Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters. They belong to Stephenie Meyer.
Chapter 8
~*Anthony's Pov*~
I hadn't spoken to Mom for three days in the row. I was worried and I knew that something was wrong. I had left her messages and she hadn't called me back. Every one was sleeping after all the hiking we did and I went to the back of the woods where no one could hear me and dialed my mom's number again. It rang and went straight to voice mail.
"You've reached Bella I can't take your call right now so leave a message and I'll get back to you at my earliest convince" I heard her musical voice on the recording. I hung up the phone and called her work.
"Good morning. Thank you for calling Idaho community hospital, how can I help you?" asked a friendly voice at the end of the line.
"Can you please connect me to the nurse station?" I was on the edge of my sit. Something was every wrong. I could feel it in my bones.
"Nurse Station, how can I help you?"
"Hello. Can I speak to Isabella Swan?"
"I'm sorry she didn't come to work"
"Excuse me what did you just say? What do you mean she hasn't come into work? Where the hell is she?" I asked angrily.
"Excuse me sir there is no need for you to be so disrespectful," she said obviously irritated.
"I'm sorry. This is Anthony her brother. I haven't spoken with her for 3 days and I've been worried. Did she call and say why she wasn't coming in?"
"No honey I'm sorry she hasn't shown up or even called for the past 3 days. The last time she was here was on her Saturday shift. She was schedule to work all week but she hasn't shown up. I'm sorry I don't have better news."
"Thank you" I said as I was fighting back the tears. I knew I shouldn't haven left her. What was I thinking? If anything happens to her…
I didn't know what to do. I couldn't let the girls find out; they would worry and want to leave to look for her but I couldn't; no wouldn't put them in danger. That only left me with only one option. I would go back home and search for my mother. I made my way back to Billy's where Jake was at the door waiting for me.
"What's going on Anthony?" he had a worry look on his face. He was the only one that knew I hadn't spoken to mom.
"Jake, come with me." I told him as I lead him to first beach where we could talk openly. As we walked I entered his mind to see if I can trust him to do as I asked. Knowing this will be the only way to keep track of my sisters when I was gone. He did not feel me in his mind.
"Anthony what aren't you telling me. Did something happened to Bella?" he asked his voice getting higher with concern
What happen to Bella that would freak him out so bad? he thought.
"Jake I have a bad feeling. I've been calling her cell phone and it goes directly to voice mail. I called her job and she hasn't been to work in almost 3 days. That's not like her." I was almost on the verge of a break down, but I couldn't. I had to be strong for my sisters and mother.
OH MY GOD I will kill anyone that attempts to harm Bella, he thought and I could see he was losing it.
"Jacob calm down. I don't need you to go wolf on me. I need you to protect Nessie and Carlie for me," I said and he looked at me warily.
"What are talking about? Where do you think you are going? If anything happened to your mother and you, the girls would hamstring me," he said as his tone was getting angrier.
"I am the only who can pull this through Jake. Something happened to her Jake and if another vampire is involved you will not be able to go as far as I would!" I yelled. "She is my priority. I was supposed to watch and protect her like I do with Nessie and Carlie. None of this was supposed to happen Jake… None!"
"Please Anthony; I just can't let you run off by yourself," he pleaded.
"Promise me that you will take care of my sisters. I am counting on you to keep them safe while I am gone."
"When they'll ask what's going on, what should I say?" he asked me.
"Lie" I said in a firm tone.
How will I do this? he wondered to himself.
"You know that with the imprint I can't lie to her," he said.
It kills me to do that to her, he thought.
"You will lie to her if you love her. Think about it Jake. They will want to come with me. I can't protect us all. I need to do this on my own. I wouldn't ask you if it was important," I said as I tried to convey the importance of why I had to this on my own.
I have to find it in me to lie to protect her. I will do as he wishes even if I don't agree with it, he thought.
"Promise that you will take care of yourself," he pleaded me.
"Thank you Jake. I'm going to pack my things. Do you think Embry can take me to the airport?"
"Of course," he said halfheartedly.
We made our way to the house; I took a shower and packed. I went to check on Nessie and Carlie one last time before I left, kissed them on their foreheads lightly and went downstairs to meet Embry.
"Are you sure about this? Do you want me to send one of the members of the pack with you?" Jacob asked.
"No Jake. Just do what I asked and keep them safe." I said. He gave me a hug with that I walked out of the house and got in the car with Embry. We didn't speak much as my thoughts were busy with hopes that my mother is not hurt. After I while I turned to Embry and spoke for the first time.
"Embry I need to stop at Charlie's house on the way to the airport," I told him
"Sure, what for?" he replied.
"He has the right to know what's going on," I said in a miserable voice.
"I think he may be at the station. We'll make a stop there first," he replied.
"Thank you" was all I said and started to ponder what I was going to find when I got home.
We got to the station and Embry was right. Charlie was in his office. I walked in and the lady at the front desk looked up at me and was momentarily dazzled.
"Excuse me, I'm here to see Chief Swan" I let out the full force of my eyes.
"W-Who?" she stuttered dazed. I had to chuckle at her reaction.
"Chief Swan… Can you please tell him Anthony is here to see him?" I asked and plastered my face using mom's favorite crooked smile. She picked up the phone and dialed his extension.
"Yes….. Chief Swan there is a young man name A-Anthony here to see you," she stuttered again.
"Yes, please send him to my office," I heard him reply on the other end of the phone. I walked down to Charlie's office.
"Hello Anthony, what brings you down to my office," he said looking curiously at me.
"We need to talk. I have to leave," I rushed the words out.
"What's going on?" he out up from his seat and walked to me quickly.
"I haven't spoken with Mom since Sunday morning. I called her job, she hasn't shown in nearly three days and I can't get her on none of the phones. I have to go home and find out what's going on." I said trying to keep myself from crying.
"I'm coming with you," he replied
"You can't. I need you here to take care of Renesmee and Carlie. They don't know what's going on. I don't want to worry them. Beside you can be in more danger then me," I said
"What do you mean more danger?" he said with burrowed eyebrows.
"You are not supposed to know about the vampire world. That is one unbreakable law: no human can know we exist because either they join our world or be killed. I won't let that happen to you," I said with sorrow in my eyes. "Please understand I need to go and see for myself. Promise me that you will take care of the girls. I need to find Mom," I said with finality in my voice.
"How will you do this on our own? You will need help," he said trying to convince me to let him come with me but I would never allow it.
"I will not place anyone in danger. I will find her!" I semi yelled. Charlie stumbled back; surprised, because I had never raised my voice at anyone. He knew I was dead serious.
"Be careful. I don't think I can handle losing both of you. Call me as soon as you hear anything." He gave me a tight hug and for a second I melted in his embrace. I was so afraid I would never see him again.
"I love you Grandpa," I whispered.
"I love you too kiddo," he said and kissed the top of my head.
After I left the station I made my way back to the car where Embry had been waiting for me and drove me to the airport. I couldn't help but think all the different scenarios that may have occurred.
When I got to the airport, I stepped out of the car gathered my bags and thanked Embry. I went to the counter and took the next flight out to Idaho. I was lucky because there was a flight in 45 minutes. I purchased two tickets since I didn't want anyone sitting next to me. I made sure all I had, was a carry-on so I wouldn't waste time checking in a bag and have to claim it when we landed. Once we boarded I sat in my seat, closed my eyes, rested my head back and focused in trying to find mom's thoughts. I let my senses take over but all I got was… nothing! Why would she be shielding herself? Why was she using her shield in full mode? Was she protecting herself and if yes from what? I concentrated during the whole flight trying to reach her mind but it was useless.
When we landed I got out of my seat faster than normal. I knew I had to remember not to draw attention to myself, but it was the last thing that mattered. I moved through the crowd swiftly. How was I supposed to get home? I went to the parking garage and with my enhanced eye sight looked for my means of transportation. That's when I saw it; a black viper turbo with black tinted windows. I'm sure the driver won't mind if I "borrowed it" I thought and chuckled. I was in and driving in two seconds flat. I had never moved so fast before in my life. I was speeding down the highway going 160 miles per hour. The speed was exhilarating. I parked the viper about five miles away from home next to the forest line. I got out and ran as fast as possible to our house. I stopped across the street and focused to concentrate and listen for either thoughts or any kind of sound. It was as quite as a grave. I sniffed the air to check for any scents I did not recognize, but no luck from there too.
When I reached the front door I had to stop myself from ripping it of the hinges. I went up stairs first, for any sign, but there was none. I turned and went down stairs… nothing. Her scent was faded and that meant only one thing. She hadn't been home for days. I sat down on the couch but my head in my hands and cried the tears that I've been holding back.
"Oh Mom! Where are you? What happened to you?" I said through my cries. Suddenly I remembered something that I forgot. The last time I spoke to her, she was in the parking lot of the job. I went to our garage and I saw that her car wasn't there, so I decided to go to the hospital. Without second thought I stepped in my car and drove there like a madman. I heard my phone ringing. I checked the ID and I saw that it was my Grandfather. I dismissed the call because I had nothing to tell. I made a silent promise to myself to call him when I was done.
By the time I reached the hospital's parking lot and saw her car, I slammed on the brakes and the tires protested. I was out the car in a flash and stopped dead in my tracks when I sensed them. I was hit with three faint scents of vampires. Oh my God! Who could have gotten that close? How come she didn't shield herself?
I got into her car and saw her belongings. Everything was there her cell phone, purse and her work bag that she kept her extra clothes. I picked up everything and locked her car. I sat in my car looking at what was left of my mother and started to cry for God knows for how long. When I calmed myself I took out my phone and called Charlie. Our conversation was brief. I let him know everything I found so far. He tried to keep his composure but I knew him. He was devastated. I asked him to let Jacob and Seth about my findings and hung up.
When I finally got home I stood at the door frozen. I didn't have the courage to step into an empty house; a house that was full of her love, her laughter… a house full of her presence.
Fuck!
"What do I do now?" I asked myself out loud not having a clue of how to proceed. Then he, Uriel, was with her on Saturday. I got her phone and scrolled down her contacts looking for his number. I found it and dialed his number. It rung once and he picked up. I nearly puked my guts out when I heard his voice.
"Hello Bella, How are you this fine day?"
~*Uriel's Pov*~
"Where the hell is she?" I heard Anthony yelling.
"Anthony, I have no idea what you are talking about. What do you mean where is she?" I asked. "Is everyone ok son?"
"I am not your fucking son!" he roared. "Tell me where the fuck is she!"
"Anthony calm down, please. Tell me what's going on," I asked again more calmly.
"My mother is missing. The last time I talked to her was Sunday morning. She didn't show up for work and when I got to the hospital's parking lot, I found her car. I also detected the scents of three other vampires intermingled with my Mom's scent"
Hearing the raw tension in his voice, didn't prevent me from thinking…
I had been to Forks for six months now and it was time for my weekly report. I picked up the phone and called him.
"Hello dear one, how is your progress?" he asked in his usual sweet yet malicious tone.
"It is all going as planned, Master." I said.
"She believes that you have left the guard?"
"Yes, she is a trusting soul with a good heart, poor fool."
"Good to hear it. When it is finally time, she'll never suspect anything. You keep me informed of any changes."
"Yes, Master."
I hung up and paced around the room. Why was I so uneasy? I'd come to do a job and that was what I would do.
Yes, Bella was a wonderful woman. But, I'd met plenty of wonderful women in my lifetimes. What was so special about this one? So what if she was beautiful and sweet? So what if she was kind and honest and brave? My Master had given me orders and I would follow them.
I shook it off. I'd continue the charade with her and when the time was right, I'd take whatever action I needed to take. My duty called.
I just hoped the nagging little voice of doubt that I was starting to hear in my head didn't mess up the plan.
No. Nothing would interfere.
I though back to the times, where Aro made good on his promise and sent some nomads to get her but I was always there to foil his plan. It had been over six years since his last attempt.
A menacing Anthony brought me back to reality.
"Have you been listening to anything I've said?"
"I'm sorry Anthony. I got distracted," I said.
"I asked if you know anyone that might want to hurt Mom!" He was out of control. I could feel his rage and despair through his screams. If I wasn't a vampire I would have gone deaf by now.
"No, I have no clue" I lied.
"Uriel, I am leaving to go look for her. Stay here and incase you hear anything let me know." I was shocked that he was going to rescue Bella.
"Anthony I think it would be best if I went," I said in a feeble attend to convince him otherwise.
"No! You are nothing to her. She is my mother; my responsibility. I will find her and I swear to God I will kill those sons' of bitches who took her!" I could hear all the anger and rage in his voice. If only he knew…
"If you think that it is for the best," I said. He didn't have any clue in what he was getting himself into.
"Thank you," was all he said then the line went dead.
I sat down and hid my face in my hands. Shit! What I'm I going to do?
(A/N: I was going to leave it here but I know you all our waiting for Edward so I will continue)
~*Anthony's Pov*~
I went up stairs after I hung up phone with Uriel and sat on mom's bed. Where should I start? How could I do this alone? I looked around her room opened her closest without even knowing what I was looking for. I prayed to God to give me a sign on what my next step should be.
As I was looking blindly, I found a little lockbox on the top shelf behind some other boxes. I pulled it out and made my way to sit in the center of the bed. When I opened the box up I was not prepare for what was inside.
There were pictures of my mother and him. When I saw the way she looked at him, I could see the love that radiated from her yes. They held a life time of love just for him. She was glowing and her smile would open the heavens and break the clouds on a rainy day. I had seen her smile thousands of time before but that smile was nothing compared to what I had seen in my 19 years. The closest I'd seen to that smile if not brighter was the day we were born. She was so happy. You could tell that she only had eyes for him. I looked through the box and found more pictures of them, some from their meadow and some from various locations. I notice that in each picture they had taken, their gaze focused solely on each other. Looking at these pictures you could easily think that they were true soul mates. There were also pictures of the rest of his family. On the back of every picture there was writing on them. I couldn't look at them anymore. I ran my fingers through my hair lost on what I should do.
I sat there and started to cry once again. She was out there and I had to find her. But how? I stared down at the pictures scattered across the bed. Suddenly, I was struck with an idea. A horrible idea. God, I was not happy about this. But, honestly, I needed to start somewhere. I'd have to make it work. I gathered all the pictures and placed them in an envelope. How could you find someone who didn't want to be found? I took her pillow in my arms and smelled it as I started thinking of different ways to make it happen. After a couple of minutes my eyes flew open with an idea. I needed to start thinking like him. If I wanted to pretend to be human where would I go?
I got up and made my way to the computer. I open a website that had a map of the States. There really weren't too many places for a vampire to live and stay out of the sun. I knew he would never so back to Washington or Seattle where he could probably run into Mom. I finalized my plans after a couple of days and soon I left to look for him… my father…
AN:
I want to thank those who have reviewed my story. And there are a few of you that have my story on alerts and haven't review yet *pout*. I want to give a special thanks to Just4Ale,olivianiamhcullen,crazyme03, loveisedwardbella, wuogkat and finally my savior MrsEdwardCullenP to whom without her, this story would never had happen. These friends have reviewed every single chapter and they keep me pushing forward. I love you all.
Thank you
reyrey95 (JAY)
