A/N: Yes, I'm still alive! Sorry for the long wait. I've been busy-what with the preparation for our exams and what not. This isn't exactly my longest chapter, but I hope this could fulfill my chapter quota for you guys. Thank you for patiently waiting and not giving up on this story! I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I did writing it. :)

As usual, this story is still unbeta'd. (Btw, does anyone want to Beta this story? Please tell me if you have time. Thanks! :D) R&R! :))

Chapter Six: Visitors

The quietness on both parties was as silent as Bella and Edward's drive to the Cullens'. The only difference between the two scenarios was the thick tension palpable in the air.

Only the man wearing a white cape was at ease. "Oh, how rude of me!" He bowed low, removing his white magician's hat. "Mr. Mephisto Pheles; at your service." He shot them a lazy smile.

Bella repressed growl. "Mephisto; how nice to see you here." Sarcasm was evident in her voice even though her face was unreadable.

The man in question only smiled his famous Cheshire grin, playfully twirling his cotton candy pink umbrella, and ignored her quip. "It's nice to see you too, Bella, dear."

Though stiff on the outside, the thoughts of the vampires were chaotic.

"Who are these people?"

"How did they find this place?"

"Are they a threat?"

"Why can't I see them?"

"What are they doing here?"

"How does Bella know him?"

"How does he know Bella?"

Only then did Mephisto take notice of the rigid postures of the Cullens. "Now, now, Cullens. Is that how you treat your guests?" He shook his head in mock disappointment. "And here I thought you were the most hospitable vampires in this area."

As if on cue, all their eyes widened with shock. Their minds were all in unison: How does he know?

Recovering in a split second, Carlisle chuckled lightly. "Excuse me, sir?" Taking cue from their patriarch, the Cullens quickly adapted an amused expression. "I believe you are mistaken. We may enjoy our solitude but we are not vampires." He looked so entertained that everyone almost believed him.

The demon only looked at him with equal amusement. He pointed towards the patch of sunlight seeping through the trees of their backyard. "Step out into the sunlight and prove me wrong, then," he challenged.

Carlisle hesitated, his stress at the situation finally showing on his angelic face.

Mephisto smiled smugly. "I didn't think so."

The vampires resumed their rigid poses—Rosalie pointing a glare towards Bella.

Though she could feel someone searing holes into her head, Bella ignored the person, staring at their visitor. "Cut to the chase, Mephisto," she growled, mad at his intrusion and mad at his humiliating of the father figure she came to love. "What the fuck are you doing here?"

The Cullens were broken out of their stupor at the sound of Bella's profanity. Did the sweet, naïve girl they all know just curse?

"Relax, Bella," Mephisto drawled. "I'm only here to fetch you." He raised a purple eyebrow. "I am to believe that Shura already told you about this."

Bella closed her eyes in irritation, fighting the urge to face-palm. You would think that for the many years I've known Shura, I would've already known that "soon" meant "now."

"Her message was too vague. I didn't realize…" She shook her head at her stupidity. "I apologize."

"Who are you and where are you taking her?" Edward's angry voice startled her. The Cullens have been quiet for so long that she forgot that they were present.

"Edward," Bella warned, still looking at Mephisto.

Edward ignored her. "Who are you? Where are you taking her?" he said, emphasizing his words carefully.

Mephisto only cocked his head to the side, confused at his anger. He looked at the vampires individually; speculating...

Suddenly, as if a bulb was switched on in his head, his eyes widened in surprise before letting out a full-on belly laugh. "HA-HA-HA-HA!" He held onto his knees as he guffawed loudly, slapping his right knee periodically. "HA-HA-HA-HA!"

Bella narrowed her eyes at the demon, knowing the reason for his laughter. Damn it, Mephisto! Stop laughing!

The Cullens looked at the man as if he just lost his marbles, giving each other side-glances. On the other hand, the five people flanking Mephisto ignored the situation of their front-man and just stared at the Cullens with cold determination—as if this were a common occurrence.

When he finally finished laughing, he wiped a tear from his eye, giving Bella another trademark smile. "I haven't had a good laugh for a while now. I guess I have to thank you for that."

Bella gave him a tight smile, her fists clenched, fighting the urge to punch the demon in the face. "Glad I could amuse you."

Once again, he ignored his attitude and just released a deep breath. "Oh, well. I guess it couldn't be helped. We'll be back in two hours." He raised an eyebrow at her, his lips twitching in his effort to hold back another round of merriment. "I assume that will be enough time for your… explanation."

She only glowered at him.

He then turned around, waving a gloved hand at her general direction as the people in black coats followed him into the forest. "See you later, Bella."

In the distance, they all heard a car's engine as their guests drove away. Though they had already left, the tense silence still filled the air.

Internally, Bella was frantically hitting her forehead repeatedly. Shit. What am I going to do?

The moment she felt seven pairs of golden eyes staring at her figure, she let out a defeated sigh. Well, it's too late now, she thought despairingly. They already know of my lies.

She turned to face the music, her head bowed in shame. "Guys, I have something important to tell you and I beg you to listen to me." She looked at them imploringly. "Please."

End of Chapter Six.

A/N: Once again, please tell me what you think. :D