Chapter five: First real friend.
It took me around a hour to finally get dressed and occupied with what I was taking to the cottage with me. My nerves seemed to be all over the place. I mean, why wouldn't they? Alec was by far the best looking guy I've ever met and to top it all off, I had to spend time alone with him in order to keep my life. To be honest, if this was some kind of punishment, I was looking forward to it all too much. I decided after a hell of a lot of debating, I would take my school bag. There was no harm in finishing off some homework. I didn't really know what I would have to say, or do for that matter in the company of Alec. Hell what did he have to investigate anyway? What was he actually looking for? I suppose he was just waiting for me to lose my cool and kill someone. That wasn't going to happen. Ever.
Walking down the stairs, Bella was sitting on the sofa talking to aunt Alice and grandma Esmé. I didn't plan in invading they're chatter but as soon as my feet hit the bottom step all attention went to me. Bella stood up quicker than what my eyes were able to see; which was pretty quick to be honest.
"You don't have to go through with this, Renesmee." She said, resting her hands onto my face. As much as I would have loved to hear that a day ago when he arrived, I actually wanted to do this. Around Alec, I was a person. Not some angel on a pedestal everyone had put me on. He treated me like a real person. Well, sort of.
"I'll be okay Be-Mom," I had to stop myself from calling her Bella. Oops. That was a close one. "If I don't... Bad things will happen, remember?"
She blinked, looking as if she were about to cry. Alright, looked as if she were about to cry. Didn't mean she could actually cry for real. Apparently, when vampire's cried it was like they had grit in their eyes. A very unpleasant feeling of dryness and irritation mixed in with sobs.
"Oh," she sighed; pulling me into a awkward hug. Don't get me wrong, I loved my mom. Ever so much. But I think I grew out of the hugging when I reached thirteen. She obviously didn't get the memo. "my little girl,"
Yup. She clearly didn't get the memo. I wasn't a little girl for crying out loud. I was a woman! Well, almost a woman. I had boobs now. I was grown up enough. I had common sense and the mentality age of a grown woman. Even if mom was a vampire she still had the same emotions as any other mother would for their growing child. Denial of actually letting them grow up. Of course, I doubted any other mother would be sending their child into a cottage with a highly respected and feared killer. I had to grin and bare it. Which, I was doing a pretty good job at, since I was rather looking forward to it.
She kissed my head and allowed me to go out into the world yet again. I took Alec's umbrella once more, since the rain had died down a little, but was still fairly hard. I rushed towards the cottage, faster than what I usually would. Once I got to the door I quickly put my hand out and swung the door open. Heat flooded in all around me, inviting me inside. I took the invitation and rushed on inside, putting the umbrella down and putting my arms around myself, letting a large shiver escape. I looked around only to be greeted with burning red eyes; resting upon the sofa. He was laying down, feet up on the couch as if he owned the place. In his hand was a book.
'Gone with the Wind,' by Margaret Mitchell. So, he did like to read. Although him pretty much making himself at home and having his feet on the sofa, which I was rarely ever allowed to do, he looked... well, normal. Apart from the eyes. Like a usual sixteen year old, lounging about and being lazy.
I didn't say anything, I simply stood there. Starring at him. He arched a brow after a few moments, clearing his throat and sitting up. "Hello,"
I blinked.
"Are you planning on shutting the door anytime soon?"
Again, I blinked. I was too stunned to even consider shutting the door, which was now letting the heat out and allowing cold air replace its rightful home. How was it even possible for... well, him to look so normal! So... human? It wasn't. My mind must have been playing jokes on me. Alec closed the book and placed it onto the oak wood coffee table in front of him. Slowly, he stood up. I continued to watch him in a daze.
He moved forward, closing in on me once again. His hand reached out and for a moment, I believed he was going to touch me. He didn't. He took hold of the door and closed it behind me.
"You can sit down you know, we aren't playing a statue game." He said, sounding as if he did actually own the place. Giving me permission to sit down in my own home. I hesitantly took a seat on the chair, that way he wouldn't be able to sit beside me. During the course of last night, I noticed him being close to me wasn't such a good idea. He did things. Got into my head. It wasn't nice and I didn't particularly like being mind screwed, especially by a potential threat. Besides, if I took the chair it left him with the sofa; meaning I could look at him. I enjoyed doing this, wasn't going to lie. Alec wasn't bad to look at. In fact, if Ivy where here right now; I knew exactly what she would call him. Eye candy. And that he was. He was the best candy there ever was created. Ever.
Alec took a seat and lent back, looking as if he were getting comfortable.
This is where things would get strange. Him, sitting there watching me as if I were some interesting movie. To make things less awkward for myself, I pulled out my books from my bag and rested them onto the table, beside his book.
"So, why you?" I said after a few moments of silence. I believed that small talk might lighten the atmosphere. Well, I prayed it would.
"Why me what?" He replied simply.
I didn't look up from my books, I continued to flick the page but I could feel his eyes on me. Burning right into my body and my soul. I wasn't complaining. "Why you? Being the babysitter."
"Well, I believe you have heard of my sister."
Oh yes. Everyone knew of Jane. She was the devil in disguise. One of the most dangerous vampires' within the entire world. I wouldn't say the most dangerous, considering there were some debate going on whether Alec was more offensive than Jane. In any case, I was sitting with the most dangerous vampire in the world or the brother of the most dangerous vampire in the world.
I nodded my head.
"Well, it was either her or myself. Jane isn't one for babysitting. So, to save you the abuse, I believe Aro sent me to hurry things along."
Well, the sooner he was out of here the better, right? Meaning I can get on with my life. "Oh, well... That's a bummer."
"Oh?" Alec said, arching an eyebrow.
"Yeah. I mean... I could use a good girlfriend vampire, y'know. Stay up all night and do one another's hair and stuff.."
Alec let out a low chuckle, nodding his head ever so gently causing me to look up and give a smile in return. "Well, I'll be sure to tell her you're disappointment in Aro's choices when I return home. My apologies miss Cullen,"
I put up a finger, making a 'ah!' face. To him, I probably looked like some open mouth fish, because he smirked, clearly amused. "My apologies again, Reny."
And there it was. The name from heaven. I giggled in response turning my eyes back to the book.
"What are you working on, if you don't mind me asking?"
Alec asked in what sounded like a interested tone. I looked up through my eyelashes, seeing him leaning slightly forward to peak at my work. Bringing my hand up to move my hair behind my ear, I cleared my throat rather nervously. "It's an English assignment. We have to learn dialogue from a play,"
"What play, exactly?"
"Romeo and Juliet?" It came out more of a question than a answer. I mean, I wasn't sure if he had read it considering his job and all. Did the Volturi really have time to sit back and read? Obviously he made the most of his spare time with reading, I thought. Since, he was reading when I walked in.
Alec's eyes seem to lighten slightly. He knew the play, I could tell. "You've read it?"
He nodded his head, resting back. "I know the play well."
Okay, perfect chance to ask how old he is! Do it. DOOOO ITT!
"How?" I asked, tilting my head seeming oblivious.
"Aro likes plays, etc. We were there for its first performance in the victorian era."
"But it was written in England."
"Indeed,"
"You were in England?"
"Reny... I'm originally from England."
Okay, minor setback. Not only was Alec unbelievably gorgeous, he was English too! Oh, if only he still had the accent. Not that his accent wasn't hot already. It was. It really, really was. He had an italian twist on specific words every now and again I had noticed. But an English accent? I could still remember being in a trance at the Irish covens accents. Imagine what I would be like with a full, proper English accent. Talk about weak at the knees.
"What part?" I asked, now very interested. I had pushed the books aside, watching him. He didn't seem to notice.
"South, I think. It was a long, long time ago."
"How long?"
Okay, maybe that was a little blunt. I had basically demanded to know how old he was in order to find out more. I had a right to know about my potential killer, right? Okay, maybe I didn't; considering I was invading his personal space. Not only would I be finding out his age, but Jane's too since they were twins. A shiver went down my spine. Although the mere mention of Jane inflicted fear into any vampire's soul —even mine— I felt like I needed to know. Not for the knowledge of Jane. But of Alec. He was all I was interested in. Not her.
Alec's emotions turned sour and yet again unreadable. Only, he wasn't thinking. He was just glaring at me as if I had stepped over the line, which I most probably had. Well done Renesmee, you've done it again. Talked too much and pushed him into a corner. Lets just hope and pray he doesn't lash out in order to be free.
Alec's lips parted, but nothing came out. I waited with anticipation and fear of what he may say. 'Get lost, freak.' 'None of your business.' 'Why should I tell you. You're nothing but a Cullen.'
All of them were possibilities. But nothing came out, he just simply looked at me with his lips parted. After a few moments which felt like forever, Alec let out a breath. "I can't remember."
Okay, that was obviously a sign. He was that old. He couldn't remember his own birthday!
"You can't remember when you were human."
I saw what seemed to be a mental flare within his eyes. A flare of... pain? I frowned at this. Yes, he remembered. I could tell. "I remember... parts of it. Not much though,"
"So, how old do you reckon? You were a viking weren't you? Runnin' around being all scary." I tried to lighten the subject, making a fool of myself in the process probably. Wait, why was I doing him favours? Oh.. Yeah. Because I felt bad. I had a heart.
"Around 800 A.C, I think. Give or take a few years."
My jaw dropped. Instantly, my mind began to do calculations without my permission. After a matter of seconds, it began to hurt. I did however get to a certain number that left me utterly breathless.
"That would make you... over one thousand years old!"
He nodded slightly, leaning back in the chair. "Give or take," He corrected.
I couldn't help but grin at the minor comment. It was like his age didn't bother him. It would me! In fact, I dreaded being over one hundred and looking young! What was the reason of life, if you were stuck looking like a child for the rest of eternity. Alec was a perfect example for this. He was old. Really, really old. And yet, here he was sitting there looking like a normal —minus the blazing ruby eyes— sixteen year old boy. My heart felt for him in some strange way. I felt... sorry for him.
"You seem... upset." He said, his head cocking to the left ever so slightly.
"Well... I am, for you.."
His brows lifted as if appalled with the statement. Crap. Said something wrong again. "Why would you be upset for me?"
"You're... really, really old, no offence."
"None taken. But that doesn't explain why you're upset on my behalf."
"You're stuck looking like that," I motioned towards him.
Alec looked down at himself, examining if there were anything wrong with his appearance. It gathered he found none when he looked up at me none the wiser. Cocky, real cocky Alec.
".. Yes?"
"Doesn't it bother you? Being a sixteen year old... forever?"
He, to my surprise, laughed. His teeth actually showed. My heart melted for the first time. All the times before when I was sure my heart was about to explode where fake. The moment Alec's lips curved and I saw those pearl like teeth, I swore I could have died there and then and would have been happy.
"On the contrary, Reny. I'd rather look like this than my actual age. Besides, what is wrong with looking like a teenager? Isn't it the prime of every human's life?"
I smirked, rolling my eyes. "Yeah, I guess. For guys. Girls... It's when we most likely get out hearts broken and spend hours in the bathroom trying to look perfect for that one special guy who doesn't even notice."
Alec's smile faded, slowly. But it was still there, reassuring me I hadn't said anything wrong. "Well, whoever doesn't notice your beauty should have a severe wake up call. You have grown to be quite the beautiful girl, if I may say so."
Oh, you may. You bloody well may. I couldn't describe the... confidence I felt in that moment. How.. perfect I felt. A rush of self goodness came washing over me. The whole thing when guys say you're pretty to your face making you feel good was a myth. It didn't make you feel good. It made you feel great! What was even better for me was the fact it was him telling me. The emotionless, dangerous, offensive, cocky vampire who had a reputation to be a monster. He had called me beautiful. Not hot. Or pretty. B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. The real long word that could give a girl a glow. I didn't need the sun to glow now, I already felt it coming around me.
"You alright?" He asked, causing me to nod with a slight giggle.
"Yeah.. Why?"
"You seem a little... flushed."
I brought my hand to my cheeks and felt the heat radiating onto my hand. For a moment, I wonder what Edward would say to Alec making me blush with flattery. He was a real charmer...
"I'm.. fine," I turned my eyes back to the books. There, I pulled it forward and read lines in silence. Alec was the one who broke it by getting up and beginning to pace around.
"What's this assignment about, exactly?"
I looked up, tucking my brown hair once again behind my ear. "Well, we have to learn the lines, like I said. Then perform them with a partner to audition for the school's play."
"You like drama?"
"Not really. I just hope to get a part in order to stay longer. If I do... We'll be moving after prom, which is a month away. The end of the school year. The school play is the Friday. Prom is the Saterday."
"Play and a prom," He smirked, taking the curtain's between his index finger and thumb, feeling the material. His moves were so sensual it was leaving me with a headache. I looked down again, in order to save myself the embarrassment of him catching me staring at him. "You're planning on moving?"
"We have too. People are beginning to notice us not aging."
"Ah, see there's a downer to the non-aging thing." He scoffed.
"Exactly," I half scoffed myself, flicking the page. Alec was beside me within a moment. Sitting on the arm of the chair, looking down at the page.
"You do not wish to move, I take it."
Oh, how he already knew me oh-so-well. I longed to stay in Forks. To be here with my friends. To have many, many memories. To laugh. To cry. I belonged here. We all did. This is where Grandpa Charlie lived. This is where the La Push pack lived. This is where everyone lived. Where Bella met Edward. Where Bella met Jacob. Where I was born. There was too much to give up in order to just pack up and leave.
"Forks is my home... I would give anything to stay longer." I whispered, looking up towards him. His eyes connected with mine for a long, intense moment. For a slight moment, I felt like I was looking right into Alec's soul. Seeing past the ruby haze surrounding his black abyss pupil. Compassion surrounded me within his eyes. But that look was gone the moment I noticed it. It was quickly replaced by the usual hard, cold look within those dashingly beautiful crimson slits.
"Well," he pursed his lips, taking the page into his hands. "I do not know if I will be any assistance into getting you a part, but I will be more than willing to help you be better than anyone else."
"Really?"
In all my years, I never imagined I'd actually be reading Romeo and Juliet aloud with a Volturi member. Hell, I never even considered reading it with Jacob and yet here I was; being offered a chance to hear Alec of the Volturi, a priceless member to the most dangerous coven in all of our world, read lines from the most beautiful love story ever written? If I died now; again... I'd be happy.
"Really." He nodded. "Besides, you deserve your first prom. My sister didn't go to one, granted there was no such thing as 'prom' when we were human, never the less... We do not wish for you to turn out like Jane." He smirked. I figured even though Alec clearly loved his sister, he did see how mean she could be. Flicking the page and placing his finger onto the thin piece of paper, noting down towards a line. "Lets take it from there.."
—xXx—
"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" I breathed, "Deny thy father and refuse thy name; or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, and I'll no longer be a Capulet."
Alec frowned towards me, shaking his head as if I had done it wrong. We have been over this scene twice and too my surprise, Alec actually seemed to be interested in helping me somewhat get a good grade. I had no doubt that if Alec were in my school, doing this with me, he would get the role of Romeo right away. But how the hell was I meant to compare to the real play? He had seen the true acting of William Shakespeare. People who had worked with him and done the play to his satisfaction. All that was left of him now was his books. There was no way in hell I was going to be as good as what Shakespeare made the actors do in the real play.
"No, no, no. You have to do it with feeling." He complained. I noticed, Alec took a real interest in this. Passion was all around him when he spoke of play writing. Especially this one, apparently. I secretly thought, deep down.. Under that cold, hard shell of his... Alec was a real romantic. Why else would he be reading gone with the wind?
"I'm giving it the best feeling I have."
"Not good enough.." He sighed, taking the page and scanning the words back and forth, causing his eyes to flick left to right faster than what I would ever be able to manage.
"Right... Here," he pointed to the second 'Romeo,' "Take a breath. Deep and longingly. Bring your hand," he took my hand into his with a firm grip. "bring it to your chest," he pulled it towards my chest, as if I were clutching my heart. "And here," he pointed towards the 'refuse thy name.' He hadn't let go of my hand, not that I minded at all. I was planning on doing everything Alec suggested. After all, it was in order for me to get a part in this play. "Let your hand fall onto the balcony wall again. Staring down at Romeo as if he were miles away from you. As if... It were a humble ocean stopping you from being with one another."
It was hard not to get lost within Alec's words. He spoke so... professionally. Perfectly. Who would've known a Volturi member held so much passion for a silly little play. Of course, I'd never call it 'silly' out loud. Didn't want to lose my head.
I shook my head, clearing everything out and closing my eyes. I took a dramatic stance behind the chair, while Alec was now sitting back on the sofa. Both hands resting onto the back of the chair, I prepared myself.
"Romeo, Romeo!" I threw my hand up to my head, as if I were about to faint. Giving a arch of my back and a long and dramatic sigh. "Wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father," I threw my hands down onto the chair yet again; starring right at Alec, only not with the 'longing passion' and 'Painful lust' he was obviously meaning for me to have during this scene. "and refuse thy name; or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love," I made sure I exaggerated those words, trying so hard not to laugh, "and I'll no longer be a Capulet."
I let my head bow down. A dramatic ending for a dramatic scene. I expected to be surrounded by silence, instead; I was floating within hysterical laughter. Alec was actually laughing like before. Each harmonial sound that escaped his perfect lips was like heaven to my ears. I enjoyed his laugh. So darn much, it actually caused me to laugh. Infectious laughter. Wasn't it a crime?
"Do that in class," Alec said through chuckles, "you'll get a part. I promise you that,"
I brought both my hands to my chest, as if I were about to accept an award. "Really?" I gasped in fake enthusiasm. "Do you think I will get the part of Juliet? Oh, how I long to play Juliet." I twirled around, falling back over the arm of the chair and arching my back into a pose. Alec continued to chuckle, watching me with much amusement.
"I believe my sarcasm, as you put it, seems to be rubbing off on you."
"No kidding. Honestly though, I'd be happy playing a tree."
He smirked, standing up and putting out his hand. "I think you would make a wonderful tree. Come, it's stopped raining."
I looked at the hand, half expecting him to rip it away from me the moment I went to take it.
"I won't bite, Reny," He scoffed. "Unless you would like me too,"
I looked up to his eyes, where I caught his wink. My lips curved and I quickly took his hand. Alec, then pulled me towards the door; his hand firmly holding onto mine. Should I intwine our fingers, since that's how I had seen other girls holding guys hands? Or was that a bit.. too risky? I decided to just leave it the way it was. Alec pulled open the door, pulling me out into the forest world. I instantly frowned.
"You said it stopped raining!"
It hadn't. It was still raining. Not hard, but not too light. It was more of light rain. You could notice it and feel it, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Once again, I'd be returning in wet clothes. I may as well live underwater at this point.
Alec scoffed, pulling me out even further into the forest. Did he even know where he was going?
"You're not afraid of a little water now, are you?"
That sounded like a challenge. I arched a brow, while he let my hand go and stood directly in front of me. We were a fair share away from the cottage now. Hell, we were further away from the house than what I would have liked! I swear I could see little lake up ahead. When did that get there? Then again, it might have always been there. I hadn't been on this side of the forest. I hardly ever was in this forest. I was either walking the other way to school, or in La push. That lake may have been there before I was even born. Funny how things went unnoticed for so long. I knew I'd miss that lake now. When we moved away, I'd miss it.
"What are we doing?" I said, watching him walking backwards. I followed him, his eyes kept on me.
"We're going to recite the play out here. Imagine I am Romeo," 'That won't be hard at all, trust me.' "and you are my Juliet! Beg for me to come out of the darkness and into your light." He called, turning and disappearing from my sight. I began to look around; spinning like a idiot. I saw flashes every now and then of his black cloak.
"Alec? Where are you?"
"Those aren't' the lines!" He called back. Appearing above me within a tree further away from me. I frowned, beginning to walk towards him. He vanished yet again. Ugh, I was beginning to feel like we were playing hide and seek! I really hated this game as a kid. I could never find anyone!
"Alec, this isn't funny!"
Alec appeared yet again, this time standing right infront of the lake. I marched right on right up to him. He didn't move, he simply smiled down to me; his dark brown locks clinging to his marble skin, this large ruby eyes peering into my soul.
"Read the line," he said calmly, disappearing and reappearing on the other side of the lake. This time, I wasn't moving. Alec pulled the cloak off over his head, leaving him in a shirt and a pair of jeans. I wouldn't have classed the Volturi to be jean wearing people. I guess Alec was just full of surprises.
"Read the line, Reny! You'll win points,"
Oh, the points thing. We were back into that thing again. "And what do the points add up too in the end, Alec?"
"Whatever you desire, my dear!"
Tempting. I suppose I could do with a new large teddy bear. The biggest of the biggest and I would personally make sure Alec bought it for me. My lips curved into a large and devious grin.
"Deal."
He nodded, putting his hands behind his back. The rain causing his black shirt cling to his chest, outlining the muscular body. A flush came to my cheeks but thankfully... He didn't notice.
"O Romeo, Romeo!" I did the actions he instructed beforehand. Bringing my hands to my chest, gripping at my heart as if there were a gaping hole within my chest. Giving a long and meaningful sigh, I closed my eyes. "Wherefore art thou Romeo?" I breathed yet again, opening my eyes and looking around for him. Alec's lips had curved. "Deny thy father and refuse thy name; or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love," I added my own move this time. I put my hands out for him to come to me. He seemed to like this, for he nodded his head; showing his dazzling teeth. "and I'll no longer be a Capulet."
Alec then did something I never would have in a million years thought he would have. He began to walk forward, into the water. Towards me. His eyes locked onto my face, while the water moved in all around him. Slowly rising up to his knees, then his pelvis. Then his chest. I felt a rush of excitement come over me. "Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?" He said, coming closer. He wasn't kidding when he said he knew the play well. Had he mesmorised each and every word from the thing? I backed off slightly as he came out of the water, his clothes hugging him more tightly than before. Dripping onto the floor like mere waste falling from a god.
"I.. uhh... Uh.. Something, something.. Uhm, Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name, and for that name which is no part of thee. Take all myself."
Alec chuckled, shaking his head side to side. By this point, I had backed up against a tree. He was still close however. Watching me with those eyes. "You really should learn your lines."
"I should, shouldn't I."
He nodded, placing a hand onto my cheek and moving my hair out of my face. Just staring up at him and the look upon his face, I had the unnerving feeling he was about to kiss me. How silly, right? I mean, Alec of the Volturi. Kissing me. Renesmee Cullen. We were enemies, weren't we? My mom hated everything about his coven. She hated Jane more than anything! Granted, Jane probably returned that hate, but still. Alec wouldn't dream of kissing me.
As I thought this, Alec's thumb ran across my bottom lip; his eyes never leaving mine. "You should get home, Reny. Our time is up."
I nodded, wishing I could speak and refuse to go.
"We shall continue tomorrow. Until then, sweet Juliet."
I laughed, letting out a small snort. I hated myself for that as soon as it happened. Alec didn't seem to mind. He gave a scoff, moving back and allowing me space yet again.
"Aren't you coming back to the cottage? I do need to get my things.."
Alec shook his head in one quick motion, sending droplets of water to the left and right. "No, no. Otherwise I woud have offered to walk you home. But, alas, I need to make a quick trip into Port Angeles. I shall see you tomorrow,"
"Oh... Okay, goodnight, Alec!" I called after him as he backed off towards the lake yet again. Probably to retrieve his coat. I smirked at this. He gave a gentle motion of his hand. A small flick, but I knew what it was. He had waved.
"Sweet dreams," He called back; vanishing completely. I grinned to myself, rather proud. This first session with him really was the best. I felt as if I were no longer under investigation. In fact, I felt as if it were just me and him hanging out. As friends. Because we were, right? Well, I believed we were. I had my first, real, vampire friend and it was a Volturi guard. Aren't I awesome?
A/N:
Oookay, so, this wasn't really the plan. But, I went with the flow and am relativity happy with the result. Renesmee's showing a little bit of interest, don't you think? Alec doesn't seem to mind though. ;D Personally, I love how Alec continues to offer to walk her home. It's so... gentlemanly. It just comes to show, even though he's from the Volturi, doesn't mean he doesn't have manners!
The next chapter is actually already written. Want it updated? Get in those reviews!
Big thanks to everyone who's reviews, added this to their favourites. It's greatly appreciated!
-C.H