A/N: FINALLY! Chapter eight! After a looooong break, I finally managed to pull this together! So sorry about how long it took, I swear it'll never happen again!
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, or any of these lovely characters.
8. Criticize, Compromise
"Alex, please. Why does it bother you so much?" I could tell that Logan was attempting to calm his wife. Yes, I had been rather shocked that Alex was married, and to Logan, of all people. They seemed completely opposite.
"Logan," Alex hissed, her voice filled with pent up anger, "I am 'annoyed' for many reasons, the main one being that she is a bloody mortal!" I flinched as the wall separating Alex and Logan's room from mine shook, and was followed by a loud crash.
"That's Edward's choice. Besides, since when did you care?" Logan seemed put out and sick of Alex's attitude. From their room, I heard a low hiss, and then I felt the springs beside me move as their load was lifted. I grabbed at Edward's hand, but he put a finger to his lips, and instead of allowing me to talk, pressed his cold lips against my neck.
"I'll be right back, I promise. Just go to sleep, Bella," Edward said soothingly, his voice perfect and wonderful as it echoed through my ears. I nodded dumbly as Edward left the room. A few seconds later, I heard the door of Alex and Logan's room being opened, and I could tell Edward had intervened with their argument.
"Edward, stay out of it," I heard Alex say. To me, it was little more than a whisper, but she was speaking in her normal voice in the room. With quiet footsteps, or as quiet as a klutz like me could manage, I entered the long, dark hallway. Logan seemed to have left, though he wasn't lurking in the hallway, as I had expected. The door leading into the room was open the slightest bit, and I immediately ducked behind a large potted plant, my ear right next to the door. Turning my head ever so slightly, I could see into the elaborate room.
The walls were a deep golden color, and all of the furniture was made of rich mahogany. A large, king-size bed seemed to be the center of attention, and a large amour, chest of dressers, and bedside tables accompanied the bed. Like all of the other parts of the house, the room was beautiful. The bedspread seemed to be made of liquid gold, and it rippled in the pooling moonlight. The carpet below was a deep mahogany, matching the real wood splendidly. And then, in the middle of the room, where the two splendid creatures.
In the very center of the room, Alex was standing only inches away from Edward. Her pure topaz eyes seemed to blaze with unadulterated loathing, but I could have sworn I saw another emotion flickering across her angelic, pale face. She was dressed in the same clothes I had seen her in earlier, though there were no surprises there.
As usual, Edward was keeping his cool. His own topaz eyes, which were slowly turning blacker as the days dragged on, met Alex's dead on, only his expression was guarded. He knew better than to let his guard down; that would just be stupid. I watched Edward suck in a deep breath, and his knowing eyes immediately flickered over to the door, and, with a swift motion, he had shut the door the last few inches, blocking my view of the upcoming scene. But that didn't stop me from hearing it all. Instead of leaving, as Edward probably hoped, I just pushed my ear up against the mahogany door, and brushed the hair from my face.
"What is your problem?" I heard Edward asking Alex in a cooled tone. I could easily see his expression; it was one he gave me sometimes, when he was upset with the situation, rather than with me. At least, that was how he put it.
But now, it was Alex's turn to speak. "She's mortal!" Alex hissed for what seemed the millionth time today.
"But that's not all, is it?" Edward shot back. Did Alex know about his power? She had to, if they had been as close of friends as he had made it sound.
"Of course it-" Alex was cut off, by what I wasn't sure, but it was probably some dawning thought. "What? Do you want me to admit it? Well, you aren't getting that satisfaction, Edward Cullen," Alex spat angrily. I could easily imagine her eyes drilling holes through Edward as she glared down at him.
"I just want to know if my predictions are right," Edward said. I could hear the slightest of smiles ringing through his tone.
"Fine then. You want the truth? Well, here it is! I'm in love with you, Edward. Yeah, despite Logan, despite your stupid, ignorant mortal… wife, I love you." I didn't hear any words, but I was pretty sure I knew what was happening. If any time was a time for action, it was now.
I pushed the door open just in time to find Edward breaking Alex's grip. Her hands were wrapped around his neck, and her lips had been pressed against his. Despite the fact that Edward had broken the embrace, I still felt tears welling in my eyes. This was the exact scenario I was worried about: Edward falling in love with some beautiful vampire girl, like Alex.
Unlike Edward, who was apologetically staring at me, Alex was ogling at something over my shoulder.
"Logan, I… I can-"
"Please, Alex. No need to explain. I'll just leave." Logan said. He didn't sound angry, but more saddened and upset. Of course, he had every right to be. His wife had just kissed another man. He had to be feeling the same as I did right now, only times 10. From the sound of it, he and Alex had been together for quite some time.
"Logan, no, why-" Alex was cut off as Logan held up an intimidating hand.
"I heard it from your own lips: you love Edward. I won't interrupt any more."
Alex had opened her mouth to argue, but by that point, Edward was at my side, whisking me off to our room, which was smaller, but just as rich and welcoming. I quickly climbed into bed and stifled a yawn. "What was that about?" I asked as I huddled under the thick comforter and silk sheets. It was rather chilly in the house.
"Nothing for you to worry about," Edward whispered in my ear as he kissed my forehead delicately.
"But you… you kissed her," I stuttered as another yawn parted my lips.
"Please, Bella, don't worry about it. I love you, and only you."
"Edward, you can't honestly mean that!" I protested as I rested my head on my hand and looked over at the perfect immortal sprawled on the bed beside me.
"Bella," Edward said in a tired voice, as he momentarily closed his eyes, probably thinking something up. "I love you, and no one can tear me from your side. Not an old friend, not a new enemy. No one will ever take you from my arms." To re-enforce his words, Edward wrapped his strong, stone arms around my thin torso. I felt like a mouse caught in the tight grasp of a constrictor. Unlike the mouse, I knew Edward wasn't going to kill me.
Letting out a slow, intentionally steady breath, I rested my forehead against Edward's perfect alabaster brow. "Promise?" I whispered, my own eyes meeting his constant gaze.
Edward gingerly pressed his perfectly shaped lips to my own flawed mouth. Taking in a deep breath, I pressed back, forgetting Edward's stupid boundaries. But, as usual, Edward pulled away. Pouting, I watched as Edward rose to flip the lights off. "Its time for you to go to bed," He instructed, a small smile brushing over his faultless features.
"Will you sing for me?" I asked him anxiously as he perched on the edge of the bed and stroked my hair like any good father would. I could feel the slight blush rising over my cheeks as he picked up the familiar tune that we called my Lullaby. In seconds, I was cradled in his arms, fast asleep.
---
I woke up in the morning to the smell of a freshly cooked breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast. Groggily glancing up, I immediately jumped at the closeness of Edward's face to mine. Not that it was a bad thing, just startling. Giggling slightly and flushed bright pink, I nervously glanced from the food to the tray. "For me?" I asked still dazedly. My throat was rough from sleeping with my mouth open, and I was quite sure that my breath smelled horrid.
Edward chuckled at my reaction and seated himself beside me. "No, Bella. I'm going to eat it, because I can," He rolled his eyes as his sarcastic remark saturated through my slow moving brain. With fingers still half asleep, I picked up a silver fork and hesitantly scooped a bite of egg into my mouth. I really shouldn't have worried, because it tasted wonderful. Rolling my eyes, I quickly ate, and finished off the eggs and toast in 15 minutes.
"I don't eat bacon," I informed Edward as I pushed the plate away, only then realizing that I was still in bed. "And couldn't I have at least showered first?" I added as I slowly slid from bed and grabbed my small toiletries bag. Head held high, I stumbled into the hallway, only to realize I had no idea where I was going. Poking my head back into the room, I gave Edward a pleading look.
"Third door on the left," He informed with a small chuckle. I quickly entered the room, and stumbled over the thick purple plush carpet that was beneath my feet. There was no shower, like I was used to, but instead there was a large Jacuzzi, big enough for at least two people. Wrinkling my nose in slight annoyance, I started up the water, which spouted from eight different spouts, one in each corner and side. A strong perfume spread through my nose, as well as the room, as the water gushed hot steam. This might not be so bad… I thought as I hesitantly pulled off my clothes and poked my toe into the water.
It was so hot, I thought I could see my skin bubbling. Letting out a small cry, I pulled back from the water. "Ow…" I muttered as I glanced down at my red toe. Glancing back at the water, then my toe, I took a small step, and plopped into the now bubbly water.
Gasping, my eyes widened as the hot water stung my skin. Third degree burn! My mind screeched as I dunked my head under water and scrubbed my hair quickly. I took only about fifteen minutes to get clean. The water was too hot.
Shivering violently, I stepped from the tub and onto the carpet. After drying off and wrapping my hair up in a towel, I quickly pulled on a pair of jeans and a plain black t-shirt. I finished off by brushing out my hair, then my teeth.
Still shivering, I immediately headed back to the bedroom, where Edward was still seated, though now he was on the phone.
"Well distract them!" he said calmly through the receiver, though his eyes blazed.
"Edward, what's going on?" I asked anxiously as I scrambled over to stand by him. Edward held up one daunting finger, and I was immediately silenced.
"Alice," Edward breathed as he placed one hand on his forehead. "This place has to be one of the safest places we could take her. No one knows they are here," Edward insisted. My breath caught in my throat. Alice must have had a vision about me.
"Let me talk to Alice," I demanded as I held out a pruney palm for the phone. Edward violently shook his head. "Edward!" I cried as I threw myself across the bed just as he ran to the other side of the room. Growling in my throat the best I could, I attempted to pluck the phone from his hands. I should have known it wouldn't work, but it was worth a try.
But, with a sudden mood swing, Edward's face was stone, and he was handing the phone to me.
"Bella?" Alice's anxious voice was on the other line. I let out a small relieved sigh.
"Hey, Alice," I said into the receiver, my voice faint. I knew she could here me, despite the difference in places. "What did you see?" I asked quietly, my eyes distant.
For a second, it seemed as if Alice had hung up. "Alice?" I asked, a bit louder now.
"Yeah, I'm here Bella." I could hear Alice sucking in a deep breath, as though bracing for bad news, which she probably was doing. "Well, I had two different visions," She said quietly. I could hardly hear her. "One relies on Victoria and Felix's choice. That one is… well, brutal, really. The other relies on, well, Alex's choice."
I only listened, willing Alice to explain further. She seemed to read my thoughts, for she did expand on her last comments. "The first one was you… dead." I heard her voice, despite how quiet it was. "The second one is you, as a vampire. Either one is not how we, well, Edward, wants this to end. We have to protect you as best we can."
"I'm safe, Alice, I promise," I whispered back, my eyes wide as I watched Edward, who was pacing back and forth in front of me. I had actually forgotten my current situation, in truth. I had thought of this as one big holiday, despite the fight last night. In a place like this, it was easy to forget the outside world; instead, I lived in a world where there was only me and Edward. Too bad that wasn't true.
"That's not the worst, is it?" I asked as I flinched.
"Of course not," Alice sniffed.
"Then… then what is?" I asked as I took a deep breath, bracing myself.
"They are on their way…" Alice said quietly, unhappily. A small shiver ran up and down my spine. They could easily find our scent, I supposed, if they were at the right airport. But what if they weren't? Would it be just as easy? Shivering again, I collapsed onto the bed. Edward took the phone from my hands, and spoke softly to Alice; I wasn't listening. What if none of Alice's visions were right? I could make my own choice, or Edward could make his own… Letting another small shiver run down my back, I squeezed my eyes closed, willing the whole situation to disappear. But, upon opening my eyes, I found Edward's face only inches from my own. His eyes seemed worried, and I could see the smallest hint of black around the edges of his irises. Glancing down at my hands, I let a small sigh slide through my lips. "Edward…" I started hesitantly, my eyes still not meeting his.
"What is it, Bella?" Edward asked softly. With one finger he tilted my head up so I was forced to look into his perfect eyes.
"Do you remember that promise you made me?" I asked quietly, my eyes now fixed over his shoulder.
"Which one?" he asked quietly. I could tell he knew which one, but he wasn't going to admit to it.
"You know which one, Edward. The one that involved you changing me after our wedding. Well, the wedding is over, Edward, and I am still mortal," I finished off as defiantly as I could, though that still sounded weak. I was nervous, and butterflies had erupted in my stomach.
"Not now, Bella," Edward said tiredly, his finger dropping from my chin.
" Then when, Edward?" My voice sounded rather hysterical, and not in a good way. I didn't know any other plan that would work, besides killing Victoria and Felix, and that wasn't possible with only three vampires. "Please! They will find us soon, and then I will be dead! Would you rather I die or I live, like you, and with you forever?" I pleaded quietly as I grabbed his hand and kept my eyes locked on his.
"Bella, these things must be thought out," Edward hissed through clenched teeth. "We have no time to think, and no time to act! Right now, all we need is more people," He informed me, his temper flaring. "Now listen to me, please! Carlisle, Jasper and Emmett are flying over as we speak. Since they know exactly where I am, they will be here in a matter of hours. Felix and Victoria, however, haven't the slightest idea where we are, they only have our scent. Is any of this making sense, Bella?" Edward hissed through clenched teeth.
I nodded dumbly, and before I could stop, a question had popped out. "Edward, how do you know them?"
Edward seemed dumb founded my how completely spontaneous my question was. "I guess you have every right to know," He said rather calmly, his face smooth, as though he wasn't raging inside. "You remember that period of time I was away from Carlisle, don't you?" He asked me quietly. I only nodded. "That was when I met Alex," He explained quickly and quietly. "She lived in the states then, and we met up while hunting one day. Logan was with her, but they weren't… together.
"Obviously, Alex fell in love with me. I didn't have the same feelings for her, so I insisted we only stay friends, for our good. She unwillingly agreed, and that was when she married Logan. We, I mean the Cullens, visit them every once and a while. They have only recently moved here, to live in seclusion and have plenty of animals to hunt. Usually there are two or three more vampires around here, but they are in Italy right now," Edward finished off in a tired voice.
"Oh," It was the only proper word I could think of to respond with. I wasn't sure if he wanted me to tell him that I was glad he had never really had a history with Alex, which I could easily do. Maybe he wanted me to be silent, as I was. He surprised me by standing up and offering me a hand. "Where are we going?" I asked tentatively as I took the proffered hand.
"Exploring," He replied with a shrug.
A/N: So there is long awaited chapter eight! Yay me, right? Just, real quickly: I was originally planning on having Edward change Bella, just because it seemed like the best choice. But like Edward says, you really do need to look at the situations from all points. Bella would be really vulnerable during those three to five days, and she could possibly be killed. I found this way much, much easier. Hopefully I will have chapter nine up even sooner!