The Guardian, Part 2: Life or Something Like It
Disclaimer: I don't own the Twilight characters. They belong to Stephenie Meyer, et al.
Thanks for reading! PS-sorry it has taken me so long to post this; it's summer exam week here at sunny San Francisco State.
Bella scooped the baby up from the tent, and ran with Rose towards the house. They followed the din of voices to the sitting room, where Alice and Esme had set the girl on the already-made-up couch. They each took a seat on the floor. The strange girl didn't look at anyone, and she only gave short answers.
"Are you OK?"
"Yes."
"Did they hurt you?"
"Sometimes."
"Did they tell you why they came here?"
"Yes."
" Are you cold? You're shivering."
"I think I'm in shock."
"Probably. Rest for a bit until Carlisle gets here."
"Thank you." She sank back into the pillows and closed her eyes.
Back in the meadow, Edward and Emmett took the tent down quickly and quietly while Carlisle opened the envelope that Aro had given him. Inside was a wad of money, a note, and a copy of an old, hand-written treaty. He called Edward over to look at the treaty.
"Look. Do you remember during World War Two, when the Romanians were involved in the changing of some Jews to help them avoid persecution by the Nazi's?"
"Yes. But-"
"This is the treaty the Volturi signed with both the Romanians and the Jewish families, promising to keep them alive and free from harm. I heard that after the war, some of the vampires were killed anyway, when they requested to join with the Romanians. But a few families were saved; hers must've been one of them." Edward nodded and folded the treaty and placed it carefully back in the envelope.
"It was nice of the Volturi to pay you for her care," said Emmett, who had come over to listen in. He had placed the tent in it's storage bag, put the blankets in a tote bag, and had them ready to take back.
"It's hers. The Volturi owe her that much," said Carlisle, absently, "I am sure hers has been a life of torture and servitude. The Volturi didn't save the Jewish families as a goodwill gesture, but rather to increase and strengthen their ranks." He shook his head in disgust. Edward and Emmett nodded; they understood what Carlisle was saying. The three of them carried the gear back to the house where they met the family in the sitting room. Carlisle set his medical bag on the coffee table next to the couch. He had sent the boys away; he was pretty sure he knew what the deal was.
"When did the, um, symptoms start?"
"Last month. I think it was awkward for them; a half-human who was starting puberty. Makes it really hard to ignore the scent of blood. Especially the blood of a virgin Jew you are duty-bound to at least keep alive." Her voice was full of venom as she said the last sentence.
"I understand. There was a time that the Volturi was more benevolent; it seems so long ago now. So, let's be clear. The Volturi sent you away because you began menses, and the boys couldn't keep you out of their minds. Is that about right?"
"You're good, Doc. Keep going."
"They also sent you here because you're a half-blood who questions their power. And although you have some powers of your own that they are after, the collateral damage they could face if something goes wrong is too immense to deal with."
"Yup. Give him the gold medal."
"I like your spunk. But please, let's be serious for a minute. What did they do to you? Can you talk about it?"
"I CAN. I don't like to, though. But I'll indulge you. Your snoopy son can come back in; I hope my thoughts about death and destruction taught him a thing or two about snooping in people's heads without permission." Everyone tittered a little; Edward rolled his eyes as he entered.
"I just wanted to see if we could trust you, that's all. I am sorry for the things you have seen; you seem so young to have lived such horror," Edward said.
"Thank you. I probably am. I am only fourteen. I was born to a Vampire father, but a human mother. My father was the grandson of a man the Romanian vampires had saved during the Nazi raid of Warsaw. He was changed because he had both great powers and great wealth. The Romanians offered him an exchange-his safety for their fight to overthrow the Volturi. Which is what they offered to a bunch of families; I believe there were 14 in all. Anyway, after the war, a few families had died; it is difficult being a new vampire, apparently. Somehow- we think it was an insider who was feeding them information, the Volturi found out about the Romanians- plot to overthrow them. They met secretly with the Jewish families; if they left the Romanian coven, the Volturi would allow them to live among mortals, practicing their faith and their chosen professions, yet still be protected, so long as they obeyed certain rules. It was mostly fine, until they discovered that some of us had powers. We were immediately summoned to Volterra, and basically enslaved there while they used our powers to train their armies, and fight their enemies. My grandfather had the ability to change people's will with a single glance. He was killed in a battle putting down some newborns in Russia. My father had two special skills, an ability to jump so high he couldn't be seen, and the ability to mind-read. The Volturi had him killed last year when they discovered that he had been having a…relationship with a female vampire from the Bulgarian line-an Original*. And up until last month, I myself was used as a trainer for their army."
"A trainer?" asked Edward.
"Yup. Jane and Dmitri, and everyone else, had to test their powers on someone. Why not a half-blood that you keep around out of guilt?"
Bella shuddered. "I'm so sorry," she murmured under her breath.
"The only thing that saved me, I'm convinced, is that my father had given me a copy of the treaty awhile ago. I took it to Marcus, Caius, and Aro, and asked that I be allowed to live among mortals, as stated. They told me about your coven, and asked if they brought me here, could I at least live the same way you do? As if you'd even think about adding another person to your coven; how ballsy of them. And besides, I already live similarly to you; I haven't had a drink of blood in over a year, and even then it was a sheep." She shrugged; the end of her story, or at least for now.
Carlisle reached for his medical bag anyway. "Do you mind if I do a workup? I'd also like to take some blood, if that's all right. Then let's get you fed and tucked in; a good nights sleep will do wonders. Alice, Esme, perhaps you can fix up Edwards old bedroom?" The two women nodded their agreement. They rose and stalked off down the hallway.
"Will this hurt?"
"Probably a little. Sorry."
Shamira sighed and held her arm out to Carlisle. He checked her pulse, took her blood sugar, and her temperature. He cleared everyone out when it was time to draw her blood.
" Hey, Doc. How do you do it? I mean, how do you work in medicine, around bleeding people all day, and not bite them?"
"Many hundreds of years of practice. Ok, we're done. I believe Alice will escort you down the hall, if you are ready. Do you have any clothes or bags or anything?""No. Thank you, Dr. Cullen. Your kindness is appreciated; in the morning, I wonder if I could bother you for some time to discuss where I might be able to live. Perhaps you know of a coven who is looking for a new, albeit unconventional, member? Just tell them they'd be protected from the Volturi until I died. That might make me more appealing." She looked pensive, as if picturing such a coven.
"We can discuss your future tomorrow. Please let Alice know what you need; she will help you."
Alice grabbed her hand to lead her down the hall. She smiled at the girl, and then stopped in front of the bedroom.
"Esme is making you a sandwich; we figured you'd prefer to have it in here for tonight. Is there anything you need? I noticed you had no luggage."
"Thank you, Alice. If you have anything I can wear for bed, and then perhaps tomorrow, that'd be great." Alice nodded. She disappeared, then reappeared just as quickly, handing her a pair of sweats and a t-shirt.
"Good thing we're the same size. We'll have to go shopping later in the week. And would you mind if I did your hair? Maybe a makeover-Rose and Bella can help, and-oh, sorry. Sometimes I get out of hand. I never had a sister until Rose joined us, and we're not that close, and Bella could care less about her appearance."
"I understand. Thank you for your kindness. I appreciate everything you have done."
"Can I just ask one more thing?" Shamira nodded.
"I love your name; is it Jewish? German?"
"It's Hebrew. It means the Watchful One, or more accurately, the guardian. Just call me Mira."
"Oh, I love that. Do you mind if I tell Bella? It's kind of like you were sent here to watch over Nessie; another half-blood living with another. It'll be sooo great." She bounded off, presumably to share the news of her connections with the others. A soft knock came at the door.
"Hello? It's Esme, dear. I have just a little dinner for you." Mira opened the door and smiled at the tray of food in front of her.
"Thank you. Please come in; is there something I can take so it doesn't topple over?" Esme entered the room completely balanced and set the tray on top of a dresser near the bed. Then she stopped in the middle of the room and turned around to face the girl.
"No, I got it. Can I ask you a question? Would you consider staying with us? I mean, I know you just came, but in truth, we need some fresh faces around here. And I like you. Plus, I have been wanting another child…sorry, that was that rude? I apologize for that. But, really, it's no trouble, and now that Bella and Edward are staying in the cottage, we have the extra space. Alice already adores you, and of course, Emmett thinks your jumping is awesome. Please consider it."
"I will, thank you." Esme left the room, and Mira sat on the bed, sighing. If only it was that easy. There was so much to think about; could she fit in here? It's hard for a half-blood, never fitting in in either world, but a freak on the fringe. And being as emotionally damaged as she was, given the mistreatment from the Volturi, it would be hard to form a lasting bond. But she WAS Shamira-a guardian. Maybe that DID mean something. On the one hand, it would be nice to have a stable, loving home; a forever family, but on the other hand, what if she ever disappointed them? Made a choice that was wrong? Would it be OK? Would it last? And she was sure the mom vampire was exageratting. No, it wasn't rude that she said she wanted more children; it was likely true. But shouldn't it be a group choice? Or maybe not, parents did a lot of things without consulting their kids. Although you'd think it'd be different for vampires; after all, they're technically not children. She sighed again, and looked at the tray. Perhaps she could think clearly when her stomach wasn't making odd noises. She picked up the sandwich; it appeared to be tomato and lettuce. As she chewed, she stood up and began poking around the room. In the dresser, she found an old legal pad and a pencil that had been chewed almost to the lead.
"Some dumb vampire is going to get lead poisoning," she thought to herself. She pulled the legal pad over to the bed, and made a pros/cons list entitled "Reasons to Stay with the
Cullen Family."
She didn't know when it had happened, but somehow she fell asleep.
Meanwhile, the family gathered in Carlisle's office again. Eme had called everyone together; the only one not there was Bella, who was at the cottage with Nessie, who was asleep. But Edward had spoken to Esme already and knew Bella's input. Esme addressed the group in her soft-spoken way.
"Ok, so I am sure you all know why I asked you all here. But I want to take a vote on it. Do we want to ask Shamira-Mira-to join the family? Tell me what you think." Alice raised her hand.
"I vote yes. I like her, and I think she's great. I don't know why, but I have a good feeling about this." She poked Jasper in the ribs. He looked at her; he still didn't know. "I am going to pass for now; I am still unsure." Esme nodded. She gestured to Edward.
"Bella and I vote Yes. But I think she's going to need a lot of support. I hope we know what we're doing." Esme nodded. "Yes, Edward. I hope you and Bella can help her as best you can. Rose, Emmett?" Emmet nodded his head. "I say Yes. It'll be fun." Rosalie's face was unreadable; last time she was the holdout. Rose took a breath. "Esme, Carlisle. I know this is something you want. So I will vote Yes, although I am not sure it's really the best idea you've ever had. But, yes." She nodded, then looked at the floor. Emmett put an arm around her. Carlisle spoke up. "You know how I feel, my dear. Jasper, have you made any headway? We can wait some more, I want you to be sure." Jasper shook his head. "I vote yes. But with reservations. I talked to her a bit tonight; her fighting experience would be an asset, but it could also be very dangerous. I want to make sure she understands our lifestyle. I know how hard it is to follow, but I am trying, and I know it can be done, but I don't want us to be unsafe. Can we speak with her about that a little more?" Carlisle nodded in agreement. "I think that's a wise idea. Thank you for your support, everyone. We also wanted to tell you all that it is about time for us to be heading off to New Hampshire. I am putting in notice at the hospital this week; can you all have your affairs settled in two weeks' time?"
"Yes," came the collective reply.
"Great, thanks. Ok, I think that's it, then."
The next morning, Mira opened the bedroom door to find Alice waiting for her.
"Oh, goody, you're up. I have an outfit," she held up a pair of jeans and a blouse that used to be Bella's. Mira was more Bella's or Esme's size; not stick thin like Alice or Rose, but due to her height, Alice had had to wash the jeans she was wearing the day before, as only the boys were as tall as her, and there was no way any sister of Alice's would be found wearing men's clothes, "also, family meeting in 15 minutes. Hurry up and change; Edward made some oatmeal for you and Nessie. Want me to fix your hair?" Mira held up a hand.
"All of that sounds fantastic. Come in, though. I have to pee first, then we can do my hair. You don't have to feed me and entertain me every second, though. Please let Edward know I appreciate the oatmeal. Be right back." By then, both girls were in the bedroom. Alice flopped on the bed while Mira closed the bathroom door behind her. She sent a mental note to Edward passing on Mira's thanks. She noticed the legal pad on the floor where Mira had dropped it sometime during the night. She noticed the list she had made, and chuckled to herself. She didn't really read it, but noted there were more marks on the "Pro" side than the "Con" side. She didn't hear the bathroom door open. "Alice, I'm dressed. What were you thinking for my hair?" Alice looked up; the blue of the blouse looked good with her skin; thankfully, her and Bella had similar coloring. She stood up and went into the bathroom, where she had left an extra hairbrush and some toiletries the night before. "I don't know. Let me brush it to see. Sit on the toilet, ok?" Mira sat stone still on the toilet while Alice brushed. "I think we should leave it down; you have great hair. I wish we had time to do makeup; Carlisle has rounds, though, so he has to meet with us soon. You ready?" Mira smiled and nodded. She followed Alice down the hallway and down the stairs into the grand sitting room. She sat on the couch next to Bella, who was holding Nessie, and Edward, who smiled.
"So oatmeal is OK, then?"
"Yes, thank you. A family meeting, huh? What does that look like?"
"Well, usually, Carlisle or Esme passes on some news that impacts the whole coven, Emmett cracks some jokes, the rest of us laugh, and then it's over." By then, everyone had gathered in the room again. Most of the vampires stood up, but Carlisle sat at the edge of a large armchair, looking serious.
"Did you sleep well, Shamira?"
"Yes. Please call me Mira."
"Of course. Well, last night, it was decided that you should stay with us. We all voted, and we would love to have you, if you'd agree to stay. I think we could benefit from having you as part of our family. I am sure you could benefit, too. We would like to know what you think?" Mira had been looking at everyone while he spoke; all but Rosalie were smiling at her.
"I think that would be great. Thank you. But if I am going to stay, can I just ask two things?"Sure," said Carlisle, suspiciously.
"Firstly, you all need to stop being so polite. Geez. Real people are just not this nice. I know why you are polite, just sometimes it's awkward." Everyone laughed at that. "Secondly, I really need to know that this is forever, or at least indefinite. I really couldn't bear it if I was sent away from somewhere again. I mean, life with the Volturi wasn't exactly a picnic at the beach, but it was a home, you know?"
"I think we can agree to both of those terms. In this family, when you join us, we expect that you are sincere enough to mean it for forever, too. It might take us some time to fulfill the first one; although I do want to make it clear that in the human world, I would ask you to be polite at all times." It was Mira's turn to laugh.
"No problem. I understand that it is a survival instinct, and that you all are truly that nice. I just meant you all didn't have to be super-polite to me. In fact, sometimes the flowery language is beyond me." Everyone nodded. Jasper raised his hand. Carlisle indicated for him to speak.
"Mira, I just wanted to review with you and make sure you understand our way of life. I know you said last night that you knew how we lived; I am assuming that information came from the Volturi?" Mira nodded. "Ok, so it's OK, then, that we don't drink human blood? That's not weird to you?" Mira smiled.
"Jasper, I understand completely what you're trying to get across. I'm a half-blood; I think it would be a little awkward for me to want to join you if I was worried that I was going to be lunch. No, it's not weird. In fact, I think it's awesome. I admire your commitment to the lifestyle; I know the entire Volturi, and their army, was a bit amazed, and if I could be honest, jealous at your self-control. Most vampires don't want the bad image that comes with being a blood-drinker; the fact that you guys have figured out how to reconcile it all is amazing. I have much to learn about that. But, I haven't really tasted blood before, and when I have-5 times-it has always been animal. So I don't really know the difference, but I have heard some of the other families describe the wild thirst; it makes me shudder. I guess that makes me lucky? But I do promise to live the way you do, and I know that you will be there to help if I need it, Jasper." He nodded.
"Ok, well, if that's everything, I'd really like to eat something." Carlisle stood.
"Actually, it's perfect timing. I really need to be getting on to work. Thank you all. One more thing, please tell her about New Hampshire. We have to move soon. Someone will explain it all. Please excuse me, everyone." They all nodded. Alice stood up and gestured for Mira to come into the kitchen.
"So, welcome. Also, like Carlisle was saying, we have to move. We have been here in Forks for about four years now; that is a long time and more and more people are becoming suspicious. We are planning to move to New Hampshire; we haven't lived there before, and Bella and Edward are enrolled at Dartmouth. We'll get you some records in order, and you can start school there ASAP; we plan to be there by the middle next month, which is when the schools there start. So it'll be perfect-plenty of time to settle in, and then we'll get you a wardrobe and some supplies. So that's the story." She realized Mira had been only half-listening; she was concentrating on something outside. It looked like Jacob Black was coming by. Mira had scooped some oatmeal into a bowl that Alice hadn't seen her find; perhaps Edward had left it out? Anyway, this could get awkward.
"Bella, Jacob's here," Alice called. She turned to Mira. "You wanna meet a werewolf?"
Mira turned white.
"Are you serious?"
"Yup. Come on; it'll be OK. Bring your breakfast; Esme'll have a heart attack, but I guess if you're a half-blood, we might have to risk oatmeal everywhere."
"No, I'll eat it later. I'll just grab a banana for now." She plucked one of the bunch sitting on the counter and downed it in three bites. She said, with her mouth full, "Take me to the shifter," putting her arms out like a zombie. Alice giggled, and motioned for her to follow. They went out to the sitting room, where a big, hulking boy stood. He eyed the new girl with a mix of suspicion and interest.
"Hi, Jacob. How's it going? This is Mira; we just adopted her." Edward shook his head.
"That's great, Alice. Don't even let him sit down and get comfortable. Really nice." Jacob smiled and extended a hand.
"Hi, I'm Jacob Black. Nice to meet you. I'm fine, thanks, Alice. So, how long have you been a vampire for?"
"Um, I'm actually not really a vampire. I'm a half-blood; my father was a vampire and my mother was human. Kind of like Renesmee. How come you hang out with vampires? I thought your people were supposed to hate our kind?"
"Long story. I'll let Bella tell you. But it's cool you're a half-blood; you can help Nessie out. That'll be great. Speaking of, where is my favorite girl?" He bent to pick up the baby out of Edward's outstrechted arms. He settled into a nearby armchair as if he belonged there. It was obvious that there was some comfort on his part, but an undercurrent of disdain emanating from Edward. Luckily, Jacob either didn't notice or didn't care. He seemed really gentle with the baby, and Mira's first instinct to attack began to recede. She sat in the other armchair, watching the scene. The large, copper-skinned werewolf seemed perfectly contented sitting in the living room of a large coven of powerful vampires. It was surreal. She hadn't noticed that Bella was talking to her.
"Sorry, Bella. I missed that."
" I just said that it's funny that you and Jacob are almost the same height. He towers over most everyone, but he has to actually look at you, not down to you."
"Yeah. I'm kind of freakish like that. My dad was 6'7. My mother was 5'8. My brothers were tall."
"You had brothers?" asked Alice.
"Yeah. They were both killed about 10 year ago, when I was five. The Volturi said it was a hunting accident. I believe it was more like on purpose. Then, last year, my father was killed by the Volturi. I'm the last one of the families under the treaty who is still alive, at least, that I know of. Only one other family was allowed to live on their own for awhile; they were all killed by the Volturi, though, as far as I know." She saw Jacob's face; a picture of horror and anger.
"It's OK; I am not one of them. I was their-prisoner, I guess, is the best way to describe it. I'm sure you learned about the Holocost in school, yeah?" He nodded. "Well, just as the Nazi's invaded Poland, some vampires made a deal with a few Jewish families-12, I believe. Anyway, some vampires from Bulgaria offered to change us, which would essentially save us from worse, in exchange for solidarity. They were planning a coup to overthrow the Volturi. Anyway, somehow the Volturi found out about the pact, and counter-offered the chance to live among mortals if we sided with them. A few families stayed with the Bulgarians, who are now the Romanians-that was before the USSR broke up-and they died in the takeover attempt. My family, and a few others, had stupidly believed the Volturi and had fought with them against our own people. After the coup, we were actually allowed to live among mortals, but some families didn't deal well with being vampires, and broke a lot of rules, and so they were eliminated. My family, and another, the Schwartz, lived among mortals, but we followed the rules. The Volturi mostly left us alone, until they accused my father of spying on the Volturi for the Romanians. Most of the Schwartzses, along with my brothers and uncle, were killed when they tried to fight the Volturi. My father eventually surrendered, and they took him and me as prisoner. My father had never told us kids about the treaty; I didn't find it until a few months ago. Anyway, I have been living there, in Volterra, as a guinea pig for their army for the last 10 years. I was captured when I was four; since I was a half-blood, I was quarantined for about three years, until they decided I was old enough to fight and train. Have you met the Volturi?" He nodded and grimaced.
"It was awful. Especially the old ones. And those two twins.""Jane and Demitri. Yeah. Well, they needed to test their powers on someone, and the half-blooded Jew prisoner was good a test subject as any. So that's what I've been doing for 10 years. Yep." She said, as she watched his expression change from anger to horror and back to anger.
"So, you're Jewish? What's that like?"
"So, you're Indian. What's that like?"
"Sorry, but I get the idea. I mean, I don't understand much about your religion; can you tell me how that fits in with being a vampire?"
'Well, it really has nothing to do with being a vampire. It's just my belief system; it helps me to remember that us good vampires choose this life for a reason; that reason is different for everyone, but for me, it was because I didn't choose it, I was born into it, but I can still live my life, as long as that is, being the best person I can be and doing some good in the world while I am in it. I think that's all any of us can hope for in the end. And then when the Savior comes, even the good vampires might have a shot at a happy afterlife. That's just me, though."
"Yeah, makes sense. So, um, like Nessie can read people's thoughts, and Bella can shield people and Alice can tell the future. Do you have any powers?"
"Yes, but I don't like to use them. One is that I can jump*really* high. Like, about 6 feet in the air. Plus, I can make myself disappear. You want to see?" Jacob nodded. Bella clapped, and Edward nodded, too.
"We all want to see. Alice, Mira's going to make herself disappear. Come watch." Both Jasper and Alice ran into the living room, with Emmett following close behind. Mira sighed.
"Ok, I'll need to stand up. Someone mention something that might make me mad."
"Picture that the Volturi changed their minds, and are coming back for you," said Jasper.
"Oooh, good one. Ok." She closed her eyes for a few moments. After about 15 seconds, first her hands then her legs, then the rest of her body was invisible.
"Awesome," said Jasper and Emmett at the same time. A sound of throat-clearing came from the other side of the room. They all turned to see Mira, standing there, plain as day.
"Yeah, I discovered that one last year. It's fun, but somehow I always seem to end up at the opposite place from where I started."
"That has to be a great thing when you're in battle, though," said Jasper.
"I hope to never have to use it in battle. But yes, when I was training, it came in handy."
"I bet it did. Want to come work with Emmett and me? We're training today, actually. Planning to hunt tomorrow."
"No, thanks. I told Alice I'd go shopping with her. Maybe next time, though?""Sure." The boys trooped out the garage door again. Alice squealed and put her arms around Mira.
"Oh, we'll have sooo much fun. I took the liberty of Googling the local high school; they wear uniforms, but don't worry, I can make uniforms look chic. Plus, you'll need stuff for the rest of the year." Alice was already planning.
"One more thing, Alice. How do you think I'd look with caramel highlights?" Alice hugged her tightly this time.
"I think I love you already. Let's see if Esme or Rosalie is up for shopping." She bounded off, practically skipping with delight.
Edward spoke up. "I think you just made Alice's year. I hope you're sincere; her feelings are easily hurt."
"Of course I am. I never had a sister; I get three in one day, and so different. I don't mind being her Barbie doll; I also never had a mother, so I hope she can teach me a few things. I feel drab and plain; I am already freakish, let's see if a makeover can't at least HELP the situation." She stalked off after Alice, who she could hear talking in low, excited tones to Esme. " No, we'll be back tonight. I know. I promise, I'll keep her in my sight at all times. Just a few things." Esme smiled at Mira.
"We were just talking about your shopping trip. I'd love to go, but I want to start packing things up for the move. Why don't you see if Bella wants to go, or maybe you two should just go on your own? Alice can look out for you; she's quite capable. Carlisle said the Volturi left some money for you; I can give you some now, but I am sure Carlisle will set you up with a bank account. Of course, Alice can loan you some, too, and you can pay her back after the move. It's up to you."
"I'd rather have my own money. That way, I know what my limit is, and I can prioritize. Then, if we something truly delightful, maybe Alice can chip in for that, and I'll only owe her for that." The women nodded.
"Good idea. Stay here with Esme; I will go find Rose and Bella. Meet me in the garage as soon as you can; mine's the yellow Porsche."
"You have a yellow Porsche?"
"Yep. Gift from Edward. Long story. I'll tell you later. Meet me there."
"Ok." Esme had disappeared into her bedroom while Alice stalked down the stairs. Esme reappeared a few minutes later with an envelope.
"Here you go. Don't let Alice talk you into spending it all in one place. She can be overwhelming at times. Have fun!"
" I will. Thank you. Um, can you write down the phone number here, in case we get seperated or something?"
"Yes, but don't worry, Alice will give you an extra cell phone. We ordered one extra for Emmett, because he always loses things, but it's yours now. It'll have the home phone, everyone's numbers, and Carlisle's office number at the hospital. Just in case."
"Great. Thanks." She took the envelope and bounded down the stairs to meet Alice. She could hear Alice waiting for her in the garage.
"Ok, no one wants to come shopping, although Rosalie wants us to look at some sunglasses for her. Black ones with diamonds at the temple. She showed me an ad." The girls climbed into her car, and an hour and a half later, they were in Seattle, at a higher-end mall.
The End.
Stay Tuned for Part Three.