A/N – Chapter 28 is finally here, I really am sorry for the delay in posting. Hope you all enjoy, and as always – please review
Chapter 28 – The Meadow
When I awoke, the sun was streaming through my window. I had to blink a few times to make sure I really was awake. Somehow, I'd never really associated sunshine with Forks before.
I stretched, and managed to hit the back of my head on the headboard.
Great start to the day Bella.
It was 7am, and my alarm was due to go off at 7:15. For the first time since arriving, I had slept right through the night and had awoken feeling extremely refreshed.
Of course, that could have something to do with a certain pixie like goddess who had popped through my bedroom window last night.
My compact and celestial Alice, who had carried me with such ease across to my bed…
And when she had lent in, and kissed my neck…
Trust my dad to 'spoil the moment'.
I recalled him calling out my name as soon as he had entered the house.
I had immediately run down the stairs, and was a little shocked to see how tired he looked.
"Dad, are you okay?"
He looked far from it.
"I am now I'm home" he had replied. Even his voice seemed drained.
I had watched him remove his belt and gun, grab a beer from the fridge and walk into the living room, flicking on the TV. I was about to move back upstairs when he called out to me.
"Are you happy here, Bells?"
I moved immediately to the sofa and sat down next to him.
"Dad, I am more than happy here. Are you going to tell me what's wrong?"
Charlie had sighed then.
"Just your old man worrying unnecessarily Bella".
I hugged him, then.
Hugged him because I knew he needed it, and because I needed it.
Charlie seemed shocked, but then gave into my embrace.
"Now get to bed, it's late" he had mumbled, a slash of red appearing across his cheekbones.
So that's where I got it from…
I had smiled and left him.
I didn't realise he'd gone to bed soon after me.
Nor did I realise he had popped into my room at least seven times that night to make sure I was okay.
That morning as I drove to school, three things struck me.
Firstly, I was actually looking forward to class – but that was probably because it was Biology. And Biology meant sitting next to Alice.
My heart gave a flutter at that prospect.
Secondly, I was a step closer to Saturday – and Saturday meant spending the entire day with Alice.
And thirdly, well, thirdly I would be seeing Alice very soon… ten or so minutes at the last check…
I sighed.
I really did need to get a grip.
As I pulled into the car park, my eyes were immediately on the three spaces that normally housed Alice, Edward and Emmet's cars.
They were empty.
All of them.
As I walked into the school entrance, I looked back at the spaces. The sun was still shining, and I had to squint to see…
But they were still empty.
Alice didn't appear in Biology.
Edward didn't appear in English.
Rosalie didn't pass me in the corridore between classes.
Jasper and Emmet were missing from the school canteen, and as I sat hunched over my sandwiches at lunch, I began to worry.
Non of the Cullens were at school today….
As if sensing my discomfort, Eric appeared at my side and sat down, giving me his usual friendly grin.
Jessica closely followed with Mike.
"Still moping Bella".
Jessica's words were harsh, but I wasn't really paying her that much attention. All I could think about was Alice.
Why wasn't she at school?
Why weren't any of the Cullen's at school?
Has something happened to them?
To Alice?
Jessica continued.
"He'll be back tomorrow, Bella. Honestly, anyone would think he had left Forks for good".
My head shot up.
"What are you talking about Jessica?". Now my words were harsh.
Jessica rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically before moving towards the drinks machine.
I looked at Eric.
"What is she talking about Eric?"
Eric pulled his chair closer and took a bite out of his sandwich. Slowly I waited as he chewed and swallowed.
My patience was wearing thin.
I turned to Mike, who had sat down opposite me.
"Mike?"
Mike shrugged his shoulders, "Okay Bella, take a chill pill! She was referring to you and your obvious moping because Edward isn't here today". Mike's tone was bitter.
Edward?
My mind raced….
And then it became clear.
Jessica assumed I was missing Edward.
Okay…. Well, perhaps I was, a little – but it was Alice's presence, or the lack of, that was tearing me up inside.
"What did she mean, he would be back tomorrow?"
Mike literally huffed. Eric was about to take another bite from his sandwich, but thought better of it.
Eric smiled at me and answered my question.
"Jeeze Bella, you really DO have it bad hey! Okay, okay. Basically, when the sun shines, Dr Cullen and his wife pull their kids from class to do some extra curricular stuff, hiking mainly… that kinda thing…."
His voice trailed off as he took he took a bite from his sandwich.
Mike huffed again. It was getting tedious.
And then I mentally kicked myself.
Of course!
Vampires and the sun didn't really gel… well, according to most vampire flicks I had seen they didn't. Then again, most vampire films depicted vampires as creatures of the night who never went out during the day at all. That obviously wasn't true…
Yet the sun really was shining today and they were still conspicuous by their absence.
Well, they were to me.
Eric continued to eat his sandwich as I packed my things away.
I had a feeling the rest of the day was going to be extremely tiresome, and then Angela arrived.
"Bella, you're needed outside".
Mike's eyes were immediately on mine.
I looked at her smiling face, a slight frown appearing on my own.
"By who?" was Mike's curt response.
Angela sat down, "Mike, you ask too many questions"
Looking back at me she smiled, "Just go Bella, and take your bag… I'll cover for you this afternoon".
I stood immediately, yet I was still confused. "I don't understand".
Angela lent over and pinched one of Eric's sandwiches.
"Hey, that's mine…" he muttered.
"Friends share" she murmured, kissing him on the cheek.
I watched the display, and amused expression appearing on my face.
Angela looked up "why are you still here? Beat it! Parking bay 3…."
Parking bay 3.
That was Edwards's parking spot….
Mike's voice cut into the conversation.
"You can't skip class Bella; it isn't… the right thing to do…."
Jessica returned, "Whose cutting class" she asked, as she sat down with a plate of what looked like salad, and more salad.
Eric pointed to her plate, "We'll have to start calling you rabbit, Jess – with all those greens…"
Jessica huffed, a sound similar to the one Mike had displayed minutes earlier.
"Funny, Eric, really funny – how long did it take you to think of that one? I'm…"
Her voice carried on, but I wasn't listening. Angela lent towards me, "Now would be a really, really great time to leave Bella" she whispered, and winked.
Immediately I was at the exit, jogging towards the car park, my eyes searching for Edwards silver Volvo…
What I saw far exceeded my expectations.
Alice's yellow Porsche.
And a smiling Alice at the wheel of the car. At least, I was pretty certain it was Alice – she was wearing sunglasses and the collar of her violet shirt was pulled up around her neck.
Before I thought about what I was doing, my bag was thrown into the back seat as I climbed in next to her.
"Alice".
Alice smiled, "Bella".
We were soon out of the car park, speeding down the highway.
I couldn't stop looking at her. I had missed her so much…
Alice's voice broke into my thoughts.
"See something you like?" she murmured.
I smiled, adding "Yes".
I wanted to say so much more, but my tongue literally felt tied...
I continued, "You cut class this morning".
Alice merely nodded, and then looked at me. "Did you miss me?"
I shrugged, feeling a little mischievous I added "Not really, Mike was my lab partner, it was kinda cool to hang with him…."
Alice immediately reached out with one hand and placed it on my knee; giving it a slight squeeze she whispered "don't tease Bella…."
I smiled "Tease? Me?"
Alice started to slowly move her fingers gently up and down on my thigh.
I felt lightheaded.
"A-lice…" my voice was hoarse.
Still she continued with her gentle caress.
I swallowed hard.
"Okay, now who-se tea-sing…." I stammered.
Alice smiled at me, and removed her hand.
I immediately missed her touch.
"You skipped class" I repeated.
Alice nodded, adding "and now you are"
I sighed, "If my dad finds out, I literally am history…."
Alice laughed, "History, I find, is so overrated…."
I laughed too. "Yeah, maybe for vampire, but for us mere mortals… if he found out, I'd be grounded for at least a month".
I didn't like the thought of that. Not being able to see any of the Cullen's. Or Alice.
Alice turned right when a fork in the road appeared; slowly removing her glasses she turned and looked into my eyes.
"Charlie will never find out, trust me. Besides, even if he did, it wouldn't stop me from visiting… I prefer the more unconventional way of entering your house; Charlie would never suspect a thing".
She smiled then, adding "besides, it's only one afternoon".
I settled back into my seat then. She was right, of course. I had skipped class voluntarily. Spending the afternoon with Alice was a far better prospect than maths and French class.
"So, where exactly are we going Alice?"
Alice turned the car again, and slowly we came to a stop.
"Welcome to Woodland Fathom".
I looked around the small clearing, but there was no sign of a name.
The trees were taller here, blocking out the suns rays.
"Woodland Fathom?" I queried.
Alice was already out of the car, pulling me out of my seat. "Oh, it's my special name for it – I even wrote a poem about it once… though it wasn't as good as yours…" her voice trailed off as she took my hand and lent in, kissing my cheek.
I swallowed hard.
She moved back and then pulled at my hand.
"Come with me, you need to see something".
I watched as she skipped forward, following her into the woodland.
Alice's pace seemed to get quicker.
"Hey, Alice, perhaps you can drop down a gear or two? We're not in your porche now…"
I was already breathless. I really did need to engage in more exercise.
Alice slowed, "Oh, sorry Bella… I sometimes forget…here, this will be easier".
Quick as a flash she lifted me into her arms.
"Alice, what are y-ou…"
I couldn't carry on.
My voice had got trapped in my throat as she ran forward. Fast. Still holding me tightly in her arms.
We were literally sprinting at top speed.
Trees whirled past me into oblivion.
The wind hit my face as my hair streamed out behind me.
In Alice's car we had reached a high speed… but in Alice's arms…
It was amazing.
And a little scary.
But still amazing.
"You're safe, Bella" she voiced, as the pace seemed to pick up even more.
And I knew I would be.
After what seemed like a minute we slowed, and Alice came to a gradual stop.
Looking down at me she smiled, "Now that was fun" she exclaimed, kissing me gently on my forehead.
I nodded.
"That wa-s am-azin-g" I mumbled, still trying to catch my breath.
Alice released me and winked. "Sorry Bella, next time it won't be such a shock to the system, I promise".
So there would be a next time.
"We've arrived" she whispered and pointed to another small clearing just in front of us.
This clearing was a sun trap; I could see the bright rays shining down on the mossy grass, each beam framing the small white and pink flowers that were growing through the luscious blades.
"It's beautiful Alice" I whispered.
"It's my Meadow" she replied.
I turned and looked at her animated face.
"You come here a lot, don't you"
It wasn't really a question, more of a statement. Somehow I just knew.
She nodded.
"It's my sanctuary, and now it's ours"
She smiled and I lent across and cupped her cheek.
"Thank you"
Alice lent into my touch. I watched as she turned slightly, kissing the palm of my hand.
I was in heaven.
I was in love.
Alice sighed then, and took a small step back.
"There's something you need to see".
Her voice didn't seem as steady as normal.
I watched as she closed her eyes.
Was she getting another vision?
Her eyes were immediately open.
"So frustrating; I have no idea what your reaction is going to be…"
I listened to her words, confusion playing at my mind.
"I don't understand?"
Alice shook her head, and then smiled again. Her smile was more radiant than the sun beams that shone up ahead.
"You soon will" she answered, as she left me and walked out into the clearing.
Somehow, I knew I had to stay where I was.
I didn't move.
I simply watched her.
She continued to walk, her back towards me. Then she moved her small hands, and her violet shirt was soon discarded to the floor, leaving a white crop top underneath.
She sighed.
And then turned so she was facing me.
And what I saw took my breath away.
Her marbled skin seemed to….glimmer… in the sun.
I stepped forward and stopped as her eyes met mine.
I had never seen anything so beautiful before.
She turned slightly, and looked up at the sky.
And her face was immediately illuminated.
Alice was…
Shimmering.
Like the glisten of frost… a thousand tiny iced gems gleaming on her pale skin…
It was so overwhelming I swayed a little.
Alice's head moved back down, as she looked at me again and held out her hand.
I walked towards her and took her hand in mine.
"Alice… you…"
I didn't know what to say.
Alice smiled, "Now you see why we avoid the sun, bit of a freak show if we didn't"…
Everything, then, clicked into place.
Taking her small hand I held it to my heart.
"You take my breath away, Alice. You never have to avoid the sun with me. To you I am sincere".
Alice lent in towards me, and for the first time since we had met, I knew she needed to be held, to be comforted. My arms embraced her as I brought her close.
Her words were a muffled, but I could hear every one.
"I was so afraid this… this would scare you…"
"Never". My response was thick with emotion.
Alice stood back.
And there we stood, facing each other. Alice's hand still on my beating heart.
"This" I placed my hand on top of hers, "beats for you Alice".
A cloud from far above moved, and the ray of light from the sun rested on us both.
Alice continued to radiate, as did my heart.
And I knew what I needed to say.
I knew what I wanted to say.
I knew it was time.
"I love you" I whispered.