Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer is the queen of the Twilight universe – she owns it.
Chapter 2: Permission
Bella's POV
The sun was just illuminating the cool morning sky when we got dressed. I laughed as I carefully picked out the least conspicuous pieces of clothing and sniffed it, memorizing their scents. Though we didn't sleep, I enjoyed my peaceful nights with Edward. It helped to ease some of the newborn turmoil within me. Although I'd been changed over six months ago, I still enjoyed that excuse.
Edward's calm voice interrupted my musings. "Ready now?" he asked in his beautiful velvet voice. I was lost again in the beauty of it.
"Not quite." I smiled at him. I sighed and picked up my obnoxious, repulsive contacts—Alice had made me hold onto them, in case of an unexpected human visitor—upon making sure that my newborn strength would not ruin them. I did not know if Charlie would come today. I had seen him yesterday, and I did not want to test my control again today. I was not in the mood.
It was still barely light when we ran to the main house together. Dressing at vampire speed had not taken long. I hoped Ness wouldn't awaken and find me gone; we'd left early to discuss a few things with Alice about our schedule today at her request. I grimaced at the thought of being a personal Barbie for her again. Edward kissed my forehead soothingly, guessing what was on my mind. I squeezed his hand in return.
Alice. The name made me wonder if she had found my books and told Edward with her mind yesterday. She would face my anger today when I confirmed my theory. Maybe I should have asked Edward.
He felt the tension in me as soon as I realized he could. "Bella," his voice light and gentle as a feather, "are you upset?" he questioned. His tone was anxious.
"No…" I replied. "Just thinking. What exactly did Alice tell you yesterday?"
I saw the guilty look flash across his eyes, too quick for human eyes to detect, before he tried to hide it, but I could tell he'd realized it was too late to do so; I'd already seen it.
Before I could be too suspicious, he replied hastily, "She had a surprise for you. It was a secret," his voice was calm, collected, and smooth. Too smooth. I was sure he was lying. My expression twisted into one of distrust but decided to let it go. If Alice wanted me to know, she'd most certainly tell me herself.
As soon as I decided to ask Alice, she flew down the stairs. "Hi, Bella," she chirped. "And no, I won't tell you."
I sighed, staring at her in disbelief. With a flash of horror, I remembered the feeling of suspicion with perfect clarity. My vampire mind never forgot. What if Alice knew of my books? I frowned anxiously.
"It's okay, love," Edward whispered soothingly in my ear. He tightened his arm around my waist, pulling me closer in comfort. Although he couldn't read my thoughts right now, he knew me well enough.
He stared at Alice blankly. "You've got to tell her. You shouldn't keep secrets from her this way." His tone was irritated, but still the voice of an angel.
"No, it's okay," I replied. "If she won't tell, are you going to force it from her?" I did not want my …husband – I smiled at the thought – to get in a fight with my favorite sister. I flinched at the thought.
Alice's face was blank for a moment. "Um, Bella," she hesitated. Her tone was wary in contrast to her usual hyperactive, pixie-like personality. "I took your books yesterday." She seemed regretful, and watched me with her eyes in the present and future to make sure I wouldn't lose control. I had never seen a vampire seem so vulnerable; it seemed out of place in Alice's expression.
"I'm sorry if this upsets you. Though I'm pretty sure you won't." Alice smiled at me. Alice and her visions… I scowled.
I thought about that for a bit, but my vampire mind was rather quick. Alice must have taken my books for a good reason, and Edward had always wanted to know my thoughts. Out of the corner of my eye, I sensed Jasper walk over and hug Alice. I didn't really want to upset them—after all, they were my family.
I sighed, and not a sixteenth of a second had passed before my anger at her actions subsided into slight annoyance. Jasper, noticing the changed in my mood, looked at me questioningly. "Bella?" he asked.
Edward squeezed me sympathetically, knowing that I did not like to be the center of attention.
I took a deep breath to calm myself, even though my body did not need it. I stared at Alice's feet, and with a tone that rang with finality, I replied flatly, "Fine. Read it to the family, aloud, or however you want. But if you, Emmett, or anyone else makes a joke out of it, I will rip your miserable throat out. And I will make sure no one stops me," I growled quietly.
"Okay, okay," Alice blurted impatiently. Then her eyes lit up. "Oh! Jacob and Nessie should hear this too!"
I glared at Alice. "You can be so annoying. But only if they really want to." I didn't want them to be forced as much as I didn't want them embarrassing me, but if they really wanted to know about my human life, I would allow them.
Alice smiled, practically bouncing. "Thanks, Bella. Want to go shopping now?" She could not be serious!
Edward shot her a look, but I laughed. "I think my wardrobe is good enough today, thank you," and then I added to Edward, "Renesmee? She'll be waking soon," I reminded him.
He took my hand. "Let's go, he said, leading me forward. "See you later, Alice, Jazz," he murmured.
"Bye," I added. "I'll be back with Nessie soon."
Alice's face was blank for a moment before she frowned slightly. "Great," she said sarcastically. "I hate being blind," and then, "Bye."
Edward's POV
"That was very calm of you over there, love," I praised Bella. We strolled toward the cottage at a human's pace. "I thought you'd snap." My Bella was still beautiful when she was angry, but she was also dangerous. An angel monster, I thought.
"Really? I didn't want to go crazy again. Once I realized what Alice was implying, I was okay with it." Oh, my Bella. So selfless. "Besides," she continued, "I'd thought you always wanted to know my thoughts in my human days?" Her eyes sparkled, inviting, happy. So beautiful, and she was mine. I leaned in and kissed her forehead gently.
Suddenly, I didwant to know her thoughts. I wanted to know everything about her, and I would never get enough of her. "Please? Allow me to know everything?" I tried to dazzle her.
"Edward," she sighed and her breath blew into my face, capturing me. Her eyes melted, and I was lost in their amber depths. "Didn't you hear what I told Alice?" She smiled at me. "I said everyone could, and all at the same time, too. An," she paused, annoyance marring her expression, though still lovely, "please, please try to restrain Emmett. I don't want him embarrassing me," she pleaded.
Emmett. He could be so annoying when he wanted to. "Emmett…" I growled. "If he makes a single joke, he'll be gone, love. By me." He deserved it.
"Be nice, Edward," Bella muttered under her breath. She was so selfless. Even hating Emmett's obnoxious jokes, she wanted me to be nice.
"Bella…" I sighed, but she shook her head and put a finger to my lips. "You don't have to do that." I kissed her finger, and smiled at her.
"It's okay, Edward." She smiled back. "Let's get going. Nessie will be up soon and Jake would want to see her," she reminded me again.
Right. Our daughter. It was way past dawn now, and she liked getting up early.
Alice's POV
I knew where Edward and Bella were, and I didn't see them coming back too soon for my liking. Good. I needed a little time to prepare, and I hoped the dog wouldn't ruin my schedule for the day again, though I knew my hoping was useless. As much as he did for Ness, he rendered my ability useless, much to my annoyance. I sighed. I was already blind whenever I'd tried to see Nessie.
Jasper's gift started me on my preparations. Sending waves of calm toward me, he reminded me, "You need to get those books. Bella, Edward, and Ness will be here soon."
"Yeah, I know, Jazz. Thanks. You don't have to worry about me." I took his hand. "Want to help me?"
My eyes zoned out for a millisecond, and then I knew he'd accept. "Let's go," I suggested. He nodded.
We flew up the stairs at vampire speed. I retrieved the books from where I'd stashed them yesterday. I set them down in the living room. Jasper followed me.
"Jazz, I need you to move the furniture into a circle. Please do try to be careful; Esme adores them, though I'll try to stop you before you break anything." I smiled at him. "I'm counting on you."
He kissed my lips sweetly. "Anything for you." The creaking noises told that he was working.
I ran into the forest looking for flowers. After picking up a few wildflowers, I strolled into the streets and walked in to buy a vase. After making sure no humans were looking, I raced home.
Jasper had set couches and chairs in a circle. He was fast… but we were all fast. He grinned as he felt my satisfaction radiating out of me. I set the flowers in the vase, filled it with water, and placed the vase on the glass table in the center. It wasn't necessary, but it would make Bella more at ease, and it was fitting.
"Carlisle, Esme, Rose, and Emmett will be home soon," I murmured absently. They'd been on an extended hunting trip, preferring to relax a bit on the mountains. Only my curiosity at Bella's refusal to go had kept me here.
"You want me to warn them not to tell Bella about the preparations?" he asked.
"Thanks so much, Jasper. Love you. Actually, they shouldn't tell Edward either. He'll think we're overdoing it all." I laughed.
"Yeah. Love you, Alice."
"Come back before Edward and Bella!" I yelled out the back door.
I closed my eyes. They would probably be back with Renesmee in half an hour. If I worked at vampire speed, I could easily finish before that time was up.
"Come in, Bella, Edward, Nessie." I ran up and hugged them quickly.
"Hey, Alice." Bella smiled, but her eyes narrowed when she saw the arrangements. Of course she'd think they didn't need to be made. "This is so unnecessary, Alice," she sighed.
Edward's eyes flickered to me for a second. "Sorry, love," he apologized, stroking her face. "I couldn't keep her down. She hid her thoughts too well." He shot a mock-glare at me. I grinned back.
Out of habit, I gestured to the circle of furniture. "At least sit down. Jacob—" I grimaced, "—will be here soon. So will the rest of our family."
Jasper nodded, sending calming waves of calm toward Bella and leading them toward their seats, out of habit and courtesy. Vampires didn't need to sit, but Jacob and Nessie would like to, when they came. It looked comfortable.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and with it came the smell of wolf. I frowned. The house was going to smell utterly terrible, and I would not be able to see. But this was all for Bella, not for me. I would have to put up with it.
I sighed and watched Carlisle open the door. He had returned a while after I'd finished, before Bella and Edward had arrived. Esme had arrived with him. "Welcome, Jacob," he offered in greeting. "Sit down. Alice has a surprise for all of us." Remembering what Bella wanted, he added, "but you can leave if you don't want to hear this."
Jacob sauntered into the room and shut the door behind him. "What surprise?" he asked, taking a seat. He raised his eyebrows.
I spoke up. "Sit down, and Bella or Edward can tell you. I'm leaving so I can see. I need to know when Emmet and Rose will be back." Jasper had failed to find them, but knowing that they were with Carlisle, he had not bothered to continue searching.
"They're on their way. They stopped to be alone for a while," Esme interjected.
"Thanks, Mom. I'll find them and bring them back." I flew out the back door, searching for them with my visions without breaking my stride. They weren't far—only about fifty miles—and my vampire speed could reach them quickly. I raced to intercept them.
Another vision flashed of Bella, outside, before she went black. She had decided what to tell Jacob, I assumed. I could not see Edward; I guessed he'd been with Jacob in the vision. I knew they would be fine.
"Em, Rose," I acknowledged my brother and sister.
They halted, concern written on their faces. "What's up?" Emmett demanded.
I frowned in distaste when I saw their designer clothing. They were dirty and had been a little ruined running through the forest. I sighed, remembering that Bella was not the only one who would do that. Rosalie usually kept them in good shape, but Emmett often destroyed them while fighting bears.
I looked up and gave them a calm smile. "It's nothing. Actually, Bella's human life has been revealed," I explained, starting to chuckle at the memory. "I know, I know. You're surprised, and you want to know about her human life."
"How did you—" but I cut her off impatiently, knowing her question.
"I found these books about her human life, and Bella has allowed us to read them aloud."
Emmett squealed and jumped up like a kid on Christmas. I scowled at him, remembering what Bella had said. "Yay!" he smiled. "I want to know!"
"Emmett, please keep it down. We're almost to the house now, and Bella will hear. She also mentioned that she has the right to kick you out if you make any jokes about her." And Edward will help her, I added mentally.
"Aww!" he whined, but from his tone I surmised that he would try to respect Bella's wishes.
"Emmett, you're acting like a baby. Man up," Rose joked with him playfully. She smacked his arm.
Although Emmett didn't even flinch and he just laughed instead, he stopped embarrassing himself.
I resisted the urge to elbow him in the ribs, leading them into the house and into the living room instead. They followed silently.
I made a face at Emmett. "Sit!" I ordered, pointing to the sofa. I crossed my arms over my chest in a demanding way. "And stay there for the duration of the reading… unless Bella or Edward asks you otherwise. I can't be sure; right now they don't have any plans on kicking you out. But that could change, so be careful."
"He can stay, Alice. Don't worry." Bella smiled at me, already in her place.
"Emmett!" Esme admonished. "Have you made so many people embarrassed, that none can ever trust you anymore?" Her eyes narrowed accusingly.
Emmett lowered his head slightly in shame as Nessie let out a giggle at the sight of her uncle being reprimanded. Bella patted her head tenderly.
Jacob eyed me anxiously. "If we're going to start, let's. I haven't got all day; I have to attend to my pack."
I handed Edward the thick book and sat down between him and Jasper. His arms encircled my body and I leaned into him, comfortable. Edward smirked at me.
Bella took an unnecessarily deep breath. "Begin, Edward," she encouraged.
Carlisle, Esme, Jasper, Nessie, Bella, and I collectively grinned at him in support. Jacob, Rose, and Emmett watched Edward with looks of irritation and impatience.
Edward squared his shoulders. "Preface," he read.
"Really? Preface? That's all?" Jacob interjected. "So what's the punch line of this… this gathering you put today?"
"Lighten up, Jacob. We're all serious here, so wait for Edward to continue," Esme chided.
Emmett laughed heartily, earning a poke in the ribs from Rosalie. "Ouch," he whimpered.
Edward raised his eyebrows. "You can just sit all day and mess around, or whatever you're doing. That's fine. I'm perfectly happy to read this with just Bella and Nessie. Without any of you," he reminded us, entwining his hand with Bella's.
Rosalie sighed and glanced at him apologetically.
"Preface," Edward began again. The family smiled at him.
A/N: Thank you to those who reviewed. Sorry it took so long to get a chapter up – School has thrown off my sleep schedule. Plus I'm lazy.
A shout out to my friends in real life Greentigerr and Atalanta123 – they hate Twilight, but if you are a Transformers fan, read their stories. Also to wonderstruckx – one of my best friends ever. Love you, girl.
I have a question for you reviewers – which POV do you like best? Which one should I write more of? If I made any mistakes or if you have any questions, feel free to ask or let me know. I promise to reply to your reviews.
And finally, if you ask me to do so in your review, I'd love to review your story in return. Just make sure you mention which story if you have a preference.
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~Kiki