AN:

As always, thanks for the followers, favorites and reviews. I live and breathe for them, you know ;) no pressure, hehe

…..

I'm not sure how I feel about this chapter, but here you go.

Chapter 13: Everything -Lifehouse

I twirled around in front of Heidi and Beth who looked at me with scrutinizing eyes. The white dress they had picked out for me – I had no idea how they managed to agree – flowed softly from my waist to just below my knees. White, elegant laces snug to my shoulders and neck while the bodice clung comfortable to my torso.

Heidi clapped her hands together with a satisfied smile and Beth gave a smirk of approval.

"Lover-boy will want to rip that right off you" she teased and I started.

"I hope not. It's so beautiful" I looked down at myself. It would be such a shame and a waste if this dress were to be ruined. It truly was a stunning dress. I didn't dare guess how much they had paid for it.

Heidi rolled her eyes and Demitri chuckled from his seat in one of the armchairs. He and Felix were playing a game of chess while Beth and Heidi had spent the last few hours forcing me into dress after dress. To be honest, it was quite tiring, but I was glad they finally agreed on this one. It was only a bonus that I loved it too. The dress was quite simple really, and yet at the same time it wasn't because of the laces.

"You're so adorable! Please don't ever change" Heidi smiled as she pinched my cheek and talked as one would talk to a baby. I blushed deeply. There was definitely something I didn't get here.

"Of course my little ginger won't change" Beth came up behind me and gave me a tight hug. I was used to her invading my personal space so I didn't mind. She let go of me with a quick peck on my cheek and went to the mirror. I turned my attention towards Felix and Demitri as I knew Beth could easily spend the next ten minutes checking her hair and makeup.

"Who's winning?" I asked interestedly as I looked at the chessboard. It seemed to be fairly even so far, but then again, those two could drag out a game for days, so it was hard to say. They began this game yesterday and had resumed it as soon as Heidi and Beth started playing dress up with me.

"Me of course" Demitri smirked confidently and I giggled.

"Keep dreaming, Demitri. Check mate" Felix smirked at his friend. Demitri's face instantly fell, but I knew he was only goofing around as always. He looked from the chessboard to Felix before looking at me and then back again.

"Ah ah, not fair. Noel was helping distract me so that you could make your move" Demitri declared childishly and I gasped as I played along on his antics.

"I would never!"

Felix chuckled.

"You really think Noel would help me cheat? Besides, I don't need cheating in order to beat you" he boasted as he crossed his arms in front of him with a smug smile.

"Oh, yeah? Well, I think she did" Demitri smirked as he slowly rose from the chair. He turned towards me just as slowly. I took a step back, but I couldn't help giggle once more. I knew that look.

"No, no, Demitri, don't" I giggled as I continued to walk backwards. He came closer like a carnivore stalking its prey, but it only made me laugh as he did so rather theatrically with his hands curled up in claws. Felix chuckled from his seat. I looked behind me only to see Beth smirking at us in the mirror. Heidi seemed to watch us with a calculating glare.

"You better not chase her around in that dress, Demitri, or I swear, I'm going to turn all your white dress-shirts pink" Heidi threatened and Demitri instantly stood straighter with his hands in front of him in surrender.

"Pardon me. A man knows when he is defeated"

"Who are you calling a man?" Beth teased as she turned away from the mirror with a smirk. Demitri stumbled back with his hands on his heart dramatically.

"And she strikes again"

Beth rolled her eyes.

"You're awfully silly for a century's old vampire, Demitri" I couldn't help but giggle, and instantly covered my mouth with my hands as if I had said a bad word. Felix let out a roar of laughter and came to ruffle my hair before Heidi had time to protest against him messing up my hair. She could be super sensitive about that even when I barely had anything done to my hair. Demitri chuckled and I let my hands drop. It was a relief he wasn't mad about my comment.

"He is, isn't he?" a voice broke through the laughter and I whipped around towards the sound. My heart jumped and a grin broke out on my face.

"Alec" I breathed happily, as I went to him. It was strange, the way I seemed to need to be close to him whenever he stepped into the room. It was almost like some sort of magnetic pull. Or gravity. It was something I couldn't refuse or fight even if I wanted to. This feeling had always been there when I was around him, but it seemed only to grow stronger with time. Now it was something I was dreadfully aware of and it almost made me blush for some reason.

I took both his hands in mine and welcomed the familiar tingle that went with it.

"What do you think?" I said and spread out our arms so that he could properly see the dress. I never cared much for clothes or how I looked, but Alec's opinion on the matter was for some reason rather important to me. I caught myself holding my breath as I waited for his comment.

"Wow, Noel actually seem to care about her looks. Now I can die happily" Beth breathed dramatically somewhere in the background.

"Sorry to burst your bubble, but you're already dead, honey"

"Oh well"

"You look… like an angel" Alec completely ignored the two goofballs behind us and I blushed deeply at the sincerity in his eyes. I let go of one of his hands and pulled him further into my room.

"I'm glad you like it" I was still blushing deeply, but I tried to ignore it though I knew everyone noticed – they always did.

"Oh, stop it, lovebirds" Beth said and made gagging noises. Alec sent her a small glare, before looking at me once more.

"This is what you're going to wear tomorrow night?" he asked with a mixture of sadness and anxious interest. I smiled brightly at him though I wished he wouldn't be sad. Christmas was a time for celebration.

"Yes, that is what she is going to wear to her last Christmas as a human" I could almost feel Beth rolling her eyes. Alec ignored her.

"Noel, why don't you change and then we'll leave you two alone" Heidi suggested already done picking up all the discarded dresses her and Beth had flung around the room.

.:-:.

"How are you feeling? And don't pretend. I'll know right away if you're not being honest with me" Alec asked. We were sitting in the clock tower. It was too cold to go outside, though I had to admit I was happy Alec had been thoughtful enough to bring a blanket when I suggested we go here. It was pretty chilly and the wind was shrieking through the many holes in the wooden walls.

I fidgeted with one corner of the blanket, for some reason not willing to meet his eyes.

"I'm looking forward to the Christmas party" I knew that wasn't what he was asking about. I was buying time. I knew he could tell when I tried to hide something and I wouldn't even try to lie to him - mostly because I sucked at lying. Trevor once got into trouble at school and though he hadn't asked me to, I had tried to lie to mom about it, but I had been anxious and started stuttering. Trevor had put me out of my misery and told mom the truth, but I still felt bad I couldn't cover for him.

"Noel, please look at me" Alec's voice was so gentle I couldn't help but meet his eyes. He was worried about me.

"Will… will it hurt?" we hadn't discussed much of this. The only thing I really knew about being turned into a vampire was that it lasted for three days or so. I hadn't dared ask about it, but now it was only few days away. I could practically count the hours now.

"Yes" he said with only a small hesitation and I felt my lower lip quiver. I didn't look away from his eyes. I appreciated his honesty. I reached out and he took my hand. It was as if he had been afraid to touch me on his own, as if he could scare me away. Didn't he know that was impossible?

I scooted closer and snuggled into his side. He wasn't slow to put his arms comfortingly around me. I was scared, but I wasn't sure it would be such a good idea to tell him. It would only make him feel bad, if he knew just how scared I was.

"Do…" I started, but stopped myself, as I wasn't sure I should continue, but I knew he wouldn't judge me or deem me weak for asking this.

"Do you think I have to hurt people?" I looked up at him tentatively. Afraid of what he might answer.

"There's other ways" he assured me as he tightened his arms around me. He wasn't looking at me and it seemed he was trying to assure himself just as much as me. I looked away from his face, but I wasn't seeing anything.

"Do you think Aro will be angry with me if I can't… if I can't…" my lower lip was quivering yet again. I couldn't finish my sentence this time. My eyes stung, but I wouldn't shed any tears. I refused to cry out of self-pity.

"No, Aro knows you don't have it in you to harm another human being. He would never force you and risk losing you" he seemed to hesitate slightly at the end as if he wasn't sure if he should say anymore. I swallowed, hoping it would help my voice sound normal. I remember Beth telling me bitterly that I was an asset to the Volturi as I apparently had some sort of gift. I was curious as to what it could be, but my fright for being turned overshadowed that curiosity for the time being.

"I'm going to be an awful vampire, aren't I?" I huffed in a mixture of amusement and sadness. Alec chuckled and I could feel the vibrations through his chest. It was more comforting than any words and I momentarily closed my eyes to revel in the feeling. I loosened my grip on his shirt. I hadn't realized I had clung to him like that before now.

"I can't argue with that" he chuckled with a hint of something I couldn't quite place.

"Aren't you supposed to tell me I won't be so bad?" I giggled.

"Yes, but you would only argue. Honestly, I think you'll be just fine as an immortal. Maybe you'll even lose than clumsiness of yours"

I smiled, though I knew he couldn't see it.

"That would be something"

We sat in comfortable silence for several moments. I was still just as nervous and scared about the whole being turned ordeal, but there was no way I could avoid it. In 48 hours I would be in transition to becoming a vampire and from there on out I had no idea how things would turn out. Felix had told me about the first year of the newborns life and I guess that was what scared me more than the pain from the bite. I didn't want to lose myself. What if I became something unrecognizable? What if I hurt someone? What if Alec wouldn't like me? I tightened my grip on his shirt at the thought. I couldn't lose Alec. For some reason, he was… he was everything to me. He was my oxygen, my anchor. I would always be able to find safety and comfort in his arms. He had done so much for me, and I wasn't just referring to him saving my life or catching me when I fell because of my apparently two left feet. He made me smile just by being there. He made my heart race and my stomach flutter in the most delightful ways. I couldn't lose that even if it was selfish of me to think so. I hadn't even repaid him all the good things he had given me. I doubted I ever would be able to. But I could try. If only I knew how.

"Noel, there's something… I need to know…" I almost started as he broke the silence and effectively pulling me out of my thoughts. I pulled back to meet his ruby eyes with a questioning look. He sighed as he looked down. My heart ached at the sight. I wanted him to be able to ask me anything. I wanted him to never feel like he couldn't meet my eyes.

"What?" I pressed on and his eyes soon found mine. I couldn't read him. His eyes were determined, almost cold. It confused me.

"Do you want to be turned?"

"What other opt…" I began.

"You know there is one other way. I would never let you choose death over immortality. I'm too selfish for that, but… I have to know. I need to know you won't be unhappy for the rest of eternity if you go through with this. You told me before, that you didn't know what to do with an eternity" he was searching my eyes with an intensity that almost made me blush.

I acted on instinct. I took his face in both my hands and the cold determination instantly turned into something far softer and more heart aching. He was scared too.

"And you told me to spend it with you, remember? How could I ever be unhappy? I have found so many friends in this world. I have found you" he had to know. He had to understand. Felix and Demitri, Heidi and Beth, they were my friends and I loved them dearly, but for some reason, Alec did not fall under some category as them. What I felt towards him was intense, frightening and new. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced and it was so precious to me.

"Your family…" he began and I let my hands drop just to take one of his hands in my own.

"I will always love them and I will never stop missing them, but…" I momentarily closed my eyes in order to keep the tears at bay. When I was certain I wouldn't cry, I met his eyes yet again.

"Life chose a path for me where they can't follow. They would wish for me to be happy no matter what I did and I would want the same for them" I knew I had lost my family the instant I became a part of this world, but I couldn't help feeling as though they weren't completely lost to me yet. Me turning into a vampire would certainly change that and shatter the last of my illusions and impossible dreams of ever seeing them again, but I would always carry them in my heart. I was just happy mom still had Trevor.

Alec looked at me as if he could feel my pain. He didn't say anything. He didn't need to. There was nothing to be said. I had chosen him and my friends here at the Volturi over my mom and Trevor, and Alec knew what that meant to me.

Therefore, instead of telling me sorry or how everything would work out fine, he wrapped his arms around me.

.:-:.

I was surprised at how transformed the throne room seemed. They had gone all out in order to decorate the otherwise cold, marble room with fir garlands, lights and a giant Christmas tree in the very center of the room. Everyone was dressed in stunning gowns and tuxedos. I almost jumped in joy of the sight in front of me, but…

I swirled around towards the door we had just entered, but Felix put up an arm so I couldn't run anywhere. Beth had hooked her arm with Demitri's. Alec stood beside me with a raised eyebrow at me.

"Where are you going? You're the guest of honor this year" Felix smiled at me.

"I forgot my camera" I flushed trying to get past him, but he only chuckled and held up my Nikon. I blinked several times before smiling brightly up at him.

"Thank you, Felix" I grinned and took it. A few moments later, I let my camera fall, content with the amount of pictures I had managed to get so far. Alec offered me his arm and I took it with a warm smile.

"You look very handsome in your tuxedo" I whispered sincerely and he smiled wryly at me.

"Why, thank you, princess. You look very stunning yourself. I might have to keep an eye on you so no one will steal you away" he planted a quick kiss on my cheek that instantly flushed.

"Please tell me there is more to this party than this" I heard Beth mutter behind us and Demitri chuckled.

"Don't get your hopes up"

"Ah, Noel, there you are! Please come and meet my lovely wife Sulspicia and this is Caius' wife Athenedora" Aro introduced two beautiful women as we came over.

"It's lovely to finally meet you" I wasn't sure if I should curtsey. They had an air about them as if they were queens. Or goddesses from ancient greek. They nodded gracefully at me - behind the wives stood Chelsea, Afton and Corin discreetly. Tom and Jane stood a little off to the side, holding hands and smiling at each other. It was a sweet sight, especially considering Jane's usual tough exterior. She seemed so genuinely happy with Tom.

"It's our pleasure" Athenedora smiled at me. She seemed like the complete opposite of her husband that was rather grumpy and refused to look at me.

"Aro has told me much about you and it's good to see he didn't exasperate. You really do bring light wherever you go" Sulspicia smiled and almost absentmindedly touched my hair, which Heidi had curled tonight. I blushed deeply.

Aro clapped his hands together and effectively got the entire rooms attention.

"Tonight we are going to celebrate and have a splendid time. We have plenty for which we should be grateful and look forward to. Tomorrow our lovely little Noel will join our ranks. Jane and Tom had just told me moments ago that they have decided to marry in April. Enjoy the festivities and raise a cheer to our friends" he announced and everyone cheered elegantly.

I looked up at Alec in surprise. Did he know about Jane and Tom? He smiled softly so I guess he already knew.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I heard myself ask as he led me into the crowd, though I instantly blushed as it wasn't really any of my business, but before I had the chance to apologize, he had already answered.

"Tom asked for my blessings and made my promise I wouldn't tell anyone, not even you. I didn't know what Jane had answered before a few hours ago when she stormed into my room in a frenzy" he chuckled. I giggled at the thought. I clearly remembered that day when she had stormed into my room in a panic about what to wear on her date with Tom. It seemed like so long ago.

"Would you care for a dance?" he asked with a wide smile and I felt my heart swell. I was just about to put my hand on his shoulder, when I realized I was still holding my camera.

"I got it" Felix appeared by our side and gently took the camera. I blushed and thanked him. I wasn't sure why I was so nervous. I had danced before both in clubs and at a fancy ball once, but this was different. This was Alec.

"Afraid you'll trip?" he teased as he put a hand just above my waist and I put my now free hand on his shoulder.

"Now I am" I said, because honestly, that hadn't even crossed my mind before he brought it up! He pulled me closer so our bodies almost touched, and my heartbeat leaped. I almost didn't dare meet his eyes.

"Don't worry. I would never let you fall" he whispered close to my ear, effectively sending shivers down my spine.

"I'm going to hold you to your word, you know" I smiled up at him. We might be close to the same height, but I still had to crane my neck slightly to meet his eyes when we were this close.

He chuckled and led me around the dance floor. It was a shame to say that I felt any bit graceful compared to him and the couples around us. I kept stepping on his feet and stumble over my own feet, but he never complained nor let me fall as he had promised.

"Don't look at your feet, Noel" he told me as I kept glancing downwards and I met his ruby eyes with a blush.

"Sorry"

He chuckled.

"Just. Don't think too much"

"Shouldn't be too difficult, Beth and Trevor always calls me an airhead"

"And it's true" Beth danced right past us with Demitri and Alec rolled his eyes at them, though he kept smiling apparently not wanting to let his dislike for my best friend ruin the moment.

"I can't believe you're overthinking not thinking" he chuckled down at me and I felt the blush creep back into my cheeks.

"Ok, I can do this" I took a deep breath and concentrated on looking Alec in the eyes. He seemed rather amused and even though I knew I was the source to his amusement, I didn't mind. There was nothing cruel about it. It was pure.

He was so handsome, almost pretty, though I knew he wouldn't like me calling him pretty. His features were delicate and innocent, so far from his own view on himself. To him, he wasn't quite a monster, but he was as close as one could get. He didn't feel remorse towards humans, I knew he didn't, in fact he hated almost all humans and I knew it rooted in his past, though I would never press the matter. He had told me a little about his human life, and from what I gathered, it wasn't a time one would like to reminisce. Him along with his sister had been through so much and experienced the worst sides to humanity. It was no wonder he felt the way he did. Not to mention, it was a huge part of his nature not to care about his food. I guess I didn't think very much about the cow when I get a steak or the likes. Could I even compare it like that? I wasn't sure.

I shook my head. I didn't want to think about eating habits tonight. That was something I could worry about later. Now I would enjoy the moment. I was dancing with a boy who caused me to feel the strangest things. I was far too aware of how his hand rested on my waist and his other hands gently held mine as he spun us around in smooth circles.

"See. Much better" he whispered after a few moments of comfortable silence and I realized I hadn't tripped again. I smiled brightly up at him, though my breath instantly hitched. He was wearing an intense expression I couldn't quite read and I felt my eyes being drawn to his lips. They seemed so soft and I wondered how it would be like to kiss them. This desire was not something I was familiar with though I had felt it towards Alec before. I blushed deeply and looked up into his eyes. Was it just me or did we seem closer than before? I barely registered how we had stopped dancing. I wasn't even sure if it was just one of us who was leaning in or both of us. We were so painfully close, there was almost no space between us and I didn't dare breathe.

"Hello, children!" Beth put her arms around both our shoulders, effectively pulling me back to reality and my cheeks turned a deep shade of red. Had I really just been about to kiss Alec?! Oh my gosh, I had, hadn't I?! I put my hand on my chest just above my pounding heart.

"Beth" Alec snarled with annoyance and my best friend smirked at him. Oh no.

"What's the matter, lover-boy? Did I interrupt something?" she wiggled her delicate eyebrow suggestively and I put my hands on my burning cheeks. This was so embarrassing!

"Was there anything in particular you wanted or did you just want to be your usual annoying self?" Alec said through gritted teeth.

"Both… now that I think about it" she said with a pout before smiling brightly at me.

"It's time for presents, strawberry head" she grinned and I rolled my eyes with a smile. I knew how much she adored getting something - the more expensive and luxurious the better.

"Oh, how could I forget?" I teased.

"Beats me, but I want to go first this year" she said and gave me a square gift in red wrapping and a big golden bow on top. It was impossible to tell what it could be and I took my time opening it up. Demitri, Felix and Heidi had come closer, while Alec looked as if he wasn't sure if he should still be annoyed at Beth or forget it.

As soon as I saw what was inside, I let out a gasp and my eyes instantly welled up. I looked up at Beth, touched that she had been this considerate.

"It's a scarf like the one my mom has. Where did you find one? My mom bought hers before Trevor was born" I asked as I almost tentatively pulled out the thin, but long scarf from the box. It was a white mulberry scarf in very thin silk adorned with delicate flowers in beautiful colors, just like my mom's.

"I didn't. It's the real deal. I always said your mom had awesome fashion sense, not like her daughter who…" she smirked, but I cut her off with a tight hug. I wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. I couldn't believe she had gotten my mom's scarf! I wasn't even sure I wanted to know how, but in that moment I was too selfish to care. I pulled back and brought the scarf to my face. I closed my eyes with a soft smile.

"It smells like her" I whispered.

"Don't get too sentimental. You know that's my kryptonite" Beth teased as she crossed her arms in front of her chest and I giggled.

"Felix, do you still have my bag?" I turned to my friend slash bodyguard. It was his own idea to carry all my stuff tonight, though I felt bad for letting him. I quickly found the present to Beth and handed it to her. I had gone out with Heidi and Felix to buy all my presents a month ago. Let me tell you, it hadn't been easy keeping it a secret from the others, not to mention how difficult it was when I had to buy their presents. I still suspected Heidi for peeking when I bought hers.

"Jimmy Choo shoes!" she all but shrieked as she had ripped the wrappings off. I giggled. I knew she would like them. Beth owned more shoes than I could count, but she never had enough and there was nothing that could cheer her up faster than Jimmy Choo or Jeffrey Campbell. I wouldn't even know these brands if it hadn't been for her influence! The scares knowledge I did have about fashion, I had from her.

"Well, you might just get to be my best friend one year more" she smiled at me while hugging the shoes to her chest. I giggled at her antics and received a big smooch on my cheek from my silly best friend. She might never let anyone in, but I knew she had other sides to her than the bitchy, frustrating side she chose to let everyone see.

"Gosh I love you, you klutz. And I love you, yes I do" she started talking to the shoes in a voice one would use on a puppy.

"Terrifying" Demitri shuddered theatrically and earned himself a smack on his shoulder.

"Well, now that the she-devil is occupied…" Alec smirked and handed me a flat present. I smiled happily, as I took it and opened it with anticipation.

Inside was a photo book and upon browsing through it, I saw that he had already filled out the first three pages with pictures of all of us from my time here at the Volturi so far. It was pictures from my camera, though I had no idea when he had the time to get them developed. There were pictures of Felix and I playing chess in my bed. One with Heidi throwing clothes in every other direction in my room. Beth, Demitri and I making goofy faces. A picture of me lying on my stomach in the grass in the garden. That one picture of Alec looking intensely at me.

"Alec…" I was touched. This was perfect.

"You can fill out the rest and I'll get you another one once that one is full" he hurriedly explaining himself as if uncertain his gift wasn't good enough.

"Thank you" I breathed and gave him a delicate kiss on the cheek. He smiled warmly.

"You're welcome. I had to suffer hours in a mall with Beth before I found that" he smiled wryly at me and I looked at both of them in surprise.

"Really?" I couldn't imagine those two actually working together not to mention spending time together without tearing each other to pieces.

"It was a drag" Beth smirked and Alec huffed as if she was understating the actual situation.

I smiled at the thought. They must've been fighting or bickered the entire time. I looked down at my photo book and scarf in my hands, before glancing up at my friends. The night was far from over, but it was already beyond perfect. I felt so blessed having these people in my life. All of them meant so much to me.

"Don't just stand there and stare at us. Bring the next present forward" Heidi urged in excitement and I giggled.

AN:

Don't kill me for letting Beth interrupt that kiss, I just couldn't help it!

I have to spoil this to ya all: Noel is going to become a vampire in the next chapter, so that will be fun writing – I already have some of it ready, but not all.

Stay tuned, lovelies! You might regret it, but then again, you might not. Who knows? ;)