XV.
Reasons
I've decided not to tell my mother and Charlie about my engagement. Their wedding is just a month away and I don't really want to steal their moment from them. We've been planning their wedding for awhile now and I have never seen my mother this happy or this excited. I don't want to take that away from them. I told this to Ethan and he agreed.
"I understand. I know you don't want to take that happiness from them," he said understanding my side.
"Oh thank you," I said kissing his cheeks and hugging him at the same time. He smiled at my reaction.
"By the way, I fixed the band, if you don't mind," he said showing me the band that I have made a few months ago. I was shocked and grabbed his arm but then I was overwhelmed with sadness. He saw my sudden mood swing and placed his arms around me,"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," I whispered softly, burying my face on his chest, trying to hide my pain.
He pulled away from me and lifted my face. "What's wrong?" he repeated. His eyes were suddenly filled with sadness as if he shared my pain. Then I felt the desire to tell him everything that I was feeling. It's so unfair. He was given every right in my head as if he could read it too. I don't like that but I have to.
"It's just that, you have given me such a beautiful ring but I don't have the money to give you something valuable or expensive. Look at that band. I mean, it looks like crap compared to the ring that you gave me. I feel so poor and useless," I admitted, everything spilling out at once.
He laughed,"I will never exchange this with the most rare and expensive diamond there is. I will treasure it because you took the time to create it. That's all that matters anyways."
"God that's so cheesy. I can't believe I'm marrying the cheesiest vampire there is," I shook my head but smiled.
"Yeah, and you just love that about me."
That night I went home with such a soaring spirit. I was engaged with the man that I will love forever. There's no one in danger or in any threat. I came in the house while my mom was cooking. She balanced stirring the pot while holding Jeremy on the other arm. She looked haggard and tired from taking care of my little brother. I felt guilty for not helping her out at all. I took Jeremy from her so she could use both of her hands.
"Mom, why do you have to do so much work? You know I could help you," I told her while I made faces to Jeremy. The baby laughed delighted and started grabbing different parts of my face.
"Yeah, I know Leah, but it's just that you're so busy with the pack and stuff. I don't want to add up to your responsibility," she replied. She wiped her sweating forehead with her apron while still stirring whatever it is that she was cooking.
"Mom, just tell me when you need help. Jake, Seth, Stephen, and Alex can take care of themselves. I think Quilis going to join us any time now. There's more of us now, mom, and the boys can take care of themselves. So if you need help, just tell me," I shook my head.
"Thanks, Leah. Could you take Jeremy upstairs and then set table for five," she instructed.
"Five?"
"Yeah. Lexi is here with Seth upstairs. Those kids are just moving way too fast," she said, shaking her head.
"Mom, Seth is twenty now. Don't you want to have grandchildren?"
"I keep forgetting that you both are much older than you look. I still think you're nineteen while Seth is fifteen. All this not-aging thing gets me confused. But still, Lexi is only sixteen. I think she's just too young."
"Well, Seth won't be young forever, mom," I answered. I had that sinking feeling as I realized once again that it was only me that will age.
I took Jeremy upstairs while letting him feed. I want to be with the baby but he has to sleep. He just looks so adorable with his eyes fixed on mine while he sucked his bottle. He had the same chocolate brown eyes that he inherited from Charlie and the same eyes that Bella used to have. I kissed his forehead and he closed his eyes.
I didn't want my mother to see my engagement ring so I decided to head back to my room to hide it in the bottom of the drawer. My mom had a habit a long time ago to check our stuff if we hid anything like cigarettes or drugs. She never did find anything and soon enough she stopped. I felt guilty now that I was hiding something this time but glad that she didn't look anymore. I don't think I want her to find out.
Just as I was heading for my room, I walked past Seth's door. It was slightly opened and I don't know why I peeked in but I did. What I saw was the most disturbing thing I have ever seen and I have hunted animals and ate them like some wild animal before. What I saw was far worst. Seth was kneeling by Lexi, kissing her. He didn't have his shirt on while Lexi's slender body was only covered by Seth's blankets.
"Oh my gosh!" I tried not to scream but it came. They both turned to look at me and panic came into their faces. Lexi hid in the blankets while Seth ran outside, slamming the door shut behind him.
"Leah! I just can't have privacy, can I?" he asked. I could tell he was angry but amused at the same time.
"I-I-I..." I stuttered, the picture was still vivid in my head. I wanted to throw up.
"Gosh, Leah, learn how not to be a peeping tom won't you. What are you doing here anyways?"
"M-mom said to go downstairs, dinner's ready. I placed Jeremy in his room," I said still distracted by the image. Gosh, I'll be tortured by that for the rest of my life.
"Jeez, Leah, we've been living here for a couple of years now and you still don't know the direction of the stairs? Why would you be here?" he said. The stairs were near Jeremy's room but since I decided to go back to my room, which was the farthest from the stairs. I automatically looked down in my hand.
"What do you got there, Leah?" Seth asked, sounding playful and grabbed my arm.
"Nothing," I answered as I tried to yank my hand away from him. He didn't let go. He forced my hand open and he saw the golden ring. The ring had a hear-shaped diamond and on the other side was a silver wolf etched in the golden band.
"What is this, Leah?" he asked shocked, looking at my engagement ring.
"Nothing," I lied.
"Oh my gosh! He engaged didn't he?!" Seth whispered excitedly at me. When I didn't say anything, he continued,"I knew it! Wait until I tell mom! I can't wait to see your face when I tell them!"
"Don't you dare tell mom or Charlie!"
"Why not?"
"Look, I don't want to steal their spotlight, ok? I want them to have all the attention, now their wedding's coming up," I hissed.
"But others will iknow anyways."
"Yeah, I know. But mom doesn't have to know. Just keep your big mouth shut ok?"
"Yeah, as long as you don't peek in on me like that ever again."
"Believe me, Seth, there's nothing in the world I'd rather not see."
We have been planning for mom and Charlie's wedding for a long time now. But the busiest we have ever been was the last week before the wedding. There was so much to do in so little time that we were all ready to rip each other's heads off. I was just ready to get this thing over with so that I could focus on how I would tell them that it was my turn to have a wedding.
The wedding day came so fast, we all felt like someone fixed the clock to go extra fast. They both decided that they wanted a wedding by La Push. All of the pack, including the old ones, lend a hand to help set up everything. The boys helped each other set up the two tents where the wedding and the reception will take place while the pups and I set up the chairs and tables. I designed this white arc with leaves, vines, and flowers that went in the front of the chairs. This was where Charlie and Sue will stand to get married.
Everyone that we know arrived. Sue wanted the wedding to be simple. She just wanted the guests to be close friends and family. But the citizens of Forks wanted to attend to show how much they appreciated Charlie and what he did for all of them. I can't name one guest that did not have any connections with Charlie. There isn't one guest that Charlie did not help in a tight situation. It's amazing how his job can help so many people.
The Cullens were the last to arrive. You could even say that they were "fashionably late". Of course, they never lost their beauty at all. The girls were all wearing lavender silk gowns but had different styles while the guys were wearing the same white tuxedo with ties that looked like it came from the girls' gowns. The humans whispered at their arrival. I knew the Cullens know everything that they said but they didn't look like they mind. If I were in their shoes, I would be a bit uncomfortable but of course, these were the Cullens. Bella was in the procession with Edward. Nessie was going to march with Jacob who looked amazing, by the way. He wore a black suit and white polo that he stylishly opened to make a very good effect.
Besides Bella, Edward, Renesmee, and Jacob, everyone in our pack, old and current, were also in the procession. Seth was with his Lexi, who, after I have seen them close to making love, still didn't look at me. I could tell the girl was embarrassed out of her mind. I was supposed to be partnered with Ethan but Charlie did not agree with it. He said that the pups should be in the procession since they were family. I reminded him that Ethan was my imprint mate which makes him as good as family but he said we weren't married yet. So as long as I have not told them that I do plan to marry him, Stephen and Alex were higher in the family tree than Ethan.
I wasn't pleased with the two. They kept on trying to peek through my dress which annoyed me greatly. I was wearing a white dress with a really low neck line. I thought that it wasn't a good idea to be wearing white but my mom insisted on it. According to her, I was her "mini bride" besides being her maid of honor. Yeah, great, like I should be called "mini" of anyone. My hair was tied up while a few thick strands were methodically left out. I love the way I look except for the little white clips that they stuck in my hair which made me look like an idiot.
"Grow up, both of you!" I hissed as the two started making faces at each other. They were both barely older than fourteen but they were both much taller than I was.
When the bride came, everyone turned to look at her march down the isle. Sue looked absolutely stunning. She even outdid the vampire women which I think they did on purpose. They don't want to look ugly but the don't want to steal the spotlight from her either. Her long gown was simple yet elegant. I looked at Charlie. He was nervous as hell but absolutely happy too.
I must admit that it was one of the best weddings I have ever been to. I couldn't help wishing that when it was my turn to be married, everyone who came today would come also. I didn't want to imitate Sue's wedding but I wanted the atmosphere to be just like this: romantic, funny, and just plain happy. I couldn't help smiling as they said their i do's and as they kissed each other when the judge pronounced them man and wife.
Those who did not make it to the wedding came to the reception. I was glad that my mom had the decency to order a caterer instead of insisting of cooking things herself. She was an incredible cook but she just doesn't have time to do all of those things all at once. I was getting more and more nervous as everybody settled in their designated seats. I planned to tell everybody that I was engaged at my speech while everyone is eating. I wore the ring for proof and I didn't want Ethan to think I was ashamed of being engaged to him.
The time came and Seth stood up to do his speech. I guess everyone needs to know that both of Sue's children approved to this marriage. Bill was Charlie's best man. He looked so much older and wiser now. But he still didn't stop making smart remarks at all. He announced my name and the microphone was passed down to me. I couldn't help gulping as pairs of eyes turned to my direction.
"A few years ago, my father died," I started. Ok, bad start but I continued on. "Charlie was one of his closest friends and they were like brothers. When he died, I must admit, and I think Seth would agree to this, that we felt like we could never have a father figure in our lives ever again. I mean we were just teenagers then and I know that my mom didn't know how to raise up two wild dogs in form of her children," I paused, letting the private joke sink in to those who knew exactly what I was talking about. The humans chuckled politely but the mythical didn't even bother keeping their laughter controlled. "Charlie stepped in and just helped us in that dark period. He kept on asking her what it was that she needed. But those questions started changing to 'would you go out with me?'. I must admit that I didn't agree to the relationship at all. I mean my father just died and it was hard to let anyone in at the moment but as I started getting to know Charlie, I actually felt glad that he was around. He was so much different from Harry Clearwater but I couldn't have asked for someone better to step in for my father. Now that you have a son, I feel like we're a completely family. Mom, Charlie, I am happy that you have found each other and I hope that you would always be there for each other the rest of your lives. To Charlie and Sue Swan!" I said loudly as I lifted my glass up to them. The audience imitated me and drank to their name. When I didn't sit down, the humans all stared at me with a scandalized look as if I have taken to much time and it was time for me to shut up and sit down. I took a deep breath before saying,"In the midst of this happy event, mom, dad, I would like to announce to you that I am engaged to Ethan Cullen."
I heard the gasp come at me from every side of the room. My mom looked shock and Charlie looked like he was going to shoot somebody. Ethan did nothing but just held my hand. I sat down and waited for the reception to continue.
"Well, isn't that just beautiful," a slick voice said from the entrance of the tent. We all whipped to that direction and saw the whole Volturi clan standing there like they were actually invited to the wedding. It wasn't only Aro, Caius, and Marcus but also their wives and all of their guards, including Jane. Fear crept in my heart and I automatically looked at my pack and the Cullens. I could feel Bella's barrier wrap around us and all of the guests but none of the humans noticed anything. They were just focused on this family.
Charlie stood up and they all looked at him. "Who are you?"
I waited, my breath paused inside my chest. They weren't going to expose themselves to humans would they?
Aro smiled,"Why we are Carlisle's brother. This is Caius and Marcus, my brothers. These are our wives and these are our...children." Carlisle only smiled but I knew that he was insulted by the thought of being related to them.
"Is this true?" Charlie asked to Carlisle.
He nodded,"I'm sorry for being so obnoxious in inviting my brothers and their family to your wedding, Charlie, but they were in town and I didn't want to take away the priviledge of being here away from them." Gosh these vampires are just master manipulators.
"It's all right, Carlisle but I just wished you told us earlier so that we would have set an extra table for your family," Charlie replied courteously, signaling the waiters to put up another table. I looked at Bella, horrified. The Volturi's eyes were black and I knew they wouldn't be able to control their thirst if the waiters went too close to them.
"No, it is quite all right, thank you very much. But I just wish to speak with my brother and his family along with Leah and you're friends. I want to help plan out your wedding if you don't mind," Aro said looking at me. To be able to protect the humans, we must allow what they want to do. We all followed them outside trying to look casual and relaxed even though this was a very clear sign of danger.
We stepped outside and stopped just by the entrance of the tent so that Bella could still wrap her protection around us and around the rest of the humans. The Volturi placed a gap between us. I looked at Bella and I could see that if she was still human, I knew she would be sweating really hard for the effort of protecting all of us.
"Why do you look so tense, my friends? We are just talking," Aro said casually as if we hang around them all the time. At that moment the rest of the old pack went out. I didn't know why they did that now that they could not phase to a wolf. They would just be useless and get in the way.
"Go back inside," Jacob hissed to Sam but he didnt' move.
"You'll need us, ok? We can help you," Sam whispered back but I know it was useless. Everyone would have heard of it.
"Yes, well from our past meetings, it is very hard for you to be trusted, Aro," Carlisle replied to him so calmly as if he was just stating how nice the weather was.
"That hurts, my friend. Why would you not trust us?"
"Well, a few years ago, you were planning to kill my family."
"I want no harm to come upon your talented family, Carlisle and your pets here," he said sweetly but arrogance were etched in his words. All of the wolves growled in unison. What we hate the most besides them, was being called the Cullen's pets.
"We are nobody's pets," I couldn't help saying out loud. Automatically, Jane had a fierce look on her face. I knew that she was trying to attack me but Bella's shield kept her from doing so.
"What is it that you want, Aro?" Carlisle asked, firmness in his voice. I knew he wanted me to say nothing and just let him take care of it.
"I just want to remind you, especially to the newly engaged couple, that we do not want an immortal child to be created. If such a thing is created, then we would be forced to come back here and...investigate."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, Ethan and Leah might not be able to control themselves and create a hybrid-half vampire, half wolf. Renesmee may be harmless because she can still live off human food but a hybrid with the characteristics of Ethan and Leah may not be safe for humans and therefore might be a cause for another confrontation and this time we might not be forgiving nor loose."
"Leah can't reproduce," Ethan told him. I looked down and didn't say anything. There was no proof but we were not really hoping for anything. Normal women get pregnant but from the very start I was a freak, being the lone wolf-girl.
"And even if she can, she is not a werewolf, just a shape-shifter. She lives off human food from the moment she was born and until now. If she needs to, she can still eat animal flesh. Ethan may be a vampire but he has learned to adopt our ways. With these parents, the child can still live a life that will never harm any human just like Nessie here," Carlisle reasoned.
"But the desire would always be there and what will happen if the child did not control his desire for human flesh? Woud the infected human be a wolf or a vampire? Surely, the infected human cannot be both," Aro said hysterically.
"You are just saying things that can be prevented," Edward said.
"What is your real purpose coming here, Aro?" Carlisle added. "We all know that a mere threat of a child that would be a hybrid would not be your priority. Clearly you had a reason why you came here four years ago. Irina saw a child that did not look like a human and thought she was an immortal child but you know well that Leah is not a vampire and Ethan cannot reproduce with another vampire. Surely, you'll know that their child will not look like an immortal child. What is it that you want from us that you would travel all the way here from Italy?"
"Jane wants Ethan back," he answered simply.
We all looked at Jane to Ethan and then back. Then all eyes landed on me and I automatically looked away. I waited for his answer. I think I proved to him that I was willing to marry him and now it was his turn.
"I will never come back to her. I have chosen my path, Aro and I want to be with Leah for the rest of my long life," he answered softly but firm. "You're cause is lost and you have just wasted your energy coming here."
"Very well then. Come now, my family. It looks like we are not needed any longer."
Jane looked like she was going to attack Aro but she turned away with them. We were just relieved that they did not stay any longer. I guess they weren't prepared either because they did nto bring any witness and that alone gave us the confidence. They may have guards with powers that they can use as an advantage but the Cullens had us and they have powers too. I guess the two families were evenly matched.