Chapter eight: Little chat.

"Trust you to leave it until the last minute to pack!"

Well, that much was true. But could you blame me? I had been practically everywhere so far! From making pacts with Gary, to facing and being rejected by the ex-love of my life - who still very much was the love of my life - and meeting the most attractive boy since Alec himself! Not to mention the fact Gary has been constantly texting me about Finn 'taking a liking' and him 'non stop asking' about me.

I didn't get why, to be honest. We had only endured a small chat. The words Alec had once spoke to me a long time ago whistled through my head.

"You are all it takes to hook a guy."

Ugh, those days. When I had been blinded by my high school dreams of dating the captain of the football team. Nathan was one hell of a guy, don't get me wrong, and I did love him to pieces; but thinking back on it now... He really, really wasn't my type. Did I even have a type that wasn't Alec?

Truthfully... No.

But if I did, would Finn be there?

... Maybe. I wasn't sure. In fact, I wasn't sure about a lot of things lately. All I knew was that I was going to have one hell of a time this week. Nothing was going to bring me down; no thoughts on family, or dwelling thoughts on Alec.

Alice was currently going through my clothes, tossing them over her shoulder for the ones to take, and the ones not to take. The 'no' pile was a lot larger than the 'yes' pile.

"You could have done this sooner; that way we would have had time to go shopping!"

We had only just gone shopping a week ago! The clothes I had picked up that time weren't even in the 'yes' pile! Brand new clothes branded as unwearable because I had already worn them once already. Alice was dead fussy when it came to fashion; and I supposed I could be the same. However, I wasn't as OCD with it as she was. I could wear clothes more than once, where as Alice... She liked to keep her wardrobe brand sparkling new.

I sighed to myself while falling back on the bed completely. My head falling to the pillows and my hair spilling out over the sheets. Alice was holding up a lot better than what I expected her too, to be honest. Happily going along with the fact I'd be gone for a full week. Mom didn't say much about it, but I knew she wasn't at all happy. She had been opposed to it since the beginning; but I was my own person now. I was growing up. No, I was grown up.

My head turned to it's left. Beside me was a old teddy bear I had gotten as a child from Jacob. It's left eye was missing, and the ear was a bit chewed; but what d'you expect? It was as old as I was!

So, the grown up statement wasn't entirely true. I was... kinda grown up. But it was a lot more from two years ago! I had matured as a person. I wasn't as naive when it came to things. I had grown from those days.

A young sixteen year old who once thought she had the mental age of a forty five year old. Who believed she knew everything. I could almost laugh at how... Immature I once was. Not as immature as your regular sixteen year old; no I was still somewhat more mature than those of that age. But compared to now?

The refusal for friendship Alec gave me... If it had been two years ago, I would have locked myself up in my room and cried. Hell, look at how I reacted when he went off to visit his terrifying sister! I hadn't seen him for what? Two weeks back then, and I was a living wreck. Up until Wednesday, I hadn't seen Alec in five months. Sure, I wasn't doing as well as I could have been doing; but I didn't lock myself away.

I tried to move on. I went out, I had Gary to keep me company. I made new friends. I even... Got closer to my father; after I expressed my need for him to stay out of my head. Once he agreed, Edward and I really hit it off and became closer than what I'd ever been with him.

True what they say, y'know? The only boy a girl can truly depend on is her daddy.

Talking about my father, I wonder when he was getting back from work. Mom was out with Esme, probably shopping for the supply of food. Grandma loved the fact I was able to eat human food, and preferred to do so anyway - with the exception of Fridays, when that was animal blood day - because she loved to cook.

And I loved to eat her cooking. Boy, was grandma a good cook.

"What's for dinner tonight?" I asked idly, although I was positive Alice was still ranting and raving about my clothes.

"Huh? Oh. I'm sure Esme's planned on making braised rabbit pappardelle pasta." said Alice as she sent another top flying over to the 'no' pile.

Well, that was something new. No doubt that's where Emmett and Jasper were. Off hunting rabbits for the dinner, since I was positive it needed to be a wild rabbit. I might be considered a monster, but I was not - under any circumstances - eating a fluffy white bunny! I was not, never, ever, eating Nivens McTwisp!

Alice reemerged from the closet and huffed a sigh. I looked up again, my eyebrow arching in question. Her hands moved to her hips while her lips pursed to look at the two piles.

"We have at least three hours until the stores close and it gets dark. Esme will be back in around an hour or two to prepare your dinner. I'll give you some cash to get a new outfit, along with a few groceries Esme told me to grab for her." Alice said.

"If you were to get them, why send me?" I arched a brow a little more.

"Because you're going there for clothes anyway. It'll give me a chance to tidy this house again."

Again. Yep. Alice had already cleaned it three times over. I don't think it was because she enjoyed cleaning; it was more so of giving her something to do. When you lived forever, you did try to pass the time as much as possible, right? Well, with her cleaning; it meant less chores for me.

"D'you want me to get you some flowers while I'm out for the vases?"

Alice clasped her hands together with a beaming smile. "Yes! White ones, alright?"

I nodded my head and kicked myself up off the bed. "I'll call Gary and see if he wants to give me a hand."

"Mm, invite him for dinner also." Alice nodded, falling to her knees to go through the piles once again. "The more there to eat the food, the less likely of leftovers."

Ah, joy. With Gary coming to dinner - if he accepted - it would mean a night of having to call Grandma and Grandpa 'mom and dad.' Something I doubt I'd ever get used too. Pulling out my phone, I scrolled through the contacts. The moment I found 'GG' I hit the call button.

I stood up off the bed and began to walk for the door as the ringer dialed out. Looks like my day relaxing in the house was about to come to an end. At least I'd get to see Gary before the havoc began tomorrow.

—xXx—

This was bad. This was really, really bad. She was in the danger zone now. She had betrayed Lilianna! She had gone against everything that she knew. Lilianna, Scott, Mary... Hell, even Damien and Ryan! They were her family. She wasn't supposed to betray her family.

Yet she had. She had told Alec, she had told him everything.

And now she had to show his sister. She had to show them all what exactly was going on, what was being planned. She felt like a rat. She felt worse than a rat. Like a fly on the wall. Double crossing her family in hopes to keep them alive.

But that was the point, wasn't it? To somehow let them live, even though Lilianna would no doubt kill them if she found out. If not them all, then Delilah for sure. This must be what it felt like... To be willing to give up everything for the ones you loved. Delilah did love them, each in their own little way.

Mary's innocence and purity. Her loyalty towards Lilianna and this cause to make Lilianna happy.

Scott's act for being the protector. The big brother Delilah had always wished she would have had.

Damien attitude in being calm all the time, never letting anything get to him like it would with the others.

And Ryan... Her Ryan.

She wouldn't, no! couldn't! live with herself if anything were to happen to them. Any of them. This must of been what it felt like for the hybrid when she gave up the one she loved, just so he could live; and from the look Alec had given after she had shown him that memory... He would have done the same. He would have sacrificed his own happiness for her. He might've even sacrificed his life for her. No, there's no 'might've' about it. He would have.

It was true. The rumours she had heard about the hybrid and the Volturi guard member. They were indeed the modern day Romeo and Juliet of their world. Or, to show off just how childish Delilah could be, Renesmee was the Pocahontas of their world, and Alec was the John Smith.

Fighting for one another, sacrificing things just for the other person; and ultimately giving up on their happiness in being together just so one could live.

It was enough to even make the hardest of hearts wish to cry, and right in that moment; Delilah wished she could. For many reasons. For viewing the true beauty of true love, for seeing it being torn apart, for finally seeing Lilianna for her true colors, for actually facing Alec and being terrified of him still! And not to mention... For the family she had grown attached too.

It was one of the rare times each of them were in the house. Lilianna had gone out to pick up a few more 'to be' vampires; leaving them in charge of the newborns who were all scattered around the house. Delilah had lost count of the numbers by now, but she knew it was more than twenty. They would have to move location soon, due to the amount Lilianna was bringing in.

But with Lilianna being out, they were all able to be themselves; with the added bonus of Damien keeping them 'chilled out' as he called it. Scott sitting on the sofa with his arm around Mary. Damien lounged back with his feet up on the coffee table. Ryan on the chair, picking at his teeth with a cocktail stick. Not to mention... Shay, sitting beside Damien. She couldn't help but notice the fact she was leaning into him somewhat.

It had been Alec's choice in sending her back. She had only meant to be out to let the afro girl to feed, and if she wasn't to return home soon; then it would no doubt raise suspicion. She was, however, to meet Alec again at the same place at noon if she were able to get away.

It would be hard, since Lilianna was out there somewhere; but she had to risk it, didn't she? Well, she could wait until Lilianna came back, and then go out to Alec. But how would she be able to go out if Lilianna was home? Lilianna didn't like them running wild. It unnerved her, and quite rightfully so. However, Delilah could be trusted... Right?

Lilianna did trust Delilah. She trusted her a lot, and if Delilah hadn't have known about what she had done to her, Delilah might've returned that trust. She might even be as loyal as Mary was!

"When's the last time you ate, Delly?" Ryan asked; surprising Delilah out of her thoughts. When was the last time she had ate, actually? Around... Four, five days ago; wasn't it? Mm, she could remember specifically because it had been a homeless male under a bridge, whose blood was tainted with alcohol and drugs.

"A few days ago. Why?"

"Your eyes are black. Better get out soon before Lils' has a flip."

Lilianna did like to keep us well fed. If we weren't well fed, then we were less likely to be tamable and under control. That was her basics, anyhow.

Ryan had just given me the answer! My eyes were black. I was needing food; and Lilianna would have no problem in allowing me to go out hunting! It was perfect. The only downfall was that... She'd no doubt make me take someone with me. I looked at each of them carefully; looking for any signs of hunger on their faces. Scott's eyes were as red as ever. Mary's were a little duller than usual, and Damien and Ryan were in the same boat as Scott.

I could take Mary with me, but I couldn't risk taking her with me to meet Alec. Although she was my sister, she was dead loyal to Lilianna. But I couldn't leave her behind either, it wouldn't rest well with me. She didn't like being out on her own either, and no doubt if I left her behind... Scott would have some words to say about it.

I could take Scott, but it would be pointless. He had eaten already, and I doubt he would let me run off again like I had last night. Damien and Ryan... Well, I knew for a fact Ryan wouldn't leave my side if we were to go out; but Damien? Damien was... a good candidate. But then again, Ryan could, and most probably would, ask him to keep a close eye on me.

My eyes landed on the final face beside the black haired chill pill. Shay.

Her eyes were a lingering fight between dark crimson and the black abyss that were like my own. As wrong as it was, I could take her and leave her for a number of hours; right? It's not like she would say anything to anyone. She was still on the basic's of communication.

She would no doubt be willing to keep it a secret, if she were to be asked. But again, Delilah didn't think leaving her behind would just... Seem right. She knew just how protective Damien was of her, and although he'd never find out about Delilah leaving her for a couple of hours; Delilah would still feel guilty.

Especially if something were to happen to her.

Her best bet would be Damien, she believed. Even if Ryan asked him to keep an eye out for her, Damien would let her go off... She hoped.

"I'll go out when Lilianna gets back," Delilah voiced with the final deliberations.

"Want me to come with you?" Ryan was the first to offer, as she had expected.

"No, no. I'll be fine on my own." Even though she knew it was futile, she could at least try to get out alone.

They all had their eyes on her, standing behind Ryan in his chair. Each of them wore an expression of amusement, confusion and bewilderment. They looked at her as if she were an alien speaking a different language!

"You know Lilianna won't allow that... Especially after she came across the Volturi being here." Scott voiced, and she could see the flicker in his eye on the fact he had let her run off on her own the prior night. None of them here knew about that, other than the newborns; who saw nothing wrong with it, so didn't say a word, Delilah and Scott, which it wasn't likely they were ever going to say anything.

It wouldn't account for anything good. Ryan would no doubt get wound up and angered at her 'stupidity,' not to mention probably challenge Scott to a fight for actually letting her run off. And if they fought, Lilianna would find out and demand to find out why. And if she found out why, they would be punished. It would be a never ending cycle. A cycle Delilah dared not to even have the possibility of beginning.

"Yeah, you're right." Delilah nodded gently. "But I don't like it when... People watch me eat."

Yes, perfect! Ryan knew her in the past, and how self conscious she had been in her human years. Eating had never been something she enjoyed doing in public. As she expected, Ryan's eyes softened at the memory of her old self; with a hint of joy that part of her back then was still there.

"I'll go with you," Ryan decided, clearing his throat. "You can go off and eat, then come back and meet me. Besides, I can just go see that comic book store while I'm waiting."

"Are... You sure?" Ryan nodded his head at her question, his hand moving up over his head to take hold of hers that rested on the leather chair.

"Sure. You can eat your heart out, and I'll amuse mine with reading comics."

Delilah couldn't help the smile that appeared on her face, nor could she ignore the gentle flutter within the pit of her stomach. Even with that god awful bar through his eyebrow, which would probably permanently be there due to his marble hard skin, Ryan was as beautiful as ever.

They're eyes danced with one another; in some hidden conversation that only they could understand. Ryan knew her, he knew her better than she knew herself; and he knew when she needed space. This was one of those times, and he was willing to let her go off while protecting her from their maker.

Just when she thought it was impossible, he became more amazing than she originally thought.

"When you're there, get me a few comics." Damien requested; causing their eye connection to break and for their eyes to turn to the dark haired immortal. "Might be able to teach this one here a few more words." His shoulder nudged Shay at the side of him, to which she looked down and smiled to herself sheepishly.

Damien might be oblivious to it, but Delilah wasn't. There was something there, in that smile, that she could remember seeing in the beginning days between Scott and Mary.

And it was to that she knew she had to meet Alec. If they wanted to even stand a chance at becoming like Mary and Scott, hugging up together on the sofa, she had to do this. For them.

"Alright." Ryan nodded. "It's settled then. We head out when Lils' gets back. That alright with you?" Ryan turned his head back up to Delilah, who still had that stupid smile on her face.

If she could, she knew she'd be blushing.

"Thats... Perfectly alright with me."

He flashed her a little wink, and returned his attention to the TV.

She didn't just have to do this for Damien and Shay to have a chance. That mere wink did something to her. Her insides twisted, her dead heart felt all fluttery. If she herself wanted to stand a chance at being like Scott and Mary with Ryan... She had to do this. For herself and Ryan, for Damien and Shay... For Mary and Scott. For them all.

—xXx—

Gary was looking tired as ever. A number of people had gone missing; and one his family members had been one of them. A... Cousin through marriage, or something like that. He wasn't too sure on how they were related; but he had been out helping with some search. No matter how distant the family was, it was still family at the end of the day; weren't they?

Yes. In my case, and evidently in Gary's case also. This was probably the last thing he needed. Gary had already been through so much over the past couple of month's and just when I thought I was getting him back, this happens.

At least, with this confirmation - of people still going missing - I knew the Volturi were still in town. The case hadn't been cracked yet, so it must've meant they were still here. He was still here... Somewhere. I hoped they found whoever it was doing this. Not because I wanted them to leave, despite how much I should, but because I wanted their jobs to be a little easier and I wanted these disappearances to stop. With people going missing... They were leaving loved ones behind.

It was the worse type of thing to happen to anyone. How I knew that it affected Gary... Well, he let me drive. Usually, he would be the one to come pick me up in that truck of his; but this time he had asked me to come get him.

The moment he had slipped into my fathers Volvo I could see the effects it had on him. There were dark patches under his eyes, he was continuously yawning.

From the information that I did get out of Gary... Her name was Belle. Yeah, I was a little taken back with the name too; but it turns out that she was, in fact, named after Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Small, funny world; huh?

The sad thing about it... She was only fifteen. A lot like the age Mary had been when she went missing. Though I didn't know Mary personally, nor had I ever seen her, the town had been pretty cut up at her family's slaughter, and her disappearance. But it all made sense now...

Lil must've killed her. She must've been the one to kill her family, too. It still gave me chills knowing I had been in that store a few hours before it had been found... With the family slaughtered inside.

If I let those sort of things get to me, I'd be nowhere in this world. The things I had already been witness too... I had held a dead freaking body! Not that Gary knew about that, nor would he ever. I still wished that Alec couldn't somehow buried him instead of burning them all. It was different watching someone you loved burn... Gary might've been able to move on quicker if he had at least some place to mourn him. I supposed he did, for Nick's family had a memorial put up for their lost son.

Gary still went there sometimes. Though he didn't admit it, I knew he did. I had walked past a couple of times and saw him just sitting there, talking to the wind.

I had tried to talk him out of coming to the store with me, if he had been up all night searching; but he refused. In fact, he jumped at the offer of getting out on the condition that I was the one who drove. He didn't want to talk about it either, even when I had tried to comfort him.

'She's just missing. It's not anything certain yet. Kids go missing all the time' had been his answer.

"I can't stay for dinner tonight. Promised I'd watch Chrisse for Belle's mom." Belle's mom being his step-aunt; who married his fathers brother. Chrissie was his full cousin, and she was only... Four, I was sure. I'd met her once; and she had been at least two when I had met her. So yeah.. Four coming on five.

"I could watch her with you, if you like?" I asked as we walked towards the grocery store. Gary had decided to get the 'boring' stuff out of the way, and then go on with the fun of clothe shopping. He was just as bad as aunt Alice when it came to clothes!

"Nah, it's fine. I doubt I'll be much fun anyway, besides you have to pack. I'm just gonna shove a DVD on for her until she falls asleep, and then possibly do the same. Man, am I glad I got packed when I did."

Oh yeah! Gary had already packed a few days after he had signed up for the College experience. I wished I had done the same, really. For if it wasn't for the fact I needed to pack; I would have without a doubt argued on watching this child with him.

Gary scrolled down the list, directing me through the aisles and getting what we needed. It wasn't much, really. Just a few herbs, salad stuff and other bits and pieces. Gary thought he would be hilarious,yet thoughtful and tossed in a pack of tampax. Well, at least I'd have an extra supply; since I was the only one who suffered that damned monthly thing.

Gary continued to steer me through aisles, looking for things we could just add onto the list and take with us to the College; but prevail or not, we didn't really need anything else. So what did he do when we decided we were done?

He picked me up from the floor and put me in the cart. Then proceed to drive me around like a lunatic to the checkout. It was a wonder how this guy even got his drivers licence with his erratic driving of the damn cart! I was positive he was going to drive me into shelves at least twice!

Checking out was the easy part. Getting to the car with his mad driving was just as easy. Packing the car up, check. But the hard part didn't begin until we came to shopping for clothes. He had brought some money also, just incase he saw something he liked to add into his bag.

Which he did. A checkered shirt. I couldn't really blame him, for when he tried it on... It did suit him. Suited him really well, actually. It was no wonder why Charlie was so smitten with this boy. He didn't give out the vibes of being gay, despite his impeccable fashion sense and sometimes evident camp nature. If Gary wanted to continue the act of seeming like a hetrosexual, then it wasn't my place to out him. He'd do so when he was ready, I hoped.

"You should try these," Gary spoke; holding out a pair of pants.

The last thing I needed was another pair of jeans, but then again; being brand new... They were more likely able to be put into the 'yes' pile, rather than being rejected and thrown out. I prayed to god aunt Alice didn't find my favorite pair. It took forever to wear those in!

I nodded in agreement towards his choice, and gained him throwing them over his shoulder to set on looking for a shirt. I knew I could trust Gary with this sort of thing. Shopping had been my expertise a long, long time ago... Back when I had a ken doll to play with. Literally. That had probably been the only true time I had one hell of a time shopping, and actually had fun; rather than seeing it as a mission.

"This one?" Gary stole my thoughts from their downfall. He was holding a purple polo-shirt. I quickly shook my head. As cute as it might've been, I didn't like the collar. I found them itchy, and they tended to snag on my neck- Oh. That's right... I didn't have that necklace anymore.

"What about this one?"

I was just about to shake my head again, for the color white wasn't a good idea. Especially if we were going to be at parties where there would no doubt be liquids that would stain it. But... This white top was one I found I quite liked. The chest area was a little baggier, making a crease like effect. The left shoulder was made up of chains, gold and dazzling and there was no right shoulder.

"That's the one." I smiled, moving forward to take the clothing. Gary returned the beaming smile and handed them happily. The moment the clothing was in my hands, he turned me and began to shove me towards the changing rooms. It was only natural to want to try them on, not to mention for Gary to see them on. That way he could make a verdict. He was a lot like Alice in that instance, though she rarely made us try things on in the store. She'd buy them, then make us try it on at home. If she didn't like it, then she'd throw it out - or more so give it to charity - and go shopping the next day.

I don't think I'd ever witnessed her taking a single piece of clothing back to it's original store. Half the time, charity stores were in awe of the clothing she brought in; because most, if not all, still had the tags on!

It was a known fact Alice didn't go for the cheap stuff either. She liked the best of the best.

Once in the safety of the stall, I shed out of my worn out converse, washed out jeans and plain tank top - trust me, not a wardrobe Alice was thrilled about me keeping - and traded them for the choices Gary had made.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I smiled fondly at myself. They fit perfectly, not to mention they went with my new choice of hairstyle. Straightened out, no curls whatsoever. Everyone has to go through change, right? Getting rid of the curls was like saying goodbye to that period of my life.

This sleek dressing, smart and sophisticated looking Renesmee Cullen was the person I wanted to be. This was who I was now... Or was trying to be.

I stepped out of the dressing room and twirled for Gary. He seemed thrilled, despite his obvious hide of a yawn. Gary was tired, I knew that. And I had stolen him for practically most of the day. Time always seemed to fly by when I was with him, but we both had to return home at some point. As a thank you, the moment we got to the checkout; I bought his top along with my things. He put up a fight, of course he did. He wouldn't be Gary without trying to be stubborn. But I was Renesmee, the queen of stubborn.

"You know, I should be offended." Alec then said; following me out. He was staring straight forward, squinting his eyes into the rain.

"Of?" I mused, uninterested.

"You seem like it's a punishment to receive a kiss off me." He was still looking ahead, his expression totally emotionless. I hated it when he did this sometimes.

"And?" I scoffed, crossing my arms while turning sharply round a corner. A set of stairs were coming up. I studied his face, looking for any signs of emotions that I could read. His eyes seemed to narrow. That's all I got. He glanced down to me from the corner of his eyes, that were still narrowed. "Am I that unappealing to you?"

"For god sake, Alec. What happened to the whole lecture of it being 'respectable' that I don't want me first kiss to be with the wrong guy?"

His eyes danced. "So I'm the wrong type of guy then?"

I took a deep, sharp breath. "I don't kiss dead guys."

"Evidently you don't kiss living ones either," he smirked.

Another flare of anger penetrated throughout me. My palms again started to tingle. This time, I would give a warning. "Alec, I'm going to slap you if you don't shut up."

"Well, I'm simply addressing the fact that perhaps kissing me wouldn't be the worst thing. Since... We're friends, we've already almost kissed four times like you said-" I cut him off, quickly.

"Almost. See, doesn't mean we did. Or wanted too."

"Who didn't wish too?"

My eyes returned to a narrow, but out of confusion. "Wait... What?"

The left side of Alec's lips quirked skyward. "You seemed more than willing while you were drunk,"

I realized we had stopped walking and I was staring at him; glaring. "See, theres your defining statement. I was dr-un-k." I enunciated every syllable, wanting him to get the full picture.

Anger flashed in his eyes. His lips pressed into a hard line, all signs of humour gone.

"You are completely impossible to please, Renesmee."

I guess some things just would never change. I was still as stubborn as ever. I still tended to do this my way, and I still stood my ground. Being stubborn was like my main trait in my personality. It did make me wonder who I got it from more, however. My mother, or my father; because they were just as equally stubborn when it came to things. Sometimes, when they argued - which was rare! - it was like watching a tennis match. Back and forth because each had something to say and were dedicated in winning.

Well, it's possible I took it from both parents. Growing up around it and watching it, not to mention aunt Rose with her own stubborn ways and sarcasm. I was old enough to understand what she meant by things now, and understood when she was being sarcastic; rather than being a dim witted fool and thinking she was serious.

Out of them all, my father was probably the most serious out of everyone.

There was a line when it came to playing a line and being serious, which most of the time... My father was on the serious side. He did have his moments, but he refused to be like uncle Em; who made a laugh and joke out of practically everything. I couldn't help but love my time with uncle Emmett. He made life a whole lot more entertaining; be it with winding my father up, or having aunt Alice complain at him for ruining a vase, or something. My family may be abnormal in some respects, but life was never dull in that house.

Gary was silent for the drive him, though I was pretty sure he had dozed off at least twice. Dropping him off, he leant over and kissed my cheek and told me he'd meet me at the College entrance for registration. At least I wouldn't be going into it alone!

I set on home, pondering on things as usual; but the moment I made it back home... Something seemed off. Something seemed extremely off. Usually, if I had been sent out for groceries; someone would have come out to help me take them in. They would have heard the car, so where the hell where they!

They better not have run off hunting without me!

With the load of bags in my hand, I hauled them up the porch and kicked the door open gently.

"I'm home!" I called out as I struggled to shut the door behind me. With nothing else to use, I closed it with my back and behind; finding satisfaction the moment I heard the gentle 'click' of it shutting properly. A small scent lingered in my nose that made my insides twist. Probably the cooking, right?

I didn't even so much as get a reply from them! Rude much? I set on down the hall, kicking my shoes off at the door. I couldn't be doing with another lecture from Alice about needing new shoes. They were comfortable, and I liked them! She can hate on them all she wants, those converse have been with me through thick and thin. Hell, I even had them on the first day I met Alec!

Wait a second... That's what it was! That was no cooking. That was...

Just like the last time, the moment I entered the living room - only this time with my hands full of bags - the Volturi were scattered around the area. Jane sitting in the same place as she had been, Felix and Demetri standing behind her. The... Other girl, I wasn't sure what her name was, where she had been the last time. The only one that was different... Was the figure sitting with their back to me, only looking at me this time over his shoulder.

Bright red eyes, full lips, and a frown on his face.

"Renesmee, welcome home." Esme said, her voice a little trembly.

"Uh.. Hi?" I said, clearing my throat and finally tearing my eyes from the male on the couch - still looking at me.

"Did you get what was needed?" Esme went on. I could tell she was trying to make this seem like a normal thing. Actually, it kinda was! This was twice now I had walked in on them being here. Were they moving in or something?!

"They're here on business again, love." My dad's voice said as he stood up to come to me. I could see the smile on his lips. Evidently, he found my inner ramblings amusing. He took the bags from me and left to take them to the kitchen.

Why was everyone acting so normal about this, yet most of their faces seemed to be of dead seriousness!

"You might want to sit down and hear what they have to say Renesmee, dear. It's of importance and involves all of us." Carlisle spoke up, patting the seat next to him.

I nodded my head and took a step down to go across to him; however the last person I thought would ever speak... Did.

"Actually, if I may. I'd like to have a word with Miss Cullen... Alone."

Everything inside me sparked up with his voice, though total dread ran through me. The last time we were remotely alone, he had basically told me to shove my friendship up my ass! Why the hell would he want to talk to me now?! Had he... Had a change of heart? For some reason, a part of me inside hoped so. I missed Alec... So damn much.

"Renesmee?" Carlisle arched an eyebrow, evidently waiting for me to answer. Had I zoned out again? Jesus Christ I had to stop doing that!

"Uh, yeah.. Sure, I guess." I nodded my head eventually, brushing my hands down my side.

Alec stood up and nodded his head to the group. "Continue sister. I shan't be a moment."

Jane shot him a smirk, and me a glare.

Seems like we weren't gonna be best friends anytime soon, huh? Back to that, were we? Alec walked towards me and stopped, gesturing his hand for me to take the lead outside. All I could do was stare up at him in awe. Why was he being so damn civil?

I moved back up the hallway with Alec closely behind. So close, the hairs on the back of my neck began to stand up at the close proximity. Before I could reach for the doorknob I had closed previously with my behind skill, Alec had leant over and pulled it open.

Always a damn gentleman!

That all changed the moment we were outside. He began to walk, quickly, down the pathway; while I struggled to keep up.

"So, what d'you want to have a 'word' with me about?" I quizzed. He didn't respond straight away. He didn't respond at all, actually. We were a good few meters away from the house; so much so that I could see the gate coming up. The gate was at least a mile away! What can I say... We liked our privacy.

"This isn't so much of a talk. More of a walk," I commented with a sigh.

That seemed to do it for Alec. He turned around quickly, and to my surprise; the rage that was in his eyes actually... Scared me. It stopped me dead in my tracks, and for all oxygen to leave my lungs.

"Why the hell didn't you tell me?!" He hissed, stepping closer to me. I automatically took a step back.

"Tell you what?" I replied with wide, confused, and slightly terrified eyes. Never piss of a Volturi member. Rule number one.

This isn't the first time I've pissed them off, and I was sure it wasn't going to be the last. The only thing is... I have no freaking idea what I had done!

He was obviously angry; though I had no idea what over. Was it his job? Did he honestly think I was going to stand back and let him take his frustration out on me? Well, he needs to think again; because although he had taken me back with that look... I wasn't afraid of him. I don't think I ever would be.

"What she did to you..." He sighed, stepping closer again. The rage didn't fade any, though... It didn't feel aimed at me any more. I stood my ground, and to my surprise... Alec reached out a hand and clasped my cheek. His thumb ran across my cheekbone, while his eyes watched his hand and my cheek carefully. "You should have told me... I would have done something."

The place where he was stroking. The words he was saying. It all made sense now.

"You know..." I breathed.

His eyes flashed up to mine, and the sorrow I had seen that last day with him returned mixed in with his anger and frustration.

"I know everything."

Well, shit.

A/N:

That didn't take long, did it? I wake up to 1,130 reviews; five more than what I asked for?!

You guys truly do amaze me.

So, what d'we think's gonna happen now? Alec's turn to confront her. Leave a review on what you thought of the chapter. They never fail to make my day.

I feel like challenging you guys again, but I'll have to make it a little harder for you. 1,165 reviews and the next chapter will be uploaded straight away.

Also, there will most likely be a competition set in place again soon - so keep an eye out for that.

Take it easy. I love you all.

-C.H