
'' I'm not so sure about that, '' I said, doubt coloring my tone. '' Bella isn't exactly Tanya's favorite person. ''
'' She would never do anything to harm Bella, '' Carlisle said and his voice sounded stern.
'' Whatever feelings she may have for Edward, she knows the value of family. She can set her personal feelings aside when it comes to it. I have complete faith in her. ''
I suddenly thought of Edward's words and sighed. He always told Carlisle that he put too much faith in other people. People who may not deserve it. I didn't necessarily think that Tanya would harm Bella, but Carlisle seemed to brush it off to easily.
'' Well, if you are sure, '' I said.
I wasn't going up against Carlisle. Not because I was afraid, but because I simply didn't want to. He would never put Bella at risk. She was his daughter after all and he loved her very much. We all did. And they did have a point. This was the easiest way to find out the truth. Besides, if someone ever tried to hurt Bella again I would rip them apart 'til nothing would be left of them. We all felt the same way. Bella was safe with us.
'' But what about our papers? '' I asked, thinking back to the beginning of our conversation.
'' I hired another guy to finish our papers, '' Jasper explained. '' With Jenkins gone I needed to find someone else on a short notice. And believe it or not, they are not as easy to find as I would have liked. '' He rolled his eyes. '' The guy that took over from Jenkins wasn't exactly my first choice, but I was running out of time. ''
'' Why? What's wrong with him? ''
Jasper laughed a humorless laugh. '' Too many things to mention in one day, but let's not get into that. It seems he may have screwed a few things up. '' He turned to Carlisle.
'' Isn't that why you called us here? ''
'' Something like that, '' Carlisle sighed. He opened his desk and extracted a large file from one of the drawers. He placed it in front of Jasper and gestured him to open it.
Jasper took out all the papers and skimmed through them. After a minute he scoffed and threw them back on the desk.
'' What? '' I asked, impatient and curious.
'' I can't believe it, '' Jasper laughed, but again, it didn't hold any humor. '' I thought we had come to a peaceful agreement. ''
'' I wasn't about to argue inside his office, '' Carlisle sighed. '' Besides that, it's really not something I like to do anyway. ''
'' No, you were right to leave this to me, '' Jasper agreed. '' I will fix it. It's not like we have a choice anyway. We're leaving tomorrow. ''
'' Care to share? '' I said, annoyed.
'' He wants more money, '' Jasper said, his tone bored and irritated. '' He's a sly dog. I knew this when I decided to take my business to him. I didn't like it, but I was running out of options. He promised to get it done quickly. It was a little last minute and I needed someone who wouldn't mind to put in a little extra effort. We had agreed on the price, but it seems he has changed his mind about that. He wants ten thousand more than we agreed on. ''
'' But we already have the documents, '' I said, pointing at the papers on the desk.
'' Yeah, not all of them, '' Jasper said. '' A few crucial ones are missing. We get them once we hand over the rest of the money. ''
'' I trust you to handle this situation? '' Carlisle asked Jasper, who nodded.
'' I'll fix it, '' he said, determined. '' Oh, I'll fix it. ''
'' I'm thrilled you've told me everything that's been going on, '' I began, trying to find the right words to say, without sounding like an ass. '' But why exactly am I here? Jasper usually handles this stuff by himself. ''
'' I want you to go with him, '' Carlisle answered. I raised an eyebrow at him.
'' I know I'm the big bad-ass brother and all that, but I think Jasper can look after himself. ''
I looked at him from the corner of my eye. '' No, I'm not saying you're stronger than me, because we both know that's a lie. '' Jasper chuckled and cracked the knuckles on his left hand, as if to say that he would love to prove me wrong. Bring it, blondie.
'' But this guy is human, '' I continued. '' He's no match for any of us. ''
'' After what happened to Jenkins, '' Carlisle began, leveling me with a stern look. '' I don't want to take any unnecessary risks. Someone is obviously keeping an eye on us and think it best if you two handle this together. Just as a precaution. ''
'' It couldn't hurt, '' Jasper agreed. '' Two see more than one. '' He stood up from his seat and turned to look at me. '' Are you ready? ''
I grinned up at him. '' What are you going to do to him? '' I smirked.
'' Scare the living daylights out of him, '' Jasper answered, trying to sound nonchalant, but I could hear his amusement.
'' Awh, can't I do that? '' I whined, grinning. It had been a while since I had scared someone and I had to admit that I missed it. What was the point in being a huge vampire, if you couldn't even use it to scare people anymore? We had grown soft.
'' You and I both now that I'm so much better at it, '' Jasper laughed, closing the door to Carlisle's office behind him. Before it closed I heard Carlisle sigh and I imagined him shaking his head at our backs. I had to laugh at that.
'' No way, '' I argued. '' You cheat. I'm naturally intimidating. '' I slapped my chest with pride.
'' Fine, '' Jasper said with an exaggerated sigh. '' You can have some fun. But I'm the leader! '' he added with narrowed eyes.
'' Whatever you say, boss! '' I laughed as we grabbed our coats and left through the backdoor. We'd be back in less than an hour. We should, because Alice would flay us if we missed the party. Aside from Rose, she was scarier than Jazz and I combined.
Bella's POV.
I was sitting on my bed, legs under my blankets and my arms crossed over my chest. I stared at my almost empty room. Most of my things were already in Alaska. And tomorrow I would be too. This realization made me sad and I didn't like the feeling. I knew that we didn't have a choice. People would start to suspect things if we didn't start over some place new. But that didn't mean I liked it. This was my last night in London and I had to say good-bye to so many things. This country, this city, this house, my school, my friends... I had to leave them all behind.
After they had told me that we were moving away I had put it at the back of my mind. I had refused to dwell on it too much, and instead I had decided to enjoy the time I had left here. But now I couldn't run away from it anymore. I had to face reality, and the reality was that it was really time to say good-bye now. As if that wasn't enough, Alice had decided to throw me a party! I hated parties, even birthday parties and they were supposed to be a happy occasion. This wasn't a happy occasion and the party didn't make me feel better at all. Sure, I was able to say good-bye, but I didn't need a party to do that. I would have preferred something smaller, simpler. Or maybe a funeral would have been more appropriate. I felt like a part of me was going to die.
I realized that I was wallowing in self pity and I gritted my teeth.
'' Bella, open the door! Now! '' Alice shouted from the hallway. I heard my teeth grinding together and I growled softly.
'' We had a deal! '' she yelled again and I could hear that she was stamping her foot.
I pictured her standing in the hallway. Her hands balled into fists, resting above her hips. Her stamping feet and her furious growls. It made her look like a pixy from hell. I imagined her with horns and I snorted. But she had every right to be angry with me, I knew that. We did have a deal. I had promised her and now I was breaking that promise. I just couldn't make myself move. I had been sitting on my bed for the past two hours, refusing to open the door. Her threats to kick it in hadn't motivated me to get up and open the door for her. Despite her threats my door was still very much intact, so I couldn't say that I was compelled to open it any time soon. Although I knew that her threats weren't empty. I was convinced that she would kick it in eventually. But, as she had already pointed out, that didn't matter because I wouldn't need it anymore anyway.
'' Bella, I swear to god- '' She growled, too angry to finish her sentence.
There was a loud bang and the door rattled, but it didn't fly of its hinges. She was using a warning shot now. If she had wanted to break my door, she would have. I had stopped screaming back at her. I was tired of fighting. And moreover, my anger had been replaced by self pity.
Another loud bang. Second warning shot. I wondered how many warning shots I got before she came barging in, ready to unleash her anger on me.
And what would I say to her when she finally broke in? Get out? Sure, like that would happen. I couldn't possibly throw her out of the room.
I wasn't even sure if I wanted that. Perhaps I was only infuriating her to distract myself from the party and all it meant. As if I could buy some extra time that way. I knew that that was impossible. Perhaps I only directed my anger at her because she was an easy target. That sounded strange to even think it. There was a pissed off vampire outside my bedroom, about to kick the door down and unleash her wrath on me and I called her an easy target. I knew there would be hell to pay and still I couldn't make myself care all that much. I felt empty. Like nothing really mattered anymore empty.
Another bang. Third warning shot. She really didn't want to break my door, I knew that. Despite her words, she didn't want to demolish anything in this house. I had a feeling that she would have to do it anyway. I wasn't going to open the door. I couldn't make myself get up.
'' That's it! '' Alice yelled, almost hysterical again. '' You have three seconds, Bella, or I'll kick it in! '' It seemed that the final countdown had started. I decided that, as long as I was still alone in this room and in a position to ventilate, I should make the most of it. I grabbed the remote control of my stereo and pressed the 3. Edward had given me this CD a couple of weeks ago and it had been in my CD player ever since. It was one of the only things that hadn't been shipped off yet. They knew that I couldn't go to sleep without my music.
The familiar tune of The Final Countdown blasted from the speakers and I held back a chuckle. I knew I was being mean, but it distracted me from everything that was about to come. And Alice really was an easy target.
A few seconds later my bedroom door was blasted out of its hinges with a terrifying bang. I turned the music up and leaned back against my pillow. My door shattered to pieces and revealed a murderous looking Alice. She was breathing heavily, hands balled into fists. She looked as if she was about to breath fire and burn down the entire house.
I looked at her and knew that my face was totally impassive. I wasn't afraid of her. She would never hurt me, I knew that. Perhaps I was still angering her because a part of me wished that she would. Just a nice slap in the face or something like that. At least that would make me feel something. I didn't feel anything right now. Just emptiness. I was hollow.
The lyrics started and reached my ear. I had only chosen this song to give Alice an appropriate soundtrack, but, now that I heard the lyrics I had the feeling that they were singing my soundtrack rather than hers.
'' You! '' Alice growled, looking more terrifying than I had ever seen her before. Her tiny form didn't lessen the level of intimidation. She could snap my neck like a twig. She could pull me apart and do her nails at the same time. Still, I wasn't scared. I was simply hollow.
She stomped over to my stereo, picked it up and threw it out the window with a loud roar. The music was abruptly gone and I sat up a little straighter. I hadn't expected her to do that.
'' What the- '' I was about to protest. Edward had given me that stereo after all. How dare she!
'' NO! '' She growled, pointing a threatening finger at me. '' I've had it with your nonsense! ''
The shattering of the glass still rung in my ears and I looked down at the splintered glass that now decorated my bedroom floor. I felt something sting in my eyes and I rubbed them before the tears could spill over.
'' How dare you, '' I said, not even shouting. I was too angry to shout. Well, at least I felt something again. '' That stereo was a present from Edward. ''
'' I don't give a rat's ass! '' Alice thundered, beside herself with rage. She was trembling front head to toe.
'' Well, I do! '' The volume had returned to my voice again. '' How would you feel if I did that to you? If I threw one of Jasper's presents out the window? ''
Alice blinked and seemed to forget her anger for a minute. I stared at her, furious, but realized what I had said after a few seconds. That wasn't the same thing...
I let out a staggered breath and turned my head away. The tears were still prickling my eyes, but they didn't spill over. The room was completely silent now. And in those few quiet seconds I mulled over my own words. Why would I say such a thing? It wasn't the same... Jasper and Alice were married. Edward and I... we were best friends. That was completely different. Right?
'' I - '' Alice stammered, at a loss for words. I refused to turn my head back to her. My own words had confused me, but I was still angry.
'' I'll buy you a new one, '' she mumbled. She sounded ashamed, but I could still hear the anger in her voice.
'' Don't bother, '' I managed to spit out. '' It won't be the same. ''
There it was again. Even though I was right. It wouldn't be the same. She couldn't replace something Edward had given me.
'' I'm sorry, '' Alice muttered after another minute of silence. '' I shouldn't have done that. ''
'' No, you shouldn't have, '' I agreed though gritted teeth. I wasn't sure if I was gritting my teeth because I was angry or because I was trying to stop the tears from spilling over. Perhaps both.
She sighed and sank down to the floor. '' But you shouldn't have broken your promise, '' she continued.
I crossed my arms and let out an annoyed huff. I knew she was right, but I didn't want to hear it. It made me feel guilty and I didn't want to deal with that now. Not when I had so many other things to deal with. Not when -
'' You can't treat me like that, Bella, '' Alice continued. She sounded both angry and sad now. '' I don't deserve that. I do everything for you. I organized this whole party just so you could say good-bye to your friends. I- ''
'' Yeah, well maybe that's the problem, '' I said before she could finish. I turned my head back to her and glared at her. She seemed confused.
'' What's the problem? The party? '' she asked, waving her hand toward the hallway that was now visible through my broken door.
'' Not just the party, '' I said. My hands balled themselves into fists. '' Everything is the problem! You do all these things and I never have a choice! It doesn't matter if I want to have a party or not, because you'll throw it anyway! It doesn't matter what I want to wear, because you'll dress me up in whatever you like anyway! Nothing I want matters to you! ''
Alice's eyes widened at my words and she shook her head before I was finished.
'' No, Bella, '' she said. '' That's not true. Of course it matters! ''
'' No, it doesn't! '' I bit back. '' You never listen to what I want. ''
'' Of course I listen, '' she said with a shake of her head and I sighed. She wasn't listening. Not now, not ever.
'' No, you don't, '' I emphasized each word and glared at her. '' Just like now. You never listen to me. If I say that I don't want to wear certain clothes you force me into them anyway. If I don't want to go shopping, you drag me along anyway. You always do this. You always make me feel like I don't have a choice. I don't like it. ''
'' I dress everyone in this house, '' Alice protested, clearly refusing to comment on anything else I had just said.
'' So? '' I exclaimed, annoyed. '' Maybe they don't care. I do. ''
'' But I know what looks good on you, '' Alice said with a stubborn expression.
'' No, you dress me in whatever you think looks good on me, '' I corrected her. '' In whatever you like. Not what I like. ''
'' Then what do you like? '' Alice asked, she sounded annoyed.
For the first time in more than two hours I got off the bed and walked to my wardrobe. I threw it open with a loud bang and grabbed all the clothes I could hold. Most of them were already shipped off, but Alice had left a few outfits here. Too many outfits I might add. Because she wanted to dress me up several times a day if it was up to her. I threw all the clothes on the bed and grabbed the first dress. It was one of the dresses she had bought for me in Japan. It had a lot of bows and ruffles and was pink of all colors.
'' Not this! '' I yelled and I threw it out into the hallway were it landed with a muffled thump.
'' Not this! '' I said again when I had picked up another ugly dress she had bought in Japan. It threw it on top of the other one. '' Not this! Not this! Not this! '' I threw all the sickly sweet dresses she had bought onto a large pile and turned to glare at her again. '' You may like them, but I think they're hideous. They're not me! ''
Alice was silent and stared at the discarded dresses with obvious horror in her eyes.
'' Do you know how much they cost? '' she choked, reaching out as if she wanted to save them from a drowning death.
'' Well, if you hadn't bought them in the first place, they would have cost you nothing! '' I answered savagely. '' I'm literally throwing your money away! ''
'' No, don't! '' she choked again, as if she was in pain. '' They're high-fashion and hand made! My precious jewels! ''
'' I'll do you one better! '' I shouted, my anger flaring up again. I stormed into the hallway and trampled the dresses under my feet. It was cruel, but it was the only way to make her listen to me.
'' NO! '' Alice jumped up and pulled me off the dresses and back into my room. She held the tops of my arms and yelled in my face. '' What's the matter with you?! ''
'' Aren't they mine? '' I growled back. '' That means I can do with them whatever I want. It's a pity I don't have a lighter, because if I had I would have burned them! ''
Alice gasped in horror and threw herself back to the ground. '' No, please! '' She whined.
This was exactly her problem. This crazy obsession with clothes. All of her crazy obsessions for that matter. She needed a reality check. She made it impossible for me to be myself and make my own choices. It might have worked on me a few years ago, but I had had enough.
'' They're just clothes! '' I shouted at her, trying to make her see reason.
'' And that was just a stereo! '' She shouted back, pointing to the window.
'' What? '' I exclaimed, furious. '' How can you even compare that? Edward got me that stereo! ''
'' And I got you those clothes! '' She yelled and I could she the anguish in her eyes. She may not have been able to cry anymore, but it was obvious that she was. Just without the tears.
'' Are you really comparing those rags to my stereo? '' I asked, shocked.
'' He got you that stereo because he loves music, '' Alice explained, her voice breaking a few times. '' He wanted to share his love for music with you because he loves you. I give you clothes because I love fashion. I only want to share that with you because I love you too, don't you see that? ''
My eyebrows shot up in surprise. I had no idea that she saw it this way.
'' You buy everyone's clothes, '' I argued. My arms flailed in exasperation.
'' Well, I love everyone! '' she howled. I blew the air out of my cheeks and shook my head.
'' Maybe I wouldn't hate shopping so much if you didn't force it on me the way you do, '' I tried to explain. She was obviously too emotional to be rational right now and shouting at her only made it worse. '' Maybe I would like to go shopping with you if you gave me a chance to choose my owns clothes. To let me wear something I like. ''
Alice sniffed and her lower lip trembled, but she remained silent so I continued.
'' You know why I broke my promise today? '' I continued, but I didn't wait for her to answer.
'' Because when I promised you I felt like I didn't have a choice. It wouldn't have mattered if I had promised you or not, you would've done it anyway. That's what you always do. You don't give me a choice. I don't want to break my promises, but you always make me feel cornered. You make me hate things. You make me hate clothes, you make me hate parties, you make me hate shopping. You make me hate anything girlie at all. Don't you see that by forcing me to do things you only push me away? ''
'' I don't want that, '' she whispered, wrapping her arms around her legs.
'' I know that, '' I nodded, trying to sound a little kinder. I sank to my knees as well and adopted the same pose as her. '' I know you're only trying to make me happy. But you try too hard. It has the opposite effect. You're enthusiasm is great, but it also turns you into a crazy person. You can't force someone to like what you like. ''
'' I just wish we could do those things together, '' she mumbled, rocking back and forth.
'' We can! '' I assured her. '' Alice you're my sister! I always want to do things together with you. Just not like this. I just don't want you to try and turn me into someone I'm not. ''
'' But you hate all the things I love to do, '' Alice muttered. She sounded so sad.
'' No, I don't, '' I said with a shake of my head.
'' You do, '' she insisted, stubborn as ever. '' You hate shopping, you hate clothes, you hate it when I do your hair, you hate parties and- ''
'' No, I don't hate any of those things, '' I assured her. '' I just hate the way you force it on me like I don't have a choice. I don't want to go shopping with you, because you pick out all my clothes and drag me from store to store for hours on end without giving me any say in the matter. I don't like the clothes, because they remind me that I don't have a choice. I have to wear them. I didn't even get to pick them out. I don't like it when you do my hair, because you never ask what I want. They are just an extension of the clothes that you picked out for me. I look a certain way, because you want me to look like that. Again, I didn't have a choice. I hate it because of that. ''
'' And the parties? '' she sniffed and I rolled my eyes.
'' Okay, you're right about that one, '' I allowed. '' I don't really like parties in general. Especially not a good-bye party. I don't like to be the center of attention. And everyone, not just you, makes me the center of attention all the time. I don't like that. And apart from that, '' I added with a sigh. '' It's the same thing. You throw the party, not me. I don't even get a say in who I invite. I don't get a say in anything. If you had just asked me we could have organized it together. We could have picked out the decorations, the food, the music. We could have sent the invitations together. But you didn't even ask if I wanted to throw a party. You just assumed. No, not even that. You knew I wouldn't like it, but you did it anyway. ''
'' Then there would be no point in asking, '' Alice pointed out glumly.
'' Of course there would be a point, '' I exclaimed, my frustration making its way back into my voice. '' First and foremost, because you would have given me a choice. ''
'' You would have said no, '' Alice mumbled, depressed.
'' No, actually, '' I said. '' I wouldn't have said no. ''
Alice looked up and seemed confused. '' But you just said you hated parties. ''
'' I do, '' I agreed with a nod. '' Well, hate is a strong word. I don't really like them. '' Alice looked down again as if she wanted to say: see!
'' But you do, '' I continued. Her eyes found mine again. '' I would have said yes for you. Because I know how much you like them. And we could have thrown it together. We could have done everything together, like sisters. But now, now it's just a stupid party that I have no control over that my crazy big sister forced on me without any consideration for my feelings. It doesn't exactly make me want to go. It only makes me mad at you. ''
'' I had no idea you felt this way, '' Alice sighed, clearly disappointed in herself.
'' Because you never ask, '' I repeated. '' You don't listen. ''
'' I want to listen to you, I do. ''
'' I know that, '' I sighed. '' I know that you don't want to hurt my feelings, but, despite that, you do exactly that. ''
'' So, you don't want to throw this party? '' Alice asked, trying to listen to what I wanted. I appreciated the effort.
'' Not really, but it's too late to cancel, '' I answered honestly. '' The party is tonight and we leave tomorrow. It wouldn't be fair to cancel it now. And I really do want to say goodbye to my friends and this is my last chance. ''
'' So the party isn't canceled? '' Alice asked, she sounded hopeful. I chuckled.
'' No, it isn't canceled. '' Alice flashed me a brilliant smile and I shook my head at her. She turned her head and looked at the trampled dresses that still cluttered the hallway.
'' Your party outfit was in there, '' she said sheepishly.
'' Yeah, I gathered as much, '' I said, trying to sound annoyed, but I failed. Alice seemed to think about something before she turned back to me with a grin.
'' Do you want to go shopping for a new outfit? '' She offered, placing her hands in front of her as if she was pleading with me. I supposed she really was. '' We can find it together! You can have a say in it. ''
'' Really? '' I laughed, happy for the first time since I had heard that we were moving to Alaska.
Alice nodded, unable to contain her excitement. I pretended to think about it and she started hopping up and down. I laughed at her. This was the Alice I had met three years ago in a gloomy hospital. The Alice that had brightened my days with her enthusiasm.
'' So, what do you say? '' Alice asked, impatient as always.
'' You betcha, '' I laughed and she flung her arms around my middle the moment I flung my arms around her neck. This was my Alice. My very happy big sister.
'' Mom! '' I shouted in excitement. '' Mom, look! '' Both Esme and Rose looked up when I shouted and I laughed. That would never not be weird. I didn't know any better, but having two moms was still strange every now and then. Nevertheless, I had called them both.
They were seated at the kitchen table, clearly awaiting my arrival, because I could see a pizza box in the middle of the kitchen table and it had my name on it. No, literally, it had my name on it. They always did that. As if anyone else in this house would even attempt to go near it.
I threw my arms out when I had entered the kitchen and smiled at them.
'' Alice and I went shopping and I got a new outfit! '' I said, happier than I had felt in weeks.
They both looked at me with wide eyes, full of doubt and I laughed again.
'' Baby? '' Rose asked, her voice laced with doubt. '' Are you alright? '' She narrowed her eyes at me and looked me up and down as if trying to find an illness.
'' I'm fine, '' I laughed. '' Alice and I picked it out together. She gave me a choice! '' I said this with pride. Not only pridebecause I had managed to persuade Alice, but also because she had actually given me a choice. That must have been hard for her, but she had kept her word. She promised me that I could help pick it out and she had let me.
Both Esme and Rose started to laugh when I said the words.
'' Well, that is something you don't see every day, '' Rose snickered. I looked down at my clothes.
'' Is it not pretty? '' I asked, doubt entering my mind.
'' No, no, it is, '' Rose assured me immediately. '' I meant something else. You look wonderful. ''
I smiled at her again and turned to Esme.
'' What do you think, mom? '' I asked her.
'' You look beautiful, sweetheart, '' she smiled warmly.
I looked down at my clothes again, feeling victorious. I had wanted to wear a pair of baggy jeans, but Alice had reminded me that I was going to a party, not a baseball match as she had called it. So we had decided to look for a dress. I didn't mind it as much as I would've thought. She really had allowed me to choose one myself. I had chosen a simple black mini dress. Or I believe it was called a mini dress. Alice mentioned something like that. It wasn't even that short to be honest. A few inches above the knee. But it was simple and actually felt pretty good on me. There were no bows or ruffles or anything that made me feel like a birthday cake.
Alice had bought me black platform shoes to match the dress. Small platform shoes because I couldn't walk in the first ones she had put me in. These weren't as outrageous as the other pair, but that made me love them even more.
But the best part of it all was that Alice had finally given me the earrings she had promised me three years ago on my birthday. They had promised me that I could get them, but Edward had put up a fuss, so until now I had never been able to wear them. My ears were still stinging a little bit, but it was totally worth it. They were simple diamonds that sparkled when the light hit them. Nothing ostentatious, but simple and lovely. I smiled at myself when I thought about the sparkling part. A small part of my body resembled the rest of my family now and I loved it.
We had also found a tattoo choker that was now firmly wrapped around my neck. It wasn't exactly the most comfortable thing, but I loved it anyway. I had seen many girls with those things around their necks and since then I had wished for one. I wore a few colorful bangles around my arms in addition to the bracelet I always wore. The one that Edward had given me on my seventh birthday. The one with the white heart shaped diamond charm. I never took it off if I could help it.
Alice had done my hair the way I liked it this time. Just a loose braid with tendrils fallen out and surrounding my face. It felt so comfortable. No bows, or pins or tons of annoying elastic bands that hurt my head. Just a simple braid.
I had even kept my promise with her. She had wanted to put some makeup on. I hadn't been sure at first. I had been afraid that I would look like a ridiculous clown, but I couldn't have been more wrong. She had kept it light and sweet.
For once, I didn't feel awful when I looked in the mirror. I felt a lot more like myself. A strange combination of me and Alice had resulted in the most comfortable look I had had in years. I knew that I could have been a lot more comfortable, but I had party to get to, so I didn't mind as much. Actually, I felt a lot more comfortable now than yesterday. Maybe it was also because I had actually had a say this time.
Alice clapped her hands excitedly when she entered the kitchen and made me turn around again.
'' You look wonderful, Bella! '' she exclaimed, her bubbly personality back to the way I liked it best. '' It's simple, but elegant and pretty! You were right. This does suit you! ''
'' Thanks, Alice, '' I said and I threw my arms around her middle once more. She deserved an extra hug after all.
'' And now, '' Esme laughed, happy, I presumed, that Alice and I had finally stopped fighting. '' Dinner. ''
I turned around and grinned at the pizza that was waiting for me. The whole kitchen was empty, because Esme and Alice had already shipped most of our stuff, so Esme wasn't able to cook dinner for me. I didn't mind. I hardly ever had pizza, especially with Rose in the house. The guys ordered it for me every now and then when Rose was out hunting. She still wasn't a fan of junk food, but this wasn't an ordinary day. She had ordered the pizza for me herself!
I sat down in one of the chairs and dug in.
'' Where's Edward? '' I asked after a minute, looking around the kitchen. I hadn't seen him since this morning.
'' Bella, '' Esme said, disapproval coloring her tone. '' Don't eat with your - ''
'' Mouth full, yeah, yeah, I know, '' I finished her sentence before she had the chance.
Rose snickered, but remembered herself a moment later. I threw her a sly smirk before I turned to Esme. She was watching me with a raised eyebrow, clearly not amused.
'' I'm sorry, mom, '' I chuckled. She sighed.
'' You never learn. ''
'' So, where is he? '' I repeated. I looked at each of them in turn.
'' Carlisle sent him out earlier, '' Esme said. '' I haven't seen him since. I'm sure he'll be back before the party starts. ''
'' Where did he go? '' I asked, confused. He usually told me when he had to go out.
'' I'm not sure actually, '' Esme said, her face confused.
'' Hm, '' I breathed before I took another bite. '' Weird. ''
'' He'll be back, '' Esme repeated with a smile.
'' What in the name of the lord are you wearing? '' Edward exclaimed when he entered the kitchen fifteen minutes later. He turned to glare at Alice. '' Is this a joke? ''
'' Excuse me, '' I said. I couldn't deny that I felt a little insulted. I had picked it out myself and now he was trampling all over it. '' But I picked it out, Edward. ''
He turned his glare on me and his eyes widened. '' Don't be ridiculous, Bella. Alice would never have allowed that. ''
'' Actually, I did, '' she said, crossing her arms over her chest. '' Bella and I had a good talk and she said she wanted to have a say. So, we went shopping and picked it out together. ''
'' Well, take it off, '' Edward said bluntly.
'' What? '' I exclaimed, my anger returning in full force. '' No way! I like it. ''
'' I don't care, '' Edward said, his tone made it clear that it wasn't up for discussion. Too bad for him. '' You look ridiculous. ''
'' Edward! '' Esme chided, frowning at him. '' That's not nice. Bella was very happy when she showed us and she looks beautiful. Don't talk to her that way. ''
Edward gritted his teeth and his hands balled into fists. '' That dress is way too short and those shoes make you look like a - '' It sounded like he had wanted to say a bad word, but he seemed to remember himself.
'' Like a what? '' I yelled, glaring up at him.
'' You're way too young to wear these sort of things, '' he said, clearly deciding to find another way to voice his opinion instead of using a bad word.
'' I'm ten! '' I said, pointing a finger at him.
'' Exactly! '' he retorted. '' Dress like a ten year old, not like a - ''
'' A what? '' I said, my voice dripping with anger. He decided to ignore that again.
'' And what's that on your face? '' he asked instead, his finger almost pressed against my nose.
'' Hello, it's called makeup, '' I said with a roll of my eyes. '' I had promised Alice, remember? ''
'' I don't care, '' he growled. '' Take it off. It looks horrible. You don't need any makeup, Bella. ''
'' I'll be the judge of that, '' I growled back.
'' No, you won't! You are far too young to.. to... '' his eyes suddenly zoomed in on my earrings and I could see the explosion happen as if it were in slow-motion.
'' WHAT?! '' he thundered and he grabbed my face and turned it to the side.
'' Edward, let go of me! '' I shouted and I tried to struggle out of his grip, but before I had the chance he suddenly let go of me and my vision was blocked by Rose.
'' Keep your hands of my daughter! '' she growled and I looked around her to see Edward standing against the far wall. He looked positively murderous. This was the second vampire I had managed to anger today. I was on a roll.
'' Take those things out of her ears! '' he thundered back. '' I thought we had discussed this already! ''
'' No, you have announced on several occasions that you won't allow her to get earrings, '' Alice said, annoyed. '' We didn't discuss anything. You merely threatened. ''
'' Well, it clearly didn't have much impact, '' he shouted back.
'' Of course not, '' Alice said as if this was the most obvious thing in the world. '' You don't get to decide that. You're not her father. ''
'' No, I'm her- '' he snapped his mouth shut and apparently decided that a growl would be more effective.
'' Geesh, Edward, '' I said, walking around Rose so I could see him properly. '' What's the big deal? They're only earrings. ''
'' I don't want you to mutilate your own body! '' He growled. '' I don't like it. ''
'' Well, I do, '' I said, folding my arms. '' I love them actually. I love everything I'm wearing and I won't let you rain on my parade. Alice and I had a lot of fun today and I'm finally wearing something I picked out myself. I was happy until you came in. ''
'' Oh, you love it, '' Edward sneered, still very angry. '' You're happy with it. Well, that's great Bella. Good for you. Have fun at your party tonight, because I won't be there. Not if you look like that. ''
'' Great, '' I snapped back, my tone just as sarcastic as his. '' I will have fun, because you are no longer invited! Have fun sulking in your room. ''
I turned and left the kitchen, stamping my feet as I walked up the stairs to my room. When I got there I realized that I could no longer lock myself up and I kicked the wall in frustration. I turned around and headed to the library instead.
A few hours later the party was in full flow and I tried my best to talk to everyone Alice had invited. Jasper and Emmett were in charge of the music, or at least that's what it looked like. I knew that Alice had given them instructions. They were fooling around anyway. I knew that Alice hadn't picked out certain songs, because she turned to glare at them every now and then. I decided not to get involved in it. I had already won a fight Alice today and I wasn't going to push her any farther. Baby steps.
Rose and Esme were serving drinks and Carlisle showed up every now and then. He had told me he needed to work, so he locked himself up in his office most of the night. Edward was nowhere to be seen, but it didn't bother me as much as I would've thought. I had uninvited him after all. It was his own fault.
Alice patrolled the room to make sure that everything went smoothly and showed up every now and then to take pictures. I tried my best to smile in every one of them.
Even though I had dreaded this evening I couldn't deny that I was actually enjoying myself. The saying good-bye part was still awful, but I realized that I was actually happy that I had a chance to say good-bye to my friends.
'' Bella! '' Molly ran toward me with a drink in her hands and a big smile on her face. She sat down in the chair next to me and took a large sip of her drink. '' This party is great! ''
'' Yeah, Alice, '' I said with a roll of my eyes and she laughed.
'' Do you like your bracelet? '' she asked, her lips still wrapped around her plastic cup.
I looked down at the bracelet she had given me with a smile. She had made it herself. It had all sorts of bright colors that were woven together.
'' I love it, '' I grinned. '' You shouldn't have. ''
'' Of course I did, '' she laughed. '' You're my best friend. I couldn't let you leave without having something to remember me by. ''
I tried to swallow down the lump that had risen in my throat when she said the words.
'' I'm going to miss you, '' she added, a little softer now.
'' I'll miss you too, '' I said, feeling sad again. Before I could get too depressed Maggie showed up and distracted us.
'' Come on! '' she shouted over the music. '' This is a party! We should dance! ''
'' I'm not dancing! '' I shouted back with a vigorous shake of my head.
'' Why not? '' Maggie pouted.
'' Because I like to live a little longer, '' I laughed, thinking about my poor sense of balance and two left feet.
Dancing made me think of Edward. He danced with me every now and then. Well, he held me up while he danced. My clumsiness made it impossible to dance and stay upright without hurting myself or others. Thinking of Edward reminded me of the fact that he wasn't here right now and I felt the tears prick my eyes. I suddenly missed him, but I was also still angry with him. His reaction had been the worst. He needed to accept that I was not a little girl anymore. His insane overreaction to my earrings was ridiculous. They were only earrings. All the girls in my class wore them. It was not a big deal.
Maggie suddenly tugged at my arm and I was pulled back to the present.
'' I won't take no for an answer, '' she laughed while she tried to drag me to the dance floor. '' This is the last chance we have to dance together. Let's make the most of it. ''
I made a halfhearted attempt to stay in my seat, but found that it was too much effort, so I let her drag me to the middle of the ballroom. Molly followed and before I knew it I was surrounded by people, lights and loud music. Molly and Maggie danced around me while I shuffled from side to side and wiggled my arms. It must have looked ridiculous, because a few seconds later I heard Emmett thunderous laugh echo around the ballroom. I turned around and saw that he was laughing through a microphone. I gritted my teeth and glared at him.
'' Knock it off, Emmett, '' I said at normal volume. He would be able to hear me despite the loud music. That only fueled his laughter, but after a second the laughing stopped. Jasper had pulled the mic out of his hands and punched his jaw with a loud bang. My eyes widened and I tried to think of a way to cover it up, but before I had a chance to do anything Esme appeared, her face livid.
She pointed her finger at both of them and they seemed to shrink under her furious glare.
I couldn't hear what she was saying, but it was obvious that they were in trouble.
'' Woah! '' Sam called, appearing next to me with a big goofy grin. '' What was that noise? ''
I grinned at him and shrugged. '' Just Emmett and Jasper being stupid, '' I said, trying to sound nonchalant. '' They were fighting over a mic and they must have dropped it. ''
'' It sounded like thunder, '' he laughed.
'' Yeah, well, they're insane, '' I mumbled. I hoped that no one suspected anything weird. We would be leaving tomorrow anyway, but that didn't mean they could start acting like vampires. They should know better by now.
'' Your mom seems pretty pissed about it, '' He laughed, taking a sip from his soda.
'' They're probably grounded, '' I shrugged. '' It happens all the time. ''
Sam laughed and threw his arm around my shoulders. '' Come on, let's dance, Bella! ''
He pulled me back to the others and started swinging my arm back and forth. I had to laugh at that. Sam was always happy and funny. He reminded me of Emmett. A few minutes later the man in question suddenly lifted me up and I let out a high pitched scream.
'' Emmett! '' I yelled, smacking him on the head. '' Ouch! '' His head was hard as rock. I should know better by now.
'' What's up, rebel! '' he laughed, placing me on his shoulders.
'' What are you doing? '' I shouted, angry and embarrassed. My friends all looked up at me with wide eyes. Emmett looked like a mammoth, so it wasn't strange for him to lift me up as if I weight nothing. But he was so huge that people were intimidated nevertheless. He must have looked frightening from up close.
'' Woah, man! '' Sam exclaimed, clearly impressed. '' You're super strong! ''
'' I know! '' Emmett laughed. '' So you're the one who was dancing with my baby sis? ''
'' Someone had to do it, '' Sam shrugged, his grin still firmly in place.
Emmett let out a booming laugh. '' I like you, mini me. ''
'' Mini me? '' Sam asked, confused.
'' Bella thinks you and I look alike, '' Emmett laughed and Sam laughed with him.
'' Emmett! '' I whined, covering my face in my hands. This was so embarrassing! He wasn't supposed to tell Sam! '' Shut up! '' He merely laughed again and threw me into the air before he caught me.
'' No need to be embarrassed, devil! You're attracted to good looks, I get it. '' I closed my eyes and groaned.
'' So, are you her boyfriend or something? '' he asked Sam with a grin.
'' Emmett, what the hell! '' I felt like my face was going to burn off. It must have looked like a tomato.
'' No, man, '' Sam laughed with a shake of his head. '' Just friends. ''
'' I don't have a boyfriend, Emmett, '' I said, mortified. '' And I don't want one either. ''
'' Sure you do, squirt, '' he laughed. '' You're all grown up now, aren't you? '' He held me in his arms and I glared at him. That only seemed to amuse him.
'' Stop embarrassing me! '' I growled and he howled with laughter.
'' That's what big brothers are for, squirt, '' he informed me. I gritted my teeth in frustration, but then remembered something and narrowed my eyes at him.
'' Mom's already pissed at you and Jazz, '' I said with a smirk. '' Don't make me tell her that you're bullying me or you might end up with the snacks. ''
Emmett's eyes widened in shock before her narrowed them at me. '' You wouldn't dare. ''
'' Try me, tough guy, '' I smirked and he seemed to weigh his options. He put me down after a second and huffed.
'' Fine, you win, '' he said, holding his hands up in surrender. He turned around and started walking away. When he had taken a few steps her turned his head and smirked. '' But I'll be back, devil! I'll be back! ''
He then turned around dramatically and walked back to Jasper who looked a little paler than usual. I wondered what Esme had threatened him with and I suspected it had something to do with the threat I had just used on Emmett. I laughed and turned around, pleased with myself, but then met the eyes of my friends and I remembered all the nonsense Emmett had just blurted out. The blush that had colored my cheeks had started to fade away, but now it came back and I could feel it burn again.
'' Don't listen to him, '' I said, trying to brush off Emmett's insane assumptions. '' He's just an idiot. ''
'' He's so strong! '' Sam shouted again and he seemed genuinely impressed.
'' Yeah, he works out a lot, '' I mumbled, still highly uncomfortable.
At that moment a distraction appeared in the form of Alice. She danced her way over to us, swinging her camera in one hand.
'' Bella, why didn't you tell me you had a boyfriend? '' She asked, her face looked a little hurt. '' Sisters tell each other everything. ''
'' I don't have a boyfriend! '' I shouted, emphasizing each word that was laced with anger.
'' You don't have to be ashamed, '' Alice said, clearly not listening to a word I had said, like always. '' Boyfriends are fun. ''
'' Oh my god, Alice, '' I said, exasperated and embarrassed. '' Go find someone else to stalk! ''
She laughed, happy for some reason, turned around and darted off again. I blew the air out of my cheeks. My family was exhausting.
'' You're family is so much fun! '' Maggie laughed.
'' Sure they are, '' I muttered, annoyed.
'' Where's Edward? '' Molly asked, looking around. '' I haven't seen him yet. ''
'' I uninvited him, '' I grumbled, crossing my arms over my chest in annoyance.
'' What? '' she gasped. '' Why? I thought he was your best friend. ''
'' He is, '' I admitted, a little reluctant to answer questions about my traitor best friend. '' But we had a fight, so I uninvited him. '' I turned around and walked over to Rose and Esme to get something to drink. All this drama was making me thirsty. Molly followed me, still asking questions about Edward.
'' Are you angry with him? ''
'' Yup, '' I said, grabbing a red cup from one of the tables. I didn't even know what was in there, but I didn't care either. I drank it down in one gulp. It tasted like some sort of fruit juice. Knowing Rosalie is was probably full of vitamins and minerals or something like that.
'' Why? '' Molly pressed, obviously unwilling to let it go.
'' Alice got me earrings today, '' I sighed, deciding to tell her the truth.
'' Yeah, I noticed, '' she said, her eyes darting toward the white diamonds that glittered in my ears. '' They look great. '' I smiled a little ruefully. '' So... ''
'' So, Edward didn't like them, '' I answered with a shrug. '' He thinks I mutilated my body and he's angry about it. So we had a fight and I uninvited him. ''
'' He sounds really protective of you, '' Molly observed.
'' He is, '' I nodded with a grimace. '' It drives me crazy. ''
'' I can imagine, '' she nodded, the sympathy clear in her voice. '' But I think it's also nice, '' she continued and I raised an eyebrow. '' I'm the oldest, '' she clarified. I knew that already.
'' I always have to be the responsible one. I have to look out for my younger siblings. Sometimes I wish I had an older brother or sister, so they could look after me. I bet I'd be nice to not be the responsible one all the time. ''
'' I'm not so sure about that, '' I mumbled. '' I have to fight to get a little responsibility. To be able to make my own choices. They're not just protective. They're overprotective. Especially Edward. If it were up to him, he'd never leave my side. ''
Molly chuckled and shook her head. She didn't seem to find it as irritating as I did.
'' He'll see that you're growing up, '' she smiled as she grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze. '' He'll ease up eventually. ''
'' How can you be so sure about that? '' I asked. I tried to imagine a world where Edward would ease up and I just couldn't picture it. I was convinced that he would always be exactly the same. He was a vampire after all. Vampires don't change. At least on the outside. And I had a feeling that they wouldn't change easily on the inside either. He'd been that way for over ninety years.
'' Because I have a hard time letting go as well, '' she laughed. '' It's not exactly the same, because my siblings are so much younger. They still need a lot of help, but they learn every day. So every day I'm needed less and less. Sometimes I wish that they could stay toddlers forever. They're really cute after all. ''
I had seen her younger siblings and I had to agree with the last part. They were really cute. I pictured myself in Molly's shoes and I suddenly saw what she meant. It must be really hard to let go.
But Edward didn't need to let me go, he just needed to ease up a little. See that I could do things on my own. Make my own choices. And more importantly, I wanted him to respect that. He didn't have to like it, but there was no reason for him to be rude about it.
'' Yeah, I guess you're right, '' I smiled as we walked back to the others.
The rest of the evening flew by in the same fashion. Emmett and Jasper tried to embarrass me every now and then until they received a vicious glare from either Rose or Esme and Alice danced around the room with her camera, taking pictures of absolutely everything. Carlisle showed his face every hour or so and Edward was nowhere to be seen. I thought of him every now and then, but my friends provided a nice distraction. When the time came to say good-bye the sadness that had haunted me for the past few weeks returned with might. I knew it was inevitable, but that didn't make it any less painful.
'' I'm going to miss you, Bella, '' Molly sobbed, wrapping her arms around my neck in a choke hold. I held her tightly and tried to stopped the tears from flowing, but it was useless.
The moment Molly's tears started to fall mine had followed.
'' I'm going to miss you too, Molly, '' I sniffed, unwilling to let go of her.
'' I'll never forget you, '' she whispered in my ear. '' You'll always be my friend. ''
I nodded vigorously and held her a little tighter. '' Yeah, '' I sobbed. '' And you'll always be mine. ''
I didn't want to let go of her, but I knew that I had too. I needed to say good-bye to everyone. After a few minutes they were all crying. Crying was contagious.
Even Sam, who was always a ray of sunshine, showed watery eyes. I would miss all of them. So much.
But the time to say good-bye had really arrived now, along with everyone's parents. The party was over. My time in London was up. At that moment is wished that I could stop time. Freeze it, so I could stay here a little longer. In my house that was the only home that I had ever known. With my friends that were now crying because I was leaving them.
One by one they shuffled out of the house, turning around a few times to look at me, as if the wanted to memorize my face. I did the same with them as I waved good-bye, blinking through the tears to form a clear picture. A clear memory.
When the car door slammed shut and drove off I lowered my arm and stared dejectedly at the ground.
'' Come on, baby, '' Rose said softly as she put her hand on my shoulder. '' We need to close the door. Let's get you inside. ''
I let her steer me to the kitchen and I sat down with a sniff. Esme put a steaming cup of hot cocoa in front of me and I wiped the last tears from my eyes.
'' I know it's hard to say good-bye, '' Esme said softly, caressing my knee in an attempt to soothe me. '' But they'll always be with you. The people that touched your heart are never gone. ''
I looked at her and swallowed away my sadness. '' I'm just sad, '' I managed to say.
'' Oh, I know, sweetheart. It's okay to be sad about it. ''
'' I just wish that I didn't have to say good-bye at all, '' I whispered, my voice breaking twice. '' Maybe I won't like it in Alaska. Maybe I won't be able to make new friends and then I'm all alone. ''
'' You'll never be alone, '' Esme said and she put her hand on my cheek. '' Do you remember your first day of school? '' I nodded. I knew what she was going to say.
'' You thought that you wouldn't be able to make any friends. But you did. I know you'll make new friends in Alaska. ''
'' How can you be so sure? '' She wasn't Alice. She couldn't see the future.
'' Because you're special, '' Esme smiled. '' You're such a nice girl. And nice people always make friends. ''
I nodded and looked around. This was my last night in this house. The last night in this kitchen. The last night in my bed. Hang on...
'' My door, '' I said, suddenly remembering that Alice had destroyed it today. '' How am I supposed to sleep without a door? ''
'' You can sleep in one of our rooms, '' Esme suggested, but I shook my head.
'' No, I don't want that. This is my last night. I want to sleep in my own room. Esme smiled and caressed my hair.
'' Of course, sweetheart, '' she said, warm as ever. '' Your brothers will fix your door for you, if that's what you want. ''
'' That would be great. '' I wrapped my hands around my hot cocoa and took a small sip. The empty feeling had returned and I didn't like it. I wouldn't even have my music to help me fall asleep. I suddenly remembered that I did have my disc-man and it hadn't been shipped yet, because I liked to use it whenever we traveled. That why they had given it to me after all.
'' Is Edward still sulking in his room? '' I asked, unable to keep the anger out of my voice. I was still pissed. Esme noticed and she raised an eyebrow.
'' Yes, he's still upstairs, '' she said. She watched me and my hot cocoa for a minute before she continued. '' Bella, I know he wasn't very nice, '' she started and I scoffed. '' But, '' she continued, her voice a little sterner. '' He's just worried about you. He only wants what's best for you. ''
'' That's not a reason to behave like a caveman, '' I huffed, refusing to let go of my anger.
'' No, it isn't, '' she agreed. '' But don't be too hard on him. He's trying. ''
'' Maybe he should try a little harder, '' I said savagely. '' I'm not going to apologize for uninviting him. He should be the one to apologize. ''
'' Oh, he will, sweetheart, '' Esme said, she seemed sure of this. I supposed she was right. Edward couldn't stay mad at me for long.
'' But when he does, '' she continued. '' Don't be too hard on him, okay? ''
I tried to keep my anger in place, but I sighed at her words. I wouldn't be able to stay mad at him for long either. I would miss him too much. But he was the one who needed to apologize and I wouldn't forgive him until he had done just that.
'' Sure, '' I mumbled around my cup, trying to appease her.
When I went upstairs I saw that Emmett or Jasper had indeed fixed my door and I wondered how they had managed to do that. I looked around and noticed that the door to Rosalie's and Emmett's room had vanished and I felt a little guilty. Then I remembered that they probably wouldn't need it anyway and I pushed the guilt away. I opened my bedroom door and looked around my room. This would be my last night in this room. I wondered how strange it would be to never sleep here again, but the thought made me sad, so I pushed that away too. I put my pajamas on, brushed my teeth and grabbed my disc-man. I put one of Edward's CD's in and crawled under the covers. It took me a while to get comfortable. The room itself seemed to know that my time here was up and it was as if it was trying to keep me awake, unwilling to let go of me.
Just as Edward had been unwilling to let go of me today. Instead he got angry. And Alice... It made me realize that I wasn't the only one who was unwilling to let go of things. Everyone had trouble with letting go.
I had trouble letting go of my life in London, Edward had trouble letting go of me and accepting that I was growing up, Alice had trouble letting go of … what was the best way to describe it.. control?
But wasn't everything about control? I couldn't control the fact that we had to move away. Edward couldn't control the fact that I was growing up. We all had to accept that and let go of it. Letting go... It proved to be a lot more difficult than I thought it would be...
Phew! Well, letting go isn't easy for anyone. I hope you all liked this chapter. It had to be done. Now we all go to Alaska! Brrr... There's a reason I made them move to Alaska, but that will all become clear in the future. Only Alice knows.. mwahaha. Just kidding. I'm so excited about this. Bella will become a teenager - I can feel drama coming.. Yikes - The plot thickens and oh well.. you'll just have to wait and see. It's a brand new adventure. Please let me know your thoughts - good or bad - and leave a review! I'll see you all soon!
TTFN! X