Chapter 3 – Surprises
APOV
We were working since sunset making sure everything was perfect. We only had one shot at this and we had to get it right. One thing about being Carpathian, it was difficult, if not, practically impossible to keep secrets from each other. But all our work was going to pay off.
Uncle Mikhail and Aunt Raven were a great help, but still my heart was racing. I had to calm down; this was going to be great. But I couldn't help it. I was a bit of a perfectionist, just like Aunt Alice. I swear the clock was moving too fast. We could do some much with our abilities, but time was out of our grasp to make it slow down or speed up.
It was nearly midnight and Savannah was getting anxious, Where are they?
I looked at my watch, "They should be on their way."
Aunt Raven peeked out the door, then closed it quietly, "Just relax, all will be fine." My toe tapped impatiently while I arranged the flowers. Patience wasn't my strong suit.
Savannah kept looking over her shoulder towards the doors. She accidently stepped on her dad's foot, "Sorry, Papa." He shook his head, "Why your mother insisted that you start wearing heels is beyond me." Savannah pouted, "Let's not start that debate again, Papa. We won, you lost. End of discussion." I laughed, which helped calm my nerves. Uncle Mikhail lit the candles on the mantle, ignoring his wife, daughter and niece laughing at him. Only the women in his life dared to laugh at the Great Prince in his presence. Aunt Raven hugged his arm, trying to soothe him. Uncle Mikhail could never stay mad at any of us for long.
The clock kept ticking at its unbelievably slow pace. Maybe we got started too soon, out of excitement, now all we can do was wait. Next time, we won't start so soon. Savannah sat on the arm rest of my seat, while we talked. I brushed back her hair, picking up the sounds of movement, Here they come.
Aunt Raven, Uncle Mikhail, Savannah and I were waiting in the study and they were finally here. Voices came from down the hall. Savannah squeezed my fingers to the point that they were turning red, I love this! The study doors opened, "Surprise!"
My mom jumped out of her skin, gripping Daddy's arm. Her other hand flew up to her chest, covering her heart. The clocked chimed midnight; this officially started Mom's birthday.
Mom exhaled and looked at us, "You got me! Don't do that again." Daddy laughed and kissed her temple. "It was worth it, seeing the surprise on your face." Mom groaned, then her eyes searched until she found me, This was your idea, wasn't it?
I shrugged and Mom hugged me, "Thank you, honey, but I'm only 51. Let's save the next one for when I'm 100." I laughed and pulled out of the hug, "51? You don't look a day over 25." Daddy kissed my forehead as Aunt Raven hugged Mom, "You got her good, princess." His arm went around my shoulders and I laughed, "I told you not worry. I had everything covered, but Savannah almost broke my fingers." I flexed them to make sure they could move.
We were planning Mom's surprise birthday party for weeks. The hardest part was keeping her in the dark. The Cullens wanted to be here, but they had some family business to attend to, but they would be home by this weekend. Aunt Alice said the party was going to be a success and she was right. She helped plan everything and we kept the decorations at my house. The study was so beautiful. Purple streamers and balloons covered the ceiling. Tea candles floated in rounded glasses and placed on every surface of the room. Tall candles lined the mantle. It took us hours, but Savannah and I tied napkins into purple and pink roses.
Mom was so surprised and happy. She hated surprises but she loved the ones we had for her. Daddy and I stood by the double doors, while Mom, Uncle Mikhail and Aunt Raven were laughing. Savannah glanced at me and subtly nodded. I signaled Daddy to go speak with Mom; he had to keep her distracted for another moment. He kept her back to the door as I let in her other surprise. I quietly opened the door and beamed. Mom was going to be so happy, she'll bust. Crossing the room, I tapped her shoulder, "Mom?" She froze a bit, "Yes, dear?" I turned her around slowly for her surprise and her eyes popped, "Emmett!"
Emmett came home from his trips just to surprise Mom. She threw her arms around my brother's neck, her eyelashes wet from oncoming tears. He laughed and hugged her back, "Happy birthday, Mom!" Emmett gagged a bit under Mom's hug. "Ok, Mom, ease up. You're choking me." She was so happy to see Emmett that she just wanted to hold him. Emmett gagged again as she squeezed tighter, Al, help me!
I shrugged, She's just killing you with her love.
He glowered at me and I went to his aid, "Mom, we just wanted to see you happy on your birthday. I mean, how often do you get to hug both of your children?" My eyes widened as Mom pulled me into her embrace. Geez, she was strong. My eyes pinched shut, "Ok, Mom, you can let go now. We're not going anywhere." My face was turning red from her tight hold, Daddy! Help! She's trying to kill us so we never leave her again.
All Daddy was doing is laugh at us, It is her birthday. She can do what she wish.
DAD! The both of us yelled at him and he only shrugged.
He was just as overjoyed to see his family together again. Emmett and I shared the same thought to get her off; we tickled Mom on her waist and she jumped back, releasing her grip. She was mixed between happy and mad, "You two know I'm ticklish." Emmett and I laughed as Mom pouted. "Sorry, but I thought you were trying to choke us," Emmett apologized. Mom shook her head, "I'm sorry, but I just can't believe you're both home."
Emmett glanced at me, Does she think we're moving back in with her and Dad?
I hope not. Let's not bring her off her high yet. It is her birthday.
The two of us nodded and Mom was looking between us, You know I heard that?
Emmett and I froze, then walked away, "Have you spoke to Uncle Mikhail yet?" Emmett laughed and so did it. Savannah giggled as she took my hand, "Definitely the best surprise ever. I wish we took a picture of her face."
I watched my parents, while they spoke with my aunt and uncle. I noticed the affectionate way my uncle hugged my aunt and the way Mom looked at Dad. I had to admit, there was a part of me that was curious about the whole lifemate thing. It was said to be a very strong, almost irresistible pull. My parents were amazing role models. Daddy set down rules and Mom ignored them. She drove him mad and he wouldn't have it any other way. When I was little, I didn't want anything to change. The seven of us living together was perfect. As I got older; there was this gnawing I couldn't shake.
After a few years, when I was Savannah's age, I realized what it was; loneliness. I was surrounded by family and yet, I felt terribly lonely. I couldn't explain it. I was so happy with our family and friends, but this lonely ache kept bothering me.
Is this what Savannah was experiencing? Did she fell lonely like this too? Could my leaving have triggered these emotions within her? Looking at our parents; our fathers holding our mothers in one way or another. Daddy holding Mom's waist and Uncle Mikhail holding Aunt Raven's hand; they couldn't be apart from each other. I knew what the lifemate call did to our males, we all did, but what about the women? Were they just as compelled to find their mate? Could a woman know her lifemate before he did?
Hello in there? Emmett bumped my arm.
I looked up at him, Sorry, I was thinking about something.
He looked at me, About what?
I shrugged, Later. It's not important.
Emmett smirked, Translation: you want me to drop it.
I bumped Emmett's shoulder, Shut it.
Emmett saw right through me. I couldn't about this lifemate stuff. It would consume my whole mind if I let it. But it still bothered me. Savannah was realizing the need of companionship. She was looking at her parents, especially the way her father was looking at her mother. I wanted that too. I wanted someone to look at me like I was the only woman in the world. To make me feel like his world would end if I was gone.
Get a grip, Alice! Since when was I a 'Ms. Lonely-Heart?' I had to get my mind off this and fast. "Come on, Em. Let's give Mom her gifts." Mom looked back, "Oh no. The party is enough. I don't….." She could feel Daddy's glare burning into her cheek. She sighed, "Nevermind." Daddy pulled her to the couch and she sat down. Emmett presented an envelope, "Happy birthday, Mom." She smiled and opened it. A picture was inside the envelope. Mom's eyes widened, "Where did you find this?" Daddy looked upset, but Emmett was smiling, "I went to visit Poppa Charlie and Sue. He told me about your late teen rebellious phase. I also met Jacob Black and his family. He told me everything. About you buying the bikes and he rebuilt them for you. He kept them in great condition and he thought I was buying it for myself. He wanted me to have it; sorta like a hand me down. I'm having it shipped here. I did some work on it and made it faster. I thought you could get back into riding again."
Mom was speechless and Daddy was glaring. I knew that look; somebody's in trouble. "Honey, I don't know what to say. Thank you. I would love to start riding again." Daddy turned his head slowly to look at Mom. She took his hand, "I will wear a helmet and jacket. Maybe we can get you one and I can teach you." Emmett scoffed, "Wow, Mom does know something that Dad doesn't." Daddy bared his teeth, "Thin ice, young man." Emmett restored Mom's old motorcycle.
I pulled Emmett to my side, "Well, way to outdo me, Emmett." He patted my head, "Now whose in second place, sister?" I smacked his hand away. "Here, Mom." It took two hands for me to hand her my gift, "Happy birthday."
She was smiling as she ripped the wrapping paper, then gasped, "Oh my." Daddy was quiet as he looked on. Mom showed her gift; a black and white portrait of her when she was pregnant with myself and Emmett. In the picture, she was smiling and resting her hand on her stomach. She bit her trembling lip, "Where did you find this?" I smiled, "I've had a copy of that picture for years, so I blew it up and had it framed." Mom started to cry, seeing her portrait.
Back in second place, brother.
Emmett shook his head, I deserve to be. That's an amazing gift.
After our gifts, Mom was happy to put off opening the rest of her gifts. When it came to their wives birthdays, Uncle Mikhail and Daddy went above and beyond. Only Savannah was allowed to give her gift next. "I know it won't be as great as Alice and Emmett's but I hope you like it." Mom smiled, "Of course I will." Mom removed the cover of her gift and gasped, "Oh my goodness, look at him." The wolf pup yapped as Mom lifted him from the box, "How sweet!" Daddy's face fell, "A pet wolf?" Savannah nodded, "Yes, I've been taking care of him since he was born. His mother didn't make it. I call him Jake." Mom laughed as she held him, "I think that's perfect. Savannah, this is so sweet. Thank you, honey."
Savannah smiled sweetly at me, I think I'm in first place now. Sorry Alice.
I shook my head, Emmett, we're being outdone by the baby for our own mother's birthday.
Emmett shrugged, You taught her well.
Mom's birthday party was a wonderful success. She wasn't fond of them since her 18th birthday with the Cullens, but that was over thirty years ago. I am not entirely sure on all the details, but I would worry about that that another time.
Quiet, Alice. I don't need to be reminded of how old I am, Mom complained. She was holding her pet, scratching his neck.
I looked at her, Mom, you're only 51 years old. By Carpathian standards, you're still a kid. You're not human anymore, so stopping complaining. Now be quiet and go get dressed. We're going to have some fun.
Mom pulled her eyebrows together, while rubbed Jake's head, No, honey, I don't think so. The party and gifts were enough.
Oh, yes you are! Aunt Raven joined in. She came over to us, with her hands on her hips, Bella, you, Alice and I are going out and we're going to have fun. It's your birthday,*sisar. You always spend your birthdays with Jacques for half the night and the other half with me, playing card games, riding or running through the woods.
I tried not to gag hearing about my parents and nodded solemnly, It's unanimous, Mom. You're coming with us.
Mom's eyes popped, Excuse me! It's my birthday, so shouldn't I do what I want?
Aunt Raven and I looked at each other, "No!" Mom tried to protect, but I stopped her, "Come with us or we'll start singing 'Happy Birthday,' really loud." Mom visibly cringed, "Alright, you win." Sharing a laugh, Aunty and I pulled Mom from the room, with Savannah trailing behind us. Jake followed swinging his little tail. He was the cutest little pup, with white and brown fur and green eyes. Uncle Mikhail, Emmett and Daddy said nothing as we pulled Mom from the room. We wanted to get her out of the house for her birthday. We pulled Mom up to my old bedroom to get her dressed for our other surprise.
Aunt Raven smiled as she went into the closet, "Now, don't argue, Bell, but this is from me. I saw it and I knew it was for you. Try it on, please?" Mom sighed and took the box, "Thank you, Raven."
Ladies, I'm going to step out, but I'll be back for the rest of Mom's birthday.
Mom wanted to argue but I shook my head at her, We're going out anyway, Em. Have fun and tell the guys I said hi.
Benjamin and Josef were Emmett's best friends. The three of them were inseparable, much like myself and Savannah. Mom was so happy to see the both of us together for her birthday. Daddy had his own gifts for her, but she would get them later.
"Raven, have you lost your mind?! I can't wear this!" Aunt Raven shook her head and walked into the closet, "Oh, yes, you are. Hold still. I want to zip it up." Mom grumbled the whole time. Savannah and I waited on the bed, while our mothers bickered. Savannah lifted Jake into her lap, "You know our dads complain about when you and I fight, Alice, but it's not our fault. We get it from our moms. Just listen to them." Both of us listened while they went at each other. "No, Raven, you can't make me." "Shut up, Bell. You always fight with me when it's your birthday. Get over it."
I nodded slowly, "So, that's going to be you and me in thirty years?" Savannah rested her head on my shoulder and laughed, "It'll be fun." Aunt Raven walked out of the closet, "Here she comes."
Mom stepped out and my mouth fell open, seeing her. She was wearing a short, ruffled copper dress, with matching shoes and a thick gold link necklace. Mom shook her head, "Please tell your aunt that I can't wear this. Your father won't let me go out like that." I smiled, "To hell with that, Mom. You're the birthday girl. You can wear whatever you want. And you look incredible in this dress." She tugged at the hem, which stopped at the top of her thighs, Your dad is going to have a coronary.
I rolled my eyes, He'll live.
Savannah was speechless, "That dress looks hot. I can't wait to borrow it." Aunt Raven folded her arms, "You can borrow it, but you'll never leave the house or your room." Savannah scoffed, "Way to crush my hopes, Mother." Mom patted Savannah's head, "I'll get you one like this. Don't worry." I pushed Aunt Raven into the closet, "Hey, you got to spoil me, so Mom gets to spoil Van. "
I wore a short deep green halter dress and Aunt Raven selected a mid-thigh red dress. Savannah was getting jealous; she wanted to come with us, but she was still too young. Aunt Raven and I were taking Mom dancing for her birthday. She still swore she didn't dance, but she was actually a great dancer.
"Alice!" Savannah jumped up, "You're bleeding!" The warm flow finally registered in my mind and I wiped my nose, "It's nothing." My nose was throbbing, like someone hit me or not me. Mom looked at me and she knew. "Emmett," she whispered. My brother was in trouble. "Go, I'll catch up with you. Savannah, just stay here and stay out of trouble." My body was already changing as I dove out the window, shifting to my eagle. I had to find my brother.
*Carpathian Language Guide:
Sisar – sister
