Chapter 8 Planning
"They've been gone too long Edward." A frantically worried Bella made note.
"Asima, maybe we should go talk to her ourselves." Edward suggested, his own concern seeping through.
"Rami is capable of calming her down." Jabril reassured.
"But it's been over an hour, over an hour." Rosalie rebutted. "Surely Jasper should go."
"Rose, Rami has a way of opening people up, you have to trust it." Sami confirmed. His normal humor and games vanishing, a rarity for him.
"What do you think is going on?" Alice asked Edward for the fifth time. She was sitting on the floor at Jasper's feet, not caring that she was wrinkling her dress from the party.
"I don't know."
"What do you guys mean you don't know?" Emmett demanded. "Between you, Asima, and Jabril you mean to tell me none of you mind readers heard anything?"
"I was like trying to listen to Bella." Jabril sighed in frustration.
"Silence." I stated, too in thought to add much else.
"And you are sure none of you were shielding her?" Carlisle asked rubbing Esme's hair trying to find a reason.
"I wasn't." Jabril swore quickly.
"Bella?" Carlisle asked.
"No, not at all." She also promised.
"And you Asima?" I barely heard him. Seth squeezed my hand to get my attention.
"Huh? Oh… No Carlisle I didn't."
"Then there is something terribly wrong I am afraid." Carlisle sighed again.
"We need to find out what it is now." Rosalie said stating what everyone else was thinking.
"I've been asking her for days now. Nothing." Jake groaned as if to say 'good luck with that'
"I talked to her today, she said her only problem was being treated like she was five instead of an adult." I informed. "I didn't hear anything else in her thought that would make it seem like she was withholding anything."
"Wait, so you heard her thoughts earlier today?" Bella asked.
"Yes, they didn't go away until she snapped." I answered noticing for the first time.
"Interesting." Carlisle mused going into thought about possibilities.
"Honey, we need to go check on the kids." Seth whispered in my ear trying to bring me back into attention.
"I'm not leaving until she comes back." I sighed. The sound of my voice was so detached. I was beyond worried, beyond hurt, beyond sadness, beyond emotions really. I was… calculating. My friend was in trouble and I didn't even know what kind.
"I'll go." Leah offered getting up. "Rosa's there too right?" She asked Jacob.
"Yeah." He nodded. "Thanks."
"Should I come with you?" Jabril offered getting up out of his seat.
"No, you're needed here. Stay." She insisted.
They had a mental exchange of goodbyes that I didn't care to listen to.
"Alright everyone, we need to brainstorm." Esme encouraged filling the silence.
"She isn't sharing whatever is wrong. She's a vault, and she's grown up in a house with Edward, and has Asima for a best friend. If she doesn't want us to know something we won't." Rosalie added.
"Not true, she slips, she always slips." Edward said almost hopeful.
"How likely is that to happen now Edward?" Rosalie rebutted.
"We need to all just sit down and talk to her, like we would anyone else." Alice thought.
"She retreats in one on one with me Esme. I don't think intervention style is going to help. "Jacob said almost as dead as my tone.
"What if we just do nothing?" Seth suggested.
Emmett scoffed at the thought, "We can't do nothing Seth."
"I think Seth might be on to something." Jasper spoke for the first time in a while.
"What do you mean son?" Carlisle asked turning to face him.
"When someone confronts her she's more likely to close up or worse lash out. What if we just pretend as if it were nothing at least until we can get more of an idea of what is going on. Just so that she doesn't retreat anymore."
"They're heading back." Alice said ominously. "She just made the decision."
"Are you sure?" Bella asked biting her lip.
"She's calmer, so it's clearer." She nodded.
"Carlisle?" Edward asked looking to him for advice, guidance, any type of say.
He deliberated for only a moment. "We'll take Jasper and Seth's route for now. And if anything changes we'll reevaluate then."
It wasn't more than thirty minutes before they were walking back through the same door she stormed out of. "Esme I'm so sorry." She whimpered as soon as she laid eyes on her grandmother. It wasn't an at, she was really sorry. I turned my head away, I didn't want to do this charade. I just wanted to help my friend.
"I need to head home, get out of these clothes before I patrol the city tonight." Rami informed aloud.
If he thought he was in anyway going to get away without telling me anything he was crazy. He walked up to me kissing me on the cheek. "Good night Asima." he bid adieu in a casual tone meanwhile his thoughts were grave. We need to talk. "Let's go Sami, we have work to do."
"If you must go I'll walk you out." I sighed feigning disappointment, playing a part.
Edward got up hearing my exchange and Jabril too. Jacob, let's go. Rami has news. I called in his head. He didn't even jump at the intrusion.
"Hey Jabril, I've been meaning to…" I didn't listen to the rest as he got up.
If anyone were walking by, we would just appear to be standing in a semi circle looking at each other. But with Jabril, Edward, and I being fully telepathic we were able to include Sami, Rami, and Jacob in a mental conversation.
What did she say? I asked looking to Rami.
What she said wasn't important, it's what I observed. He clarified.
What is that? I asked for Jacob.
First off, when I went to the beach, she mentioned being able to smell me a few miles before I got there.
Is that something she's always been able to do? Jabril asked for Sami.
Edward shook his head in a quick jerk. No never. About a mile tops, miles, no. He said with confidence, knowing his only daughter inside and out.
We talked on the beach a little bit, and when she was calm enough to come back I went to help her up, and my arm nearly fell off from the heat.
Edward's head jerked up. What does that mean? He asked for Jacob and for him, he wanted to hear it spelled out.
Something is wrong with her, she's no longer familiar.
Are you saying that there is a threat coming involving Nessie? I asked for Jacob even though I knew the answer.
No I am saying she is the treat. Jabril repeated for Rami giving clarification.
A big one. I have never burned that hot, ever. Him remembering it was almost painful.
Edward's eyes were wild, and then calculating. There is something wrong with your senses. There's a mistake.
There is no mistake Edward, she is a threat. And whatever is going on with her we need to treat her accordingly, at least until-
I rushed between Edward and Rami, to hold Edward in his space putting force on his chest.. Jabril grabbed his arm in the same second. Then you need to check again, she is my baby she isn't a threat! He fumed mentally.
Then how do you explain the fact that it faded as soon as I stopped touching her Edward? Rami reasoned calm, no tension in his stance.
Be quite for a minute Rami, Edward calm down. I warned pushing him, but only having enough strength to keep him from advancing. I pointed my finger at him and then at the door and then at him again in a silent warning.
It was a very loud mental exchange but it was silent, no one in the house noticed. When he straightened up I continued. Edward, the skin flashing is something we can't ignore. It just means whatever we are dealing with her we need to be careful. You have see the warnings they get yourself, they aren't to be taken in vain.
I'm sorry. But I can't help what I felt Edward. Rami apologized.
I know that, I am sorry for being so rash. He apologized taking deep breaths.
So what do we do? Jabril asked for literally everybody.
Carlisle think that we should proceed slowly, until we know what the problem is. Act normal as not to scare her away. Edward updated Rami on what he missed.
I think that might be best, she was already considering leaving.
She can't leave! I gasped at the thought of being without my best friend. And then thought how selfish that was of me and added. At least until we figure out what's going on. To see if she really wants to leave or is she is to avoid a confrontation from us.
Makes sense. Jabril agreed.
Shouldn't we tell the others? Rami asked. They would want to know.
I will take are of it. Edward nodded once.
Can I just take her home tonight guys? I really want to take her home. Jabril asked for Jacob, Jabril looked at him, his henna colored eyes full on sympathy.
Yes, you should take her where she feels comfortable. Rami agreed.
No pushing anything. Edward reminded.
Ok, we will have a meeting sometime tomorrow when it's safe, maybe go into research mode. Perhaps its some new self defense thing she's gets with age. I said hopeful but knowing it was unlikely because I would have absorbed it by now.
Sounds like a plan. Jabril agreed.
There's one more thing. Edward interrupted for Jacob, Her dreams.
What about her dreams? Rami wondered.
At night when I hold her, I can usually see her dreams. For the past week it's been nothing. I mean I can see them, but they are just black. Like staring at the back of her eyelids or something. Maybe you can talk to Carlisle after I take her home, maybe they are related to the reason you all can't hear her thoughts. Jabril translated for Jacob.
It is certainly worth looking into, I agreed for Sami.
Well if that's all, we should get on patrol. Rami thought.
Thank you for your help Rami, and sorry about before. Edward apologized.
No apology needed, I probably would have reacted the same way. He pardoned.
Jacob, Edward and I stood outside a little longer when Jabril and the twins left. There was completely physical silence, and as close to mental silence as anyone could muster in a situation like this.
"Lets get back inside." I sighed speaking the first words literal words since we walked out.
Ness was laughing on the couch with Alice when we came back in.
"Daddy, I just want to say-" She started.
"I already know." He said letting out a weak laugh tapping his temple. "It's alright, you're just tired. You had a long day today."
"Let's go home baby." Jacob requested reaching his hand out to her. She took it willingly.
"Night everyone, I'm really sorry about everything." She apologized again. There were several forgiving words and goodnights before she left. I didn't say anything.
"Seth let's go home." I slightly whined interrupting his card game with Emmett. He was up in a second. Emmett groaned when Alice took his place.
"Tomorrow?" Carlisle asked.
I nodded before leaving. "Tomorrow.
We lucked out and didn't need to find a way to meet in secret since she left early that morning for Cairo anyway. And now, all of us were sitting in the living room of the Cullen's almost in exactly the same places we were last night, talking about exactly the same subject.
I remained silent sitting between Jacob and Seth while Edward gave the play by play of our conversation in the front yard. Carlisle subconscious thoughts were slightly impressed that so much was said in complete silence and no one was the wiser. But his main thoughts were over what was happening.
"When she left this morning she was completely fine," Jacob groaned baffled, "but her dreams were once again black."
"Is it possible that she wasn't dreaming about anything at all?" He asked as if no one had thought of it.
"She was restless, tossing turning, she was definitely dreaming." Jacob said confidently.
"First thing we need to do is maybe a few of us head to South America, see if Nahuel maybe changed as well." Jasper suggested.
"That is a good idea." Esme mused. "Carlisle and I were planning a trip anyway, it wouldn't be odd if we left at all."
"Who is Nahuel?" Jabril asked.
"Someone that is like Ness apparently." I said flatly.
"Shouldn't we stay together now more than anything?" Rose asked disagreeing.
"We can't do nothing." Bella whispered, her mahogany hair governing her face , not looking up from her hands.
"I'm going too." I said randomly, without even thinking about it.
Seth had opened his mouth like he was about to argue, but before he could Alice spoke. "She's coming back." Her honey eyes staring into the distance. "Jacob you should go home."
Immediately every shifted into their normal routines. Rosalie, Bella, and Alice went hunting with Esme, like they were suppose to be doing already. Emmett, Jabril, Sami, Rami, and Leah all went to plan new boundaries they were going to run when they patrolled. They wanted to make sure that it wasn't something else that caused Rami's reaction. Carlisle Seth, Edward, and Jasper stayed behind to help plan this trip to South America.
"Ok from the last time that I went with Alice they were along here." Jasper said pointing to the map they had just rolled out on the table.
"It's been years, are you sure that they haven't moved on since then?" Edward asked.
"Well maybe, but from the looks of their-" Jasper stopped talking, because there was a traveling uproar of fury coming towards the house.
"Put me the fuck down Jacob!" Ness screamed not even five feet from the house.
Every single pair of feet walked into the front room. A little help if you don't mind! I could hear Jacob before I could see him.
There was a loud popping noise, and a very loud swear from Jacob. "Calm down Nessie." He tried to coax even though his voice sounded strained.
Seth opened the door and there was Jacob holding Ness over his shoulder wearing nothing but a pair of blue jeans and a bra. Edward immediately grabbed the throw off of the couch wrapping it around her in the same second. She wrapped herself in at and shrugged away curling on the couch.
"What is this Jake?" I asked trying not to raise my voice. "This doesn't look like not trying to force her!"
"Things changed look at her." He pointed.
"Dude what's wrong with your arm?" Seth asked grimacing. I was too busy staring at Ness looking for any subtle differences. There were none.
"It's dislocated." Carlisle said calmly. That cause me to look up. His shoulder was about three inches from where it should be. "Hold still." He instructed firmly gripping it.
I heard the pop and the grunt of discomfort but I didn't really pay attention. I went back to Ness. Edward was standing over her asking her was she hurt. I was still looking at her.
"Explain Jake." Jasper demanded. It was no where near a request.
"Something bit her. Look at her back. She's been hiding it for days." He raged still shaking.
"Is this true?" Carlisle asked looking to Ness.
"No!" She shrieked in outrage.
"You're lying." I said, once again not recognizing my own voice it was so detached.
"Let me see Nessie." Carlisle requested.
"No, there are people here." She growled. "There's nothing there anyway."
"Then show us." I said simply.
Ness stared at me fuming, throwing daggers before getting up pulling the throw tightly around her. "Fuck this, I'm leaving."
Seth reached out and grabbed her but she shoved him into the wall so hard I heard a crack. I wasn't sure it was him or the wall, but I was instantly by his side to check. Jasper grabbed her by the waist picking her up from behind and she kicked.
"Jasper put me the fuck down!" She ordered flailing her legs trying to attack anyone that came close enough.
"Calm her down Jazz!" Edward ordered as he tried to get around her.
"I am, it isn't working." He grunted trying to keep control as she bucked wildly swearing. "A little help, since when is she so strong?"
"Ness, calm down we don't want to hurt you." Carlisle reasoned.
"I don't want to hurt you all, so let me go!" She demanded kicking Jacob in the chest.
Once I was sure Seth was ok I went to help. I ducked under her legs as she kicked Jacob away for a second time, wrapping my arms around them. Once Edward had her ankles they both flipped her, pressing her against the wall. Jake pulled back the throw.
"There!" he pointed as she breathed heavily, but giving up.
Edward and Carlisle gasped. My mouth fell open in a pop. There was a mold the exactly shape of a pair of teeth in her shoulder. It was burning red underneath and puckered white in other areas.
"You fucking happy?" She asked , when everyone was too shocked to restrain her anymore. She picked up the throw wrapping herself again.
"Who did that?" Edward growled his knuckles popping fro his fist.
"I don't know." She spat shaking her head.
I tried to read her mind but there was nothing, it was another blank moment. "Was it a vampire?" I asked prepared to kill whoever it was.
"Our kind doesn't leave that type of scarring." Carlisle sighed.
"And your kind?" I asked Seth.
"It would have been a lot bigger." She said shaking his head.
I walked over to her sitting on the couch. "Ness, you don't know what did this?" I asked softly.
"No, obviously." She scoffed at my question.
"Ok well can you give us something, how about where?" I asked fighting back emotions that weren't helpful.
"I don't know Asima you tell me, you know everything." She spat again.
"This isn't you Nessie." Jasper sighed sitting on the other side of her. He touched her on her knee and something completely changed in her again. "We need to know what happened."
Her eyes looked around at all of us, emotions coming back, rueful thoughts in her head, thoughts I could hear. Jacob saw it in her eyes and kneeled in front of her. "You have to help us help you baby."
She didn't say anything, she just touched the shoulder that Carlisle had just popped back in the right set. And out of nowhere she started crying. "I'm ssssorry baby. I just got so mad."
"He heals fast Nessie. Don't worry about it, he's fine." Edward sighed melting at her side when he was finally able to recognize his daughter. I moved. "We need to know what happened."
She started crying hysterically, her shoulders jumping up and down with her sobs. "I can't" I she managed to get out.
No one was going to get anything from her the way she was now. And they knew that. We let her cry until she was tired. She fell asleep leaning against Jasper. I grabbed her a shirt from Alice's room and helped Edward put it on before they carried her into a bed upstairs.