And we're here! Bella's putting pieces together! I'm focusing more on Bella and Edward right now.
I Don't own anything recognisable.
Enjoy!
XXX
Then next morning found Izzy on the computer before we wet to school, the sun was out which meant no Cullen's today, and after yesterday I was kind of glad that I wouldn't have to face Jasper right away. I was dressed in a black mid thigh skirt, a white strap top and an over top with long sleeves. Looking over Bella's shoulder I watched her type. Quileute legends, Olympic Peninsula. A few ads pop up before she comes to one site. Thunderbird & Whale Book Store, Port Angeles. Izzy clicked on it- walking away I grab my bag and head to my car calling a 'See you in a bit.' over my shoulder as I set off ready for classes. Classes passed by quickly and I went through the motions sometimes cringing as images from the vision came to mind. The only subject I paid any attention in was Music, I had gotten a little better on the flute now, I had to admit I enjoyed the solitude of the day, however I had made plans at lunch as we sat outside.
I watched Izzy look into the crowed trying to find Edward no doubt.
"He's not here." Jess told her, I smiled, she was so obvious, Iz looked at Jess who was sat on the grass, "Whenever the weather's nice, the Cullen's disappear." Jess continued,
"They just... ditch?" Bella questioned, i shake my head,
"No, Esme and Carlisle- Uh Doctor and Mrs Cullen take them hiking and camping whenever the weather's nice." I explain.
"I tried the idea out on my parents. Not even close." I laugh,
"Yeah but I'm sure your parent's know that the only exercise you like is shopping." Jess grinned at me, we had our friendly moments but they were not as often as it could be.
"I'm going to the prom with Eric!" Angela Squealed as she came over. "I just asked him, I took control!" She hugged Iz and pulled away to look at her. "Are you sure you have to go out of town?"
"It's a family thing." Iz tells her, the only problem with that is-
"Arcadia isn't going away." My sister sends me a desperate look,
"I'm not exactly one for get together's given I can't stand my cousins. I'll probably visit on half term or something." They nod in understanding and I wink at Izzy when she sends me a grateful smile.
"Oh my God, we need to hit the stores in Port Angeles before the dresses get cleaned out." Jess exclaimed, I roll my eyes as I know what's coming next.
"Port Angeles?..." I could see the cogs turning in her head as she planned. "Can I go with you guys?"
"And me?" I added quickly. "Duh. We need your opinions." Jess said. A small smile forms on my lips, that's not what Bell's had in mind.
XXX
And so that was how we ended up in Port Angeles the day after, just after school had let out. Izzy was antcy as Angela and Jess tried on one dress after another. Jess came out in a dusty rose red dress, plunge neckline, tied behind the neck and white elbow length gloves posing for us.
"I think this halter makes my boobs look big. What do you think, Bella? Arcadia?" I look Jess over,
"You're right your boobs look huge." I offer, I heard a knock on the window and look at a group of four Frat boys looking through the window.
"Nice!" one of them compliments, my stomach rolled as I saw the look in his eyes. That must be Lonnie and his gang... My face took on a disgusted look.
"That's disgusting." My sister comments, I nod my head watching them walk away.
"Bella? Arcadia?" I look Jess over again and nod,
"I like this one best. And Ange try that lavender one over there." I point to the dress hanging on a rack at the front.
"It looks great." Izzy said... Again.
"You said that about the last five dresses." Jess complained at her compliment.
"You're not very good at this, are you?" Ange asked compassionately,
"It's just I want to go check out the book store. I can meet you at the restaurant later." she explained and reasoned quickly,
"You sure?" Angela asks, Bell's nods, I stand up.
"I'll come with you. Knowing your luck you'll fall in a ditch or get lost." Jess and Angela giggle but I was serious, that and I knew exactly what was going to happen. We head out the door into the setting sun.
"Thanks for coming with me." she sighs, I nod,
"I wouldn't have been able to stay in there longer it was getting boring. So where do you want to go?" she looked at a piece of paper,
"Thunderbird & Whale Book Store." she read off, I nod, again and it was silent.
XXX
Night had fallen now and I was apprehensive, we had all taken Jess's car so I couldn't drive us back which meant we'd have to walk. And my nerves were shot as far as the dark went at the moment...
Bell's thumbs through the book looking over pages as we walk down the sidewalk. It was a moment later that I heard footsteps. Izzy must have heard them as well as she put the book in her bag and walked slightly quicker, I link my arm with hers and force a giggle.
"Don't act suspicious." I whisper, she smiles at me and nods, I pull at her arm to where the parking lot is, "Come on this way should be better to get to the diner." walking across casually. I could just see the exit where Edard would come in,
'If you haven't changed anything.' I fight a cringe at the voice but ignore it not needing the extra panic as Bell's was doing enough in that moment. Izzy turns us around thinking we'd lost them, I couldn't stop her. Looking ahead of us we see two of the Frat boys from earlier, intoxicated obviously.
"Wanna beer?" One asks, I look over my shoulder and see two more guys swinging around so my back was pressed to my sisters I look head on.
"Our mum told us not to accept drinks from men we don't know." I smile sweetly,
"Don't be like that."
"They're pretty." another says,
"Don't touch me!" Bella warns them, they pay no heed and just as he reaches for her hair I spun around and grabbed his hand in a tight grip,
"She said don't touch her. I'd listen before you end up with a broken wrist." My voice was low with warning bordering on a snarl.
'Lemme play?' I thought about it, let her out and get out safe? Or risk waiting for Edward?
"Oh feisty." they went to grab Bells again as another grabbed my shoulder,
"I said don't touch me." Bells punched the guy in the gut and my decision was made.
'You go back when we're done here.' there was no argument just a positive hum. And then I let go...
3rd .person.
Arcadia stood still in the guys grip not fighting but not limp either.
"What happened to all the fight you had in you." Arcadia looked up, but her eyes weren't right... They were a dark blue almost bordering on black. A grin took over her face that could only be described as malicious. Bringing her hand up to the one holding her shoulder she gripped it and squeezed. A moment later there was a sick crunching sound and a yelp of pain as the guy fell backwards.
"You wanna play boys?" Taking a step forward two of the left over three stepped back, sobering quickly. One moment she was stood still and the next she was moving for the one holding Bella. Getting behind him she kicked the back of his knee making it give out under him. Bella scrambled away not sure what to make of her sister, it was like she was a different person. More vicious...
Arcadia got in front of the man and boxed his ears before sending a punch to his nose there was a crack signalling the break or dislocation Arcadia couldn't tell nor did she care for the damage she was dealing, she wasn't the one dealing it. Whirling on the other two she headed left before changing right and punching him in the gut, winding him making it hard to breath as she took his arm and twisted waiting for a pop signalling dislocation of the shoulder. There was a strangled cry of pain and still Arcadia didn't care, she rounded on the last one just as a silver Volvo came around the corner headlights shining on her as she went in for the blow.
Right hook to the cheek, jab to the ribs and a left cross to his face again. He was unconscious before he hit the floor...
Edward couldn't believe what he was seeing, he couldn't catch her thoughts they were blurred like the shield was there but not at full power, he still felt rage, they were going to hurt Bella, his blood singer, his Mate! Fish tailing the car he opened the passenger door as he got out "Get in." He ordered, his voice rough from anger, trying to keep the snarl from his voice. Bella quickly did as told no argument but Arcadia didn't respond. "Arcadia!" he growled, the girl turned her head and he saw her eyes, a smile on her lips,
"She'll be back in a minute, I however am Macey." she let out a sigh of disappointment, "I hope you let me out to play more." she muttered before her eyes faded to the usual Swan Sapphire blue Edward was used to.
(And back again.)
'I will if myself or Izzy are in danger, and knowing my sister... you'll be out more.' the thought made me cringe as I heard her happy laughter, 'On a condition.' she quieted instantly, 'No telling of what's going to happen.' The grumble i recived in return was one of discontent but agreement none the less. I blink and suddenly I'm staring at Edward without a haze or fog clouding my vision.
"What the hell was that?" I shake my head at his question,
"We don't have time, we need to get going, Bella's in the car." at my sisters name he nodded and got back into the car as i slid in the back seat. "You okay Izzy?" she looks at me and nods. Edward took off at high speed, anger rolling off of him, i didn't need Jasper's power to feel it. It was human instinct to know when they're in possible danger.
"I should go back and rip their heads off." He snarled his fingers gripping the steering wheel tightly,
'Ease the grip our you'll break it.' and with that I got the hell out of his head, the things he was thinking beyond what my stomach could take.
"No. Bad idea." Izzy tells him.
"You don't know the vile, repulsive things they were thinking." Izzy caught the comment,
"And you do?" She countered,
'Lie' i thought,
"Not hard to guess." he covered, "Look can you talk about something to take my mind off of it so I don't turn around?" he pleads,
"You should put your seat belt on." Izzy tells him I roll my eyes, Edward laughs,
"You should put your's on." Iz is at a loss, I shrug,
"Bell's is going to kill Tyler Crowley." Edward huffed in amusement at my comment,
"Why?" he demanded trying to calm his anger, luckily Izzy jumped on my train of thought,
"Because he's telling everyone that he's taking me to prom." she explained in outrage, "Do you think if I hit him with my truck that he'd take the hint?" I laugh quietly.
XXX
We arrived just as Ange and Jess were leaving the restaurant, getting out of the car I walk over to them with Izzy.
"Where were you!? We left you messages." Angela asked in worry, I smile in understanding.
"We waited, but we were starving-" Jess spoke, I refrain from rolling my eyes as she cut off, I heard the car door close and sigh,
"Sorry I kept Bella and Arc from dinner. We ran into each other and got talking." Edward lied, pulling the dazzle smile, this time I did roll my eyes,
"I - we - understand. We were just... leaving, so-" Jess stuttered, I watch the two girls go,
"Okay, well. Thank you." Izzy turned to follow them as I walked behind her.
"Maybe I should make sure Bella gets something to eat. And Arc as well." I whirled on him,
'Don't bring me into this.' I thought to him,
'I'm saving you from an over worried Jasper.' at his response I was reminded of our confrontation,
"...If you'd like. Then I could drive you back myself." Edward continued out loud, silently I weighed my options. Be the third wheel in their talk, or confront the love of my life.
"That's so... thoughtful." Angela cooed,
"Really thoughtful." Jess gushed along, jealous thoughts radiating from her.
"I could eat." Izzy decided, Edward looks at me, I wasn't ready to face him yet...
"Sure." I shrug, I wave to the girls as I walk behind my sister and the mind reader. Walking into the restaurant we were greeted with a perky blonde girl who instantly zeroed in on Edward greeting him and ignoring my sister and I, Edward quietly bribed the girl into giving us a seat on the deck. Though I wasn't feeling hungry I ordered one of my favorite treats. Lemon juice and sugar on pancakes. Bella ordered ravioli and Edward didn't order anything. There was silence as we waited for our food and I stared at the waterfall behind us just drifting.
The waitress appeared places a steaming bowl of ravioli in front of Izzy, I licked my lips as she placed my pancakes in front of me before walking off. Quickly folding the pancake up I cut a piece and sighed in happiness.
"You're not eating?" Izzy questioned, Edward cast me an amused look,
"I'm on a special diet." I chewed my pancake before i could laugh.
"Like South Beach?" She continued,
"Not exactly." He denied, she looked at him curiously as she took a bite.
"You gotta give me some answers." She asked casually, I tapped my lip with my fork as I chewed another piece of lemony goodness.
"Yes, no. To get to the other side, and 1 point 772453851." Iz cut him of,
"I didn't ask for the square root of pi." I smile at her tartness,
"You knew that?" He asked surpised,
"Of course she does, she is my sister." I tell him speaking for the first time.
"How did you know where we were?" I chew my lip,
"I didn't." my eyes close of their own accord, he was stupid for doing that, after so many days watching her you'd think he'd know how she would respond to that. Izzy frustrated shook her head and goes to get up.
"Don't go." He pleads with her,
'Just give her a little something, not enough just a bit.' I whisper to his mind,
"Were you following me?" She demanded,
"I feel very protective of you." he answered, evading the question,
"So that's a yes?"
"I tried to keep a distance, and then I heard- what those lowlifes were thinking-" Izzy cast me a look as I silently watched on happy to be a spectator.
"Wait you said you heard what they were thinking." I winced at his slip up,
'Nice going Edward... Don't evade she'll only press more.' I caution him, I watched him sigh slightly.
"So what... You read minds." She confirmed,
"I can read every mind in there, except yours. And so can Arc." I looked at him startled before I glare, she looked at me, I sigh and nod, "Money..."
"Sex." I joined in quietly,
"Money." Edward continued,
"Sex." I threw out again rolling my eyes,
"Cat." I snicker at that one and Bella looks at me,
"You're editing that one for her sake now." He grinned at me ad Iz blushed. I shrug,
"And then you, nothing. It's very frustrating." he shook his head slightly she looked at me,
"But Cada can tell what I'm thinking." I laugh,
"Like I said Honey I've grown up with you, if I can't tell then something's wrong."
"Is there something wrong with me?" Edward laughs quietly in disbelief.
"I tell you I read minds and you think there's something wrong with you?" he smiled enjoying her but it quickly fades the pained look coming to his face as he sighs and looks away.
"What is it?"
"I don't have... the strength to stay away from you anymore." I mentally 'aw' before my own thoughts catch me up as I vaguely register her response of-
"Then don't."
My mind had turned to my problem and longing filled my heart, I shook my thoughts loose and take the last bite of my pancake the texture and taste not there as they were before.
We finished up and headed to his volvo, the car was suffocated with silence as Edward drove, the heater on so that we would be warm... After a while Izzy finally speaks up,
"I think I'm warm enough now." I look on as I watch them both reach for the dial their hands touching, she gasped, "Your hand, it's still freezing cold." Edward pulls his hand away but before she could press the issue she was distracted by flashing police lights. In front of the station dads cruiser was parked and I frown knowing what it was. "Woah what is going on? Dad's still here. Can you pull in?" Bell's asked. Edward did as he was asked and saw Carlisle's car,
"That's my father's car. What's he -?"
'Waylon.' I tell him silently, his face grew grim as we parked and got out. Just as stepped out Carlisle walked out the door briefcase in hand and a grim look on his face.
"Carlisle. What happened?" I moved over to the man and gave him a hug in greeting which he returned,
"Waylon Forge was found on a boat out near his place. I just examined the body." I cringe standing beside him seeing Bella's horrified look,
"He died? How?" She asked,
"Animal attack." Carlisle answered casting Edward and I a look,
"Was it the same one that got the security guard down in Mason?" Bella caught their looks,
"Most likely." He replied,
"It's getting closer to town then." Bella observed,
"Girls you should go inside, Waylon was your fathers friend." Bella looked suspicious but nodded,
"Okay." she began to walk but stopped when i didn't follow, "Cada?" I look over at her.
"I'll be in in a second I need to talk to Carlisle, he said he'd consider taking me hiking with the family the next sunny day we get." I explain. She nodded and walked in. I looked between the two. "She's going to figure it out in a few days." and with that I turned and headed into the station offering them a two fingered solute before the door closed behind me and I walked over to Bella and dad.
"- him going on thirty years." I heard as i walked over, he was obviously torn as he looked at the screen, I sat on his desk and patted his arm in comfort. He grabbed our hands accepting our comfort before he tamps down his emotions. "Don't worry, we're gonna find this thing. In the mean time I want you to carry these with you." he held two cannister's of pepper spray. I took mine without complaint, Bells pulled a face about the protest, "It'll give your old man some peace of mind." I sent her a look and takes it from him.
Dad stands up and gets his coat as Bell's and I walk out the door I saw a body covered being rolled passed us to the ambulance, Waylon's body. His feet sticking out from under the cover. Red eyes flash through my mind and I shake the thought squeezing my eyes closed to get rid of the images. I looked back at Bella to see if she was alright but I saw a shocked look on her face, she was putting things together... "Come on hun." I lead her to dads cruiser and slip into the back.
XXX
And the next chapter if you're still interested.
Shadow OUT!