I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.

Ch 52: Company (BPOV)

Carlisle opened the book and found his place. "Company, is the title to this chapter."

The chapter started out with talking about how we had a full house and the eating habits of others.

"Edward is lending out his cars without flinching? Maybe miracles really do come true." Emmett wiped an invisible tear from his eye. Jasper and Rose snickered at him.

"It's only you I have a problem with. The others know how to respect cars," Edward retorted. I suddenly had an evil thought.

"Does that mean I can drive the Vanquish?" I looked up at him with innocent eyes, knowing full well he never has let me drive the Volvo. He froze underneath me.

"Well, Edward, can Bells here drive the Vanquish?" Emmett smirked his eyes wwinkled with amusement.

"Ahh…if you want to, as long as I'm in the car too," Edward managed to get out. It looked like he struggled though, his siblings were snickering. I raised an eyebrow at him, but he just gave me an innocent smile.

"I wonder if being around us can convince anyone else to change their diet?" Esme looked hopeful, as she changed the subject.

"That would be nice, but I'm not sure we can count on it. We are talking about changing the diets of some who lived in their ways for a very long time." Carlisle smiled at her.

"I'm glad the pack isn't going to be an issue over their hunting." Jasper ran a hand through his hair.

I listened as I heard all the covens who have agreed to help us at least witness. It seems like the Egyptians, Amun and Kebi, were harder to convince. But thanks to their younger coven members they agreed to help.

"Seems like Benjamin is going to have an amazing power." Edward mentioned as he rubbed my arms over the blanket. We found out a few moments later.

"He can control the forces of nature," Carlisle looked impressed.

"Wow, he could be really powerful, if he wanted to be." Jasper looked equally impressed.

"I'm glad he doesn't seem power hungry though," I added in. Benjamin seemed like he was a good guy, despite Amun who would want to use him as a weapon.

"I don't blame him for wanting to keep Benjamin from Aro at all." Carlisle nodded his head.

"It looks like Garrett may change his hunting ways. He might be even interested in Kate or Tanya too." Rose gave a small smile.

"That would be nice." Esme looked hopeful.

"Sounds like the nomads might be willing to fight with us as well," Emmett looked excited.

"Doesn't sound like we are going to be able to trust Alistair," Carlisle said with a frown.

"Ahh, good the Amazons. They will be a great addition." Edward looked happy.

"Alice and I sent them. Good, I'm glad we are doing something useful." Jasper didn't sound completely happy about it still.

"At least you two are doing what you can for us," Esme gave him a gentle smile.

"I wonder why you told Kachiri to stay with you?" Carlisle asked Alice.

"Alice is up to something, as usual," Edward smirked.

"What would you be up to though?" Emmett asked.

"Would you go ahead with searching out the legends about half-vampire babies?" I looked over at the two of them. It is the only thing I could think of, with them being in South America.

"That could be fairly possible. If we are able to track some down it might help our case for Renesmee." Jasper's eyes brightened as did Alice's.

"That does sound like something Alice would be up to." Edward smiled at his brother and sister.

I listened as Edward started to explain Zafrina's interesting powers.

"That could be useful, if it comes to a fight; if she is willing." Jasper raised an eyebrow.

"We could make it seem like we have more witness then we do," Emmett suggested.

"That wouldn't work though if they decide to question everyone," Rose brought up.

"I'm sure Zafrina wouldn't show Renesmee anything bad or scary." Carlisle reassured me when he saw the worry on my face and in the book, about her showing Renesmee images.

"I understand her worry; it comes with being a mother." Esme sympathized with me.

"I'm sure I'm monitoring everything she sees, anyways," Edward kissed my cheek.

In the next part of the chapter my bookself was learning to fight.

At first I was upset with Edward for not teaching me how to fight.

"You're going to have to teach her better than that, Edward," Jasper was frowning looking at Edward. Edward didn't look up though; he just played with the fingers of one my hands with a frown on his perfect face. Edward in the book was starting to tell book Bella to find someone else to train her.

"Edward…" I started.

"Bella, I can't do it, love. Looking at you, as something to attack after trying to keep you alive for so long. I would never be able to do it." His eyes pleaded with me.

"If you waited for me to finish my sentence, I would've told you I understand. It just proves you could never hurt me physically even you tried." I kissed his cheek.

"You better be training her right and not just out for revenge," Carlisle looked at Emmett sternly.

"Hey, some people learn better the hard way. It is not like the Volturi would go easy on her because she was new at it." Emmett reasoned. He did have a point; no one was going to be easy on me.

"I don't know, it sounds like Rose is the better teacher. I think I might just go to her." I smiled.

"But she's a…" Emmett started before stopping short, upon seeing Rose's face.

"I'm a what?" Rose glared dangerously.

"You're a, well…" He looked over at Edward.

"Oh no, you're on your own." Edward smirked.

"You make a better lover than a fighter," Emmett tried giving Rose a huge smile.

"That is not what you were going to say, but I will take it." Rose smiled back and Emmett leaned down to kiss her.

"Garrett seems like he would be a good choice to learn from," Edward rubbed my shoulders encouragingly.

The chapter changed to Kate training my bookself with my shield.

"I for one would be very interested to see if you can cover more than just yourself with your shield." Jasper' eyes grew interested.

At first, it seemed like a worthless effort, because I wasn't getting much result.

"Edward, I'm so sorry. Why are you letting yourself get shocked like that?" I cringed, thinking I couldn't even protect Edward.

"Do not worry, love. I'm sure Kate is using a low level shock. I can handle it." He tried to reassure me. I gave him a skeptical look when the book said he was wincing. He just shrugged and kissed my forehead.

I huffed in irritation, when my bookself was sporadically getting it, but not enough in my book.

"Bella, what you're doing is amazing already as newborn with this power. Don't get discouraged yet." Jasper cheered me on.

"You're one to talk about not telling me about you being in pain?" I glared at Edward.

"Kate probably is enjoying herself some. It's probably not often she can practice herself." Alice giggled.

Book Bella was able to project a few more times before it failed again. I winced as Edward got hurt.

"Wonderful, I have an audience, that should help," I muttered.

"Jasper and Edward in the book are right, you're doing well." Carlisle told me.

"I'm surprised I'm not there encouraging you on." Emmett smiled.

"Please, if you were there you would probably be encouraging her not to shield Edward so you can laugh every time he gets hurt." Rose rolled her eyes, but smirked.

"Yeah, that does sound like me." Emmett chuckled.

"How much more incentive could she have with Edward being there?" Esme wondered.

Kate apparently wanted to use Renesmee to help me.

"No, I'm not okay with that. She is my baby." I got alarmed. "Tell me she wouldn't really shock her?" I looked at Edward for reassurance.

"She better not," Edward's eyes were dark.

"I'm sure Kate wouldn't really do anything." Carlisle tried to sooth me with a soft smile.

Our daughter of course wanted to help. I groaned.

"She really is just like her mother," Emmett snickered until I glared at him.

"Why are you not helping me to stop her" I shot a panic glance at Edward, he was having a silent conversation with Jasper. He turned to me hugging me close to him.

"She's purposely trying to push you, to make you breakthrough whatever is holding you back. She wouldn't really hurt Renesmee. If she did plan to, you know I wouldn't leave her standing there in one piece any more."

Kate's dangerous experiment worked, my bookself's shield expanded. It seemed that when I was I angry enough, I learned the properties of my shield better.

"Excellent work, Bella," Jasper gave me a proud smile. The rest of the family was looking at me happily too.

"You know if you were looking to make Bella mad, you should've just gotten Emmett," Alice gave her brother a smirk; he grinned evilly.

"I doubt that would've worked as well though. Bella would know that Emmett would never bring any harm to Renesmee. She doesn't know Kate as well." Edward mentioned giving Emmett a look of disapproval.

Thankfully in the book Kate finally backed off some, for book Bella to calm down.

My bookself asked Kate to try Edward again, after she was sure her shield was around Edward.

"I wonder if you have to touch the person for them to be covered in your shield," Carlisle had one eyebrow raised as he looked down at the book in his hands. The shield seemed like it was hard work to keep around others. I was going to start practicing as soon as possible.

Zafrina tried her power next, showing the crowd an illusions. Slowly my bookself was able to push her shield out at first to cover Kate who was 10 ft away from her.

"Now that is interesting, I can still read the minds of people inside and outside of the shield, but anyone outside can't affect anyone inside. And how is it fair I still can't read your mind." Edward mused looking at me.

"Oh, I think it is very fair," I gave him an angelic smile. He scowled.

My shield got as far as Garrett before it collapsed.

"Oh, no I hope Renesmee didn't just get scared by what ever she saw," I bit my lip.

"Bella, you're being too hard on yourself. What you're doing right now is wonderful," Esme praised me.

"Garrett sounds like a masochist, wanting Kate to shock him with all she has," Jasper chuckled.

"Please, I think it is obvious that Garrett has a crush on Kate," Rose giggled.

"Hmm, you don't suppose that they are mates do you?" Esme smiled.

"I think it is a good possibility." Alice smiled too.

"More guests we didn't expect, who is it?" Emmett looked curious.

"Let me read and we can find out," Carlisle chuckled. I watched Carlisle face grew grim when who ever it was thought we should fight the Volturi, no matter what.

"The Romanians, this might be a bit dicey," Carlisle voice was hesitant.

"Are these guys good or not?" I asked.

"Not really a good answer on that. Their coven was destroyed by the Volturi. They would want revenge. They would most likely hope it would turn to a fight." Edward told me grimly.

"Twenty-eight all together, that is a good number," Edward nodded in agreement. He was looking hopeful for a good outcome.

"Don't forget the wolves that make it another ten." I reminded him. He nodded.

"We will definitely stop them long enough to listen." Carlisle smiled.

"We might even have a better chance then we thought," Emmett looked hopeful.

"Well, it looks like we will have to wait until next weekend to find out," Alice spoke up. I glanced at the clock it was time for me to get home to cook for Charlie. I stood up, but before I could do anything, Alice ran up the stairs and grabbed all my things.

"I'll drive you home," Alice headed out the door to go, presumingly, to the Volvo. I frowned slightly in disappointment I said my goodbyes and Edward and I went out to the car hand in hand.

"I'll see you later right?" I asked looking up at him biting my lip. He used his free hand to remove my lip from my teeth.

"Wild werewolves couldn't keep me away," he teased.

"Not funny," I pouted and then he leaned in and kissed me passionately and deeply. He pulled away, leaving me breathless and dizzy. He held on to me until I was steady.

"I'll be there when Charlie is asleep." He promised as he opened the door to the car for me.

I waved goodbye to him as Alice headed out down the driveway. We drove in silence for awhile, something I wasn't use to with Alice. I looked over and her usual perky self was frowning.

"Alice, are you okay?" I asked.

"I just can't believe Jasper and I would up and leave everyone in the book. When you most needed us too," she said sadly.

"We don't know that for sure. You both are still trying to help how you can." I told her softly.

"You seemed upset by us leaving," she pointed out.

"Maybe slightly," I sighed. "I'm not really all that mad. The situation just brought back déjà vu of recent events. I'm not mad anymore that you left without saying good-bye. But it still hurts, that the people I love can just up and leave without saying good-bye, even if they think it is what is best." I told her looking out the opposite window.

"I'm sorry we hurt you, Bella. It was never the intent. I'm glad you're not mad and you're so forgiven." She smiled slightly.

"Alice, don't beat yourself up for what is going on in the book. We only know what I know right now. You obviously went to great lengths to keep information from us for a reason. I know you and Jasper wouldn't abandon our family when the going gets rough. I'm sure whatever you're doing it is for the best." I smiled at her.

"I hope you're right," Alice smiled.

"I'm just sick of all this crap. I'm waiting for Edward and mine happy ever after. I'm starting to worry we are never going to get one." I murmured looking down at my lap.

"I'm sure you will get it. You both deserve one." Alice reached over and gave my hand a light squeeze.

"Do you know what has been bothering Edward?" I asked.

"I think that is for the two of you to discuss." She gave me an apologetic smile.

"Can you at least tell me if I should bring it up to him now or wait until the books are done?" I asked her. I was afraid to ask and send him running.

"I think it would be beneficial for you two to talk sooner than later. Just don't get too upset with him. He is not as perfect as you may think." Alice smiled; she pulled up in front of the house. "Oh and Bella, be open to letting Edward take you somewhere for spring break. I know you don't like him to spend money on you, but it does make him very happy to do so." She told me as I got out of the car. I nodded then grabbed my bags and headed to the house as she drove away.

It was later in the evening; I was already in bed waiting for Edward. Charlie was downstairs getting the recap of sport highlights before he went to bed.

I was settled under the covers opening my copy of The Merchant of Venice. I was determined to find the meaning that might fit with the book we were currently reading.

"Aren't you tired of reading yet?" a soft velvety voice came from my window.

"Edward," I gave him a big smile as I saw him standing by my window.

"Hello, to you too, love." He smiled.

"I wanted to see if there was any reason why this particular book might have been mentioned in what we are reading now." I smiled sheepishly. "Charlie had only minimal success at La Push. He got back Twilight and Midnight Sun." I pointed to my desk. Edward went over to the desk and picked up Midnight Sun.
"I'm interested in what you read about me? Edward smirked.

"It's only fair, I got to read some in your point of view." I gave him a pouty smile.

"By the way, do you still have the lid still?" I asked him. He paused then looked a little sheepish. He pulled his wallet out of his pants, he opened it and handed the lid to me.

"I wanted a token from that day. It was the day you first said yes to me. Twice in fact. I felt like the luckiest guy in all of Forks." He gave me a smile, looking slightly embarrassed.

"I think it is very sweet. Do not be embarrassed." I kissed him softly.

"I have this too," He handed me a receipt. I looked down to read it. The receipt was from that night at La Bella Italia. I kissed his cheek and handed it back to him.

"Do I need to ask if you kept that girl's phone number?" I teased.

"Nope, why would I want her number, when I was lucky to have an angel with me?" He kissed my nose.

"You got that wrong. You were my angel that night. Thank you once again," I told him softly, he chuckled softly.

"Anytime." he whispered.

"Edward, are you okay? Something seems to be really bothering you with the book right now," I asked him sitting up more in bed wrapping my arms around my legs. He sighed as he sat down facing me at the foot of the bed.

"This whole imprinting thing on our daughter, it makes me so mad. First this dog tries to take you, my heart, my soul, my reason for existing, from me. Now he is trying to take my daughter too." His eyes were dark as he frowned.

"Edward, you would be her father. He can't replace or take her from you. Not too mention he never will be able to take me away from you." I reached out a hand to him; he took it and laced our fingers together.

"Then why does it seem like he does? He is even in her dreams and thoughts more then I am." He still looked unhappy.

"We can still solve that. If we decide to have a baby, they don't have to meet until she is older. That is if we find a way to stop her growing so fast." I squeezed his hand.

"No, Bella. I think it would be better if they never meet," Edward hissed. "Would you really want our daughter to be with someone like Jacob? He is immature and manipulative."

"He is young still; he could grow out of those things. Besides, any daughter of ours would probably be able to stand on her own and fight back. Especially, since she has the influence of having Rose as an Aunt. What if they are soul mates? Can we really knowingly deny our daughter that? Would you want anyone to do that to us?" I asked him and he groaned.

"I don't believe that they are soul mates. I think it is something else. Something closer to what Sam thought it was. Besides, if we decide to have a baby, the odds it will be the same exact baby is nearly impossible. I doubt it will be an issue." He gazed at me.

"So you think it is impossible for Renesmee to ever be? Even if we do everything, exactly the same." My chest ached for the baby that I knew in the book. Edward's gazed softened.

"But things are not going to be exactly the same. We already altered time. Beside, I rather skip the whole almost-starving-you-both and needing protection from the wolves if we can help it. It seems like we would be tempting fate and I don't like it. We can't even be sure if having a baby would work out." He murmured sadly as I took his free hand and brushed a lock of my hair from my face.

"What if we find a way to save her? I refused to give up so easily," I pleaded.

"Of course you're not going to," Edward chuckled. "You really want a baby?" he asked hesitantly.

"I really want to have your baby," I corrected. "If that baby has a chance at a real life," I added in.

"You would have to marry me first." He gave me a teasingly smile, amusement glinting in his eyes

"You would have to ask me first," I teased him right back.

"Does this mean you would marry me?" Edward's eyes were sparkling.

"I'll tell you when you really ask me." I looked shyly at my bed blushing slightly; Edward raised my left hand and kissed it.

"I may just have to do that." He whispered against my hand.

"Edward, if you got these books before you met me, would you still want to meet me?" I asked softly not meeting his eye. He was silent for so long I began to fear the worst. I started to pull my hand from his and he held on tightly.

He took his other hand and raised my chin until I met his burning eyes.

"Would you believe that after everything I have put you through, I would. I think the beginning of Twilight proves I couldn't stay a way." Tears filled my eyes as I flung my arms around his neck. He pulled me into a soft long kiss. My lips seemed to melt around his. His lips released mine so I could breath as his lips trailed along my collar bone; sending my heart beating hard against my chest. He pulled away and rested his forehead against mine.

"You should go to sleep, my angel, we have school in the morning." He laid me down and went to turn off the light. A moment later he was in bed with me. I snuggled against him.

"Edward?" I asked him.

"Yes, love." He kissed my cheek.

"Do you think for maybe for spring break you could take me somewhere?" I bit my lip.

"I would take you anywhere you want, love?" I could tell he was trying to hide his excitement. "Where do you want to go? Europe, somewhere warm or…"

"Actually, I was thinking maybe Chicago? I was hoping you would show me where you grew up." I asked shyly. There was no response from him. "That is if you're okay with it. I don't want to bring up bad memories for you." I added in.

Suddenly I was flat on my back with Edward hovering over me with his body just lighly touching me. His eyes sparkled with love as my heart sped up. He leaned down kissing me even more passionately then before.

"I love to show you my hometown, my angel." He whispered against my lips. "We will have to just check with Alice and make sure the weather will be in our favor. If it isn't, we will find another time soon."

He rolled us back so I was lying against his chest again. He started to hum and I fell fast asleep.

The week went by fast, it was Saturday. School had been interesting this week. I believe more people were staring at me more now, than when I first came to Forks. Edward and Alice's return didn't go unnoticed. I felt bad for Edward; he seemed to be suffering the worst. He kept getting hit by others' thoughts on my appearance while he was gone. Every time I caught him wincing, I would squeeze his hand reassuringly. He was a little more affectionate then normal at school too, which was a positive change. It almost seemed he was taking brothers' suggestion to show a little more PDA to ward off the guys seriously.

I was in a hurry to get ready to head over to the Cullens; I was running a tad late. I had gotten on my computer very early this morning, sometime after Edward must have left. I had the wolf nightmare again and couldn't fall back to sleep. I didn't get a chance to read The Merchant of Venice this week to find out how it could possibly relate to the book we were reading. I decided to see if I could find an outline or summary online. After some searching I found what I was looking for. Before I could react there was a knock on the door. I glanced at the clock, it was later then I thought. It must be Edward, coming to look for me. I grabbed my phone off the charger and slipped into my pocket without turning it on. There was another knock. I ran down the steps, talking as I went.

"I'm coming. I'm sorry I'm running late. I found some information about The Merchant of Venicethat might relate to the books."

I opened the door to find not what I expected. Before I could respond, I felt something hit me behind the head and it all went dark.

A/N: Another cliff hanger. So stay tuned. If you can wait to hear about the Merchant of Venice relation you can go to Stephenie Meyer's website under the FAQ of Breaking Dawn you can find the answer.