The Best Laid Plans
EPOV
I sat in my room reflecting on everything that still needed to be resolved before Roxanne's party. It was important not one aspect was left unattended. Now that Roxanne was on board with assisting us, we could let Bella have some privacy. She was safe and the only time she really needed watching was if her new friends weren't with her. Although I enjoyed watching her as often as possible, our monitoring didn't need to be 24 hours a day. After all with Alice's sight and Bella's friends she was well protected, so I didn't need to worry.
After spending hours carefully selecting the music I loaded on her iPod, it was ready to be returned. There were a total of 42 songs loaded ready for her when she found her iPod again. It was tempting to add some new music that was composed and played by my own hands, but that would have given me away. The songs I selected were chosen for the lyrics and were some of my favorite compositions. I knew if Bella concentrated on the words her heart would betray me, she would know who it was that took her iPod. I smiled knowing once we were reunited I would witness her listening to the playlist created just for her.
When Emmett returned last night he was very wound up and told Alice and I how Bella had ended her relationship with the boy. As much as this pleased me, I was concerned for Bella. He said when Bella returned home she spent a large part of the evening crying on the back deck of the house. From the description and thoughts Emmett provided it wasn't a very pleasant evening for her. Unfortunately he wasn't able to provide too many details due to his inability to hear thoughts. It was best I was at the Student Center with Roxanne; I don't know how I would have managed staying on the sideline watching that unfold. As my anxiety started to rise, Alice confirmed that Bella was fine she was in bed sleeping.
My sister spent the evening thinking about costumes to wear to the party of course. She was looking forward to the idea of dressing up as much as she was to the thought of Bella and I being reunited. Her intent was to see if Jasper would join the party as well, she was evaluating various costumes meanwhile Jasper was thinking of how to avoid a room full of humans without disappointing Alice. I would have to step in on his behalf this afternoon when Alice and I went to meet Roxanne.
As I was reflecting on everything that needed to be achieved, I heard Esme requesting entry into my room. "Come in Esme." I said quietly. Her demeanor was pleased and she joined me on the couch.
Taking my hand in hers she thought, 'Edward, I'm so pleased you are reuniting with Bella. However, I'm a bit concerned with your methods. I understand times have changed but perhaps you should consider revealing yourself in an area a bit more private than a party with so many humans?' she looked at me expectantly. My breath caught for a moment, why would Esme be concerned? I trusted her judgment – maybe she was right on this.
"Esme, do you think she'll be upset? I've thought about this so much maybe I've over thought it. My initial concern was that she would reject me; that perhaps I was too late to return and ask for her love. Now I know she still loves me, but when it comes to Bella I'm never very sure of my actions. She throws my world off balance and causes me to question my actions. What do you suggest?" I asked anxiously.
"In my day, a man and woman's relationship was not something that would be aired so publicly. There are no simple answers Edward, I'm just concerned that you and Bella have so much to discuss and work through. The venue for your reconciliation is scheduled in such a public location with people who don't know you. They barely know Bella for that matter and certainly were not witnesses to how strong your bond was." She said quietly while she gazed at my face. 'You may want to reconsider, it's just a suggestion but knowing how easily Bella gets embarrassed…' she suggested as she let her thought trail off. She patted my hand and left me to think about her suggestion.
I lay back on the couch to give her suggestion serious consideration. Over the past few weeks I had become so engrossed in developing the perfect plan to reveal my whereabouts to Bella that I neglected to consider the most important fact…Bella was never one for open displays that put her in the center of attention. Although the party wouldn't come to a halt with Alice's appearance and mine, there would be several people who would be attentive to what our emergence would mean to Bella.
Alice burst into my room clearly agitated, 'Edward you can't be serious! What are you thinking changing your mind at this point? We've already let Roxanne know we're in town…she's bound to let Bella know.' She eyed me dubiously.
"Calm down Alice, I haven't changed my mind about returning to Bella's side. Esme made a suggestion that perhaps we should consider. Perhaps we are approaching this without considering Bella's feelings." I replied while still considering what our options were.
She came up to the couch looking down at me, 'Well, if the party isn't the right place, what do you propose?' She lifted my legs and sat down gracefully on the couch and placed my legs across her lap. 'It needs to be memorable Edward, this moment needs to define exactly how you feel about her.'
Swinging my legs to the floor, I began pacing and said, "I'm well aware of that Alice. We do have to remember that we're talking about Bella. She's not exactly exuberant about surprises."
'Well, there's something else you should know, Bella won't be going to school today. She found your little hint on the coat rack and it really flustered her. She's staying home so we need to send someone to stay with her.' She informed me while watching me pace.
I replied absently while picking up Bella's iPod, "Fine, I'll go."
"No, you can't! You need to be with me to meet Roxanne." She exclaimed. Puzzled at her reaction, I stopped in mid-stride and tried to read her thoughts but she was blocking me by going through all the costume options again. "Besides, I've already asked Jasper to go. He'll make sure she's safe. Come on we should give this to Jasper," she said rising and taking the iPod from my hand. "We need to get to the Student Center before we're really late." She said walking to the door.
I stared after her; something was up. Alice didn't block my thoughts unless she was intentionally trying to hide something. Following her as she headed to her room, I questioned her, "Alice is there anything you want to tell me about Bella's day today?"
Nodding her head a little too enthusiastically, "No I told you, Jasper will be with her. I'm just a little disappointed that we won't be going to the party. You know how much I enjoy Halloween and parties. I'll be right out I just need to give this to Jasper" she said holding up the iPod, "get the car." she commanded closing her bedroom door.
Raising my eyebrows at her letting her know that she didn't fool me, "Fine, but if I find out anything has occurred and you didn't let me know in advance, you will explain yourself." I said as I went to get my car.
As we drove Alice remained quiet, she continued to focus on the costumes and ran through various scenarios for Bella's reunion and mine. As different ideas played out in her head, I rejected them if her thoughts remained on them too long. Most of the ideas were just brief flashes remaining unformulated as she rejected them herself.
Arriving on campus, we began our walk to the Student Center when I broached the subject of letting Jasper remain home if we still went to Roxanne's party. "Alice, I know you are considering having Jasper come to the party, but it's really best he not attend. He's still not entirely comfortable around humans and it could end badly if…"
Sharply she stated, "Edward don't you think I would have seen if anything were to happen." Her tone became less sharp when she finished, "Don't worry about it, I know how just the thought of attending is making him tense – besides you've already decided the party isn't the place to do this and you're right. Wherever it is, it should be soon…" she let her statement trail off. 'Bella can't take much more of our hints.'
When we entered the Student Center, Roxanne was sitting in the same chairs we had been situated in last night, waving enthusiastically. We joined her and as soon as we were seated she began with a rant…"Okay this plan better work out. Bella's a wreck and I couldn't even console her today for fear I would let it slip that you're in town. So lets put our heads together and come up with something."
"Wait, what do you mean Bella's a wreck?" I said a little too forcefully as I glared at Alice quickly. I was beginning to get anxious, between Alice's vague errant thoughts and Roxanne's – something was definitely wrong.
Sighing she said, "She broke up with Ian, I know that will make you happy but it tore her apart. This morning she was a mess, her eyes were puffy and she looked like she was in a state of shock. We got her to stay home today, but she's falling to pieces. It was all I could do to keep from blurting out our little secret." She looked at me and I could see the concern in her face. 'This better be what's best for her, lord knows she can't take much more.' Her thoughts gave me the perfect opportunity to initiate the conversation informing her of the change in plans.
My instincts were starting to go on alert, I needed to get to Bella to reassure myself that she was okay. My hands were twitching too fast; I balled them into fists to control myself. "Roxanne, Alice and I were discussing your idea of the party. Perhaps this isn't the best choice for a reunion, especially if she's in an emotional state right now." As I spoke to her she was staring at her lap playing with a book. Glancing over quickly I saw the title, "The Odyssey" the Greek tragedy written by Homer. Snorting to myself I thought of the irony.
"Edward is concerned with Bella's reaction with so many people around. She's been known to get upset about surprises and this would certainly fall into that category." Alice explained.
"Yeah, I know all about Bella and surprises. She was unbearable on her birthday. Maybe you're right, so what did you have in mind?" She looked at Alice and I expectantly.
"We hadn't gotten that far, we were hoping to discuss it with you. Perhaps you can enlighten us on her activities and we can figure out something a little more private and maybe a bit sooner than next weekend." I said as I sat back in the chair trying to decipher her thoughts. She was very anxious today consumed with thoughts of Bella and Drake. Apparently Drake and Ian were going home this weekend. This might be an opportunity we couldn't overlook.
Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes and tried to calm herself. I was concerned by her frame of mind, we only entered her life yesterday and already she was feeling the strain. We needed to let her off the hook; she didn't need to be concerned with our plans. It was enough she knew we were here and accepted that Bella and I belonged together.
Reaching over and taking the book from her lap, I began my dialogue to release her from this plot. "Roxanne, although I appreciate your assistance with this, it's my problem. You don't have to feel obligated to assist in any way. I can see what it's doing to you and believe me when I tell you the last thing I want on my conscience is to put any one else in pain. Thank you for supporting me, but we can work this out without you." I looked at her to evaluate whether my words had any effect on her emotional frame of mind.
She stared at my face and smiled briefly, "I'm in too far now. Sitting on the sidelines waiting for it to happen won't make me feel any better. Thanks though." 'Good Lord, he's so considerate…they don't make guys like this today. How on earth did she find such a treasure,' she thought.
Alice's cell phone rang at that moment and she excused herself to take the call. I tried to listen in as I heard her say Jasper's name when she answered. Unfortunately, Roxanne was asking a question and my attention was diverted.
"So Romeo" she said chuckling. "This weekend might be a better time for you to come around, Ian and my boyfriend are heading out of town. Do you think you can come up with something by then?"
"I'm hoping to, I'm just not sure if I have a solution yet." I responded absently as I flipped through the textbook in my hand. Alice had gone outside to speak with Jasper and I was anxious again as I could only pick up bits and pieces of their conversation. She was telling him to stop whatever he was witnessing. There was no sense of danger in her thoughts or tenor of voice, but something was definitely transpiring.
In order to keep Roxanne from further questions that would require a response, I began reading sections of the book. I needed to know what was going on with Bella, Alice was telling Jasper to handle it and quickly came back in the Student Center. Glancing up at her, I shot her a look confirming that she would explain.
She sat down with every bit of grace as usual and smiled angelically, "Sorry, that was Jasper. He gets a little impatient when I'm away from him sometimes." She giggled as if that would ease my tension. 'Edward it's fine, don't give me that look. Jasper is with Bella and she's in no danger.' "So have we gotten any further on what we're going to do?" she asked while glancing at Roxanne and I innocently.
"No, this is just so frustrating. I think it should be this weekend though, the sooner the better actually." Roxanne responded while tapping her fingers on the arm of her chair.
I was still flipping through the book, trying to get additional information from Alice, but she wasn't allowing me access. My temper was beginning to rise; I put the book on my chair as I stood, moving a little too quickly. This discussion was over; I needed to get to Bella to see for myself that she was fine. "Since we aren't accomplishing anything here, I suggest we reconvene another time. I have something I have to take care of immediately." I said purposely glaring at Alice.
As sweetly as she could while clenching her teeth Alice said, "Edward sit down, I told you before Jasper is taking care of your errand. This is too important – it's your future, not ours. So please sit down." 'Edward, I'm warning you – do not go to Bella right now. It will not bode well for you.'
Judging by Alice's expression and her thoughts perhaps she was correct, I grudgingly sat back down. Sitting on the edge of the seat I pulled the book out from behind me and held it between my legs as I stared at her.
Roxanne reached over and took the book from my hands, "I can't forget this, it's Bella's new assignment for her British Lit class." Placing the book back on her lap she sat back and realigned her face in concentration.
Alice reached over and took the book from Roxanne, "Interesting subject for British Lit, its Greek mythology. Why would they be studying this?" she asked absently.
Roxanne just shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not sure, but her professor is a bit odd. The story itself is great though…Penelope, Odysseus now there's a romance…" A smile started forming on her face as her thought drifted off.
Flipping through the book, Alice's eyes glazed over as I recognized she was having a vision. Tapping into her thoughts quickly to ensure that it wasn't related to Bella, I saw her mind focused on a costume shop.
She opened her eyes just as Roxanne slapped her hands on the chair. "I have it, this is perfect." She said excitedly.
Trying to catch up with both the vision and Roxanne's thoughts I quickly gathered where this was heading. Smiling myself I thought, it may work; we could accomplish this before the party. "Bella's costume for the party will be changing…she's going to be Penelope." Looking over at me she continued, "and you will be Odysseus. Our accidental encounter will take place at the costume shop!" I smiled in return; it couldn't be a more fitting costume change and meeting place for our plans.
"Roxanne, what a great idea. Now, how are you going to explain this to Bella? She has to be convinced this is the perfect costume for the party, otherwise she'll never agree." Alice exclaimed excitedly. "We need to find a shop, but how will you get her there?"
Standing up, she began pacing, "Convincing her won't be as much of a problem as finding another costume shop. I took her to the only shop I know of, I'm not sure they'll have what we need." She claimed nervously while pausing in her pacing to rub her face in anxiety.
"That shouldn't be a problem, let's call and see before we get too committed to this latest plan." I stated winking at Alice. Knowing Alice would take care of the details for the costumes, I dialed the phone quickly asking information for the phone number. Redialing the number for the shop, I hung up before someone picked up. "Hello, yes I'm interested in renting costumes for the era of Greek Mythology, would you happen to have anything resembling this in your shop? Yes, certainly I'll hold." I asked the dial tone.
Alice excused herself to call Emmett, they were going to need to acquire the items and get them to the shop quickly.
Roxanne was watching me apprehensively. If she only knew whom she was dealing with, she wouldn't be so anxious. This was more than easily handled; getting the right costumes to the shop was simple in comparison to getting Bella to cooperate. "Yes, great thank you. If you could please place them on hold we'll be in later this week." Hanging up the phone I smiled, "it's all taken care of, they have what we need."
"But you didn't give them our name to hold them, what if someone else tries to rent them?" Roxanne exclaimed. "We may not be able to get Bella there before they rent them out!"
I feigned a look of fright and then relaxed my face; "No problem, Alice and I will head over today and put a deposit on the costumes. We'll handle the costume shop, you should focus on how to get Bella there." I said smiling. The likelihood of someone renting costumes that the store didn't have was slim. Alice and I would handle getting the costumes to the shop.
"Well, did they have the costumes?" Alice asked smiling. 'Emmett's on board, he's going to have Rosalie assist. They're on line now finding a shop that will sell what we need. We should get home…they're going to need our help.' she projected her thoughts to me.
Nodding my head acknowledging her question and her thoughts, "We're set, we need to stop by the shop on the way home to leave a deposit. We should leave now; I don't want to chance anyone else renting them. The clerk put them on hold, but I don't want to leave anything to risk." I said standing.
"Wait," Roxanne said, "you need to give me your cell numbers so I can call you. I'm not sure when I'll be able to get Bella to the shop, I'll need to call you when she's ready." She said as she pulled out her cell phone to store our numbers. "How long will it take you to get to the shop from your home?" she asked as she began storing the number Alice provided her.
"Oh don't worry about that, we're never more than 10 minutes away." Alice said excitedly. "It may even take Edward less time than that, knowing that seeing Bella is the result."
She looked up at Alice and I concerned, "Well don't get into an accident. That's all we need, you to get killed on your way to see her," she said shaking her head at the thought. 'Great the guy's going to take risks now…that's all I need!'
"Rest assured, that should be the last of your worries," I said smiling, Roxanne had a bad habit of worrying unnecessarily – but then again she was completely unaware of the fact that dying in an accident would be impossible for us. "Just get Bella to the shop, we'll be there waiting."
"Come on Edward, we need to hurry. I don't want the store to close before we get there." Alice said as she grabbed my arm pulling me towards the exit. "Bye Rox." She called over her shoulder.
"I'll be in touch soon." She called after us.
As soon as we were out the door, I grabbed Alice's arm, "Now, you will explain what's going on with Bella right now!" I demanded.
"You won't like it…besides Jasper handled it." She said smiling at me broadly. "I'm so proud of him actually. Come on, I'll tell you – but not here. I want you safely in the car, if you're driving you won't be tempted to destroy public property."
I stopped walking, "Alice, stop right now…if you think I'm going any further without an explanation you are sadly mistaken. In fact, here," I said tossing her the keys, "I'm going find out for myself." Storming off towards Bella's house I heard her thoughts, 'Edward I'm warning you…don't let your temper ruin your chance with Bella. Oh boy, it's a good thing Jasper's there…he'll calm him down.'
As her thoughts came to me, I took to the shadows in order to run at vampire speed to my angel's side. I didn't like what I was hearing, Bella needed me and I would find out what Alice was hiding from me. Damn Alice for distracting me! Bella was the only thing that mattered. I ran faster as my anxiety grew with each step towards my angel.