I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
CH. 13 (EPOV)
Jasper and I followed behind the girls in my Volvo. It irritated me that we had roles to play. If I had it my way I would be with Bella right now even if it had to be in the truck. Scratch that, I would've walked right up to her when she first arrived to school and pulled her into a kiss. However, I didn't want Bella to receive a bad reputation of hooking up with me as soon as she got to the school. So to the teenagers here we had to make it appear like we will slowly start a relationship.
That is why Alice pretended to know her from before. So when Bella joined our table so it wouldn't look so odd. I wasn't about to let the boys fawn over her like last time. Especially Mike.
I wished we could have reunited last night, but circumstances made it difficult to arrive while she was still awake. When I got there I could see the tear streaks on her face and I felt horrible that I had to stay away. However, she looked so exhausted I couldn't bear to wake her either.
I don't know if it was the dreams that I could remember from when I was human or just the fact it was another hundred years without her, but I felt my desire for her was stronger than before. I craved intimacy with her and seized a moment as soon as we were alone together. It did little to relinquish my desire, I wanted things unsuitable for being unmarried. I also wasn't sure if I was going to be able to hold back like before.
I tapped on the steering wheel impatiently as I followed the girls. The sooner we got to the house the sooner we could get the unpleasant stuff out of the way and I get her alone again. From the way it sounded like in the truck Alice was telling Bella about her near fatal mistake.
"Crap," I muttered when Alice pretty much implied that I didn't want to be changed. I wanted to be the one to explain that to her. Now she was probably thinking I tried to run away from her yet again. Sorry, I wasn't thinking. Alice apologized.
"What's wrong?" Jasper was suddenly alert. He hadn't been listening to the girls' conversation, but picked up on my emotions and possibly the girls'.
We both watched as the truck started to swerve into oncoming traffic. My eyes grew large with alarm and breath caught in my throat as I clenched the steering wheel nearly breaking it in half. Before I could panic further Alice reached over Bella to yank the truck to the side of the road and stop it.
"What was that about," Jasper was in full alert now as I pulled the car to a stop.
"Alice, made Bella think I didn't want to be changed," I was out of the Volvo and at Bella's door in a flash. I opened the door and pulled Bella to me.
"Bella, are you alright," Alice was asking her worriedly. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for her to take it that way. Alice gave me an apologetic glance before slipping out of the truck.
"Bella, love, please, I'm sorry if you're upset, but I did chose to come back. I can explain." I begged. I pulled back to look her in the eye. She looked hurt and a little angry.
"You chose to be a vampire," when she finally looked at me, she still appeared to be very upset.
"Yes, I briefly did think that if I never existed as a vampire then you might be better off and would never miss me. But it was an errant thought; I never made a firm decision. Even the slight possibility that you would remember me or would still be in danger was too great a risk not to make it back to you. Not to mention my own selfish reasons for wanting you back." I explained.
"So you never got sick this time?" she bit her lip looking away.
"No," I shook my head. "My mother convinced me to go with Jasper when my father fell ill. She told me to go to you." I said with a small smile. I was glad that I got a change to tell my mother about my Bella.
Bella looked less upset as she blushed slightly.
"You told your mom about me?" she asked shyly. I reached forward to brush the tears from her eyes.
"I did. I told how much I was in love with this girl named, Bella. Although my parents thought you were Jasper's sister. He told them his visit was more of him checking up on me and seeing if I was worthy of courting you, for his family. I slipped in telling them I was in love with a girl named Bella and he covered my butt." I smirked. There was a tiny smile on her face and I relaxed some. "I can tell you more about it later. Esme may have my head if I don't get you to the house soon."
"I would like to see the others too." She smiled. I placed a smile on my face too. I wasn't looking forward to telling her about Em and Rose. The whole family missed them and it would open old wounds, but she needed to know.
I wasn't sure how she would take our suspicions about being sent back either. She might have been mad at Jacob before this, but she usually defended the wolves.
"Slide over, love," I told her, since Jasper and Alice went ahead in the Volvo.
"I can drive," Bella insisted. I sighed instead of arguing I walked to the passenger side and got in.
I leaned over to cup her soft face in my hands then started to kiss her before she could start the truck. Her head fell back against the seat and her fingers dug into my hair pulling me to her. I pulled back when I knew she needed to catch her breath. I placed soft kisses along her jaw then down her throat. I shamefully glanced down her shirt while her beautiful breasts heaved and her heart thundered against her chest.
The buzzing of my phone brought me back to the present and alerting me that my family was waiting for us.
I pulled away and Bella's eyes fluttered back open looking dazed. All traces of her earlier sadness were gone.
"What was that," she looked at me curiously. I know I acted less gentlemanly than normal, but I didn't feel bad about it.
"I love you and I have missed you." I kissed her lips lightly before sitting back in my seat.
"I love you, too. I also missed you, which is why I want you to stay tonight." She gave me a pleading look. I hoped I didn't have to say no to her again.
"I will try," I told her. She sighed and her smile started to falter again.
"Why can't you just agree to it?" She turned and started the engine.
"I can explain at the house. I know you're getting frustrated with me, but I promise it will make sense in a minute." If it wasn't for the treaty I would probably kill that dog for all the trouble he has caused.
She started to drive again and she even found the driveway on her own without me pointing it out.
Bella pulled up to the house and parked near the front. I was at her door before she had the engine off. I laced my fingers with hers as I walked with her up to the door. The others were waiting impatiently on the other side.
"Brace yourself, you're about to be attacked." I teased her knowing Esme was ready to pounce on the other side. Bella's eyes widen in alarm with her heart skipping a beat and I chuckled as I opened the door.
"Bella, sweetheart." Esme pulled her into a crushing hug before she stepped completely through the door. Shame on you, for making it sound like I was going to hurt her.
"Esme," Bella smiled as she hugged her back. She took a step back and looked at Esme appraisingly. "I've missed you. You look younger." I was surprised she noticed the difference, it wasn't that major.
"Oh, I've missed you, too. You're my favorite after all." She stepped back and winked at her.
"Hey," Jasper complained jokingly.
"Well, Bella does complain the least out of the lot of you and she's always well mannered." Esme smirked.
"Here I thought I was your favorite," Carlisle joked and he stepped up to greet Bella.
"Good to see you again, Bella." Carlisle smiled warmly at her.
"You too, Carlisle," Bella smiled as I wrapped my arm around her waist and guided her to the couch. I sat first and pulled her into my lap. Esme set a soda and some cookies in front of her.
Bella glanced around the room with a small frown on her face.
We're going to have to tell her. If we wait she's going to get more upset. Jasper warned me. I nodded and ran my hand through my hair.
"Is Emmett and Rosalie here?" Bella asked glancing up the stairs. I guess hoping that they will appear. The room grew somber at her innocent question. Carlisle glanced at me.
You haven't told her?
"School wasn't the right place," I muttered too low for her to hear, but she knew we were talking as she glanced at the two of us with irritation.
"No, Emmett and Rosalie are not here." Carlisle started off slowly. "In fact, they weren't changed. They decided that they wanted to stay human." Carlisle explained and Bella smiled.
"Well, that's great right? That is what Rose always wanted." Bella looked happy, but then looked confused at Esme's sad face and Alice's angry face.
"What am I missing?" she asked looking up at me her cheeks flushed red in embarrassment. She knew she said the wrong thing.
"There was a reason I didn't want to tell you in school. I didn't want to upset you there." Alice cut me off.
"They're dead. They didn't listen to me and now they are dead." She scoffed.
"Alice," Esme admonished. Bella's eyes widen in shock, I'm not sure if it was from the news or Alice's unusual behavior.
"What?! I tried to warn them and she didn't want to hear it. Some changes worked out like Esme not marrying her first husband, Carlisle being changed by Tanya or me not going to the asylum. Jasper changing his diet early worked. Even getting Emmett first and having him rescue Rose worked out. But in the end we all still became vampires. They ignored their proper path and now they are dead." Alice ranted. Bella tensed in my arms. She was blinking back tears, I tried my best to sooth her by rubbing her back. This wasn't how I wanted to tell her. Alice glared over at me. And don't think that continuing to ignore that Bella should be changed won't result in the same as them.
I growled at her involuntary causing Bella to jump in my arms and Jasper to narrow his eyes at me. He did his best to calm the room.
"Alice, that's enough." Carlisle spoke softly but his authority wasn't missed. Alice got up and marched out of the room.
"Is she alright?" Bella asked concerned. She started to get up but I held her down. Alice had to release her steam, talking about Em and Rose always put her in a bitter mood. Another reason I wanted to wait until we were home.
"She's just still upset about Emmett and Rose. She and Rose got into a fight about them being changed. She saw that Royce wasn't going to give up easily and they…well mainly Rose, was choosing to ignore it. Rose told Alice not to look at her future anymore. Alice took it as a personal rejection." Jasper said quietly.
"Because it was like how her other family treated her." Bella surmised from our earlier conversation, Jasper nodded.
"Rose, to her defense, didn't mean it to be. She just wanted a normal life. We wanted that for her too." I rubbed Bella's arms. "Unfortunately, even though we saved them the first time, it seems that their human life was already up. Since Rose wasn't changed and she didn't go after Royce, he went after Rose and Emmett when they tried to elope. Emmett was shot before he could do anything and then Rose soon after when she tried to fight Royce for the gun. We weren't able to stop it the second time, because Alice wasn't looking and Rose had told us to stay out of it. By the time Alice saw Royce's decision it was too late anyways."
"Does Alice blame herself then?" Bella asked. I was amazed at her insight.
"I think she does subconsciously, but she also was hurt, for trying to help those she loves and being ignored." Bella bit her lip deep in thought, tears brimmed her eyes.
"Emmett wanted us to say good-bye for him, also that he would miss you. He cared for you as a little sister. Rose did as well." I told her.
"Rose?" she questioned she scoffed a little. I don't think she believed me.
"Yes, she might not show it, but she did like you." I promised. You're not going to tell her what Rose said? Carlisle questioned. I shook my head. You're going to have to face it at some point or you're going to end up at odds with Alice too. I knew he was right but this wasn't the time. I still refused to change her if she's doing it because she was scared.
"You should've seen the hat Em was wearing when we found him." Jasper chuckled trying to lighten the mood. He got a curious look from Bella as she wiped away her tears.
"Have you heard about coon skin caps?" Jasper asked her, she nodded. "Well, Em had one, only made out of skunk. You should have seen Alice's face when he plopped it right on her head." I started laughing too. Bella's eyes widen and she giggled.
"There was also the fact he couldn't get the girl's name right that he had a date with." I laughed.
"I don't believe that," Bella shook her head.
"Believe it. He even hit on me, when he first saw me." Esme smirked. Bella let out another giggle.
"He was mortified when he remembered her." Bella gave me a bewildered look. "His memory hadn't returned yet when we went to him. But we thought if given the change he would want to save Rose. He did get his memory right before saving her though."
"I started remembering things about two weeks ago." Bella mumbled then spoke louder. "Did we go back in time?" She asked looking at Carlisle and me.
"It would appear so. All of us went back to being humans but at different times our memories came back." Carlisle answered her question.
"Mine came as a child, although at the time I thought they were visions of the future. When I was about twelve I realized what had really happened," Alice came back into the room and sat back next to Jasper. She was calmer now.
"So how did we get sent back?" Bella asked next. The family glanced at me and I heaved a sigh. Bella turned to me expectantly.
"We think it was the wood we found from the Quileutes." I told her and her expression turned to anger as I thought it might. I got ready for her to defend them.
"It was Jacob wasn't it?" She spat angrily. I saw my tiger kitten looking ready for a fight.
"His scent wasn't on or near the wood though." I shook my head, I wished I could pin the blame on him.
"He remembers though. Or least I'm pretty sure he does with the way he was acting at Charlie's." She frowned unhappily. "He could've convinced Embry or Quil to do it for him. I doubt Sam even knew about it."
"Why don't you think Sam knows?" Jasper asked her.
"Because Sam is the one who made Jacob back off and let me go. If Jacob had it his way he would have held me there until one of you crossed the line to come get me. Sam told him that he and the pack wouldn't back him up if you did, as long as you left any innocents alone. Jacob was furious but had to do what Sam ordered him to do. It wouldn't be the first time he found a way around Sam." Bella explained still irritated.
"I think she may be right. What I have been able to pick up from his mind is he was trying to catch Bella's attention first and have her avoid us so we won't meet and fall in love. He has even been trying to phase thinking if he saw her before me, he would imprint on her." I explained. "He was waiting in the woods last night hoping that I would appear to also trigger his change. Which is why I couldn't show up until he left about an hour before dawn?" I gave Bella an apologetic look. She looked unhappy and crossed her arms in front of her chest. I started to play with her hair in hopes to calm both of us down.
"So he messed with everyone's lives to get me?" she was still my very angry kitten.
"We can't be positive, but seems the best possibility at this point. We thought of the possibility of other vampires, but the wood seems too coincidental." Carlisle explained gravely.
"How could he send us back by the wood anyhow?" Bella asked.
"We still have a lot of unanswered questions. The tribe does have magic in their roots, so I think they used some ancient tribal magic on us. I think for now it best to steer clear of the Quileutes." Carlisle answered. I certainly didn't want Bella anywhere near them.
"Fine with me, I still haven't forgiven Jacob for what he did or would do in the future." Bella shook her head as if to clear it. "Anyways, I have no intentions of being friends with him this time." She laid her head on my shoulder snuggling into me a bit. I felt relieved by that since I didn't trust the dog a bit. He had manipulated her enough the last time.
That might not be a bad idea if she was though. She could seek out information for us.
I growled at Jasper's suggestion glaring in his direction. He shrugged but didn't look apologetic. The rest looked between us with pointed looks.
"It's worth the thought. We don't know if he will try it again. Or what else he might do since he was not successful capturing her attention this time either. We should know what we are up against." Jasper argued.
"Not at the expense of her safety." I shook my head.
"Whose safety?" Esme looked worried.
"If it was Alice, would you let her do it?" I shot back and Jasper frowned. He looked down at Alice who was looking irritated that we leaving information out. You're right. I'm sorry. I don't wish to put her in danger.
"Boys, what is going on?" Carlisle looked at us for answers.
"I thought it might not be so bad if she was friends with him. It may lead us to get more answers, if it's him for sure. We don't know why he sent us all back and not just Bella." Jasper replied before looking at Bella. "I wasn't trying to put you in more danger or suggest you be friends with him if you're against it. He's the one that told you about us before, I just thought you may get lucky again."
"If you think it will be help, I can do it." Bella said softly. Her eyes looked hesitant though. She's uneasy about it, I can tell. I didn't want to do that.
"No, way. The last time you were alone with him he hurt you. If he figures out what you're really up to, he might hurt you or phase in anger with you too close." I shook my head.
"But…" Bella looked upset.
"I agree with Edward. Bella, I don't think this Jacob can be trusted. Right now there are no immediate threats we know of. I say we continue living as we would and just keep an eye on him rather than provoking danger." Carlisle said firmly.
"Edward had a point too. I wouldn't let Alice do it if the situation was reversed, so I can't ask with a good conscious for you to do it." Jasper gave Bella an apologetic smile. Both girls rolled their eyes, but stayed silent.
"Bella, please promise me you aren't going to go to Jacob." I pleaded. She looked up at me with wide brown eyes. I thought she was going to argue for a moment, but she surprised me.
"I won't, I promise. I don't trust him either. But what am I suppose to do if he shows up at Charlie's?" she pointed out. I knew Charlie and Billy were friends so it was a possibility.
"We will figure out from there. We can get you a cell phone again too for emergencies." I hugged her to me.
"I think that is enough for now." Carlisle stood up. I'm sure you two would like some time alone. I nodded and scooped Bella up and raced her up to my room. I had a surprise for her there that I hoped she would like.
"I have to be getting home. I promised Charlie I would cook." She told me as I placed her on her feet outside my door.
"I want to show you a surprise first. Close your eyes." I ordered. Bella bit her lip and looked slightly annoyed.
"Edward, I hate…" I cut her off in my excitement.
"You hate surprises, I know. Just close your eyes, beautiful, please" I tried dazzling her and she blinked a few times before closing her eyes. I opened the door and pulled her in.
I stood her where I wanted her and stepped beside her so I can watch her expression.
"Open them," I tried to hide my excitement. She bit her lip as she slowly opened them and looked around.
"You did something different with your room," she looked pleased.
"Our room," I corrected her. She gave me a bewildered look. "The changes I made are for you. In my eyes, this is your room too, I want you to feel at home here." I led her to the new window seat piled high with throw pillows and the softest blankets Alice could find.
"This looks a perfect place to curl up with a book," she said smiling as she sat and curled her feet under her. She looked up at me then behind me. "That wasn't there before," she was looking at the bookshelf.
"Go check it out," I encouraged and watched as she headed over and ran her fingers over the bindings.
"Are these first editions?" she pulled a copy of Wuthering Heights off the shelf and looked at it with awe.
"Yes. I figured they might hold up better than your paperbacks." I smirked.
"I love it, thank you," she threw her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek.
"I did have some help," I admitted shyly, I wrapped my arms around her pulling her close. Tell her about the closet. Alice was excited too.
"Alice made my closet bigger then filled it with some clothes for you. She also stocked up the bathroom" I gestured with a hand before returning it to her waist.
"Does that mean I get out of shopping?" Bella asked looking in the direction I pointed out, but making no move to get out of my embrace.
"No," Alice called up loud enough for Bella to hear. Bella rolled her eyes and rested her cheek on my chest.
"I was hoping for some more alone time. Like going to the meadow." Bella mumbled very softly, her fingers traced invisible design on my chest. She was probably hoping not to offend the others.
"We will get it. Maybe you could even spend the night if you wanted and after shopping we could do something together." I suggested. "We have all the time in the world now. The Volturi don't know about us. James and Victoria are gone. Jacob isn't a wolf. There are no threats right now." I kissed the top of her head and breathed in the scent of her hair. She lifted her face and rose up on her toes for a kiss.
I lifted her off her feet and her legs automatically locked around my waist. Our lips touched and the kiss barely started before Alice knocked at the door. With a heavy sigh I placed her back on her feet.
"Bella, you need to go before you're late." She reminded her.
"Right, thank you, Alice." Bella stepped out of my arms and placed the book back on the shelf.
"Just make sure before you spend the night, Alice gets you some waterproof sheets. Edward seemed to have a problem keeping them dry when he was human." Jasper smirked leaning against the doorframe. Alice dissolved into giggles and Bella fought a smile.
"Not funny." I hissed. I pulled Bella out of the room before she could ask what he was talking about. Jasper seemed to think he was within his rights to pick up where Emmett left off.
"Aww, you don't want Bella to know that you dreamt of her while human. You told her you would." Jasper snickered while Alice giggled mischievously.
"Jasper," I hissed.
"You dreamed of me," Bella looked happy. "Wait, were they scary dreams?" She asked, she looked concerned.
"No, they were quite pleasant." I assured her trying to hurry her up before they did anything else.
"But Jasper implied that the sheets got wet. How else… oh…," she trailed off as it suddenly clicked. Her eyes went big and her face flushed a deep pink as she slapped a hand over her mouth. The others burst out laughing, including Carlisle.
"Help me." I begged Esme who had contained herself.
"Enough, everyone leave him alone." She smirked and shook her head.
She turned to Bella, who thankfully wasn't laughing either. "I placed a marinated steak in your fridge plus a simple salad. Here are some baked potatoes that I just cooked that should stay warm until you get to the house." She handed Bella an insulated bag.
"Thank you, Esme," Bella smiled and hugged her. I took the bag from her and walked her out to the truck.
I opened the door and placed the bag in before helping her inside. I stopped her before she could close the door.
"I will see you tonight. That is if you still want me to come." I hoped she wasn't too ashamed of my dreams of her.
"Of course I want you to come. But what about Jacob?" she asked clicking her seatbelt into place.
"Don't worry, Jasper owes me a favor." I told her. The least he could do was put that dog asleep so I could sneak in tonight.
"Okay, I will see you later." She looked very happy. I kissed her quickly and closed her door and waved as she drove off.
"Jasper, you might want to run for it." Alice laughed from inside the house.
Jasper quickly shot out the back. I caught up quickly and gave him a push into the river behind the house.
"Now who is wet," I smirked triumphantly as he sat up spurting water. He lunged and we started to wrestle until Esme hollered at us to stop.
A/N:
This chapter should answer some questions. Was Edward's gift sweet? And Jasper, you didn't think he would sit on the information did you?
Thank You For All Reviews!
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Preview:
I sat in the grass and Edward had laid down with his head in my lap. His eyes were closed and he looked like he could be sleeping except he was humming lightly. I lazily ran my finger through his hair as I glanced around at the late season flowers.
"This nice," Edward spoke lightly.
"I miss this. It feels like we have no worries here." I sighed in content looking down at his face that sparkled in the sun. His golden eyes open and he looked at peace to. Instead of the constant worry I often saw. The fact he liked to fool around a bit more was a plus too.
"We don't have any worries at the moment. No Volturi breathing down our necks. No Victoria plotting revenge." Edward reached up to cup my cheek. "No pressures to change you. In fact, forget I ever said Marry me and I will change you."