lips 26

Gpov

Rose was pacing and muttering when I mentioned what had happened. Even Esme thought Edward was an idiot. Kacy just hugged me. While Alice was jumping in and out in a trance.

"We need to get going" said Alice

Esme nodded yes and went to check us out. The guys were coming back as we loaded our stuff into the rental cars.

I rode with Kacy in Alice and Jasper's car. Carlisle, Esme and Edward were in another. Emmett and Rosalie were on a motorcycle behind us.

We drove across the bay bridge in record time. Dawn was breaking when we drove into the parking structure. The streets were blanketed in a thick fog and the city looked eerie in the morning light.

Edward was sullen as he followed us toward the shopping district. Alice wanted to save the pier area for last so we reluctantly agreed. We spent the day going from store to store.

Stopping every time Kacy got remotely tired or hungry. We pretended to eat as she scarfed down full helpings of food. While we pushed ours around on the plates.

By the time we were done every one of the guys was carrying a stack of bags.

We filled one and a half trunks before Kacy said she wanted to ride a cable car. Rose grumbled but was quickly shushed.

We climbed on the small vehicle and rode it all the way around to the pier district. It was twilight by that time. We got off and checked out the tourist traps. I got us both San Francisco pendants.

Then we made our way towards pier 39. I heard music and it seemed to draw me towards it. I blindly walked towards the sound. Kacy was on my heels.

I stopped in front of him. He was breathtaking and one of us. His hair was long and brown.

He had it tied back in a loose ponytail. He was sitting on the ground strumming a guitar and softly singing. I wasn't sure what song it was but the loneliness in his tone made my heart ache.

He must have smelled me because he looked up. I did my best to seem non threatening. My family froze behind me and I could feel their concern.

Kacy started to move forward and I stopped her with my hand. I didn't know this man and his eyes were red. He just watched me for a few minutes.

Never breaking from his song nor looking at anyone but me.

He smiled at me then finished his song. He started to stand up and Edward was instantly between us. I could tell he was suppressing the urge to crouch in public.

We were in a busy touristy area despite the overcast weather.

"Stay away from her" Edward hissed.

I wasn't sure who he was talking about me or Kacy. The newcomer shrugged as though he was used to threats everyday and no longer cared.

He ignored Edward completely and took a step towards me. I stepped back dragging Kacy behind me.

I wasn't sure of his intentions and the way Edward was reacting had me on guard. I assumed he picked up something in his thoughts that he didn't like.

The man stared at me for a good few minutes. Before Carlisle ushered us away from the stranger. We kept Kacy between us as we walked away.

I turned slightly to see if he was still there and found him staring back at me. If I could have blushed I would have. The way he was looking at me reminded me of a drowning man staring at dry land.

Alice quickly ushered us into the first store we came to.

"What was it?" I said.

I had fallen into step next to Edward

"Just what he was thinking of " said Edward

I frowned at him and started to put my hand on my hip.

"Thinking what?" i said.

"Entirely inappropriate thoughts about a girl he doesn't even know" said Edward

"So he wasn't looking at Kacy?" I said

Edward thought about replying less than honestly and I glared at him. We may not be together but I could read his facial expressions very well.

"No he wasn't hungry fortunately for him" said Edward.

I stopped and stared at him. Surprised by the violence in his tone. If anything he sounded jealous. I was curious as to why since he definitely wasn't over Bella yet.

He winced and I knew he was listening to me. I frowned at him and started looking at the displays.

"What was he thinking about?" I said

He flinched again and started to say that it didn't matter. When Esme came up behind him

"Edward dear why don't you go with the boys and leave us girls to our shopping?" said Esme

Edward started to protest and I just happened to glance at Carlisle. He had a tense look on his face that I couldn't place. Edward thought about saying something to me but then thought better of it.

Before he headed for Carlisle. Jasper was in the lead followed by Emmett who was grinning like someone had told him he was going to a strip club. Carlisle and Edward behind him walked out the door.

"What are they doing?" I asked.

For some reason I was a bit worried about that street musician from earlier.

"They're just going to have a word with that young man then do a bit of shopping on their own" said Esme

She didn't seem to be worried about them but Edward's murderous tone from earlier scared me.

"About what?" I said

"Relax dear they won't hurt him" said Esme

She didn't sound too convincing or worried.

"Are you sure because Edward" I started to say

"Edward what?" said Rose

"He sounded mad about something but wouldn't tell me what" I said

Alice walked closer to us with Kacy in tow. Her eyes lost focus for a minute and Kacy stared at her funny when she froze.

She looked at me in confusion and I did my best to reassure her without words. Alice came back and didn't look too happy about something. She looked at me with a sad look in her eyes.

Before she moved towards Esme. She whispered something into Esme's ear. Esme looked sad about what she was saying but didn't say anything to the rest of us.

"We should hurry up in here the boys are acting stupid"said Alice

Esme sighed. I nodded and rose swore until Esme glared at her. We grabbed a few things and rushed towards the registers. We paid quickly .

I left Kacy with Esme and went in search of the guys. Rose fell into step behind me.

"You should just let them handle it" said Rose

I frowned I had a bad feeling they were hiding something from me. We followed the guys scents to an alleyway behind a parking structure.

They had surrounded the street musician and were yelling at him in vampire speed. He didn't look too upset but he definitely felt trapped.

"What are you doing?" I said

Carlisle turned towards me and moved to intercept us. Rose walked past him towards Emmett.

"Gin you should go back inside we've got this" said Carlisle

"Got what?" I said

Carlisle looked uncomfortable for some reason. I narrowed my eyes at him. I folded my arms across my chest and glared at Carlisle.

He shifted again then muttered what sounded like swear words under his breath. The guys turned to watch us and the stranger was staring at me again.

Edward suddenly hissed something and slapped the man upside the head.

"Stop it" I yelled at him

Edward stepped back but had his fists clenched at his sides.

"Gin please go inside this man is dangerous" implored Carlisle

I ignored him and started forward towards the guys. Carlisle tried to stop me really he did. He gave up when he realized I wasn't budging and would gladly drag him.

I walked straight up to Edward and Jasper. Emmett was holding the guy in a head lock. I put my hands on my hips

"All right out with it what did he do that was so offensive that you have to resort to beating him up in an alley?" I said

Emmett flinched and the man chuckled. Emmett growled in response to his laughter.

"I told you he was thinking so disturbing things, will you just let us handle it please." said Edward

"What disturbing thoughts, Eddie?" I said

Edward growled at me. I knew he hated that nick name but I didn't care. I was still angry at him for earlier.

"He said he wanted to eat Kacy" said Jasper

I turned to look at Edward.

"Funny cause Eddie told me he wasn't hungry" I said

I turned to look at the man hanging from Emmett arm's he had long brown hair that looked like chocolate.

He was dressed in simple blue jeans and a leather vest. His feet were bare at the moment.

"Well which is it?"I said

I turned to look at the man

"I truly wasn't interested in your friend I only had eyes for you, miss." he said

If he had been free I assumed he would have tried to kiss my hand or something equally old fashioned.

"Jasper?"I said

I turned towards him and met Jasper's eyes. He sighed and signaled Emmett to let the guy go.

"His emotions match his words and I haven't got a lick of hunger from him yet" said Jasper.

Edward looked irritated when Carlisle told the boys to let him go on his way.

"What's your name?" I said

He was bending over to pick up his hat

"Garret" he said.

He dusted his hat off and stood up setting it in place on his head. He tipped it towards me and smiled.

"Thank ya kindly miss"he said

"Gin"I said

He smiled and I think my dead heart fluttered. He walked away down the street. I watched him go before I turned towards my ,family. They had the gall to look unashamed.

"Leave him alone now" I admonished.

Waving my finger in there faces like they were three.

Jasper was the only one smart enough to look contrite.

"We were only looking out for our little sister" said Emmett

He sounded confused by my defense of Garret. I rolled my eyes and headed back towards the girls. Muttering about testosterone and overprotective males under my breath.

Personally I was touched that they wanted to defend me. Disturbed by how they did it. As well as concerned about any future problems should they do this again.

"We won't" said Edward.

He had fallen instep next to me. I turned towards him about to chew him out royally.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry" he said

I huffed and crossed my arms over my chest. Sometimes I really hated the mind reading thing it made it impossible to work up a good rant.

He chuckled and I smacked his stomach. He made an oomph noise and rubbed it.

"Geez Gin I said I was sorry" he said

He tried giving me that lopsided little grin of his and I growled at him.

"You gonna try that on your brothers?" I said

His face instantly fell and he looked worried.

"Yes do tell Edward what are you going to tell us" said Carlisle

I smirked at Edward's dismayed look and strode off to find the girls. I found them by the carousel.

Kacy was trying to talk them into letting her go on a bungee trampoline thing set up next to it. Esme was shaking her head no.

"Ah there you are how did it go?" said Rose

"Our brothers are idiots" I said

Esme grinned until I added

"And so is our dad"

Alice giggled and Kacy just looked confused because the whole exchange had been at vampire speed.

"Gin would you tell them that I'm ok to go on this" said Kacy

She pointed towards the bungee and gave me an imploring look. I eyed the contraption with trepidation. It didn't look particularly safe but I'm sure we could save her if it fell apart.

I looked at Alice and raised an eyebrow. She shook her head no. Kacy stamped her foot and we led her away.

We walked into a large sports store that was crowded with people. We started shopping. I occasionally asked Kacy if she liked something.

When I didn't receive an answer from her I turned to look at her and found her gone. I immediately panicked. Jasper walked in followed by the boys.

"Guys we've lost Kacy" I said in panic.

Jasper calmed me down. We immediately spread out to find her. Our would be purchases forgotten as we left the store.

We spread out and were about to scour the whole area when Edward called saying he found her. We made our way towards him. He was waiting in front of the bungee.

Kacy was on it and she was bouncing as high as she could go. We watched her as she came back down and the attendant said her time was up.

She saw our faces and immediately blanched. Carlisle approached her and I saw she actually looked guilty for running off. I approached them my face stern looking.

"Do you have any idea how worried I was about you?" I said

My voice broke when I said it and she hugged me in response.

"I'm so sorry" she whispered into my chest as she sobbed.

I held her until she stopped crying. We headed for a cable car again. We took it to the mall after a brief stop at Giardelli chocolates.

We stopped at a seafood Restaurant. a nice one I might add. Carlisle picked up the tab for our uneaten food and Kacy's surf and turf platter.

I can't believe she packed away a full porter house and crab legs. She had trouble working the claw cracker so I just held the contraption and used my strength to smash the shells.

After we ate we headed towards one of the biggest malls I had ever seen. Alice went nuts and it took all of us to rein her in.

I was worried we would have to sit on her to keep from walking out with completely new wardrobes.

As we were making our way back towards the cars. Kacy collapsed. Carlisle was instantly by her side.

She was shaking and having some sort of convulsions. They weren't letting up and I was scared.

"Do you know if she has any allergies?" said Carlisle

I shook my head no. her mother never let the girl out of her sight. Always buying organic foods and being overly sanitary.

"No but her moms a bit of a health food nut" I provided.

I felt less than helpful and completely terrified. Jasper tried calming me twice to no avail.

Someone had called an ambulance and the paramedics insisted that they transport her. They took her to the hospital and we followed them.

We were forced to give them her real name so her medical records could be obtained.

"Guys were gonna want to leave, especially you Gin" said Alice

My eyes widened in disbelief and I shook my head no.

"Why Alice?" said Rose

"Her mother reported her kidnapped and I think it would be best if we weren't here when she gets here also I think they called the cops on us, apparently they think Gin is a runaway" said Alice.

I reluctantly let Carlisle herd me out the door. Edward was going to take me out of the city while Carlisle and the others stayed to see to Kacy.

We took the Bart and got off in Oakland. No one knew Carlisle, especially Kacy's mother. So we left Carlisle and Esme. to convince the police and Kacy's mom that I wasn't here.

That they just happened across her and took pity on her.

Alice was supposed to text Edward when the coast was clear. Fortunately the description Kacy's mom gave of me was of my old coloring, but she would recognize me face to face.

Carlisle called three hours later and told me Kacy had a shellfish Allergy and her mom was taking her home as soon as she was released. She accepted Carlisle's gracious offer to pay for Kacy's return ticket.

He did it mostly so we could track them and estimate when Kacy would be home again.

I knew she would be disappointed that she never made it to that Alcatraz tour or that we never danced the macrena on top of the great pyramid. It was number twelve on our list.

Edward held me as I cried in our hotel room. I wanted so badly to be by her side during this whole thing but her mom was making it impossible.