Beta: The incredible and amazing kiwihipp
(Updated 15 Jan 18)
Chapter 9: Complications
Alice picked up her phone before it had the chance to ring. "Leave to go to the car in 16.5 minutes," she instructed without preamble. "Don't stop, and keep an eye out. I'll call if something comes up."
"All right, Alice. Thank you." In any other situation, her abruptness might have been rude. At that present moment, I couldn't have been more grateful.
"Of course," she said and then hung up almost as if my gratitude irritated her.
Taking a deep breath, I tested everything that entered my mouth and lungs ensuring it contained nothing hinting of vampire while my mind calculated the best way to keep Bella safe even with Alice's assistance.
"I think it would be best, Bella, if you used the facilities here so we don't have to stop along the way. It seems to be fine, but I'd rather be safe than sorry," I instructed and noticed the speed in which her heart was beating. Turning towards her and softening my gaze I asked, "Are you okay?"
She gulped. "Yes, Esme. I'm fine," she told me her tone emotionless, but I could hear the small quiver of fear. "I'll go use the bathroom, then. Would you mind taking my bag?"
"Not at all, my dear," I told her allowing her lie to pass. It seemed that Bella preferred to act as if she was fine, and right now keeping her calm was more important than her being completely forthright with me.
She walked off and I kept close. Once we neared the washrooms, I waited at the end of the hall for her.
Once she came out and was standing next to me, I asked her, "Would you mind taking my hand, just in case, Bella?"
"Yeah, okay," she agreed with nervousness in her voice.
Exactly 16.5 minutes after Alice's call, we walked, hand in hand, out the door, down the street, and into the parking garage. I opened her door, ensured it was closed, put the bags into the back seat, and slid into the driver's seat.
As I started the car, she held up some papers in her hand. "What's this Esme?" she asked curiously. Curiousness would certainly be better for me than her fear in this small space and I didn't dare open the window in case it might send my scent outward and attract unwanted attention.
Paying close attention to our environment as I manoeuvred the car out of the parking garage, I told her, "They are my thoughts. I wrote them last night for Carlisle, since we are so far away from one another. I was going to send it, but then I realised I shouldn't. It wouldn't be good if it were to get lost or fall into someone's hands, so in the backseat it lays."
"Will you let him read it when he arrives?" she wondered.
"Of course, I read his journals on occasion, although they are mostly about his difficult patients or interesting medical findings. But I don't have to read his journals to know his thoughts. Those he always shares with me," I told her with a smile while I weaved through traffic being slightly more aggressive and travelling slightly faster than what was usual for me.
"What about the years before you were together?" she questioned.
"He has shared many of his stories with me," I told her. "I don't know if he will ever share them all. He's lived much longer than I."
Bella nodded in understanding. She leaned back and put the papers on the seat behind us where they had last lay. "Was it difficult in the beginning?" she asked after some silence.
Fortunately, there wasn't much traffic. "Which beginning?" I asked.
"When you first met?" she clarified.
"At sixteen I thought that I had met an angel sent to earth for some secret mission and that's why he couldn't court me. Then as we spent more time together I became even more certain." I chuckled. "I suppose I really wasn't too far off at sixteen, knowing Carlisle as I do now."
"Do all humans respond to vampires that way?" she asked her curiosity evident.
I giggled under my breath at how much of my sixteen-year-old self she sounded like. Calming myself I told her, "Most humans are attracted, yes. It's part of our nature, the lure, the beauty that draws people in. I suppose it makes hunting easier for those that choose to live that way. Yet, even while they're drawn in by the lure, their bodies' respond instinctually to the danger we contain. It is almost as if they are at war within themselves. So, in answer to your question, no, most don't recognise the other-worldliness about us. They might know their internal conflict makes them uncomfortable or that there is something unnameably different or odd, but they couldn't name it like you or I did."
"Huh."
"You are exceptionally observant for a human, Bella," I complimented her.
"Then, you were as well, as a human," she pointed out.
"Yes, I suppose you could say that. I always had an active imagination, drove my mother nuts, actually, so I tended to see things others didn't," I attempted to explain.
"Huh," she stated as if that answered so much. After a few moments, she spoke again. "Would you mind telling me more about those years?" she asked bashfully.
"No I don't mind," I told her.
The traffic had slowed some, but moving, as we had merged onto the highway. The design of this particular stretch made it difficult for someone on foot to follow us. There was little in way of coverings where another vampire could stay hidden, and I could not see any danger. I hoped that it was merely a random nomad. I really was in no position to protect Bella.
As we exited Seattle I continued to keep a close eye on our surrounding, ensuring we weren't being followed. In my attempt to distract Bella from the danger we had encountered, I spent the drive telling her about what I remembered regarding life for women when I was a girl and the expectations of wives back then. Luckily the trip to Seattle and the time with her had acclimatized me to her scent, and I was able to breathe with the windows up, even though it burned my throat tremendously. I talked a little about the challenges I had faced after I had been changed, since I was still a woman, but was not necessarily constrained by the surrounding culture.
"Not to mention that Carlisle's ideas about women come from a much different age. He never knew his human mother, and his human father was strict and firm. In fact, the little he knew about women came from overhearing conversations, which really meant he knew nothing about women. Nothing. He often would treat me as if I was one of the guys and then get flustered because he didn't want me to be one of the guys."
Bella laughed lightly.
I looked at her in amusement.
"I just can't imagine Carlisle flustered. He's the epitome of calm," she explained to me.
"Usually," I agreed, "but I know all his secrets." Then I winked at her.
She was suddenly sombre. "Yes, I suppose you do."
She looked out the window for a while seemingly lost in her own world.
I said nothing wondering myself if her thoughts were centred on Edward.
We were getting close to Forks.
"Bella?" I asked softly.
"Yes, Esme," she answered keeping her gaze on the scenery.
"Can I ask a question?"
"Sure," she answered tonelessly and then sighed.
Despite her lifeless answer she seemed calm enough for me to ask my question, so I pressed forward needing to know the answer. "Were you right that even though having me here is tough, that my presence has improved things for you in some way?"
She looked at me as if I had startled her. "Yes, Esme, I suppose I was right."
"Good," I told her.
She looked at me like she couldn't have possibly heard me correctly, but said nothing, and I was unwilling to press her once more. She looked far more fragile than usual, and I was uncertain what had created such a state in her.
As we came within a few blocks of her house, I checked with her, "Are we still on for Friday with Alice?"
"Yes," she stated without emotion. "You can pick me up at the same time."
Smiling I hoped that she was going to take my advice. I told her, "Of course. That sounds very sensible."
She nodded like she was agreeing, but she smelled and looked like she was afraid. Despite my desire to comfort, she seemed like she was folding into herself while simultaneously putting up walls. I decided to give her some space and see if she indicated that she needed me.
I parked the car.
She grabbed her bags, and I grabbed the one for Charlie.
Letting herself in she said loudly, "We're back."
I followed her towards the sounds of the television.
"Glad you got back safely, Bella," Charlie told her as we came near. Then he turned to me. "Nice to see you Esme."
"It's good to see you too Charlie," I let him know. "Thank you for letting me borrow your girl. She's a wonderful travel companion." I handed him the bag. "It's not much, but I picked you up a little something in our shopping."
"What's for dinner, Dad?" Bella asked almost as if I hadn't spoken at all.
"Oh, Bella, why didn't you tell me? With everything else we didn't get you dinner," I lamented feeling terrible for forgetting this in my concern over the other vampire.
"It's fine, Esme. I wasn't really hungry after lunch anyway. I'll go get something now," she said but her tone was too flat.
"Okay, then," I told her not wanting to press things in front of her father.
She moved towards me awkwardly.
Guessing at what she might want, conscious or not, I opened my arms to invite her in.
She lunged towards me as if she was afraid of the comfort while simultaneously unable to stop herself from asking for it, and put her check onto my shirt.
Wrapping my arms around her I held her until she wiggled.
"Night dear. See you on Friday," I reminded her.
"Friday," she replied as she walked into the kitchen.
"Let me walk you out," Charlie offered.
"Thank you," I told him stepping towards the door.
He opened it and we walked outside.
"Are you staying?" Charlie asked quietly but with a warning in his tone.
"Carlisle's new position wasn't for me, Charlie. My wonderful husband agreed to move back to Forks for my sake. As you know Alice and Edward are seniors this year. Alice will be returning to Forks High, but Edward will not be."
His eyebrow raised, but I ignored it.
"I'm not sure about Jasper, Rosalie, and Emmett. They're on their own now, so they get more of a say about their lives. The impression I got from the last time I talked to Rosalie was that she was travelled out and ready to be home, but who knows what that means really. Jasper's always been the quietest of my brood. I can't always tell what's going on with him. He's a really good kid, but I'm not sure what his plans are."
"Edward is not," Charlie pressed through clenched teeth, "going to be attending Forks High?"
My head and shoulders drooping, I replied, "It's a long story, Charlie, and one, honestly, I'm not ready to tell, but the bottom line is that he's not moving back to Forks with us."
Charlie looked conflicted between a desire to comfort me and his glee at my answer. When he did speak, his tone was curt, "I won't mince words, Esme. He hurt my little girl big. He left her in the woods by herself."
I started shaking my head back and forth, as my face fell, allowing my grief and despair at this news to show through in my features. How could he have done something like that? Although I didn't doubt Charlie's words, the image was inconceivable.
"I came home, found a note, but couldn't find Bella. I had to get a search party. Luckily Sam found her, but when he did, she was hollow."
As he spoke I wondered if Sam had found her because he was a shapeshifter. Bella had mentioned the name Sam in her answer about Jake. If he had, then our family owed him a debt of gratitude. Protecting her from Laurent and then this revelation was two things too many for our family to owe to shapeshifters, especially as it was debt that could never be fully repaid.
"She's been a shell of a human being," he continued clearly grieved. "Jake's helped a lot. And I can tell that you being here has done a world of good, but I don't want that boy of yours within 100 feet of her." I knew that tone. I understood that tone. He was protecting that which he loved.
If Edward had left Bella in the woods unguarded, what else had he said or done? With this information, the image of my son as Bella's protector and looking out for her best welfare came undone. Perhaps I didn't know him as well as I thought I had.
Frowning deeply, struggling to find the words to say, I told him, "I understand, Charlie. He's my son and I love him, but I cannot agree or condone what he did. I know it doesn't help or change it, but I am sorry for what happened. I thought I had raised him better than that. It doesn't change the hurt we've caused or the pain Bella and you have suffered, but I truly am sorry. Truly, Charlie, we had no idea the mess he created until a little while ago. Anything you or Bella need, don't hesitate to ask."
"We're fine. Just keep him away," he reiterated.
"You have a precious daughter, Charlie. She deserves only the best."
The hardness was gone. "Yes, yes she does."
"I invited her to go with Alice and I shopping. I was planning on Seattle, but I might take them up to Victoria instead, or perhaps even Portland, maybe even Vancouver. Would that be all right?"
"There are some murders and missing persons in the last few months in Seattle that the cops there are talking about. They haven't made the news yet, but it still makes me nervous. I didn't want to say no to her today because I could see how much going with you lit her up, but with just you and two girls, I'd feel better if you stayed clear of Seattle."
"Would Victoria or Vancouver be all right?"
He took a moment before replying, "Yeah, Bella's got a passport."
"In that case, I'll talk to Alice and see. If we went to Vancouver and it got too late, would you mind if I rented a hotel room and I brought her back Saturday?"
"Let me talk to Bella, but that would work fine for me. I could give you some money."
Pausing I considered how to word what I wanted to say. "I appreciate your offer, but for all the pain that my family has caused you, please don't worry about it. We owe you more than money can ever repay, but it's something we have in abundance. Carlisle comes from old money, you see, and with his job," I trailed off. "Well, you can imagine. So, please grant me this. I know buying a few trinkets for Bella won't ever make up for what she has gone through, but I'd be ever so grateful i you let me spoil her a little."
He said nothing but grunted. "I don't hold his actions against you and Carlisle, just so you know," he told me after an awkward pause.
"That's very generous and kind of you," I told him impressed at his generous and forgiving heart. "I've always believed you to be a fair and honourable man," I continued musing that Bella was like him in this way. "The town couldn't ask for a better Chief of Police."
The silence began to be heavy when he said, "Well, I'd better get in. Call Bella on Thursday night."
"Will do. Good night, Charlie. Thank you for your honesty. I appreciate it."
"You're a good woman, Esme. Good night." And with that he turned and went back into his house.
As soon as I was in the car I texted Carlisle Bella and I are back safely in Forks. Crossed paths with someone related to us.
It took him less than two minutes to call me.
"You all right, Esme?" he asked his worry apparent.
"Yes, Carlisle, calm yourself," I insisted. "We are both fine."
"You were careful?" he pressed.
Smiling at my husband's protectiveness, I reassured him, "Yes, Carlisle. I called Alice and with her help nothing poor happened. We crossed paths, but no introductions were made."
Even through the phone I could hear him relax. "I really am disliking you being there alone. It is not good for me," he admitted.
His concern brought a smile to my face. His love for me had never been in doubt. Nevertheless, I appreciated this small reminder. "I promised to take care of myself. I won't break my promise," I assured him.
"If uninvited guests come and visit, you will put up the shutters and call?" he pressed.
"Of course," I promised.
"I'm sure it will be all right," he said out loud probably more for his benefit than for mine. "I just miss you and don't like you being alone."
"I often am alone when you are at work and the children are at school," I reminded him.
"I know, but then I'm close by," he told me as this was obvious.
Practically that might be true, but it seemed like he was missing the bigger picture. "True, but anything can change in an instant. Our marriage has always required hope and faith in these matters."
He sighed. "Yes, of course, you're right, my love," he uttered sounding more like himself than he had before. "I'm glad to hear that you and Bella are safe. I am being paged. I shall try to call if I get another moment."
"Of course, dear."
As soon as I hung up I remembered the papers still lying in the back of the car.
Needing a distraction, I went to the grocery store to make it known that we were back.
There were lots of whispers at Thriftway, but fortunately being the doctor's wife over the decades meant that I had lots of experience dealing with gossip and whisperers. In the parking lot one of nurses Carlisle had worked with saw me and came up to me.
"Nice to see you Esme," she told me when she was near enough.
"You as well Natalie," I replied cordially.
"Does this mean the rumour mill is actually true this time?" she asked conspiratorially.
"About which part?" I asked.
"That Dr. Cullen is returning," she replied expectantly.
"Yes, it's my fault actually. The big city didn't agree with me. I'm fortunate to have such a loving husband," I told her.
"Well, I'm glad that he's coming back. We've been suffering without him."
I smiled politely knowing that it was a euphemism and that the only one that had suffered was Bella.
"I need to get the groceries home, Natalie. Nice to run into you," I said.
"You too, Esme," she replied cordially.
By the next time Carlisle called, the groceries had been put away and the house was nearly in order. Fortunately, as well, the fright in him was gone and we simply talked about my time with Bella and he told me about moving plans and the kids. I decided to wait to tell him about the conversation with Charlie until we were all conferenced together. That way I could tell them all at once, since Charlie's request affected us all.
Our family conference call took place on early on Tuesday morning, as it had been the first-time Carlisle had gotten home since my leaving. It was certainly stranger than usual. Even though he was at home, he had to be on his cell phone so the paper trail would match that we were all in different locations. I'm sure Jasper hacking something was involved. As long as Carlisle had agreed to the measures Jasper would employ, they didn't need to ask me about those details. It was also clear in the manner in which Carlisle spoke that the conversation was also about laying a vocal trail in case one was ever needed. Probably Jasper was recording it in some way.
"So, Mom, Dad, I'm really not liking the whole being at college by myself. I really have been missing the family. I want to withdraw and come back to Forks with you guys. Maybe once Alice, Rosalie, and Emmett decide where they're going we can all go together or something."
I smiled broadly. The words were there, but the tone was too flat. Jasper was the worst at acting human when it came to these things. Nevertheless, it was an inventive cover story. It matched what people knew of Jasper and what I had told Charlie.
"I'm so sorry to hear that, son. Are you sure?" I asked my voice oozing concern.
If I had to guess, Jasper was gritting his teeth. He hated pretending, which might be a part of why he was so bad at it.
"Yes, Mom, I'm sure," he said not quite waiting the right amount of time in responding for a human conversation.
"Well, you know how much I love having you around, Jasper. What did you think, Carlisle?"
I could hear the mirth in his tone. "The credits will transfer. There's no point in him staying if he's miserable."
"I guess that's a yes from us both, then," I told Jasper making sure I sounded motherly.
"Thanks, Mom," Jasper added for good measure.
"We just want you to be happy," I told him enjoying playing my role in this way and having him call me Mom, since he never did otherwise.
"By the way, Esme, Rosalie called me," Carlisle's mirth was hidden under his official tone. "They're going to end their travels early. She caught some kind of stomach thing and wants to be home."
"The more the merrier," I told him milking it. "I'm sorry to hear she got ill, though. Do you think it's life-threatening?"
"Nothing an antibiotic treatment can't cure," he said sounding serious on the surface, but I knew better.
"Did she say when they would be arriving?" I inquired.
"They're going to meet me in L.A. and come up with me. We might drive rather than fly. I'm not sure, yet, but either way I'll be there on the 25th at the latest and start work on the 26th."
"Well, I don't have a preference. Whichever sounds best to you," I let him know.
"All right," he confirmed letting me know that he had heard my vote. "How was Seattle?" he asked to make sure we were all on the same page, even though they already knew things from Alice's end that I was safe.
"Uneventful except at the end," I reported.
"Did you run into anyone we know?" he asked.
"No one I can recall meeting. I didn't get to chat, but there were some vague qualities that seemed familiar. Perhaps a child of someone we've met but aren't close friends with? Jasper is much better at those things than I."
"Yes, that's true. Nevertheless, you arrived safely none the worse for wear?" he checked even though he had already asked me this question nearly every time we had talked prior.
"Not that I could tell," I assured him and them.
"I will be glad when you're not in that big house all alone," he reiterated.
"Not that much longer," I reminded him. "Changing subjects, I wanted to mention that Charlie asked me not to take Alice to Seattle," I informed them. "He said there had been some violence there that concerned him. He didn't like the idea of two young girls and me near to the dangers there. Have you heard anything on the news?" I checked.
"No, I honestly I have not kept up much with the Seattle news," he told me his voice suggesting that he was reviewing to make sure his memory didn't contain something he had overlooked.
Even though that made sense, it would put us at a disadvantage if something were happening, assuming it wasn't a result of human behaviours. Before catching that scent I would have assumed Charlie's warning had nothing to do about our kind, but since his words I didn't want to rule anything out.
"Well, he sounded serious, so I offered to take the girls to Victoria or Vancouver. If we go to Vancouver I might rent a hotel and have us spend the night," I informed him and Alice.
"Let's say Vancouver unless Charlie has an objection," he said letting me know Alice's request.
"I think Alice will enjoy that," I said playing along.
"Yes, I think so too," he agreed a smile evident in his tone.
"Have you had more thoughts about Edward, Carlisle?" I asked. "Charlie enquired."
"I'm still torn. All the options we last discussed are still on the table," he informed me.
"I understand, but we will need to make a decision soon," I reiterated even though they were all well aware.
"I will work on that next, love," he promised.
"I'd appreciate that. Also, I want to say something, but I need you to keep your cool," I warned my family.
"Of course, Esme," he stated. "I'm listening."
I could just imagine the visual warning he was giving our children.
"It's about Bella." I paused for good measure. "Charlie mentioned that Edward left Bella in the woods the night that you and him left Forks. Evidentially it took a search party to find her. One of the Quileutes, Sam precisely, found her in a catatonic state. Charlie has demanded that we keep Edward away from her."
There was a long pause and I waited.
After many long minutes, Carlisle informed me, "Please continue."
"He was obviously very upset. I would assume a doctor would have been called by the sound of it."
"That would be a reasonable assumption," he agreed tightly.
"Please tell Alice to consider what this information might mean in light of previous conversations," I warned her.
"That's a good point, Esme. I will do," Carlisle confirmed.
"All right. Anything more on your end?" I checked.
"Yes, tons, but it can wait till I'm there," he let me know. After a brief pause he added, "Oh, one more thing, I have it on good authority that your new vehicle will be ready tomorrow when you pick up Alice."
"Thank you for letting me know. I'll arrange things with the dealership."
"Would it be okay with you if I came in on Wednesday as well?" Jasper interjected.
"Can you get everything squared away before then?" I wanted to know.
"Yes," was his firm reply.
"That's okay with me. Carlisle?"
"Yes, that's fine," he agreed.
"Since we are both in agreement could you consider, Jasper, me picking you up before I get the new car? Perhaps while I'm finishing up with the dealership you might want to stretch your legs in Seattle?"
This time there was a slightly longer pause than he technically needed. He was probably considering the pros and cons of my request. "I'm happy to go to the dealership with you," he let me know. "I'm not sure about stretching my legs though, but let me think about it."
"Sure. Let me know what you decide when I collect you," I told him.
"Anything else?" Carlisle asked, a question meant for the kids.
"I'm good," was Jasper's reply clearly speaking to me on their behalf.
"So, Alice will be travelling from L.A. and Jasper from Ithaca on Wednesday. You'll pick them up and get the car at the dealership. On Friday, you will tentatively take Alice and Bella to Vancouver and spend the night into Saturday. On Monday, you will enrol Alice back into Forks High to finish her senior year, while Jasper is going to do some research on where he wants to study. The following Sunday, by the latest I will arrive. I'm not sure about when Rosalie and Emmett will be back, but probably around the same time as me depending on what they do," he recapped no doubt checking in with everyone that there was nothing more. "Was that it for now?"
"I can't think of anything else," I told him
"Well then, we're in agreement."
"Call me if you can Carlisle," I asked.
"I know love."
"Bye guys."
"Bye Mom," Jasper added playing along. Nonetheless, the words melted my heart.
"Talk to you soon love," I told Carlisle.
Finishing up a few last things in the house, I was feeling restless, so sat down to work on the blueprints of the Forks house to see if there were ways to improve it. Suddenly my ears picked up the sound of what could only be vampires running towards the house. I became statuesque hoping that I hadn't made a critical error in coming back to Forks alone.
For the next few seconds all that my mind could conjure is what would happen to my family if I were to be turned to ash. Then my mind registered that the gaits were of Eleazar, Carmen, and Tanya. Letting out a huge sigh of relief, I travelled downstairs, put in the code lifting the shutters, and went outside to greet them.
"How nice to see you three," I told them when they were in hearing distance.
A few seconds later, they came into view bearing smiles.
"Is Irina and Kate not with you?" I asked frowning concerned something had happened while I hugged each of them.
"No," Tanya informed me. "Laurent has not returned since your call, Irina is worried and stayed in case he returned, and Kate stayed to keep her company."
"I'm sorry to hear that," I told them.
"What was Carlisle thinking allowing you to be here alone?" Eleazar asked clearly teasing some.
Smiling at him, I told him, "That his wishes of his wife were greater than his desire to keep her near."
"Very brave of him," he commended.
"Yes," I agreed. "Carlisle is very brave about a great number of things."
"Carlisle mentioned that you came across a nomad's scent in Seattle," Tanya told me sounding concerned confirming my suspicions. "We would all be grieved if something were to happen to you, Esme," she informed me warmly.
"That is very kind of you," I told her.
Tanya waved her hand as if it was nothing.
"Come inside," I insisted, "Sit and tell me about your concerns regarding Laurent."
After we were seated Tanya said, "There's not much, just that he hasn't returned within the time we expected."
"Carlisle mentioned to you that we suspect he had a run in with the Quileute wolves?" I checked.
"Yes," she stated.
"And he also mentioned the treaty?" I confirmed.
Eleazar smiled knowingly, "We didn't come to cause trouble, Esmeralda, only to keep you company and see if we can find answers."
"I didn't doubt otherwise," I agreed. "I can take you to the meadow in Alice's vision. The scents might be gone by now, and although there are five wolves, our family assumed that Laurent simply scaled a tree to escape them. We presumed that no harm greater than a scratch had come to him."
"Yes," Eleazar said, "Carlisle had said as much as well."
"In that case, let me take you," I told them getting up.
With me in the lead, we all went to Edward's meadow. It took a bit of searching, as I had never been there before, but eventually we came upon Quiluete shapeshifter stench of decomposed flesh and death. We spread out searching for Laurent's scent. Although I could tell at moments that he had been in the woods, his scent simply wasn't absorbed enough into the forest to say anything for sure.
Hours later Eleazar stated, "I think we will find no answers this way except that Laurent was here at one time and wolves were here at one time. The trails are too difficult to follow assuredly."
Agreeing reluctantly, we headed back to the house. Once there, we all changed and came down to the living room in clean dry clothes.
"Carlisle said he would request details from the tribal chief once he has arrived," Eleazar told me.
I nodded in agreement as if I already knew this. "They are honourable people and have no reason to hide from us the truth of this matter." After a short pause, I asked, "Do you know why he would even be in this area?"
"No," Tanya told me. "We are all hoping for Irina's sake that he wasn't still loyal to Victoria."
"Yes," I concurred, "We are all hoping that. If he were, it would put him at odds with our family."
"That it would," Tanya agreed, "So, let us hope that is not the case, or, even if it were, that he can be persuaded otherwise."
Nodding in hopes that would be the case, I asked, "So, are you staying until Alice and Jasper arrive?"
"If you'll have us," Carmen added.
"I'd love the company," I told them all. "Do share some stories since the last time we saw each other."
Tanya shared a story of her and Kate going into town and finding some human men to have fun with. Carmen shared some of the changes they were making to the house and thoughts they had about some business ventures that would be entirely online.
Into the afternoon my plans to check on Bella seemed impossible. Then I came up with a different idea than simply observing her from the forest, since I knew she was working. Excusing myself, I told them I had an errand I needed to run, got into the car, and drove to Newton's Outfitters.
Despite my protests, Tanya had joined me. She had been unwilling to take no for an answer. I suspected that Carlisle might have hinted at keeping me safe, and smiled at the thought.
When Tanya and I entered the store, Bella was in the midst of helping some backpackers from out of town, so I waited till she was done, while Tanya entertained herself talking with some male shoppers.
After finishing helping the backpackers, she came over to me and asked, "Hey, Esme. What can I do for you?" She seemed pleased but surprised to see me. She looked wearingly over at Tanya, but said nothing.
Her discretion impressed me.
"I came in because I need some new hiking boots. When I went out yesterday it was clear that I had run through my old ones and I didn't pack any to bring with me. Certainly, they're in a box on a moving truck, but that won't help me at the moment, so I thought maybe you'd have some suggestions."
She smiled at me knowingly. "Probably ones with really thick soles?"
"You know me too well, darling," I told her while smiling sweetly.
"Okay, sit over there. Let me get you a few to try from the back," she instructed.
"Thank you," I let her know.
"Sure."
She came back and did an excellent job helping me. I purchased two pairs. Seeing her had helped calm me.
"Really, Esme?" Tanya chided when we got back into the car. "Hiking boots?"
Smiling at her, I said nothing in return.
She had a calculating look and about half way to the house asked, "Is that the girl that turned Edward's head?"
Keeping my face neutral despite my concerns regarding her having that knowledge, I told her, "Yes, it is."
"She's rather plain," Tanya stated.
"The heart is often moved by more than outward appearance," I told her.
"I presume she's the reason you've moved back," Tanya said.
"In part," I agreed.
"I don't see what Edward sees in her," Tanya proclaimed.
"Yes, well I doubt you see in Carlisle what I do," I stated gently trying to pull her out of this comparison.
"True," she conceded.
"Enough of that," I told her. "So, I'm guessing you were asked to be my bodyguard."
Her eyes twinkled mischievously, "I might have offered, yes. Apart from not wanting to see any harm come to you Esme, I was curious. You can't begrudge me trying to solve this mystery," she told me in a playful tone.
"Was your curiosity sated?" I asked.
"No," she replied frowning. "In fact, I'm even more curious than before."
I chuckled.
She looked at me to explain myself.
"Bella often seems to stir that reaction in our kind," I told her.
"Huh," was her reply.
"So, now that you're my designated bodyguard, what shall we do with ourselves?" I asked her teasingly.
She chuckled. "Let's go hunt," she suggested lightly. "It was a long run."
"I could certainly do with some blood," I agreed easily.
When we returned to the house I offered for Eleazar and Carmen to join us. They accepted.
In the beginning resisting human blood had been challenging and every once in a while, like when Bella cut herself, it could be too much, but overall, I had no qualms about blood. I enjoyed the challenge of hunting animals in a way that caused the least fear or suffering. The animal that died did so to nourish me, while also ensured that a human didn't die in its place. All creatures consumed something to live, and animal blood didn't seem that much different to me than humans eating animal meat. In the end, it was what sustained me so that I could live my life. It could be worse I regularly reminded myself. When we got to the park Eleazar and Carmen went their own way, so Tanya and I travelled together to find something we wanted.
After Tanya had her fill and I was sated we returned to Forks, as she said not to wait for Eleazar and Carmen. Before heading home, I went to Bella's house to check on her with Tanya in tow. She was sound asleep in her bed. There was a fresh shapeshifter trail in the forest around her house. Although the scent itself was repugnant, I appreciated that someone else was also looking out for her. It was probably Jake, as Bella had made him sound like he was a good friend. We stayed until I heard Charlie begin to stir.
"It is just the girl and her father?" Tanya asked as we ran back to the house.
"Yes," I confirmed, "she is also the same one that Laurent almost snacked on."
"Oh," Tanya said despondently. "Then I am glad for our families' sakes that he did not succeed."
"As am I," I agreed.
"Carlisle mentioned that in Alice's vision Laurent had told her that Victoria was looking to kill her, and that your family felt obligated to keep her from harm."
"Yes," I sighed heavily. "She was with us when we met Laurent's old coven and Victoria might be attempting to get at her. We want to make sure that doesn't happen."
Tanya nodded. We were close to the house when she added, "Please stay on the right side of the law, Esme. The Volturi are not forgiving, not even to friends."
Smiling grimly at her, I thanked her, "I appreciate your wise counsel, Tanya."
It seemed clear to me that Tanya wasn't going to ask for specifics, as she didn't want to be caught on the wrong side of the law. Given her history, I understood and respected her stance. It made her willingness to come and be with me even more generous.
When we got back to the house I decided to clean it, make Carlisle's and my bed, and do small household chores. Tanya didn't help much, but kept me company. Eventually Eleazar and Carmen returned. We talked some before we parted ways. I promised them that we would let them know if we heard anything about Laurent, then headed out to pick up Alice and Jasper. They both were arriving about noon. I had no doubt that this was the most complicated paper and electronic cover story, as well as hacking our family had ever done. Not once had we ever needed records to show that we had lived in a place we had never been to order to return to a previous location. I would leave those details in my children's very capable hands.
As I drove, I couldn't help but reflect on Bella's and my trip. I had decided to wait to tell the family the details that could not have been easily conveyed over the phone that I had learned both from Bella and Charlie about the impact to Bella from Edward's departure. Not to mention that it was bound to be a difficult conversation, so one best had in person. I hoped to convince them that, for the moment, we needed to keep Edward away from Bella. Once he made a decision to see her, Alice would see it and the boys could stop him. If I got my way, I wanted them apart at least till June. Once she left Charlie's house, things might look different. Then, I amended my conclusion to keeping them apart at least till she was healthier, stronger, and ready to see him.
Part of why that conversation was best had in person was that our family was divided about Edward, and I was uncertain if we could come to an agreement. We hadn't even yet been able to agree to a cover story. Actually dealing with him, once he returned, wasn't something I was ready to face. At least three of my children liked the idea of breaking him apart for a while. After hearing what Charlie had said, I was feeling more inclined to agree to that myself, although I was uncertain what it might accomplish.
I waited in the airport cell phone area with my windows rolled up, to be on the safe side in case the nomad, whose scent I had crossed, was inclined to still be in the area. Their plane was a little late, and Alice packed a lot, of course.
"So, what's the plan Jasper?" I asked once they were settled in the car.
"We agreed for you to show me and Alice the place where you picked up the scent. We will see what we can find out and meet you back where you drop us off."
"All right," I agreed. "Thank you."
Driving to downtown I double-parked and showed him the spot, let him and Alice out, and went to pick up the car purchased as per Rosalie's specifications.
She had reiterated to me this morning of all that should be included while I had to remind her that I wasn't a car expert like her and the best I could do was ask the sales person if it indeed had everything she had ordered.
She had huffed and agreed.
Parking the rented Lincoln, I went into the showroom. There was a young guy behind the counter, who, although he looked at me inappropriately, kindly asked me to take a seat. He came back with a man who eyed me like a piece of meat and started the conversation by saying, "Hey gorgeous what can I do for you?"
I responded by smiling sweetly and telling him, "Your manager, please."
He spluttered and stuttered but came back with a round man with white hair and a kind face.
"I apologise for bothering you, sir. Nevertheless, I expect the upmost respect from all Mercedes employees and did not appreciate the way your associate spoke to me," I informed him. "I was hoping you could personally direct me to another associate to help me today."
"Certainly, Ms.?"
"Mrs. Cullen," I told him tersely.
"Mrs. Cullen?" he said with a manner that implied that he was impressed.
"Yes, sir," I replied with the tone that I usually reserved for Carlisle's colleagues who had the bad sense to flirt with me.
"I do apologize," he stated sincerely acting as if I had chastised him. "Let me get you someone who might be better suited to your expectations."
"That would be appreciated," I let him know speaking formally.
He disappeared and came back with a woman that had short black hair, but for all intent and purposes otherwise reminded me of Rosalie. We would get on just fine.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Cullen, I'm Ashley Mitchell," she told me while extending her hand. "Glad you were able to stop in today. We were told that you had a Hertz car that you needed to be returned, was that correct?"
"Yes," I replied cordially as I briefly shook her hand.
"I'll take care of that myself. Would you step this way to look over the paperwork, then we'll show you the car, and sign everything?" she asked.
"Very well, Ms. Mitchell," I agreed.
Once we sat down, she went through all the specs, what had been ordered, the special work done. Everything Rosalie had asked for was on the list.
As she spoke and explained everything, my ears were picking up on the manager dressing down the previous associate. Hopefully he would learn proper conduct when speaking to a lady. Times had changed, for the better in some ways, I believed, but basic respect and kindness seemed to be fading away in human society, especially in larger cities.
When we got to the end we went and had a look at the vehicle. I had asked Rosalie to get a colour other than the stock colours of black, white, or silver. It was a metallic dark forest green.
"We did the custom paint job here ourselves, so if there's the slightest issue we'll take care of it," Ms. Mitchell explained.
I simply nodded and got in the driver's seat. Yes, this would do. Rosalie had chosen well, including the colour. I would have to let her know.
"That's fine," I told Ms. Mitchell once I had exited the vehicle.
We went back to her desk area. I paid for the vehicle, included a hefty bonus for Ms. Mitchell and the workmen, had the bags transferred, left her the keys to the Lincoln and drove back to pick up Jasper and Alice.
Not a block from the dealership I rang Rosalie.
"It's a fine car, Rosalie," I told her as soon as it had connected.
"Did they do it to specs?" she grumbled.
"It was all there," I told her. "You'll have to verify it yourself when you get here. I just know I like it. It was a good pick, thank you."
"You're welcome. This week can't go by fast enough."
"I miss you too, sweetheart," I let her know even though this wasn't the first time I had needed to reassure her since I had left Ithaca.
"Glad you like it," she stated as if I hadn't addressed her unspoken concerns.
"I really do," I confirmed. "I appreciate all your hard work."
"You're welcome," she told me and paused like she was going to say something more, but Emmett could be heard in the background. "Got to go Mom. See you soon," she added before hanging up.
Then I called Alice. "I'm about a mile away," I let her and Jasper know.
"See you soon."
"Sounds good," I told her before disconnecting the call.
Sure enough, at a red light they appeared at the car.
"Nice wheels, Mom," Alice complimented.
"Thanks, Rosalie outdid herself this time. So, what did you find out?" I asked.
"The scent wasn't strong enough anymore. We came across another trail that was a few days old a few miles in direction of the warehouses, but it also was too weak," Jasper reported.
"Two different scents?" I repeated back shocked. "Could that mean that there is a coven in Seattle instead of just one nomad?"
"Seems likely," was Jasper's terse reply.
"Either way, thank you for checking," I told them my thoughts consumed about what that might mean.
"Of course," Alice answered smiling.
"Did you find anything worrisome in the news?" I wondered.
"There are certainly our kind killing in the city," Jasper replied evenly. "I'd rather come back once Rosalie and Emmett are here in case there's more than these two."
"More than two? Jasper, we've never come across more than three in a coven." I left my statement hung open hoping he would say more.
He looked at me sternly and added, "The scents were old, so I cannot be certain, but I suspect the two we came across are newborns."
"Newborns? Two of them?" I asked astonished. Why would there be newborns in Seattle? It wasn't our lifestyle choice, but I could see the value of raising a newborn in Seattle. The city was big enough for feeding and hiding kills. But two? That made no sense. And how did that relate to what the humans were saying in the news? The information simply did not add up. Certainly Jasper would have some theories. I went to ask him, but the look on his face made it clear that he wasn't going to say much else. "One of the many things to discuss when we're all assembled I assume?" I told him letting him know I respected his desire to wait.
"You assume correctly," Jasper agreed briskly.
Then I put it out of my mind. There was no reason to think about it until we were all assembled.
Jasper and Alice spent the rest of the car ride filling me in with all the options being considered for cover stories and how long we might need to stay in the area with the added potential issue of Seattle. An hour from Forks the conversation turned to Edward.
"So, are we any closer to a consensus regarding Edward's cover story?" I asked.
"Rosalie still wants him to be in some kind of trouble, so the conversation seems to be leaning towards a fancy music school that has strict boarding. Jasper found one in Europe that fit the bill," Alice informed me.
I sighed. "When we're all assembled we also need to discuss what to do if Edward shows up here."
"He's still in Brazil the best I can tell," Alice sighed sadly.
I nodded. "Still, since we are taking responsibility for Bella, that includes from Edward. I would appreciate it Jasper, if you would come up with some possibilities."
"Sure, Esme," he agreed easily.
"Thank you. I'm sure you'll need to hunt when we get home."
"I need at least to run and have fresh air. I really hate airplanes," Jasper snarled.
Alice just leaned back from the front seat and patted his knee.
"I'll put your bags in your room, then," I let them know.
"Thank you, Esme," Alice beamed.
"Of course, dear."
When we pulled up they sprinted away. I put the bags in their room and then drove the car into the garage. I pulled into my assigned spot. It still was strange to have my car be the only one.
I called and talked to Carlisle a little, telling him that my written thoughts were waiting for him to arrive. He shared about his days at work, his worries as a doctor and as a father. He relayed that he had been able to contact Edward earlier in the day, but that he had sounded worse.
"I don't think he's feeding, Esme," he told me heavily.
"We can't make him, Carlisle," I reminded him.
"I know," he agreed. "I just worry," he admitted.
"As do I. Hope, faith, and love," I assured him.
"Hope, faith, and love," he repeated solemnly.
We talked about a few other minor things, but mostly we just talked to hear the other and to feel some connection despite our distance. Eventually he was needed in order to keep to Rosalie's packing schedule, which I found adorable and he did not.
Our family was split by location, Edward was in South America, Bella looked like she hadn't really been living, we had new shapeshifters as neighbours, and Laurent and Victoria might be trying to take revenge on our family. Closing the phone I took in a steadying breath and for the first time since my awakening prayed. With careful thought I asked that hope, faith, and love would be enough to get us through whatever the future held.
