Chapter 2: Locked Doors
Author's Note: I know this was a long wait, but look on the bright side.. at least this isn't Sherlock, or else I'd never come off hiatus. Happy reading!
I shook my head to clear it. I wasn't here anymore; there was no need to think of such dismal times. A brighter future awaited me with Jasper if only I would reach out and take it. That's all I had to do. The clean forest air filtered uselessly through my lungs, but I was still grateful for its cleansing properties. They were a God sent when my head was so muddled it could cloud the ocean to a deep brown. I pushed off of the tree I'd been leaning on and began the walk back to the house. They would be arriving today and no one could be certain how that'd go. Succubi were presumptuous and irritating creatures. Those I'd run across in the past were done away with quickly. I never had the patience for their particular brand of crazy, rather I'd have beat my head against a wall while being fucked by a leprechaun than endure their company.
That wasn't exactly an option right now. I needed to keep my cool around these new ones. They were to be family, and for that reason alone I would allow them to live. I looked back towards the house sighing. I had no urge to see these people, but a car was just audible in the distance for the second time today, except this one was speeding. My wishes were not of importance at the moment regardless. I was to do this for Jasper, and I would. I sighed once more before I began my return to the Cullen household. Leaves caressed my face, and the dirt seemed to kiss my feet as I flew through the woods. I stopped before entering the yard so as to signal the elements to slow. Besides the yard was presently a massive rose garden, and I would've hated to ruin my own hard work. "Hello darlings." I whispered to them, touching a few as I moved nearer the house. They were growing well, but could definitely use a bit less rain. I moved back to the tree line and retrieved a few acorns and scattered them around the perimeter of the flowers before whispering words of encouragement to the soil until massive oaks stood protecting the roses with healthy foliage far above my head. Successful in my task I continued into the house to see Jasper waiting for me.
I may have a perfect memory, but I swore every time I saw him he became more attractive. In wrangler's jeans and broken in cowboy boots he looked better than any cowboy I'd seen in the south. They really just didn't make them like that anymore. "Like what you see?" He questioned wrapping me in a hug.
"I'm not sure. I think I need to get a better look." I teased playing with the bottom of his shirt. I watched as his eyes darkened with lust.
"You're playing with fire Bella."
"But I like fire. It just tickles remember?" I asked him innocently. He kissed me on the nose softly and I watched as he strove to rein himself in. Poor Jasper: he gave up so much by being stuck with me.
"Not your fault." He murmured tracing patterns on my arms that even my eyes couldn't detect. I cast my eyes downward biting my lip. I wished he wouldn't say that. It really was my fault, and I knew it. I only felt worse when he tried to deflect the blame that I deserved. He sent me a burst of love and I flashed a small smile. This was his favorite method to fix my mood, and I wasn't going to complain. We heard the car turn up the driveway as everyone else entered the room. I moved back a bit to stand by my family, so that the Cullens could have a moment with their guests. Jasper relocated to place himself slightly before me. I rolled my eyes. Like one small coven could really pose any threat to me, but it was sweet.
There was a soft knock on the door before a strawberry blonde threw it open excitedly. "Hi!" She squealed excitedly. Sam cringed slightly at her pitch, but remained silent. We didn't have to talk. It was obvious that we disliked the girl before us. The rest of her coven traipsed in behind her. They were far calmer than the blonde thing was. I watched her bounce around hugging everyone. I fixed a small smile on my face, and made a show of waving at the new comers, but I was far from oblivious as to how the blonde and the other young looking vampire hung near Jasper longer than they should of. They moved back near their family and I felt Andrew retract slightly as the brunette locked eyes on him. I cleared my throat to remind Alice she was not permitted to attack yet. She picked up on the old cue, and straightened quickly. Her eyes were black with anger, but she knew better than to disobey.
"It's nice to see you again Britney." Esme said wrapping her in a hug. It broke her focus on Andrew, for which I was relieved.
"How have the centuries been treating you Eleazar?" Carlislse asked.
"Apparently not as well as they've been treating you. Your coven really has grown Carlisle." He commented running a hand through golden brown hair. I tipped my head forward so none would see my smirk. Sure his coven had grown.
"Actually, I don't lead them. They belong to her coven."
"Who's?" Tanya questioned loudly.
"That would be me." I asserted stepping forward. "It's nice to meet you Tanya." She looked me over confused.
"Yeah –same here." She replied as she continued to look me over.
"You're rather young to have your own coven aren't you? Carlisle said you'd only arrived recently." Eleazar inquired. It was refreshing to hear honest curiosity.
"I'm around 200. I haven't done the math, but I know it's been over two centuries. As for my coven: you could say I've led them since birth. Now let's not be rude. This is Sam, Becca, Ashley, Andrew and his mate Alice." The room tensed slightly at her name, and I rolled my eyes. "She's not that Alice."
"Well that's one good thing." Britney muttered. I growled lowly.
"You shouldn't open your mouth unless you're certain about the fats pertaining to the matter of which you speak."
"And what would you know. You're new here." Tanya shot back.
"Oh yes, I'm the new one. How careless of me." I smiled apologetically and dipped my head. Tanya smiled, victorious in her mind. It was far too much fun to let her think she was the knowledgeable one here. I would avenge Alice later.
"Let's not fight." Esme asked.
"Of course not mom. Isabella was just teasing them." Jasper interjected grabbing my hand.
"How can you be certain?" I joked back. He rolled his eyes and pulled me to his side. What were they thinking? "Andrew?" I questioned.
"Confusion, shock, and uncertainty." He affirmed. Good.
"This is my fiancé and mate, Isabella. Isabella, I'd like you to meet Eleazar, Tanya, Britney, Carmen and Kate." So Kate was the quiet one in the back. Now what was she like?
"It's so very nice to meet you." I lied flashing a smile.
"It's wonderful to meet you too dear." Carmen replied trying to cover her family's slack jawed confusion.
"Thank you."
"Well why don't you all put your things in the guest rooms and we can all catch up." Carlisle suggested.
"The same ones as last time?" Tanya questioned.
"Actually, one of those is already occupied. I'll show you." Carlisle rushed to explain before leading them off down the hall. Jasper tightened his hold on me in comfort and I leaned into his embrace. It was still very hard to think about that empty room.
"One day…" Alice trailed off. I blocked it out. I didn't want to hear about 'one day'. I needed something to change now before I lost my mind.
"Can I get an update?" I muttered.
"They haven't made the connection yet. No fear yet." Andrew stated.
"Let's keep it that way." They nodded in agreement and we moved to the living room like any normal family would and settled in. "What now?" I asked turning to him.
"We talk, catch up, and probably reminisce."
"Sounds fun." He snorted. "What it does!" I asserted elbowing him lightly.
"Whatever you say darlin."
"So what's the plan after this?"
"Wedding planning and socializing: there's not much time left." I giggled as they groaned.
Carlisle walked back in leading the Denali's and I made sure to smile once more. I wouldn't want them thinking I disliked them now would I? "How have you been since-" Carlisle trailed off. They stiffened slightly.
"We found Britney wandering alone and took her in. She's adapted well to the vegetarian lifestyle."
"But I'm not Irina, and it's still hard for them sometimes." Britney finished sympathetically. At least she had the decency to understand her own coven.
"Perhaps you could all benefit from talking to Laurant later. I know it's been awhile." I suggested calmly. Tanya eyed me suspiciously, but Eleazar's smile over shadowed her doubt.
"So he stayed with you after all."
"We found him mid-fight a few months ago." Carlisle admitted.
"Mid-fight? Who took on a coven of your size? And what could they possibly have had as a motive?" Carmen inquired.
"Maybe we should ask her." Tanya stated still eyeing me.
"Tanya." Kate called.
"Think about it: they have never had problems like this before, but a few months ago is about when she showed up with her coven."
"Our fighting is no way her fault." Carlisle rebuffed.
"No need to defend me Dad." I replied calmly. "She's smart enough to put the pieces together, and it is a valid question." I focused on the smirking Tanya. "They wanted Jasper dead and to take me back. They wanted my family on a leash. They expected my coven to bow, and we didn't agree with those plans. Naturally, fighting ensued."
"And you led them here." Britney accused.
"Yes, but my offer to lead them away was denied, so do not even try to pin this on me." I replied.
"You were lucky to have run into the Cullens. Who knows how the fight would have gone otherwise."
"Yes, I was very lucky to find them." I muttered smiling at Eleazar.
"Well, I think that's enough of this talk for now. Why don't you all spend some time outside? Just mind the roses." Esme suggested.
"The roses?"
"We're growing our own for the wedding." She informed them.
"In this weather?"
"Oh you'd be surprised how hearty plants can be." Alice stated as she dragged Andrew towards the door.
"It's pouring." He stated.
"Well if the rain will keep you inside I guess I could ask Isabella to borrow Jasper." She looked over at me and I shrugged.
"Do you want to spend some time with Alice?" I questioned smirking. He seemed taken aback.
"Well, sounds like one hell of a time darling. Why don't you come too?" Jasper purred catching on.
"Three really is a party." I murmured nodding. Andrew growled lowly.
"I know just the place." She waved excitedly as he led her out the door.
"That was eventful." Jasper commented settling back down beside me as laughter wracked my sides.
"Come on, you know that was fun." He rolled his eyes at me playfully.
"Whatever you say Isabella." He whispered conspiratorially.
"Now that is fun."
"As long as you're still sure."
"I don't want there to be any bad blood. It's better this way."
"Forever thinking of everyone else." He muttered placing a hand against my face softly. I closed my eyes and leaned into it inhaling his scent and enjoying the moment.
"Only when it's for the best." I breathed out.
"You always think it's for the best." I smiled into his hand.
"Then perhaps it is. You should go catch up with Eleazar. It's been a long time since the two of you were able to talk. I'll go read a book."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I am. This is your family. Perhaps I'll try to find Carmen." After he walked away I took a few moments to contemplate moving. The couch was rather comfortable, and if I remained here I could trace the lines within the material. I could watch the dust motes twirl, or just relax, but there was work to do. Sighing I rose swiftly, fixed my hair, and proceeded towards her room holding my breath as I entered that hallway.
"Isabella." Tanya called as I attempted to pass her. I stopped to face her –a smile already firmly in place. "We should talk." She commented flashing an equally fake smile. Why here?
"What is it?" I inquired.
"Something is off about you." She declared maintaining eye contact.
"That's a harsh claim to make after being invited to my wedding." I feigned hurt.
"And I intend to find out what." She finished as if I hadn't spoken at all.
"You do that." I flashed her another smile before slipping around her.
"Sort of odd that a room with no occupant is off limits isn't it?" She whispered just loudly enough for me to catch. I stopped, but did not turn.
"As family I'd advise you to stay out of there."
I forced myself to remain still as I felt her try the handle. "What a surprise: it's locked."
"And it will stay that way." I informed her, swallowing a hiss.
"For now." She laughed as she exited the house. I took a moment to swallow my emotions before proceeding to find Carmen. I needed to gain the approval of Jasper's family. I knocked on the last door to the right.
"Come in." She called. I forced a smile to my face and entered the room.
"Isabella, what a pleasant surprise."
"I hope I'm not bothering you."
"Never dear." She offered me a seat on the bed beside her and I took it. "Now, how are you adjusting to this place?" She questioned kindly.
"Fairly well: It's a lovely house and everyone is far kinder than I was expecting." She nodded minutely. "How are you? Laurent told me you'd taken it poorly after Victoria attacked." I inquired softly. She tried to smile, but the venom glistening in her eyes gave here away before the tight quality in her voice could betray her.
"When you have friends you expect to spend a long time with them. When you're a vampire: you expect to be friends forever. We're immortal. There should have been no question to the eternal nature of her existence, but then that bitch showed up." I kept my features smooth as I took in her choice of language. "It wasn't our fight. We hadn't done anything, and then all of a sudden we were swept up into the drama created by Edward's backwards relationship with a mortal." I couldn't stop myself from stiffening slightly at the comment.
"A mortal?"
"Yes, and he wasn't the only one. From what I can tell Jasper was involved with her for a while too. The girl seemed to have some sort of hold over vampires. The Cullens kept her close even as problems continued. It probably would have been safer for the girl to stay away from the family all together, but none of them would let her go. They allowed themselves to become far too attached." She sighed.
"You can't choose who you care about though. Perhaps they were just very fond of her." I offered hoping to change her opinion. Carmen looked up at me smirking.
"You mean like a pet?" I shuddered internally. Was that what I was? No, Jasper would never call me that. He'd never- "No, they had her fully in their family. I mean having her as a pet would have been safer. The Cullens were in store for a visit from the Volturi if she'd stayed around any longer."
"Why?" Carmen looked at me as if I was daft, and perhaps I was.
"It's illegal to tell a human what we are and keep not turn them or kill them. Edward refused to turn her and then he went slightly mad, then Jasper didn't turn her and was left alone when she died. It was awful: he was practically feral when we saw him after that." He disappeared…Thank Goddess Maria hadn't sent me after him sooner.
"Really? Yes, he wasn't heard from for nine months then he showed up on our doorstep, screamed at Tanya, then proceeded to run to the Cullens last house in Alaska. It was ridiculous. This human had him in shambles, and this was after she died. I shudder to think what he was like before that."
"That is one hell of an effect." I muttered taking it all in. If this woman discovered the human she spoke of with disdain and I were one in the same my relationship with her would go to hell. Did I really ruin lives like that and put the family in danger… why didn't they just get rid of me? I wasn't worth all of that trouble.
"Are you alright?" Carmen questioned.
"Yeah, I'm fine." I lied smiling. This woman would never actually like me.
"Oh hunny, don't worry about that human. She's long gone and Jasper has found a much better match in you. He's your mate and you make each other happy. Don't let a foolish girl's drama ruin the last weeks before your wedding." It was a good thing my face couldn't drain of color or turn green because I felt as close to sick as I ever had since the transformation. Curling up was starting to sound like an excellent idea.
"You're right. She's gone now."
"Exactly," she agreed. "Now what else would you like to talk about? I didn't mean to ruin your mood." She asked concernedly. What was I supposed to say? She had just discredited and spoke lowly of half of who I was. How the hell was I supposed to get this family to like me if that's how they felt?
"So did Britney adjust well?" I questioned quickly. It was a decent question and hopefully she would just talk for a little bit so I could gather my thoughts. I mean Jasper never told me about how I was destroying his family, or about how I was putting them all in danger from the Volturi by staying human, or even really about what happened with everyone while I was gone. He'd played it off like he just watched over the rest of the family in my absence, but now I knew how far from the truth that really was. What else had he left out? What else had the family down played so that I wouldn't worry about them. I fiddled with the edge of the blanket barely noticing the antique chair, Carmen's huge gestures (though they were impossible to completely miss) the armoire made of sandalwood or the fresh flowers I had personally placed on the dresser a few hours before her arrival. I did not want to be in this room anymore. I needed space to process and discern how to proceed.
"In the end it really just took patience and the right species of animal. I'm sure you understand."
"Hm- Yes, a similar method was necessary to assist Alice with the switch." I replied gathering my wits.
"Well, I'm sure you want to address the others as well. I'm sure we'll speak again soon." She stated before allowing her eyes to flick to the door momentarily. "Remember darling, you'll always be better than that mortal no matter what you do!" Carmen whispered conspiratorially as I rose. With a rigid back I nodded not turning back even while allotting a strained thanks to escape my lips.
What the Character's Think:
Bella: They're never going to like my *mumbled*
Carmen: Why does your name read Bella?!
Bella: Just fucking great…
Me: That was my fault.. author's typo. I swear. Whoops I guess the keys are just stuck. I 'll fix it next time
Bella: Thank you *mouthed*
Carmen: Of course *fake smile*
Bella: I have.. things to do. *Runs off*
Jasper: *runs in* Have you seen— Oh, Hi Carmen. I didn't know you did these
Carmen: Well everyone has to play there part sometimes
Jasper: Yea… where's B-Isabella?
Carmen: She ran off. Poor girl. She seems confused.
Me: She's probably at the meadow.
Jasper: *nods* Bye then
Me: But what about-
Jasper: *gone*
Me: Well I guess Carmen will have to do it
Carmen: Do what?
Me: Tell them to review and stuff
Carmen: Review. And Stuff *smiles* Happy?
Me: *face palm* please just let me know what you think. Hopefully next chapter the characters will be more on board with this.
Emmett: Did I miss it? Did I miss- *falls into hole*
Rose: Success!
Me: *gives high five*
Rose: *Saunters off*
Carmen: Ahem, aren't you forgetting something*flips hair*
Me: oh Right.. you guys are still here aren't you? Well what are you waiting for! Go read something else, ride a bike, play outside, write your own stories! Go on. There's nothing more to read hereeeeeeeeeeeee
..Gotcha! There were two whole other lines wayyyyy down here at the end.. But I doubt it was worth the scrolling :-p You just got trolled! :D