Chapter 24

Nessie's POV

Ignoring Reality

"Fred, I… I appreciate this, and we're more than happy to welcome you as a witness, but you really don't know the whole story. I…" I'm trying to think of a way to show him just what we're facing-just what is going to be the end of us if the Volturi have trained for seven years to be able to take us down.

"I think you've given me a fairly comprehensive view on the subject. I think I know what I'm getting into. It seems to me that you are on the right side of the so-called "law" that the Volturi are enforcing, and I don't plan on ignoring you all when you need help, especially after you welcomed me here."

"Well it was far from a 'welcome', and you don't owe us anything. I couldn't ask you to risk your life for us-it really isn't your burden."

"You've given me more information in the past half hour than I've had in my seven or so years of this life. You've been the most welcoming group-by far-since I've become a vampire, and I really would like to help you. You seem like nice people."

"Thank you…" I trail off. I have an idea-a way to show Fred just what he's up against. I have the whole thing ingrained in my memory, and I can literally play it for him like a movie. I could just beam it into his head, but that seems extreme, disorienting, and I'm not sure how long I could keep that up. "Fred, can I show you the story?"

Jacob turns to me, "Nessie I'm not sure if that's the best idea, it's a little overwhelming." He knows what I mean when I say show.

Fred just looks perplexed. "I'm not sure what you mean…"

"My talent." I hold up a hand slowly reaching out to him. "I can show you."

"Oh, uh, then yeah. By all means." He nods and I take his hand.

"It's a little confusing," Jake explains. "But you're ahead of the game. You know it's coming."

Fred nods, and I shut my eyes, visualizing everything I know about the Volturi and their previous visit. I go through every accusation and all the information we think we know about this visit. I show him each conversation we had with or about the Volturi that I've witnessed since I was a child.

I'm not sure how long it takes, because I tend to lose myself in the pictures when I'm showing someone something lengthy, but when I'm finished I open my eyes and blink a few times, reorienting myself before I gently take my hand out of Fred's.

He seems bewildered but I can tell he understands the situation better now.

"Now you see, it's not simple."

"No, it's not. But that didn't change my mind. I would like to stay as a witness."

I sigh. I hate thinking that good people are going to die for my family. "If you really feel that way. Though I implore you-don't make light of the choice. I'm not suggesting that you aren't thinking this through but the Volturi do not have the best of relationships who ally with us. You'd be putting yourself in danger."

"To stand for something I believe in. I appreciate your concern Renesmee, and I do understand, but I've bee alone for too long and now that I've found decent people I'm not about to leave, especially since you need my help."

I can't think of a way to combat that. I would do the same thing. "Well then you're welcome to stay here with us for as long as you like-though we ask that you do not hunt near here. When you must hunt you may borrow a car, or run if you prefer."

Fred nods. "I was actually thinking over the idea of going 'vegetarian' as you call it." He smile at the term. "I'm not one for killing, and I'd like to at least try it."

This doesn't surprise me for some reason, Fred seems like the type of boy who respects human life, and he isn't a bottom feeder as he described most of the newborns he was around when he was changed. He probably feels remorseful for all the humans he's killed in the past seven years. Besides he is only seven years old and he was raised as a human in the 21st century-murder is taken seriously now.

"I'm sure you'd be welcome to join anyone of us on a hunting expedition." I glance at the Denali's and they all nod.

Carmen speaks up, "Welcome to the family Fred. We'd be happy to show you about our way of life."

"Thanks, it's nice to meet you all."

Carmen smiles, "This is Garrett, Kate, Eleazar, and Tanya" Carmen gestues to each person she introduces and finishes with, "And I'm Carmen."

"Fred." He says shaking their hands.

I like the idea of Fred hanging around here with us. Especially if he goes vegetarian too, then he really will be part of the family. I can see him fitting in nicely, and it'd be nice to have someone around who isn't really hundreds of years old-excluding the wolves, of course.

I'm lost in my thoughts until I see Tanya shake Fred's hand. That look that I couldn't place earlier is back-the one she had on when she insisted on staying with Fred, Jacob, and I. It's almost… awe-until she reins it in and smiles.

I smirk a little. I think Tanya might have a crush on our new visitor… I think over the idea for a moment before deciding that I like the idea. If Tanya and Fred are meant to be together it makes sense. Tanya was changed at twenty-three while Fred was twenty. They could work.

I catch Kate's eye and give her a very pointed look and she catches on and nods, grinning. Apparently I'm not the only one who saw the chemistry between Tanya and Fred.

I focus on Tanya and Fred's conversation enough to Tanya say, "I was actually planning on hunting today, we could go now if you'd like."

I share another glance with Kate, as we both note Tanya's blatant attempt at spending some 'alone' time with Fred.

Fred's response comes easily enough, "I'd like that."

After a few quiet goodbyes Fred and Tanya leave through the backdoor, and begin running. It looks to me like they're heading to Canada, but you never know.

As soon as they're gone I go over to Kate and elbow her. "Looks like your sister's got her eye on Fred."

Kate nods, "I wasn't sure if I was the only one seeing that."

I smirk. "You weren't."

She nods, "It's just as well, she's been alone for too long."

"Hopefully it's not like my father all over again."

Kate's jaw drops. "You know about that?" She hisses.

I giggle, "Officially, no. Unofficially I know all the family secrets." My eyes are devious.

She smiles back at me, "I'll have to remember that."

Our conversation is short, but playful, and when it's over I drift toward the kitchen. Jacob follows me, naturally gravitating toward food-or me, I'm not sure which.

"Hungry?" It's a question I always know the answer to. It's merely a formality-and almost llike an inside joke.

Jacob smiles. "Sure."

I nod and start making some food, using whatever we have in the kitchen. As his food cooks he questions me. "How'd you know?"

"About what?"

"Tanya."

"Her liking Fred?" He nods. "I don't know, it must be a girl thing. We just… know."

"You make it sound like a superpower."

"Just one of the many we females possess. It helps you set up your friends, but I doubt Tanya will need help with that. It looked like Fred was more than happy to go with her…"

Jacob chuckles. Then I remember that he's supposed to be on patrol.

My face falls, though I try to stop it. He'll have to leave again.

"What's wrong Ness?" Trust Jake to catch all my emotions.

"Um…"

"Nessie," He comes into the kitchen to stand beside me. He rests his hands lightly on my hips and turns me to face him. "What?"

"I was just thinking,"

"As you so often do." He gives me a small smile.

"Yes. And I realized that Fred's arrival interrupted your patrol and you'll have to leave again."

He kisses me softly. "You know I'm not going anywhere."

"Well, not permanently. But you still have to leave."

"Nah, I don't have to go. My shift was over at 9:00. When Fred showed up I was getting ready to leave."

"Oh." A smile creeps on my features. "Really?"

"Yes really." He laughs, and pulls me to his chest.

Then I remember something I was confused about. The wolves were affected by Fred's sickness, but Jacob wasn't. At least he didn't look like he was.

"Jake?" He pulls back a little so he can examine my face.

"Yeah?"

"How come Fred's power didn't work on you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You were… still standing. You didn't crumple like the rest of us."

"That was because he was hurting you. I wasn't going to roll over and take it. Power or no power you're the most important thing to me. You've always been the most important thing to me, even when I didn't know it." I know he's referring to the time when my mother was pregnant with me and the wolves wanted me dead.

Jacob protected me by leaving the pack, even when he didn't know he was doing it for me. And I love him for it. I'd never have his courage-to pick up and leave the only family I'd ever known to come hang around my sworn enemies. He really is too good for me.

"So… you felt it? Fred's power?"

"Well, yeah. But I ignored it."

I can feel the emotion on my face, and I know I must look crazy.

"Nessie…" His eyes search mine, looking for a clue to my abstract thought process.

"Thank you." My voice doesn't waver like I thought it would. It's firm and strong.

"Now you've lost me Ness."

"I'm just thanking you. I never do that."

I can see the question in his eyes and I'm not up for explaining it all to him right now.

"You thanked me the other day. You thank me all the time."

"For little things." I accuse. "This is for what you did today. None of us were strong enough for that."

"You were in danger."

I nod in assent. "Still, it means a lot to me."

He still looks confused-like he can't fathom why I'd need to thank him for all he does for me, but he doesn't press me on it.

Instead I serve him the food that's been cooking and sit beside him as he eats, occasionally munching on a pretzel. I'm not really hungry, but I'm tired of sitting and munching gives me something to do.

He watches me pick at the pretzels and says, "Ness, if you're hungry we can go hunting."

"I'm not." I assure him with a smile. "I'm just keeping myself busy. It helps prevent me from thinking too much."

"You always over analyze things." It's a light-hearted accusation.

"It's part of my charm."

"That it is. But it leaves you buried in your thoughts."

"Is that frustrating?"

He smirks. "Very. But it also makes you more interesting."

"Oh?"

"Yep. But if you ever care to share, I'm here."

"I know and I love that."

"I love you."

I laugh, but I'm secretly pleased to hear that come out of his mouth of his own accord. When I said it before he felt obligated to say it back-because it's what I, his imprint, wanted to hear. This time it's all him. "I love you too. But what, exactly, did that have to do with our conversation."

"I don't know. I just wanted to say it."

"Well ok then. I appreciate it."

He grins widely, and finishes his food. It's 10:00, so it's not exactly lunch and he's already had breakfast so… I guess it's a snack.

Either way I'm grateful for the dishes to clean. If I let my mind wander I'll try to figure everything out, and I'll have just as many unanswered questions as before-if not more.

Jake offers to help, but I insist on doing it myself, so instead he just hangs out with me in the kitchen.

"How come you like Fred?" I ask, out of the blue.

"I'm not sure really. But he doesn't seem to have that 'I'm super old and super creepy' vibe. And he's not your know-it-all dad." He nudges me in the shoulder. "He seems, down to earth, and he seemed friendly enough to you, after the whole… treeing thing."

"Well I'm glad, I like him. And if he ends up going vegetarian… he might hang around here for a while." I feel like Jacob tolerating Fred is a good thing-and I know if Jake likes him Emmett and the guys will probably love him.

"It'd be nice to have a… relatively young face around here." Jake muses.

"What am I? Chop liver?" I tease.

"Of course not, and there's the pack, but I was referring to the vampire side of the family."

"Ah…" I can't help but smile.

After I've finished with the dishes, and I've run out of things to clean, or move from one spot to another for no reason, I head into the living room. All the vampires are hanging around the T.V. presumably waiting for Tanya and Fred's return.

I'm anxious to hear what Fred thought of hunting our way. And talk to Tanya, of course.

I end up lounging on the couch, leaning my head on Jacob's shoulder. The last thing I remember is watching a noon news program and seeing the forecast-rain.

My eyelids flutter open later, how much later I can't tell, but I can tell by the slant of the grayish sunlight that it's later in the day. I'd guess about two in the afternoon.

It takes me a second to register the warm body beside mine, and a few more to realize that all the other vampires in the room have remained unmoved. They're all still watching T.V.-or they appear that way.

I move slightly, stretching my ever so stiff muscles, before collapsing back into Jacob. I hadn't thought I was tired-but apparently I was to fall asleep on the couch. Well, maybe it was less to do with the couch and more to do with the fact that Jacob was so close. He calms me down. And with everything going on I need calm.

"Hey," Jacob's face is close to my ear, and his breath tickles my ear.

I open my mouth to speak but my voice breaks with sleep, so I smile in greeting instead.

"Sleep well?"

"Mmm hmm." It's an affirmative noise. He grins.

"Good. You need sleep."

"Mmmm." I smile at my own lack of words.

"Forgotten how to speak have we?"

I nod and sink into his warm embrace further. Somewhere in my sleep he had put his arms around me. I'm so comfortable that for a few minutes just sit calmly, trying to ignore reality.

Sitting in Jacob's arms it's easy to ignore the fact that witness vampires will be showing up any time now. It's easy to ignore the upcoming visit from the Volturi. It's easy to ignore the fact that my family is so spread apart right now that we'd be an easy target.

I stiffen in Jake's arms at the thought. He watches me curiously, worry on his face.

I try to keep my face expressionless as I stand up. None of the vampires look at me, knowing that I don't want to be the center of attention-much like my mother. I hold my hand out to Jacob and he takes it, not asking me questions. I lead him outside, across the bridge before I stop.

He just waits for me to speak.

"This doesn't feel right."

I see hurt flash in his eyes and I jump to reassure him. "No! Not us, goofball! We're fine. We're better than fine." Relief is clear on his face. I smile at him. "You're so silly. What I meant was this." I wave my arms around. "It doesn't feel right. We're too separated. It's dangerous. We're vulnerable."

He nods. "I had a similar thought. But it doesn't make sense for them to take us out separately. Not to mention they'd have to split up to. And think about it, they'd be at a disadvantage."

"No, Jake, that's just it. They wouldn't be. Jane wouldn't go after my mom-neither would Alec. They'd go after the others. The best fighters would probably take on my parents, and… maybe they'd send someone after Emmett and Rosalie." I shiver at the thought-it's unthinkable.

Jacob thinks it over for a second. "Ness, don't stress about it. It doesn't add up with what Alice was telling us."

"Think about it though, it does. They let us know they're coming, we head out to collect witnesses, they take us out. One by one."

"Alright, if it will make you feel better we'll call your parents. They are in Italy after all."

"No, no. I'm fine. Probably overreacting."

"Nessie, whatever you're feeling, it's got to be overwhelming. Don't try to downplay it. You can be worried. Or scared. Or whatever it is you're feeling. You can just be yourself with me. Don't you know that?"

I do. But I also don't want him worrying, and that's exactly what he's doing. "Jacob, I'm fine. I will send out a quick message asking everyone to check in. That way I'll know they're all safe. Ok?"

He pulls me tight to his chest. "Ok."

I don't pull away from his warmth, and I send out my message without leaving his embrace.

Jacob doesn't even know I've already sent out my 'message' so I decide to enlighten him. "They should call soon."

If he's shocked he doesn't show it. "Good. Are you ok?"

I nod, unwilling to break after all this time. I believe we'll get out of this. I do. I steel myself. I'm not about to crack.

"You sure?"

"Positive."

"Alright," He pauses and I know what's caught his attention. "I believe you have a vampire to go interrogate…"

He's right, and we head back to the house to go see Tanya. And Fred, of course.

Hmmm... so. I know I have been MIA since before Christmas, and I know I promised I was going to be writing, and I WAS! I swear. I just... wasn't writing this. I was hit with spontaneous inspiration to write a Kim and Jared story. I did, and I wrote the entire thing. It's one hundred percent done, down to the title: It All Started Out Normal. I hope you all can forgive me enough to read it, and know that I am not-nor do I ever plan on-abandoning a story. Nothing is more aggravating to me, and I wouldn't do that to the people who are waiting patiently for my chapters.

I will be writing this more often! I am working on finishing this, and this alone, until it's complete. When this is done I will finish my Finnick and Annie short and after that I have no solid plans. I might devote time to my own stories. It's all up in the air. But I assure you-I will finish The Truth AND Our Island for my readers.

Also thanks for reading, and I hope you like the chapter. I tried to make it extra long for you guys that are still reading because you're so amazing. I will never deserve all your support and encouragement, but thank you all the same. I am sorry for the long wait. And if you're interested check out It All Started Out Normal as it will be updated regularly till it's completion.

Thanks bunches and bunches,

R&R