Chapter Two

‡

Bella

"They're here," Edward practically sang, waving a pair of envelopes in front of my face.

I groaned obnoxiously at the sight of them—our Dartmouth acceptance or rejection letters. Actually, Edward's guaranteed acceptance letter and my guaranteed rejection letter. I still couldn't believe that he actually thought money was going to get me into one of the most prestigious schools in the country. They may have believed the doctored high school transcripts that Jasper had made for all of us, since we had all chosen to take some time off of school since our graduation. However, I wasn't sure if they were going to let me into the school simply because my husband made a donation; Jasper hadn't even bothered to change my grades. I mean, I was smart in high school, but I inevitably got a few B's because time that should have been spent studying had been used otherwise—dealing with depression after Edward left, running to Italy to save his life, and being hunted by a blood-thirsty vampire, just to name a few.

He laughed softly as he handed me my fate with a casually extended arm. Throwing my head back with another groan, I wished that they would have delayed sending them out for a few more weeks. I needed more time to wrap my mind around the fact that after three years of planning to go to Dartmouth, we were finally going to discover if I had been accepted or not. I looked into Edward's eyes, unsurprisingly lit with anticipation—he had been looking forward to this day almost as much as I had been dreading it. I knew that I would hardly be able to bear the look of disappointment on his face when I didn't get in; so what I needed to do was stall.

In one swift movement, I had my arms wrapped around him, my lips pertinently pressed to his. But to my dismay, it didn't work—he lovingly but forcefully pulled away from me, shaking his head slowly. "You're stalling," he correctly accused.

I let out a sigh as I stared at the dreaded envelope, suddenly wishing that my power was to make things disappear. "You first," I finally said.

He nodded with reluctance before promptly tearing it open. I watched his eyes dance back and forth, scanning the page for only a few seconds before giving an apathetic shrug. "I got in."

"Congratulations, honey!" I exclaimed dramatically, making fun of his unenthusiastic reaction. "How many college acceptances does this make? 102?"

"Very funny," he said. "Your turn."

Teasingly, I paused, amused by how he was handling this. "You're more excited than I am."

As he swiftly reached out in an attempt to snatch the letter from my hands, I put my quick reflexes to good use. I clung to the envelope tightly as my head shook in loving disapproval. "Patience, Edward."

I quickly ripped open the letter and began reading aloud. "Dear Mrs. Isabella Cullen; congratulations on your admission to Dartmouth University." I looked up at Edward in complete disbelief, whose grin couldn't have gotten any bigger. "It gives me great pleasure to send you this letter, and you have every reason to feel proud of the work and aspiration that led you to this moment." I ceased reading to turn to him with a smile. "Oh, yes, I should feel proud. I put so much work into trying to get into this college. Those hours and hours of studying and extracurricular activities have exhausted me beyond belief. I think I need to lie down."

He rolled his eyes at my sarcasm. "You got in, didn't you? Does it really matter how you got in?"

"I can't believe it. I actually got accepted," I said quietly, pure shock mixed with excitement flooding my voice. I looked up at my husband and noticed the other envelope he held in his hands remained unopened. "What's that?"

"It's nothing. Just another letter from Dartmouth."

"Let me see." His reflexes weren't as quick as mine had been when I grabbed it from him. "Dear Mr. Edward Cullen," I began reading. "I wanted to write to you personally to thank you for your generous donation to our school. Your contribution has greatly helped improve Dartmouth University. I would also like to remind you that if at any time you would like us to acknowledge your generous donation, do not hesitate to ask; nothing in the world would please me more than to publicly honor your kindness."

I paused, looking up at him in confusion. "How much money did you give them? I mean, people donate to universities all the time, and I don't think the dean takes the time to send them personal letters of gratitude."

"Don't worry about it."

"Edward…"

He gently placed a marble finger on my lips, immediately silencing me. "It was money well-spent. You're going to love Dartmouth."

I let out a deep, dramatic sigh, which caused Edward to roll his eyes again. "I won't love it when I'm failing every class."

"As I have promised before, we will study together. But honestly, I don't think you're going to need it."

"We'll see..."

"Bella," he chuckled as he hugged me tightly and kissed the top of my head. "I'm so proud of you. Congratulations. I…" He suddenly froze, as if he had just realized something important.

Pulling away from him, I looked up at him with questioning eyes. "What is it?" I asked.

His delicate fingers were then at the side of my head as he gently brushed my hair behind my ears and leaned toward me. "There's someone here to see you."

"Who?"

Although his smile was small, it seemed to fill his beautiful face. "Go to the front door and see," he told me.

At this suggestion, I fled the room, reaching the door just as a knock sounded; it practically broke off its hinges due to my excitement. I smiled when I saw one of my favorite sights on the other side; Jacob's smiling face.

"Jake!" I exclaimed, immediately throwing my arms around him.

"Whoa, calm down, Bells," he laughed, picking me up off the ground as he hugged me.

"Come in! Where have you been? We haven't seen you in days."

He stepped inside, looking around the cottage as he did every time he came over and didn't have Nessie to greet him at the door.

"Things have been busy lately. A few council meetings, figuring out next steps," he answered as he continued his search with darting eyes. "How are you?"

"Amazing. I just got accepted at Dartmouth University!"

He quickly spun around, his eyes wide. "What?" Blood rushed up his neck and filled his cheeks, instantly causing my throat to burn at the sight.

"I thought you'd be happy for me."

He glared at me, with brown eyes full of anger and frustration. "I don't understand why you can't say here."

"Jacob," Edward said. "We told you we were applying..."

"Well I didn't think Bella would actually get in!" The second he said the words, I could tell he regretted them, although he did not back down.

"Thanks a lot, Jake. Nice to know my best friend thinks I'm a failure."

He scowled. "You're putting words in my mouth and you know it. I was there during your high school years, remember? I know what you're grades were like; I didn't think you'd be able to get in. How much money did Edward have to pay to bribe them?"

"Nothing," I lied. I knew he could tell, but I didn't care. "I got in on my own merit. You should be happy."

"Happy that you're leaving me? Happy that you're tearing Nessie away from me?"

"Jake..."

"No," he snapped. "Stop trying to defend it."

"But, Jake..."

"NO! Just stop, Bells..."

"JAKE!" I yelled back. "Just stop for a second! Listen to me." I paused, glancing quickly at Edward. He was as solid as a statue, ready to defend me but waiting to give me a chance. Glancing back at Jacob, I finally spoke. "You...you should come with us."

With those words, the anger in his eyes softened, and he looked up at me curiously. "Really?" he asked.

"Yes. Why don't you come with us? You could go to school if you want. Or you could stay with Nessie."

"New Hampshire?" He spoke the words as if they were a foreign country.

"It's not that far. You could come home to visit your dad and brothers as much as you want."

"I..." he stammered. I had thrown him for a loop. But I had been thinking about it for a long time; it would make the most sense if he came with us. The rest of the pack would be able to take care of Forks if any vampires should come around.

"Think about it. You don't have to make a decision right now; I understand its a lot to ask. But I know Nessie would not want to be apart from you. And neither do I."

"I'll...well, I'll definitely think ab..." Jake began, but stopped when something caught his eye. "Nessie. Come out here," he said with a sigh.

The three of us turned around to see Renesmee peeking out from behind the wall. Having been revealed, she slowly walked forward.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled. Please come say hi," Jake said calmly. He reached out his arms for her.

She walked over to him with apprehension, but fell into his arms like she always did. He kissed the top of her head and told her he was sorry once more.

"Now, since I haven't seen you in a while, I expect you to have a lot of good stories to tell me." He then sat down on the ground, so they were the same height.

With a grin, Nessie immediately placed her tiny hands upon his head as she showed Jake what he had missed the past few days. His face lit up as he watched her memories flood his mind.

"We're going over Grandma and Grandpa's today," Nessie told Jacob quietly when she was finished, referring to Carlisle and Esme, who had invited us over for the day. "Will you come?"

Jake looked up at Edward and I with apprehension. "Please come, Jake. Everyone will want to see you," I told him.

He looked at me, a bit of anger still in his eyes, but nodded. "Sure. I can come for a little while." And then, he turned to Renesmee with a grin. "Race you to the car?"

"You always cheat!" Nessie exclaimed.

"I do not. I would nev..." But he took off to the car before he finished the sentence. Our daughter laughed and ran after him.

Edward turned to look at me; I avoided his judging gaze. "Not the best way to tell him we're moving..."

"I didn't know he would react that way! When I told him that we were applying, he seemed excited for us." I groaned as I sat down in a kitchen chair; it wobbled a bit under the sudden force.

"I don't know if moving with us is such a good idea, Bella. His pack, his father...it will be hard for him to leave it all behind."

"Nessie can't be away from him for that long," I argued. "Even if he flies there often. It will be better for both of them if he is near. And it'll be better for me, knowing for sure that he is safe and happy."

"I agree with you. But I still think it will be hard for him. It will take some adjusting. For all of us." Edward leaned down to kiss me before whispering "Now come on, let's get going. Esme wanted us there twenty minutes ago."

Thankfully, the ride to Carlisle and Esme's house wasn't uncomfortable, since Nessie was more talkative than usual. I was certain that after today, Jacob would decide to come with us. Then everything would be perfect; and we deserved perfect.

"Finally, you're here!" Alice exclaimed the second we came through the door as she skipped over to place a kiss on each of our cheeks.

"We've missed you. It's been awhile," Esme stated as she hugged me tightly.

"I know. We've missed you too," I replied, hugging the rest of my family.

We all went into the living room to socialize while Jacob and Nessie stayed outside to play. Everyone was talking excitedly, due to fact that it was the first time we had all been together in over a week, something very rare for our family.

"Everybody, Bella received some really great news today," Edward announced, his proud grin almost bragging by itself.

"Oh, congratulations, Bella!" Alice interjected merrily. "But it's not as if it's news to me. I've known since last week."

"Alice," Edward grumbled at his sister. "Do you mind letting Bella actually tell the news?"

"Oh, sorry," she chirped quickly in apology.

"Now, as I was saying," Edward continued. "Bella has some very exciting news. Tell them."

"Well, everybody…" I paused, for dramatic effect; apparently, what I had to say was very important to all of them, despite the obvious significance of Edward's large monetary and my small academic contributions. "I got into Dartmouth!" I finished.

"Congratulations, Bella!" Esme exclaimed, throwing her arms around me once again.

"Dartmouth is a great choice," Jasper told me, as Carlisle planted a kiss on my forehead. "We are very proud of you," the man who was like my second father said.

Emmett reached out his hand to high-five me. "Nice job, Bella!"

Rosalie was next; our relationship had become stronger ever since we bonded over Renesmee. However, it was always hard to tell if she would be supportive of my decisions. She liked to be in control of where the family went next, and this was all Edward and my decision.

"Congrats, Bella," she said quietly, but sincerely. "I'm excited to try New Hampshire. Anything to get out of this place." Her beautiful eyes narrowed as she glanced out the big bay window of the Cullen's mansion.

Instant relief filled me before I gave a response of "Thanks, Rosalie."

I felt myself being drawn to Edward's side by his strong arm before he placed a kiss on my cheek. I smiled shyly, embarrassed from all the attention that I did not deserve.

Nessie suddenly ran up to Edward and tugged on his shirt, indicating for him to bend down in order for her to whisper into his ear. I wanted to explain to her that this was pointless due to the fact that every single person in the room had impeccable hearing, but I restrained myself—whispering made her feel comfortable. "Dad, may Jake and I go play outside?" she asked him.

Edward smiled at her. "Of course. Just be careful." He watched his daughter and her best friend run off down the steps and out the front door.

"So when are we planning on moving?" Emmett asked.

Knowing his answer could cause disagreement, Carlisle pondered for a moment before giving it. "We will probably leave sometime during the summer."

"Oh, I want to go now, Carlisle," Rosalie complained. "I'm sick of Washington. We've been here too long."

"We have been here awhile, Carlisle," Esme said quietly. "Longer than we've ever stayed anywhere before. Has anyone suspected anything?" She looked toward Edward for confirmation; his powers, although sometimes frustrating, were definitely a comfort when it came to keeping their secret.

"Not that I have heard," Edward replied. "We've done a good job laying low because of Nessie. But it won't be long now. Esme is right; we have never stayed in one place for so long."

"I say we leave in a month. That way we can get settled in before we start school," Alice offered gently.

Carlisle turned his attention to me with a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Bella, since this is your first time attending college, what would you like to do?"

"Um…" I looked helplessly at Edward, not knowing how to answer; I absolutely despised conflict within our family. When he didn't offer any help, I turned back to Carlisle. "Well, I really want to leave early…"

"See!" Rosalie said with delight.

"But..." I continued. "I want to stay as long as possible for Jake. We've invited him to come with us; he hasn't made a decision yet. Either way, it is going to be hard for him. Either he is going to have to say goodbye to his family or he's going to have to say goodbye to Nessie. I don't want to make it any harder on him by rushing to move sooner than we need to."

Carlisle nodded, understanding my dilemma. "And what are your thoughts on this, Edward?"

"I agree with Bella. I think we should leave in the middle of the summer. A few more months would be helpful to Jacob, which in turn will help Renesmee."

I watched Carlisle look around the room. "Everyone?"

Thankfully, Alice understood. "If that's what Bella wants to do, then I'm all for it."

"It's fine by me..." Emmett agreed, although hesitantly, as if he was reluctant due to the stubbornness of his wife.

"Me too," Jasper responded.

Everyone turned to Rosalie, waiting for her answer. "Rose?" Carlisle asked

A small smile appeared on her face as she sighed. "Well, if it'll make Nessie happy, then I suppose I can survive a few extra months here. But you need to bring her over more often."

"Of course," I told Rosalie.

The frenzy of excitement that immediately broke out among my family members now that a decision had been made that everyone agreed upon caused me to grow anxious as well. After all, this was going to be the first time that I moved with the Cullen family. In the new town that we resided in, we would be a mystery, just as the Cullen's were in Forks. People would be wondering who we were, where we came from, and why we seemed so different from everybody else. It excited me to know this, to realize that this was the first of many, many times when I was going to be able to take on a new identity, to start and entirely new life, only taking with me some of the people I loved most in this world.

I stopped my thoughts and, like the rest of my family, looked over at Alice, who had gone stone silent. A terrified look was plastered on her face as her eyes darted from window to window.

"Alice?" Jasper asked, placing a gentle hand on her arm.

"What did you see?" Carlisle asked urgently. "What was the vision?"

"They're here," she whispered, barely getting the words out.

I thought back to when Edward had said those words to me earlier, in reference to my acceptance letters. But my mind screamed to me that the reality, painful as well as true, of what Alice was talking about was much scarier than those now minuscule pieces of paper.

The Volturi were here.