As the days began to blur, I started to recapture that old fun I used to have, before James, before the old man had spoken with me. Yup, I was still stuck in the past… and yup, I still had no idea how to get home… and I couldn't push my conversation with the old man out of my mind. It haunted me, but I tried to nudge it aside, and focus on the time I had left. With my parents… with Elijah.
And meanwhile, I couldn't ignore the growing ache in my stomach. I wasn't hungry, and I wasn't on my period (as Elijah had delighted in asking that one time). It was plain home-sickness. Never had I felt like this; Bella, Edward, and my whole crazy vampire family- as well as my extended wolf family- always surrounded me. I never had to worry about being alone, until the day I came into the past. Well… came is a bad word choice there. More like dragged. I didn't come here by choice; but, as I had more time to gaze out at the rain and think about all that had occurred in the past weeks… I decided that, I did not regret this twist in my life. Somehow, I wouldn't ever want to give it up.
But… even though I was technically surrounded by my family, they weren't really my family. Not in this time period, and it hurt to think that. I missed my long talks with Bella at night, about life and love and how stupid boys are; I missed hanging out with Edward in the morning, when we snickered about Mom's crazy ways behind her back (only lovingly, of course. He once told me that teasing is a way to show love.) Most of all, I missed Jacob. I missed his beautiful smile, his playful, stubborn ways. And no matter how much I'd come to care about Elijah, he just couldn't make up the gaping hole of Jacob in my life. It was like that feeling of losing a tooth, then running your tongue over your teeth and finding that weird gap when you least expect it.
But the days went on, despite my concern for the future and desperate longing for my real family, the ones who recognized me as their daughter, Renesmee, not a mysterious half-vampire chick who'd somehow become a matchmaker and a trouble-magnet (i.e. James) at the same time. Edward and Bella were still getting used to their new-found love, and I was still trying to figure out how I was going to get home. Getting home, a goal that had been so clear just weeks ago, was now vague and hard to accept. I'd changed history: Elijah now bore the marks of teeth, a few degrees colder than the rest of his skin, on his hand: Bella was supposed to have that scar. And Edward and Bella may now be a secure package, but the fact he'd fallen for another girl first- namely, me (a downright disgusting and disturbing fact I'll never be able to forget) was definitely not a highlight in my time here.
But as the day of Forks high school's prom approached, I realized I did, in a way, look forward to it. And finally, I agreed to go on a double-date to the dance with Edward and Bella, though I made sure to clarify with Elijah that it was not a real date. It didn't seem to beat out the excitement from him, though.
The dance was the talk of the school. Everyone was anxious about getting dates, about scraping together enough cash to buy a dress that made your chest show just enough for the boys and your butt look small (and, for the guys, finding a tux that met the approval of your date). Colorful posters went up, flyers were strategically dropped, and a fold-up desk went up in the cafeteria as tickets became on-sale.
I only knew all of this because, on the days when I grew bored of hanging around town, I came to visit the school. I even ran into Mrs. Hartley, the teacher I'd met on the first day of coming into the past, once or twice, which never failed to amuse me.
At last, the day arrived of the prom. Alice went berserk; shopping to make sure we had the best dresses. She never failed to amuse me; it was like Bella and I were her dolls, and she loved nothing more than dressing us up. Back home, I never complained- unlike Bella, who thought of fashion like one might think of a dead squirrel on the road, I enjoyed shopping and buying beautiful outfits. So when Bella apologized on behalf of her friend's crazy ways in the fancy stores as she rushed around, excitedly yanking dresses off the racks for us, I just smirked and assured her I was used to it, telling her, "Don't worry… I have an aunt who's just like her."
At last, with Alice satisfied and Bella and I carrying huge bags of beautiful dresses, we decided to get ready at Bella's place, where Elijah and Edward would come pick us up, and take us to the dance.. And after several hours preparing and a long time being nervous, it was done.
As soon as Bella came out of her room, I stared.
For being such a plain Mary Sue, my mother looked beautiful tonight. Her long brown hair was curled into perfect, glossy curls that bounced gently as she walked. Her skin looked fair, like a princess from an old kingdom, and her eyes sparkled like two little diamonds. And the dress was perfect, blue with soft, silky fabric and a few sparkles here and there.
When I was able to look away, I went over to the windowsill, to check on Elijah's flower. I had brought it along for good luck, and made sure it got a cool vase of water when arriving at Bella's.
"That's a beautiful flower," Bella murmured, looking away from the mirror to smile at it. I smiled back, and gently picked it from the vase, bringing it over to Bella.
"It's called a Blood Diamond. Elijah gave it to me," I added softly, handing it to her.
Bella took it, and closed her eyes as she smelled the flower. "It's like velvet," she breathed. "Such a beautiful smell. I'll never forget it."
I chuckled. "Thanks."
I returned the flower it its vase, then turned around. We were done getting ready.
As I stopped to look at Bella, she stopped to look at me, and we both stared.
"You look so pretty," she sighed, sounding envious.
I chuckled, and went over to touch her cheek. "You look even prettier, Mom," I said quietly.
Bella blinked. "What?"
I bit my lip, and laughed it off. "Just joking with you. Come on."
Alice caught us downstairs. She beamed, practically passing out from excitement when she saw us. "Ohmygosh! Look at them! They're absolutely perfect! I'm so amazing," she sighed, airing herself. I laughed, and we hugged her.
"The boys are almost here, and Charlie's outside waiting, with a gun I'm sure," Alice added with a smile.
I suddenly remembered something. "Hey, I'll be right back, okay?" I turned, and ran up the steps, to Bella's room, where I'd left the pocket watch. I'd need it tonight.
As I went towards the dresser, where the watch had been left, I saw myself in the mirror. It felt like ages since I'd really taken a chance to look at myself. The girl I saw in the mirror looked a little worried, but excited, too. Her hair was dark and the curls were long and glossy. The dress she wore, long and beautiful, was a dark blue, with ruffles and a slight sheen to it.
I bit my lip, and looked away, feeling happy for the first time in a long time. Tonight, I was going to be with Elijah, with my parents, with people I loved, in a place full of heat and music. I felt good, and I planned to not let anything hurt this night.
I was back downstairs in two leaps, and found Edward and Elijah at the door, with Charlie talking to Bella. All eyes turned to me, and Elijah stared at me, lost, as he looked.
"Hi, guys," I chuckled, clearing my throat as I slipped towards them. "Stop staring," I growled at Elijah out of the corner of my mouth, as Charlie and Edward turned their attention back to Bella.
"I can't stop," he answered. "You look... wow." He grinned.
"Shut up."
"You look stunning. My personal fallen angel, flown down to join me at this dance," he smiled.
"And this angel is
way out of your league," I said under my breath, grinning.
"Jerk."
"You guys look amazing," Charlie said loudly, turning away from his conversation with Bella (probably asking if she had any pepper-spray on her) and smiled at us. "Have a good time tonight, kids. And no funny stuff," he added, glaring at Edward.
"No funny stuff," Edward agreed, nodding, as he smiled adoringly at Bella, and opened the door for her. "Ladies first."
"They're so cute together," Elijah remarked.
I heard a humph from Charlie behind us, but I might have imagined it.
"Ladies first," I smiled, holding the door for Elijah after Edward and Bella were out. He made a face and walked out, me close behind. We walked down the stairs and over to Edward's sleek car. I beamed at it as I neared, stroking the hood.
"Hey there, sexy," I whispered to the car. As if in answer, its engine gunned proudly, and I laughed, looking to where Edward was in the front-seat.
We all got in, and the drive down was quick, as Edward will always be the fastest driver of the family. At last, we pulled to a stop, and the car gave a final purr before shutting off smoothly. Doors slammed, keys jingled, as we made our way towards Forks High School.
It grew loud very quickly as the four of us neared. There were so many cars, and lots of kids, all looking pretty tonight. Music already flashed through the doors. Laughter, talking, and shouts were coming from the doors, too.
"Let's go," Edward smiled.
"If you say so," Bella said sarcastically, but shot me a wink before they disappeared into the school doors. Elijah smiled at me.
"Come on, milady."
I smiled and took his arm, following in after Bella and Edward.
That was a fun chapter to write. See, at first there were only two chapters left D: but when I opened up the document- and it felt like AGES since I'd had a look at it- I added on a lot at the beginning. So I broke it into three parts. So, you all are lucky. But yes, there's only two chapters left in my story... albeit very ah-mazing chapters, but two all the same. Just a little warning. (:
And... ohmygosh! Almost 200 reviews? I love you guys! If this reaches that many, it'll be my most-reviewed story. And who doesn't love one of those?
Thank you so much, everybody, seriously. I legit love this story, and it's been fun to tell, and of course, even more fun to read your reactions. And thanks for being patient for updates... life has a funny habit of getting in the way of things...