A/N: dear guest. I'm sorry that I can't answer you privately but as you didn't sign in, well that's not really my fault. I'm trying to understand exactly why you wrote your review, which I deleted because frankly you brought up a number of things that didn't even pertain to my story. Which is also why I'm only addressing one thing you said in your review. I know about the difference between fraternal and identical twins. Not everyone does, but he was just pointing it out to Bella. It wasn't meant to make it seem like they didn't already know that boy/girl twins can't be identical.
As for the rest, this is fiction. I'm not trying to fill any plot holes from canon or whatever else. I don't feel that deeply about these things. I simply like the story and enjoy writing my own versions of it. If they defy belief, well that's often times the point of fiction. But like i said, the only thing in your review that was even close to relevant to my story was what you pointed out about twins in what seemed to me your attempt to school me in something I already know. But thanks for reviewing I guess.
We're jumping ahead to Saturday and the 'funeral' and then we'll jump ahead a little more. For those who are like me and like to know a specific timeline, here are the dates for the events this chapter. Sorry for the long note. Rose and Em's wedding is set for Saturday October 15th so they go shopping on the tenth of October. Stag parties on the twelfth.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Alice
As the family sits in the front pew of the church, the urns containing the fake ashes that are supposed to be Jasper and Bella on a pedestal with their pictures next to them, I look around. It's a decent turn out. In the months Bella has been here she has gained a lot of people who care for her. Which wasn't a difficult thing to do, since she's so full of love and hope and understanding. She doesn't make anyone ever feel bad about themselves. She's just a sweet person all around and I'm so glad I get to be friends with her.
Jasper and Bella remained at the house of course. Along with Felix. None of them can be seen. Jasper and Bella because they're now dead and Felix because no one knows him here and we didn't want to have to explain his presence. The brothers are wanting us to move to Volterra, but Jasper put his foot down. Not until after Rosalie Em's wedding and he wants the babies to be a little older so we agreed to come in a couple months. We have all of October, since this is only the first then of course November, then most of December. Carlisle calculates that they should look about seven by then. It'll be around the end of December though, before Christmas- as for whatever reason the brothers want the family to spend the holiday in Volterra.
That is if something doesn't happen that causes the plans to change and we have to leave earlier. I think Jasper is afraid of what might happen. Even though my family hasn't given them any reason to fear, there is still that stigma from the beginning of the Volturi. They're just going to have to see for themselves how much the brothers have changed. It started the day Aro decided to kill his sister just to keep her and Marcus from leaving.
He actually admitted his plan to them and they agreed that instead of leaving completely they would reserve the right to leave on a vacation every so often as long as he changed things in the way he operated and let the wives have a say so in the daily running of the coven. He agreed wholeheartedly, too ashamed of himself for even thinking of killing the sister he loves so much.
I'm still trying to figure out why Jasper means so much. I was only sent out to watch over Bella because of what I saw she meant to him, of course when I saw her gift they became interested in her too, but it was still mostly due to Jasper. They refuse to tell anyone though. Only they and their wives know and I think it's to protect Jasper, the way they keep me a secret from outside sources to keep me protected. I'm brought back to the present by the pastor's voice as he commences to speak about Bella and Jasper and lament the passing of such young lives.
As he drones on I space out and into a vision. Edward has decided to come and see the truth about Bella and Jasper. If they're really dead or if it's truly what we put out to cover up Bella's transformation. Excellent! Problem is the rest is a blank which means the pack or the babies is still involved. Peter looks at me questioningly as I come out of the vision but I just shake my head at him. "Later", I mouth and he gives me a quick, brisk nod.
The service ends and we take the urns and head home, giving everyone the impression we're planning to spread them out on the meadow Jasper loves so much, little do they know we'll just throw them away. No need to keep firewood ashes after all.
Bella
We're all being dragged to Seattle to go shopping for Rose's dress and our bridesmaid dresses for her wedding in five days. I'm a little apprehensive because we not only could run into someone from town, though we planned it on a Monday just to reduce that possibility, but Edward may show up. Alice warned us he was coming to the house and he did, but she couldn't see anything else. I'm thinking it's because the babies are involved, which means today could be a good day for it since we'll be away from the house and the twins are with us because Rose wants them in the wedding.
They've grown so fast in nearly three weeks. They look nearly nine months and are eating baby food now along with blood. Pretty soon they'll probably be walking, they're already crawling and have attempted to stand using the furniture. They're growing too fast for me. I need answers, I need to know how fast they'll grow, I need to know I won't lose them because they age and age and age until they die. I need to know if they'll stop, if they'll be immortal and I want to kill Edward myself and this enemy for taking away my ability to learn these things because I have to worry about them. I take in a deep breath, despite not needing it, like Jasper taught me to calm myself.
I skipped the newborn phase for the most part, though we've noticed I get angry easily. We figure it's because I knew what was coming. I knew there was always the possibility that I wouldn't make it out of the pregnancy without becoming a vampire. Even if I had, I would still be turning eventually. I didn't go into this blind at all. Like the others did. Taking deep breaths and closing my eyes are my calming mechanisms. I need to focus on what we're doing, shopping. I'm in Seattle. I'm supposed to be having a good time. We're not worried about Edward because we're prepared despite Alice not seeing if he'll follow us today.
I calm the anger and follow the girls out of the cars, with so many of us plus car seats we brought two. The guys decided to let us have this as a girl's day- not counting Micah- and they'll be coming here tomorrow to get their suits. Then on the twelfth they're going on a little road trip, but Rose and Em don't know that's what's happening yet. Em is being taken to Banff National Park, close to Mount Willingdon, to go on a hunt specifically for his favorite, grizzly. While we're going to throw Rose a party, nothing too risqué since the babies will be there- though once they're asleep all bets are off.
The guys are going to be on their hunt until the fourteenth around midday, and then they'll come home and we'll have the wedding the next afternoon. I'm just glad that I get to be in it. This whole control thing has a lot of perks. Being a vampire and not sleeping has perks too, ones that I'm sure Jasper appreciates immensely. As do I. Nap and bedtime for the twins is alone time for Jasper and I. We can't get enough of each other.
As for our wedding, we've decided to still wait until the day we discussed- when we first met. I just hope all this mess is over before then. We want to have it in the meadow. We still have yet to discuss any move we may have to make, well a permanent one anyway. We decided to stay. No one comes to the house from Forks anyway and of course we don't go into town anymore. The main reason for this decision is that Jake is still only fifteen, won't be sixteen until next January, so he won't graduate until next year and it's not fair to make him have to leave his family just because of the situation with Jasper and I.
Had this whole thing with the babies not happened the Cullens would have stayed at least two more years to begin with. They usually stay in one place at least six years. So we're staying until he graduates. He will spend this time divided between us and his father and sister. She will stay on the reservation after we leave. She'll take care of Billy and of course with being Paul's imprint she wouldn't have wanted to leave anyway. So we have a while to decide where we'll wish to go. If it will be the whole family or just Jasper, myself, the twins and Jake for a while. We have time. So I focus on the task at hand. Shopping.
As we walk into the first dress shop I feel the weirdest sensation that we're being watched. It's the same feeling I had for a couple days at the house. We figured it was Edward then, so it must be him now too. Well let him come. We've worked on seeing what my shield can do and it's powerful. Just as we were told. Not physical, but I can cover others and protect them from mental gifts- like Carlie and Jasper's. Alice saw when he would show, because we decided that the twins and Felix shouldnt be there. Jake either. They went to the Res during the hour or two he stayed to watch. He would have heard their hearts otherwise and wonder at them. We can't keep it from him forever, but we wanted to sort of control when he saw them.
Edward
I couldn't fucking believe it! How dare they thwart me again! Bella was meant to be mine and now she is lost to me forever, I'd never get to taste her now. I want to kill someone, perhaps I can get that little bitch Alice alone. Then how would they feel? Or better yet, Charlotte. It would devastate both that idiot Peter and Jasper. I had to see for myself though, so I watched the house a couple days- keeping far enough away not to be spotted or let my emotions be felt.
I never saw Bella, I couldn't smell her blood either, just a scent of different floral notes and a hint of Italian coffee under it, which isn't something I've smelt before. So I assume it's Bella's scent if I wasn't so focused on her blood. I couldn't hear Bella's thoughts but then I never could so that's nothing new, I could only hear the family's and the others thoughts though. They were full of Bella the vampire, and Rose and Emmett's wedding. I don't know why they have to have one everytime we move. It's irritating. I'm glad I won't have to be there.
I also overheard them talking about going to Seattle shopping and I decided that's when I would strike, since it would be just the girls going and thead be away from the house. Easier to gain access to one of them if they go off alone. I'm going to kill someone in revenge for stealing Bella from me, I don't care who. Anyone will do. Her being a vampire means just the same to me as if she were dead. She's gone to me now. I don't want her anymore because there's no blood to call me to her.
But as I follow them at a distance, I see something completely unexpected. Bella is among the girls. She's certainly a vampire now, the pale skin and lack of blood scent a clear indication. Her eyes may be brown, but it's not the same as when she was human. But what's more interesting is the child she's carrying, another one in the arms of my former sister. They both look like a mix between Jasper and Bella. But how? Could it be that vampires can produce children with human females?
And then who can I divulge this information to? The brothers may not care because they aren't immortal children, I can see the rosiness of their cheeks, hear their hearts and smell the blood- the blood I could care less about. I could lie to them of course, tell them they are immortal children but there are two problems with that. One, if Aro touched me he'd see that I lied and I would have signed my own death warrant. Two, if Aro didn't touch me but just took my word for it, they might wish to keep me in Volterra while they validate my claims and I don't wish to remain there.
Plus there's the fact that I would still have lied and my life would still be forfeit when they discovered that and that I had sent them on a wild goose chase. They do hate their time being wasted. So then who? Who would help me get my vengeance? I won't attack the girls now, I won't risk hurting the children who might make an interesting experiment if I can get my hands on them. Carlisle isn't the only scientific mind in the family. If I can prove that they were born from Bella and created by Jasper, I can just imagine the possibilities this information might afford me.
I need to see if the rumors I've been hearing are true. If there's a new enemy in the game, one looking for gifts to help take down the brothers. I just happened to hear of it in Montana, where I overheard two nomads whispering of it in the shadows of an alley where I had stalked my prey. I didn't recognize the men, so they're either new vampires or someone I had never met. The whispers of dissent have reached many places, but not many people- or so it sounded. Someone has been approaching certain vampires, ones known for their dislike of the brothers and they've been approaching anyone they feel comfortable with speaking to about it all. Can't have word getting back to the brothers after all.
I will leave these bastards alone for now. I leave Seattle and the bitches behind and run north. As I do so I make a decision. I know at least one person who will help me. Tanya. Maybe I can convince her that the family who abandoned me have created immortal children. She'll certainly help me then. She'll be calling for their deaths just as adamantly as me.
Alice
As I see the vision, pausing in the middle of the sidewalk and causing the others to stop in concern, I smile. I didn't see who the rumors were about and if there are any they haven't reached us, so they must be getting only to those who might be interested in joining this new enemy. But his going to Tanya and persuading her to join him is a good thing really. If she thinks we have created immortal children she'll be outraged and will probably suggest they find this new enemy and join them, siting the lack of the Volturi taking action. At least that's what I would do. I can't see the rest of their decisions because they have yet to make them.
I will be watching closely now. Any day he should lead us to the enemy and once we know who it is we can make plans with the brothers accordingly. For now though Edward is gone and we need to get our dresses. Refocusing I see all their eyes on me and smile reassuringly.
"Vision," I say and begin to walk towards the door of the shop. They shake their heads and laugh at me and follow along behind. I don't want to spoil this time for Rose and Em. What I saw isn't too important anyway. Edward still has to convince Tanya of the truth. Well, his truth that is and she's probably still angry he left her behind. She also won't just take his word for it, she'll want to see the truth for herself.
I doubt I'll see that decision as it directly involves the twins, so we will need to be on guard for her presence. Edward's decision is based off what he's seen, but isn't truly about the twins- but his revenge. Tanya will be coming to see the twins. To see if Edward told her the truth. It's weird the way it works, you'd think I wouldn't see any visions if the twins are involved in any way at all. I'm still learning the limits of my gift even after all these decades.
I'm not sure if the pack will be in my visions yet though, I haven't had any visions where they're involved. Maybe I can look into the far future or something and see if I can see what we'll be doing later. If Jake will be with Jasper and Bella when they, or we, move or whatever I may be able to see him. Otherwise I'll just have to wait. Sometimes I can force visions, but mostly I cant. Oh well, none of it is important right this moment.
We walk in the shop and are immediately greeted by the sales clerks. After indicating who the bride is they take control of Rose and lead her to the changing rooms where they'll have her try on a series of dresses. Then it will be our turn. She tries on several dresses, all of which get vetoed by one or all of us until she comes out in this skin tight lace and satin long sleeve mermaid gown that is backless and has a deep V-neck. The train is moderate, not too long or short. It's exquisite and we all love it, including her.
Next she lets them know her color scheme and we're all soon trying on plum dresses until she oks gown wirh a sleeveless lining and cap sleeves made out of chiffon. The skirt is floor length and pleated and there's a fabric belt situated just inter the bust. It's a deep plum color and we all love it. Next is Carlie, Micah's suit will be gotten elsewhere. We find the cutest little sleeveless tutu dress in another shade of plum and she looks adorable. They aren't walking yet, probably won't be until at least a month and a half old or so, they're growing just that fast, so they'll both be carried down the aisle by Bella and Jasper.
After our measurements are taken to ensure the dresses fit perfectly we make our way to a suit shop and find a cute little gray suit with a plum bow tie for Micah and then we head home, the guys greeting us. While Esme and Carlisle take the twins the rest of us head off to have some alone time with our mates. By the time we get back, Jake is 'home' from school. Bella put her foot down the day after she woke and he's only allowed to come over for a few hours before he has to go back to the Res and Billy. She wants him to spend as much time with his father now as he can, because once we move- he may only ever see him once a month or so. Just depends on where we, or they, move.
Bella
A week later, while the guys are off hunting and camping, we have a fun night full of games and laughter and then our own hunt in the morning while Esme watches the twins. Two days later the boy's return and then Saturday- October fifteenth- we watch as Rose and Em renew their vows in front of the family and head off on a small honeymoon to Isle Esme, the island Carlisle bought as a gift for Esme once. Imagine my shock when they told me that! I mean he bought her a whole fucking island! Just goes to show how much wealth he's accumulated. Which brought about me asking Jasper about how much money he has, when he told me he's a millionaire a few times over, my mouth dropped open in shock. When he reminded me it's mine and the babies now too, I had to sit down.
After they leave, they'll keep their cell phones on them at all times just in case, the next couple months move quickly. We have a delightful time taking the babies, though they don't look so much like that anymore- more like four or five now- to Vancouver for trick or treating. They looked so cute in their Thing One and Thing Two costumes, Alice as a girly Cat in the Hat- she insisted so we let her. She hasn't exactly gotten out much since becoming a vampire after all. Then we celebrated Thanksgiving just for them. They're now hunting by themselves, Jasper and Jake often accompanying us. The first time I watched them take down a deer on their own I fretted a lot, but they did great.
Now we've reached the beginning of December and the snow has begun to fall. The five of us are by the lake and the kids are having fun jumping as high as they can to catch the flakes to show us when I hear Jake growl and Jasper grabs both of them and sits them on Jake's back telling him to run. I'm immediately by his side when I scent her, we knew she would be coming eventually and Alice wouldn't be able to warn us since the twins were involved so we've been on guard just in case.
Looking across the lake, a sense of deja vu hitting me at the sight, I see Tanya standing there as she sneers, as plain as if she were right in front of me. "I didn't want to believe him. I thought that it couldn't be true, not Carlisle and his perfect little family. But now that I've seen the truth before me I can no longer deny it. You must be punished!" And then she turns and runs into the forest. We try to catch her, but she's gone. Now we'll just have to wait to see what happens.
Jasper
We run back to the house to make sure our children are ok. This was the moment we were all waiting for. Now hopefully we'll know who this enemy is. The moment we do we'll be heading to Volterra. Kate asked us to wait until she could convince the others that we haven't broken the law and see if they'll join us, she wants them safe in Volterra with us just in case. I'll finally get to find out why me. Why I was important enough to warrant special treatment. It also means I finally get to do what I've been wanting for a while now, kill Edward. And I'm going to enjoy ripping him into a million teeny tiny pieces! He'll beg for death before I'm done.
When we hit the door to the veranda we see the family are all in the front room. Kate is on the phone and I can hear she's talking to Eleazar. Carlisle and Felix are nowhere to be seen so I can only assume they're on the phone in Carlisle's study talking to the brothers on speaker. The second we stepped through the door Micah and Carlie were out of Esme and Jake's arms and in ours, having been frightened by the swiftness in which I changed in personality. We have yet to tell them about my past or the things that have been happening, they may look almost seven- but they're actually only two months old. I'm sure my anger and the way I commanded Jake to take them and run frightened them.
Alice is there right after them and talking a mile a minute, thankfully we can understand her. "I had a vision, everything was waiting on Tanya. She called Edward right after she ran from you two. They're heading back to the Denali coven to try and convince the others, that's why Kate is on the phone with them. We need to remind him that he needs to keep quite about my gift. Then hopefully the vision will expand and show just who they're going to join when getting the rest of their family involved doesn't work.
"We'll know it all soon Jazz, Bella. Thankfully I've started seeing the kids in my visions some, so nothing should be a blank to me anymore. We're so close. So close to ending this whole thing. I know you want answers, why you, why are you both so important. You'll get them soon I'm sure. Unfortunately only the brothers can give them to you. These past few months have proven one thing to me though, you're both so brave and strong and I know. I know you'll get through this whole thing and come out on the other side together.
"Bella, I would suggest you and Micah work on your shields more. Kate wI'll hopefully manage to convince Eleazar and the other three to come here and see for themselves that the kids aren't immortal, so maybe he will be willing to look at them to see if they have more than just the one gift. I'm not saying we use them in this upcoming fight, but perhaps they have something that can protect them even better than the ones we know they have. Just think on it. For now, we wait."
"Thank you Alice. We might not be where we are if it wasn't for you watching out for us. We never told you thank you and for that we're sorry. And you're right. We need to find out the extent of their gifts, even if it is just the one. Has anyone called Rose and Em yet? They probably need to head home, or at least be on alert that we may be heading to Volterra soon."
"No thanks necessary. It has been my privilege to help you find a better way of life and bring you both together. You're both remarkable people. Now, enough of the heavy. Let's just put all this to the side for now. We still have to wait for Edward to decide to go to this enemy. And Carlisle is going to call them and let them know what's happened after speaking with the brothers, he'll let them know what to do before telling us. It's almost over."
I nod, it's almost over. For the rest of the week we wait impatiently, everyone tense because of it. The news comes the very next weekend, Friday the ninth of December. Having no luck with Eleazar and the others, they refuse to condemn us based on hearsay and let Tanya know they have chosen to come here to see the kids for themselves, Tanya and Edward decide to see how true the rumors are. They're heading to Romania. The enemy hasn't been completely confirmed, but there can only be one coven with enough guts to stage a coup that lives there. Stephan and Vladimir, the Romanian coven.