"Alexis here wants to go Vicki-hunting. Who's in?"
Chapter Thirteen – Vicki-Hunting.
It happened when I was least expecting it.
I was sat in History doodling loops rhythmically and urging the time to speed up so I could escape my boredom. I hated History with a passion, it was pure torture.
Then, suddenly, the door was thrown open so it hit the wall with a bang and a dishevelled Josh flew into the room. His black hair was even more messy than usual and he scanned the room frantically before his eyes rested upon mine. I gulped as I looked into his eyes; I could tell from the intensity and urgency in them exactly what was happening. I threw my books into my bag,
"Mr Brown needs to see Alexis Masen immediately" smiled Josh silkily at the female teacher who blushed vigorously at him.
"Of course, of course" she smiled, too flustered to even remember to ask for an explanatory note. Before she could regain her wits I walked briskly out the door with my bag slung over my shoulder. This could only mean one thing: Alice had had her vision.
"Is it time?" I asked Josh calmly.
"Yes" said Josh as he glanced sideways for anybody who may try to stop us leaving. "Hurry" he urged and I quickened my pace to match his. We sped through the school halls in a walk that could only just be counted as human pace.
Within minutes we made it to the car park and headed quickly to the silver Volvo which was waiting for us with the engine running. A door flew open and Josh bundled me into the car, following straight after. He shut the door behind us and instantaneously the car lurched forward and sped away from the school at a frightening speed.
I readjusted my position; I was currently lying across somebody's lap and sat up. I swept my copper hair irritably back from my face and shifted so I was more comfortable. Alice turned around from the passenger seat and smiled broadly,
"You ready for this Alexis?" she asked eagerly. I nodded dubiously; there was a pang of something that felt suspiciously like nerves in my stomach. Alice, sensing my apprehension, smiled sympathetically "Don't worry. It will be fine; I've Seen it end well." I felt the knot in my stomach loosen only slightly.
Why was I so worried? I've never been more nervous, more scared since – well ever. Despite Alice seeing it end well it was not set in stone. She could not have visions about me and therefore any decisions I make will affect the future in ways which she could not predict. I knew there was a chance I could die. However, I've never been scared of death as I see it only as the next step and a form of escape.
If I was not nervous for myself then I figured I must be nervous for the others, for the people who had accepted me despite my lack of enthusiasm, despite my reluctance and rudeness. They are the people who would risk their 'lives' for me although all I had wanted for a long time was to see them dead. There was a chance that they could die trying to help me overcome my emotional dilemma via this revenge.
My stomach fluttered at the thought, confirming my guess.
I looked around the car, Edward was in the driving seat his hands clenched on the wheel as he drove furiously to wherever out destination was. Alice and Jasper where squashed on the passengers seat as Jasper played with Alice's hand. They seemed to be the most relaxed and carefree, as if they had no worries or fears. Bella was sat on my right staring out of the window in a trance, caught up in her own thoughts. She appeared to be unaware of anyone or anything. Then, on my left, there was Josh. He was watching me with a look that both scared and excited me. I was not sure what he was thinking but I knew whatever it was that it was strong. His eyes were so passionate. I smiled nervously and he broke his gaze to look at his shoes. There was an awkward silence as we raced on.
"Where are we going?" I asked everyone, to break the silence.
"Not far" squealed Alice (yes – she literally squealed) "about an hour north of Seattle."
"Don't forget that we then have to track her" reminded Edward, not as optimistic.
"Of course" Alice grinned, "That's the fun part! I'm so excited." Edward shot her a look that clearly questioned her sanity but Alice just giggled and turned to kiss Jasper on the cheek, "you're excited too Jazz. Aren't you?"
"Yeah" agreed Jasper warily as he watched Edward's hold on the steering wheel increase out of the corner of his eye, "Emmet is too" he added.
"Where are we meeting them?" asked Josh seriously.
"There is a car park not far from where my vision was."
"Ok."
"Josh?" I questioned, "Are you ok?" I could not help but notice the stiffness of him.
"I'm fine" he reassured in a voice which was not very reassuring. I squeezed his hand comfortingly and he pulled me closer so I was leaning against him. "Alexis don't do anything stupid out there ok? You're not as strong as us, you're more breakable."
I snorted,
"I'm fine trust me. Now do you promise that you will not do anything stupid?"
"Of course." I smiled,
"Then it will be fine."
At least - I hoped it would be.
***
Finally, we skidded to a stop.
We had gone over the 'game plan' a few weeks ago but it was still fresh in my mind.
Split up into two groups.
Communicate via Edward and Alexis's mind reading.
Round Victoria up.
Let Jasper lead the attack.
No messing on.
Kill her quickly.
It sounded simple enough, but I was more than a bit annoyed that I wouldnot be allowed to take part in the actual killing. They had put their foot down on that one because my strength and speed were not up to the standards of everyone else. It was frustrating that I would not feel the immense satisfaction of Victoria's death by my hand. I understood what they were all risking for this mission though and I was prepared to make some sacrifices. Death is death after all and I will settle for that.
I jumped out of the car, adrenaline beginning to pump through my body. Josh, Bella and Edward also sprung out attentively but Jasper and Alice just got out leisurely. We were stood in an empty car park. The Volvo was stretched over two parking spaces, but there were no other cars. A forest trail began to the left of the car park and there was a sign titled 'National Forestry'.
Edward growled impatiently,
"Where are they?"
Just as he said that Rosalie's red convertible spun around the entrance screeching to a stop beside the Volvo. They all climbed out and Rosalie pressed a button making the car beep as it locked automatically.
"Hello" she grinned with the same euphoria that Alice had shown. After all, we outnumbered Victoria and this should be easy and fun. So why could I not stop the feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach?
"Let's get this show on the road" Emmet chuckled excitably. Carlisle and Esme both looked fairly laid back and joyful. In contrast Josh, Edward and Bella looked stiff but alert with no trace of delight that the other showed. I guess I looked just as nervous.
"Ok, stick with the plan" whispered Edward harshly, "don't even think about fooling around. Victoria's more deadly than you can imagine. This should be easy as long as we don't get cocky."
"Oh chillax Edward" laughed Emmet, "Victoria will be a walk in the park for us."
"That" hissed Edward "is exactly the type of attitude that will get us killed." Emmet rolled his eyes dramatically and Rosalie giggled giving him a quick peck on the lips.
"Right let's split into our two groups then" smiled Jasper.
My group was with Emmet, Rosalie, Josh and Esme. The other group was Edward, Bella, Jasper, Alice and Carlisle. Our group were not supposed to do the actual killing unless necessary and if we were to face her alone Esme was supposed to leave with me so Josh, Rosalie and Emmet could finish Victoria off.
Despite many peoples over confidence nobody thought that I should be allowed to face Victoria. I was too emotionally involved and they believed that she could manipulate me and make me do something stupid. Obviously I was not trusted to be safe.
"Right let's do this then" said Edward. Carlisle and Esme shared one quick peck and we split off into different directions. Our group were going to travel the east side of the forest and cut off Victoria so she cannot escape.
Josh took my hand and we set off at a light jog. I focused on my mind forcing my shields to come down. This was necessary so that Edward and I could communicate over larger distances. I felt incredibly vulnerable as everybody's voices flooded into my head; I was not yet used to shutting them out while keeping my guard down.
I wish I was in the other group – I really wanted to get a piece of Victoria. I hope I don't miss out on any of the action. Thought Emmet.
Alexis is letting her shield down, I must try to keep my thoughts in line. Edward warned me. Ok, the mission. Concentrate on getting her out alive. Said Josh mentally.
That confused me a little; what thoughts was he hiding?
Alexis? Called Edward faintly, I tried to 'tune' into him but couldn't stop the buzz from my group's heads.
Hi Edward.
Your thoughts are confusing try not to read everyone's minds. He thought condescendingly.
Well, not everyone has had a century of practise at it. I am not sure how to anyway. It's giving me a headache.
I know. Imagine how it is for me, everyday.
Ha. Ok I will try sorry.
No problem.
We carried on jogging lightly through the forest, making as little noise as possible so Victoria would be unaware of us for as long as possible.
They should have a trace of her by now, thought Rosalie. She glanced back at me and I nodded, so she would know that I was asking Edward about it.
Edward gave you got a trace yet? I thought as clearly as I could.
No. We should have though. I don't think she's here. I panicked slightly. What if she knew we were coming? What if this was a trap?
Calm down Alexis, thought Edward, sensing my fear. It will be alright. We will find her, Alice is never wrong. We should pick up her –
Suddenly, a rush of loud thoughts from my group muffled Edwards's voice.
That's Victoria's scent. She's here.
Yes she's here! Let's go.
She's coming for us. Oh God.
We're coming intervened Edwards voice. I knew he was both surprised and frightened for us.
"Ahh Alexis dear!" chuckled Victoria. I spun around and there she was laughing in the shadows.
She's here.
A/N So guys, I hope you liked it - sorry I didn't update any sooner but I've been dead busy. Ahh I'm so excited because it's Christmas soon and it's been snowy and frosty all week which makes it feel all Twilighty too. Ha. Ooo and the movie comes out over here soon. :) That will be fun.
Review it please.
Susie xx