Chapter 63

Talks with Charlie continued over the course of the week. He had begun to openly ask questions, and was more or less up to date with Bella and the rest of the Cullens. Edward kept a regular tab on his thoughts, as he and Bella were typically the ones guarding his house.

Gianna's scent had not yet returned, and the family spent time brainstorming Aro's motives.

Carlise and Esme sat on the porch across from Alice and Jasper, discussing the recent events.

"Do you want to know my opinion?" Alice asked.

Carlisle nodded.

"What do you think?" Esme asked.

"I think Aro sent Gianna to attack Charlie. He probably wants her out of his hair now that the baby is born. He knew it would send us a message, making their presence constantly known, and to keep us in check. Gianna could still somewhat be considered a newborn. I'm guessing he was hoping for a confrontation, and if she happened to have the strength to take one of us out, then that would be a bonus. But his main purpose, I believe, was for us to catch her in the act of attacking Charlie, and in return we'd retaliate and destroy her."

"What, so he could come back at us for killing her?" Jasper asked.

Alice shook her head, "No. So he could just get rid of her. I think he wanted us to kill her, and that if she just so happened to kill one of us, that would just be an extra plus."

"So you don't think he'd avenge her death?" Carlisle asked.

She shook her head, "Sulpicia is his true mate," Alice rolled her eyes as the words left her mouth then added, "He has no use for Gianna anymore."

"That makes perfect sense," Esme said, agreeing, "We thought he only used Gianna in the first place to keep Sulpicia safe, but his selfishness in wanting a child didn't stop him from carrying on with her."

"Right," Alice said.

"So do you think she'll back?" Carlisle asked.

"I really don't know. I haven't seen anything concrete yet."

"We have to continue the constant patrols on Charlie and Sue," he told her.

"The good news is, I haven't seen Charlie being changed since he's been bitten. The visions I do have, he's healthy and human."

"Good," Carlisle told her, "Let's continue to help keep it that way."

"These humans are a handful," Jasper smiled.

"He's like family to us, too, Jasper," Esme said.

"I know. I'm kidding."

Masen made his way to the porch, "Dad, can we hunt?"

Carlisle stood up immediately hearing his son's voice, "Of course."

Masen was about to run back inside, but Carlisle called after him.

"What?" Masen asked.

Carlisle motioned for him to come back and Masen rejoined them.

"Yeah?" He asked politely.

Carlisle pulled him in for a hug, "Come here."

Masen hugged his father.

"I love you, Masen."

Masen chuckled, "I love you too, Dad." His eyes peeked over Carlisle's shoulder, "And you mom. And while I'm at it, you guys too." He motioned to Alice and Jasper.

They both laughed.

"I'm starving, or I'm thirsty," Masen said, "Whatever I am, I'm feelin' it."

"Let's go," Carlisle said, messing up his hair similarly to the way Emmett usually did.

Esme's eyes were golden, "I think this is going to be a boys only trip. I just ate."

"Let's go!" Masen said enthusiastically.

Carlisle smiled and Esme grabbed his hand, "Be safe."

He kissed her. "Of course."

Esme watched them go. The carefree attitude she, and the rest of them, had the other day had all but diminished.

"Esme," Alice said, "I don't think Aro wants anything to do with harming us, or Masen."

She nodded, "I know. I think your feelings are accurate."

"I just wanted to reassure you. I haven't seen any trouble our way."

"Thanks Alice."

"And if we have to take her down," she said, looking at Jasper, referring to Gianna, "Then we'll take her down. We took on a whole newborn army. One sassy Italian vampire shouldn't be a problem."

Esme nodded in agreement, but hoped deep down that Gianna wouldn't return. She didn't want their family to have to go through another battle, because that meant there were risks of losing someone.

"I'm going to the reservation," Alice said. She kissed Jasper quickly.

"What for?" He asked.

"I want to make sure Charlie's okay. I know Bella and Edward are there, but I want to talk to him."

Jasper looked a little edgy. He only went to the reservation when it was necessary, or if everyone else was going. It was nothing personal, he just felt more comfortable off of their land.

"You can stay," Alice smiled, "I'll only be a little while. Keep Mama company." She smiled at Esme and disappeared into the woods.

When Alice arrived to Sue Clearwater's house, Bella and Edward sat protectively around Charlie.

"Hi everyone," Alice said entering the living room after Sue had let her inside.

"Hi Alice," Charlie said.

Bella and Edward gave her friendly waves.

"You know, you two don't have to be my bodyguards every minute of the day," Charlie told them.

"Yes we do, Dad." Bella told him.

He was about to disagree, but he decided not to. Edward saw this in his thoughts and held back a little laugh.

"Charlie," Alice said. She sat down next to him, "It's been bothering me a lot to know that you were hurt, and I hope you truly know deep down that we're good... people. We would never hurt anyone, for any reason."

"I know, Alice," Charlie said, "It's just all surreal to me, still. I always sensed something was a little," he paused, pondering the words to us, "different about you. Not in a bad way, just different."

She smiled, "I know. The last time we had a little get together at our house back in the winter, we were all contemplating telling you the truth. It's just not an easy conversation starter, you know?"

Charlie saw the sincerity in her eyes, and felt it in her voice, "Yeah. I understand."

"Speaking of get togethers," Sue said, "Emily was thinking on having a masquerade. She was planning it the other day with Sam," then added, "He wasn't too into the party planning."

Alice's head whipped in Sue's direction, "Oh really? A masquerade party?"

She nodded, "She wanted it to be the tribe and your entire family."

"Oh boy, Sue," Edward said, "I can see her thoughts. You've really just opened a can of worms."

"Stop it Edward," Alice said sternly, the refocused back on Sue, "I think it's a great idea!"

"What do you mean you can see her thoughts?" Charlie asked Edward.

Edward looked at Bella, then to Charlie, "I, uh, can read minds. Everyone's mind except for Bella's."

"Yup, that makes sense." Charlie said.

"Is Emily around?" Alice asked, blinded by the thought of a masquerade 'ball'.

"Alice," Edward said, "Don't take over Emily's project."

"She'd love the help, Edward," Sue told him, "She's been dying to get ideas and get the word out. Alice, I think she'd love your help."

"Great." She smiled.

"Emily is probably at home. I can call her if you'd like."

"If you wouldn't mind. I don't want to impose on her plans."

"Oh, no you won't be," Sue began to dial Emily and Sam's house.

Alice returned her attention to Charlie, "Sorry again, Charlie."

The look on her face was true, and made Charlie suddenly feel bad, "Everything's fine, Alice." He smiled.

"Okay. If you need any answers, I'll be here to answer any of them."

"You can head over there if you'd like, Alice," Sue told her, "Emily is home and she said you're more than welcome to help her plan it."

"Thank you, Sue," she smiled and hugged her, then Charlie, "I'll see everyone later with the details."