Chapter four: Memory lane.
My heart fell right into my stomach the moment the icy voice met my ears. Renesmee too froze, and tensed up, instantly her head turned to meet the glare of Jane. She had her cloak in her hand, idly hanging it up while glaring at the two of us. Or more so, Renesmee than myself. Oh, yes. She was pissed. Like I had presumed. What was worse was when her hands flicked to her hips where my hands rested. I was quick to swat them off, however. As if it were poison I had been touching. Not because I wanted to hurt Renesmee, but because I feared for her if I hadn't removed them. The look in Jane's eyes proved she wasn't in the mood. Clearly, her 'hunt' hadn't been one she enjoyed. Though she must have ate, it was clear she hadn't just been eating. She had been searching. Looking at the cold, dead streets for any clue as to where this pest could be hiding. She had come home shorthanded, obviously. Probably looking for her brother to comfort her frustration, and instead, she returned to find her brother with his arms around a girl he had said to have loved more than her. Rage? Well, that didn't half describe the emotion in Jane's eyes. I swore, I could see the fire building in her irises. Flicking away with hatred, as if they were the gateway to hell. For Renesmee, they might as well be.
"Jane, I didn't expect you back so soon..." I brushed off coolly, as if nothing was off or wrong. Her eyes didn't so much as twitch to me. They were firmly glaring at Renesmee.
"What is she doing here?" Oh, I knew that look. I knew that look all too well. Quickly, I was up and standing in front of Renesmee, somewhat of a barrier. Jane wouldn't dare use her gift on me. I knew that for a fact. Or at least, I hope I did.
"Jane, calm do-"
"I have half a mind to rip her to pieces and spit on the remains."
"Jane, you're being a little drastic. She came here, because Alice saw it."
"She was meant to go to the castle with the invitation. Not stalk us here!"
Now her eyes connected with mine, I could see the full extent of fury in her eyes. Oh, she was pissed. Far passed the point of frustration she had been when she was unable to break through Bella's mental shield and harm her. I hadn't heard the end of that for weeks. This was much, much worse.
"But she didn't... I found her-" I went to explain, but Jane snapped yet again.
"So lose her again!"
"I couldn't just leave her there. Aro would not have been pleased," I recycled Reny's lines from earlier. There was a somewhat hint of realization in her eyes, but it was only for a moment. Her rage was far too gone to even consider taking Aro's wishes into perspective. Lord have mercy on all our souls.
"That may be so, but you could have sent her away."
She didn't think I tried? She didn't know just how stubborn Renesmee could be. How I tried to avoid this confrontation of making the girl I adored awkward. But the hand on my waist was tense, but it didn't give the effect of being awkward. Merely trying to sooth me, and probably thank me for trying to reason with my sister. Well, if I couldn't reason with her, then who the hell could? I was her damn brother for Christ sake.
"He did," Renesmee spoke up, peeking out from behind me. "But I wouldn't let him. I'm sorry... I didn't think me being here would be much of a problem. Are you... Busy?"
Jane's jaw clenched, her eyes flicking back to Renesmee. Infuriated, obviously, but she was listening to her words. What astounded me was the fact Renesmee was happily, or rather fearfully (for I could hear the tremor in her voice) talking to my sister. I just hoped it wouldn't get her a one way ticket to pain city, otherwise I might literally have to use my gift on my sister in order to get her to stop.
"It is a problem," Jane snipped taking a step closer. A hand instantly reached behind me, taking hold of her own waist and pressing her to my back; as if to signal for her to hide. But Renesmee didn't. She kept her head popped out from my side, shyly, however. "Our lives don't consist of happily ever afters, half-breed. We have jobs to do, and you're distracting my brother from doing his."
"I don't want to be a bother... I just always wanted to see Verona, and... Well him, so for him to be here... I took a shot..."
Jane snarled a little, her eyes turning back onto me and glaring. "You were about to kiss her, weren't you?"
"Jane…"
"What happened to 'a moment of weakness' Alec?"
I frowned, glaring back towards her in that moment. Oh, she just had to bring that up, didn't she?! Trust Jane to try and ruin such a thing. I understood why she was scared, and jealous yes. But stooping this low? I could feel Renesmee begin to shift away from me with this knowledge, clearly a little hurt by it.
"You said that?" Reny whispered, moving around me so she could look at my face. Oh, dear lord. Why do you hate me so much? Hasn't keeping me away from this angel for two years been payment enough for my sins? But now, the risk of losing her and hurting her too? Am I truly that much of a disgrace to you?
"Indeed, that you reminded him of two girls he once truly loved. That was all." Jane sniped in, showing just how maliciously twisted she could be. All the while, Demetri and Felix were sitting silently on the sofa; watching. Honestly, it's the quietest I've ever known them to be. If only they could be like this always.
"Well, then... Me coming here was a mistake... I'll see myself out. Goodnight." She didn't bother with her jacket that rested on the sofa. She merely rushed out of the room, and front door slamming behind her. Shock, terror... Frozen. All seemed to be around me, while I was being glared at by my sister. Her lips twitched, and I could tell she was fighting off a smug smile. Oh, how dare she. Did she have to ruin everything? My own lip curled over my teeth while I snapped and took the denim jacket and pushed past.
"Step out that door, and I will kill her."
"You do that, and it'll be the last thing you ever do Jane." I warned, not even bothering to look behind me as I swiftly abandoned the apartment. While rushing down the many steps, following her trail, I could hear Demetri and Felix trying to speak to Jane about what happened, and my reason's for bringing her back. Well, at least they were trying. Though, the only good it will bring is Jane would take her frustration out on them. Secretly, I believed that they knew that anyway. I ignored my thoughts, and pushed out the door and out the little tunnel. She was halfway up the street by the time I caught up.
"Reny, wait..."
"No. Go away, Alec."
"Reny..."
"A moment of weakness? Is that what I was to you? Just some little fling to pass the time while you were away from that bitch?"
"I guess you're the only one who knows the real Jane?"
My brows pulled together; once again thinking and looking off in front of me. Jane was different... But yet the same. My lips parted and closed again, letting out a light, thoughtful sigh. "Jane is rather... Complicated. What you see is what you get. Though, with me she has always been... Jane? It's hard to explain."
"No, I understand," Renesmee shook her head. My eyes turned to her yet again, smooth and open. "Is she different from when you were human?" she asked.
"Aside from being a vampire?"
"Obviously," she rolled her eyes.
I smirked, nodding. "She's changed in some way. She wasn't always a..."
"Bitch?"
The memory flooded my mind, fogging me for the slightest of moments. I actually had the hold back the laughter that wanted to escape. Back then, she had called my dear sister a bitch, without even knowing her. Only by her name, and reputation; but it seemed even then she had hit the nail on the head. She believed Jane to be a bitch, and rather strangely... I was beginning to agree. Jane was taking things a little too dramatically. So I had fallen in love? It didn't mean I had changed any, did it?
"You know that's not true. Why would I have proclaimed my love for you in front of your family, and mine?"
"You're an actor," she spat back, trying to hurry up her pace.
"If you recall, I dislike acting. Too fake for my liking."
"A bit like you then, hm?"
Ouch. Harsh, yet necessary. Anything she spoke seemed to be the truth, as much as I tried not to be. Fake, might as well be classed as my second name. I had pretended to be human, I had entered the mission with the mind set the Cullen's would die, and I had gotten lost in the process. I had lied to my sister about my feelings for Renesmee, and worst of all; I had lied to her. Well, in some way. I just didn't tell her the truth as to why I was so nervous for her to be in the same room as Jane. I never once doubted she would bring this information up, I just hoped she wouldn't...
Jane had her sadistic ways, and I was the only one who could ever really understand why. Well, Aro also; but me better than anyone. What she was doing, what she had done, was merely the mechanism in making sure I had no chance of leaving her ever. She wanted things to be as they were. She and I, unstoppable together. Jane was so insecure in some senses, yet it took a real sharp eye to see it. Just to see the true damage that had happened to her once long ago. What had happened to us both. Once upon a time, Jane and I had been normal. We had wanted all the things human's did. To grow up, to marry, children... Though, I more so wished to travel. I was adamant there was a bigger world than the pillars of our little village. A brighter world, bigger places to explore, new places to see. All I had to do was take the leap of courage and leave. But Jane, mother... They held me in place. I tried to be the big brother, be the solider boy that my father might one day be proud of. Futile attempts', considering that father was the one who signed mine and Jane's warrant of death under the assumption of witchcraft. Humans were all the same back then. No, that was a lie... There were two exceptions, perhaps even a third; if you considered a toddler eligible for their own actions. Truthfully, I didn't. It was those two I had taken a liking too. Favoriting one, of course. Grace... Well, she was a dream. A dream that I could never have, or believed I couldn't. Somewhere in my secret heart, I knew that in due time I could eventually have her. But in the meantime, I wormed my way with her younger sister. Jane had Grace, brushing me to the side to talk of 'girl' things; and I was to sit back and watch. I was so damn afraid I was no longer needed, no longer wanted by my twin, that I had taken the first opportunity to gain my own company. Odd, considering other males in the village merely crowded themselves with other boys. But the day I saw her bright green eyes watching me as I walked through the village square... Fluttering her eyelashes and blushing the moment I caught her. I took the change, and it had been the best choice I made while being human. That, and forcing myself to pull up the courage in admitting I loved Grace.
When I didn't reply, Renesmee looked over her shoulder to me and came to a stop. I mimicked her actions, and stared down at her with seemingly apologetic eyes. Well, I was trying. I hadn't apologized in... Well, ever. Not a true apology, where it was something serious I had to say sorry for. Apologizing just wasn't my thing. I didn't care for my actions, or what I said. But with her, I did. More than anything.
"She said two girls you loved..." She finally seemed to soften, while I gave a sigh and a quick nod. "Indeed."
"Grace?"
I nodded.
"Who was the other?"
I couldn't help but give a small smile. "Jane believed I was in love with Lilianna."
"Where you?"
"Not in the sense where I wanted to be with her, like I am with you."
"But you cared about her?"
"Of course. She was there when I needed her."
Renesmee seemed to pause for a moment, her eyes flicking to the side and then back onto me. "Did you and her..."
A laugh escaped my lips, my head falling back and my eyes rolling to the back of my head. The mere thought of Lillianna and I like that... No. Just, no. She was small, fragile. Childlike. Yes, she was a beauty. Of course she was... She, her sister and younger sister had the looks of goddesses. In fact, I was rather smitten with the idea that they were. Grace being the reincarnation of Aphrodite, and Lilly that of Persephone... God, I was a strange kid. Obsessed with the Greek ways, all stories that soldiers would speak about being over the pond. From what I learnt back then, Aphrodite was the goddess of love, of all things good. Everything that Jane was. And then Persephone, the harvest goddess. Light, warm and beautiful. Both girls, bringing things that the damned village lacked. And yet, even with those girls there; not a single soul besides Jane and myself had noticed just how... I had never looked at Lilly in the romantic way, despite how close we had gotten. We had once even made a pact. That she and I would run away eventually, be together and explore the world with Jane (if she'd come.) At that point, Jane seemed to be happy with her female sidekick. And I was happy with mine. All I wanted was to get out of that village...
The fire was large, the smell of charred skin in the back, from the witch trial a mere four hours ago, and burning wood from this new fire. Burning of the witches belongings, primarily. The soldiers were finished emptying the woman's home a while ago, and now it was just there to light up the village in the chill of the night. Allowing the civilian's to wander around the village as if it were daylight. The tainted orange glow caused each and every person my eyes set on seem red, glowing themselves. Beautiful, to my eyes. I could see Jane, giggling beside that of Grace; whom was seemingly telling a story. Her dark raven hair was tied back, ringlets today. If I had my presumptions, and observations right, it would be waves tomorrow. Grace liked to change her hair, and her mother enjoyed doing it also... And I? Well, I liked to look at it. Not too far from where the chatting girls were gossiping, no doubt, stood my mother, and Grace's. Once again, chatting happily. Every now and then, she would look to my direction, sitting upon a log that had been provided for a seat beside a wagon that had held hay to feed the horses. I prayed no other attention to my mother, other than give her a smile when she looked. Worrying, no doubt. That woman worried all too much. She cared all too much. She was the one my sister got her heart and soul from. So kind, generous, innocent and loving. Despite this excuse of a community, Jane would tried to be friendly to everyone. Honestly, I worried about her too. Her good heart could quite possibly crush her. Jane was all too trusting, sometimes.
"Hiding from me, Aleczander?" The music like voice chirped in my ear, two arms wrapping around my shoulders and a delicate chin digging in.
"Hide from you, Lilly? Why would I do such a thing." I replied, my ice blue eyes rolling. Lilly leapt over the log and rested beside me, flattening out her leaf green dress. Though, in this like it looked more embers green. Her long, flowing blonde hair falling effortlessly over her shoulders, touching the base of her back. It was growing again. She should really consider cutting it. It won't be long now until she'd be sitting on it.
"Enjoying the fire? It's nice and warm... I was considering dancing around it earlier."
"By all means, do so now. It shall be fun, and give some entertainment to this dismal night."
"Deep in thought again?" She giggled, pulling an apple out from her hand made leather bag. Cow skin, I believed. I didn't take much notice, only that her father had made it a mere month ago. Already, it was beginning to tear in some places. She handed it to me, pressing it into my hand. It had become a little habit of hers. Handing me apples to brighten my mood. What was it she said? Oh, yes. An apple a day keeps the witches away. Hilarious, really. Considering Jane and I were looked at as witches, due to the fact we were born on the very same day. That never happened. It hadn't happened since Jane and I. Fourteen years had passed, and not a single duo of babies were brought into this world a mere few minutes apart. Well, it was still early years.
"Mm," I mused, tossing the apple into the air and catching it again. Firm, ripe. Just the way I liked them. It was probably going to be the last batch of apples this year, seeing as we were etching into the coldness. White flakes would fall from the heavens soon, and it would become freezingly cold. Thus, the hunters would be back in business with fur skins for clothes to keep us warm. "I was merely wondering if other worlds have these witch trials."
"You and your beliefs on 'other worlds.'" She chuckled, watching as I brought a pocket knife out and began to slice into the red skin, peeling of a shred for her. She took it, and began to nibble on it happily, as I repeated the process.
"There must be other villages out there, other than this place."
"Like the village to the north?"
"I'm not talking a two hours walk, Lilly. I'm talking longer than that... Across the water, and onto bigger, better lands."
"There are strange figures in the distance on the cliffs." She noted, sliding the last piece of her shred into her mouth and chewing happily.
"Cliffs," I scoffed. "I haven't been out that far yet."
"The great Aleczander Cecil, has not seen the cliffs, or the figures of land in the distance over the water. And here I was in awe of your exploring skills."
I rolled my eyes automatically, my head tilting to face her as she grinned toyingly in my direction.
"I said.. Yet, Lilly."
"It would be good to see more than the gates of the village."
I nodded in agreement, passing her another slice and bringing one to my own lips. "One day I'll pass the waters and see what this place has to offer."
"Sounds like an adventure."
"It will be. I'll find new lands, new people... Ones better than here. This place... It's like hell,"
"I thought you didn't believe in heaven and hell?"
"I don't. Merely because I'm living in hell." I chuckled, chewing at the juicy fruit slice in my mouth.
"This place just doesn't understand how amazing you and Jane are.."
"Your sister seems to be realizing that with my sister."
"Grace likes her because she's different."
"And why do you like me?"
Lilly seemed to pause, and it caused me to look at her. From my time with this girl, I had learnt a silent Lilianna wasn't a good thing. It meant she was over thinking things, or was merely lost for words. From her expression this time, it was both. It was rare I could render this girl into a silence, however. Lilly liked to talk. Not a moment went by where she didn't have a story to share, or a giggle to give. She was a wonder, and I was slowly beginning to figure her out. "Because you're... You."
I rolled my eyes, a scoff given in reply and pushing another slice into my mouth.
"I'm serious. You're not like the others, Alec. Todd, Marek, Darius... They are all brutes, but you... You have a heart. And a brain."
"If I had half a brain I wouldn't be here still."
"And if I had the other half, I wouldn't either."
I sighed, flicking my thumb over the razor part of the blade. A thought hitting my mind, slowly creeping like the cold breeze which caused her to scoot closer to me. The ember of the fire beginning to flicker with the breath. I'd say there were a good few more hours left in this fire, but if this wind continued; they'd be shredded to half the time.
"Then what say you and I run away."
She let out a laugh, her hand pressing to my forearm and giving a small push. "You do amuse me, Alec. Really."
"I'm not kidding. When the time is right, and I have enough copper or even gold saved up... I'll buy a boat and we'll set on for these figures. You and I..."
"And Jane?"
"If she'll come. If not, I shan't be held back for that. Jane is living her dream. She had a friend that has accepted her for who she is. It's my turn. Our turn."
Lilly grinned, her hands falling to her knees and gripping at the fabric. "You mean it?"
"I do." I paused, moving my eyes from her back to the fire. Watching as each and every flick of the flame danced with the wind; revealing my father standing with a group; looking at a table with a scroll discussing business. "It's a promise. We'll get out of here... Even if I die trying."
My mind swirled, colours twisted and everything seemed to be fading. Words echoed within my mind. Things like 'you and I' and 'our.' All reflecting on the scene that had just played before my eyes, taunting me of the things I had said. Then more words because to blur together, my name. Aleczander, Aleczander... Alec... Alec...
"Alec? Hello, Alec, are you okay?"
I blinked several times, before I finally was brought to the face of Renesmee, gazing at me with worried eyes. My back was leaning against a wall, he hands gripping tightly onto her, and her onto myself. I had been standing upright, looking at her. Staring at her and ready to breath the answer she wanted to hear, but now I was against the wall, leaning onto it for support as if I had lost my footing.
"What happened?"
"You laughed and then just... Fell..."
What? No, that couldn't have happened. I'd have felt the stumble. I'd have felt the wall it my back. And yet, I felt nothing. Nothing at all, as if I had been in a dreamlike state. Numb, and... Nauseated, dizzy and light. What the hell was wrong with me? I couldn't be ill. The prospects of ever being ill again left the moment I was turned. The immune system was no longer needed, for I was practically dead. Illness could not affect the dead. And yet, how could I have felt like this? Unless... The pests. But their gift was to hide themselves from being tracked, not make me feel sick, and take memories away; or bring memories in. That is unless there was more than one. But that couldn't be... Could it? Not unless this individual able to hide their tracks is strong enough to hide others also. But with how sloppy they are... They must be new to this world. They had to be. Or, was I just judging on how it looked? The one person whom I could talk this out with was back in the apartment, sulking no doubt. Renesmee didn't know of this threat, and so she shouldn't. Her being here was a distraction. Why the hell would this individual pick now to act? We had been waiting all this time, and nothing had occurred besides a few bodies. But the moment Renesmee stepped into things... Perhaps this being knew I wouldn't be on top guard with her around? I'd be too busy with trying to keep her at ease, while this person could run a mock of the Volturi's rules. Over my dead body. Automatically, my eyes began to search around; scanning for any indication of someone watching over, smugly for having gotten to me. It wasn't everyday an immortal could say 'I managed to use my gift on Alec of the Volturi.' Many have tried, and all haven't lived a moment after trying.
Whoever managed it, I personally wanted to be the one to rip them to pieces.
"Alec, you're worrying me now. What's wrong?"
"I told you I was here on business." I spoke, clipped while pushing myself off the wall and looking around even more.
"I know, but it's nothing you can't handle right? I mea-"
"Wrong, Renesmee. Whoever is doing this is talented, and smart. This isn't some every day mission in babysitting. This is dangerous. Someone is going to die at the end of this."
She seemed to flinch. Clearly, she didn't like that fact; but I wasn't going to tiptoe around the facts. She wasn't in love with an average Joe type of vampire. Her choice of love was directed to a respected, feared killer, who took out rule breakers and didn't think twice about it. I took my job, my missions and my coven seriously. Returning empty handed to Aro... It wouldn't cut it for me.
Renesmee began to look around, more so out of nerves than trying to help. "Yes but... You'll catch them. It's what the Volturi do, right?"
"Usually, yes." I nodded, beginning to move up the street, eyes still searching. It seemed as though she put our little spat behind her, for she was hurriedly following me up the street. Probably best to keep to my side. I don't think I'd be able to handle if anything happened to her... No. I wouldn't think about it, for it would not happen.
"Aro gave you a deadline, right? My birthday. The personal note said that you couldn't wait to see me again."
"Yes," I paused, frowning at a building. I swore I just saw a shadow... "Usually we meet the deadlines, sometimes even before they approach. But this one..."
"Waaait," she jumped in front of me, stopping me from moving any further. "What do you mean 'but.' You're coming back to Volterra right?"
"Not until I have this pest's head on a plate."
I saw the flare of surprise on Renesmee's face with my words; clearly she wasn't expecting such a thing to be said from my lips. Had she forgotten what I was like? Well, what I used to be like before I fell in love with her? Because honestly, I had forgotten at one point. Now, I was trying to slither my way into remembering. She shook the expression from her face, and replaced it with one that tug on my heart strings. Yes, I believed I had a heart. Black, cold and unbeating, but I had one and it belonged to her. And right now, she was pulling at it from different angles. Damn her and her unyielding cuteness!
"But it said you couldn't wait to see me again. You can't not, not be there! It'll… It'll…" Renesmee stuck her bottom lip out, it slowly beginning to quiver. The line of her bottom lashes began to shimmer within the dim light, and I practically felt the blow to my chest a thousand times over. Dear god don't freaking cry! I avoided her eyesight for as long as possible, until she managed to put her hands onto my face and make me look at her. "If you're not going back, then neither am I."
"Reny…" I pressed, a sigh leaving me lips.
"No. It's you and I now, remember? I'm here for us. I can sit back and watch as you kick this threats ass, alright? You won't even know I'm here."
Oh, if only that statement were true. But it wasn't. It was far from being the truth. Truth be told, my body was more aware of her being here than it had ever been before. In fact, it felt more alive, yearning and wanting than it ever had. If she stayed… I don't know if I could hold out long enough to get this job finished. But I had to. We weren't sure what this pain in the ass wanted yet, but it was breaking all the rules, and it would not be tolerated. Especially now that it had used it's gift against me, of all people. Breaking into my mind? Shuffling through my memories and making me see, feel and hear them as if they were actually happening before me once again? My mind was a sacred place, and not even the great freaking Edward Cullen was brave enough to enter my mind. Except… Maybe that one time when I had let him. But still! No one ever crossed me and lived.
My crimson irises burned into hers, my lips formed into a thin line. For the smallest moments, my eyes fell to her own still pouted lips. God they looked soft…
She seemed to pick up on my wandering eyes, and before I had a chance to whisper: 'No. You're going home.' Renesmee did the one thing that was able to send me into a mute state, dazed and dazzled all into one. Her lips pressed to mine in the loving, longing, and needing way she possessed, like the first time she had kissed me in the cottage. Where our relationship set off into this whole mess. Right when that mutt interrupted. Only difference was… There were no fleabags here. The lightest of traces of her tongue swept across my bottom lip, pleading for entrance, and I was quick to oblige. My lips parted, and slowly out tongues moved into a small dance. Idly, my own arms had managed to link around her waist, pulling her closer to me, crushing her right against every particle that made me who I was. And yet, it still wasn't close enough.
Her fingers dragged, and played, and pulled at my hair and before I had any knowledge, I had her pinned against the wall, my lips rolling down her jaw and to her neck. I paused for the smallest moments, while she regained her breath – which was coming out in large pants.
"Perfume?" I questioned, keeping my lips near her throat.
"Uh-huh… Aunt… Alice gave me it." She barely managed to whisper out in pants.
"I don't like it. You're natural scent is a lot more alluring…" I ran my tongue across her skin, gaining the shivering reaction I had hoped for. She still reacted to me in the same way. She was still mine. Whatever Renesmee had planned on doing here, seducing me into allowing her to stay, might have worked, if I hadn't had the burning perfume to bring me to a halt. Truth be told, Renesmee was my kryptonite, but I still had a hold over her. As strong willed as Renesmee was, she was nothing against me. I knew all the tricks, and the little games. Hell, I had lived long enough to learn them all! To see them all being played out. I wasn't stupid, and I had the upper hand. When it came to this, Reny was defenceless against me.
"Alec…" Renesmee whispered into my ear, and I continued to run my tongue across her throat, hopefully removing the tangy, irritating smell. And quite frankly, it didn't taste too good either.
"Alec…" She repeated, a little more urgently this time. I sighed and pulled my head away, keeping her locked into the wall. My eyes met hers once again, but she wasn't looking at me. If anything, it looked as if she was looking through me. I frowned, and followed her train of sight.
God, damnit.
"I think that makes up for the kiss we missed out on seeing at the apartment." Felix chuckled, humour lacing his deep tone. Beside him, Demetri stood with his eyebrow arched, but a define curve to his pale lips. Another sigh left my lips as I pulled away, allowing Reny her personal space back. He brushed down her shirt while I glared towards the morons.
"Enjoying the show?"
"Exceedingly." Demetri answered, giving a flash of his teeth.
"What do you want?" I snapped, not having the real patience to play any games. Hell, I practically had Renesmee right where I wanted her. She would have given in about going back to Volterra without me for Christ sakes. Now, I'd need to re-do all this with the slight chance of her figuring it out, and then refusing so even then! Worst part, she may even refuse me, merely because I would try seducing her into agreeing with me.
"Jane's freaking out." Felix shrugged his tone somewhat serious. My eyebrow kinked. Freaking out? Well, why wouldn't she? I had basically told her if she tried anything with Renesmee, I'd kill her. Or… Well, make her regret it. I couldn't kill my sister, and I thought she knew that. Clearly not. Felix continued due to my expression. "Not about this, though. I mean, yeah; she started raging the moment you two left, but then she kind of went… Dead-eyed and–"
"Fell?" Renesmee interjected, cutting Felix off. Both pairs of eyes widened, and I frowned down at her also. "Yeah, how did you know?" Felix quipped, taking a small step forward.
"Alec fell too."
"She keeps saying she saw something. Or some… Chick, what was her name again?" Felix frowned, looking towards Demetri, whose lips were pursed while he glanced around. Did he feel something? I did, but I couldn't put my finger on it.
"Lily." I answered before he had the chance to part his lips. Felix turned is eyes to me and frowned, and surprisingly, he shook his head. "No, but she was mentioned while she was freaking out."
Demetri stood forward, his hands held tightly behind his back. Now I understood why Renesmee had stated we looked like soldiers. Demetri looked as if he were addressing some higher officer. Well, really, he kind of was. "She said she saw a girl named 'Grace.'"
—xXx—
"Jane, calm down and just tell me what happened."
Jane was pacing. Back and forth, over and over. I had half a mind to try and make her sit, but that would be futile, or I would end up on my ass with the shove she'd give me. Demetri and Felix's figures stood in the doorway, and I was sitting on the arm of a chair, Renesmee resting in the actual chair. Let's just say when I brought her back with me, she had sneered a few times and told me and 'it' to get out. At least now, she was ignoring Renesmee completely, and was seeing some reason.
"I told you!" She snapped, still pacing. "I was about to hurt Felix, or Demetri –" I heard one of them scoff, clearly mocking one another at the fact they were about to get 'hurt' "–and then she came into my mind. I wasn't here anymore. I wasn't me! I was small, and fragile, and human. I was reliving it all, Alec. Don't you remember? The first moment she became my friend? That's what I saw, or relived or whatever!"
You've gotta be kidding me.
Jane was drawing in the dirt, as usual. Uncaring to the fact she might ruin her dress, and I was resting beside her. Legs crossed and biting into an apple. Mother had said she was going to see where Father was, since she wished to take us to the waters outside of the village. This meant we'd get to see the big gates open! I always loved watching the men pull them open, and the large noises it made. One day, I wanted to grow up and be strong like them. Strong like father, especially!
"Ewe, look Alec. A worm!" Jane shrieked, kicking back and pointing into the dirt. And sure enough, there was a worm. I made a small face and picked up a stick and proceeded to prod it. "It looks slimy." Jane commented, keeping close to my side as I poked at the thing.
"Touch it." I grinned, moving my eyes to meet hers. Her pupils dilated, taking over the rich blue and somehow looking as if her eyes were just black. "NO! It's yucky!"
"Jane…" I cooed, picking it up with the stick. "I wish to play with you…"
"No Alec! Stop!" She continued to whine, managing to get up and rush away. I was quick to follow, worm on stick, and chasing her around. This went on for around five, perhaps ten minutes, me chanting and singing her name intimidating the animal, while she cried out. That was until I came to a complete halt, seeing a figure just standing there. Her hands pressed together in front of her white dress, hair flowing freely down her shoulder. So black, it was like coal.
"Hi." She chirped.
"Hi." Jane retaliated, peeking out from behind me.
"I'm Grace. What's your name?"
"Jane… And this is my big brother Alec."
I frowned, keeping a stunned silence. I'd seen this girl before. Playing with the evil ones. The ones who picked on Jane and me. The ones who made no one like us. I didn't like them, I didn't like her. But… she was so pretty.
"Hi." Grace said again, patting down her dress. "Can I play?"
"We're not playing anything." I said quickly. For as long as I can remember, and being seven years old, it was literally my whole life, it had been just Jane and I. No one wanted to play with us, and I liked it like that. Jane was my sister. Mine.
"Momma' said lying is bad, Alec!" Jane frowned, stepping around me. "Grace can play too. Alec was just chasing me with a worm."
"Ewe." Grace made a small face, causing the two girls to giggle. I let the stick I was holding fall, causing the worm to hit the floor also. It was just a worm for crying out loud! Why were girls so weird! "We should chase him with the worm!" Grace then decided, causing my eyebrows to frown.
"What? No. Mothers coming to take us to the waters. We can't play."
"You can come with us, if you want too?" Jane then suggested, giving a small bounce. This was all getting too out of hand. I didn't want her to come with us!
"Yes!" Grace then grinned, glancing behind her. "I'll just go tell my mama and papa."
And with that, the girl skipped off, leaving me frowning towards Jane grinning.
"A friend!" Jane chirped, bouncing up to me. "We made a friend."
"I don't want her as a friend. She's a girl."
"I'm a girl!"
"But you're Jane. I don't like her."
"Then she's my friend. You can sit and huff and cry all day on your own because I have a friend."
I frowned, crossing my arms. This could not be happening.
"Stop it, or I'll kiss you."
"I don't care. You can't get cooties off your sister."
"You heard that off Marek and Todd. It's not real."
I shrugged. "So?"
"Fine, then I will get Grace to kiss you."
"Ewe, no."
Jane gave a small smile, and as if by magic – which we weren't allowed to believe in, otherwise you die – Grace came skipping back, giving the all clear that she was allowed to come. She jumped to a stop in front of us, as Jane turned to stand beside me; rather than smile at me in that eerie way she had. "Alec thinks you have cooties!"
"What?" Grace gaped, her eyes growing wide. "I don't! Honest! Mama' gave me a flower to wear that made sure I didn't, and if I did, it got rid of it."
"Like… Magic?" Jane whispered.
Grace shook her head. "She picked it from the garden. Every girl wears them."
Jane bit into her lip. She didn't have a flower. I could see the panic forming around her, so I quickly took Jane's hand. "You don't have cooties, Janie. I'll get you a flower to make sure."
She let out a breath and quickly hugged into me. Graces eyes met with mine, a friendly smile on her lips. Jane let go, and returned her attention to Grace. She placed a hand out, to which Grace took, and she began to pull her towards where we were sitting. The two began to draw together, while I was left to sit in my original space, and watch.
"We're going be best friends forever." Jane giggled.
"Forever and ever!"
"Always." I mused, creating patterns in the dirt with my finger. "It is an easier way of saying forever and ever."
"Smarty pants." Grace giggled, flicking dirt into my direction. I gave a small laugh, and hugged my legs into my chest. I couldn't help shake the feeling that I was going to be replaced by this girl. I glanced up to see mother coming, holding a basket, which was probably full of food and whatnot for us. Well, at least I would have her to be with when Jane was playing with her new friend.
I was so insecure. Fearful she was going to steal the only person I would ever have by my side. But I hadn't done anything about it. Instead, I just lurked in the background, and watched in amazement as Jane went on to become somewhat normal. Yes, she still got teased, and I was always there to step up, but Grace had her back also. So, I would gradually step away from time to time. I'd let Jane have her girl time with her friends, and I'd go off and do my own thing. Be that walking around the village, toss stones into the well, or simply sit and watch mother work around our home. Eventually, however, I grew to enjoy the time I got out of the village. The thrill of almost getting caught… It always made life better.
"No one living knows about that!" Jane continued.
"Perhaps it's a gift?" Reny piped, biting into her bottom lip. Jane's eyes snapped to her, and then to me. As if screaming at me to shut her up. I ignored it, none the less, and moved my attention to Renesmee. Her words basically mimicked what I had been thinking. There had to be more than one of them, right? If they were able to hide their track, and brake into our memories to make us re-live them, then surely there had to be more than one. It was the only explanation.
"One that enables you to scroll, so to speak, through one's personal memories, and make it seem as if you are reliving them?"
Reny nodded, letting the hand of the nails she had been nibbling fall onto her crossed legs. "Yeah. I mean it's possible right?"
"We live in a world where there are vampires, shape shifters, moon children and hybrids. Anything is possible." Jane snapped, coming to a halt. "Whoever this person is, getting into my mind, they're dead. I couldn't care less if Aro is interested in this gift. I want them dead."
"Calm down, dear sister." I held out a hand, to which she took. Brushing my thumb across her knuckles, I kept my eyes connected with hers. "Take a deep breath…" She did as I instructed. "And let it out."
Jane breathed, and her shoulder slumped slightly. There, she fell back onto the sofa and let my hand go. She still looked stiff, but she was comfortable. I knew when she wasn't relaxed, and right now; she was somewhat relaxed. I supposed she was merely taking everything in, in a calm matter.
"May I make a suggestion?" Demetri mused, stepping out of the doorway. Felix barely shifted. He was happy with leaning against the wall, his arms crossed.
I arched an eyebrow in his direction, but nodded my head in a swift move.
"Perhaps Felix and I should go out once more to try and pick up a scent once again. I couldn't help but shift the feeling of being watched out in the street."
I pursed my lips, while leaning back to stand. "I felt that also. Alright, you two head out, search the grounds. Anything, report back to us and we shall head out together. If it is more than one, they shan't stand against our numbers."
Demetri nodded swiftly, turning and nudging Felix's arm as he passed. Felix gave a small, sarcastic salute and a smile towards Renesmee, before following his friend and coven member. I suppressed a sigh, finally standing and glancing between the two girls. "Do you want a drink, Reny?"
Renesmee looked up towards me with her perfect irises, a curvatious smile forming on her lips. I took that as a yes. "Can I trust you two to get along?" I moved my attention mainly to Jane, who gave a small scoff but didn't say a word.
As I left the room, I heard Renesmee give a small whisper towards Jane. If I was supposed to hear, I wasn't sure. Judging by the whisper, I doubt I was meant too.
"I don't want to steal him from you, Jane." She whispered. This caused me to stop within the kitchen, just to listen. Please don't rip her head off, Jane. I love her. "He's you're brother and he always will be… You don't have to feel threatened by that."
To my surprise, Jane replied.
"I'll just get it out there, so we all know. I don't like you. I don't like your family, and I especially don't like your mother. If you're asking me to be happy about you and him, forget it. It won't happen." There's a surprise. "But…"
But? Did I just hear right?
"I won't kill you, for his sake. I knew he was lying when he said it was a moment of weakness. I know Alec better than what he thinks. Sometimes, better than himself. He cares about you, and for that reason, I'll let you live. But I am not your friend."
Well, I suppose that was her accepting the fact she and I were together? Granted, it wasn't the nicest of 'welcome to the family' but it was a start. Besides, if Renesmee had managed to get me, the uncaring, aloof, would – happily – rip – your – head – off – and – not – think – anything – of it – Alec of the Volturi to care about her, then who's to say she won't be able to warm Jane's heart? I suppose I could only hope.
"We'll see." Renesmee replied, chirpy and light. I couldn't help but smile. It seemed, she too was on my train of thought. This was going to an interesting mission indeed…
A/N:
SO SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG. But meh, I set off to meet Ian Somerhalder in three days. So, I figured I might as well stop your suffering for while I'm away. Give you guys something to mule over.
So, what did you guys think of the flashbacks? Just let you in on a little spoiler, there will be MORE. Consisting of human Alec and Jane, perhaps even ones of Marcus & Caius. ;]
Anyway, how are we all?
Jane's a little bitchy in this, isn't she? But can we really blame her? She's scared she's gonna lose Alec! I would be too. If that fine piece of ass was my brother, I wouldn't want him to be off with other girls! Not incest, of course. But because I'd be in awe I had a brother who's as beautiful as him. (':
NEVER FRET. I have a question for you guys though. I could determine the face of this fic. Should Jane get a love interest? Leave reviews on wither she should or not, and I'm open to suggestions on who, if so. (:
Now, I'm off on holiday! I'll miss you guys! I shall update shortly after I return.
I love you all, my little Corruptedheartians. ;3
– C.H