I jumped out of the car, and Edward immediately met me. Although I didn't want all school staring, it was too late and he had already greeted me with a kiss. Great, now everyone in school would be wondering what was going on between us. And Edward would probably read in people's minds memories from when Damon came to get me from school. As he pulled back and smiled at me, I couldn't help but feel guilty. Damon and I had kissed the night before and Edward was completely unaware of it. Jake parked beside me, and he and Embry got out. Shooting Edward a glare, Jake walked away. I sighed, wondering if people in my life would ever be in peace. Edward leaned against my car, with me in his arms, and kissed my forehead.
"Sorry, love" he said.
"This is stupid. Why do you have to be enemies?" I grumbled.
"Because that's our nature" he said amusedly.
"That's sounds even more stupid" I retorted with a smile.
He chuckled and kissed me. When he pulled back, I looked into his eyes but couldn't see what I was searching. When they were golden, I could tell by it's shade if he was thirsty or not. But with his eyes green I couldn't tell.
"Have you hunted recently?" I asked.
"Two days ago, why?" he asked.
"I'm just asking… I can't tell by your eyes anymore" I said smiling.
"Yes, that… Esme is obsessed with my eyes, says they are forest green" he laughed.
"I would say emerald green"
"Do you like them?" he asked with a smirk.
"Quite a lot" I giggled.
"Good, because I love your chocolate brown eyes" he whispered and gave me a peck.
"Doesn't it bother you anymore? Kissing me?"
"It never bothered me, love"
"You know what I meant…"
"No, it doesn't bother me. Staying away from you hurt much more than thirsting your blood, now I'm in control"
"Oh... That's great, then"
He nodded and his phone chirped in his pocket. He rolled his eyes and I arched an eyebrow questioningly.
"It's Alice. She wants you to come by for dinner tonight… Did I tell you I can eat now?"
"Really?" I asked surprised.
"Yeah, well, I don't get hungry, but I can at least digest the food" he shrugged.
"So, dinner at your place?"
"Well… Bella, maybe you shouldn't go" he sighed. "My family, they were really excited when they saw what you did to me, and I don't want you to feel pressured to help them too"
"Edward, I was going to help them already. This just gives me an opportunity" I frowned.
"But Bella, you exhausted yourself by helping me. Maybe you should just take a few days to rest and then we'll see…"
"Edward, you worry too much" I smiled. "I'll be fine. But, since it worries you, I will only do spells I can, that I'm confident won't leave me weak"
"Alright. Then I'll pick you up at seven… I'll go hunting with my brothers this afternoon" he said.
"That sounds perfect" I said and kissed his cheek.
"Hey, lovebirds" Caroline greeted.
"Hi, Caroline… You seem… different" I said commenting on the lack of her usual morning grin and the appearance of a light frown.
Edward snorted and then chuckled. She narrowed her eyes at him and I guessed she wanted him out of her mind. I looked between them and arched an eyebrow at her.
"What's going on?" I asked.
"Come on, we need to talk" she said grabbing my hand and pulling me away from Edward.
She dragged me into school, and to the bathroom. After checking if it was empty she locked the door and sighed leaning against the sink. That was one of my first typical girl talk. She explained she was confused because Matt wanted to get back together, but she couldn't because her control was still weak. Then there was Tyler, that knew she was a vampire, proved to her he wasn't the jerk she always thought he was, wasn't a fragile human, and had kissed her the previous night.
"Hold on, he kissed you?" I asked shocked.
Well, last night seemed the time for people to be surprised with kisses.
"What should I do, Bella?" she whined.
"Ahn, why do you want my opinion?" I frowned. "I'm really bad in love life advices"
"Because you date a vampire, was with Damon, have a best friend werewolf who loves you… You would know what I'm going through"
"Well, I'm not a vampire, and my boyfriend isn't human, but…" I sighed. "Maybe you shouldn't do anything for now. I mean, you can't be with Matt as you pointed out, but just a kiss isn't much from Tyler…"
"Yeah. You're right. I should just let it go with the flow, right?"
"Eh, right" I nodded and then there was a knock on the door. "Who is it?" I called out.
"It's me, open up, we need to talk" Elena called out from the other side.
I opened the door and she came in, locking the door after her.
"You are never going to believe it" she groaned throwing her bag in the sink.
"What happened?" Caroline asked.
"Stefan called John"
"John? As in uncle John who is actually your father?" I asked wide eyed.
"Yeah. Katherine convinced Stefan that Isobel could help us out, and he called her, but got John"
"Is he going to help or try to barbecue me too?" Caroline asked.
"No, he says he's going to help. But he told Jenna he's my father… I just… Ugh! Hate that man" Elena said.
"Stefan should have known there would be a catch on Katherine's device" I said with a frown. "But why does Katherine want John, or Isobel in town?"
"I don't know" Elena sighed. "I just want him gone. Damon's option is to kill him. Stefan insists that he will help us, but I… I don't trust him"
"I wouldn't either" Caroline commented with a sad smile and then turned to me. "Tell us what's bothering you"
"What? There's nothing bothering me" I lied shrugging.
"Well, tell us something just so we feel normal. I mean, we have problems and you listen. Don't make us feel dysfunctional" Caroline said.
"She's right" Elena said with a chuckle. "Come on, spill it"
"Ahn… I… Eh… I… Have no plans for Christmas break?"
"Okay, now I feel bad for making you try to make no-plans-for-Christmas-break a problem with venting need" Elena laughed.
"Your life is perfect, I envy you" Caroline laughed.
"My life isn't perfect, I wish" I laughed. "I mean, yesterday was chaotic. There was Damon, and fighting with Edward, and then Damon again…"
"You and Edward fought?" Caroline asked surprised. "Didn't look like a couple fighting in the parking lot"
"Well, we are fine now. He wanted me to stay away from Damon"
"Maybe you should listen to your boyfriend" Caroline said shrugging. "I mean, Damon is…"
"Caroline" Elena cut her off.
"What? Everyone knows Damon and I aren't friends"
"Well, Edward can't tell Bella to stay away from Damon. First, she can choose her friends on her own. Second, if she and Damon were friends it's his fault for leaving"
"That's exactly what I said" I said smiling. "He apologized, so we are okay"
"What about Damon?" Elena asked.
"What about him?" I said blushing.
They looked at each other and then back at me.
"Is there more?" Caroline mouthed.
I nodded with a scowl. They got it that we couldn't talk out loud because of Edward's damn super audition.
"Edward" I mouthed.
"How about we get together later? Get Bonnie, and talk about stuff with Ben & Jerry?" Elena suggested.
"Sounds great!" Caroline said and the bell rang.
We groaned and went to class.
When we were exiting class, Tyler came to Caroline and dragged her aside. Elena and I looked at them with surprise, but continued walking, knowing Caroline would be fine.
"So what are your plans for the afternoon?" Elena asked.
"Nothing"
"Want to go with me to the Grill?" she said with a guilty smile.
"What is the catch?" I asked smiling.
"Well… Stefan, Damon and I are going to meet Alaric, Jenna and John. And I was hoping you could give John an aneurysm" she said chuckling.
"Alright, I'll join you, but… I don't know about the aneurysm. Jenna could find out about me" I grinned.
She linked her arm with mine as we chuckled and walked to my car. Soon, Edward and Stefan joined us.
"Elena, I'm sorry, I won't be able to go with you…" Stefan said.
"What?" she asked frowning.
"Tyler knows Damon killed Mason and that Caroline and I knew. Jules told him. I'm going to try and talk to him. Damon would just piss him off…"
"And get more trouble" Edward said rolling his eyes.
"Oh, okay… Help Caroline with Tyler, don't worry. Bella is coming with me" Elena said.
He nodded, kissed her and walked away.
"Will you be alright?" Edward asked.
"Yes, I think I can survive one afternoon without you" I said amusedly.
"Okay" he chuckled and kissed me. "Love you" he whispered.
"Love you too" I smiled.
He kissed me once more, said goodbye to Elena and left. I told Jake and Embry my plans and then hopped in my car with Elena since she had come with Stefan that morning. She seemed nervous as I drove to the Grill, fidgeting and rubbing her temples.
"Elena, calm down. What's the worse that could happen?" I asked. "Didn't he already tell Jenna he is your father?"
"Yes, but he can still tell her about Isobel, Damon and Stefan being vampires"
"Wouldn't it be better? I mean, since I told Charlie about Edward and Damon, I don't have to worry so much about secrecy and all…"
"Yes, but Jenna… Jenna, right now, is the only piece of my life that hasn't been affected by this craziness. I don't want her to worry and be in danger"
She was right in a way. But Jenna was in danger, knowing about what happened around her or not. That made me think, how many people would get hurt because of me if Klaus knew about me.
I saw Damon's car and parked beside it. He was leaned against the hood and when we got out he walked to us.
"What are you doing here?" he asked me.
"Hello to you too, Damon" I said rolling my eyes.
"I invited her" Elena said. "Stefan couldn't come"
"Why?" Damon frowned at her.
"Jules told Tyler you killed Mason, and he's understandably angry" I said.
"Stefan is with Caroline trying to reason with Tyler" Elena completed.
"Fine, let's get this over with" Damon said and turned to walk in the Grill.
He held the door open for us and as I passed he leaned in.
"You still look delightful in red" he whispered in my ear.
I blushed and smiled at him. We walked to the table where Jenna and John was waiting. They were in silence, and not looking at each other. I already knew this would be more than awkward. We sat down greeting them, and John arched an eyebrow at me.
"Swan?" he asked.
"Yes" I said grabbing the napkin and put in my lap.
"Hm" John said.
"What?" Damon asked narrowing his eyes.
"Matthew Gilbert, an ancestor, dated a Swan girl" he said and smiled at me. "Rumors said she was quite differently… special"
He knew. I gave him a tense smile since Jenna was watching, and then glanced at Damon who sat between me and Elena. He brushed his fingers against mine under the table, and I knew it was his silent way to sooth me. I turned to my right and began a conversation with Jenna about Historic Society events. She seemed thankful to me, for being there for Elena or for trying to distract her, I couldn't know.
"That's a beautiful necklace you have, Bella" John commented.
"Where is Ric?" Jenna grumbled looking at the door.
I looked down at the necklace.
"Thank you, it's… family heirloom"
"Impressive how the rose looks real"
"Yes, it does look very real… Magical almost, wouldn't you say?" I smirked.
"Yes" he chuckled reaching for his glass of water. "How long have you and Elena knew each other?"
"Only a few months" Elena mumbled.
"You have great friends, Elena" he said.
"Yes, I like to think I'm a good judge of character" she said glaring at him, making her point very clear. He wasn't likeable or trustable.
Damon chuckled and I smiled, and John shot him a glare. Alaric finally arrived and after a quick kiss on Jenna's cheek and a greeting to us he sat between her and John. We ordered food and then we fell into uncomfortable silence.
"Aunt Jenna…" Elena started.
"Excuse me, should such family matters be discussed with people outside the family?" John interrupted.
"Ric is my boyfriend, John, he's here for me. And Damon and Bella are Elena's friends" Jenna said.
"Oh, I didn't mean Alaric… After all, he could almost be considered Elena's stepfather" John said with his lips twitching.
We all tensed as Jenna's face paled and her eyes got wide.
"What the hell are you doing?" Elena hissed at John.
"Well, the cat is out of the bag" Damon mumbled.
"What?" Jenna mumbled.
"Isobel, Elena's mother… Didn't you connect the dots, Jenna?" John said.
"Your wife?" Jenna asked Ric.
"Yeah" he mumbled awkwardly.
"Jenna, I'm so sorry. I should have told you but I thought you wouldn't believe me" Elena said.
"You're my sister's husband's brother's daughter with my boyfriend's wife" Jenna said. "You can't make that shit up"
"It does sound like a soap opera" I mumbled quietly. Damon heard me and snorted.
"Did you know?" Jenna asked Alaric.
"When I met you? No" he said.
"Isobel and I met in high school. She hid her pregnancy" John said.
"And my sister and her husband adopted the child to erase your tracks" Jenna mumbled and shook her head. "I'm sorry, this is all too much"
She stood up and walked away from the table. Ric followed her shooting Damon a look.
"I'm going straight to the point" Damon said to John. "Tell me what you know or I kill you. And you don't have a damn ring to help you now"
"I won't tell you anything until I know for sure that I can trust you" John said calmly.
Damon clenched his jaw and I feared he would jump on John for a second.
"So you just came to ruin my life" Elena snapped and stood up.
I went after her, trying to ignore how it was a bad idea leaving Damon alone with John. Elena stopped close to the bathrooms, taking deep breaths.
"Are you alright?" I asked softly touching her arm.
"I hate him so much, Bella" she said with tears in her eyes. "I feel disgusted for having him as father"
"Just because you have his blood doesn't mean you are his daughter, Elena. You don't need to have anything to do with him if you don't want to"
"Thanks, Bella" she smiled. "Are all witches wise like you and Bonnie?"
"I think only the great witches" I smiled teasingly.
She laughed and I asked her if she wanted to get out of there. She agreed and looked around for Jenna and Damon.
"Oh, God"
I followed her gaze and saw Jenna introducing a woman to Damon who was at the bar. She had short blond hair, curled, and she was tall. She seemed familiar and then I realized she worked on the TV station as host of the news show. Jenna then left and met Alaric who was frowning at Damon's new company, and then looked at me and Elena before letting Jenna drag him to a booth in the back, the furthest from John.
"Can't believe Jenna tried to set them up" Elena mumbled.
Damon said no to whatever the woman told him and walked to us.
"You shouldn't have been rude" I said.
"How do you know I was rude?" he retorted.
"By her surprised look and her frown"
"Well, it's of the best interest to all women if I steer away from women" he said.
We stared at each other, and I wanted to ask if he meant it would be best if he steered away from me too. Elena watched us, so I decided not to say anything. Damon's lips twitched into a smirk and I smiled back. No, he wouldn't steer away from me. Elena's phone rang and she answered. Damon looked at her with a frown and whatever she was listening wasn't good by her scowl. And then they seemed alarmed. She hung up and Damon pulled her inside the bathroom, I followed.
"What's going on?" I asked.
"Jules brought friends to town and they caught Barbie" Damon said.
"Caroline" I gasped.
"They want the moonstone" Elena said frowning. "Bonnie doesn't have it and it doesn't work anymore"
"What?" I frowned.
"Bonnie, with Luka's help, lifted the spell from the stone" Damon said.
"Wait a second… Who's Luka? And how could he do that?"
"His father, Jonas, taught him a lot of stuff, they are warlocks" Elena said.
Jonas. Elijah's friend.
"Where is the stone?"
"Luka wanted to keep it, Bonnie let him" Elena said.
"Why?" Damon asked frowning.
"We were fooled by Luka" I said. "The moonstone seals a curse. A curse can't be lifted, it can only be broken and well… I know the curse wasn't broken. So the moonstone is still valuable, and we lost it"
"How do you know all that stuff?" Elena asked while Damon groaned and punched the wall.
"My grimoire" I said and frowned. "Jonas is working for Elijah, he was the one that broke the seal from the tomb to let Stefan out"
"So the stone…"
"Is with Elijah" Damon said. "Fuck"
"The important thing now is… How are we going to get Caroline back if we don't have the moonstone?" I said.
"Kill Tyler, lure them out and get Barbie" Damon said.
"Are your plans always bloody?" I scowled at him.
"No, Damon, no one dies. Too many people died already" Elena said.
"We'll do whatever we need to get Caroline, but leave Tyler out" I said.
The door opened and John entered with a frown at us.
"What are you doing here? What are you talking about?"
"Nothing!" Elena snapped furiously.
"It doesn't seem like nothing" he scowled.
"You know, trust goes both ways. You don't trust us, we don't trust you" I told him.
"Yes. Now, get out" Damon said glaring at him.
John rolled his eyes at him but walked out of the bathroom.
"Let's focus on Caroline and the plan" Elena said soothingly. "How are we going to do this?"
"We are not doing anything. You two stay here. I will take care of it" Damon said.
"You are not leaving us behind, Damon" Elena screeched.
"I will. Watch me" he smirked at us and dodged me on his way out.
We followed him and found he had met John on the exit.
"You should do something useful as Elena's father" Damon told him and John inclined his head. "Don't let her follow me or she will get hurt"
"I am going with you, Damon" I said.
"No" he said frowning at me.
"I can help"
"I said no"
"Damon, we can help" Elena insisted.
"You don't know how many you will be facing, Damon. Be reasonable and let me come" I said.
He groaned and pushed past John.
"Come on, freaking Hermione" he called irritably.
I went to follow him, but when I looked back John was blocking Elena's path.
"I agree with him, Elena" John said.
"Get out of my way" she snapped.
"No, sorry"
"Come on, Bella" Damon urged me pulling on my arm.
"Bella" Elena called.
"Sorry, Elena. They are right though, you're safer here" I said frowning.
She scowled at me and I turned and followed Damon out of the Grill. I entered Damon's car with him and he drove top speed to the Lockwoods' state. The state was so big it could be considered preservation park.
"What's the plan?" I asked.
"Stefan wants to try to trade Tyler for Caroline" he said.
"And when that doesn't work?" I asked and he arched an eyebrow. "Come on, Damon. If they want the moonstone, I doubt Tyler will be more valuable than it to them"
"You're right"
"So, Plan B?"
"Kill them all, get Barbie and get out" he said.
I nodded and he parked the car as far into the woods as he could. We walked into the woods and Damon didn't complain by my slow pace caused by my heels. He had no right to complain, he taught me how to wear and like them. We walked for almost fifteen minutes and met Stefan, who was holding Tyler. Tyler looked at me with wide eyes and scowled.
"You're into this too" he accused.
"Sorry, Tyler. But you don't understand" I said.
"Let's chat later, shall we?" Damon asked.
"You son of a bitch, I'll kill you" Tyler snapped at him.
"Really? Don't see full moon and you're not scary" Damon taunted.
"Stop, Damon" Stefan frowned. "Let's go"
Damon rolled his eyes, and Stefan pushed Tyler forward. Tyler begrudgingly showed us the way.
"Why did you bring Bella?" Stefan asked Damon.
"Because aneurysms are a bitch and I can help you" I said.
"Because she is stubborn and very convincing when pointing out her gifts" Damon said shrugging.
We reached a clearing and there were two trailers parked. A few men were gathered outside, sitting and laughing. When they saw us they all stood up and one called out Jules. She stepped out of the trailer and glared at us, her eyes lingering on me. Damon pulled me closer.
"Let's make a deal" Stefan said grabbing Tyler by the neck. "Tyler for Caroline"
"Where is the moonstone?" she asked.
"We don't have it" Damon said narrowing his eyes as the men showed their guns.
"Are you sure?" Jules asked.
"Yes, now, give us Barbie, and we'll forget all trouble you brought" Damon said glaring at her. She doesn't answer. "Or we can kill all of you"
She whistled and more men appeared glaring at us. We tensed as we realized we were outnumbered by a lot more than we thought. One shot Damon, but he dodged. He grabbed me and we stood behind a tree. Stefan did the same, releasing Tyler. I walked out from behind the tree and concentrated with a glare on Jules and the two men flanking her and that had shot us. They fell to the ground clutching their heads. Damon and Stefan use the distraction to attack the others. Tyler ran into the trailer. I was concentrating on five wolves. My head hurt, but I was more worried about our safety.
"Stop" Jules ordered.
We looked at her and Damon and Stefan stopped attacking when they saw she had a gun pointed to Caroline's head. Tyler watched with a frown but didn't move to intervene when Caroline cried his name.
"I said stop!" she snapped at me.
I lowered my hands and lifting the spell. I stepped back, and Damon pulled me behind him. I clutched his hand, and screeched as a man pulled me away. Damon almost attacked him, but two others held him, both armed with stakes.
"Please, don't!" I cried.
"The little witch will burn on the stake" Jules laughed.
Suddenly all wolves fell unconscious except Tyler. Stefan ran to Caroline as she fell on the ground crying and picked her up. A man, that looked a lot like Luka, walked from the trees and narrowed his eyes at Tyler.
"Tell your friends to get the hell out of town" he said.
Tyler nodded fearfully and the man turned to me. He seemed to know me and I narrowed my eyes at him.
"You are Jonas"
"Yes" he said smiling.
"Where the hell is the moonstone?" I asked angrily.
"You should ask the same person who sent me here to protect you and your friends" he said and walked away.
Damon tugged on my arm and we walked hand in hand, following Stefan to the car. He put Caroline on the passenger seat of his car, and kneeled in front of her, wiping her tears, and making sure she was alright, or would be. Stefan stepped away and I approached her. She hugged me and cried on my shoulder.
"Shh" I whispered. "I'm sorry"
I heard a twig snap and turned to watch Tyler hesitantly walked to us. I stood up and blocked him from getting any closer to Caroline glaring at him.
"I just want to talk to her" he answered.
"Go away" Caroline mumbled. "I don't want to see you"
"Caroline, I'm sorry, I didn't know what to do" he said frowning.
"You help your friend, Tyler, that's what you do" I snapped.
"Stay away from me. You're not my friend" Caroline said quietly.
"You heard her" Stefan said threateningly. "Go"
"If I see you close to her again, and I think it's displeasing her, I'll hurt you myself, Tyler" I promised.
He stepped back, and with one last look at Caroline, he turned and ran back into the woods.
"Thanks" she mumbled.
"You're welcome, sweetie" I said wiping her tears. "That's what friends are for"
She gave me a sad smile, and her phone rang. Stefan gave it to her saying it was Matt. She answered it, trying to sound alright, and said she was with me and Bonnie at Bonnie's house. After hanging up she said she wasn't in the mood to deal with anything right then. Stefan said he was going to take her home. I asked Damon to take me back to the Grill so I could get my car.
"Who asked Jonas to protect you?" he asked me in the car. "Elijah?"
"Yes"
"That doesn't make sense. Why is he trying to protect you? Why do you trust him?"
"I will tell you, Damon, I promise you I will, but not now" I sighed.
"Does it have something to do with what Rose said?"
"What?" I frowned and then remembered she confused me with my doppelganger ancestor. "No" I lied.
"Are you sure?" he asked looking at me.
"Don't you trust me?"
"It's just you seem to do a lot of stupid things" he answered.
"Like saving your life?" I retorted smiling.
"Yes"
I shook my head at him and turned up the radio. He smiled at me and tapped rhythmically on the wheel. When we put all problems aside, it was just like the ride back from Florida.
We walked in the Grill. Elena was sitting with Bonnie and Jeremy, and I frowned seeing Matt attending the tables. Dammit, he knew Caroline lied. John was sitting alone, drinking, but keeping an eye on Elena. Damon walked to him and I followed.
"Why are you here?" Damon asked scowling down at John. "What do you know?"
"I'm here to protect Elena" we looked at him doubtfully. "I am. And I can see you two and Stefan will protect her too"
"Of course" I said.
"That's why I'm going to help you" John said and Damon looked shocked. "I know how to kill an Original"
"Just spill it out" Damon snapped.
"The only way to kill an Original is with a dagger dipped in white ash wood of a tree that dates back to the beginning of the Originals"
I had heard from centenary trees, but millenary? Impossible.
"Where can we find that tree?" I asked.
"You can't. It was burned down centuries ago. You have to get the ash"
"Where?" Damon asked impatiently.
"I don't know" John said rolling his eyes. "Do you honestly think I would be alive if I did?"
He had a point. I checked the hour on my phone and sigh.
"Damon, I have to go, I have dinner with the Cullens" I said.
He frowned at me. I frowned at him. What was wrong now?
"Meeting the in-laws?" he said teasingly but it sounded forced.
"I already know Edward's family. I'm going to do the spell I did on Edward on them" I said.
His frown deepened. I gave him a small smile, bumped my arm with his and walked away. I went home and just had time to wash my face, retouch my make-up, braid my hair and get my grimoire before the doorbell rang. I ran downstairs and opened the door to Edward with a smile. He kissed me and asked me how was my afternoon. I told him it was nothing much, a lie I knew I would have to explain when he saw into someone's thoughts what I had been doing.
He had a new car, traded the Volvo for an black Audi. He drove to the Cullen's home on the outskirts of town, in the limit of the Lockwood state, and thankfully the ride was silent. I was still trying to calm down from everything that happened and I needed a moment of silence. He parked the car and although I shouldn't be impressed, I was. The mansion was huge and very different from the Victorian white mansion of Forks. This one was modern, still with a lot of floor-to-ceiling windows, and very woody. We got out and he took my hands as he led me to the front door. Esme opened the door and greeted me with a tight hug, thanking me for coming and for what I did for Edward. I greeted Carlisle next and then Esme led us to the dining room. She had cooked for me and Edward, and Carlisle explained it was the new hobby of the family, learning to cook. I greeted Jasper, Alice, Emmett and Rose and we all sat down. I felt awkward eating while six people only watched. Edward seemed just as awkward as I was, but I was still adjusting to the scene, Edward ate.
"So, Bella, how was your day?" Alice asked arching an eyebrow.
I almost choked on the food. I took a big gulp of water and smiled at her.
"Good… John Gilbert was very… nice" I rolled my eyes.
"Yeah" she said laughing. "By the way… loved your clothes"
"Ahn, thanks"
"Red does look good on you"
I blushed. Damon said that.
"Yes, when did you start caring for fashion, Bella?" Emmett asked teasingly.
"I don't care about fashion"
"Those boots are Gucci" Rosalie pointed out.
"Well, I care for my image" I shrugged.
"And how don't you fall flat on your face?" Emmett asked laughing.
"I just needed a bit of confidence" I mumbled blushing.
"Damon Salvatore's existence's only good point" Alice grinned. "Showing Bella how to be confident"
"Alice" Esme scolded. "Don't be rude. He is her friend"
Emmett snickered and I blushed tomato red as Edward frowned. Rosalie not so discreetly elbowed her husband in the ribs and Carlisle changed to subject. He wanted to know more about town, and I told them everything I knew of it. Esme seemed really excited about the Historic Society, while Carlisle seemed more interested on the Council. I explained that they couldn't enter since they weren't a founding family, but I could keep them updated on what I knew. Rose commented how this town was very less boring than Forks, and definitely more beautiful.
"Well, football games around here are quite an event. When the school's team play, there are parties… I think next game we'll have a bonfire…"
"Oh, maybe I could play" Emmett said excitedly.
"Emmett, you would be very careful with your strength and speed and we all know how that would end. You would get bored or accidentally slip" Jasper said.
"But I could be a cheerleader! Oh, it would be so fun!" Alice said excitedly.
"Yes, I think you would be a great cheerleader" I smiled.
"Can we go straight to the point?" Rosalie sighed. "Can you do the spell for us or not?"
"Rosalie" Carlisle warned.
"What does it entail? Could I… Could we have… kids?" Rosalie asked hopefully.
Everyone fell silent, not even breathing, as she waited for my answer like a drowning man wanted air.
And I felt bad for her. She had come from a time that by 20 you should be married and at least pregnant. All the expectations of family were taken from her. And Esme… She lost her baby, and although now she had five children, it would never be the same. So much was taken from a person when they were changed… Perhaps that where Carlisle's convictions could be wrong. By changing someone who was basically dead, he didn't give them an opportunity to choose. And once they were changed, I doubted he offered to tear them apart and burn them. My ancestors went wrong on making them so indestructible. They had made them immortals by the fact that they couldn't even chose death. My ancestors never thought of their point of view. They wanted the Originals killed and if they got it, nothing else mattered.
"Rosalie… no" I shook my head. "I'm sorry" she frowned. "Edward looks human, but I can't change him inside… His heart does not beat and there is no blood flow although his skin might look blushed"
"Our bodies stay frozen underneath the façade" Carlisle summarized and I nodded.
"Oh, alright" Rosalie mumbled.
"I didn't find anything on… reversing your state, turning you human, but I will continue looking, okay?"
She smiled at me and then looked away, smiling at Emm. He wrapped an arm around her comfortingly and whispered something in her ear.
"Okay, shall we start?" I asked smiling.
We all went to the backyard. Carlisle walked with me, asking me all kinds of question. I explained it couldn't be inside the house because I took strength from the nature. He seemed worried about me and told me Edward said it could be exhausting.
"Yes, it can be, but the more I use magic the easier it gets" I smiled.
"You won't get hurt?" he asked frowning.
"No, Carlisle. Calm down"
"Okay…" he sighed and we looked at the rest of the family sitting on the grass. "I still don't understand how…"
"Yes, having always believed in science, being a doctor, it must be quite confusing" I smiled.
"I mean, how didn't anyone do this before?"
I frowned and we stopped. I sat down by Edward's side and Carlisle sat on my left, taking Esme's hand.
"I think I know the answer…" I mumbled. "Only I can do this spell. It's exclusively of my bloodline"
"Why?" Jasper asked.
I looked at all them and took my grimoire from my bag.
"Because we created you"