Rating/Warning(s)/Note(s): T, Shadows
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Prompt: Elastic, fantastic, sarcastic

The bad thing about vampire hearing is that they hear everything. As a result we had company on our flight. Edward was able to convince me to ignore them.

"Just think of what a fantastic time they'll have avoiding the sun," he whispered to me during the flight.

"What about all of you? Won't it be just as difficult for you?"

"Nope, we have an accurate weather forecaster who can also predict where the shadows will fall," he said with a wink. "We'll lose them easily by driving really fast from the airport."

"They can drive too, you know…"

"Not if all the cars are rented and on lock-down at every agency." His smile was smug. It was easy to see he was proud of himself. I cringed at the thought of how much that cost. "It will take them a while to get free of the airport."

"What about everyone else flying in who needs a car?"

"Alice will keep an eye on the agencies, releasing cars she sees going to someone safe."

A shock of laughter shook me. "You're incredible," I said, shaking my head. "They know where my mom lives, you know."

"I'm glad you think so." He leaned in closer, pulling my body snugly against his. "They won't reveal themselves to your mom or Phil. If they do we'll be justified in killing them." The cold way he said that made me shiver. Misreading my reaction he put some space between us. "Besides, we won't be at your mom's very long. Alice has quite the adventure planned."

I was right to be nervous, but had to laugh after a couple days of watching Alice keep us just ahead of the watchers. Renee was thrilled that they wanted to see so much of the state, even if she was a little befuddled by their lack of desire to relax at the beach.

"I swear it's like we're chasing the bad weather," my mother quipped one day as she squinted into the cloud-cover over Disney World. "Usually it's sunny all the time. Alice must have the worst luck in her planning."

"At least we don't have to worry about getting a sunburn," I said, lifting my hair off my neck to get some relief from the oppressive humidity that always seemed to build right before a storm.

"Don't believe that," Renee replied, pulling an elastic off her wrist and handing it to me. As I twisted my hair into a messy bun and snapped the band around it she explained. "The worst sunburn I ever got was when it was cloudy. The temperature was cool, so there was no way to measure how much sun I was getting. When I went home Phil pushed me into a cold shower to pull off some of the heat of the burn. I was ill, almost vomiting, it was so bad."

On cue Alice appeared with a bottle of sunblock. "Speaking of sunburns," she said, handing me the bottle after taking some to rub on her arms.

"Worried about burning?" I asked, nodding to the cream that was obviously not absorbing into her skin.

"Don't be sarcastic," she replied, moving behind me to rub the sunblock into the back of my neck and ears, her cold hands better than air conditioner on my skin. "You know we pale people have to avoid the sun." She smiled at Renee. "I'm not at all upset about having it be cloudy all the time. Even if you can burn through clouds, it takes longer. Besides, the sun will come out in just a few minutes. Jasper, I feel the need for some ice cream."

It was no surprise that all of the Cullens decided an immediate trip to the ice cream parlor was in order. Only, when we got there, most of them were quickly distracted by the shops. Marta, Jacob and I made sure to accompany Renee and Phil for the icy cold delicacy.

After downing a huge bowl, Marta leaned back in her chair with a groan, her belly looking like she'd stuffed a beach ball under her shirt. "The great thing about maternity clothes is the elastic in the pants," she said as she patted her belly. "I think the baby really likes caramel."

Jacob stiffened in his chair, staring over my shoulder, looking as if he'd eaten something unpleasant. "Hello, Bella," a deep, musical voice said next to me. "I'm surprised Edward has let you out of his sight."

I spun so quickly in my chair I almost fell out of it. Gulping I replied, "Hello Felix." My eyes darted to my mother and Phil before returning to the massive vampire in front of me. "I'm rather surprised to see you here."

"Are you? I thought you knew we were in the area." His eyes also glanced over my mother and step-father before returning to me. "I've been right behind you this entire week, although getting a vehicle proved difficult. Isn't that rather odd?"

"Odd, yes…"

"Please join us, Felix was it?" Renee said, jumping up to offer him her seat. "Let me get you some ice cream."

"Yes, mom, get Felix some ice cream, please," I said, enjoying the look of discomfort that crossed his face, even if I knew it would be short-lived.

"Please, no," Felix replied as he reached for my mother's chair and positioned it next to me, "I'm lactose intolerant."

"They have sherbet," she offered, but he waved her off.

"I'll only be a moment and don't wish to intrude too much. If I may speak with your daughter a moment?"

"Oh, of course," she said, fluttering around to pull Phil and Marta to their feet. "Come on guys, let's go find the others."

When she tugged on Jacob he didn't stand. Instead he crossed his arms over his chest and eyed Felix. "I think I should stay. Marta, go with Renee please?"

"This doesn't concern you, dog," Felix whispered under his breath as the other humans left the store.

"I disagree."

"Fine, but know your tribe is in our sights."

"As if my leaving now would change that?" Jacob said, calling his bluff with one eyebrow lifted.

Felix snickered. "Perhaps you aren't dumb mutts after all." Turning to me he added, "Aro has a message. He grows impatient and is disappointed you are amassing a following."

"What following?"

"Don't be coy, Bella. I know at least one nomad has met with you."

"One doesn't make a following," I hedged.

"Just make it stop. Pledge your allegiance to the Volturi now. As soon as your father passes, Aro will gladly change you." He rose to his feet and leaned over, his words chilling me more than his cold breath. "We will await you in Italy. I suggest you come within a couple weeks and kneel before your master."

Dun dun dun...

Have a happy day!