Chapter Twenty-Five – The Week.

Part Three.

'All this time spent in vain, waisted years waisted gain.'

-Trading Yesterday.

Tuesday.

Bella's P.O.V

It was sunny.

Sun was a rare thing in Forks.

And Edward was ruining it.

The annoyance was sitting uncomfortably close – and after having tried to move away numerous times without and success, I'd given up.

He was talking my ear off about something or other. I wonder if he knew I wasn't listening?

I'd zoned out as soon as he'd sat next to me.

Regardless, his drowning voice made it hard to read. My Daughter had cut her connection with me sometime ago; my boredom feeding her own.

She was now probably frolicking somewhere around the house. She hated being cooped up.

I felt a soft breeze ruffle my hair. I twitched slightly. Speak of the devil and she shall appear.

I gracefully, and discreetly slid down the lounge, away from the breeze, anticipating my Daughters trouble.

Midnight appeared suddenly and tackled a surprised Edward. I didn't even have time to blink before Midnight along with Edward had disappeared.

I smirked, amused beyond belief. 'Thank you, Mid.'

"Did your Daughter just kidnap, Edward?"

A southern drawl asked from behind me. I reopened my book; which I had closed after it was apparent I wouldn't be able to read anymore and nodded.

"He's gotten more annoying over the years."

I was a little surprised at Jaspers honesty. Though I agreed. "So it seems." I cannot remember how I put up with him when I was Human.

Jasper hummed, making no move to leave. Instead he shifted from foot to foot, a nervous habit.

Obviously, he had something on his mind and wouldn't leave until he had asked me. I rolled my eyes – this family really was annoying.

"Just ask me, Jasper."

"Oh, right, sorry." He sounded sheepish, looked it too, as he was suddenly in front of me. I doubted I'd get any reading done today.

I sighed, closing my book once more. Why try then?

"Why can't I feel your emotions?"

I looked up at him. "Because I don't want you too."

Jasper looked mystified.

"You can block them from me?"

"In a way." I shrugged. "I suppose, yes." I answered rather cryptically, though I didn't really care, and nor did Jasper as he just nodded.

It was really quite difficult to explain, not that I felt like I needed too. It seemed like a lot of effort. And I was trying to cure my boredom, not prolong it.

Pointless and trivial conversation bored me.

Jasper once more made no move to give me the breathing and reading space I wanted. I could almost feel his concentration as he tried to read me.

He wasn't very subtle – since he was almost squinting in concentration.

His glare, however, was better then Edwards – the guy almost went cross-eyed when he concentrated. It was something to see.

Midnights mind then brushed against mine and I looked up, just as she appeared in the middle of the room, Edward-less.

Jasper jumped at the unexpected entrance and lost his concentration.

I quirked an eyebrow in question at my Daughter, whom just smirked devilishly.

"Edward took a trip to Egypt." I snorted in amusement. Midnight bowed mockingly, "No thanks required, I'm here all week."

She then disappeared once more.

"Your Daughters ability sure comes in handy…" Jasper mused, his own voice laced with amusement. I shook my head.

"The way she uses it, is useful." I corrected, feeling grateful that my Daughter was such a troublemaker.

"She is a little spit fire." He agreed.

My lips twitched, he really didn't know the half of it. "I'm going hunting." I announced, suddenly, getting up and striding away.

The conversation was getting boring.

Midnight's P.O.V

I missed being able to walk in the sunlight, without worry. I missed being able to actually feel the warmth.

It was a downside to being a Vampire. Or, whatever I was.

I was sitting in the branches of a rather tall oak; enjoying the isolation that allowed me to lounge about in the sunlight.

And as a consequence I could actively sparkle with all my might. I rolled my eyes. I hated the sparkle.

Mother had gone hunting, leaving me once again to babysit the Cullen's. I could hear them all – safe and sound – participating in activities to cure their boredom.

All except Alice, who at the moment was standing under the tree I had claimed as my own.

I didn't open my eyes. "Care to join me, Alice?"

I could almost feel her grin. The tree shifted and her presence moved onto the branch next to me.

"It's nice, isn't it?" Alice asked and I hummed. It really was nice.

However, Alice's tone was anything but conversational as she said this. She seemed distracted, "Penny for your thoughts?" I asked.

She shifted. "I…" The sentence didn't finish and so I waited.

Patience was something I'd perfected over the years, though it wasn't something I was good at, or enjoyed.

And Alice, seemed to have something on her mind, and so I waited.

"Do you feel anything for the people you feed on?"

"Yes."

"Then why?" Alice's voice wasn't accusing – just curious. What'd brought this on?

I opened my eyes, blinking at the light before turning my gaze to Alice - who was sitting in the shade.

"Because I like it." I shrugged.

She frowned slightly, mulling over my words. "That's it?"

"Sometimes the answers just that simple." I hummed; beginning to think this wasn't about me. "Though what do you want to hear, Alice?"

She just continued to frown slightly – thinking.

"Why does Emmet play video games? Why do Humans eat chocolate? Because they like it."

Alice shook her head. "But it's different for us, we need blood. Emmet doesn't need video games and Humans don't need chocolate."

I hummed in understanding. I had been right, this wasn't about me or my reasons – this was about Mother.

"This isn't about me, is it?" I asked. Alice averted her eyes.

"No."

I gave her a lopsided smile. "Then the answer will be different for every Vampire you ask." I shrugged. "Or it could be the same."

Alice just looked at me; I gave a chuckle.

"It's a choice, just like everything. Though we are driven by instinct, we're meant to drink Human blood. It's what we are and if it wasn't meant to be that way, then, why are we here?"

Alice sighed, nodding. "But we can live on Animal blood. We do. Humans can be Vegans, so can Vampires."

"You can. But Humans chose to be Vegan. And Animal blood doesn't sustain you for as long, you need to feed more often and it doesn't taste as good. We're here, forever; why not make our eternity enjoyable? Rather then fight instinct everyday?"

I paused.

"Though I do commend you on doing so."

Alice gave me a small smile. "You're right, I can see that, I just…"

"You don't like it." I finished for her, understanding. I'd once thought the same way. She nodded.

"It's wonderful that you're actually trying to understand why, instead of just assuming we're like every other murdering Vampire."

Alice gave me a half-hearted grin. I closed my eyes with a smile and lent back.

"You were Human once and no matter if you wanted too or not, you cannot go back to being Human. We are what we are."

Alice chuckled, eyeing me closely. "Funny. Bella said those exact words."

I shrugged. "Like Mother, like Daughter, I guess."

Alice hummed and silence followed. I could hear birds chirping. Leaves rustling and Alice's unnecessary breaths, "And you?" She asked.

I knew what she was asking me. I also knew Mother was home.

Being eternally cunning is a wonderful thing. I'd had lots of practice. I opened one eye, smirking. "I was never Human, really."

I winked, before deciding to go have some fun with Edward.

I'd pictured the place I'd left him, and teleported, leaving a bewildered Alice behind in my tree.

"Now…" I drawled, landing on top of a sandy structure in Egypt.

"Where did Edward gallivant off too?"

Alice's P.O.V

I blinked at the spot Midnight had just been.

"You seem distracted lately."

And then almost fell out of the tree in surprise.

Bella was watching me discreetly steady myself from below the tree I was currently in.

"How'd you sneak up on me?" I asked. Both her and Midnight seemed to have that ability.

Bella cocked an eyebrow, hand on her hip – she looked drop dead sexy. Pun intended.

And…I could see down her top.

I twitched and tore my eyes away from the sight when I saw her lips move. Glad she hadn't caught me looking.

"I'm a royal assassin, I'd be a terrible one if I couldn't sneak up on a Vampire."

I smirked. "I'll just have to get you a bell or something."

Bella blanched at the very idea.

"I'll just make sure to make an excessive amount of noise next time."

I laughed, jumping down from the tree and landing gracefully next to her. "That'll be greatly appreciated."

Bella snorted, lips twitching slightly.

It was hard not to notice how stunning Bella was, especially now. In the sun, Bella's natural beauty seemed magnified – she sparkled like a jewel, making her look like some divine Goddess.

Her brown hair lightened and under the suns rays her brilliant ruby eyes shone brightly.

I couldn't help but stare. She was beautiful.

"Something on my face?"

I was startled out of my thoughts, embarrassed. I shook my head quickly. Bella was smirking.

"No." Though I knew I'd said that to quickly.

Bella hummed and in an action that was very much the old Bella, plopped down onto the ground, leaning back against the tree.

I smiled in nostalgia.

"You going to join me or just stand there and stare?"

And my brain must have imploded without my knowledge and this was all some delusional fantasy because did she just ask if I was going to join her?

Bella blinked.

I sprawled myself next to her, hands supporting me as I lent back and we sat in silence.

I was content truly – for the first time in years – I smiled. It was nice, to be able to spend time with Bella like this. Just her and I.

I briefly wondered what had brought about this sudden bout of friendliness, but decided against asking. Lest she get up and walk away.

"You know…" Bella mused. "I've never liked this sparkling crap."

I chuckled. "It really doesn't fit with the whole Vampire myth, does it?"

Bella shook her head. Brown locks swaying. "No, it doesn't."

I hummed. "Midnight implied that everything happened and was for a reason. You think we sparkle for a reason?"

Bella smirked – crimson eyes glinting.

"I cannot fathom up a reason as to why we'd sparkle."

I grinned.

"No, nor can I."

We once more lapped into silence and I was grateful. Grateful for this time, grateful that Midnight had sent Edward to Egypt and grateful that Midnight had gone to find him

I could hear Bella breathing – long and slow – and it was soothing. I willed the day to never end, so I could just sit with her, just like this.

I knew though, the day would end. Or Edward would come back. I hoped the day ended first.

The sun was setting when Bella got up, stretching slightly. I just watched. She turned to look at me. "We should go inside," I nodded and she held out her hand. "Come on, Alice."

My breath hitched and I smiled, taking her hand.

"Let's go."

I thought I saw a smile on her face as she pulled me up. But it was gone before I could be sure.