CHAPTER 16
Disclaimer: SM owns it all.
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I was frozen in my spot, Siobhan had Alice in her grip and I didn't know what to do to save her.
"So Bella it's this one of the reasons you wont come back to me?" Siobhan asked me with disdain in her voice.
I just glared at her and saw that Jacob had passed out from the beating he received.
"What? Cat got your tongue?" She asked me with mockery.
"What do you want Shiv?" I asked her with a neutral expression.
"I want us back, do you remember the whirlwind?" She asked with a far away expression on her face.
I let out a smile at that, "Yes, I remember and to tell you the truth. The humans don't deserve what I do for them."
Alice's eyes widened at that and Siobhan let out a huge grin. In a second I was in front of them.
I spared Alice a glance; she had a hurtful look on her face. I saw Siobhan out of the corner of my eye, she was grinning from ear to ear.
I shoved Alice out of the way and grabbed Siobhan's face with both of my hands. She closed her eyes and I lean in to kiss her. In one swift motion I threw her away from us. She landed 50 feet away from us. I grabbed Alice and started running back to the house.
"YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS BELLA!" I heard Siobhan screaming with fury in her voice.
In a matter of minutes we were back in the house. The others rushed outside hearing the commotion.
"Bella what happened?" Carlisle asked me with a frantic look.
"Jacob and Siobhan ambushed us in the forest."
"What?" They all said.
"Yes, first it was Jacob we fought for a few minutes and I managed to knock him out. When I turned around to see if Alice was OK; Siobhan had an arm wrapped around Alice's shoulder."
"How the hell did you manage to escape?" Victoria asked me bewildered.
I let out an un needed breath and looked Alice in the eyes, "I needed to fool her, that's why I pretended that I didn't care and that I was going to get back with her." I finished with a pleading tone.
Alice lowered her eyes and whispered, "I understand Bella. It doesn't mean it didn't hurt."
I was going to answer her but Esme interrupted me. "How did you fool her exactly?"
"Well, I got in front of her. I spared Alice a glance and shoved her out of the way and I made her think that I was going to kiss her." I said scratching my neck.
"And she fell for that?" Emmett asked me with amusement.
"Yes." I said with a proud smile.
"Sorry to burst your bubble Bella, but that is not a good sign." Victoria told me sternly.
"What do you mean is not a good sign?" I asked her with my hand on my hips.
"It means that she still feels something for you. Now that you have saved Alice from her, I bet, she is going to target Alice to get to you." Victoria explained to all of us.
"She doesn't feel anything for me. She wants Isabella back. That's the thing, she wants to get rid of my soul." I revealed to my family Siobhan's plans.
They were all quiet for a few minutes, pondering what all of this means.
"What about Jacob?" Sam asked.
"I don't know. Last time I checked he was unconscious." I said without emotion.
"Did you-"
"I didn't kill him. Even though I wanted to." I said, averting my eyes.
Alice came closer and grabbed my hand with hers and whispered in my ear, "You didn't and that's what it counts. Remember that I love you and trust you."
I turned around and looked at her. In her eyes I could see sadness, anger, hurt, trust and more important love.
I smiled at her and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
"Love you."
"Love you more"
Sam cleared his throat to grab our attention, "Bella you mentioned something about your soul."
"Right! You see for over 150 years I was a soulless vampire and I took great pleasure in torturing my victims. I met Carlisle and together we managed to get me a conscience or, a soul, as I like to call it." I finished my tale.
Sam had a deep look on his face and put his hand on his chin. "Is your soul volatile?"
"I don't know, but, I already talked to someone about it." I said with nervousness.
"With who?" Leah asked.
"That's not of your concern." I answer her sharply.
Alice narrowed her eyes at me and with a glare said, "Well Bella its MY concern. I don't want to wake up one day to find that your other half decided to make an appearance."
"If Isabella decides to make an appearance as you call it. I wouldn't worry about that; we both love you. In fact, Isabella wouldn't hesitate in killing Siobhan and the rest of the pack in La Push." I said with a dark chuckle.
"Anyway. I have a witch friend and I asked for their help. They will protect my soul and anchor it." I said with a proud smile.
"Do you think it will work?" Esme asked me anxious.
I shrugged my shoulders at this, "I hope so."
After that discussion we all left to do our own thing. I took Alice to my room and we lay in bed.
"I'm scared baby." Alice whispered while snuggling to my side.
"You don't have to be afraid. I'll always protect you." I said with a smile and gave her a kiss on her forehead.
We spent the rest of the day hanging in my room and, at dinnertime I took her back.
I came back to school, apparently Carlisle told the Principal I had the stomach flu and I had a lot of catching up to do. I didn't mind since it was something that will keep me occupied for a few hours.
Erick and Angela helped me in any way I needed and I was very grateful for that. Right now we were in the Cafeteria eating lunch with my siblings. Alice was sick so she stayed home.
"How are you doing?" Victoria asked me.
"This waiting has me on edge." I answer truthfully with a somewhat scared look.
Emmett grabbed my hand and looked me in the eye, "Everything will turn out OK. Remember you are not alone in this."
"I know bro and thank you." I said with a small smile.
"OK, why don't we move to a lighter topic?" Victoria said smiling.
"And that would be?" I asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Alice's birthday."
"Oh shit! I totally forgot."
"Hahahahaha" Emmett booming laughter could be heard all across the cafeteria.
I kicked him hard on his shin and that made him shut up.
"What was that for?" He asked me while rubbing his shin.
"For laughing at my expense, you asshole!" I said glaring.
"OK sorry, it's just that your expression was priceless." He told me grinning.
"Anyway Bella, have you thought what we're doing?" Victoria asked me with an encouraging smile.
"Well, I honestly don't know. Alice is turning 17." I said furrowing my eyebrows.
"Oh! I know what we can do!" I said excitedly.
"Really?" They asked.
"Well, in my time when you turn 17 and were courting someone, you went to the parents and asked your girl hand in marriage." I explained.
"Are you out of your mind?" Victoria asked me while hitting me on the back of my head.
"Hey! What was that for?" I asked while rubbing my poor head.
"Bella, do I need to remind you that we are on the 21 century. Not the 18-century For Christ sakes. Keep up with the times" Victoria berated me.
"Yes Bella, I can imagine Alice's birthday now: Hello there chief, you see, I'm a 265 years old vampire and your daughter is my girlfriend, and I wish to marry her. So later on I can turn her into one of us so we can spend eternity together." Emmett said while making fun of me.
"OK so asking her hand in marriage is out of the question." I said grumpily.
"At least for now." Victoria said.
"Umm, can two girls marry?" I asked confused.
"In some states they can." Emmett answered me.
"OK cool."
"Do you really feel that strong for her?" Emmett asked me seriously.
"Of course you dim wit! She is the love of my existence."
"Why don't you give her like a promise ring." Victoria told me.
I mulled the idea over for a few seconds, a ring? That doesn't sound so bad. I think I know what ring I'm going to give her. I let out a smile at my thoughts.
"Thanks Vic you're the best!" I said while kissing her cheek.
"What about me?" Emmett asked me with a pout.
I rolled my eyes at his antics and gave him a kiss as well. That got him beaming at me in a second.
We left the cafeteria and I headed to my last 2 classes; before I know it I'm in my car heading toward Alice's home.
I parked and noticed that she is alone and that concerns me.
I went to the front door and rang the bell. I waited for a few minutes till a very pale looking Alice greets me at the door.
"Man, you look like shit." It's the first thing I tell her.
"Hello to you too!"
"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. It took me by surprise is all."
What did you expect when I see my beautiful girlfriend with her hair unkempt, red nose, shivering body and dark circles under her eyes.
"Is there anything I can do?" I asked while putting both of my hands in her face.
"Unless you know a way to cure the flu in this instant, then no, there is nothing you can do." Alice said snapping at me.
I shook my head and kissed her forehead. We went inside and I made sure Alice was comfortable in the living room.
"You didn't have to do this you know." Alice said from the couch, where at least 20 pillows were arranged so she would be comfortable.
"I know, but, you are sick and as your girlfriend, is my duty to make sure you're OK." I said while handing her a cup of tea and some Ny quil.
"Here, drink this. It will make you feel better."
Alice grabbed the steaming cup in her hands and started drinking her medicine.
We sat in front of the TV for a few hours. Alice sneezing every 5 minutes; at least her fever hasn't spiked.
The phone rang and I went to answer it, "Hello."
"Bella?" Chief Swan's voice greeted me on the other line.
"Hi Chief!"
"Care to explain me why Alice didn't answer her house phone?" Charlie asked me with an angry tone.
"Alice has the flu and I've been taking care of her." I answer as a matter of fact.
"Alice is sick?" He asked me with a panicked voice.
"Don't worry Chief, I already gave her some medicine. She should be fine in the morning." I explained.
"OK, that's good. Thank you Bella, do you think you could stay the night with her? I have a double shift tonight and I wont be home."
"Of course Chief I'll take care of your daughter." I told him beaming.
Right and no funny business Bella! I mean it." Charlie said before hanging up.
I just shook my head at this and went to the living room, where Alice was slowly waking up.
"Did the phone ring?" She asked me with a raspy voice.
"Yes love, it was your dad. Try not to talk too much." I whisper to her.
I went to the kitchen to make some soup for Alice, so she could take her medicine.
I can proudly say that I managed to make some chicken soup for Alice. I grabbed the tray and went back to the living room.
I shook Alice, " Baby wake up. You need to eat something."
"Mmm. No leave me alone." She rasped and made a notion with her hands.
"Come on baby, just, eat some soup and take your medicine and you can go back to sleep." I cooed her and she grumpily opened her eyes.
I took the soup and started to feed her, I managed to get half the soup gone.
"I don't want anymore soup." Alice whined.
"Ok. Just swallow this." I said handing her some more medicine.
Alice swallowed it and went back to sleep. I kept her in the living room, seeing as she was comfortable here.
The whole night Alice kept coughing and sneezing. At 1 AM I gave her another dose of medicine and she finally fell asleep. Seeing Alice sick, made me realize how fragile the human life is. Up until today, I thought I had to protect Alice from the evil in this world. Funny thing is, I can't protect her from the diseases of the world.
The next morning, Alice woke up looking a lot better. She didn't have a fever or was shivering.
"How are you feeling?" I asked her while giving her some oatmeal.
"A little better. Thanks for everything Bella." She told me shyly.
"If the roles were reversed, you do the same for me." I answered her with adoration in my eyes.
Alice finished her oatmeal and since Charlie was here I decided to leave.
"Well, I have to go now. I love you and I hope you get well soon." I said while kissing her cheek.
"I love you too."
Two days later and Alice was better and to celebrate that. We were hanging out in my house. Right now I am making Alice some dinner. Esme told me that Alice's favorite was grilled chicken with smashed potatoes and cherry tomatoes.
"That looks delicious Bella. Good to know that my teachings didn't go to waste." Esme joked.
"What can I say Esme. I got mad skills." I banter back.
15 minutes later and Alice's meal was ready. I went to my room to tell her just that.
"Baby! Dinner's ready." I announced to Alice while entering my room.
Alice was shaking looking at the window and I felt panic.
"Alice what is it?" I asked her frantically.
She spun around with a fire in her eyes that I haven't seen. She was clutching a picture in her hand. "Why do you have a picture of Siobhan?"
"I-"
"You what Bella? You have a picture of her in your room. You don't even have a picture of us!" Alice yelled at me totally furious.
"Alice, calm down OK."
"I will not calm down Bella. How would you feel if I had a picture of Jacob in my room?"
OK, so she has a point there. I would totally flip if that happens.
"I didn't knew that Jacob and you shared a relationship for over 150 years." I said sarcastically to her.
"Very mature Bella. So that's your excuse? Just because you had a relationship with her, that gives you the right to keep pictures of her in your room." At this point, Alice was fuming and there was nothing I could do to calm her down.
"Ali! It's not what you think. The reason I have a picture of Siobhan here is because-" I couldn't finish my explanation because there was a loud crash in the house.
I could smell them. Wolves were in the house! I grabbed Alice to take her somewhere safe. I made a dash to the living room where Emmett and Victoria were fighting two wolves each.
"Alice, try to stay out of harm's way. I need to help them." Without waiting for a response, I went to help my siblings.
Jacob lunged at me, before I could reach my family and we both went crashing through the window.
"Great! You again." I told him while dusting myself off.
Jacob growled at me and with a viciousness I haven't seen in him, attacked me. I blocked most of the attacks, but he had a few good hits.
"OK, now I'm pissed." I said with my game face on.
I was ready to kill him but before I could touch him. Siobhan appeared and hit me.
"We meet again." Siobhan said with a grin on her face. I growled at her and lunged to kill her as well. She made a dash and was behind me. Grabbing my neck. Oh no! Was my last thought before everything turned black.