Guarding Bella
Chapter 7: Vexing Vigilance
Disclaimer: These characters are not mine; I didn't write the Twilight books, Stephenie Meyer did.
WARNING: This story contains a very possessive, dominate Edward, and disciplinary spanking so if you don't like it, don't read it.
Story Recommendation: Family Values by BringOnTheShackles.
A/N: Oh my freakin' god! You guys are so totally awesome! I have never gotten so many reviews ever! Thank you all so much! And thanx for all of the favorites, and alerts :D Hope you all enjoy this next installment. Suggestions, comments and constructive criticisms are welcome; in other words please do REVIEW! Oh and if u have any story ideas or requests feel free to REVIEW or PM me. And without further ado here's the next chapter just for you ;p
BPOV
"So class, for tonight's homework, I want you to blah blah blah blah blah…" I was sitting in Chemistry class, one of the few classes that I don't take with Edward, and I could feel myself slipping into a Charlie Brown-esque schoolroom scene. One where the only sounds that came out of the teacher's mouth were "Wah waaah wah wah waaah wah…" Not only was the school day almost over, but I was also infected with a serious case of senioritis, which had been rapidly spreading throughout the senior class since the start of the spring semester.
Today was a Thursday, and the only good thing about Thursdays was that the next day was Friday. But Friday was going to be another Edward-less day, so that didn't make my Thursday any better.
Just the thought of being left alone again, so soon after Edward's previous hunting trip, was unsettling. On the one hand, I was grieving that Edward and Jasper were going to be on the, rescheduled, hunting trip for more than twenty-four hours; this trip was arranged to last almost the entire weekend! But then again, on the other hand, I was itching to go and see Jacob again, and this seemed like the opportune moment to scratch that itch.
I stared over at the clock; fifteen minutes to go. I sighed and glanced back at Mr. Barker, who was writing instructions on the blackboard. Why the hell do they call it a blackboard anyway? If anything, it's more like a forest-green board. Focus Bella, focus; he might be saying something important. But what were the chances of that? Very slim; I assessed. So, I pulled out a pen and started doodling all over my notes; continuing to let my mind wander.
Flashback: two days earlier
Edward and I had spent the evening, yet again, filling out college applications. During the application process Edward told me about his and Jasper's hunting trip plans for the weekend. This got me all excited; not that he was going away, but that I would get my chance to see Jake again.
"I'll be back after Charlie's asleep Love." he whispered; kissing my forehead before zipping out of the front door.
Now's my chance! I thought, excitedly, dashing back into the kitchen and snatching up the wall-phone. Before I knew what I was doing, my fingers had dialed Jake's phone number; I paused, panting slightly, listening to the ringing of the dial tone.
"Hello?"
"Jacob?"
"Bella!"
"I've got good news," I felt my face light up with a huge smile. "Edward is going away for a few days, so I'm free this weekend!"
"Really? Awesome! You should come hang out!" I could hear my happiness echoing in his voice.
This would work out perfectly! Edward would be off hunting and I could be with Jake. I had something to look forward to; something to distract me from missing Edward. And I wouldn't have to feel guilty about going to see Jake this time. Edward knew my stance on the subject, so he had no reason to get mad at me. I would tell Charlie where I was, meaning that technically I wouldn't be breaking any of Edward's rules. I wouldn't be lying or sneaking around and I will have told someone where I was going; a completely flawless plan.
End Flashback:
Ring Ring Ring Ring Ring
I jolted upright in my desk, as the school bell rang out the joyous tune that indicated the end of the school day. Phew thank god that's over with. I packed up my belongings and headed out of the chemistry lab and over to the front of the school to find Edward.
"Bella" the high pitched voice of my soon to be sister-in-law chimed from behind me.
"Hey Alice; where's your brother?"
"He and Jasper left already. They wanted to get a head-start on the trip." she explained, skipping to my side and walking in step with me.
"Oh." I hadn't had the chance to say good bye.
"Don't worry Bella; they'll be back before you know it." She unlocked the Volvo's doors and flitted inside. I got into the car; trying not to look too disappointed at this news. After all, the sooner Edward left the sooner he'd be back.
"Wait where are you taking me?" I asked as we drove pass my exit. Wasn't she taking me to Charlie's house?
"Oh Bella, you didn't really think that Edward would leave you unsupervised again; did you? Not after that whole La Push fiasco." I blushed; she giggled at my expression. "I'm taking you back to my house for a slumber party! Esme already cleared it with Charlie; you're staying with us two nights, and I will drive you to and from school tomorrow." she beamed
"A slumber party?" I asked skeptically; no way was this a slumber party. This was a round the clock surveillance session; Edward was nothing if not thorough. "But Alice… I have erm…I have plans."
"Oh Bella, don't be ridiculous, there's no way in hell that you're going to go and see Jacob Black. You should just put that crazy idea out of your cute little head right now." She smirked, as we barreled forward, weaving in front of slower moving traffic.
I felt my jaw drop; how in the world did she know that I had plans with Jake? Oh of course! Damn it, she must have seen a vision of my future disappearing. In Cullen speak, that meant that I was either going to die a sudden death or, the more likely cause, was that I was planning on being around a werewolf.
"Maybe you should inform the Mutt that you won't be attending your rendezvous." she announced smugly; as we pulled into the Cullen's driveway.
Damn it! She's got a point. I whipped out my phone and started a new text message:
Jacob, I'm so sorry but I have to cancel our plans…-Bella
U bailing on me Sport? –Jake
Sadly yes.-Bella
Aww man! You've got a hot date or something?-Jake
Or something…-Bella
Well hey, why don't you come over now?-Jake
Can't. I'm being held captive-Bella
What?Where r u?-Jake
The Cullen's…I'm being babysat-Bella
Wtf! So even when the bloodsucker's gone he's got his cronies all over you? This sucks!-Jake
I know right? He's got kinda a big protective streak-Bella
Well I guess I'll have to come and get u then.-Jake
Naw Jake don't bother. I'll tough it out. I guess I'll just see ya later-Bella
I guess. Later Sport-Jake
I put my phone back into my backpack; zipping it up in the front pouch. I then scrunched back in my seat, arms crossed begrudgingly, and glared at my supposed friend. We were still parked in the Cullen's driveway; just sitting there in the Volvo. I was so annoyed with all of them! I just wanted to run screaming: leave me alone! But I knew that wouldn't do any good. For one they would catch me quicker than I could say crap, and well really deep down, I knew that I didn't want them to leave me alone. After all, they are my family, my obnoxious, overprotective family, but I do love them. I'm just sick of being treated like a naughty kid!
"Oh come on Bella; buck up. Ooo I know, we can give each other manis and pedis! Oh and maybe even facials; Rose has this amazing cleanser that blah blah blah blah blah_" Alice went on, and on, and on; trying in vain, to get me off of the Jacob topic. I sighed heavily, as I got out of the Volvo and followed behind the ecstatic Alice, lugging my backpack and other school supplies into the house.
"Oh Bella this is going to be so much fun! We can: watch movies, and play Truth or Dare, and stay up all night talking about boys!"
I rolled my eyes; it sounded like Alice had been watching way too many chick flicks. Her slumber party agenda was reminiscent of a painfully obnoxious 80's movie; complete with teased-out hair and brightly colored legwarmers. I was half expecting her to list off which of the neighbor's houses we would be TP-ing.
"Alice it's a school night…"
She ignored me "So how late do you want to stay up?"
"I don't wanna stay up at all Alice. It's a school night, and I, regrettably, need sleep to function."
"Oh you're such a spoil sport Bella!" she crossed her arms stubbornly and stomped a foot in frustration.
Later that evening: the entire Cullen family, minus Edward and Jasper of course, and I all sat around the living room. We girls were watching the end of, one of my favorite romantic comedies, When Harry Met Sally, an all-time classic featuring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan; while Emmett and Carlisle were gathered on the other side of the room, discussing a newspaper article or something. I sat cross-legged on the ivory, linen sofa, next to Alice; a Chinese to-go-box in one hand, and a set of wooden chop-sticks in the other. Esme had gone all the way to Port Angeles, to get me my favorite dinner of chicken chow mein and fried rice. It was the little things that counted; simple and comforting.
The movie ended and I yawned, hinting that I was ready to get some shut-eye.
"So Bella, what do you want to do this weekend?"
I shrugged, mid-yawn, still hoping to escape Alice's slumber party extravaganza.
"We should go shopping!" she sang excitedly
"Uurrrg Alice; I would rather not go shopping…"
"Oh come on Bella; you could use a new outfit or better yet a new wardrobe!" Esme exchanged a knowing look with Rosalie; everyone knew better than to argue about shopping with Alice. Alice always won those arguments.
"No really Alice, I hate shopping, and besides, Charlie said he doesn't want me to go anywhere near Seattle right now because of all of those murders that have been happening lately" Not that I was worried about that sort of thing, what with my bodyguards watching over me constantly, and my fiancé being a vampire, but it was as good an excuse as any to get my ass out of hours of painful shopping with Alice.
"Actually Bella, I was thinking more along the lines of Port Angeles, but I guess if you really don't want to go_"
"The murders in Seattle are because of a batch of ramped newborns." Carlisle explained flatly; flourishing the newspaper article.
"Yeah, this stuff happens all the time, but you dumbass humans are always blaming the attacks on natural causes, diseases and homicidal maniacs." Emmett added
"Emmett" Carlisle, Esme and Rosalie rebuked simultaneously. Emmett grinned mischievously.
Alice chuckled and snuggled closer to me. "Either way, you know you'd be safe while you're with us Bella."
"Yes, Bella dear, we wouldn't ever let something happen to you. There's no need to worry about those newborns." Esme said warmly as she stood up and started clearing away my empty Chinese food cartons.
Carlisle rolled up his newspaper, and walked over to the piano; leaning up against the lacquered finish. "That's right Isabella, we consider you as a part of this family, and we protect our family. You will always be safe while you are with us."
"Except when you're with Jasper of course…" Emmett added under his breath "He sure does love the scent of your blood Bella."
"Emmett!" Everyone scolded
"Kiddin'; just kiddin'." Emmett chortled, as he got out of his chair, and headed towards the stairs. Carlisle gave Emmett's butt a sharp swat with his rolled up newspaper as he passed by him. "Ow! Sheesh can't you guys take a joke?"Emmett winced; clutching a hand to his bottom as he stalked up the stairs.
"So Bella, what's the plan? We could always get a head start on some wedding details!" Alice persisted; nudging me with her tiny fist.
I rolled my eyes; planning my wedding was the last thing that I felt like doing this weekend. Even though the Cullen's had told me not to worry about these newborn vampires, I couldn't help but feel apprehensive and a little bit frightened. And wedding plans didn't ease those feelings in the least.
"If it's ok I think I'd just like to go to bed." My head was swarming with a million thoughts; I needed to go to sleep and make my brain shut-up.
Flashforward:
"Bye Bella; see you after class!" Alice squealed merrily as we parted ways in the school parking lot. Her first class was gym, which was located on the opposite side of campus.
"Sure, sure." I mumbled; sleepily.
I hadn't got much sleep that night. As it turned out, I couldn't make my brain shut-up after all. I couldn't stop thinking about how much I wanted to see Jacob, and about how those creepy newborns were partying it up in Seattle. I was scared stiff and overwhelmed with everything going on in my weirdo supernatural and human life. I couldn't handle all of this pressure; it was beginning to take a toll on me. I needed Edward to be by my side, holding me tight and telling me that everything was going to be ok.
I sighed and turned towards the school building; starting to trudge over to the main entrance. Then, behind me, I heard the loud, familiar rumblings of a motorcycle's engine.
"Bella! Jump on!"
I spun around, and spotted the tawny, muscular form of Jacob Black straddling his black motorcycle. Before I could think twice, I leaped onto the back of Jake's bike; flinging my arms, tightly, around his firm waist. He then stepped on the gas; sending us speeding off through the parking lot. I turned my head just in time to see Alice; fists clenched and looking absolutely livid, as Jake and I zoomed away. I was in deep shit; but somehow I couldn't bring myself to care. I knew Alice wouldn't or couldn't do anything about this right now; if she did she would risk making a scene. So I laughed it off. I was escaping life on the back of my best friend's motorcycle, and as the adrenaline rushed through my system, I felt all of my worries being swept away.
We sped across the boundary line, into La Push, and made our way to First Beach. Jake parked the bike by our favorite spot and helped me get off.
"Hah! I did it!" Jake shouted; triumphantly punching the air with his fist.
I grinned; I was high on the thrill of it all and nowhere near coming down anytime soon. "Um? You mean we did it?" I joked
"Nope, I did it! My super genius plan worked like a charm!"
"You're so full of it Jake!"
"Don't think so Sport." he laughed "It was all me; me and my freakin' awesome plan. I knew the bloodsucker couldn't 'see' me, so hah I knew they wouldn't see this comin'!"
"Yeah, yeah; you're the shit Jake." I smirked. He faked a look of disapproval, then tugged me by the hand over to our log.
We were back in our special place. It was like coming home, sitting there next to my friend; next to my Jacob. We joked and laughed like idiots for a long time. I was free to be my younger, more immature self when I was with Jake. I was free to be careless, and reckless and worry free. We were two puppies full of mischief; not a care in the world.
"So tell me what's buggin' you Sport"
"Bugging me? Nothing's bugging me. I'm fine." I lied through my teeth. How did he know?
"Aww come on Bells; you can't fool me. You've been tense all day."
"Ummm…" I hesitated "well I'm worried is all."
"About skipping school; you naughty girl?" he joked
"No." I defended "Well maybe…I don't know. Have you read the paper lately?"
"Uhhh no. Why should I?"
I rolled my eyes. Jake was totally the type of guy who had never picked up a newspaper in his life; well unless his name was going to be mentioned in it or something. I giggled to myself; oh my Jacob Black. "Well if you had read the paper, like everyone else in Washington, you'd know about the murders in Seattle."
"So what? People are always getting murdered in the big city; that's part of the risk of living there." he joked
"This isn't a joke Jake; it's serious. It's not some homicidal maniac carrying out business; it's…well it's a whole bunch of newborn vampires!"
He stiffened almost immediately, and I noted that his reaction to bad news was shockingly similar to Edward's.
"Vampires in Seattle?"
"Yeah and these ones aren't like the Cullens; these ones hunt humans!" I felt myself pale. Jacob remained uncharacteristically silent. "Those poor people in Seattle…Oh Jacob what if they come here?"
"We'd kill them." He replied mechanically; he had slipped into pack plural and was beginning to shake, a little, in rage.
"But_?"
"Bella don't worry," he said softly; coming out of his strategic mode. "We'll protect you. If even one newborn bloodsucker so much as steps foot on our turf, we'll rip their miserable head off!"
"But_?"
"Shush Bella. You're just freaking yourself out. Come here." he pulled me onto his lap, wrapping his warm arms around me. I should have told him to let go of me! I was Edward's girl and he was my friend and nothing more, but I couldn't. I let Jake hold me; comforting me, making me feel like I was safe in his arms.
"Wanna hear something kinda freaky?"
I looked up at him "Uhhh, yeah sure." What could be more 'freaky' than a shit load of newborn vampires on a rampage not a hundred miles away?
"Don't blow a gasket er anythin' okay?"
I readjusted myself on his lap, so that I could see eye to eye with him. "What is it?"
"Well did I ever tell you…erm do you know…well, have you ever heard of imprinting?"
Umm no! What the hell does that mean? "Uhhh no."
"Well it's kinda a long story and it's really hard to explain." he began
"I'm sure I can follow"
He chuckled "Well ok, here it goes_"
After about an hour's worth of explaining and reasoning I still didn't get it! A Quileute choosing a mate; like an animal or something? Well soul mate or not, it was a weird concept that I just wasn't grasping. Jacob had explained about Sam and his Emily, which wasn't too too weird. That was just like love at first sight; rare but not unheard of. But then Jacob told me about Quil and Clare. I tried desperately hard not to lose my cool, but I had found it tremendously challenging. Clare was a two year old! And Quil, well he was a freaking teenager! This made no sense. I don't think I could ever understand their relationship. Even though Jake had spent a good part of the hour telling me that it wasn't like that between them; it was more like Quil was an over-attentive babysitter_CRAP!
My heart skipped a beat; I jumped up, off of Jake's lap, remembering where I was and that I wasn't supposed to be here. It was late, really late. Like 4:00, now there was no way of pretending that I had been at school. I was due at the Cullen's two hours ago and no doubt Alice had already told them everything.
"I gotta go!"
"What's the rush?"
"I jjuust didn't realize howww late it was" I stuttered
"Okay Sport chill; I'll drop you off at home."
I grimaced; I couldn't let Charlie see me when I was supposed to be at the Cullen's all weekend. "No that's okay I can…I can just take my motorcycle."
"Well ok; I guess. Come on, it's still in my garage."
Twenty minutes later I was speeding down the highway towards the Cullen's house. My hands were all clammy and I felt flush. I could hear Edward's voice in my head, see the look of disapproval on his face; I had really done it now.
I skidded into the driveway coming to a screeching halt in front of a bright yellow Porsche. I hadn't seen this car before. Who did it belong to?
"I hadn't even had a chance to drive it yet"
I got off of my bike and whipped my head around. Alice was perched, sadly, on the hood of the yellow car.
"Guess Christmas came early this year?" I joked tentatively; remembering that Edward had promised to give Alice this very car for her Christmas present.
"No. He gave it to me early because I agreed to look after you while he was away." she paused momentarily; stroking the polished yellow finish. "I failed." she added sadly
"Sorry" I shrugged, not at all trying to repress my sarcasm. How dare Edward go around bribing people! This was out of control; theses vampires have totally lost their minds!
Alice huffed indignantly and slid off of the car. "Well I guess I'm just glad that you're safe." she said as she wrapped her tiny arms around me.
"Of course I'm safe Alice_" I began, but before I could finish, I felt a whooshing of wind and my soon to be father-in-law appeared on the front stoop. He was brandishing a pink slip of paper and looked very disappointed.
"I would like to have a word with you Isabella." oh crap.
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