Chapter Forty Five
Bella
Sure enough when we got back Charlie was sitting with Tanya all nice and cosy with the other two sisters looking on unhappily. It seemed Charlie was a prize they had all wanted but Tanya beat the others to it. He got up looking rather shamefaced when he saw me but Tanya followed him like a little puppy, all wagging tail and lolling tongue. I didn't say anything, why make things more awkward? So I just said hi and went to Jasper who stood with Emmett looking at the enormous gaily decorated and lit Christmas tree that dominated the space.
"Couldn't you have found a bigger one Emmett?"
He turned and grinned at Roses exclamation.
"You know something Rose I think I even surpassed myself this year. We had to make some extra decorations look."
He pointed to some fir cones dyed gold and red and sprigs of holly full of berries that hung amid the tinsel and baubles.
"Well I think its beautiful Emmett."
He smiled at me as I wound my arms around Jaspers waist and kissed him hungrily.
"I missed you."
"Missed you too darlin' Did you have a good time?"
"My feet are killing me and I'm seeing dresses before my eyes. Alice alone is bad enough but put her together with Rose and Esme and its like a nightmare. If I never see another mall it will be too soon."
"Did you see anything you liked? I gave Alice my credit card for you to use."
"I know and thank you but I don't want you buying things for me."
"Why not? We're together aren't we? So my money is your money. Simple."
"Whoa there Jasper. That's a very dangerous thing to tell a girl or a woman."
He looked at Charlie and smiled,
"Not in my world. I have plenty for both of us and I like Bella to buy pretty things if she sees them, anything she likes, books, clothes, jewellery, anything."
"Bella you're a very lucky girl."
"I know dad."
Alice
I needed to speak to Jasper but not with the others around so I motioned him outside while Bella and Charlie sat down to eat the meal Tanya had readied for them, she was taking this thing with Charlie seriously it seemed.
"What's the matter Alice?"
"I met an old friend in town."
"Who?"
"Dante."
"I remember you telling me about him. What's he doing here? What did he say?"
"Not a lot but he seemed interested in Bella, or curious at any rate".
"Did you tell him who she was?"
"If you mean did I introduce her as your mate then no. I just said we were here for the shopping."
"Was he alone?"
"Yes when I saw him. He wants to speak to you Jazz."
"There's no point, I know what his question will be and he knows what my answer will be."
"I know but I got the impression if you didn't speak to him he'd have to come to you and we don't want him anywhere near Bella if we can avoid it now do we?"
He closed his eyes in frustration then shook his head,
"No, if he finds out my mate is a human he might try something to get me to go with him and that's not going to happen."
"You could change her."
"I could but its a little soon don't you think? I mean we aren't even connected yet."
"Connected? If you use words like that to Bella I'm not surprised! Jazz, you love her, she loves you, just let things happen, go with the flow. I think you should discuss it with her and soon."
"What does she say Alice?"
"No way, you ask like the rest of us. I see you together though. Bella is very misty and that concerns me but I guess there's nothing I can do about it."
We heard a cough behind us and Eleazer appeared a little hesitantly,
"I'm sorry to break in on your conversation but I thought I might be able to add a little to the topic. You know my gift is to see the gifts of others, well I see a gift in Bella. One I've never seen before, not with such power in any case. She is a shield, although as yet unaware and unable to control it consciously."
"A shield? That explains Edward not hearing her thoughts and me not seeing her future very well."
"Are you saying she's like Renata?"
"No indeed. Renata is a child compared to Bella or at least the potential she will have once she becomes a vampire. Renata is a physical shield, she needs to be in contact to shield Aro which is why she never leaves his side. No, Bella can do it over a distance, how great that distance might be I have no idea but it is a gift that the Volturi would give almost anything and certainly do anything to obtain so I would keep it a closely guarded secret. I wouldn't even tell Bella herself for now."
"No, it might scare her. Thank you Eleazer for your discretion, its appreciated."
He nodded and turned walking back to the house as Bella came out being chased by Emmett who held a huge snowball in his hand.
"I'm gonna get you little sis. No one beats me at Mario Kart."
She ran to me and hid behind my back as Emmett tried unsuccessfully to get past.
"OK you win for now Bells but remember you have to sleep, I don't and seeing as you don't get up to anything in that big bedroom of yours I won't be disturbing you now will I?"
He gave a snort of laughter and ran back to the house leaving a red-faced Bella behind with us.
"Don't worry Bella I'll get him off your back for you."
Alice touched her cheek then took off after him.
Bella
I hadn't meant to win, I didn't even know what I was doing but when Luigi started jumping up and down, confetti raining down on him I realized and shouted in triumph. When he got up and started stalking me I knew I was in trouble and kept the furniture between us as I moved towards the door and help. As I made a run for it I was amazed by Roses action in putting herself between Emmett and the door,
"Go Bella"
At her shout I ran for it straight to Jasper and hid behind him as Emmett came over threatening me with a huge snowball. His words made my ears burn and I was glad there was only Alice to hear them then she winked at me and went off in pursuit leaving Jasper and I alone out in the softly falling snow of evening. He pulled me close and stroked my face,
"Don't take any notice of Emmett, his big mouth gets ahead of him sometimes."
I nodded but he was right and I didn't know what to do, I felt very confused, my body craved Jasper but I had no idea how to tell him or show him or...suddenly I wished I had an older sister to talk to. Then it dawned on me that I did, Rose, if she would talk to me about the subject, I could but try and decided to get her alone if I could before I went to bed tonight. Jasper swept me off my feet,
"You're getting cold darlin' come on"
He ran back faster than I had run to him and didn't put me down until we were in front of the roaring log fire. Charlie was talking in low tones to Tanya who looked at him as if he were the most wonderful man in the room which was sweet. Emmett was explaining to the other sisters how to play a new game he bought himself as a Christmas present and the others were scattered about the room, all involved in their own pursuits, so when Eleazer called Jasper over I went to sit beside Rose,
"Thank you for running interference for me with Emmett."
She just nodded not looking up from her magazine,
"Rose do you think we could talk in private. I want to ask you for some advice"