Hello Readers-
I was a little surprised that there weren't very many reviews for the last chapter...whether it was good or not, I hoped people would tell me what they thought about the Volturi! Anyway, I hope you're still enjoying because I've had so much fun writing it and I never could have finished without your help and input. Thank you!
Chapter 29:
They all sat around the spacious living room with the Cullens. Sienna was sandwiched on the couch between her two older brothers and Luke was sitting on the floor in front of them, asking his fill of questions.
"So are you gonna live forever then?" He asked his sister. He had easily accepted the fact that she was a vampire, as if things like that happened every day.
She laughed at his excitement. "That's the plan, I guess."
Edward thought about how close they had all come to losing their lives. They had been lucky that their plan to fool the Volturi had worked. At least for today. He wasn't naïve enough to believe that they were home free forever. They would have to keep their guard up. But he did smile at the enthusiasm of Lucas Black.
"What kinds of cool things can you do? Can you fly?" His eyes grew wide as he thought of the ramifications of that possibility.
Now it was Bella's turn to laugh. "Alright Luke, that's enough. Your sister needs to rest after what happened today."
"I'm fine, Mom. Really. I'm just glad they're gone."
"Aren't we all." Jacob said. "And since all seems to be well...correct?" (He looked at Edward and Alice and they both nodded their heads.) "...we should be heading home for dinner anyway. You have school in the morning, Luke."
"Ugh. Dad, do we have to go? I haven't seen Sienna in forever!"
"Afraid so, bud. Say goodbye to your sister. We'll see her again soon."
Lucas looked as if he was going to put up a fight, but then he remembered he had gotten away with sneaking out earlier and he didn't want to push his luck.
"Alright." He went over to Sienna and uncharacteristically hugged her. Her eyes widened, but she hugged him back, careful not to squeeze too hard.
"Yikes, you're cold! That's so cool." She laughed again and Bella took her turn to say goodnight to her daughter.
"You did great today, honey. I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks Mom. I couldn't have done it without you and that steel mind of yours."
Bella smiled and kissed her on her forehead. Then she looked at Matt and Caleb.
"Are you guys coming? We're only having pizza, but there'll be plenty for everyone."
Matt stood up. "I'm definitely coming if there's food involved."
But Caleb hung back. "I have a few things I need to say to Sienna. I'll be along in a little while."
"Okay. And by the way...you made me worried sick with you leaving unannounced like that. I'd like a bit of an explanation when you get home tonight."
He looked at his mother sheepishly. He never did like making her worry unnecessarily.
"Yes, Mom."
She couldn't help but smile at his repentant demeanor. He looked like a little boy who had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
Jacob slowly made his way to Sienna and she was surprised to see tears in his eyes.
"You have no idea how proud I am of you as well. I love you so much, baby girl."
Then he wrapped his strong arms around her and she relished the rare show of emotion.
"I love you too, Daddy," she whispered.
The Cullens had surreptitiously snuck out of the room during this tender moment. Only Edward had stayed. Jacob looked up at him. "You better take good care of her. I'm on pretty good terms with a local pack of wolves."
Edward smiled. "Wouldn't want to get on their bad side."
Jacob looked again at Sienna. "You take care. You're still my little girl and if you need anything, you know where I'll be."
"I know. Thanks, Dad."
He smiled at her and there was a twinkle in his eye. And she smiled back, grateful that they were still a family, unconventional though they may be.
Then Bella and Matt made their way out the the front door. Lucas looked as if he was gonna try and stay under the radar to stick around a little longer, but Jacob gently but firmly grabbed his shoulder and guided him toward the door.
"Come on, Luke. We still have to talk about you sneaking out earlier."
Luke's eyes widened. He was sure he had gotten away with it.
"Damn, I thought you forgot."
"Yeah, wishful thinking. And watch your language."
Luke sighed as they left the house. Jacob took one last look at his daughter and smiled again before closing the door behind them.
They heard the car pull away and Edward quietly excused himself, leaving only Caleb and Sienna in the now nearly empty room.
"Sienna, I want to apologize."
"Caleb, you really don't have to. I understand it was awkward for you at the beginning. We're all good now."
He looked at her sadly. "No, its not that easy. I said some things to you that were completely uncalled for. And I shouldn't have left like that. I know it seemed as if I was just mad and taking it all out on you. But in reality, I just felt guilty about the whole thing. You know, ratting you out to Dad. If I hadn't done that, none of this would have happened. I'm so sorry."
"Are you kidding me, that's why you left? Well that was stupid."
He looked at her somewhat surprised at her bluntness.
"Come on, Caleb. You know he would have probably found out about Edward and me anyway. And he would have gotten royally pissed no matter when he heard the news. He would've still punished me, and I would've still told him off and run away. None of what happened is your fault. And after what happened today I'm convinced it was meant to be this way. If I were human right now, we all would have been killed by the Volturi. Besides, you probably did the right thing by telling him. You were just protecting me."
He took her hand. Maybe all he needed was to hear that she didn't blame him.
"Ok, maybe you're right. It probably would have happened regardless of me. But I still shouldn't have said those things to you right before I left. No matter what happens, you will always be my little sister. And I may not say it all the time, but...I love you, kid."
She smiled then hugged him. "I love you too. Even if you are a stubborn jerk sometimes."
He laughed then stood.
"Well, I better get going. That pizza isn't going to stay hot forever."
"And I think Mom was pretty serious about lecturing you on taking off like you did. You don't mess with her when she's like this. You better get home fast."
He drew a deep breath then let it out in a long sigh. He knew he was in for it with his mom, and her lectures were never very much fun. He went to the door and turned back to her.
"Good night, Sen. You did good today."
"Thanks. Drive safely. We don't need another accident in the family. Carlisle can only take so many surgeries and I doubt you want to be a werewolf AND a vampire."
"God help us," he said. She laughed, and then he was gone. Edward was by her side in a flash.
You worked everything out then?
She turned to him and looked into his eyes.
Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?
Wonder how long it will last this time. He looked at her skeptically.
I'm gonna take it as it comes. By the way, thanks for standing by my side today. I don't think I could've faced Aro without you next to me.
He brought her into his arms and held her close.
You did so well. We all owe you our lives.
Their thoughts were quiet for a few moments as they stood, just content to be in each other's arms.
"Edward?"
"Yeah, Babe?"
"Can we go upstairs now?"
He smiled and kissed her softly.
I thought you'd never ask.
THE END
And that's it! Thank you to all of you who read and reviewed and added the story to their favorites list...it means a lot to me. Please let me know what you thought!!
