Thanks to my reviewers!!! :D Luv ya guys! Sorry it took a while to get this posted up, but I've been reeeeli busy lately.
So anyways, Here it is!!! (Btw I dn't own anything, they belong to Stephenie Meyer and J.k. Rowling!)
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Chapter 4
Conference
June 23rd
It's been more than ten months, and nothing has changed. Mom remains as stubborn as ever. She won't even discuss why she has a problem with Hogwarts. Now, the word magic isn't permitted within a ten-mile radius of her. Personally, I don't get what her problem is… It's just a school, for goodness sakes. Dad would do anything to make mom happy, so that means he's against me going as well. But sometimes, I see something in his eyes when he argues with me, it's like he doesn't know which side he should argue against. The pack is also no help at all. They have no intention of letting me leave to a place that isn't even located on a map. I don't know what Jake thinks though, because he always zones out when we discuss the case, I think he doesn't want anything at all to do with it. I know he's upset.
Alice is completely on the other side, with Jasper, Rose, and Emmett backing her up. They think that having a witch in the family is the best thing that ever happened to the Cullens. Every day, Alice constantly nags my mom to give in and send me to Hogwarts, and every time, mom throws one of her famous tantrums, which takes ages for her to calm down, even with Jasper's help.
I wish I would just know what was bothering her so much. I have a feeling that the only reason everyone is so against the idea of a hybrid witch is because they are afraid of her. Well, not including Alice, of course.
You know, I don't know what I should do anymore. I don't know whether I want to go or not. I know that if I have to choose, it would be a really tough decision.
If I do go, I would be leaving all my loved ones behind, especially Jake. I shudder to even think of the idea of leaving him, he would be in so much pain. I can't believe I'm saying this, but for once, I wish there was no such thing as imprinting. It would save Jacob a lot of trouble. But of course, I still love him. I just hate to see my loved ones in pain. It is unbearable.
But, when I think about it, if I don't go, I might regret it later on. I don't want to miss up on such a great opportunity. I mean, I've always wanted to swish a wooden stick, and having something hover into the air. Also, if I don't go, I'm afraid Alice will have my head, which is something everyone should definitely avoid.
Argh, I think I'm going to get a headache. All this thinking is making me dizzy.
I dig around my closet until I find a simple black concert t-shirt and a pair of denim jeans. Quickly, I slip them on, then I walk towards the mirror, and glance at my reflection. The girl looking at me is pale skinned, paler than a normal human being, yet not as pale as a vampire. There is a faint reddish tint on her skin, which gives evidence to the temperature of her skin. I've always been lean and thin, and short for my age. My frame is around 4'8", not so tall for an almost 12 year old girl. My hair falls down to my waistline, a pretty mahogany colour with bronze tints. I've only ever remembered cutting it once, when I reached 5 years old, Rosalie hasn't let anyone cut my hair ever since. I had my mom's chocolate brown eyes, which go for miles and miles if you stare into them. My lips remain full and naturally red, I think it's a vampire thing.
Above all this, you could say I was kinda beautiful. Of course, I'm not trying to brag or anything, but I am part vampire.
"Nessie!" called dad, "time for the meeting!"
Oh, right. Rose called a family meeting tonight, which was weird because that wasn't something that Rosalie would do. Which is why I was very excited. This should be something good.
My parents and I reach the house, and walk in.
"We're in here," said Rose, and we walked towards the dining room.
There was an antique oak table, which was obviously not used for dining. Otherwise, the table would be pieces of wood splinters by now. Lots of stuff in this house was used as props to the human eye. We had to keep up an image, so as not to blow our secret.
"So, I called all of you here today, and I know what you are thinking. I just couldn't hold this back any longer, since the due date is almost here,"
Dad hissed, and she ignored him, "Some of us are not very keen to let Nessie here go to Hogwarts, but we never really let her have a say-"
"But Rose-" mom interrupted. Rosalie put up her hand.
"Please, let me finish! Ugh you are so annoying sometimes Bella!"Rose screeched, "as I was saying, I think we should hear what Nessie picks as her future." She nodded her head in my direction, which I took as a signal for me to begin speaking.
"Umm," I began. What should I say? I didn't want mom to be angrier , but I really wanted to let her know how I really feel about this. I thought of my choice carefully. This is gonna be difficult. I saw dad put his hands on mom's shoulders, and made up my mind, "Thanks, Rose. I really needed this."
Trying to sound as serious as I could, I said, "Mom, Dad, I know you don't want me to learn witchcraft, and I know you don't want me to attend Hogwarts. I also know that some in this room would like me to study magic." Jasper and Emmett high fived each other, and grinned at me.
"Carlisle and Esme don't want to be a part of this choice, so this leaves me as the odd one out," I turned to face my parents, who were rigid with stress, "I know it's hard for you to see me leave. It will also be hard for me to leave you, but this will be a great experience for me."
Mom froze into stone at my words. Dad was already ahead of her, face paler than ever before. I tried to ignore them, and continued, now facing everyone.
"I don't know what I should do," I said, replaying my thoughts from this morning, "I don't want to leave all of you, you are my family, and I would miss everyone too much." Esme looked like she was going to cry, if vampires could.
"Honey," she said softly, "we would miss you too. I can't stand you being away from us." Alice, Rose, Carlisle, Jasper, and Emmett nodded quietly in agreement. My parents were still frozen solid.
"Anyhow, I would still love to attend Hogwarts. I want to learn magic, and I want to become the only hybrid witch in known history." I didn't want to look at my parent's expressions, so I turned to stare at the table, pretending to be interested in the swirl of patterns climbing up the legs, so when my mom started speaking, I was taken aback.
"Nessie," my mom said. Her voice was quavering, like she was sad to say what she was about to say. I started panicking, this must not be good news. So much for my little speech, "I want you to know why I don't want you to go."
Alice stared at her. Her eyes boring deeply, were darkening dangerously.
"Bella," her tone was warning.
"I don't want my little girl to go all the way there, and not come back. You will be alone! How will we know where you are, or if you are safe? We don't even know if you will be in good hands! You can't expect me to give in just because a-a giant crashed into our house and said so! Do you have any idea how-how worried I will--" Dad put an arm around her to stop her blabbering.
"Mom, I know you love me, but I'm old enough to handle this!" I argued.
"Bella, she's right, you know."
"Yeah."
"But I can't let my-"
"She'll be fine!" that was Alice.
"We can keep in touch."
"Besides, she's a vampire, she's safer than the other kids."
"There's no need to worry," Esme was trying to calm mom down. I smiled, everyone was on my side now. I knew it was a matter of time before mom gave in.
"C'mon Bells, don't be a pain!" Emmett grinned.
"You know we Cullens aren't over protective," Jasper teased.
"Yeah, seriously Bella, Nessie doesn't need to be that protected! I think you are spoiling her. Think of how wonderful it would be! Ah, a witch in the family, magical stuff-"
"Stop!" mom hollered, "I get it! Fine! Whatever! Nessie, you can go to that school. Ugh!" With that, she stormed out the door, with dad following her. Alice smiled, sensing her victory. Rose was grinning madly, and so was Emmett. Everyone gave each other high fives. Emmett ran over and picked me up in a tight brotherly hug. He twirled me around and around. I heard Alice's tinkling laughter and Jasper's deep chuckle. Rosalie and Esme joined in, their cheery laughs filling the air. Eventually, Carlisle decided to intervene.
"Nessie, you should go home and talk to Bella," he said, "She's very upset, and you have to convince her that letting you go was a good idea." Emmett set me down, not bothering to be gentle.
"Ouch," I muttered, rubbing my back. With the last goodbye, and a smile for Alice, I ran into the deep dark forest hesitantly, afraid with what was awaiting me back at the little cottage.
When I was almost there, I slowed my pace to a slow trot. As I reached the front door, I paused, having second thoughts. Then I sighed and turned the doorknob.
The cottage smelled strongly of roses and freesia, courtesy of Alice. She tends to spice up our home once in a while, to make it Alice approved. As I passed the entrance to the living room, I saw mom and dad sitting on the couch. Dad had his arm around her, and she was leaning on his shoulder, looking stressed. I felt guilty, because I knew that her being upset was all of my doing.
"Mom?" I said softly, walking towards them, and sitting on the other end of the soft cushiony sofa. She looked up, and I could see the sadness radiating from her golden eyes, "Don't be sad."
"It's ok, Nessie," said Dad, "I talked to your mom, she's ok. She was just very worried about you. You are her only daughter, and it would kill her to lose you," he paused, then said, "We decided that we will let you attend Hogwarts." I melted him into a huge hug, then turned to smile at my mother. I put my palm on her pale cheek. Thank you, mom.
She smiled.
"But you have to agree to take some precautions," Dad continued. I nodded, head bobbing. I was so happy! "You have to write to us often, and we'll write to you, too. Also, we want you to give us your word that you will do anything to keep yourself safe. You are special, and it wouldn't just break our hearts if something were to happen to you." My thoughts immediately shifted to Jake. My Jake.
"I love you Nessie," said mom.
"I love you, too," I whispered back.
"Hey!"
I chuckled, "Love you too, daddy!" and hugged them both.
"And I'll always love you, Eddy," said mom, and she turned around to give him a full on kiss. I got up and walked away, giving them some privacy.
My room was the only one in the house decorated by Alice, since our tastes were very alike. It was something a princess would die to live in. I had a four-poster bed just like Alice did, except mine was a nice sky blue. If you didn't already know, that is my favourite colour. The rest of my room is filled with all sorts of clothes holders. I have four wardrobes lined up against one side of the wall, a huge walk-in closet, and several shoe racks by the door. Dominating the centre of the room is a hammock-like chair hanging from the ceiling. It is my personal favourite spot to sit down and read. The wall facing my bed is covered with a furry blue and pink wallpaper.
I walk over to my study desk, and pick up the novel I was currently reading, The Host. I sit down on my hanging chair, and open my book to where I last left off. I gave up after the first paragraph, I was in no mood to read. As I climbed into my comfy bed, I heard noises coming from next door.
Ugh. I put my pillow over my head, muffling the screams and load moans coming from the master bedroom.
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Srry my chapters are this short, but I find it that when I read long chapters, I get bored after a while. And if it's short, it's easier to find where you last left off. Anyways, keep reviewing :) I'm writing chappy 5 right now, so it'll be out soon. And the fun part's about to come soon, so don't abandon me yet!
