All things Twilight belong to the awesome Stephenie Meyer.
The lyrics to Psychotic Girl belong to The Black Keys . . . No Comment lol
Songs:
Psychotic Girl - The Black Keys, Forfeit - Chevelle, Clocks - Coldplay, Stop and Say you Love Me - Evans Blue
Chapter Twenty - Seven - Family Meeting.
I lay quietly in Jasper's arms, this was the closest I ever got to sleep. I had never been more content. He stroked my hair gently, occasionally whispering random thoughts into my ear. After the passion always came a new level of intimacy, it was something I enjoyed just as much as the excitement of our passion.
These quiet moments gave me time to enjoy my husband, silence was never uncomfortable with us because so much was said in that silence, we had our own level of understanding. It was something no one understood.
I leaned over and gently settled my lips on his, I could feel his lips move as they developed into a smile. I pulled back gently and grinned at him.
"What was that for?" he asked.
I raised my eyebrows, trying to keep the smile from my lips. "I wasn't aware I needed a reason."
He gently placed his index finger on my nose and traced it down to the tip. I tiled my head back and kissed his finger gently. Then I rolled off the bed.
"Where are you going?" he whined playfully.
I laughed as I headed towards the bathroom. "Shower. It's another luxury I haven't had in days."
He chuckled and watched as I danced daintily into the bathroom.
I turned the shower on as hot as it would go and waited as the steam filled the room. I could hear the music that began playing in our room and I smiled. Jasper was playing one of the CD's I had picked up the first night we'd gone to New Orleans.
I stepped into the hot water and sighed. The intensity of the heat felt comforting and I felt like I was beginning to wash the grime of Volterra from me. I was sure that if I could sleep I would probably have nightmares. I washed the memories away with the water and decided to try and forget the emotions that came with thinking about the Volturi, I knew I would have to keep a watch on them, and I didn't like the thought of feeling dirty every time one of their decisions flickered through my head, they had threatened to visit and something told me it wasn't an empty one.
As I stepped out of the shower I wrapped a towel around me and heard the beginning of the song that had drawn me to the bar where the band had been playing and I grinned to myself. I pulled open the door and stepped into the bedroom with a brush in my hand. I walked into the room swaying my hips in time with the beat. I'm sure it looked a lot more provocative than I thought it should, but I was already having fun.
I knew the cue for the lyrics, so I stopped and planted my feet. I could feel Jasper looking at me curiously. I pulled the brush close to my mouth and started mouthing the words in to the brush, using it as a makeshift microphone.
I heard you're cool, you're mellow.
Jasper threw his head back and laughed.
Pick 'em up, just ta let 'em down.
I started moving my shoulders in time with the music and grinning.
It's shame, baby, but I always know...
I stuck my arm out and pointed at him with my index finger, and I curled it beckoning him to me.
Just the way, you're gonna do, oh no-oh.
Oh, no-oh
Jasper, walked towards me, he wasn't playing along but I hadn't expected him to, as he got close I placed my hand on his cheek and then slid my hand up into his hair.
Just a psychotic girl,
And I won't get lost in your world.
I ruffled his hair and his eyes narrowed, he pulled me into his arms and I dropped the brush. I was laughing at his reaction. He spun me around and planted a kiss on my forehead before placing my on my feet so I could get dressed. I danced towards the closet and picked out something to wear.
It was then that I saw something strange, it was a vision but it sent me into a fit of giggles. Jasper was at the door in seconds, watching me curiously, his eyebrows raised.
"Sorry," I sputtered letting my laugh subside into giggles. "It's Bella. She just spent ten minutes trying to decide if Edward was real or not."
Jasper frowned, he couldn't understand what it meant.
My giggles left me and I sighed. "She has put so much effort into believing Edward didn't want her while we were away. So she kept herself awake the whole time we were in Italy and on the trip home because she didn't want to waste a second of time with him. So she's been passed out all this time and she woke up thinking she'd dreamt the whole thing."
Jasper's eyes reflected his opinion on this and it made my heart melt. He was concerned for Bella, he hated to think she had suffered so much she had become delusional. I walked to him and wrapped my arms around his waist.
"Edward will convince her otherwise, it seems he will have an eternity to do so." I said rolling on to my toes and kissing his neck. "They're talking it out right now."
Jasper nodded and kissed my damp hair. "It's almost back to normal."
"Yeah," I nodded happily, "but with one exception." I said as I heard light footsteps approaching our door.
"What's that?" he asked, curiosity dancing in his eyes.
"Rosalie's going to be nice to Bella!" I laughed.
"I HEARD THAT!" I heard Rosalie shouted as she walked past our door. I grinned and Jasper shook his head, rolling his eyes.
"I'm going to take a shower." he said kissing my neck and disappearing from the closet.
I pulled on my clothes and walked back into the bedroom, picking up the brush I had dropped in Jasper's grasp. I pulled it through my short hair and danced to the music that was still playing quietly.
It felt good to be home. It felt good to feel normal. I made my way to the desk that Jasper's laptop was sat on and flipped it open. I hadn't seen my email in days. I was sure that some of the designer website's had noticed my disappearance. I opened up the mail program and signed into my account.
Most of it was advertising, trying to temp me to buy more things I really didn't need. I deleted each without opening them. I didn't need the temptation. No matter how good retail therapy sounded to me.
I noticed an email from artangel, and figured who it would be from, I clicked on it and waited for it to load. I smiled as the mail program announced that there were five attachments. I read the note quickly.
Alice;
Hey we missed you down here, it was great aunt Alice's birthday a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't get a hold of you, your phone kept going straight to voicemail. I tried Jasper's but his did the same thing.
Anyway, we all gather on her birthday. We spend a while at her grave, together. I was hoping you could be there this time but I guess I'll have to be more prepared next year :).
We took some photos, they are attached so you can see them.
Call me later.
Angel.
xxxxx
I opened the attachments and was greeted with dozens of smiling faces around the grave stone. I smiled. It was nice to know that I was remembered. It seemed like a strange tradition, but I certainly wasn't complaining.
I heard the door to the bathroom open and Jasper headed towards me and looked over my shoulder. I rolled my head back and looked up at him. He bent to kiss me.
"What's this?"
"From Angel, they celebrated my birthday." I said, my voice cracking from the happiness. Jasper wrapped his arms around my shoulder and placed his chin on my head. I flicked through the pictures for him, he stroked my arm gently. I knew that he was soothing me, because he could feel my emotions. I smiled up at him, just to reassure him that this was a happy emotion.
I closed the programs and pulled the top of the laptop down, I sat in silence. I could feel a decision being made so I let my mind go and retrieve it. Bella and Edward were heading in this direction. I looked at the clock and raised my eyebrows it was closing in on two am.
"You better get dressed, Bella and Edward will be here any minute." I said grinning up at him again.
Jasper, mirroring my reaction looked at the clock. "But . . ."
"All will be revealed!" I said smiling again and standing from the chair I was perched on. Jasper turned and headed towards the closet. I headed back into the bathroom to fix my hair.
I had finally gotten my hair to cooperate when I received yet another decision from Bella . . . actually it was more of a realization, but she'd decided to go with it. She was realizing that Edward had never stopped loving her. She believed it with her entire heart and soul.
"Finally . . ." I said out loud.
"Finally, what?" Jasper asked as he stalked into the bathroom fully clothed, his blonde hair tousled from drying in the warm air of the house.
"Bella, just realized Edward never stopped loving her!" I laughed.
"Are they still coming?" he asked.
"Yeah, they're outside."
It didn't take long for the reconciliation to be complete and the truth to be said or rather declared. Soon they were walking in the door, and Edward was calling our names.
We followed everyone into the dining room and took our seats, I grinned at Bella, whereas everyone else seemed to be curious. Ah, the gift of being talented, no guessing involved. It made it easier to be prepared for situations like this. We sat patiently until everybody was situated. Carlisle nodded toward Bella.
"The floor is yours."
Bella looked nervous and swallowed, I knew that a house full of vampires giving you their undivided attention must be quite difficult, especially as a human.
Edward, sat next to Bella was glaring at each and everyone of us, Bella seemed to notice this too.
"Well," She paused again. "I'm hoping Alice has already told you everything that happened in Volterra?"
"Everything," I said in assurance.
Bella's eyes flashed to me, "And on the way?"
"That too," I nodded and stole a glance at Edward, his eyes were dangerous.
"Good," Bella sighed, "Then we're all on the same page."
Bella went silent for a while she seemed lost in thought but we patiently waited. She would spit it out when she was ready to.
"So, I have a problem," Bella started, she sucked in a long breath. "Alice promised the Volturi that I would become one of you. They're going to send someone to check, and I'm sure that's a bad thing—something to avoid."
I let my eyes flicker once again to Edward, his death stare was still boring into me and I prayed Bella didn't want to collect on my promise, because I was quite sure I would live to complete it.
"And so," Bella continued. "Now, this involves you all. I'm sorry about that."
Bella looked at each of us slowly, Edward corrected his glare before Bella's eyes reached him. He was now wearing a simple grimace.
"But, if you don't want me, then I'm not going to force myself on you, whether Alice is willing or not."
I was willing a black hole to open up again, but Esme interrupted my thoughts as she tried to speak. Bella stopped her.
"Please, let me finish. You all know what I want. And I'm sure you know what Edward thinks, too. I think the only fair way to decide is for everyone to have a vote. If you decide you don't want me, then . . . I guess I'll go back to Italy alone. I can't have them coming here." the thought of that alone brought the crease of a frown on her brow.
Edward growled quietly in warning, we knew he was trying to intimidate us but I could have cared less about that, we each had our own minds and own opinions and I believed we had a right to use that.
"Taking into account, then, that I won't put any of you in danger either way," she said ignoring his attempts. "I want you to vote yes or no on the issue of me becoming a vampire."
A small smile appeared on Bella's lips as she gestured to Carlisle for him to start.
"Just a minute," Edward interrupted before Carlisle could even organize his thoughts.
Bella glared at him, her eyes were narrow and she looked dangerous. I was impressed, I didn't think she had it in her.
"I have something to add before we vote."
Bella sighed and I swore I saw an eye roll.
"About the danger Bella's referring to," Edward continued completely ignoring Bella's attempts to reprimand him. "I don't think we need to be overly anxious."
Edward placed his hand on the table and leaned forward, we had all expected him to come up with some genius plan, but like Carlisle had said, it was more probable than even. I think Edward was the only one truly fighting it. I had known all along that she would join our family in every way, but I kept my mouth shut and my thoughts to myself. I didn't need any more glares from Edward. Jasper squeezed my hand under the table.
"You see," Edward continued, "there was more than one reason why I didn't want to shake Aro's hand there at the end. There's something they didn't think of, and I didn't to clue them in."
"Which was?" I asked. Bella looked skeptical, which wasn't far from the way I felt at the moment.
'The Volturi are overconfident, and with good reason. When they decide to find someone, it's not really a problem. Do you remember Demetri?" He looked at Bella for confirmation, but she just shuddered in response. I shook my head in disbelief as he continued.
"He finds people—that's his talent, why they keep him." Edward said triumphantly.
I looked at Bella again. She didn't look convinced, I knew I wasn't. But the Volturi would not be why I agreed to this anyway. The two of them were meant for one another, what was t he point in fighting that? And the girl was asking for it, here, now, she was asking us to vote yes because she wanted to be part of the family, and she wanted to be with Edward for eternity. What was so hard to understand?
"Now, the whole time we were with any of them, I was picking their brains for anything that might save us, getting as much information as possible. So I saw how Demetri's talent works. He's a tracker—a tracker a thousand times more gifted than James was. His ability is the . . . flavor? I don't know how to describe it . . . the tenor . . . of someone's mind, and then he follows that. It works over immense distances." he said looking around us all.
"But after Aro's little experiments, well. . ." Edward shrugged.
"You think he won't be able to find me," Bella said. I knew that she thought it was a long shot and I was sure that it wouldn't stop her plan for the vote. She had already decided upon it and she wouldn't be discouraged.
"I'm sure of it." he said smugly. "He relies totally on this other sense. When it doesn't work with you, they'll all be blind."
"And how does that solve anything?"
"Quite obviously, Alice will be able to tell when they're planning a visit, and I'll hide you. They'll be helpless." His eyes were bright as he continued to scheme. "It'll be like looking for a piece of straw in a haystack." his eyes now found Emmett and they both smirked. Edward knew Emmett was always up for a fight.
"But they can find you." Bella replied looking like he had completely missed the point, as it seems he had. This would be fine is she were trying to protect herself, but in typical Bella fashion she was trying to protect us all.
"And I can take care of myself." Edward said, completely clueless.
Emmett reached across the table for a moment of male bonding, he extended his fist.
"Excellent plan, my brother." he said with a little too much enthusiasm for my taste. Edward extended his arm and his fist connected with Emmett's.
"No," Rosalie hissed.
"Absolutely not." Bella agreed.
"Nice." Jasper grinned, which was short lived seeing as I kicked him under the table.
"Idiots." I contributed rolling my eyes.
Esme's face looked fierce as she glared at Edward, obviously she agreed that the idea was stupid.
Bella wiggled in her chair and then sat up straight, she was taking control again. I smiled encouragingly.
"All right, then, Edward has offered an alternative for you to consider," Bella said, her voice had a slight edge to it. She hadn't appreciated Edward's attempt. "Let's vote."
Bella looked directly at Edward now, he'd put up a fight so she was certain of his answer. "Do you want me to join your family?"
Edward's expression flattened out and his eyes became as dark as his mood had just turned. "Not that way. You're staying human."
Bella nodded, her face not showing an ounce of emotion. She looked directly at me.
"Alice?"
"Yes." I answered simply, not only had I known it all along, I already loved her as a sister, she was also my best friend.
"Jasper?" Bella asked moving on.
"Yes." he agreed.
Bella moved on.
"Rosalie?"
Rosalie hesitated, she was biting on her lip, not even I was sure of her answer, she was still flip flopping around. She didn't want to hurt Bella's feelings but she didn't want to just take away her mortality. Finally, she decided. "No."
Bella moved on, her face was still void of emotion, she was trying to be diplomatic. Rosalie held up her hands palm forward, she wanted to say something.
"Let me explain," she begged, she didn't want the small truce between Bella and herself to be ruined, and I knew why. It wasn't the most sincere reason, but it was acceptable. "I don't mean that I have any aversion to you as a sister. It's just that . . . this is not the life I would have chosen for myself. I wish there had been someone there to vote no for me."
Bella nodded and turned to Emmett.
Emmett grinned. "Hell yes, we can find some other way to pick a fight with this Demetri."
Bella grimaced and continued on to our sweet mother, Esme, I had no doubt at all what her vote would be. She already held Bella in her heart as one of her children. It's what she had felt since she had known of Edward's love for her.
"Yes, of course, Bella. I already think of you as part of my family." Esme smiled.
"Thank you, Esme." Bella said quietly and turned to Carlisle. She suddenly looked like all the wind had been taken out of her sail. She seemed unsure of how his vote would go. I had no doubts at all but he prepared his answer. Carlisle was looking at Edward.
"Edward," his calm, even voice spoke. I knew that this was the only way he could voice his answer.
"No," Edward's answer came as a growl and his lips curled to bare his teeth.
"It's the only way that makes sense," Carlisle said, his voice insistent. "You've chosen not to live without her, and that doesn't leave me a choice."
Edward pushed himself from the table aggressively and paced out of the room a ripping snarl emitting quietly from him as he left.
"I guess you know my vote." Carlisle said turning to Bella and sighing. I knew that he hated upsetting Edward like that. The had such a close bond, but he was also one of the most honest people I knew, he spoke his mind.
Bella's eyes were still trained to where Edward had exited the room. "Thanks," she mumbled but it was drowned out by a rather loud crash coming from the living room. I winced knowing what it was, and I knew Emmett would not be thanking him for it.
Bella flinched and spoke quickly, the noise had unnerved her. "That's all I needed. Thank you. For wanting to keep me. I feel exactly the same way about all of you, too." Bella's voice became rough with emotion and Esme was at her side in a second, her arms wrapped around her in support.
"Dearest Bella," She said lightly. We all knew how big of a decision she had made in coming here. Her mind had been set on what she wanted, and in an attempt at being diplomatic, she had put her fate in our hands. She'd gotten the outcome she wanted. But I knew her heart went out to Edward. She hated seeing him upset.
Bella hugged Esme back and I noticed her glancing at Rosalie. I knew that she appreciated what Rosalie had tried to do. I believed Rosalie had acted selflessly tonight, she wasn't being mean or aggressive. She wanted Bella to chose to live, to make the choices she never had the opportunity to.
"Well, Alice," Bella said, bringing my attention to her. "Where do you want to do this?"
I could feel the terror rising in me, she wanted to do this now? Edward would literally kill me and I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do, I could kill her. She couldn't expect me to do this right now, I hadn't hunted since before we left for Italy. It would be dangerous. And did I already mention Edward would kill me.
"No! No! NO!" Edward's voice was loud and enraged. I shrank in my seat waiting for the onslaught. He charged into the room with a vengeance but bypassed me and was bent over Bella. His face was contorted with fear and anger. Not a good combination. I sank lower in my seat, and Jasper squeezed my hand trying to give me the support I so desperately needed.
"Are you insane?" Edward shouted at Bella. "Have you utterly lost your mind?"
Bella cringed away from him, her hands over her ears, he was literally screaming at her.
"Um, Bella," I said quietly, I could hear the anxiety lacing my voice. I didn't want Edward to turn on me. "I don't think I'm ready for that. I'll need to prepare. . . ."
"You promised," Bella said around Edward's arm, she was glaring at me.
"I know, but . . . Seriously, Bella! I don't have any idea how to not kill you." I said praying she would let me out of this, I was hoping someone else would bail me out. I had seen Edward changing her so many times, I was sure it would be him.
"You can do it," Bella said, her voice full of bravado as she tried to encourage me. "I trust you."
Edward's snarl sealed the deal for me. He was literally scaring me. And as much as I appreciated her faith in me, I really didn't want to die at the hand of my brother. I shook my head quickly. I had no idea what expression I was wearing.
"Carlisle?" Bella asked turning in her seat to look at him.
Edward wrapped his hand around Bella's face and turned it to him. I couldn't believe he was being so rough with her, it wasn't enough to hurt her, but I was sure it was enough to scare her. His other hand was palm out to Carlisle.
"I'm able to do it." Carlisle said ignoring Edward's gesture. "You would be in no danger of me losing control."
"Sounds good," Bella said, her words sound jumbled because of the manner in which Edward was holding her face.
"Hold on." Edward pushed the words through his clenched jaw, he really wasn't happy. "It doesn't have to be now."
"There's no reason for it not to be now," Bella said stubbornly, her words still distorted from the hold Edward had on her.
"I can think of a few."
"Of course you can," Bella said mirthlessly. "Now let go of me."
Edward dropped his hand and folded his arms stubbornly across his chest.
"In about two hours, Charlie will be here looking for you. I wouldn't put it past him to involve the police."
"All three of them." Bella said frowning.
I was feeling so uncomfortable I wanted to slip out of the room but like the rest of the family I sat planted in my chair, too afraid to make any kind of movement, in fear of invoking the wrath of this highly antagonized Edward.
I leaned in closer to Jasper and he wrapped his arm around me. I could feel the stress level go down as he eased the serenity over me. He kept it between us for the same reason I didn't move. He didn't want Edward's rage to be turned onto him.
"In the interest of remaining inconspicuous," Edward pushed through his clamped teeth, "I suggest that we put this conversation off , at the very least until Bella finishes high school, and moves out of Charlie's house."
"That's a reasonable request, Bella." Carlisle agreed.
"I'll consider it." was Bella's only reply.
I could feel the tension lifting from the room. Edward had managed to buy himself more time. I actually felt sorry for Bella, he would do everything in his power to talk her out of this for the next few months. I would do everything I could to help her, except get Edward this angry again, or promise to change her.
Edward relaxed and his jaw eased open, I watched him as his mind worked, it was so obvious it was like watching the cogs on the inside of a watch turn each other.
"I should probably take you home," Edward sounded normal again. "Just in case Charlie wakes up early."
Bella looked at Carlisle in defiance. "After graduation?"
"You have my word." Carlisle said. It was good as a signed deal. Carlisle always kept his word. I let the air out of my lungs slowly and quietly.
Bella turned to Edward, "Okay, you can take me home."
We didn't have a chance to sat goodbye because Edward had disappeared with her out the back door. I leaned my elbows on the table and placed my head in my hands.
"That was intense." I said trying not to laugh hysterically now the moment was over. Intensity had a strange reaction with my the only way to release it was to laugh. hysterically at that, but the was not the time nor the place.
Everyone began unsticking themselves now and Emmett wondered into the living room, the string of profanities that followed him confirmed my suspicions. Edward had broken the plasma, Emmett's pride and joy.
"Eh, Jasper." I whispered under my breath.
"Yeah?"
"I think we should go to our room now!"
"I think you're right." he said. We both stood up and he picked up my hand.
"Too late!"
A/N: Okay, I'm not sure how you will all feel about what happened in the bedroom. You could see it as being out of character, but I can see Alice being that playful whilst she's alone with Jasper. :) - Lolly12; Thanks for the idea ;0P
Only the Epilogue left. I will probably start Alice's version of Eclipse this weekend, I'm stuck for a name. i keep coming up with things but I trash them or forget them!!
Oh Well, let me know what you think. The playlist is available by link from my profile. the song Alice sings is on it, so if you haven't heard it and would like to :)
Thank you so much to the people who have reviewed and added my story to the faves or alerts YOU GUYS ROCK, and seriously you make my day most days:) K, I'm gonna shut up now, if you have any ideas for the title of Alice's Version of Eclipse . . . :P