Hello! New chapter!

Did you ever wonder why Aro was not that surprised to see Bella and Edward again? Or why he complied so easily with Bella's request?

If you did wonder... buckle up, here goes why...If not, then enjoy this crazy ride!


The Butterfly Effect.


Chapter 12: Protect her.

Any time that Bella was not with either of her friends or walking around the Castle trying to shake off her boredom, she spent it watching tv series recommended by Alec. She had a soft spot for period shows or books, hence her love for the classics, and her current state of binge-watching Anne with an E. There was something beautiful in that period. The candor with which everyone spoke. Or probably the fewer bullshit going around. The dresses were also beautiful. Although she did not envy the lack of modern appliances or medicine. She didn't look it up on the Internet, but she had the suspicion it was dated in the last decade of the 1800s, probably (most unlikely) the beginning of the 1900s. Felix, Heidi, and Demetri were already with the Vulturi by that moment.

She didn't have anyone to discuss the series with, but that wasn't new. Not everyone was keen on period dramas. Felix preferred more contemporary things. He certainly loved the Avengers and had seen each and every movie. Bella could only count with the fingers of one hand the Marvel movies she had seen. Demetri seemed inclined towards science fiction and post-apocalyptic topics. Heidi wasn't very interested in tv series and her tastes were less defined.

Nevertheless, she enjoyed her period drama and was shocked when she finished it in a few days. Left in a cliffhanger but grateful that she had a release date for the new season. January couldn't come fast enough. Next, she followed Demetri's advice and started to watch a post-apocalyptic tv series. She loved it. She became obsessed with it. So much so, that upon seeing her uncle again, she shared her thoughts about it. He only laughed and said, "Keep watching, young Padawan". He had learned, the hard way, not to spoil the contents of anything, especially to a vampire. He had spoiled Heidi once, unintentionally. She had been very imaginative with her revenge.

"Do you need anything?" Her uncle asked.

"Are you free?" He nodded. "I'm having a case of cabin fever and I would like to get some air. But I also want some company. I'm bored of being on my own." Demetri was about to comment on the fact that she wouldn't have been alone had she not had an accident. He loved to tease her about it. His favorite was to say that if she was in charge of cleaning a fish tank, she would find a way to fall inside. He wouldn't put it past her. "No more jokes about my situation." His jokes actually entertained her rather than upset her. He was very creative. And she had laughed hard once or twice. But she couldn't give him too much leash.

They didn't go far as Demetri only had an hour off. So they just sat outside in the back garden. It was sunny outside. Although, the days were getting shorter as autumn got closer. And for a sunny day, it was a bit chilly. Nonetheless, they enjoyed some small talk and Bella enjoyed getting to know more about her past family. Demetri's grandparents had died when he was approximately 13 years old, but he remembered them with outstanding clarity. She loved to hear stories about his paternal grandmother, she seemed like a lovely lady. Certainly ahead of her time as Demetri said. It was clear that he missed them, just as Bella missed her own grandmother. It had nothing to do with immortality. But Demetri said that his sister and Bella shared some characteristics of her. Charlie must have taken after his paternal family a lot more than she ever thought.

Quickly, to both their dissatisfaction, the hour ended and the vampire headed back inside to continue with his duties, while Bella decided to remain outside a little longer. She regretted not having taken a book with her. At least she had been smart enough to bring a big blanket to put on the ground. She lied in there with her eyes closed and a peaceful smile.

A voice next to her startled her out of her daydreams. It was Alec. "A penny for your thoughts." He smiled while sitting next to his friend.

When Bella came back from the hospital he made sure to ask Felix to let her know that she could ask him if she needed anything. They had spent a few days together while the others attended to their duties. Her shoulder was almost completely healed. Her transformation had been delayed by a month. At Aro's request. Not hers. To say that everyone was surprised is an understatement. But that meant she still had one month to see her father again and give both of them some closure.

"Are you alright?" She came back to earth and focused on Alec.

"Yes. Daydreaming. What brings you outside?"

"I need some advice." Bella nodded. She was usually the person he came to for advice. She never questioned why he didn't come to his sister, that was not her business.

"I don't promise anything. But I'll try my best." She smiled reassuringly. He seemed quite nervous.

"There's this girl, that I really like. I would love to ask her out, but she's delicate. She's been through a traumatizing experience and I don't want to frighten her or make her more nervous than she might already be." He was too cute for words. Bella knew who this girl in question was. Felix had told her a few weeks ago that Alec was somewhat bewildered by Bree.

She put a hand one is bicep. Trying to keep his attention. It was an instinctive move. "You're a great guy. Just be the way you are. You got me to trust you within the first hour of knowing you, and considering our previous history that was a major accomplishment." Alec laughed remembering that day months ago when he had tried to blind her. The Bella before him now was so much different from the Bella that had stand in front of him almost seven months ago. He liked this Bella better. "Just talk to her in an environment where she feels safe. Comfortable. Just see how she reacts to you approaching her. Let her know that she can trust you. And if by any unlikely scenario she rejects you, don't give up. The world is for those who are resilient and stubborn."

"You think she might reject me?" He panicked.

"Worst case of selective hearing. "She mumbled shaking her head. "The possibility is there. You said she had been through a traumatic experience. She might still need some time to cope. But you'll never know if you don't ask her. Just do what I said. Approach her in a place where she feels safe and comfortable. And be yourself. I'm sure she'll say yes." She wasn't sure as she didn't know Bree at all. But she knew Alec and he was very resilient. He was a wonderful guy. And what she had said was true. He had gotten her to trust him within an hour of speaking that day at the training room. That was merely two or three weeks ago. But it felt like a lifetime. She had come a long way since that day. She had great friends, a blood family, and an amazing boyfriend. Right now, she couldn't ask for more.

He stood under Bella's watch. She saw him breathe in and out a couple of times and then kneel. She thought he was backing out and was ready to call him on it when he spoke. "Here goes nothing." He mumbled loud enough so she could hear. "Bella, would you go out on a date with me?"

To say she was stunned and utterly shocked was the understatement of the century. "What?" Somehow she managed to blurt out the first thing on her mind.

Alec nodded. Letting her know she had heard right.

"But…what?" She couldn't find any way to eloquently put in words the tornado of thoughts that had gathered in her brain at Alec's question.

"I'm doing what you told me. Asking the girl out in a place where she feels safe." He repeated her words.

Bella looked around her as if trying to figure a way out of this. She didn't find any.

"I didn't mean me!" She yelled-whispered freaked out.

"Who did you think I was referring to?"

"I don't know… anyone but me." This wasn't happening again. Everything had been smoothly flowing. Oh god! Let this not be true!

Suddenly Alec sat and started laughing. His whole body shaking. Had he been human, tears would have been running down his cheeks.

"Oh my god! The look on your face!" He said between laughter. "Priceless!"

Bella felt a huge relief go through her body as she saw her best friend laugh his ass off. "No offense to you Bella. But I don't like you like that." He laughed more and Bella fell herself smiled and then without realizing it, she joined him in his mirth.

"That was a good one." She admitted.

"I like Bree." He confessed once they both managed to calm down. "More than like, actually."

...

From a window inside the castle, two figures watched the scene that was taking place in the garden. Both with amused smiles on their faces.

"She has laughed more this week than in all the time she's been here." One of the figures said. The other nodded.

"It's quite refreshing having a human on the court."

"Is that why you make so many allowances with her?" The first figure asked.

"He asked me to take care of her. And she is rather endearing."

"That's not an answer" The first figure pressured. The second turned his face towards his companion and raised an eyebrow.

"She's brave and loyal. She deserves to be happy. I feel protective of her. As if she were my own blood. I think in a sense she is family."

"She is, Aro. She is Carlisle's daughter." Aro nodded. Carlisle had been his closest friend ever. And he had a profound love for the doctor, and for his peaceful way of taking on what had been forced on them.

"That she is, my love. That she is." He replied remembering his friend's frantic call that day a few weeks ago.

Carlisle and Esme had separated themselves from the rest of the family with the excuse to hunt. At least, that's what Esme genuinely believed. The struggle of the fight had taken a toll on her energy and she needed the boost that came from feeding.

Carlisle was already making plans. He knew his friend better than anybody could. He knew how Aro's mind works. And while he didn't discredit his guards' message, he knew something was not adding up.

In the back of his mind, he knew that he should worry about Alice seeing his plans. But she was already too distressed to maybe pay attention to Carlisle. He could only wish. But right now, he had another daughter to worry about. His family would not endure the loss of one of their members. Human or otherwise. They had been too close to losing Bella at the hands of James in Phoenix, then Edward at the hands of his own stubbornness. He could never repay Aro for forgiving Edward's transgressions.

So he did what any concerned parent would do. He called Aro and warned him.

"What do you want me to do with this information, Carlisle?" Aro was genuinely confused. While he could understand the sentimental value the Cullens had towards the girl, he was not entirely sure what value she had to his guard. Why would they risk taking the girl?

"Whatever she decides to do. I want you to promise me that you will protect her. I consider her my daughter." He knew that if he made Aro promise something, his ancient honor system will uphold him to his word until he was relieved of it, or until he died. Whichever came first.

"I cannot make any promises if she brings trouble." He would not allow it. He made concessions once for his boy, on the bond he and Carlisle shared. He wasn't t sure he could stand another defiance.

"She is no trouble at all. I swear." Carlisle, too, was a man of honor and word. His words carried truth when spoken.

"I'll do my best to honor her wishes. Whatever they might be." His words carried a silent warning. If she desired to be killed, he had no option but to carry with it. Secrecy was still the very most important rule. It must be protected at all costs.

"I need you to swear that you will protect her." Carlisle repeated desperately. He was on the verge of begging.

Esme was by his side, holding his free hand. Conveying her love, her admiration, and her sadness. She would support Bella's choices. But she was sad to see her husband hurt and suffer this much. He cared intently about each member of the family. And he would have made the same call regardless of who was going.

Aro passed his hand through his face in exasperation. He used to do that when he was human. It was a trade that never left him. A trade he was happy he still had. It gave him a sense of familiarity in those moments he fears he might lose himself.

Perhaps he would regret this, but before he knew why, he was uttering the words his friend was desperate for. "I swear I will protect her."

He heard Carlisle sigh.

"What about the boy? Doesn't he get the same desperate wish?" He had pardoned his life once. One Cullen was too much of a bargain. He wasn't sure he could swear to extend his protection to the boy. Not again. He had the hope that since they were coming with his best fighters. He was in no desire to cause trouble. Especially if the human was calling the shots this time.

There was silence on the other end. But he knew Carlisle was still there. Pondering his words. "Edward will cause no trouble." His certainty was enviable. He wondered if Alice had anything to do with that certainty.

"Very well, then." He added. "The human will have my protection. And I will honor her wishes."

"Her name is Bella, Aro. And remember, for the memories we share; that albeit not by blood, she is my daughter."

Aro initially had upheld his word for Carlisle's sanity. But he had to admit that the girl had something in her that draw people in. She could keep them out as well as she could keep them in. He wondered, not for the first time if that was her gift manifesting early. As Carlisle had theorized many times. He had never believed in such theories. Now, he could see the truth in Carlisle's curious mind.

He smiled softly at his wife when she announced she was going to hunt. They said their goodbyes. Aro stayed a few minutes longer watching the human interact with Alec. He too had come out of his shell upon the girl's arrival. Although, that made his twin very unhappy. He sighed in frustration. They could be vampires, but their very human instincts still lied underneath. Jealousy, love, grief, hate. All those ran rampant on his court. He could only control the outcome of the non-durable cases.

Back in the garden. Jane walked with a serious face towards her brother.

"Alec, you're needed in the training room."

Alec nodded and stood up after kissing Bella on the cheek and saying goodbye. Jane didn't acknowledge her presence. And Bella was tired of her bitchy attitude anytime they crossed paths.

"Bruja" Bella whispered unconsciously.

"What?" Jane turned around ready to burn the world. Alec turned as well, alerted by his sister's intonation of the question. He was ready to jump in the middle if necessary, it wouldn't be the first time he had received Jane's painful stare.

Bella shook her head. Admittedly intimidated but not scared.

"I thought so." Jane's smug smile was enerving.

Bella stood up. Her mood ruined. She grabbed her things and turned to walk in the opposite direction. However, in a spur of bravery or stupidity, she turned around and blurted out what was been on her mind for a few weeks.

"You know what Jane?" She didn't wait for the vampire to answer. "You're a royal pain in the ass!" With that said she turned around again.

She was walking and smiling proudly to herself when she heard Alec say "Jane, don't" A part of Bella's brain knew that she wouldn't attack her physically. Alec bested her in that area and the rest of the guard, starting with Felix would not allow it. Nevertheless, she still turned around and found Jane staring intently at her. For a second she was scared her brain might not protect her, but after the panic vanished she felt relief. Her screw up brain came to the rescue.

She couldn't help but smile smugly at Jane. Yep, this was stupidity, not bravery. "It didn't work the first time, it's not working now."

Jane ran away like a child that has been chided.

Alec looked at his sister with a sad expression. "You shouldn't antagonize her like that"

"She was antagonizing me first. I was defending myself." Alec didn't utter a word. When it came to Bella and his sister he would never take sides. But family was everything, and Jane had been with him through his best and worst, highest and lowest. Bella understood his hesitation. "One thing's for sure. I would not allow anyone to belittle me. Not her, not anyone. Not again. Not anymore"

Having said that she turned around and walked to the kitchen.

A few days later, Bella pouted as she saw Felix packing for yet another few days away. This time it was Ireland. It was a mission much like the one he had gone to with Alec the first week she had been there. A recognition mission, he called it.

Felix caught sight of his pouting girlfriend sitting on his bed and laughed. "It's only for four days. It will be over before you know it. Besides, you have your series, and Alec and Heidi and the whole city at your disposal." He said smiling and capturing her lips with his once he reached her.

" I know. But you've been so busy this last week. I feel like I've been barely seen you." She wasn't complaining about his behavior. She was saying she had missed him.

"I'll make it up to you when I come back. And remember that I have a surprise for you." He reminded her, walking to his suitcase and checking that everything he needed was packed.

Bella pondered about his super secretive surprise. He had just said she had to come to the airport with him next week and he would tell her everything. She was suspecting a secret trip before her transformation. And Aro was quite comfortable doing whatever she wanted, something that she had never asked, nor wanted, nor had taken advantage of; but she still thought it might be good.


Here you go... What do you think of this? What is Bella's surprise?

Just to be clear. Jane doesn't hate Bella. I will explain in the chapters to come why the sudden change of behavior in her. When at first she was ready to help Felix get the girl.