Chapter 10 – Visitor

BPOV

For two weeks, Alice and I went to school. She remained close when I had work, hiding in the trees. It ate away at me when the rain poured down. She said it didn't bother her, so I shouldn't worry about her. Did she not know me? Alice and I spent our evenings with Charlie. He was overjoyed. I was, after all, doing what he asked. Spending time with my friends and not Edward.

This separation was waning on me. We spoke all the time, but it wasn't the same. He wasn't here. At night, his CD played my lullaby, but it wasn't as beautiful as when he hummed it to me. His stone arms weren't around me as I slept. This was worse than when he left. Back then, there was nothing to hold on to. Now, there was something to wish for, but time would only tell when it would come true.

"How do you do that?" Charlie asked baffled. "Just luck," she shrugged. Alice convinced Charlie to play cards with her and she beat him every time. While they played, I was in the kitchen, on the phone with Edward. He wanted to know every minute detail of my day. Even the most insignificant detail, he wanted to know. I think he just wanted to keep me on the phone, just to hear my voice. That was fine, I missed his too. Every night, Alice went through the motions of going to bed, from running the shower to getting dressed in pajamas and socks.

As I slept, Alice sat by the window. She was motionless as she peered out the glass. Sometimes she would look down and her lip would curl back. She must have been looking at a wolf. Strange and tense as this all was, it was comforting having Alice here. Not just as a protector, but as my best friend. To keep my mind off this whole ordeal, she would sit up and talk with me. Sometimes her conversations were about nothing, but still, very entertaining.

If I had come back to Forks by myself, I'd go insane, much like I did all those months ago. But all the conversation in the world couldn't stop me from worrying about Victoria. If Alice wasn't here, she could've gotten through my wolf protectors. If that happened, all I could hope for is that she would be quick. A chill ran through me as Laurent's warning ran through my mind. She wants her revenge, by killing me. A mate for a mate. Victoria would torture me and savor every moment. She wants me to suffer, because Edward would suffer. That night, I dreamt she found me.

In my dreams, the crimson eyes under the wild fire hair were staring at me. Through the shrouds of the night, there were glaring at me. The feline face was close. She smiled, as she leaned into a crouch. A growl built in her chest. She lunged at me, scaring me out of my sleep. My heart was racing and a cold sweat was on my forehead. The gray sunlight was on the floor of the next morning.

My memories returned to me, it was Saturday. There was two more weeks of school. I had finals I needed to study for and I had work today. Alice sat at the window, looking at me. She was so quiet, I forgotten she was there. "Bad dream?" I nodded. Alice went back to looking out the window. She was so still as she watched the rain on the glass.

Another memory came to me, "Alice, when was the last time you hunted?" Alice looked to the floor, not answering. "That long?" Her being this close to me wasn't good for her. Alice, please go hunting. You need it." She shook her head, "Bella, I …" "I know, I know," cutting off her refusal, "You promised. But Alice, really, you need to." She came over to my bed and sat on the edge. When she was this close, the purple bruises under her eyes were easier to see. Her eyes were pitch-black.

I maintained my small distance from her, "Alice, please. For me. You need to be at your strongest. I can call Jacob. He could watch me while I'm at work, then he and I could stay here until you come back. Edward will understand."

Her dark eyes stared at me. The skin on her neck tightened as she inhaled deeply. She moved back at bit, "You're right. He would. Besides, he would be mad if I was the one to attack you." I stared at her and we laughed.

I jumped out of bed, grabbed my bag of toiletries and went to the bathroom. After my teeth and hair were brushed, I went back to my room. Alice had my clothes for work on my bed. She smiled, "What? I told you I like picking out your clothes." After I dressed and had breakfast, Alice and I left for Newton's. Since we came back, Alice drove me everywhere in Rosalie's car. My truck sat in the driveway, not moving once in days. When we first arrived, I wondered how my truck made it back to my house. Jacob must have dropped it off.

As I worked, I knew Alice was close by. This helped me focus. "Bella?" Mike approached me while I stocked the shelves. "Yea, Mike?" His eyes were to the floor, "What are you doing after work?" My arm stiffened a bit from her question. I pretended to keep working to hide my grimace. Mike was a glutton for punishment. Edward wasn't here, but his sister was. Mike and I were friends and I wanted to keep it that way.

How many times would I have to go through this with him? "Alice and I are going to Olympia. She needs to get out of Forks. You know, she's still coping." Mike nodded in understanding, "Is she doing any better?" I opened my mouth to answer, but Alice came into the store, "I'm doing fine, Mike. Thanks for asking. I just came in to pick up Bella. Or were you going for overtime today?" I looked at the clock, it was 4:15. "No. I'll be right out, Alice."

I was grateful to her for breaking up our conversation. I grabbed my jacket and went out into the misty rain, after telling Mike by over my shoulder. Alice was by the door of the store. We walked to the car and drove south to Olympia. "What do you want to do?" I smiled at her, "Whatever you want, Alice. This trip is to get you out of the house and town."

Her eyes were a butterscotch gold. "You hunted?" "Yes," she chirped, "I called Jacob and he stood watch for me. You were right. I need to be strong and focused. Besides, we only have two weeks left. I should be fine until then." I was happy that Alice had listened to me. More so, that she and Jacob were at least being civil. That had to be the most difficult part for her. Edward explained to me that the detest between vampire and werewolves was too deep. Almost like their hatred for each other was biological.

For days, there hasn't been any sign of Victoria. Did she go to Alaska? Carlisle mentioned their family there and Laurent was living with them. She knew where they lived. Did the Cullens and Denalis confront her? This thought made goosebumps raise on my skin. The rain began to fall heavier as we flew down the highway to Olympia. Alice played music that I didn't know. The bass shook the car frame. She was happy to be out of Forks.

We drove to the Marina. Even though it was raining, I loved seeing the open water. The smell of the brine reminded me of La Push. Alice and I took umbrellas and walked along the piers. Alice was a little keyed up. Too much for just a shopping trip. Was she that happy to be out of Forks? I had to admit, I was too. Forks was starting to seem a bit boring. Was it because all the vampires were gone again?

Alice and I headed for the mall. The mall was big, but not as the ones in Phoenix. Hopefully, this one was big enough to keep Alice busy. Alice flew through all the stores, picking out clothes for myself and herself. While looking over some jeans, I noticed Alice closed her eyes for a long time. Was she having visions about Victoria? "Bella, what about this one?" She held out a dress. It was a black, ankle length dress. She picked up a matching, tan cropped sweater.

It was an informal dress, that I could wear it to school. While I was trying on the dress, I heard Alice talking. She must be on the phone. After giving Sam her phone, Alice and I went to the big house and she was able to get another one. It made me wonder how many things they had in surplus. Cellular phones, cars, clothes were just some of the things. Houses and money was another. I would have enough time to find out these things. "Alice," I called out to her. "Alice?" I walked out of the dressing room and saw who she was talking with.

Edward. He was outside the dressing room, with Alice, who was smiling from ear to ear. His honey eyes stared at me, until he broke into a smile. I couldn't move. It felt like a dream. Edward was here. He came over to me and wrapped his arm around my waist, not releasing my lips. We were beyond being upset with each other. I just wanted to keep him here, with me. Our time apart was unbearable, but Alice eased that for me. Edward released my lips, but not my body.

Edward held me to him, refusing to let me go. "I wanted to surprise you. Edward was being bad and I saw his decision to come to Forks. I called him and made a compromise. I get you away from the town and you two spend the day together." Alice's smug smile was on her face as she looked at us. I smiled at her, "Thank you." The words poured out like honey. This was the best surprise she has ever given me. Edward cupped his hand over my cheek, brushed my hair behind my shoulder and pressed his lips to mine again. He didn't speak to Alice, but she knew he was grateful too.

Edward released my lips and sighed. His icy breath blew onto my lips and I inhaled at it. The scent swirled through my head, making me feel like I was swimming. "Is this a new outfit too?" Edward finally asked, taking his eyes from my face. "Yea. But I think Alice had me try this on purpose. She saw when you were arriving." He smiled and nodded, "You're picking up on her ways." After tiptoeing up to kiss him again, I went back into the dressing room and changed back into my clothes.

Edward took my hand and we walked out into the rain. His cool skin made me shiver. He held the umbrella in one hand and kept his arm around me. We spent the day together, as we did in Alaska. I had to admit, I missed Alaska. There, it was just me and Edward and our family. I did like the feel of it, belonging with his family. A big family with brothers, sisters and cousins. I've never had that before. Edward and I walked into a department store and walked through the jewelry section.

My eyes wondered through the display cases. All the jewels under the lights reminded me of Edward's skin in the sun. Looking over topaz selection, they reminded me of his eyes. They were light on the edges and darker in the center. I stared at the lovely display, lost, thinking about Edward's eyes. Edward was looking over to another display case. He was talking to a sales associate, asking about something in the display case.

I walked over, to see Edward looking at a silver necklace, with a large heart charm. The chain was long and silver and the heart charm was hollowed out, with a solid silver back and decorative design on the front, with small diamonds bonded into it. Next to the heart charm, there was a matching key charm.

The sales associate told him the price of the necklace and he simply nodded. Edward held the heart charm in his hand and showed it to me, "Do you like it?" I was smiling, "It's beautiful." The light silver was a perfect match to his pale skin. Edward smiled to the associate, "I'll take it." "Edward, you shouldn't…" He put his finger to my lips. He never let his finger move from my lips, gave his credit card to the associate and turned to me.

"Bella, I want you to have it. I see it as a nice symbol of me and you." I looked at him, perplexed. He smiled and held my face, "My heart is hard and cold, like the charm, but only you have the key to it." My shoulders slumped, breathing in his sweet breath. "While we're apart, I want you to have it and think of me." "I always think about you. I don't need the necklace to remind me of you." Edward kissed my lips, then my cheek, "Bella, please," he whispered in my ear, "I've told you, as long as we are together, you will have to get used to receiving gifts."

The associate was back to us. The necklace was now in a small jewelry box. She couldn't take her eyes off of Edward. Her eyes glanced at me, then back to him. What did I look like in comparison to him? Edward flashed his smile and she gasped, then blushed. He thanked her, his voice a little cold. We spent the rest of our time wandering around the mall. He told me about what happened in Denali after I left.

"Rosalie was a bit smug, having to keep me there. She recruited Emmett to me from running after you. Emmett and Jasper kept me busy, but all I did was worry about you. I spent a lot of time in your room, thinking about what you were doing." My eyes closed. I felt guilty that I left like that, but it was necessary. Edward's fingers brushed my cheek, "Don't be upset, love. You did the right thing. I was wrong." My eyes flashed open. "Edward," my voice was a little high, "did you just admit you were wrong?"

He rolled his eyes, "Yes." The two of us ambled through the mall like we were typical teenagers. Edward was anything but typical. Some people looked at him as we passed by. Some girls giggled as they walked in the opposite direction. It seemed Edward and I passed them more than once. We sat by the fountain and talked. I told him, again, about everything that happened. He listened in earnest to the details of my story.

He glanced at his watch and his expression changed into seriousness. Edward didn't talk; he just took my hand and guided me through the crowds. We were in the parking lot. Edward kept his hand on my waist. The rain had let up a little as we walked slowly.

When we reached his car, he stopped us. Edward leaned on his car and hugged me to his chest. I stared up at him and he stroked the back of his hand across my cheek. My face burned with a blush and he laughed. Edward took my new necklace out of its box, "I think now is a good time for this." He brushed my hair behind my shoulders and linked the necklace.

The heart and key charms fell down to my chest. I looked down and held the heart in my fingers. "It represents my heart. Only you have the key to it and it will always be yours." Edward said and kissed my cheek. I looked up at him, fighting back tears. Our time was dwindling and he would have to leave. I stared into his golden eyes and was lost in them. He moved his hand and tangled it into my hair, pressing his lips to mine. This kiss held his longing for me. Blood rushed through me as my lips molded to his. Edward groaned a bit, "I know, Alice. Give us a few more minutes."

It was fainted, but the sound of a car engine faded away as the vehicle left us. Edward's lips returned to mine, tightening his hold on me. My skin burned from his cool touch. My arms tightened around his neck, holding myself to him. We only had moments left and I didn't want us to be apart. Edward's lips released mine and leaned his forehead against mine. Our eyes were closed and our fingers were intertwined between our bodies. Where I felt his skin, mine was on fire. My body came alive when he touched me.

His breath blew into my face and I forgot where I was, who was waiting for me and where I had to go. I just knew that Edward was with me and I was happy. My eyes opened and they stared back into his. I knew it was time for me to go. I could feel his hand tighten around mine as he walked me back to Rosalie's car, with his impatient sister inside. He opened the door for me, but didn't let me get in. Edward lifted my face back to his and he kissed me again.

His arms were wrapped around my body, crushing me to him. My feet were elevated off the floor and my arms were under his arms. One hand held the back of my head, keeping me locked to him. This kiss seemed to go on forever, but as always, it ended too soon. Edward ended the kiss, but he didn't let me back on my feet. He placed me in the car, "Take care of her, Alice. Bring her back to me as soon as you can."

Alice nodded and smiled, "I know, Edward." Edward smiled at Alice, looked at me, stroking my face. He closed my door and stood outside the car. Alice started the engine and began to roll away from him. I saw Edward in my mirror, standing in his spot, looking at me. As we pulled out of the parking lot, into the rain, my phone vibrated. I got a message from Edward.

"I love you." My message was simple and it said so much. I tried to hold back my tears, but it was hard. Being away from Edward was wrong. The hole in my chest from his absence returned and the edges vibrated. Alice and I drove through the rain, back to Forks. Only two weeks, I would be back with Edward. That thought will keep me going.