Ch 19

Kris pov

Kris walked towards the door to see who was here. She saw Marie pause, turn pale, and drop the vase and ran to her room. She walked over and picked up the note. Man, it was weird seeing her first name. Kris knew she went by her middle name and it just clicked why. That was a slow connection. Wait; Kris saw this vase in a magazine, it was 5000 dollars. Who was this guy? Oh, it was Doogie; she nearly forgot his actual name. He has now intruded in our lives; freaking infernal jerk. K left the mess and decided to check on Marie. She found her with her room blasting music while running on the treadmill. Three hours later she checked on her best friend and found her still running as if she was being chased.

She was always so passionate in whatever she chose, but in a quiet subtle way. K admired that about her most of the time but the other side of it was being too focused, along with unhealthy moping and avoidance habits. Marie had gotten better over time. M liked her space generally, and in the past when Kris pushed too hard she managed somehow to mope even harder. The line was different in each issue she pushed, and there was a delicate balance. Sometimes Marie needed it and in return had done the same for her. Kris's sister by choice had encouraged her to do hard things in the past and she was grateful. She placed 7th in the math competition. It was refreshing to talk to others who loved math equally; it was a rare find.

Kris decided to make some dinner for when M got hungry. She came up and was dressed in her office clothes. She announced "I did all the filing reports, stat reports…" She named five other paperwork projects that bored everyone to tears but had to be done. Wait.

"Doesn't each report take an hour each to do? You've done 20 hours of work in 4." Kris was astounded. Marie shrugged and announced she was going to the office. It was 9pm. Her face was one of determination, with such energy that even the national guard couldn't stop her. Kris sighed, quickly putting all the dinner in a container. "Here. At least take some food."

Kris made it to the office early the next morning and her friend was furiously typing away. Did she sleep at all? She noticed the containers and they were empty; at least she ate. 9 hours later she grabbed her jacket to leave and Marie hadn't moved. Ok, it was intervention time. "M...Marie." Kris said, trying to grab her attention. It was like getting the attention of an airplane. She raised her voice a few notches. "Marie!" Her head snapped in her direction. She was in project mode. "I know you're not going home for a few days, it's fine." Understandable, as they received an email notice there were seven more packages with her unused and abandoned first name on them. "At least get some sleep and eat please. Do I need to bring you any outfits?" Marie stood up and opened her closet.

"No need, I have some outfits ready to go." It was true. There were four complete outfits in there. Her personal shopper must have chosen them because they looked impeccably put together. K shook her head. She was always so prepared. "Kris?" Her face looked contemplative. She hugged herself and tapped her heart. She hasn't done that in six years, that bastard. Kris wanted to punch that guy. "Can you take care of all the other stuff that is coming? I'm positive there is more coming. I don't want any of it. "

"Aye aye, captain! I'm ordering you some takeout also."

"Thanks." M used her half-smile that said "I'm trying to make everyone around me comfortable while I'm sad and don't want to draw attention to myself." It was the only smile she had used in the first semester. Marie didn't know that Kris was familiar with that same smile then also. The former auburn haired woman knew it because she wore that face at every fundraiser and horrendously boring party with empty prattle she was forced to attend as a teen.

Over the next few days we received 17 vases and every type of flower that was not indigenous to the area. The vases were all entirely 5000 dollar vases. We received Harry and David candies, all manner of chocolates, 200 dollar fountain pens, 12 Faberge eggs, and a matching gold watch, necklace, earring set. Kris looked that up and the set was 15 thousand dollars. This guy was unbelievable. He clearly didn't know her whatsoever.

Marie would rather wear Walmart watches and Claire earrings over something overly fancy; not to mention the chocolate allergy. K hid the vases and eggs in our storage room. If she got married someday she would definitely use them for decoration. They were beautiful and heavy, the mark of an exuberant quality product only the rich can buy. She kept just one fountain pen and the rest of the edible and nonedible haul went in plastic bags. As Kris did her yoga video it came to mind, the question she had all day. She knew what she was going to do with the foolhardy items that were worthless to the person they were intended for.

Alice pov

"Edward, you have got to stop. I know the truth about what happened in the woods and I've told everyone else."

"What? No, everything that was said by me was true." Alice sighed, her moody bull-headed brother had been in denial since the day we left and still inhabited there. "Bella wanted space and felt like she was in danger." He continued his rehearsed words. Did he actually believe them? Alice looked at him with narrowed eyes and wanted to beat his skull until it cracked open. Alice began speaking slowly, to get this past his cemented ears.

"Edward, I told you I can see in the past now too, if it's connected with the future vision. You've seen this countless times. I saw what happened." Alice sped over to face him as he had turned around at his words. He couldn't face them. "Bella wanted to come with us, you pushed her away and left her there!" Alice's voice got louder as she spoke, she was fuming. Alice didn't know why she had followed his orders back in Forks; she had quite liked it there.

He wasn't the leader, and had been slowly getting less enjoyable to be around every day. She hadn't had a vision of Bella since they left, even when secretly tried to. Alice was blocked and each time she attempted it, she got a dull headache. It was a sensation she didn't know as her memories as a human were gone. It baffled her, but figured not being able to see clumsy, determined Bella was for a reason. She had asked Jasper about it, and that was his best guess.

Alice spoke again firmly to the statue formerly known as Edward. "Leave her alone. She hasn't contacted us. I saw you try to contact her in a myriad of ways and you get snubbed and rejected every time. I don't see her, but you always end up at the Volterrie or in the middle of Antarctica; dead or alone."

He just became still and pretended he didn't exist. "I don't blame her. Besides—" He cut off his sister's questioning thought…

"Bella is NOT too old for me!" Edward screeched, then Edward was a blur.

"Why now, Edward?" she asked quietly to herself as she slipped away to find her mate. She needed to do something and soon.

Marie pov

It was nearing closing time and I noticed my assistant standing in the doorway. "Come on in, Beth". Beth came in and closed the door but remained standing.

"Ms. Swan, I noticed you've been working late hours, and I was wondering if you wanted me too as well? And if I can still have that half-day off tomorrow?" she asked timidly.

"You don't need to do that, Beth. The normal hours are just fine. Actually…" I paused as an idea came to mind. I wrote something down on my legal pad as she looked at me curiously. "Take the rest of the week off. You have wedding planning to do and those things take time." Her eyes widened.

"I've been saving my P.T.O for my honeymoon," she said slowly. I smiled.

"Consider it freebee days, the wild card in a deck. Here," I handed her the paper I just photo copied. " I have proof of it on paper and I'll tell payroll tomorrow. Beth's smile widened to fill her cheeks and bounced subtly with excitement, her mind running with possibilities of how to fill her unexpected time off. I already felt a little better.

In my weird energy boost I received from that note, I was able to complete a project that had been rooting in my mind for a month. Instead of being sad over Doogie — which I was for a day — I chose to be more successful. I knew Kris was worried about me, but let me do my thing regardless. She had ordered takeout for three meals, everyday this week for me. I even slept a few nights at a hotel. I should have gone home but I was nervous about it. Edward knew where I lived. I had gained courage to go back since my project was completely finished. In addition, my outfits had been used up and I needed a long shower.

When I arrived home, I saw it looked normal. I sighed in relief, and the tension I had been unconsciously holding released. I was half expecting an overflow of useless and expensive items by the door. Kris must have taken care of them for me. I should get her another Christmas gift.

At our Christmas Party, Kris and I got up in front as everyone quieted down. "Hello, everyone, Merry Christmas. Before this wonderfully planned party continues, thank you, Rachel and Adam, for your hard work; everything looks spectacular. My co-president and I would like to present you with your Christmas gifts and bonuses. On this table is a smattering of items which you can choose from. There are more gifts than the number of people here, so all of you can take two. Ms. Waldon will hand out the bonuses personally. Here's to another year! Thank you." I ended my speech and toast. I didn't mind being in the center of attention anymore.

I watched from the back when everyone dived in the gift pile. It was Kris's idea to do this. I'm glad, I liked seeing happy faces. When Kris finished she joined me at my table with her food. "You are a genius."

Kris flipped her hair and said in a fake haughty voice with her perfect posture. She would never get scoliosis. "I know," I laughed.

"Did I tell you that Doogie sent you 18 five thousand dollar vases and 12 Faberge eggs? How rich is this man? Who, by the way, does not know you at all." I smiled in fondness at her usual sharp observations. I shook my head at the extravagance I didn't care for.

"His family will have five times more money in their lifetime than they will ever need," I answered solemnly. "More than your old family who disinherited you has, no doubt". Her eyes remained firm instead of giving in to the usual misty look when her family was mentioned or asked about, and she simply nodded.

"Why doesn't he know about your chocolate allergy?" She asked curiously.

"I didn't know officially until college…" I pondered on the thought for a minute. "Even in high school I never ate it. I honestly don't know." I shrugged. He sure missed a lot.

Alice pov

Alice and Jasper had been "on vacation" until this problem was solved. They were spitting out ideas but nothing seemed right. The problem was they did not know where Bella was in all of this. She hypothesized that Bella didn't want anything to do with her idiot brother but didn't know for sure. Where was she, anyway? A temporary plan was made.

After a week of searching, they found Forks vacated with her scent long dissolved. They did some computer hacking and found that she resided and worked now in New Mexico. How did she end up there? Plane tickets were bought along with umbrellas. They would just say they burned easily.

After hiding in a café near the business she worked at, they finally heard her voice. It was very strange they couldn't smell her. Bella was a constant puzzle. She was in a meeting, they assumed by the number of people and conversation. How did she have knowledge of this nature? Why wasn't she doing anything with books or literature?

"Great, we can make those changes. Charles, will you contact the client with the new projected timeline? Great." We heard scribbling. " Priya, how are you doing with the graphic design portion? Do you need anything?" Wait, she just didn't work there. Was she a manager or something in charge?

Sometime later she exited the building with someone. Whoa, Alice thought. Bella looked and smelled very different. She was undoubtedly human. She wore a green pant suit with a flowered blouse — it looked surprisingly good. Alice focused in on her left ring finger, and found it was empty. Her hair was blonde with a little brown mixed in…and was it styled? She was radiating happiness as she joked with her friend. My Jasper looked at ease with a smile on his face; was it her emotions she displayed, or was it that Bella appeared to be doing well?

"We deserve a milkshake," Bella said in a celebratory tone.

Her friend responded. "That client was a pain in the rear. Never again." This girl was groaning.

"Luckily we have veto power. We'll put them on the list of jerk clients."

Her friend declared, "I'm starving. I'm getting a burger too."

"You DO know, that you can ask not to have pickles on it? I don't like them either, so you can't pawn them on me," Bella teasingly stated.

"I find it weird to ask for special requests on food orders."

Bella gave her a look. "Fine, I'll do it, maybe. Happy?" She stuck her tongue out and Bella grinned.

"Race you!" Bella ran backwards waiting for her.

"We're not 19 anymore! " the friend complained with a smile on her face. "And you're the real runner here, not me." Bella raised her eyebrows with a look we didn't see.

Bella laughed before saying; "Winner pays!"

"Deal." And they raced to the car.

"Well Jazz, it's safe to say she's over him."

"I felt she disdained him too. It was very subtle, but it was there. I've never seen her so happy or coordinated." Alice agreed.

"What were her emotions?"

"It was hard to tell, I could barely feel them, but I think I sensed tired from a long day, annoyed by that client, and relieved to be done with them. A very close sisterly bond with her friend — Bella really cares about her." Alice sighed at that. "But also at ease with the hard work, and much matured despite the silly banter. They both felt...such a blended mixture of emotions bended together and impossible to decipher. I can't explain it." Jasper contemplated.

Alice thought "Hm…she's over him for sure?" He nodded.

"Let's not disrupt her life. But we do need to warn her. Edward's not..." Alice couldn't finish.

"Oh, I know," grumbled Jasper. He felt it more than anyone else.

Marie pov

When we got home from the food place filled with burgers and sugar, I found a note on the door. Oh. It was Alice. Will these vampires never leave me alone? I went to my basement couch to get comfy and read the note in her neat handwriting. I tried more than once to copy it but deemed it impossible.

Bella,

I don't want to interrupt your life. You look happy without us. I'm glad and have many regrets about not speaking up sooner about this whole mess he caused. So I am speaking up now. I need to warn you about something. Edward is not in his right mind. He's lied to us about how the breakup went down and we thought you hated us all this time, so we left to give you peace of mind. I don't know why we didn't ask more questions or talk to you.

Last year I discovered the truth. I didn't know sooner because I no longer see you in visions. Jasper could barely get a read on your emotions. It was very difficult, and they had a watery feel to them. You are truly an enigma, always have been and always will. We only came by to see how you were doing and to make a plan for Edward. We won't stalk you and will leave in peace.

We know he gave you gifts and I tried to talk sense into that nincompoop but he sped off somewhere and no one has seen him since. I know general ideas of what he'll try to do but it changes daily. Only Jasper and I are in the area to make sure he doesn't do anything drastic. We want you to continue your life as it is, without us. I could write forever about everything I feel regret over, but I hope this makes up for my bad behavior. Jasper is sorry, too, for reacting the way he did.

I think we should meet to make a plan. To draw in Edward and take care of him, once and for all. By the way, you smell very different, like bitter herbs. Why is that? Jasper thinks it will help surprise him.

I lifted my eyes from the letter. Several thoughts were looming over. It took a few minutes to sort through it all. 1: Edward was going to do something crazy. 2: Alice was in the area to take care of it. 3: Alice was letting me go. I guess she had learned some things too. 4: My wish to smell un-delicious had worked! I'll continue the herb regimen for the rest of my life. 5: I wanted to not be seen or heard through any vampire gifts, and it mostly succeeded. I call that a win. 6: I had to leave K out of this mess; at all costs. She didn't need this burden or worry. 7: I was on the path I wanted. 8: I wanted to be free from Doogie. 9: I was not going back, to Edward or the vampire world.

Four days later I was preparing for the worst. I cleaned my room and made sure I had all my affairs in order. I didn't know what would happen to me. Hopefully I could just come back and leave where I left off. I told Kris I had some errands. After I got that letter, I called Alice the next day. We had a good talk. I was glad we did, because it cleared a lot of past emotions for me. She and Jasper both apologized. She extended her hand of friendship, and I told her I'd think about it. I wasn't sure. I needed this Doogie problem to be over and done with first. The issue took all my brain space right now.

Edward was meeting me in a park, where Alice and Jasper would be hiding. They would intervene if it was necessary. I was more than nervous and definitely not excited.

It was this or be surprised without vampiric help, to be kidnapped and turned without my consent. Which was his ultimate plan overall, give or take some details. He never was one for asking for opinions or advice. At times over the last month since he sent those gifts, I hated him and other times I felt sorry for him. I tapped my fingers on my leg as I waited. This was like waiting for a final when you weren't ready, only it was a thousand times worse and had life and death consequences. The dread was so strong I nearly vomited a few times.

If I focused on the possible dreaded ending I would start to see spots. I had to keep breathing or else I'd lose it. I was close. I focused on my best friend and Grace's birthday party that we were attending tomorrow. I already had her gift, and I couldn't remember looking forward to a party so much before. If I made it there, I'd have the best time. I would even publicly celebrate my birthday. No, I will make it there, Edward free. My hands were going numb. I hated this.

"Jasper, her heart rate is skyrocketing." Alice whispered.

"She feels ill too. I feel bad now. I wish there was a better way." Jasper looked ashamed.

"What is she doing now?"

I was on my last power pose while affirmations were repeating in my mind. 'I am strong and I love myself. I am bold and strong. My words will be heard.. I will stand up for myself.` Over and over. It was helping. My hands unclenched as the blood circulation returned. This was my superhero moment, standing tall against your enemy. I had to do this. It was time to face this. I ran away before because everything reminded me of him, and now I was going to face the root of the problem in person. There was no more running away. I've read books and movies where this moment comes, but going through it was an entirely different matter. I focused on a quote I heard last week. "I have courage, strength, dreams, and a path. On it I will reach my destination." I breathed it in.

I wore my clear contacts today. It was a silly little thing, but it helped me feel better. He didn't deserve to know the eye color I wore now. I was calmer and I could do this. I wish I could beat him up like Superman. A nice punch would be so satisfying.

I heard that silky voice I hadn't heard in my head since I left Forks eight years ago in that motorcycle fiasco. He was here.