Chapter Forty One: Unresolved Family Issues Pt. 2
A/N: Hi again! You'll all be very proud to note that I was an adult and took myself to urgent care. Turns out I pulled the muscle over my sternum which makes it feel like I'm wearing a corset 24/7 and my lungs are being slowly squished. I was right though, apparently it will work itself out! Super unfun in the mean time though.
Lots and lots of reviews to get through today, so let's just get straight into it. This first one is gonna be long but I wanted to rip the band-aid off and get it over with.
Cyan-Snake: Honestly, what. A. Bummer. It's not even really what you said, it's the way you said it. I will go ahead and respond though. First off: I've been writing this since 2018, which means I've gotten to know my characters. I like to think through a scene from different character's perspectives to keep it fresh. So yeah, I ran through some of Carlisle's options for him.
Option one, the whole family leaves. Of course, that means the nomads might get curious and follow them, hang around town, it's just not very controlled. Option two, half the family leaves with the girls. Unfortunately this splits the family and makes them more vulnerable. Three nomads versus three or four Cullens is not ideal, odds-wise. Option three, Carlisle talks it out with them. You have to remember that Carlisle has made friends with a lot of nomadic vampires over the years, and he typically believes in the good in people. Yes, they were a threat, but they could possibly befriend them. In his mind it would have been easier to make nice with them for a few minutes and then send them on their way. For the record, I made confusing their scent Rosalie's idea, not his. It was meant to show her character growth in this story and even if it wouldn't help much, it was what she was capable of doing.
To be fair, maybe I haven't clarified enough on Asteria's intuition. It's a power that she doesn't have a whole lot of practice with yet. Like any young person, she's not really great at gut instincts yet because they come with experience and time. Right now, her intuition is more like an anxiety disorder. Her brain is going "you should probably panic right now" and when she asks "wait why do I need to panic" it just responds "you just probably should". Her intuition starting up could mean anything; maybe Liam got injured, maybe Charlie got into a car accident, maybe she got a college rejection letter. There's not enough behind her intuition yet to give her a hint, and she didn't have enough context clues to put it together. Yeah, she might have said something to the Cullens but can you imagine how stupid you would feel, "hey guys I think we should stop everything because something might be wrong somewhere".
I'd also like to remind you that we have the benefit of hindsight that the characters in the story don't. They don't get to know how important or serious something is ahead of time, and that's typically how a lot of growth and development happens. Which Asteria desperately needs, given that she's 17 and frequently makes questionable choices.
So thank you, sincerely, for your input on my story, but... no. I'm not "making my characters dumber" just to follow the original plot of the story. These are weird times right now, man. Lots of people are feeling stress, anxiety, it's rough out there. Just do me a little favor: try to spread a little more kindness.
luvielle: Thanks pal! I don't know how much you're going to find out in this chapter but I promise I have some really good stuff planned, so stay tuned!
seraphina987: I feel like I've been slacking on the spells lately. Maybe I should get to work on that. ;)
eeeeaud: I really love connecting the dots! When I decided that Alice and Asteria would be related at the beginning of the story I knew that I had to flush out more of James' background. I think it's going to tie the nomads in so much better.
ReadingRainbow7: Fully agree with you there! I personally am a fan of a good old fashioned vampire barbecue but it did make more sense for Alice to stop her. Helicopter parenting, and all that.
binhacunha3: Thank you!
Stoic's Dream: Haha, you know I love cliffhangers! At least this one wasn't several months long between updates.
JoyfulSky67: Thank you! I really wanted to give Asteria a chance to just go crazy because I feel like she's been a little too composed lately, you know? As an emotionally distraught teenager I feel like it's my duty to let her fly off the handle every now and then. Don't worry though, she'll get her day in court damn it! Thankfully it's not actually a bone. All pain aside, what a great excuse to sit at home with no bra and take naps?!
GaaraSandNiN: Thank you! I always felt like Alice belonged in a more mystical backstory and I wanted to give her a real chance at family.
MooNOrchiD: We stan a vengeful queen! (Am I saying that right? I have to fit in with the kids) I just knew I wanted Asteria to fly off the handle a little bit and what an absolute success. I think she'll have to write that one down for future reference.
GreenerGrass: Thanks! I really wanted to focus on building her up. If you think about it, Asteria's only been showing a valid interest in magic for maybe six months or so. I guess she'll have to thank Alice for pushing her to learn and grow.
fandomsbrokeme: Haha thanks!
ZileRacer: Thank you! It got worse and then it got better. Kind of. It's gonna fix itself. One of the earliest drafts I wrote did actually have her go Robin Hood and gank them all there, but it felt..I don't know, not genuine? I feel like this was a more appropriate reaction after really focusing on Asteria's character. Plus it gives me an opportunity to expand on everything you asked about. ;)
CrystalBud: Thanks! I always try to really get inside my characters' heads and make sure they're all growing and not staying stagnant in the story. I think it feels more authentic that way.
As always, thank you to my lovely readers!
I thought something a little peppier would be a good change of pace for the song inspiration, and it feels very appropriate to choose Gin Wigmore's "Black Sheep". Alright, have at it!
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"Asteria, will you at least try this dress on," Alice whined.
It was exactly ten days since the incident in the clearing, and Asteria was just about done with everything. After they got back to the Cullens' house, it was decided that a hunting party would be sent out to track them down. Laurent came on his own and assured that he was no longer with James and Victoria, and after a very tense conversation he left to go north to Denali.
They searched for days, but couldn't find any trail to follow. Alice wore herself down searching for vision after vision of the nomads. Eventually Jasper would step in and tell her to take a break…which was exactly how they ended up shopping for prom dresses on the afternoon before spring break ended. They had insisted that Asteria and Bella stay cooped up somewhere safe, so the fact that her first taste of freedom came with an Alice shopping spree left a lot to be desired. At least she made Bella come along to suffer as well.
"It's not my style at all, Alice. You know that," Asteria said as she eyed the bright orange fabric in disgust.
"Yes, but the cut suits you," Alice argued. "Once you try it on we can order it in another color and have it here in time."
Asteria rolled her eyes and snatched the dress out of Alice's hands to add to her growing pile.
"I don't know about this one either," Bella said as she held up a low cut number Alice had tossed into her arms seconds before picking the tangerine monstrosity.
"It's going to flatter you," Alice said exasperatedly. "Why is it so hard taking you two shopping?"
"Maybe because Charlie will shoot Edward if I wear this," Bella said with an amused expression as she set the dress back on a rack.
"Alice, just let them pick what they want," Rosalie said tiredly as she continued on a quest of her own. She had reluctantly agreed to come along once Alice pointed out she still needed a dress. Asteria wondered if a bribe had been involved.
"Oh, this is gorgeous," Asteria said as she pulled a dress out. It was black with a beaded bodice and a keyhole cutout in the neckline with small straps. It was flowing, not puffy, and was exactly what Asteria was looking for.
"I think it looks amazing," Alice agreed. "Try that one on as well."
"It's going to be the first and last dress I try on," Asteria said confidently. She found her size and carried it over to the dressing room while Bella fumbled with the mountain Alice had picked out for her.
"Do you ever get used to this," Bella grumbled as she slid into the stall next to her.
"Not at all," Asteria replied with a grin. "You do get better at ignoring it though."
Asteria finished zipping up the dress with ease and stepped out of the changing room for Alice's final approval. Unsurprisingly, she was waiting with the perfect pair of wedge heels in her size.
"You can't try on a dress without having shoes to go with it," Alice told her as she helped slip on the shoes. "There. You look perfect."
"Thank you, Alice," Asteria said.
"Very nice," Rosalie commented. "You should wear your hair up. It'll draw more attention to the bodice."
"Oh that looks nice," Bella said as she stepped out of her changing room. She was in an olive green strapless dress and clearly deeply uncomfortable.
"Thanks Bells," Asteria said. "Maybe we should find you a dress that Alice didn't pick out?"
"Hey," Alice objected.
"She hates green," Asteria laughed. "And strapless dresses. Let her be comfortable."
"Thank you," Bella mouthed to her while she retreated back inside her changing room.
"I'll go pick you out something," Asteria said. "Just keep trying stuff on. Maybe Alice got lucky."
"I'll have you know that I'm amazingly good with fashion," Alice defended herself. "I've designed plenty of dresses myself."
"I'm sure you have," Asteria said with a smile. "Unfortunately your models weren't Bella."
Asteria went back to peruse the racks, sure that she saw something suitable for Bella somewhere. "So, what is everyone else up to while we're out fashion hunting?"
"Oh, I think the boys might be wrestling," Alice said. "They haven't had a match in a while-,"
"So they're not out tracking the nomads again," Asteria asked. "Come on, Rosalie's been checking her phone every two minutes and you're both tense. You can't lie to me."
Alice sighed and looked slightly put out. "I don't get how I can't see them. Every time I focus it's like they change their minds. In any case it seems like they're moving further east. At least they won't be trouble here anymore."
"We talked about this Alice," Asteria said firmly. "The only reason I agreed to back off was because you all were handling it. They're too dangerous to let go. They know too much. Edward said it himself: once James starts he doesn't stop."
"No one is letting them go," Alice said calmly. "Much as Carlisle doesn't like it. If your intuition says they'll keep causing trouble, we'll listen to it. I'm just saying that the immediate danger for you two seems to have lessened."
They both glanced back at the changing rooms where Bella was throwing dresses over the top of the door without bothering to model them outside the room. "I feel like I put her in danger," Asteria said. "I felt nervous during the game, I should have made us stop-,"
"You didn't know," Alice said firmly. They had had this conversation at least half a dozen times. "You couldn't have stopped what was going to happen, and you didn't put Bella in danger. Your powers were a little different that day, sure, but they weren't out of control. You looked more focused than the night you almost set Jasper and me on fire."
Asteria grimaced at that comment. "That's not exactly stellar to go off of. At least I understand what happened a little better now."
Asteria had channeled her magic in a new, dangerous way. Instead of using a vessel to carry her energy and intent for the spell, she had tapped directly into an energy source to super charge the spell. Without something to guide her intent, it was Asteria's sheer willpower and words that drove the spell. It was incredibly risky and although it paid off, she wasn't willing to try it again.
A quick séance with Ailis had told her all she needed to know on the subject, and although Ailis was incredibly disapproving Asteria thought she saw a hint of pride in her eyes. Ailis also confirmed that it was necessary to track down the nomads again and advised Asteria to try Eveline's spell that she had used after Linette's death.
The spell worked, to an extent. Asteria was able to jump on their trail easily, but it required her to follow them. Passing it off to someone else just wasn't enough; the magic needed a constant nudge from an active witch. They had tried giving it Alice, but it seemed she didn't have enough magic left to work it either. Carlisle advised they drop the idea, which Asteria bitterly agreed to.
That didn't mean her spell work was done though. Asteria had spent the majority of her break trying to figure out every protection spell that she could. Personal charms were made for herself and Bella, as well as Charlie. Each vehicle had a new charm hiding somewhere in it. After Charlie had gone to sleep one night she snuck out and buried spell jars along the edge of the property to ward off the unwelcome. She had outdone herself thinking of sneaky ways to protect them all.
Asteria felt in her heart that she hadn't seen the last of the nomads. It was all just a waiting game until they surfaced again. That was why dress shopping was particularly annoying to her. Who wanted to wade through overpriced satin when there were monsters in the shadows?
"Aha," Asteria cried out triumphantly as she held out a navy blue dress in Bella's size. It was modestly cut in a sweetheart neckline, with just enough sparkle to be interesting, but not too much that it stood out. "Perfectly Bella."
"That's not nearly dramatic enough," Alice complained.
"I don't know if you've met Bella," Asteria started as she walked over to the dressing room door and knocked. "But classic always wins."
Bella stuck her hand out through a crack in the door and Asteria slipped her the dress. "Ooh," Bella said as she looked over. Asteria pointed at the door and gave Alice a satisfied smile.
"Now, do you want to help me pick out shoes or do you want to pout," Asteria asked.
The rest of the shopping trip was a natural success. They had found dresses and shoes after searching six different stores at Alice's insistence. Even Rosalie looked tired of it by the time they were done. Of course, it might have just been that she had enough of playing nice. Asteria was really impressed with how composed she had been the whole trip; she could only hear a couple of whispered complaints, which was amazing for Rosalie.
Going back to school on Monday was like pulling teeth for Asteria. At least she got to see her normal friends though; she had been too scared to spend time with them over spring break, just in case the nomads turned up again. Alice swore it would be fine, but Asteria had already put Bella at risk; she wouldn't do it again.
"All I'm saying is that you were M.I.A. all spring break," Natalie said.
"I'm sorry, I told you I got a cold," Asteria said with a roll of her eyes. "Did you really want me to cough all over you?"
"I kinda wanted to see you cough on Nat," Damien said. Natalie threw a fry at him, which he caught and ate. "Thanks!"
"Ugh, you're impossible," Natalie complained.
"Actually," Asteria started. "Charlie's been on me about having some friends over. What would you guys say to a bonfire Saturday night at my place?"
"Hell yeah," Matt said. "Is it gonna rain though?"
Asteria glanced over to Alice who was practically bouncing up and down in her seat. She shook her head at Asteria. "Uh, I think as of right now we're good to go on the weather," she said. "I just checked and it shouldn't be a problem."
"Ooh, I want s'mores," Rachael said. "Can we grill hot dogs?"
"Ew, no. Hamburgers," Natalie argued. They went back and forth on planning for the rest of the lunch period and well into statistics class.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Alice beamed as she caught up with Asteria in the parking lot after school. "Oh, it'll be so much fun! Of course, it shouldn't be a murder mystery party anymore. That wouldn't be in good taste, but I'm sure I can still make it work."
Asteria just laughed and shook her head. "Of course you can, Alice. You'll make any plan work."
The week flew by with nothing of consequence happening. Just a mountain of schoolwork, plans for prom the weekend after…and of course the nightly hunt for the nomads. Asteria noticed how often Alice or Edward would come over at night. Not that Charlie knew about it, of course. Asteria would go up to her room after dinner and find Alice sitting on her bed, ready to go over Spanish or palmistry or anything else she could irritatingly quiz her on. She caught wind that Edward was similarly sneaking into Bella's room and made it a point to play her music a little louder in her own room to block out any unwanted mental scarring that might occur.
Given the circumstances, Asteria was willing to let them be. As far as she knew Edward and Bella were in a fairly typical teenage relationship, and while she could threaten Edward as much as she wanted it was better to just let it play out. He had proven to be at least somewhat decent and Asteria couldn't really complain that he was a vampire, given how much time she spent with the rest of the Cullens. That came a little too close to hypocrisy for her liking.
So, begrudgingly, Asteria watched their relationship blossom. Hell, Edward was more of a gentleman than some of her own ex boyfriends. Brigid wasn't quite as open minded as Asteria, but Bella wasn't her descendant, so she didn't really get a say. She certainly lectured Asteria about it though.
"I fail to see the point in encouraging it," Brigid said one night after Asteria summoned her in her bedroom.
Asteria sighed. "It's not really my choice to make; Bella is almost an adult. She has a right to learn things her way. Besides, she could do a lot worse than Edward."
Brigid raised her eyebrows at Asteria. "Oh, really? And where do you think this will lead?"
"I don't know," Asteria said. "But they're just dating. What do you want me to do, go spray them with the hose?"
Brigid shook her head at Asteria. "This won't end well."
"Teenage romances never do," Asteria said with an eye roll. "Listen Edward is halfway decent, and the Cullens would never let anything happen to Bella. Now, if you'll let me butt out of my cousin's love life, I was asking you for advice on the nomads."
Brigid sent her a disapproving look, but let the topic change nonetheless. "I'm not sure what can be done about the feral vampires unless you go after them yourself. You are the only one that can track them with the spell and it seems Alice can't locate them with her visions."
"Yes, but apparently I'm not allowed to go after them," Asteria huffed.
"I never forbade it," Brigid said, confused.
"No, but Alice told me I can't. The whole Cullen clan won't let me," Asteria said. "Wait, are you saying that I should do it?"
"If it's your destiny then I don't see how anyone can argue against it," Brigid said evenly. "I was your age when I started hunting vampires. I don't see why you can't. You've been practicing."
Asteria let out a disbelieving laugh. "I can't believe you just said I can. I'll never convince Alice, though."
"Then don't," Brigid said. "She should know better than to try to cheat destiny. Regardless, you will run into these vampires again. You need to be better prepared when that happens."
"I've been practicing almost every day," Asteria replied.
She had come up with multiple excuses to go into the woods on her own to practice her fire techniques. She still hadn't told Alice about it; Asteria had a feeling that if Alice did know, she wouldn't be too happy. It wasn't hard to connect the dots and figure out why Asteria was practicing that particular skill.
"Good," Brigid said with a smile and a nod. "I'm confident that when the time is right you will be able to act. And if Mary Alice has something to say on the matter, I suggest she talk with her ancestors."
"Oooh," Asteria said with a grin. "Alice is gonna get grounded."
The days passed quickly and Saturday afternoon was there before Asteria could blink. They had decided on both hamburgers and hotdogs, which she had picked up at the store that morning with Bella. It was a substantial guest list, but thankfully half of them wouldn't be eating. This was the biggest gathering Asteria had planned since Liam had grounded her over the summer.
"Can I help with anything," Bella asked her.
"Uh," Asteria said as she thought about it. "I don't think so. Snacks are ready to go, the Cullens are bringing more chairs and wood, and it's too early to start the grill."
Right on cue, Emmett's murder jeep pulled up outside.
"For the love of," Asteria started. "Was that really necessary?"
Alice, Edward, and Jasper unloaded chairs from the back and carried them around to the backyard.
"Of course it was necessary," Jasper said as he set down a stack of wood. "Did you really think we could fit it in the tiny little Volvo?"
"Watch it," Edward replied easily. "My Volvo isn't as ostentatious as the rest of the vehicles."
Jasper grinned in response.
"Why didn't Emmett drive his murder jeep," Asteria asked.
Jasper sighed. "He couldn't convince Rosalie to come."
"Which means, of course, that he can't come either," Edward said.
"I really thought she would come around," Alice said as she set up the chairs in a neat ring around the fire.
"Oh," Asteria said. "That's a shame. Maybe next time."
"I'm sure it'll still be fun," Bella said.
"Of course," Alice said with enthusiasm. "We're going to have a great night!"
Matt and Damien pulled up shortly after, with Natalie not far behind. Rachael was the last to arrive and then the house was totally over run by teenagers. Charlie, for his part, came out to oversee the grill; he watched as Bella cooked everything since any burger he touched instantly turned to ash.
The sun began to set and they all pulled up chairs around the fire, Charlie having gone inside a while ago. Music played softly in the background and they toasted smores as they joked around. It wasn't long before Asteria's normal friends and the Cullens were getting along; Asteria suspected Jasper had something to do with that. He sat the furthest away from the bonfire with Alice on one side and Edward on the other, but despite his distance he seemed to still be included.
"And now," Alice announced with a tone that screamed 'show business'. "A magic trick or two."
"Oh no," Asteria said. She was sure whatever was about to happen was going to be groan-worthy.
"Hush," Alice whispered to her before facing the fire. She threw something in and the flames turned a glorious mix of purples, blues, and greens.
"Nice," Damien said with an appreciative grin.
"Okay yeah, that's cool," Natalie said.
Alice turned to give Asteria an expectantly satisfied look.
"Okay fine," Asteria sighed. "Nice 'magic'." It was clearly a packet of different chemicals that turned the flames different colors, but it was neat.
They continued to laugh and talk into the night before Asteria turned to Alice, who had gone silent as she looked off into the distance. Edward went rigid, which was Asteria's tip off that something was wrong.
"We need to get going," Alice announced to the group. "I didn't realize how late it was. I have to help Esme in the morning."
"Oh, you guys can't go yet," Rachael protested. "It's not nearly late enough."
"Sorry," Alice said. "I'm a bit of an early riser. It was nice hanging out with you all again. We'll come back tomorrow for the chairs."
"See you around," Damien said as the others chorused in their goodbyes.
"I'll walk you guys to your car," Asteria said.
Alice gave her a look, but nodded and said one last goodbye before the three Cullens left for the Hummer. Edward was already on the phone, presumably with the other half of the family.
"What did you see," Asteria asked once they were out of earshot.
"I think James might be close," Alice told her reluctantly. "I saw him near Neilton, it's about an hour's drive away."
"You're going after him again," Asteria stated.
"Yes," Alice said.
"Can I-," Asteria started.
"Absolutely not," Alice said firmly. "You should remain here with your friends, keep them safe. We'll handle this."
"But-," Asteria said.
"No buts," Alice replied.
Jasper came and put a hand on Alice's shoulder while he gave Asteria a comforting look. "Don't worry about it. He's not going to be trouble for much longer."
Asteria huffed out a sigh. "Fine, but be safe."
Alice flashed a dazzling smile. "Oh, we will be. And in the meantime, don't do anything stupid."
"When have I ever," Asteria asked.
She watched as the Hummer sped off into the night before going back to the bonfire. The fire had died down substantially and now the group was all standing.
"Hey, I think we might head out too," Natalie said. "I checked my phone and it looks like rain is going to move in soon. I really don't wanna get soaked."
"Oh, yeah. That's cool," Asteria replied. Given the turn of events, she didn't mind them leaving. She was still annoyed at being left behind.
They were nice enough to help put out the fire and stack up the chairs before going home. Asteria carried the trash bag out to the can around the front of the house as she made sure they all got into their cars safely.
"Well, it was fun while it lasted," Bella said as she started clearing away all the marshmallows and chocolate. "Do you think they'll be okay?"
"Of course they will," Asteria reassured her. She had wanted to say something sarcastic, but picked up the worried tone that Bella had tried to hide. "There's so many of them, and only two nomads. I'll finish up everything, why don't you go ahead in."
"Are you sure," Bella asked.
"Yeah, it was my party," Asteria said. "Go pick out a movie, we can change into pajamas and make some popcorn."
"Okay," Bella said.
"Oh, and no rom-coms," Asteria yelled after her. She continued packing away graham crackers when an inkling of a feeling began in her stomach. Curious, Asteria set down the box and looked around, but everything appeared normal. She checked behind her to make sure that Bella wasn't watching before sneaking down the trail into the woods. Unsure of what the danger was, the least she could do is say a quick blessing in the hopes it might help. Maybe the Cullens would find the nomads after all.
The trees were dark; the sky was clouded over with the promise of rain, and not a single bit of moonlight escaped. Asteria checked her pocket for her phone but realized it was still plugged into the speaker in the backyard. She figured she was deep enough in that no one would see, so she flicked her fingers and started a little purple flame to light the way.
Expanding the light with her entire palm, Asteria looked around the trees. It was funny how the absence of daylight turned them into a horror movie. Sighing, she went to go back to the house when she caught a shimmer of red from the corner of her eye. Turning quickly, Asteria scanned the area but couldn't see anything.
"Asteria," Bella called from the back door. "Come on, the popcorn is ready!"
"Coming," Asteria called as she walked backwards out of the trees. Beads of rain started to fall and she jogged back into the house and locked the door behind her.
"What were you doing," Bella asked her.
"A witch thing," Asteria told her offhandedly. "I was saying a blessing for the Cullens so they would be safe."
"Oh," Bella said. "Well, we can stay up until they come back."
"Sure," Asteria told her. "It'll be fun."
One movie bled into the next, and they were almost to the end before there was a soft knock on the front door. Asteria glanced up the stairs to make sure Charlie was well and truly asleep before opening the door.
Edward shook his head as he entered the house, preemptively answering Asteria's question. "No, we didn't find him. He's proven to be a nuisance."
"At least you're all safe," Bella said as she came to greet him.
Asteria simply nodded and went up the stairs with a blank expression.
She went up the stairs and brushed her teeth. The clock said it was only a little after one, but it felt later to her. With a tired sigh she plunked down on her bed and closed her eyes. Sleep came eventually, but not before her mind replayed that shimmer of red over and over.
"Are you still upset," Alice asked Asteria as she pulled into the parking lot the Monday after the bonfire.
"What would give you that impression," Asteria asked in a deadpan voice. She scooped up her backpack and stalked off towards class without making eye contact.
"You've no idea how dangerous it would be-," Alice started.
"I don't? Seriously," Asteria said as she rounded on Alice. She shut her eyes, took a deep breath, and answered in a less angry tone. "You can't protect me from everything indefinitely. Sooner or later I'm going to have to hold my own."
"Make it later, then. Please," Alice asked. "You don't understand. James…he's a lot more dangerous than you could imagine."
"And why is that," Asteria asked. "Have you found something?"
Alice gave her a look that she couldn't quite determine. "I'm not sure. Possibly. Would you please just do me a favor for my own sanity and let this go?"
Asteria sighed. "I can't talk about this right now. I need to get to class. Bye, Alice."
Asteria booked it to class where she pretended to work on homework so she wouldn't have to talk to Emmett. It worked so well that she kept the ruse all through chemistry, and then again in Spanish. She was able to avoid the Cullens right until Alice caught her in the parking lot.
"Are you coming over today," Alice asked her hopefully.
"Uh, you know," Asteria said. "I had some stuff I was going to work on at home."
"Okay," Alice said in a light tone. Asteria could hear the hurt in it anyway.
"I know you're just trying to do what you think is best," Asteria said without an edge to her tone. "That doesn't mean I have to agree with it. I just want a day or two to take some time for myself."
"Promise you won't do anything rash," Alice asked her.
"Yes, Alice," Asteria said. It was a little harder to fight the sarcasm out of her tone that time. She wasn't overly mad, but the whole situation had her frustrated beyond belief. She could barely start a conversation about the nomads before Alice shot it down. She'd never know how Alice would react to Brigid's advice because Alice never gave her a chance.
Asteria took the long way home, enjoying the chance to cycle through her music and get her mood right before pulling up to the house. Of course, the silver Volvo was parked on the side of the road which deflated her just a bit. Edward would be over hanging out with Bella, which made it harder for Asteria to relax like she planned.
Passing the two sitting on the couch, Asteria grabbed a drink from the fridge and went up to her room. Throwing a bunch of stuff in her bag, she decided to take a walk down the trail and practice for a bit.
"Where are you going," Bella asked from her spot on the couch.
"Out for a walk on the trail," Asteria replied with a raised eyebrow. "I'm older than you. Don't try to parent me."
"Is that a good idea," Bella asked.
"I don't sense them in the area," Edward said as he tapped his forehead. "So long as she doesn't go far she should be fine."
"Thanks," Asteria said with a slight tone. Getting permission for things really wasn't her speed, especially from her baby cousin and her boyfriend.
The trail was still slightly wet and it was easy to slip in the mud, so Asteria had to take her time and plan her path to avoid landing on her ass. It took her a lot longer to reach her favorite spot on the trial, but she was able to finally set her bag down and collapse onto a log.
She flipped through her book of shadows idly for a few minutes, trying to determine if there was anything in particular to try next. In case something slipped past her the first fifty times she looked. A twig snapped in the woods behind her and Asteria looked around the area cautiously. Birds still called from the trees above, so she couldn't imagine there was real danger. Still, she'd be damned if something happened to her in her own backyard. Alice would never let her hear the end of it.
Asteria rolled her eyes as she snapped the book of shadows shut and reluctantly started her way back to the house. She didn't even notice the bare footprint in the mud as she passed.
