Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight
22. The deadly trio.
Bpov:
I was sitting on a window sill watching snowflakes fall on the streets of Port Angeles. They drifted from the sky not caring where they landed, may it be in the gutter or on top of an expensive car. They didn't care if people came rushing by, trying to escape the cold causing them to swirl in a whole new direction. I listened to the swishing sounds the cars made as people drove by the little costume shop I was sitting in.
Alice and Rose dragged me in here to hunt for costumes to wear to the Christmas ball next Friday. Seeing that I was actually going to the ball I started to search for a normal looking costume. I was aiming for the biker chick outfit when Alice grabbed my arm spinning me around to face her. She declared that she and Rose would find me the perfect costume and that was final. Rose grabbed my shoulders and pushed me down on the window sill and then she and Alice disappeared.
Now here I am watching the snow fall and listening to the cars swish by on a Saturday. I was wondering just how long it could take to find a costume. I sighed and played with the infinity trinket absentmindedly as my mind began to wonder to Edward. I couldn't help but smile as I remembered the last month. We spent almost all our free time together, whether it is doing homework or just talking about anything that comes to mind. There are no more secrets between us. After the incident in Seattle and the screaming part, he came to us a changed person. He told us what happened to him in the shower and then he told me his entire history.
Tears rolled down my face as I listened to all the horrors he had to endure. I wished that I could take away some of the suffering he went trough. Sharing his past with me changed him. He didn't walk around as if he carried the world on his shoulders anymore. He seemed lighter and for the first time in a long time he didn't just exist, he was actually allowing himself to live. Sometimes I would catch a glimpse of pain flash across his face and I would just hold him knowing that no matter how much he deals with his past and no matter how much he talks about it, he would still hurt about it. It will always be apart of him.
We still made time for our friends and at least once a week we had a big sleepover at somebody's house. I still had family nights with my family and Edward with his. At school he still walked me to my classes, our fingers intertwined and everything was the same. Well accept for the fact that Jacob transferred to the high school on the reservation. I tried to call him a few times but he was busy or not home and after a while I just stopped calling.
During weekends Edward and I would just spend some time together at my or his house, happy to be together in each others company. I smiled as I remembered last Saturday. I was on the couch in the Cullen living room reading a book while Edward played on the piano when Alice paid us a surprise visit. She and Esme were quickly becoming good friends and she liked to pop up for a visit occasionally. She said that we were a boring married couple and then went to find Esme. Edward just rolled his eyes and started playing the piano again.
I jumped suddenly when there was a loud bang against the window. My heart was racing as I tried to see the cause for the noise. There was just somebody on crutches walking past the window. The rest of the street was deserted. The person's back was facing towards me and the only thing I could notice were the tips of dreads swaying lightly as he walked away. I frowned, was I starting to imagine things?
"Earth to Bella, hallo is anyone home?" Alice asked waving her hand in front of my face. I shook my head lightly, get a grip Bella.
"Sorry, did you finally find a costume for me?" I asked looking around trying to find the new torture device they wanted me to put on.
"Yes now come on, it's in the dressing room." Rose grabbed my arm towing me excitedly to the dress room.
"Great, is it so hideous you couldn't even show it to me before hand?" I asked as I followed Rose reluctantly. Not that I had much of a choice, with the grip she had on my arm I would probably loose my arm if I protested too much. Alice was almost skipping ahead.
"Its not that bad Bells, I think you might actually like it. I know Edward will." I just grunted in answer. I doubt there is anything in here that I would like. Ok maybe the biker chick outfit but I knew there was a snowballs chance in hell that they picked that particular one for me.
"Ok Bells go to your happy place and just put on the costume." Alice said as Rose pushed me into the small dressing room. I closed my eyes thinking of standing in Edward's arms. I took a big breath and then opened them slowly. There hanging in front of me was a dress. It was dark blue with white here and there. It looked as if it walked out of the pages of a Jane Austen book. My mouth fell open it was so beautiful, Alice slipped into the small cubical.
"What do think? We heard you call Edward Mr. Cullen and he called you Miss. Swan and it reminded us of Jane Austin's book Pride and Prejudice. Plus the dress doesn't have that many ruffles so we thought you might like it." I just stared at the dress.
I could picture me in the dress sitting on a swing as Edward pushed me. "I don't like it." I stated not taking my eyes of the dress.
"Love it?" Alice asked watching my every expression. I just nodded, she began to squeal. "I knew it. Rose she loves it!" She screamed bouncing up and down almost knocking me into the wall. "Come on Bella try it on." I undressed quickly and Alice helped me into the dress. It fitted perfectly of course and the blue stood out against my pale skin, Rose shoved some high heels in my hands when I walked out of the dressing room.
"You really are trying to kill me, aren't you?" I accused as she sighed and just indicated to me to put them on. After I managed to put them on and stand back up without falling on my face, I noticed I was almost as tall as Rosalie, who was almost as tall as Edward.
"You look amazing Bella." Rose said after I did a few twirls for them. I was just turning towards her when a glimpse of red outside the window caught my eye. I looked back but it was gone, I could have sworn I saw something.
"Ok Bella, go get changed and we'll pay for our costumes." I turned back to them forgetting all about what I saw. I did as I was asked and as I placed the dress back in the plastic covering. I could not wait for the ball next Friday.
We were placing our costumes in the back of Rose's BMW when I noticed the black jeep down the street. I shiver ran down my spine as I got into the car. The jeep pulled away and disappeared around the corner. I relaxed a little but could just not shake the feeling of uneasiness. I kept searching the traffic as we drove trough Port Angeles but didn't see the black jeep again. I relaxed as we were well on our way to Forks.
The chatter between the two girls in the front distracted me enough to forget all the crazy things that went through my head and soon I joined in the conversation. We stashed the costumes in Alice's closet as it was almost bigger than her room and because the boy's were at Rose's house with Jasper. We were heading there next after we stopped at the shop to pick up some takeaways for the boys.
The boys basically attacked us when we entered the living room. They paused their game and barely greeted us as they ransacked the bags, devouring everything in sight. Edward's whole face lit up when he saw me and he winked at me before joining the boys grabbing something to eat before there was nothing left. I walked over to the couch and was followed by the girls.
Alice sat down next to me while Rosalie un-paused the game and played on. Knowing Emmett would be occupied for awhile. Edward was done first and came to sit in front of me on the floor resting his head on my knee. I ran my hand through his hair watching as Rosalie conquered yet another stage. By now Emmett was done and stood in the middle of the living room glaring at Rose.
"Rosalie Hale! What do you think you're doing?" He asked and we all looked in Rose's direction watching her reaction. She just kept on playing when suddenly she was hit with a pillow.
"Oh this means war!" She chucked a pillow towards Emmett who ducked and it hit Jasper instead. He didn't miss a beat and threw one back towards Rose and it hit Edward. Pretty soon pillows were flying all over the place, we all laughed and screamed until we were out of breath and had to stop. I was on the floor next to Jasper. Edward was on the other side of Rose who was straitening her hair. Alice's hair was standing in all directions were she somehow managed to pin Emmett on the ground and was sitting on his stomach.
"You truly are a frightening little monster. Now get off me." Emmett bellowed from under her, she grinned at him before she got up and helped the rest of us clean the mess we made.
After everything was done we all opted to watch a movie and settled comfortably on the couches. Edward and I lay on our sides and his arm snaked around my waist as he propped himself on his elbow. Emmett started the movie, Bride Wars, and we all watched as two supposed best friends messed up each others perfect day.
"Did you have fun today?" Edward whispered in my ear.
"Yes it was better than I expected." I whispered back snuggling closer to him.
"Good, that makes missing you worthwhile." I smiled as he kissed my cheek.
"I missed you too." He smiled turning his full attention to the movie. "Edward?"
He didn't look down, "Hmm..." I bit my lower lip wondering if I should say anything about the black Jeep.
"Nothing, I'll tell you later."
Seeing that it was getting late we left awhile after the movie, Alice and I rode with Edward. They were in deep discussion about something about her car so he didn't see me stiffen in my seat as he turned onto our street. There, disappearing at the end of the street was a black jeep.
"Did you just see a car in the end of the street?" I asked looking at Edward.
"No, sorry I was looking at Alice. Why is something wrong?" Yes I think I'm going insane I wanted to say but I just shook my head.
"No I thought I recognized the car." Edward stopped in front of our house.
"Do you want to come inside?" I asked Edward as Alice got out of the car.
"Yes, Esme and Carlisle is not home yet in anyway." We got out and headed into the house.
"Edward honey, it's nice to see you. Did you have dinner yet? You're welcome to join us." My mother said before we even closed the door. She pulled Edward into a hug.
"Thank you Renee, hello Chief Swan." Edward said over her shoulder to my father who appeared in the doorway.
"Hello Edward. Renee why don't you let the boy breathe and I think something is burning in the kitchen." My mother left Edward and ran to the kitchen to save whatever it was that she's busy cooking.
"Edward, do you want to watch the game with me?" My father asked and I cursed silently wanting to spend some time alone with Edward. Edward looked at me smiling my crooked smile, his eyes pleading with me. How could you say no to that? I nodded and smiled back as I followed them to the living room. Alice was describing our shopping trip to mom in the kitchen so I opted to sit with the men. I joined Edward on the couch and lay with my head in his lap. My father could at least handle that much contact between us I thought as Edward began to come trough my hair with his fingers, gently massaging my head at the same time.
About twenty minutes later my mother called us to the table and we followed the delicious smells towards the dining room. She made Chicken Alfredo with rice and a mixture of vegetables. We ate in silence, whatever it was that burned was probably saved because the food was delicious. My father even had two helpings. Edward had to assure my mother four times that he had indeed had enough to eat because she kept on offering him more. Alice and I helped our mother clean up the dishes as the men went back to watch the game.
"Bella, would you take out the trash for me sweetie?" I sighed, why was I always the one taking out the trash? I asked myself as I walked out the back door to the back of our yard. I placed the bag inside the trash can and just placed the lid back on when I saw a movement near the woods.
I froze. "Isabella we're watching you." I turned around and ran towards my house. I knew that voice, even though I've only heard it once before. It was James's voice. I closed the door behind me and slumped to the ground hugging my knees. I thought back on all the crazy things that happened today. The bang on the window was made by Laurent. It must have been him on the crutches. The glimpse of red was Victoria. She must have come to see if I was still in the store. The black Jeep I saw was them and now James's voice.
I got up and opened the back door. Nothing but darkness stared back at me. I closed it again and walked to the front door. I opened it and scanned the streets for a black Jeep. Nothing, not even a stray cat walked in the street. Maybe you are going crazy Isabella Swan.
"Bella are you ok? You're as white as a ghost." Edward said behind me curling his arms around my waist. I relaxed into him enjoying the feel of his warmness behind me.
"I'm always as white as a ghost Edward." He chuckled and kissed me on the head.
"I have to go, what time are you picking me up tomorrow?" I smiled. Since its going to be sunny tomorrow, I was going to give Edward a motorcycle lesson. Two weeks ago I took him for a drive along the coast. He played it cool and only held onto the back seat. Once I opened the throttle he quickly grabbed me around the waist. He relaxed soon enough and actually enjoyed it. Now he wants me to teach him how to drive one himself.
"Around ten am, I want to drive to La Push and see if I can talk to Jacob." Even though I still thought he was childish I wanted to talk things out with him. Edward eyebrows pulled together slightly, I knew he didn't like the situation any more than I did. Mainly because it makes me unhappy and when I'm unhappy Edward tries to fix everything. It irritates him because he cannot do anything to fix this.
"Ok I'll see you tomorrow." he said and I smiled.
"Do me a favor and phone me when you get home." He looked at me cocking his eyebrow.
"Why? Do you think wolves are going to attack me?" I punched his arm playfully.
"No, just phone me ok." He nodded. He has never been able to say no to me. I reached up and kissed him. "Drive safely." He chuckled and walked to his car, waving he pulled away heading home. I turned around and headed inside locking the door behind me.
He phoned me after about fifteen minutes saying the wolves haven't gotten him yet. I slept uneasily that night, I kept dreaming about red hair and blonde men laughing menacingly and being chased by dreadlocks that suffocate you. I woke with a start around six am. I couldn't stand the restlessness anymore and decided to go for a jog.
I ran faster than usual hoping to get rid of some of my frustration, I was tiring and wasn't paying much attention to my surroundings. Yesterday's events kept turning in my head, why couldn't they leave Edward alone? Haven't they caused enough damage? I reached my favorite rock gasping for breath. I rested my hands on my knees.
"You're just imagining things Bella." I spoke to myself and froze when someone snickered behind me.
"You're not imagining things. Hello Isabella." I turned around as chills ran down my back. James stood there as blond and menacingly as I last remembered him. The only difference was the light beard he know had making him seem more devilish. "Thank you for making it so easy. I must say usually the hunter goes after the pray but since the pray came to the hunter… I don't look a gifted horse in the mouth."
I searched frantically for an opening to escape but my only escape route meant I had to go straight past him. "What did I ever do to you?" I asked hoping that if I keep him talking I would find a way out of this mess.
"You, my dearest Isabella did absolutely nothing. Edward on the other hand needs to pay for a certain misdemeanor." He touched his cheek where a fine long scar was masked by his beard.
"Now would you walk this way please Isabella." He indicated to his right. I couldn't go backwards unless I wanted to fall of the cliff. I could try and run for it once I stood next to him. I walked slowly towards him when Victoria appeared next to him.
"So fragile and weak, maybe I should make her a bit wilder since she is going to spend some time with us." Victoria sneered as I passed her.
"As long as you don't kill her, she's worth nothing to us dead." My head snapped up when he said those words.
"Edward should have broken your jaw you fucking bastard!"
I shouted at him when something hit the side of my head sending me into the dark arms of unconsciousness.
Jpov:
Laurent dropped his crutch. "Did you have to hit her so hard?" I asked annoyed that he spoiled my fun so quickly.
"She was irritating." He said as I sneered at him.
"Everything irritates you. Victoria, help me get her into the Jeep. Put away the knife Laurent you'll have your chance for fun later." I looked down at Isabella on the ground. She was laying on her side her face in the dirt, when she yelled at me she was exquisite. What would she be like in bed?
I trailed my hands down her sides and over her ass, squeezing it. My hands trailed down her thighs and finally stopped at her feet. I looked at Victoria.
"Would you come help me?" She sneered and grabbed Bella by the hair roughly.
"I thought you would like a moment alone." I laughed as we carried Bella to the Jeep.
"Jealous Babe, don't be. You know what they say about the forbidden fruit."
She laughed, "It tastes the sweetest."
I picked Bella up and shoved her into the back of the Jeep. "That it does."
A/n Ok so as you may have noticed this chapter is a little different than all the previous chapters. It was very spur of the moment but I think it worked out nicely. I don't know if I will use any of the trio's pov again although I must say I enjoyed writing from James's pov so maybe I'll use his again.
Thank you for all the reviews. They made my day brighter and my long nights writing shorter. Thanks for adding the story to your favorites and alerts lists. I would like to thank my great beta, Princess Briar Rose, for polishing this chapter to perfection and for all her support.
Thanks for reading.