September 13, 2005
This wasn't an ordinary day for Bella, but her birthday and she wondered just how Alice would treat her. At first she hoped Alice wouldn't go too overboard for her; but soon it made Bella warm just thinking about her. Edward wouldn't go to such lengths and he was supposed to be her boyfriend. Ugh boyfriend Bella thought. She didn't like the fact she felt this connection to him; it almost felt wrong to her. Cynthia and her have been talking twice a week since July and three things were becoming absolutely certain. One, Edward was a possessive and controlling vampire. Two, he desired her blood and slowly her body. And lastly, Bella didn't want to belong to him.
Bella drove herself to school in her Chevy truck and waited for Alice to show. Edward would be with her of course but he wasn't the focus of her desire. Bella was slowly thinking about Alice and her feelings were slowly evolving. They were going past platonic and Bella was slowly starting to question herself and her relationship with Alice. What she felt was stronger than what she ever felt for Edward and she was still chained. She wondered how strong her feelings would be once she was free Bella thought happily.
"Bella!"
It wasn't Alice but it also wasn't Edward.
Bella looked to see a guy with tanned skin, warm brown eyes, and long black hair. She smiled widely as the guy came up to hug her.
"J-Jake!?" Bella asked.
Jake chuckled and nodded.
"Been awhile Bella. I was starting to think you were avoiding me, everything okay?" he asked.
If by okay you mean being on an emotional fucking rollercoaster that Edward won't let me get off of then yes all was peachy Bella thought bitterly but she didn't want to worry Jake.
"Things are decent, I guess. But wow Jake you've gotten tall."
Jake grinned a bit and nodded.
"Yeah I know, but we should be talking about you birthday girl."
It didn't surprise Bella that Jake knew today was her birthday; they were pretty good friends and so were their fathers. He took out a box from under his shirt and gave it to her. Bella smiled as she opened to see an intricate dream catcher that looked like a bird's nest with crystals, feathers, and a wooden charm of a wolf. This made Bella smile and she hugged Jake.
"I love this thank you."
Jake chuckled and hugged back.
"This isn't the only gift but it was small enough to bring here. You should swing by my place to see my other gift and our plans for it."
Bella seemed a bit confused. She didn't know what Jake was planning but she knew it had to be something big.
"Sounds very interesting. Maybe I will come by on a sunny day. It will be nice to take those in while we still can, right?"
Jake smiled and looked over Bella. He did have a small crush on Bella but he knew something was different about her then the other girls. Jake noticed Bella's eyes and there was a slight pain to them.
"You sure everything is okay Bella? You can tell me anything you know."
Before Bella could answer she saw a familiar Volvo and Porsche pull into the parking lot. Bella smiled when Alice got out of the car and swiftly made her way to Bella, pulling her into a hug.
"Happy Birthday!" Alice chimed happily.
Bella hugged back and pressed her body closer to hers. Jake noticed this subtle motion and something kind of clicked in him.
"Thanks Alice."
The women pulled away once they felt Edward's gaze on them. Bella didn't want to let go but she did as to prevent an argument. Jake noticed how things got cold as Edward came by and hugged Bella. Jake gritted his teeth slightly but tried not to visibly show his anger.
"Happy Birthday Bella, my love." Edward purred.
Bella just nodded and let him hug her, not returning the hug. Edward looks to Jake and reads his mind.
What does Bella see in you? You're nothing what Bella wants. Just what is he doing to her.
Edward chuckled softly and pulled away, gazing into Bella's soft brown eyes. Another year older Edward thought with pleasure. He wanted Bella to live her life, including let her grow old. All his life he was waiting for someone like Bella, to satisfy him in all ways.
"You will be coming over tonight, right?" Edward asked.
Bella shot a soft smile to Alice and asked,
"Depends, did Alice go above and beyond to make a party for me?"
"What kind of friend would I be if I didn't go all out for you Bella?" Alice replied sweetly.
Blush came on Bella's cheek since she was imaging what Alice could have done to the Cullen house. Normally she hated being the center of attention, but she loved the attention Alice gave her. Edward had allowed Alice to do the decorating since he couldn't have been bothered. Besides, whatever feelings Alice had couldn't match his no matter what she did.
"Well I got to head back to my school. Do remember to stop by Bella since I do miss you." Jake told her in a calm tone.
Edward raised his eyebrow and glared slightly at Jake, to which Jake replied with a slight glare of his own.
What is his problem? A guy and a girl can be friends even though I do like her. It's kind of clear though…Bella doesn't love him. Jake thought.
"I will Jake, I promise. Thank you for the dreamcatcher. I do think it will work nicely." Bella told him in a thankful tone.
Edward and Jake stared down each other one last time before Jake got in his car and drove off. Bella wasn't blind and noticed Edward's behavior and asked,
"What the hell is your problem?"
Edward scoffed.
"He clearly likes you and wants more." Edward defended.
Alice rolled her eyes and saw Jake simply as a friend. Sure if Jake did like her, it wouldn't be possible since Bella was her mate and no one else's.
"Yeah he wants more since I'm on house arrest most days with you. God Edward, I want a life with balance. I hate you're making me so devoted to you."
Edward scoffs and shakes his head.
"You're clearly not devoted to me. You want to sneak around with Jake and my sister. Not to mention when I am over sometimes, I get another vampire's scent…a female vampire's scent. Care to explain that?"
Edward lingered on Alice's thoughts and he chuckled.
"Oh, I see…you have your sister come and see Bella. Tell me Alice, why is your sister back after all this time and is interested in Bella?"
Alice crossed her arms since his mind reading was beginning to piss her off greatly. He picks today to bring this up since he has been aware of it for some time. Alice knows he's only doing this to make Bella feel bad. However Bella didn't look upset but rather angry and crossed her arms.
"Please let's not get into this. This is supposed to be my birthday. Don't ruin this for me Edward." Bella stated.
Edward's face softened and put an arm around Bella.
"You are right Bella. I am very sorry. This is your birthday and we should be happy."
He kissed Bella tenderly in front of Alice and Bella reciprocated only slightly, causing Edward to growl in his kiss.
Go deeper Bella. He heard Edward say in her mind.
Bella ignored the thought and pulled away.
"I will see you later okay. Alice is going to walk me to our class."
Edward reluctantly agreed as Alice interlocked her arm in Bella's and they went off. When they were in class, Alice couldn't help but groan.
"Edward is a real asshole, isn't he?" Alice whispered.
"Yes, a huge gaping one. I wouldn't be surprised if his head gets lost in his fucking ass at times." Bella swore in a whisper.
Alice laughed softly and slowly moved her hand towards Bella's.
"I like you're starting to come out of your shell Bella. There's a certain charm when you curse and I'm glad you seem to be asserting yourself." Alice softly murmurs.
Bella nodded and noticed how close their hands were. Carefully, Bella took Alice's hands in hers and gently stroked it. Alice smiled softly at her touch couldn't help but place a hand on Bella's thigh. Bella's heart raced gently and she loved the lingering touch of Alice's hand on her.
"How do you feel?" Alice asked.
Cynthia had advised her to trust her feelings since removing a small chain of doubt in her heart with her powers. Bella kind of wondered if Cynthia also removed a chain of inhibition since she felt confident in her actions. Before meeting any of the vampires, Bella often had felt self-conscience of herself. Not just because of her clumsiness, but where her eyes often wandered in high school. It was never the guys that drew her in…but girls. Being with Alice in the back of the classroom and her touch grazing her thigh, should have been her feelings when Edward tried that stunt. It was becoming apparent that her desire…was love and lust for Alice Cullen.
"Honestly…electrified." Bella whispered.
Alice nodded but she pulled the hand off her thigh.
Bella sighed but she knew this wasn't the way and she was still trapped. They couldn't act on anything. She knew she needed to have a session with Cynthia, tackling something she's been denying to herself for years.
The rest of the day was tiresome and Bella drove home to get ready for her party at the Cullens. She wished she could wear the red dress to really turn Alice's head again, but knew she couldn't. It would give Edward all the wrong ideas. Bella decided on a green knee length dress with a black cardigan. She got a text as she was waiting for Edward from Cynthia.
Julian and I are coming. Careful with presents.
Bella found this cryptic but she was glad Cynthia and Julian were coming, though their presence might be awkward to some of the Cullens. Edward showed up and smiled softly at Bella's outfit. It gave some room for imagination but it was still rather modest which he liked. They said their goodbyes to Charlie and he gave Bella the camera he got her. Bella wanted to make some memories for her scrapbook her mother gave her.
"Say hi to Alice for me. It's been awhile since she's been over." Bella laughed softly since it hadn't been that long.
"It's only been three days Charlie." Bella commented.
Charlie couldn't help but be dumbfound and laugh.
"Really…guess it feels longer since you're different with her around." Charlie expressed.
"Different how?" Edward asked calmly but with some bitterness.
Charlie got up from his armchair and gave a stern look to Edward. Ever since his daughter started dating Edward, he's seen a change in Bella. Charlie might not have spent a lot of time with Bella because of his divorce, but he knew something was wrong. She didn't appear happy with him, but glowed with Alice.
"Well…she's a bit perkier, smiles a bit more, heck she just seems better. Hard to explain but just know your sister is a very good friend to Bella."
Edward nodded and Bella said,
"I will tell Alice you said hi and miss her dad. I'll be home before curfew."
Edward drove Bella to his house and he wondered just what was going on with Bella. He didn't think Bella would be so...optimistic today. For someone who complained about not being turned into a vampire, her being a year older should have bothered her.
"You seem happy." Edward asked.
Bella managed to chuckle and nodded.
"Well I am interested to see what Alice did. She's such a good friend that she would go all out for my birthday."
Edward forced a grin and was beginning to think Alice doing the plans was a bad idea. He knew Alice was great at it, but seeing his mate seemingly fawn over Alice disgusted him.
"Speaking of...you don't seem upset about your birthday. I mean you are older than me now." Edward chuckled.
Bella rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"Aren't you technically an old man if we are going by years on this planet? Frozen at 17 or not, you still exist after you are turned." Bella sassed.
Edward glared at her.
"Well Alice is an old woman, maybe you should stick to Angela and Jessica for friends." Edward sassed back.
Bella scoffed and looked at the car window. Sure Edward was frozen at 17 and maybe in that aspect she was older than him...but she didn't care. In some ways the age thing wouldn't bother her unless she became much older in body then Alice. Despite Alice being 107 years old, her body was frozen at 19. Bella knew she would be a vampire someday, she just wondered when and...when Alice would turn her. She fantasized about Alice turning her until the car came to a stop. Bella's eyes softened as she got out of Edward's car and saw a long line of Japanese lanterns going up the stairs to the Cullen house. There were also big bowls of pink roses that lined the stairs, which touched Bella's heart. Edward can see the enamor on Bella's face and he grew annoyed he wasn't the source of it.
"Alice really went overboard didn't she?" Edward scoffed.
Bella hated his tone but spoke,
"I think she did a wonderful job...such an inviting and loving gesture."
Edward growled and took her arm in his.
"Don't you ruin this please." Bella asked.
Edward forced a grin and kissed her cheek.
"You're the one getting upset Bella."
Bella rolled her eyes but didn't want to let him ruin this day. When she got into the living room, she heard a chorus of happy birthdays from the rest of Edward's family. Cynthia and Julian weren't there yet but Bella wasn't worried. Alice's work continued to amaze Bella as almost every surface had softly lit pink candles, more bowls of pink roses, rose petals on the floor, a pink birthday cake and lots of presents wrapped in silver wrapping paper. Her eyes locked on to Alice and she gracefully walked to Bella, embracing her softly.
"Time to open presents Bella."
"Of course...I wonder what you got me." she whispered.
Edward glared at Alice since she had gotten her two presents; one that would be when they got a private moment. Alice shot a cold glance to Edward and hissed so low only the vampires could hear. Carlisle and Esme seemed rather baffled at Edward and Alice's behavior but Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie knew why there was a standoff.
"Well Emmett wants to be first but not to worry, you will love my presents."
Presents Bella thought, as in plural. Alice was just spoiling her at this point, but Bella didn't care. Emmett with a sly grin excused himself while Alice got Emmett's gift, giving it to Bella. She made good work of the wrapping paper to see it was just an empty box, making Alice giggle.
"Emmett's putting in a new car radio for you. Edward mentioned you needed a new one and Emmett thought it would be nice for us to go on drives together with a working radio." Alice spoke softly.
"Yes of course that's why he got it." Edward spoke coldly.
Alice rolled her eyes and got a present for Bella.
"Hope you like this Bella since it's from me." Alice spoke softly, giving Bella a small box wrapped in silver paper. Bella was about to open the paper until a voice spoke,
"Careful Bella...paper cuts are a bitch."
Everyone turned to the back doors to show Cynthia standing by with Julian. She smiled softly at her as she made her way to Bella, giving her a strong hug. Cynthia pulled away and saw that eyes were on her. She looked to Alice and Jasper introduced,
"This is Alice's sister Cynthia...We thought it was appropriate for her to be here for Bella's birthday. And the male is Julian, her mate."
"Yes since if I didn't come at this very moment...Jasper would be lunging at Bella with a fresh paper cut. Then again, Edward would have made things worse pushing her back into that piano and causing such a nasty cut on her arm. Funny how something so small and ordinary for humans, would be a frenzy to us." Cynthia expressed calmly.
Bella glared at Edward which Edward chuckled in disbelief.
"You're seriously mad at me for doing something I haven't done?" Edward asked.
"No but you would have if it happened. So much for not wanting to hurt me." Bella joked.
Rosalie never took her eyes off Cynthia and soon Cynthia's eyes locked on to Rosalie's. Both women only had Alice in common and both were extremely territorial about it.
"Rose." Cynthia greeted coldly.
"Cynthia." Rose responded equally as coldly.
Julian came in with Emmett and two presents wrapped in gold wrapping paper. He placed them on the piano and grabbed Bella, playfully twirling her in his arms.
"Happy birthday Bella!" Julian exclaimed happily with a low chuckle.
Emmett, Jasper, and Alice laughed at the sight while Cynthia rolled her eyes.
"Jules, please put her down. Bella has bad enough balance as is. We don't want to cause an accident." Cynthia scolded.
Julian frowned playfully but placed Bella down gently.
"I'm glad you two can make it." Bella expressed.
"Anything for you and my sister Bella. After all...our future is a bright one." Cynthia spoke with a smile.
Rosalie hissed at that statement and Cynthia shrugged it off. Alice gave a pleading stare to Rosalie, to which Rosalie sighed and just nodded. Presents resumed and Bella carefully unwrapped Alice's gift, showing a white gold and amethyst butterfly necklace. Bella was speechless, Edward was pissed, and Carlisle seemed rather intrigued with just how special the necklace looked.
"Butterflies symbolize freedom and change. Do you like it?" Alice spoke softly.
"I love it Alice, thank you."
Cynthia gave her gift next and Bella smiled when it was two journals. One was completely written in elegant script while the other's pages were bare.
"One is for you to write your thoughts, the other I wrote in to help guide you when I can't be by your side. You've made such progress"
"Thanks Cyn."
"Progress?" Edward asked in anger.
Cynthia glared at him and shook her head.
I know your games asshole and you disgust me. Bella is going to have the life she wants without you. Cynthia thought loudly for Edward. He glared at her until he heard Julian's excitement in his head about his gift, causing Edward to shift his focus.
Julian grinned and handed Bella his small gift. Bella opened it and felt a rush of adrenaline when she saw a pocket knife. The blade was long and appeared very sharp, making Bella grin with slight pleasure. She had confided in Julian about wanting to camp more but didn't have a good knife to help with a lot of aspects from cutting rope to descaling fish. He certainly gave her a really nice present. Edward glared at Julian and growled,
"What the hell?!"
Julian chuckled but his stare was cold to Edward.
"You really don't know your girl do you? She wanted a knife to maybe help her descale fish, camping, or even maybe get her out of tight spots. Until she's a vampire, she needs a way to defend herself. It would upset me if she was defenseless." Julian expressed.
Things grew quiet since the Cullens weren't aware of that future for Bella and it was Rose who exploded in anger.
"Who the hell says Bella is becoming a vampire!" Rose yelled.
Cynthia smirked playfully and responded,
"Alice and I saw it. No worries, she will be in good hands."
"Don't see how she's becoming a vampire, it's not what I want for her." Edward growled.
"Screw the hell you want! You're not even Bella's mate! Fucking let Bella go!" Julian cursed.
Carlisle seemed a bit bothered. He could have sworn Bella and Edward were mates. Edward loved her so much and yet, Julian's words shook him. Carlisle looked toward his family asked,
"I don't understand what's going on? What do you mean Edward's not Bella's mate?"
Jasper was using his powers to his breaking point so no one would be breaking out into fights. Still Edward and Julian's anger toward each other was harder to control than he perceived.
"He's right Carlisle, Edward has been manipulating Bella into being his mate...meanwhile he's not. I hate we all are just ignoring this to make Edward happy at the cost of Bella's happiness." Jasper sighed.
"Shut the hell up Jasper!" Edward yelled.
"No man you need to be the one to shut up! I'm getting sick and tired of you calling the shots and hurting Bella! Makes me sick that you're robbing her of a life she wants just so you will have her blood in her weak old age." Julian growled.
Esme looked rather horrified. Edward, her son of sorts, having such a dark agenda that went against their ways. It made her wonder what he was keeping from them.
"Edward...that isn't true is it?" Esme asked.
Edward rolled his eyes and glanced at Cynthia.
"You're the one who's ruining this for Bella. Why did you even come?" Edward asked.
"If I didn't, you would have hurt her more. Perhaps you would leave her catatonic. I hate men who think they can break women so easily into being who they are not." Cynthia hissed.
"Yes well you shouldn't be in our affairs Cynthia. Edward is part of our coven and we will handle it." Rosalie spoke.
"You have my sister so it does concern me, more so since we know who Bella belongs too. Some sister you are." Cynthia expressed.
Rosalie lunged at Cynthia but Emmett had to hold her back with her strength. Alice saw this as a perfect time to get Bella to her room and give her the second present while Edward was distracted with Julian egging him on with how he's been a piece of shit to Bella. She swiftly went to Bella's side and gently took her wrist.
"I see this all being okay. Come with me." she whispered.
Bella looked to see Julian and Edward staring each other down and almost looked close to fighting. She glanced at Alice and gave her a nod.
"Emmett and Jasper will keep things from becoming deadly. Follow me."
They both snuck to Alice's room and got a bit cozy on her couch. Bella couldn't help feel responsible for what was going on. Alice gently stroked Bella's hand and shook her head.
"This would have happened any day with my sister and Julian meeting the Cullens ...best the band aid being ripped off now right? I am sorry it had to be your birthday."
"Least it's better then me bleeding with a bandaged arm right if what Cynthia saw was true right?" Bella asked.
Alice nodded and pondered at first why she didn't see that future. Then it dawned on her; Cynthia can see more random, erratic futures of possible human behaviors. The only clear futures Cynthia saw were with people she was close to. Maybe even more so why she was able to see Bella's papercut combined with the random elements.
"Yes I know...there might have been so much blood and pain. Glad that was avoided. Want me to put your necklace on? I remembered to take it with me before the argument intensified." Alice asked.
Bella nodded and Alice got the necklace on Bella's neck. It belonged to her Alice thought, as the butterfly necklace completed Bella and made her look even more beautiful. Bella gently touched the pendant and felt her heart fluttering.
"I had this for a while...I waited to give it to someone who would be my best friend. So that glad person is you." Alice explained with a smile.
Bella hugged Alice and she felt Alice's dainty arms around her. It was then Bella remembered something and asked,
"You said you had presents for me...is there another?"
Alice pulled away with a slight smirk.
"Edward knows what I got you but I don't fucking care what he says. I know you will love it." Alice chuckled.
She went into her closet and pulled out a box. This one wasn't wrapped in silver wrapping paper and it was clearly a clothing item based on the size. Bella opened the top, moving the tissue paper and pulled out a sexy black leather jacket. Bella was speechless once more as she removed her cardigan she was wearing, slipping the jacket gracefully on her body. The jacket was very comfortable and snug, it hugged her in all the right places, and it truly made Bella feel both confident and a bit wild. Alice glanced over Bella in that jacket and felt a warm desire in her throat to claim her now. Her eyes shifted from their usually soft golden glow to a one of rich lust.
"Sometimes I'm just too good with my choices." Alice murmured in a low voice.
Bella blushed slightly and checked herself out in Alice's mirror. She felt empowered and loved the feeling of the leather on her skin. Bella sat back down with Alice, and snaked her hand in hers, stroking the back with her thumb. She bit her lip and knew her feelings for Edward were all wrong; being alone with Alice confirmed that. With a shaky hand, Bella reached for Alice's cheek with her other hand and stroked it.
"Alice?" Bella asked in a low voice.
"Yes Bella?" Alice answered.
Bella looked away blushing but Alice gently returned Bella's focus to her face.
"Don't be afraid Bella...speak your mind?" Alice spoke softly.
Bella sighed and gazed into Alice's eyes.
"Do you...want me?" Bella asked.
Alice cracked a small smile and calmly answered,
"Of course Bella. I'll always want you. You're everything a girl can ask for in a friend."
Bella shook her head and clarified,
"No...do you want me. Do you want to...be with me?"
If Alice's heart was able to beat, it would probably be racing a million miles a minute. This had to be it Alice thought. It was slightly different then her vision of them kissing in the woods, but maybe Bella decided early to act on her true feelings.
Both women felt the magic and draws of passion like they did back at prom. They stared gently at each other's lips.
They do look so soft...angelic...I want her so badly. Bella thought. Not even in painful chains she felt in her heart weren't enough to stop Bella as she slowly was inching closer. It was then the door slammed open, causing both women to jump.
"BELLA!"
