A/N: Well it's that time my friends. We have reached the penultimate chapter of this tale. I hesitated to write this part, but alas.
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its characters. The story and characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. Also, I apologize for any errors. I don't have this story beta'd (mostly because I am unsure of how to even go about doing that), so the errors are my own.
Chapter 12: Baseball Surprises
After the last night of the vacation the Cullens sadly made their way back to the airport. They all seemed to drag as though no wanting to physically part with their vacation and be forced to return to reality. For they all knew that the reality was that their time with Bella was running out. Regardless of the acknowledgement that their time was running out, each Cullen refused to sit and sulk. Instead it was if each had a renewed vigor to make each moment count. Bella, therefore, found herself passed from seat to seat on the plane; each vampire eagerly awaiting his or her allotted turn to spend time with the girl.
When Bella was plopped down between Rosalie and Emmett, she was beginning to tire. Rose immediately noticed that the child's eyes were beginning to droop and quickly pulled the armrest up from between her and Bella and let the girl curl up in her lap. She gently stroked her hair and soothed her to sleep. The only time she looked away from the child in her lap was to quickly ask the flight attendant for a blanket. The attendant seemed momentarily dazed, but quickly complied to the request. Once Rose was assured that Bella was completely cocooned in the blanket she resumed her gentle strokes.
Emmett leaned over the gently spoke to her, "What are you thinking about, Rose?"
"What everyone is thinking about." Rose responded without looking up.
"Did you have a good vacation?" He asks softly, trying to pull her away from her sad thoughts.
"It was wonderful. It was nice to be in a place that didn't rain all the time, or wasn't covered in snow." She chuckled briefly.
"That was nice. Do you ever wish we could be in a place that was sunny?"
Rose took a moment to look up to him. She smiled and responded, "I know it seems foolish but I do wish for that sometimes. I know that we don't actually feel the difference in temperature, but for some reason it does feel different." She returned her gaze to Bella once she finished.
Emmett shook his head in agreement, "Bella told me that her mother makes her wear sunscreen when she goes outside at her home there." He laughed lightly, "She also said that we should be happy we don't have to wear it. Apparently, 'it is sticky and smells funny.'" He finished by trying to mimic the little girl's voice and accent.
Rose laughed, "I don't actually remember sunscreen. Isn't that strange?"
Emmett puffed out his chest, "I never had to wear any. I guess my skin was always tough." His wiggled his eyebrows at Rose and she shoved him playfully.
They continued to talk and banter back and forth before the captain announced that they would be beginning their descent into Seattle soon. The attendant came by shortly thereafter and requested that they return their seats to their upright positions. Rose bit back a growl. She didn't want to have to wake the peaceful girl but sighed when she realized that she would need to be awake or the attendant would just come and badger them again.
Rose gently cooed in Bella's ear, "Come on sweetie, it is time to wake up. We are about to land."
Bella rose slowly and began rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She looked up to Rose and smiled, "Are we almost home?"
Rose smiled back down at her before answering, "Almost. We will still need to drive back from Seattle once we get off the plane."
"Okay." Bella said glumly.
Rose smirked before nudging her gently, "Or we could always run, if you would prefer." Rose and the rest of the family had learned that Bella loved to run, or rather be carried while they ran. Every time she would run with one of the family, she would giggle and squeal in delight. She seemed to crave the speed and the freedom that running provided. The family understood her desires, as they too loved the freedom of running, so they frequently found themselves running with the small child, basking in her delight as well as their own.
Bella's eyes lit up, "Really, oh please Rose, please!"
Rose smiled down at her, "You should probably also ask mom and dad." Rosalie grinned when she saw both Esme and Carlisle cock their heads slightly. She knew they had been listening in on the conversation and would not mind if Bella ran with her, but she wanted to have Bella defer to them, mostly because it seemed to make them happy when she did.
"Mommy, daddy," Bella intoned while trying to reach out to touch them through the seats ahead of her. Unfortunately, the seatbelt prevented her from making the contact that she wanted. She struggled for a bit before realizing that Carlisle and Esme had already turned around and were grinning at her. She jumped in surprise and took a moment before she was able to start again, "May I ride back home with Rose?"
"Of course, sweetheart." Esme responded with a smile. Then she turned back around with Carlisle and the whole family waited for the plane to land. Once the plane landed and the Cullens collected their luggage from the bagging area, Rose and Bella left to run home and the rest of the Cullens picked up their cars from long-term parking. On the walk to the car Alice spoke excitedly, "There is going to be a storm tomorrow night."
The rest of the Cullens grinned back at her. It looked as though a game of baseball was in their future.
When they returned home, they heard the sound of water splashing and Bella and Rose laughing. Esme smiled to herself and made her way up to the bathroom. When she got inside she saw Bella siting in a tub filled to the brim with bubbles, but more surprisingly, she saw that Rose was sitting next to the tub, her hair and clothes practically drenched in water with a few bubbles that had managed not to pop.
"And what, pray tell, is going on here?" Esme asked with sternness while placing her hand on her hip.
Bella gulped and looked at Esme sheepishly.
Rose didn't seem affected by Esme at all and simply stated, "She started it," while lazily pointing at Bella.
Bella's eyes widened and she spluttered before responding, "I did not."
"You did so." Rose responded and splashed Bella.
Bella splashed right back and they started all over again.
Esme laughed under her breath before she cleared her throat loudly. "Excuse me young lady," She looked toward Bella, "Are you supposed to be splashing and getting water all over the bathroom?" She said gesturing to the sopping floor.
"No ma'am," She responded and hung her head.
Esme turned toward Rose, "And you, you are almost a century old. You are setting a bad example."
Rose wasn't remotely affected and she simply said, "Oh, really?" before she turned toward Bella and gave her a mischievous grin. Before Esme could process what the grin meant Rose sent a wave of water toward Esme and effectively drenched her as well.
Bella looked shocked. She first looked at Esme and then when she saw the smug look on Rose's face she let out a tiny giggle. She quickly slapped her hand over her mouth and looked sheepishly back at Esme. Esme couldn't help it, she laughed. She knew that she was reinforcing a bad habit, but she couldn't help it. She loved seeing the playful side in Rose even if she ended up being dragging into her antics. The three of them continued to laugh and play throughout the rest of Bella's bath.
When Rose and Esme finally got Bella out of the tub and dry, Rose helped Bella finish getting ready for bed while Esme went to change out of her wet clothes. Rose helped Bella curl up in bed before kissing her forehead and saying goodnight.
"Goodnight Rose," Bella said, "I love you."
"I love you too, sweetie." Rose said grinning ear to ear.
Esme then sat down next to Bella. "So, should we continue where we left off," She said while indicating the book in her lap. Bella nodded and curled into Esme's side while Esme read to her until she fell asleep. Esme stayed with her the entire night. She just could not seem to bring herself to leave her side.
The next morning, consistent with the developed routine, Alice flitted into Bella's room to wake her up. She looked to Esme first and suggested that she hunt. Esme responded that she didn't feel she needed to hunt just yet.
"Esme, just trust me on this. You will thank me later."
Esme nodded, she hesitated though as she didn't want to leave Bella. When she heard Alice's annoyed sigh, she kissed the little girl's forehead and said, "I love you, Bella."
"I love you too, mommy," Bella murmured sleepily. She then woke slightly more and gave Esme a brief hug. Alice interrupted and then shooed Esme away while taking Bella's hand and pulling her from the bed.
Esme returned later that afternoon to find all of her children huddled in the media room playing a racing game together. She smiled and watched them for a while. Carlisle came up behind her a few moments later and spoke quietly in her ear, "How was your hunt, love?"
"It was good. How was your day back at work?"
"Uneventful. I just arrived home a few minutes ago. So did Alice tell you when the storm is going to start?"
"She said we should be good to go around five." She then turned to look at the clock on the wall. "I guess we should interrupt them and have them go get ready." She looked up to Carlisle with a grin.
Alice looked up at that moment and said, "No need to interrupt. That was our last race." She then turned to Bella, "Come on princess, we need to get you changed."
After everyone was outfitted up to Alice's standards, the Cullens made their way to a clearing that would be free of rain. Emmett looked excitedly toward Bella, "Now you are going to see us play vampire baseball!"
Bella looked up at him just as excited. "Here Bella," Esme said while reaching her hand toward Bella, "Come over here with me. You can help me referee." Bella took her hand and followed her to stand behind home plate. Esme continued, "We have to keep these kids honest." Esme looked toward Rose at her last statement. Rose simply smirked and headed to pick up the bat.
Alice pitched the ball and Rosalie hit it far and away. Bella's eyes widened and she uttered, "Wow." Rosalie sprinted around the bases and Edward threw the ball to Esme. Esme barely missed tagging Rose out, and she Rose sauntered off victoriously. The game continued for another half hour with Bella completely absorbed in watching all that was happening. As they were changing up sides again the Cullens turned when they heard a soft voice coming from the forest edge behind where Bella was standing, "Do you mind if I join?" The voice questioned.
Before the Cullens could see who the voice belonged to, Bella took off toward the trees shouting, "Jane!"
The Cullens watched in shock as Bella threw herself into the arms of the blonde vampire. Esme's heart clenched. So the time had come to say goodbye. She wasn't sure if she could handle the loss. She told herself over and over again that they would be fine when Bella left, but now, being faced with the reality of Bella's old life, she wasn't so sure.
Esme watched as Jane carried her child back to where they were all standing. When Jane arrived a small smile graced her face. "I am sorry for interrupting your game. I see you are surprised by my arrival. Did Alice not tell you of when I would be coming?"
At this all eyes were on Alice. Avoiding the glares directed her way; Alice waved her hands flippantly answered the question, "Must have slipped my mind. Now come Jane we have uneven teams. You can be with Esme, Emmett and I."
Jane nodded silently and then turned to Bella. She squeezed her tightly and whispered, "I have missed you munchkin."
"I have missed you too Jane, so much." Bella squeezed Jane again and then untangled herself from her so Jane could join the team on the field. Jane proved to be a talented player, and the vampires continued the play their game. The Cullens, however, played half-heartedly. Esme was torn between wanting the game to be over so she could spend time with her little girl and wanting to stretch out the game so the inevitable goodbyes that would follow the game would be postponed.
When the game did draw to a close, Bella rushed back over to Jane and threw herself back into her arms. Jane hoisted her up and looked into her eyes that were alight with curiosity. She spoke knowing that the rest of the Cullens would benefit from what she had to say to the princess, "I know you have a host of questions for me, little one, and I will answer all of them. Let us first go back to the Cullen's home so we can talk in a place that affords you more comfort." She smiled down at the girl who pouted slightly but nodded in agreement.
Esme made her way over to Jane and spoke politely, "You can follow us back."
Bella reached out to touch Esme's arm and waited for her to turn back to them. When she turned back and inclined her head to the girl Bella asked, "Can I ride back with you?"
Esme looked briefly at Jane who appeared completely unaffected by the request. Jane on noticing Esme's reticence lifted her arms to as to pass Bella to her. Esme relished the contact and smiled at Jane mouthing, 'thank you' which was met with a gracious nod. Esme cradled the girl and carried her back. Much before she would have liked, she arrived in the living room. She set Bella down and the child made her way to sandwich herself between Jane and Rose.
Jane began once Bella was situated. "To answer the most obvious question I am sure you have, yes, the war is over with little loss on our side." Bella's eyes misted briefly when Jane mentioned loss and Jane quickly wrapped her arm around the girl and whispered, "Please do not fear, Isabella. All of our family is safe."
"But some of the guard," Bella trailed off.
"It was a most unfortunate cost. We lost two of the outer guard."
Bella nodded and when Jane was sure that Bella was going to be okay she continued. "The king and queen sent me once the war was finished to accompany Isabella back to Volterra."
The entire Cullen family sunk in their seats as the heartbreak began to surround them. "However," Jane continued, "The castle is currently undergoing some minor repairs that will not be complete for another few days. It would be unwise to have Isabella return to an unsound structure, so if it would be alright with you," she said looking toward Carlisle, "Perhaps Isabella and I may stay with you until the end of the week."
"We would be more than happy to have you Jane." Carlisle replied politely.
Jane nodded her appreciation and thanks and then said, "Now that the formalities have been addressed I have a feeling that someone in the room," she made a show of looking around before zeroing her eyes in on Bella, "has some questions for me?"
Bella giggled at Jane and launched into a series of questions. She was mostly concerned about how everyone was doing. Jane patiently answered all of her questions and provided detailed updates on every member of the family. Esme sat and listened to the two as they interacted. She still could not believe that in front of her was the most feared vampire in the history of vampires. Jane was sweet, kind, considerate and above all radiated love for Bella. Perhaps the Volturi needed Bella more than her family did. Perhaps that was why fate only allowed them a brief glimpse of her life while the Italian royals got to keep her.
Carlisle wrapped his arm around her and watched the pair as well. "I will need to talk to Jane about her hunting habits while she is here and I do not wish to do so in front of Bella. Would you be able to take her up for bed after Bella and Jane finish?" Esme nodded and turned back to Bella and Jane.
When Bella seemed to have exhausted her list of questions, Esme interrupted their silence. "Bella, sweetheart, come let's get you ready for bed." Bella pulled Jane into a tight hug before whispering goodnight. Jane kissed her cheek and responded in kind, "I will see you in the morning munchkin. Sleep well."
Upstairs Esme took her time to help get Bella ready for bed. When they excited the bathroom, she saw Rose on Bella's bed with a book in hand. Esme pulled her up and embraced her closely. "Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you so much."
"Goodnight, mommy. I love you too." Bella whispered back kissing Esme's cheek. Esme squeezed her again and then gently place her in the bed next to Rose. She placed a soft kiss on her forehead before leaving the room.
The next few days went by far faster than Esme could bear. She spent Bella's every waking moment with her and was by her side during most of her sleeping as well. She internally thanked Alice for having her hunt right before Jane arrived. She did not want to miss any of her baby's last moments with her and her family. She was also grateful that she had a few extra days with Bella. She was surprisingly also happy to spend more time with Jane. The vampire was delightful company and Rose and Jane developed a friendship quite similar to Esme and Suplicia's. Esme still could not believe that this vampire's gift was to cause pain.
The rest of the family treasured the last few days as well. Carlisle took off work and the family found themselves doing almost everything together. But despite their wishes for the moment to never arrive, the day that Bella was to leave did arrive. They only had one more morning left.
Alice woke Bella on that morning as she did every morning, seemingly unaffected by the somber mood that affected the rest of the household. When she brought her down stairs everyone received their customary 'good morning' hug and they all held on a little longer and a little tighter. When Bella got to Esme she held on for much longer than anyone else. When they finally pulled away, Esme asked Bella, "I was thinking pancakes for breakfast."
Bella smiled brightly at her and nodded. While she was helping Esme Jane entered the kitchen. Bella turned to her and started a brief conversation.
"Did you ever have pancakes, Jane?"
"No, munchkin. Unfortunately they didn't have pancakes when I was still a human."
"That is awful, Jane. They are most delicious."
"Well we will have to see if Esme can send the recipe along to chef Paolo."
Bella looked thoughtful for a moment and then spoke dejectedly, "It will not be the same. No one can cook as well as mommy does." A single tear fell down her cheek and Esme looked stricken. She didn't know how to comfort the little girl. What could she say? So she picked her up and hugged her tightly.
Bella's tears started to fall more freely now and she whispered, "I will miss you so much. Can I come and visit you?"
"Of course, baby." Esme said stroking her cheek. "You can visit any time you want. You are always welcome. You are family."
Bella buried her head and continued to cry while Esme tried to sooth her. Esme felt just as heartbroken and before she knew it a drop of venom was flowing down her cheek. It left a burning trail of pain down her face, but it didn't even begin to challenge the ache she was feeling in her heart. She didn't know how she was ever going to let go much less survive if she did.
The morning passed and the Cullens plus Bella and Jane found themselves back on the jetway in front of the Volturi jet. Jane made her way on to the plane after saying goodbye to each of the Cullens. She also expressed her extreme gratitude to each member of the family for watching over and protecting Isabella. Before she entered the plane Emmett ran up, "Wait, I almost forgot to give you this." He said while holding out a box. At her upturned eyebrow he continued, "It's a hard drive. It is full of pictures and videos of Bella's time here with us." Then Jane smiled gently and replied, "Thank you very much, Emmett. I am very grateful to have this and I am sure that the king and queen share my gratitude." Emmett nodded and descended back to the jet way. Jane then turned to Esme, "I will give you a few moments to say goodbye. Take as long as you need."
Bella was passed around to each Cullen until she had said goodbyes to all but two. Rose swooped in and picked her up and held her tightly for a few moments.
"I will miss you, Rose."
"I will miss you too, sweetie. More than you could possibly know."
"And you will say goodbye to Jacob for me?"
Rose didn't even flinch, "Of course, I'll make sure to get him your number so you can chat as well."
They cuddled for a few more minutes and Rose spoke softly again, "I love you so much."
"I love you too," Bella squeezed back the tears in her eyes flowing freely.
When Bella pulled away a bit later, Rose transferred Bella to Esme's arms. Esme had hoped that this moment would never arrive and yet it was here and it was breaking her heart. Bella clung to Esme for quite some time but then they both knew that goodbye had to come. "I love you mommy. I will miss you."
"I love you too baby. Not a minute will go by that I won't think about you."
Then Esme went to carry Bella to the plane. Alice strode up and placed her hand gently on Bella's back. "Just remember Bella that it isn't really goodbye. We will see you soon, okay." Bella nodded sadly, clearly unconvinced by Alice's attempts to cheer her.
Esme carried her to the plane and gently placed her in the seat next to Jane. "Please take care of her," Esme pleaded.
"With my life," was Jane's simple response.
Esme kissed Bella on the forehead and then departed the plane. When her foot hit the ground of the jetway and the door of the plane was closed she broke into sobs. Carlisle quickly wrapped his arms around his wife and shared her grief. They had just lost their daughter. The whole family watched as the plane took off. They stood on the jetway for some time after the plane was out of sight, yet they lingered watching their happiness disappear slowly into the clouds.
A few weeks passed and the Cullens made due with short phone calls from Bella that never seemed to be enough. Esme took to just sitting and staring at the framed photograph that Emmett had given her. She was reverently stroking the frame when the family gathered to joining her sitting in silence. Edward chose to break the silence. "If you would have told me a year ago that a five year old girl would be responsible for so much change, I would not have believed it. To think, even the Volturi stopped hunting humans."
As he said the last sentence all eyes narrowed on him. "What do you mean, Edward?" Carlisle said as he was the first to recover.
"Carlisle," Edward sputtered, "Do you not remember your conversation with Jane?"
"Of course I do. I reminded her that we keep a permanent residence here and as such it would be best if she hunted elsewhere. She responded that she had no need for hunting."
"Carlisle, she meant that she didn't hunt. None of the Volturi do. Not anymore."
"What?"
"They drink from blood bags provided by donations." Alice supplied a more concrete answer. After she finished the statement her eyes glazed briefly and she looked at Esme in shock.
"That was what was stopping you?" Alice asked directing her question toward Esme. When Esme looked at her in confusion she continued. "Our futures have been up in the air for months. It has been going back and forth between two options. One of the options just disappeared." Alice grinned brightly, "Now tell us, why this information has affected you so much."
Esme still looked confused but continued, "I don't know how my thoughts on the Volturi could possible affect the future so much. But if you must know, it has always bothered me that they were raising a human daughter while killing humans."
"And…" Alice prompted.
"And, what, Alice? I don't know what you are getting at."
Alice huffed at Esme, "In one future, we were heartbroken as we are now. But every summer, Bella would come and visit us. We cherished the time, but it still killed us every time she left. We got to watch her grow up; she even had a summer romance while she was here," She smirked at Rose before saying, "With that mutt. But that future just disappeared."
Esme looked down in realization and felt her heart sink, "I guess I always thought that she would have us as a family to help counter her other one. I thought that we could give her hope that not all vampires kill humans. I thought that knowledge would protect her. I guess I was wrong." She hung her head. She had always thought that she would be able to offer something to Bella that her other family couldn't. That would explain why the vision had Bella visiting often. But now she felt she had nothing to offer; now she didn't even deserve visits.
Edward chose to interrupt Esme's dark thoughts, "Esme, do you think that Alice's vision that disappeared was the preferred choice?"
"I'm sorry everyone, I had no idea of what my thought would lead to."
"Are you kidding me, Esme!?" Alice exclaimed, "I have been waiting for that awful future to disappear for months! I just didn't know what was keeping it around. If I would have known it was about the Volturi's feeding habits I would have told you ages ago."
Rose interrupted with barely concealed hope, "What is your vision now, Alice."
"Well isn't it obvious?" Alice said exasperated flailing her hands in the air. When she was met with silence she sighed dramatically. She then turned to Carlisle, "I believe it is time to hand in your resignation. We have been here for eight years and people are starting to suspect that we don't age." She looked up to the ceiling as though she was deep in thought before she continued, "I'm thinking we should head somewhere a bit more," she paused and her face spread to accommodate her cheshire grin, "I don't know. Perhaps a place that is a bit more…sunny."
a/n: Well we just have the epilogue left to go. I hope you have enjoyed.