Chapter 35: Twelve Bitter Cups (Jacob's & Nessie's POV)

Jacob:

It was Sunday morning already. Renesmee had what appeared to be a seizure, but in the end it only increased her strength. She came out of the bedroom looking more alive than ever, but as a full vampire. They all argued that she was still half human, but she didn't look human at all. Her eyes glowed a bright red, she was extremely thirsty, and everything she touched broke from her new, unfamiliar strength. Even her hair was darker, almost black. She had this new self-assurance about herself that made her seem completely different, almost untrustworthy. The only thing that seemed to stay the same was her beating heart.

Bella finally explained to me what they figured happened to Ness. Her half vampire genes protected her for as long as it could from the drugs they gave her, hence the delay in her illness. They didn't know why, but the kidnappers were probably looking to sell a more powerful Renesmee to the Volturi. No one ever heard of a fourth brother, but no one was brave enough to dig too deep.

"There's a lot of advantages for having a Cullen in the Volturi. The biggest one of course is controlling our clan, maybe even convincing us to join them. If not, an excuse to kill us all when we fought to get her back." Bella finished.

Thankfully Kelly left early in the morning while Ness was still laying in the bed somewhat tranquil. She promised to come back again for a visit. We all knew she was apprehensive about being here, that was natural. I was used to them and I still felt awkward sometimes. Of course, I'd have to die first before I would ever admit it.

'Gorgeous' Taebhu called and said he was on his way with an antidote to save the day. I think its stupid since its obvious the damage is done. My imprinting on Nessie is still nonexistent, so I'm a little apprehensive about him coming so soon. Personally, I don't like the guy and I have that gut feeling that he's up to something. His tie with Emmett practically clears of him of all corrupt, villainous activities.

"I still don't get it, Bells, why's hecoming here?" I growled.

"Jacob." Nessie snapped as she whipped around the corner. "Taebhu is very nice. He's just a friend of our family." She hissed defensively.

"Friend?" I groaned, "who writes love letters and his telephone number, in permanent ink, on peoples arm?" I raised my voice and eyebrows clearly accusing.

Ness stared wide eyed angrily at me before storming out of the house. I followed her shifting into wolf form as soon as we were out of the house. She bolted into the woods hastily. I barely followed her across both property lines and past La Push beach. I was way behind her relying solely on her scent. I found her way up in the cliffs staring at the crashing waves below. I panted behind her catching my breath.

"I need to confess, Jake. I need to tell you what happened between Taebhu and me after you left Africa." she dropped her face towards the dirt, her arms dangling by her side lifeless. The wind whipped through her hair attempting to carry it off behind her. She smelled good to me. I wanted to nestle my large nose up against her, but instead I waited for the inevitable news. I wasn't brain-dead. I knew they had spent time together just by her reaction to his name. Taebhu.

"I made love to him." she said solemnly. I could see the side of her face as she winced in the sunlight of the day. She glistened so brightly, I barely recognized her anymore. "Jake, I'm really sorry." she whispered without turning to face me. I couldn't blame her, I wouldn't want to face me either. She had cheated on me while we were engaged. It was unforgivable.

My heart stopped, for how many seconds I'm unsure. I could hear the waves hitting the rocks and the wind whistling through the trees all around us. The sun felt warm, but inside I froze like a cold winter day. I couldn't believe her words. I couldn't believe she had been intimate with another man. My mind was filled with every second I had spent with her since she returned, and never a word of this. How could she look at me and act so normal while keeping this secret from me, this deceitful act against our love. I felt nauseas and unable to look at her for another minute. I left her there on the cliffs alone. I didn't care what happened to her anymore. She had changed more than I thought.

Renesmee:

I felt better telling him the truth, but worse since he knew the truth. I didn't want to hurt Jacob, but I didn't regret anything either. He would forgive me someday, I was sure of it. All I could think about was how I would be a weak half-vampire in a day or two. I wanted to use my new strength while I had it. It was easier than I wanted to brush off the hurtful confession from just moments ago. I thought about it for a moment, but I didn't feel like sulking. I wanted so badly to be curled up in a ball completely crushed by my insensitive behavior, but it just wasn't in me. I took a few steps back before leaping off the cliff to the waters below. My body slipped through the ripples of the cool waves as I swam towards the base of the inlet. I was a shark in the water now; everything swam from me immediately. So this is how it feels to be full vamp, I thought.

I spent a few hours just playing with my new strength running faster than before, knocking down trees, pulverizing rocks, and leaping higher than before. I teased a few hikers I came across staying at a distance, but making quick circles around them. The female was all but crying to get out of the woods as I chuckled behind the tree line. They were lucky I had already fed as I played because they smelled pretty good.

Back home I enjoyed a long shower and fresh clothes before joining my parents out back in the garden. I appreciated the space my family was giving me through all these changes. Dad slipped out a sleek, red cell phone and handed it to me.

"I had Rose pick this up for you the other day when they were gone. I thought you might want your own phone to call Kelly, or anyone else for that matter." he hinted, but I had to read to his mind to figure out if he meant Jacob or Taebhu. He didn't know my secret or it wouldn't have been either one.

At first I was elated. I grabbed his neck and kissed his cheek, then the same to Mom. As I flipped the phone open and shut, I realized this phone was more than just for recreational purposes. My new found freedom was short lived.

"You just want to be able to call me anytime." I accused with a smile.

Dad shifted nervously attempting to hold back that familiar smile. As I flipped down the numbers I stopped on Jake's name.

"Well, Jacob will always be apart of our family no matter what." Dad sighed, "The fact is, we can always count on him to be there for you." he explained hearing my thoughts.

"And the rest of the family too." I corrected.

"Yes, the rest of us too I suppose. I guess that's why we can't seem to get rid of the mutt." He teased.

I hugged them both again thanking them for the phone, regardless of its intentions. I heard a little whimper as he jerked. I pulled away immediately,

"Did I hurt you, Dad?" I asked alarmed.

"No sweetheart, I'm fine." he shrugged with an artificial smile. He was lying of course.

"Dad, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to." I said not wanting to touch him again just in case.

He just shook his head as Mom pulled on his shirt, "I'm a vampire, remember?" he laughed.

We sat together in the garden for several hours just talking and laughing like old times. The sun slowly set behind the trees. Dad was pretty quiet. I could tell that his mind was somewhere else. I couldn't help but be distracted by it. Mom started to tell me about Forks High School. I noticed all the sounds around me more clearly than before. There were a lot of animals around and the sound of the wind as it hit the leaves on the trees. The creek that flowed through our property was gushing and turning much louder than usual. My heart raced as I listened to Mom's story, Dad's thoughts, and the sounds around us all at the same time. Before I barely noticed these details, now I struggled to tune them out.

Dad noticed my frustration and the bombardment of thoughts. I saw his hand touch Mom's arm to stop her from continuing her story. She waited as he stared at me.

"You'll learn to filter the noises." he finally said softly.

The next day I stayed close to the house. Taebhu was due anytime and Mom and Dad were getting more and more anxious as the hours passed. Uncle Emmett and Uncle Jasper went to get him at the airport, but what I really wanted to do was run. I wanted to fly through the woods as my feet hit the cold earth. I didn't even care about hunting, I just wanted to feel the wind in my face as I dashed through the trees. The woods were practically my second home. It's my favorite place besides the cottage. I suppose its the many wonderful memories I have while I was in them. I guess Jake had a lot to do with that, and the meadow. I spent my first ten years wishing I was a wolf too and would be with Jacob forever, just the two of us running through the woods together. I felt childish now thinking about it. I loved my life as a vampire. Being the weaker one for so long, I didn't really want to let my new strength go. Dad and Grandpa Carlisle thought it was dangerous to keep me this way. They said I may look like a threat to the Volturi since I'm stronger than everyone else. We also don't know what else may happen in the future. Maybe this wasn't it?

A knock at the front door interrupted my spiraling thoughts. I considered jumping out the hall window and making a run for it, but Dad shouted down the hall for me to sit still. He wasn't the only mind reader now. I knew his worries; his many concerns about my future and this antidote Taebhu was bringing me. In our world, everything is a gamble.

I listened as Dad invited Taebhu into our home. Uncle Emmett and Aunt Rose was with him to interpret. I inspected my clothes and decided I better freshen up. I listened to their conversation in the living room as I brushed my teeth and hair, changed clothes twice, and squirted a little perfume on. They chatted about his long flight before getting into what medicine he had brought me. Mom asked her questions first, and then Dad. They both wanted to know what it was, how it would affect me, how long would it take, any side affects, and if he was being completely truthful.

The gentlemen he was, first complimented our lovely home. He answered each question one by one and paused before finishing.

"I want Renesmee to be healthy just as much as you do, Madame and Sir. You may not believe this, but I do have strong feelings for your daughter. Regardless, I want her to be healthy and happy." he said.

By this point I had inched my way down the wood paneled hall and stopped at the entrance to the living room, but still out of sight. They were at the other end that opened into the kitchen. Taebhu finished his sentence by turning his head and smiling in my direction. I peeked my head around the corner just as he turned his face back towards my father.

He's still just as gorgeous, I thought.

I waited for the perfect moment to make my entrance. I anticipated his reaction wondering if he would notice all the changes and be happy to see me. As I came around the corner he did not disappoint. His eyes lit up with a broad, gorgeous smile. He immediately rose to his feet and I knew Dad would be impressed. They were so much alike, so old fashioned.

I nodded a hello as he reached for my hand. I raised it thinking he was going to shake hands, but instead he kissed it gently. I felt the tension in the room as everyone watched, but he seemed unaffected. A charmer he certainly is, I thought to myself. Dad cleared his though not completely surprised.

I loved listening to Tae speak and watch his lips move. In the kitchen I sat quietly as he showed us all how to brew these small, thin leaves in boiling water to make me a tea.

"Tea? That's my cure?" I asked skeptically.

Tae nodded handing me a hot cup of African tea. I smelled it at first and then sipped it slowly. He gestured for me to drink it quickly. Reluctantly, I took a huge gulp before spitting it out all over the kitchen counter. Uncle Emmett laughed while Mom scrambled for a kitchen towel. The tea was bitter and it was impossible to hide my dislike. Taebhu said something motioning his hands my way.

"He said he knows it taste bad, but you'll get used to it. And you need to drink at least twelve cups." Uncle Emmett translated. I took another huge gulp determined to do this, but my eyes to water as it strung my throat.

"You mean each day?" I asked surprised by the large amount.

Uncle Emmett nodded as he snickered. He was already making bets with Jasper.

"Maybe I want in on that bet too, Uncle Emmet." I smiled.

"You're on." he gloated.