I'm late, I'm late, I'm late, I'm freaking late.
That was the only thing going through my head as I ran down the street. I was running steady and fast, but not fast enough.
I wished I hadn't offered to go back to the Clearwater house and get the necklace Leah had forgotten. Alice or Bella could've gone and been back in less than a minute but no, I just had to open my mouth and say, "Oh, no, guys, it's okay. I can go. I'll be back before you'll notice I'm gone." And now, I was late for graduation.
Up ahead, I could see the large crowd of parents and students on the grassy field outside of the high school. Alice—who'd been doing all she could to prepare the event—had "seen a weather forecast" predict sun for the day and so the graduation was held outside. And, at the moment, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. In fact, it was steaming hot. The black graduation gown was attracting all the sun and I was sweating bullets under the plastic-like fabric.
Well, I thought, at least this black sag worked for something. Without it, the Cullens would've had to skip graduation—or, the vampire Cullens, anyway. The hat shaded their faces from the light when kept at the right angle and their hands were the only things visible, which didn't draw much attention.
I stopped for a second to catch my breath. Jade was rising from her seat to give her speech as the year's valedictorian. I clapped as loudly as I could manage while gasping for breath.
"This has been a great year for the La Push High School and we gather here today to ready ourselves for the next stepping stone in our life…" Her voice floated over the heads of people as she continued speaking. I decided to seat myself under a shady tree to rest. After all, it was no where near my turn yet. My chest was still heaving and my lungs pulsed, but I felt good, just like I always did after I ran. I stared up into the branches of the tree, moving slightly even though there was absolutely no breeze. Something black fell down through some of the leaves, but it quickly disappeared back into them. I didn't pay much attention to it. I was sure not more than five minutes had passed, but apparently a lot more than that had passed.
"Ali Banter," the principal said. Ali walked forward, took her diploma, and shook his hand before proceeding to walk off the stage.
"Jacob Black," he said. Jacob walked forward and repeated the same scene Ali had just been through. Oh crap, there was no way I could make it with only six more people before it was my turn. I jumped up quickly from my spot on the floor and calculated in my head how far it was from where I stood to my designated place in line. Ugh, there was no way I could possibly make it. My legs were too sore to keep running at the speed I'd been running before, which would have been the only way I could've made it. I turned my head and saw a guy—about twenty or so—leaning against another tree trunk with a skateboard in his hands. A crazy idea came into my head, but it would have to work.
"Hey!" I called. He turned to look at me. "Can I borrow that?"
"What, the skateboard?" he asked. I nodded. "Sure, no problem. What do you need it for?"
I nodded over to the line.
"Ah," he said, handing me the board. "You'll make it with this, trust me. Just bring it back when you're done."
"No problem." I put the skateboard on the floor and put one foot on it before making myself move by pushing off with the other. "Thanks!" I called over my shoulder.
I held my arms out to balance myself and prayed that I wouldn't fall. I'd never ridden a skateboard before—no, correction: I'd never ridden a skateboard well before. Every second, I got closer and closer to the line—closer and closer to Alice's glare, probably something to do with me riding a skateboard in a two thousand dollar dress. I looked down at the hem—it was still sparkly and blue with not a sign of grass stain or mud. I was proud of myself; this was better than I'd ever done. When I was a foot away from the line, I jumped off the skateboard and picked it up in my hand. I walked the rest of the way and settled myself in my spot between Emmett and Jasper. Emmett snickered.
"So, you jacked that guy's skateboard?" he laughed.
"No, I actually asked permission this time," I answered.
"Alice is going to kill you for doing that in her dress," Jasper whispered.
"I know, I know," I sighed. "Leah!" She turned around and I tossed her the necklace. She fastened it around her neck, mouthed "Thank you" in my direction, both just in time for her name to be called.
"Leah Clearwater," the principal announced. Leah walked toward him, took her diploma, and shook his hand. I applauded along with everyone else in line and in the crowd.
"Seth Clearwater." Applause—especially from me.
A thin shear of light shot up in my face and I looked down at my precious ring. I'd worn it every single day—even to school. No one had asked about it, but I hadn't been so oblivious to the world that I hadn't heard the whispers and noticed the stares. I didn't care, though. If Rosalie hadn't convinced me that announcing I was engaged in high school would make label me an 'eternal whore,' I probably would've screamed it.
Alice's name was called, then Bella's, Edward's, Emmett's, and finally mine.
"Jasmine Isabella Cullen," Principal Keller said. He handed me my diploma and my heart swelled as I shook his hand. I'd done it, I'd graduated. Finally.
I looked out into the crowd. My eyes fell on the smiling faces of Carlisle and Esme, standing in the very back under the black shadow of a tree. We'd tried to convince them not to come—not to endanger the secret—but they wouldn't hear of it.
As I started to walk off stage, I noticed six black figures sitting high in the trees. The Cullens and werewolves noticed it too. We all froze.
The Volturi.
What were they doing here?! I found the will to move my legs to continue down the steps to take my seat next to my family. Jasper and Rosalie's names were called next and they carefully made their way over to the chairs. Jasper and Emmett each put one arm around me and Jasper used his power to try and relax me. It didn't work.
A piece of paper landed in my lap. I stopped clenching Jasper's hand long enough to unfold the small article. It was a note scrawled in messy handwriting.
It's going to be okay. The words were written, and I could almost hear the person they belonged to whispering them in my ear. They won't hurt you. I won't let them. It'll all be over soon, I swear. I love you. I didn't need the note to be signed to know who it was from. I looked behind the heads of the people separating me and Seth. He was looking my way, too. I strained a smile and blew him a kiss, hoping he didn't notice the tear that was sliding down my cheek.
I tried to smile and cheer for my friends, but every time I opened my mouth, a loud sob escaped my throat. (Yes, I cry when I'm scared.) My werewolf friends were all wary as they stood to take their diplomas. They tried to smile encouragingly in my direction, but all failed. They were the protectors after all. When Jade came up, I tried so hard to root and clap for her—she was my best friend, after all—but my cheer came out as a rather odd croak that made several people turn to stare. She smiled at me, letting me know it was okay if I wasn't up to being exactly perky, but her eyes told me that she wasn't sure why this was. I pressed my lips together and forced the corners of my mouth to turn up. As she walked on her way to her seat, she patted my leg and gave me a quick hug before hurrying along her way.
I leaned forward to look down at Alice. She looked so helpless and frustrated, I just wanted to go over and give her a hug. Her face looked like it should've had tears on it.
"She didn't see this coming, did she?" I whispered to Jasper.
He shook his head solemnly. "I'm afraid she didn't. She's so upset with herself; I can feel her depression coming off in large, strong waves. I can't bear seeing her this distressed. We can only pray that this will all be over soon."
Time ticked by slowly, as if it was trying to piss me off. When it was finally over, when ever student had received their diploma, the principal voiced his wishes for all of us.
"My wish is that all my students use the skills and knowledge placed in them at this fine school to make their next steps in life firm and well so that their future will be bright." I gulped—if I had a future after today. "Congratulations class of 2008, you've made me proud."
Cheers exploded from the entire audience. I forced myself to clap and smile—this was a big day for me, might as well make the best of it. When the graduation caps were thrown, the applause grew louder. I couldn't help but laugh when my cap landed lopsidedly on my head. I reached up to adjust it, my smile not yet faded. Then I caught sight of Jasper's grim face and my own expression started to mirror his.
"You should go give back that skateboard you borrowed," he whispered to me. "We'll deal with the Volturi until you get back."
I hugged him tightly before walking over to where I'd left the skateboard. I picked it up and started walking, my eyes on the ground. Having not been noticing where I was going, I bumped into someone.
"There's my skateboard," the guy I'd borrowed it from laughed. I looked up at him. He was stall with dirty blonde hair, electric blue eyes, and freckles.
"Yeah, here you go." I handed it to him. "Thanks a lot, um…" I said, trying to remember if he'd told me his name.
"Matt," he said. We shook hands. "And your name is Jasmine?" he asked. I nodded. He must've been paying attention when they called my name. "Listen, you wanna go get something to eat? I know this great place down by First Beach and—"
"Ready to go, Jazzy?" Thank God, it was Seth. He smiled down at me and put his arm protectively around my shoulder. It didn't take much effort to see that he wasn't protecting me from Matt—I could see out of the corner of my eye the Cullens speaking with Aro and Caius, trying to reason with them.
"As long as I'll go there with you," I said to Seth. Yes, I'll admit it; I was trying to make Matt feel as awkward as possible for hitting on me. I snorted internally. I'd been doing that a lot lately. But really, it was just funny for people to hit on my when I'm engaged. That fact made it much more enjoyable for Seth and me. Matt's eyes studied the both of us and eventually, he saw the ring. His eyes bugged out and his mouth dropped open.
"Congratulations," he murmured before walking away, his shoulders slumped. Usually, this would be our cue to start laughing, but not today. Seth squeezed me.
"It'll be okay," he whispered in my ear. "Don't worry, you'll be fine." He pecked my cheek and I inhaled deeply—oh how I wished he was right.
We walked slowly over to where my family stood—arguing in hushed tones, pretending to be oblivious to the crowd whispering about them.
"Why, Jasmine, look at how much you've grown!" Aro declared when he saw me, false kindness sprinkled over his words.
"I've only grown about half a centimeter since you last saw me, Aro," I said, setting my face in stone. I wouldn't let myself be scared of him—I wasn't scared of him. Not for the time being, anyway.
"Well, isn't that odd. You look so grown up. And what is this?" He picked up my hand and I flinched away from his cold touch. His eyes studied the stone on my finger. "Is this an engagement ring, young Jasmine? Oh, you do take after Miss Isabella quite a bit, now don't you? Who is the lucky fellow?"
"That would be me," Seth said. Despite the situation, the usual pride that seeped into his voice when he said that wasn't absent.
"The werewolf?" Aro gasped, clearly amused. "Well, that certainly is a twist. I offer my sincerest congratulations to the happy couple. And just look at that ring! My, oh, my does it sparkle beautifully!"
I pulled my hand away from Aro and looked up at him through angry eyes. I could almost feel the fire that burned in them. "What are you doing here?" I demanded.
"Why, we're here for the big show, of course!" Felix stated, coming up behind Aro. Aro clapped his hands once in a sick, twisted version of delight.
"I can't say I know what you mean, Felix," I practically growled. I felt the awed stares of my family piercing my back. I heard their gasps. Yes, yes, small, defenseless Jasmine Cullen was exasperating the Volturi. I was surprised, too.
"Come now, Jasmine," Jane smiled, coming toward me. "Surely you know what day this is." I felt Bella's hand on my arm. Please let her be using her shield on me. I didn't want to feel Jane's wrath here and now, when I was finally building up my strength.
"Yes, of course I do. It's my graduation day, Jane," I said with false politeness.
"Then you must remember the promise you have made, Jasmine," she sneered. She was concentrating hard on me— probably trying to make me drop to the floor in pain. But Bella's shield was too strong for her. Eventually her body relaxed and I could tell she knew there was no way she could hurt me. "We even brought Alec to see if we could make the experience more pleasant for you."
"I still cannot say I know what you mean, Jane, dear," I smiled.
"You must know what we mean," Caius laughed. I hadn't noticed him there until he spoke.
I groaned. "I don't believe a guessing game is very much appropriate for the situation at hand." I was surprised at how mature and confident I sounded. It was even more amazing that I felt that way, too. There wasn't an ounce of fear in my body as I stretched up on my toes to look Caius in the face. He smiled and patted my head rather roughly.
"She is a feisty child," Alec laughed as he rested one elbow on his twin sister's shoulder.
"May I remind you that you and your sister are physically six years younger than me?" I shot back at him. His cruel, laughing face twisted into a fierce grimace.
"Too bad for you, those years are made up hundreds of times over in intelligence and life experience," he growled.
"Let's take this conversation somewhere with less spectators, shall we?" Carlisle interceded, stepping between us, facing the Volturi.
"That would be wise. How about your residence, Carlisle?" I didn't recognize the voice that spoke. It came from a tall, red headed woman standing behind Aro. I hadn't remembered seeing her before, but her voice made me know she was evil.
"Splendid idea, my dear Chelsea," Aro said, clapping his hands. "Let us be on our way."
"Aro, Aro," Alice said, lightly grabbing his shoulder. "I don't think you should do that here. There are humans present. Walk at a human pace until you hit the forest. You'll be able to trace our scent from there back to our house. Go."
Aro nodded and they all put on the hoods of their cloaks. Slowly, they turned around and started walking. The moment they were out of my line of sight, my calm mask deteriorated and I would've fallen to my knees if Alice and Seth hadn't had caught me. I was shaking as Alice let go of me and Seth pulled me closer to him. His lips touched my hair as he whispered reassuring words.
"Hey, Jasmine?" I would know that innocent, Vietnamese accent anywhere. I lifted my head from Seth's chest and wiped my eyes with my shaking hand.
"Hi, Jade." My voice was shaking as much as my body was as I spoke to her. I felt my cheeks get redder than they already were and my now-dry eyes became moist again. I was just about to apologize for being so sad, but Jade's arms wrapped around me before I could open my mouth.
"It'll be okay," she whispered. "Whatever it is, I swear it'll be okay." She softly pushed me back into Seth's arms. I wrapped my arms around him again and buried my head in his chest.
"Thank you," I murmured to her, barely audible. "You're an amazing friend."
She touched my back lightly. "Seth, please make sure she'll be all right. I don't know what's going on—and I don't think she'll ever tell me—but I want to know that you'll be with her. You will be with her."
"I will, Jade. Thank you for caring so much about her," he replied solemnly.
"I'm glad she has such an amazing family to look after her." Jade leaned down to whisper in my ear. "Call me when the wedding date is set. I wouldn't miss it for the world." I could almost see her smiling face. Then, I heard her walk away.
"She's such a sweet girl," Esme sighed.
"Indeed," Jasper agreed.
"We should get a move on," Bella stated. "Leah, Seth, if you take off now, we'll get to the house at about the same time. Jacob, please pick up Nessie from my dad's place. She'd want to support Jasmine today."
"On it," Jacob and Leah said. Jacob soon disappeared into the same forest the Volturi had gone into. Leah had started walking that way, too, but she looked back at her brother, who was still holding me close.
"I won't leave her," he said.
"Seth," Rosalie snarled. "We'll take care of her. She's safer under our protection anyway. Let her go."
For a second, I thought Seth was either going to punch Rose in the face or disobey, but his arms soon loosened around me. He didn't let go until Emmett and Edward each were holding on to one of my elbows to balance me.
"C'mon, Seth," Emmett chuckled (without humor, I might add), "You know we won't let anything happen to her."
"I'll see you soon," Seth whispered in my ear. He kissed my cheek before following his sister into the woods.
I looked around at the people gathered around us. They were all whispering the things they thought were going on. I ignored them—they weren't worth the strength I desperately needed at the moment.
"Let's get going," Edward said. "Don't worry, Jasmine, they won't hurt you."
Of course. Every single time the Volturi was associated with me, they were going to hurt me.
"Let me take her," Alice said. Then, barely audible, "I need to be with my daughter now."
Alice's arms slipped under me and I let my body go limp in her arms. I buried my face in her shoulder and I could feel her start walking. She was walking fast—as I guessed all the Cullens were—but still at a human pace. I could feel it when we were under the canopy of forest trees. That was when the Cullens started running.
I'd thought Seth ran fast. That was absolutely nothing compared to this. The speed the Cullens possessed was something I'd never come close to experiencing. The air sliced at my arms and cheeks like a sharp knife—trying to make me bleed. Too bad I had six vampires waiting for me at my own house willing to do the same.
"Get ready," I heard Carlisle mutter. I looked up from Alice's shoulder just long enough to see that we were approaching the house. I could faintly see the outlines of five cloaked vampires inside—the sixth one was pacing.
Seth and Leah were right behind us, still in wolf form, as we slowed to a walk on the lawn which was—much to my surprise—still wet with last night's rain. We all completely stopped when we reached the front door. I wasn't sure if we were waiting for them to come outside or if it was pure hesitation.
Suddenly, everyone was switching places. Carlisle and Esme positioned themselves in front. Bella and Edward were behind them, Rosalie standing just to the side of Bella. Jacob—who had just arrived with Renesmee—and Leah stood behind them. Emmett stood not that far back from them. Nessie ran up to me and threw her arms around my waist. I could hear her tears.
"We won't let them hurt you," she cried. "You'll be safe! I promise!"
"Nessie, sweetie, get behind me," I said, trying to push her behind me.
"No, Jasmine," she said, lifting one hand to wipe her tears. "I don't need protection now. You do." And with that, she turned around, clenched her fists, and—bless her little heart—stood protectively in front of me. Jasper and Alice each held one of her tiny hands as they stood next to her. Seth's warm arm pressed against mine and we entwined our fingers.
And with that, Esme reached out to turn the knob on the door and we marched into a house where they were vampires simply feeling the need to kill me.