An Invitation

today was the day that Alice saw the Volturi coming. Just Aro, Caius, Marcus, Alec, Jane, Felix, Demetri and Renata. As soon as the sun came up, Alice wanted us all to be in the clearing ready for the Volturi. So that's why at five o'clock in the morning, my family, Jacob, and the Cullens were waiting in the meadow. Some distance behind us, but not too far behind us we had a crib with the three normal babies resting in it. Seth begged to come and watch the babies for us and I let him even though Leah didn't want him within a 100 mile radius of the Volturi.

Almost everyone was paired up. Rosalie, Leah and Alice, were hanging out and talking between the clearing and the babies and Seth. Carlisle was holding Esme's hand and talking to her. Edward, Bella, Nessie and Jacob were kissing. Jasper and LilyAnn were sitting in a tree talking and laughing. Emmett and I were watching the sun rise and listening to LilyAnn's adorable laugh echo in the empty meadow.

Suddenly, Alice froze and her eyes glazed over. Nobody moved, I heard the Volturi coming and turned in that direction. Alice snapped out of it as they walked into the clearing from the other end. None of us was willing to question her within hearing of the Volturi just in case. We watched them come in a nice, formation. They stopped halfway through the clearing and it became deadly quiet. No one moved or said anything, until Carson woke up. Which in turn woke up Jackson and Amelia.

Seth tried un-successfully to keep them quiet, but in the end Rose, Leah and I held the babies. Jasper and LilyAnn jumped out of the tree in unison and came over to me. Jasper took Amelia from me and LilyAnn leaped into my arms. All of this happened in a matter of seconds.

"Carlisle, my old friend, it's nice to see you again." Aro exclaimed, extending his hand. Carlisle stepped forward and placed his palm on Aro's. Moments later Aro stepped back. "Ah, Nessie, how beautiful you've grown." he said, looking over at her. "Thank you Aro," she said. Marcus moved forward to whisper something in Aro's ear, then whole guard moved with him. Including Caius. "I'm assuming those are the babies and is that LilyAnn that Tristan has?" Aro asked. I nodded and moved to stand beside Carlisle.

"May I hold her?" Aro asked. I passed LilyAnn to him. "Hello there, I hear you have a special gift little one. I want you to feel free to join the Volturi at any time." he offered. LilyAnn laughed, "Thank you for the offer. But it might be sometime before I get back to you." she said. Then she smiled shyly at Alec and he nodded his head, very slightly. It happened so quick, that I wondered if anyone else saw it. Aro set LilyAnn down and she ran back over to her momma. "Nessie has grown and I see no immediate danger from these children. Until next time my dear friends." Aro said and he turned and left. Everyone turned to follow him and I could've sworn that Alec said "Yes LilyAnn." but I'll never be sure.