Chapter Fifteen

Bella

I left Jake standing outside and went in to listen to Billy and Charlie, using the excuse of making coffee for them.

"So Billy what's up? You don't meet up with the other Elders unless something's going on"

"Some unwanted visitors in the area Charlie. We like to keep an eye on what's happening. So, how's Bella settling in?"

"Fine Billy. She's going to a barbecue at the beach with friends from school this evening"

"Really? I'd tell her to stay with her friends, you never know who's about on the beach when it gets dark."

"Is there something specific going on I should know about?"

"No I don't think so. I just like to keep an eye out for her."

"Well she's going with one of the Cullen boys so I'm sure she'll be looked after."

"Oh one of the Cullen boys"

I could hear the distaste in Billy's voice.

"Oh come on Billy. You're not still going on about the Cullens. They've been fine since they got here. This stupid prejudice against them needs to stop. It's just plain stupid."

"Whatever you say Charlie. I just don't think I'd want a daughter of mine out with one of those boys."

I took the coffee in then, glaring at Billy behind Charlies back.

"I have to go Dad. Jasper will be here in a minute. Bye Billy."

I kissed my Dad on the cheek and gave Billy another glare, pushing past Jake who came in with a face like thunder,

"Your date's here" he muttered as I passed him ,so very childishly I stuck my tongue out before running down the steps to meet Jasper.

When I came out the front door Jasper was standing by the truck waiting and I realized he'd got changed although I had the feeling he hadn't left me unguarded, neat trick! He opened the door for me and then went round and drove us to the beach. It was still warm although cloudy and there were quite a few people already there. Jasper took the food from me and carried it over to the trestle then came back to me. By that time I had found Mike, Jess, Angie, and Ben who were sitting together round one of the scattered bonfires. Music was supplied by a CD player connected up to huge speakers, battered and covered in stickers which had been used quite obviously for this kind of thing for a long time. Others from our year came over to join us until we were quite a large group. Jasper said little but sat with me, his arm draped casually over my shoulder but his eyes constantly scanning as if looking for something or someone. I felt him tense slightly and looked up to see Alice and Peter strolling towards us. She was smiling at something he said and he was holding her hand but looking round as if checking the area. He looked over at Jasper and nodded once before sitting on the opposite side of the bonfire from us.

"Why don't they come and sit with us?"

"We're watching each others backs"

He explained and I suddenly realized how vulnerable we were out here on the beach., I moved closer to Jasper and he smiled pulling his arm more tightly around me,

"Don't worry Bella, you are safe."

I nodded, unsure whether to believe him.

When I went to get something to eat and drink I stood beside Alice and she turned to me,

"So we're sisters Bella"

I nodded

"Sounds like it. Are you scared Alice?"

"No, not really, the boys are very good at what they do. I've never seen any threat and I've been around a long time."

"If I told you I was terrified would you think I was stupid?"

"No I'd think you were stupid if you said you weren't but you have the best people looking after you. No one does it better."

"Were you on your own until they came? Did you know who you were?"

"Yes I guess I was, although something always told me to move before trouble got too close. I think we told you I can see the future. Well I used to watch mine very carefully. When Peter and Jasper turned up I was skeptical but they made me feel safer and I've got used to having them watching my back. Now they have two of us to watch".

"Would you look into my future for me?"

"If you like, but I only see the future as it stands, people change their minds and that changes what will happen. I'm just telling you that so you don't rely on what I tell you"

I nodded OK.

Alice walked back to sit with Jasper and myself leaving Peter sitting alone on the other side of the fire. He didn't seem to notice, just looked around every few seconds scanning the surrounding trees.

"Hello Jazz"

Alice kissed his cheek and sat beside him and I had an overwhelming urge to grab her by the throat and throw her back to Peter. Where did that come from? I wasn't a violent person. I saw Jasper throw me a quick glance and hold his hand out to me. I took it and he pulled me to his other side, draping his arm over my shoulder again and I wanted to stick my tongue out at Alice, see he's with me now not you. How juvenile it sounded even in my own ears.

"Bella wants me to look into her future" she told him quietly

He glanced at me

"Oh why?"

"I want to know how much danger I'm in"

He looked back to Alice and shrugged,

"You told her it's not foolproof?"

"Yes" she sighed heavily then closed her eyes and went very still,

There were so many people and so much noise that no one noticed Alice's reverie which went on for a good few minutes. When she opened them again she was frowning, then her face cleared

"So what did you see Alice?"

I was eager to know.

"Nothing, I couldn't see anything Bella. Nothings been decided yet."

She got up abruptly throwing Jasper a strange look and walked back to Peter who put his arm around her as she sank down beside him.

"What was that all about?" I asked him

"No idea Bella. She doesn't always see things even when she looks."

I knew she'd seen something and so did he, but neither were going to tell me so I decided to drop it for now.

Jasper

I didn't know what Alice had seen but whatever it was it had upset her, her feelings were very mixed and I couldn't make out which was stronger, fear or jealousy. I needed to speak to her and soon. I would see if Peter would swap duty with me for an hour. If I could get Alice on her own without Bella seeing I could find out what was going on. I got up, excusing myself to Bella. She looked up but didn't try to follow me, Peter saw me rise and did the same and we met beyond the light of the bonfires.

"What's up Major?"

"I need to talk to Alice. Keep an eye on Bella for me will you"

He nodded and went straight back, sitting in the place I had vacated, by Bella's side. She looked round but couldn't see me in the darkness. The sight of Peter sitting there disturbed me and I didn't know why. He could protect her as well as I could. Alice saw him and looked over to me, with her vampire eyes she could see me in the darkness and I jerked my head for her to join me.

Alice wandered over and took my arm,

"I can't tell you Jazz"

"I haven't asked you anything yet"

"But I know what you are going to ask me and I can't tell you."

"You saw something though?"

"Yes. But it wasn't what she wanted to know."

"Will you both be safe?"

"I don't know. Will we ever be safe? Will you spend eternity watching over me and Bella's life watching over her? You need to get away from here Jazz. It's not safe for you"

"Me?"

"Yes, a warrior needs to be on his toes at all times. No distractions."

"You think I'm not on the ball?"

"I think you will become distracted if you stay."

"I can't walk away and leave you unguarded"

"So send for Charlotte, swap with her. Get away from here Jazz before it costs you"

"Costs me what Alice?"

"You"

She walked away after this cryptic comment and I followed her slowly, trying to make sense of her words. I knew I wasn't as sharp as I should be but I needed to hunt, I hadn't had time to feed properly for a few days. If Alice could tell us her future it would make our life easier.