Chapter Seven: Air

Renesmee couldn't bear the words that were burning her tongue, singeing her throat and fogging her brain. Jacob had whisked her away from school like the knight in shining armor he would continue to prove himself to be, or so she hoped. His hand curled around hers, eyes patient. Suffocating was his compassion, she couldn't do it. She had to do it. Just say it, she snapped to herself, but there was never a bigger regret than the one that chipped her shoulder. It was more than a murder, more than an accident. It was a vile thing she did while still young, still stupid.

"What's going on, Ness? You're shaking." he whispered, his hand caressing her cheek. He was so gentle, so caring, so loving. She couldn't hurt him like this, it was wrong. She loved him so much and she hated herself more than ever before. Taking a breath, Renesmee met his gaze, eyebrows drawn in sorrow, "I did something terrible."

He leaned forward, engaged and urging her to go on. She broke from his eyes, the deep, warm look of adoration too much to concede. A warm tear splashed on her knee; she hadn't realized she began crying.

"Jacob," she gasped, her breaths ragged from the sobs that shook her diaphragm, "I... I killed someone."

Eden wandered around the backyard, not straying past the border that met the woodland. Her arms wrapped around her middle as she took each leisured step. Rain drops patted against her in a steady, gentle stream. She was somewhere between damp and wet, but couldn't find the will to care or return inside to dry off. The Cullen's returned home early and were gathering for a family conference regarding Ren. She disappeared from school, but they were confident she was with Jacob. Whatever was bothering her, he would help her through it. That comment turned Eden's stomach, bile burning through her like a wild fire. The truth in the statement made it all the more sickening.

"Eden," Edward called, leaning out the back door. She glanced back at him, an impassive look on her face. He chose to ignore it, "Would you mind joining us for a moment?"

"Yes." she said, "I would mind."

Taken aback by the resolute honesty, he cleared his throat, "Nonetheless, we need to speak to you."

She followed him in, her arms uncurling from her torso. As she entered the house, a towel appeared in front of her. Glancing up, she met the irritated gaze of Rosalie. Snarling, the blond vampire thrust the white material at her face, "What, are you waiting for an invitation?"

Eden grasped the towel, merely holding it as she was led in to the dining room. Several heads looked up as she entered, roaming over her like it was the first time they were seeing her. Edward took his seat beside Bella and Rosalie next to Emmett. There were two other chairs, but they were not offered to her and she did not take it upon herself to pretend the offer stood at all.

"Eden, would you happen to know why Renesmee left school today?" Carlisle asked, not waiting for the awkward tension to thicken any more than it already had.

"I would not."

"You're lying." Rosalie snapped.

"Rosalie," Esme chided, "If she doesn't know, she doesn't know. What reason would she have to lie about this?"

"Maybe because she's involved," Rosalie countered, glaring at the dark-haired hybrid, "Maybe she's trying to save herself rather than worry about her own sister."

Eden had never wanted to rip someone's tongue out before. It was the strangest desire, but if it would be the end all to this insolent shrew's tirade, she wouldn't think twice. However, with a telepathic mind, she would still be forced to endure relentless, unwarranted abuse. Sedating her rampant thoughts, Eden cocked an eyebrow.

"I assure you, Rosalie, I would never choose myself over Renesmee. Renesmee always comes first, is that not a law of the universe?"

"That's enough," Bella interrupted, "Eden, you need to grow up and stop throwing our mistakes in our face. It was not the wisest decision, but holding on to this is childish."

Eden pursed her lips, the only sign of her impatience. Jasper noted the way her emotions continued to flow calmly, as if she were in complete control of her subconscious self. Perhaps she was. This tame, placated demeanor was familiar, reflected by Bella in her time as a newborn and Edward after coming to terms with his new life. It was becoming clear how similar Eden was to her parents and yet, something great set her apart from them.

"Assuming the problem will merely go away if you pretend it never existed is also quite naive. Contemplating your own thoughts and emotions on a matter, then concluding a decision solely based upon how you feel before considering those around you is another incredibly immature thing to do, if not selfish. We may continue with this bickering of who the childish one is until the end of time," she paused, glancing around the room and allowing someone to speak up, but for once no one had anything to say. "If any of you choose to point fingers, perhaps we should consider that overcoming an abandonment of twenty years is not something I have the capability of 'growing out of'. I do not throw these sentiments in your face, Bella, or anyone else's. Renesmee is the main priority of this family. What happens when she marries Jacob and moves out? What will you all do with your time then?"

There was silence and Bella bowed her head towards Edward, pulling her lip between her teeth. She did not expect Eden to have anything to say or put so calmly. Her words were always so calculated, so strong and the validity was unnerving. That girl was far too perceptive. It was unnerving.

"You may go, Eden," Carlisle cleared his throat, "If you have nothing else to add."

"I do," she said, "While it may not be my place, you all must face the reality of Renesmee being a human, rather than a golden standard forced to conquer the world by way of doing no wrong. Renesmee is a person. People make mistakes and it is because you all cannot find it within yourselves to forgive me for my wrongdoings that she fears sharing her own. Perhaps that's why she left today..." Eden trailed off, "It's also very well I could be wrong."

With a drop of her shoulder, Eden left the room and returned outside. Alec remained off to the side, invisible and silent. He grinned as he watched her leave, evermore impressed by what was inside of that beautiful creature's mind. The rest of the table exchanged uncomfortable glances, unsure and unsettled.

"She's dangerous," Rosalie sneered, watching Eden exit the home. "She reminds me of Victoria."

Jasper whipped his gaze to Rose, "Victoria doesn't even compare."

"She hasn't lied," Edward commented, "She's merely stated before us what she sees. Eden is perceptive and by telling us what we refuse to admit, she scares us."

Rose shifted in her seat, but said nothing. The table fell in to silence as the sound of Jacob's motorcycle was heard in the distance. The reason behind Renesmee's disappearing act would soon be answered. Alec pressed off the wall he'd occupied, deciding to join Eden in the backyard. As he slipped outside, she stopped pacing and looked back at him, crimson eyes weighted. It bothered him how much he saw in her gaze, the depth of her thoughts and how often she would dwell on a single notion often caused the light to dim. How could the Cullen's not see how much she had to offer?

"She told him." Eden murmured, taking a small step toward Alec. He wanted to be near her and he didn't wonder for even a fleeting second what might be thought of their closeness, for it wasn't about anyone else why he took the lonesome girl before him into his arms. She accepted the hug, her arms curling around his waist as her cheek pressed against his chest. It was strange how she found such a resounding satisfaction at her current position. She never wanted to leave his arms.

"She's going to tell everyone."

Alec quietly mused this, "Perhaps that's good."

"I worry for her."

Taking a step back, he moved just enough to look Eden in the eye. He cupped her face with both of his hands, his thumbs stroking her cheeks. Her lashes fluttered, growing more and more enamored by the handsome man that continued to show her more than he led others to believe was his true person.

"You worry far too much."