Thanks for the reviews and everything. I really love this "what if" moment and I'm glad you like it too. This one is in Alice's POV.
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I was sitting on the water's edge, watching the stream babble along the rocks. Jazz was a few hundred feet behind me finishing off a herd of elk. I closed my eyes and breathed it all in. Out here, it was so peaceful; it was almost easy to forget all the images that randomly flashed through my head. They were useful for my family, but sometimes I wish I could be without them. I hated being the one to bring bad news and danger into our lives. Jasper came down and sat next to me, taking my hand in his, perhaps feeling my momentary anguish. It seemed like hours we sat there together, for all I know it was only a few minutes. Time never meant anything when Jasper and I were together. The sun was starting to set and I knew Bella would be back soon with Renesmee. Eventually we got up and started to head back to the house.
Suddenly without warning my whole reality shifted. I felt Jasper's arms around me while I was thrust into my vision. We've been together, one person, for so long now he knew when I was having a vision, even without his ability. He held me and I could feel him keeping me calm so I could focus on what I was seeing. My visions happen all at once. I can see everything at the same time, and they all weave together to make futures that are coming. Mike was telling Jessica that he saw Bella. When this happened it was almost like Edwards gift. I could see everything Mike was thinking and replaying in his head. I saw Jessica Stanley, on the phone, surrounded by Mike Newton, Angela and Ben. I saw Charlie at the same time, telling them Bella was still sick. I could feel Charlie's nerves as he lied to them, and Jessica's suspicions as she went over plans in her head. Some of them were ridiculous and didn't merit a second thought, but others seriously worried me. All of their plans wove in and around each other making the future flicker back and forth through tons of different options. Whatever they decide, the outcome wasn't good. Being exposed, even if accidently was an issue now, and issue that we couldn't avoid by running away. My family has had to disappear countless times, but things were different now.
"Alice…what did you see? …What's wrong?" Jasper's voice brought me back to reality. I focused my eyes on his face and felt another wave of calm wash over me. I relax my muscles and leaned into his chest. I explained what I saw, and felt his body tense up. He pulled away and we ran back to the house as fast as we could. I could see the calculation on his face, and I knew he was thinking of places to hide, to keep me safe.
We burst through the back door; Renesmee was asleep on the couch and Edward and Bella we standing together in the middle of the room. Rose and Emmett were coming in from the garage. Edward looked up as we came in.
"Ah, Alice…We have some unavoidable news. It seems that Mike New-" He began, but I could tell he didn't think it was a problem.
"Mike Newton saw Bella and Renesmee leaving Charlie's, I know…but we have a little bit more on our plate than you thought." Rose and Emmett had joined us by now, and I looked around as I spoke, letting my gaze rest on my sleeping niece. "I didn't see it actually happen…I wasn't paying attention, but the second he decided to involve Jessica, Angela, and Ben, it showed up. They called Charlie to ask how you were, and he told them you were still in Atlanta. They know something is wrong. I don't know exactly what they're going to try and do, they're still arguing about it. But one thing is for sure…" I paused here to knowing Edward was trying to see exactly what happened in my head. For his benefit I thought of all the futures I saw. This is serious Edward. I looked him in the eyes and knew he understood. I continued out loud. "…They know something is wrong, and they're going to try and come to investigate. It looks like our trip to Brazil is on hold for awhile…Bella is going to have to go out in public. I sure hope Carlisle has a good story to go with this…"
Silence followed as what I said sunk in. Rose was the first to move, she went into the kitchen and I could hear her dialing Carlisle's number at the hospital. Emmett followed suit and pulled a sliver cell phone from his pocket. He dialed Esme's number as he walked out the back door. Bella had moved to the couch and was watching Renesmee sleep with a haunted look in her eyes. I knew that look. I walked over to her and put my hand on her shoulder.
"Bella, this isn't your fault. How could you have known that Mike would be driving by your dad's house? None of us thought to be more careful about you being seen. Please don't do this to yourself." Edward had joined us and had pulled her into a hug. He stroked her hair and looked at me, searching for answers.
I'm sorry, but I don't know Edward. I'm not sure of what to do. We knew Bella would have to go out in public at some point, but we didn't factor in Renesmee… or unwanted visitors looking for a story. I ran through one of the futures I saw; Jessica leading a short squirrely looking reporter with a camera through the underbrush towards our house. Smug satisfaction on her face, as the reporter searched hungrily for a good shot. He nodded slightly and his eyes flickered to the door. We could try and run, but I wouldn't suggest it. She'll turn her vendetta against Bella into a modern day witch hunt. I don't want his to get out of hand. We've always know Jessica didn't like Bella, but I had no idea she was capable of any of this.
He nodded again and turned to Rose who had just come from the kitchen. "Carlisle's leaving work now, he'll be here soon." She moved to sit on the other end of the couch and stared out the back window, looking for Emmett.
"Edward, take Renesmee upstairs, she can sleep in my room for now. Bella, Charlie is going to call soon." I picked up the phone and tossed it to her. 5 seconds later it buzzed in her hand. She rolled her eyes at me and answered. Edward had scooped Nessie in his arms and was taking her upstairs, his head slightly turned so he could better listen to Bella and Charlie.
"Honey, Jessica just called, she wanted to know if you were alright. I know she must have talked to Mike, but you said to stick with the story… What's going to happen, are you guys leaving?" The tone of his voice made me feel horrible. Charlie didn't want his family taken away from him.
"Dad, it's ok. I don't think we're leaving, not if we can help it. I guess it's going to have to be public knowledge I'm back…that's all." She tried to soothe him even though she didn't believe it herself. We all looked towards the door as we heard Carlisle's car coming down the road. "I have to go now, but don't worry. I'll keep you posted…I love you dad." Bella set down the phone and slumped onto the couch. Edward was walking down the stairs as Carlisle, followed by Esme, came through the door.
"Carlisle…" Edward hurried forward, but Carlisle held up his hand to silence him.
"Rose told me what happened. I think the only course of action is to bring Bella into the public eye. Give them exactly what they want, without any chance of exposure... Bella, are you ready for this?" He looked over at her on the couch, his question piercing the silence. We all looked at Bella, our secret in her hands.