A/N Okay, I know I said I wouldn't be uploading until my assignment was complete, but I couldn't leave you guys in the dark for that long. This is going to be a slightly longer chapter to make up for my absence for a few days. And enter… Mistah J! Enjoy!
Alice's POV
"Bella seems to be improving," Jasper notes.
After Bella's little confrontation, we had come straight to our bedroom. I was absentmindedly paging through a magazine while he watched TV. No matter how many centuries I lived, I'd never get tired of lying beside him on our bed, feeling him near me.
"She does," I agree.
"Her emotions really seem to have settled, too. When she first arrived it was erratic. She seems to be… calmer."
I smiled. "I'm starting to see her a little better too. Remember? I had a vision of her going into the bathroom when she was sick."
He chuckled. "She'll be back to normal in no time, sweetheart."
I leaned up and kissed his cheek.
"You know…" he mused, pulling me closer. "With all that's been going on, we seem to have been neglecting our spousal duties…"
I smiled into his neck. "What shall we do to rectify that?"
He didn't use his words to answer. Instead he threw the magazine to the floor and in a flash I was beneath him.
"I have something in mind," he growled, attacking my neck.
I felt electricity shoot through me as his lips graced my skin, trailing down to my collarbone.
"Should we really be doing this now?" I giggled. "The family is right downstairs."
"They're all pretty occupied," he said, using one hand to rip my sweater apart, exposing my vest.
"Jasper!" I gasped. "That was Gucci!"
"I'll buy you a new one," he said, his lips tracing the exposed area of my breast. "I'll buy you an entire wardrobe."
I could feel him becoming engorged and it nudged on my leg, waiting for a response.
His lips came back up to my neck and I moaned.
"Jasper…"
Suddenly, everything froze. Reality morphed into an entirely different picture. I gasped and I felt my body move, but I was no longer in the current world. I was somewhere else.
"Bella!" Edward cries out.
He was tied to a chair. We all were. A green-haired man laughed maniacally in the background.
A gun fires.
Bella was on the ground, blooding pooling from somewhere on her oddly frail-looking body.
Her eyes fluttered, but never opened.
"Now," the green-haired snarled, turning towards us with the gun pointed at Edward. "It's your turn."
Another gunshot echoed through the house.
I gasped, quickly being pulled out of the vision. The first thing I noticed was Jaspers hands on my shoulders. Then I noticed the fact that I was now standing in the corner of the room.
"Alice?" he hissed in a panic. "Alice, what's wrong? What did you see? You're worried. Extremely so; I can feel it. Please, tell me what's going on?"
I blinked unnecessarily for a moment before peering up into his golden orbs.
"Jasper… I need to speak to Bella."
A look of confusion crossed his features. "What did you see? Did Bella get hurt?"
I wasn't sure how to respond.
"I'll speak to you and the family about it after I've seen Bella. I need to find something out." I looked at the ground. "Could you do me a favour?"
"Anything, my love, though I don't understand why you aren't telling what is causing you such grief." He lifted my chin with his finger and searched my eyes, looking for any clue as to what I was thinking.
"I need you to get Edward out of the house while I speak to Bella," I say.
He raised a brow. "Alice, sweetheart, you're scaring me."
"Please," I insist. "I promise you, nothing bad happens to me. I just need to speak to her without Edward eavesdropping."
He searches my eyes once more and decides that I'm being truthful.
"Alright. I can't promise that it'll work, but I'll ask him to take a walk with me."
Suddenly, I wasn't looking at Jasper's scarred and lovely face. I was looking at Edward's worry-stricken expression. Then I got pulled into new surroundings.
"What do you mean you're worried, Jasper?" he asks.
"That's the reason I asked to speak to you away from the family," Jasper answers. "Bella's emotions… they've been concerning me…"
"Elaborate."
I was once again sucked into reality by Jaspers worrying shoulder-squeezes.
"Alice, you're really starting to cause me some stress…"
"Edward will agree to go with you if you say it's about Bella. I've seen it. Just go, please."
He sees the concern on my face and doesn't hesitate to give me a gentle kiss and flee from the door.
After a few moments in which I assume Jasper had pulled Edward aside to whisper his concerns, I heard the front door slam shut.
That's when I made my move. In an instant, I was at Bella's bathroom door. She sure spent a lot of time in here.
I knocked lightly.
I heard a crash coming from inside the room. What was that? It couldn't be a gun or anything. We had hidden her weapons.
"Bella, would you like to open this door and explain yourself or shall I break it down?" I called gently.
I heard her heart accelerate.
"Just a sec," she said back.
Bella's POV
Shit. I quickly grabbed the broken halves of the phone, making sure to pick up every splinter of plastic from the wet tiles, and shoved them into the towel drawer and slammed it shut, wincing at the obvious racing of my heart. That would definitely cause suspicion.
I made sure the towel was wrapped securely around me before opening the door slowly. She was right there, behind it. She had taken off the sweater she was wearing earlier and her hair looked a little disheveled but her facial expression was worried.
"What's up, Alice," I say, trying to sound very blasé.
I strolled on over to the bed and threw on the same vest and short I had been wearing. I skipped the bra, knowing I'd be sleeping in these clothes.
"I saw something… it made me a little worried," she admits.
SHIT. Did she know? Did she see me using the phone? If she did, I knew I was in for it. I decided to act as though I didn't know what she was talking about.
"What did you see?" I asked, looking down at my hands. I didn't want her to tell me.
There was a long silence.
"Bella, Edward's not in the house," she told me. "He won't know what we're discussing, but we don't have much time. I need you to be completely honest with me, okay?"
I didn't move.
"Bella," she started. "Do you know whether or not the Joker will be coming here?"
I remained frozen.
After a moment passed, she took a step towards me.
"Bella, please," she begged. "For you own safety, I need to know."
I decided to deny it all. Deny, deny, deny. It had to work.
"I don't know anything about that," I say, avoiding her gaze. "How could I?"
My eyes inadvertently flickered to the drawer. It was such a quick glimpse, I wasn't even aware of it. But she noticed. Her eyes narrowed.
"Alice," I began.
Suddenly, she was directly in front of me. I blinked. The drawer sat on the floor, the towels scattered everywhere, and the pieces of the broken phone were in her hand.
"Explain!" she hissed.
I blinked. How was I gonna get myself outta this one?
Suddenly, I heard the front door click.
Alice placed a hand over my mouth before I could say anything.
"Not here," she whispered.
Suddenly, I was in her arms. I wasn't sure how we got to the forest, but we were running through the trees.
For the first time in a long time, I couldn't find anything to laugh about. When we finally came to a stop, she laid me gently on my feet and placed her hands on her hips.
I didn't say anything, and I didn't plan to. When she finally realized this, she sighed.
"Speak, Bella! If you don't, I swear I will tell Edward and Carlisle about this." Her tone was threatening. I knew she was serious.
"What do you want me to tell you, Alice?" I finally said, exasperated.
"The truth!" she insisted. "If you tell me truth and I accept it, then I don't see a need to bring the others into this. However, if you lie or I find out you've been lying, I will have no choice. Why do you have this phone and what have you been using it for? Talk."
I sighed. I wasn't getting outta this one. The only chance I had now was convincing her to keep this between us. It's a good thing I'd become such a good liar.
"I stole it," I said, trying to sound sheepish.
Her eyes narrowed. "Elaborate, please."
I rolled my eyes. "When the security guards came in and I jumped on 'em, one of them had it in his pocket. I grabbed it and stuffed it in my pants."
I tried to sound as convincing as I could. She was processing the information I was giving to her, but she wasn't yet convinced.
"And why, pray tell, did you take it? What exactly were you planning to do with it?"
"I thought, maybe, I could use it to get in touch with…"
"The Joker," she finished for me. I didn't say anything. "Have you?"
I looked down. It was harder than I thought to lie to this tiny girl.
"I tried. I couldn't remember his number."
I said a silent prayer that she didn't see through my blatant dishonesty.
"So what were you doing with it tonight before you dropped it?" she insisted.
Shit. I forgot. "I remembered it, suddenly. I was just about to call him when… well… you know…"
I tried to sound guilty and it wasn't hard. I was guilty. Just not of what I was telling her.
I looked up at her face. She seemed quizzical and doubtful. A few moments of silence passed, and her expression finally relaxed.
"Well," she said slowly, "I have been seeing you more. I think I would have seen it if you had actually called him…" She trailed off, pondering over how likely that would actually have been.
Finally, she seemed to reach a conclusion. And it appeared that it was one of acceptance. She believed me.
"Bella, I'm very disappointed in you."
I sighed. "I know. I am too. I was making so much progress… Moment of weakness, I guess." I shrugged and grabbed my arm, trying to look convincing. I couldn't drop the act now. This was critical.
If she ever found out what I was actually using the phone for, the entire family would be packed and on the first flight out of the country with me in tow. Then I'd never see Mistah J again.
Unexpectedly, I felt her tiny arms wrap around me.
"I suppose I can't entirely blame you for feeling that way," she said into my ear. "It'll be a while before you're fully out of this headspace." She pulled away and peered up into my eyes. "But, please, if you ever feel like this again, do not attempt to get in contact with that… with him. Come talk to me. I promise, I wouldn't tell Edward or Carlisle unless it was urgent. I swear it. I only want to protect you. As your best friend, Bella, please, don't fall back into the hole we're trying so desperately to help you escape from."
I nod slowly. I couldn't believe how well I'd pulled that off. Sure, I was still embarrassed, but this was nowhere near as bad as it could have been had I told the truth. That he would be here for me tomorrow… that I'd be leaving them all behind…
Suddenly, looking down into her sincere, concerned eyes, I felt a pang of regret. What had I done to this family? Alice cared. Of course, she did. She just proved it. Yet here I was, having planned to escape. My plan that risked exposing them.
Alice would be so hurt.
Damn this fucking conscience.
Once Alice was satisfied, she squeezed the phone between her fingers, effectively turning it into dust, lifted me up and ran me back.
We went in through the window, which is probably how we got out, and she set me on the bed.
"I need to speak to the family," she mused.
My eyes widened.
"Not about this," she said quickly. "Something else. Don't worry, this will stay between us, I promised." She kissed my forehead and despite her cool lips, a flood of warmth swam through my body. What was this feeling? I didn't like it… but I did. "Sleep well, Bella."
She walked towards the door and I felt instant regret. Despite everything, I knew I cared about Alice. She might be the only one I cared for.
"Wait!" I found myself saying. She turned. "Will you… come back?"
As childish as it was, I wanted to spend this last night with someone I cared about. I knew I'd be leaving tomorrow. I didn't want to go without spending some time with Alice, even though I knew I'd be asleep. I wanted to feel her next to me. One last time. I'd probably never see her again after tomorrow.
She smiled warmly. "If you want me to."
"I do," I insisted.
She smiled wider. "Then I'll be back. But you should probably get some sleep. I'll come lay beside you once I'm done. You need to rest." Her eyes brightened. "Besides, I'm free all day Sunday! Jasper is going hunting tomorrow with Rosalie. We can spend the whole day together!"
I nod, knowing that this wouldn't happen. I was content, though, once I realized it meant she didn't know I was leaving tomorrow.
She turned and left the room, closing the door tightly behind her. Before I knew it, my eyes felt heavy and I was pulled into a dreamless sleep.
Alice's POV
How had she even gotten that thing passed us? I knew Edward was in the house, so as soon as I closed Bella's door behind me, I blocked it out of my thoughts. I went upstairs to my bedroom and saw Jasper standing, staring out the giant widow into the darkness.
"Does he know?"
He turned when he heard my voice and smiled lovingly. "About you earlier visions? No. He said once he heard what was on my mind before they happened," he said with a wink, "he stopped listening."
I nod.
"Alice, please tell me what is going on. I hate being left in the dark."
He crossed the room and wrapped his arms around my waist, looking down at my face.
"I need to speak to everyone," I said. "Make Bella sleep, first, Jazz; I don't want her to hear anything by chance. Tell the family to all go down to the living room. I'll join you shortly."
He nodded and in an instant, he was gone. I steadied myself and sat on the edge of our bed. What was I going to tell them? How would I word it? Not even I was sure about what I'd seen, or what was happening. But I knew it was going to happen soon.
I breathed in deeply and made my way downstairs, at human pace, to give me a few seconds to prepare myself.
They were all there. They looked up as I entered, Edward looked particularly curious. Considering I'd been blocking my thoughts, I expected that.
"There's something I need to tell you," I said, trying not to think about the vision. I'd rather Edward heard it from my mouth than my mind, knowing what he saw would cause an unnecessary bad reaction.
"Did you see something, dear?" Esme asked, clutching Carlisle's hand. "Is it Bella? She's been doing so well."
I sigh.
"I saw… Bella…" This was harder than I thought it would be. I couldn't get myself to say the words.
"Spit it out, Alice!" Edward snapped.
Jasper shot him a glare.
I gulped down the venom pooling in my mouth. "She was shot."
In unison, the gasps flooded the room. Even Rose looked confused.
"What exactly do you mean?" Edward said, leaning forward.
Suddenly, couldn't keep the vision locked safely away anymore. It came back into my mind, filling my thoughts as it replayed itself. Edward saw it.
I was right to tell Jasper to make Bella sleepy. The next thing I knew, the chair he was sitting on was flung against the wall, breaking on impact. The others looked at him, confused. They hadn't seen what we had.
"It was in this house, Carlisle!" he explains in a roar. "That thing shot her in this house!"
Of course he wouldn't mention the gun turning on him. He only cared for Bella. And, of course, it wouldn't even make a dent on any of us.
Before Carlisle could respond, Edward turned his glare to me.
"When?"
I sighed. "Soon. I don't know the details."
"Alice, there must be something else!" he insisted, walking towards me.
"You saw exactly what I saw!" I said.
"There's more! I can tell you're hiding something from me!" He grabbed my arms and, in an instant, Jasper was at my side.
He laid his hand on Edward's arm and glared at him.
"Let her go, Edward. She doesn't know anything."
I could take care of myself, and I knew Edward would never hurt me intentionally, but I was grateful to have Jasper there to take the heat off me.
Edward turned his rage to him.
"Of course you'd defend her lies! How could you not?"
"Alice would never lie to you, Edward," Jasper insisted, his grip on Edward's arm tightening.
I suddenly felt guilty but I tried my best to think what I was truly feeling; that I was keeping something from them. From all of them. Even Jasper.
Jasper sensed my guilt and looked at me quizzically. Edward, reading Jasper's mind, let out a snarl.
"Enough," Carlisle said, standing up.
Emmett took that as his cue to grab Edward and yank him away from me.
"Fighting won't lead to a solution," he continued. Then he looked at Jasper. "Calm Edward down, please, Jasper."
Jasper nodded and suddenly, Edward's expression relaxed.
Emmett raised his brow. "You good, bro? Or still thinking of ripping Alice's arms off her body?"
He sighed. "Release me, Emmett."
Emmett considered it for a moment, but decided Edward was okay to be let go.
Edward lowered his head in shame.
"I… don't know what came over me. I apologize, Alice. I did not mean to approach you as I did. I'm ashamed."
Esme rushed over and put her hand on his back.
"We understand that you're just worried, Edward. We all are," she said soothingly.
Jasper cleared his throat. "I think it's up to Alice to forgive him for acting so barbarically."
I sighed. "It's okay, Jazz." I looked at Edward, who's eyes were searching mine for forgiveness and understanding. "I do understand, Edward."
You love her. It's hard to see what I saw when it's someone you love. It was hard for me, too, I thought.
His eyes softened and he sat down on the couch behind him, lowering his head into his hands and letting out a pained moan.
"What now, Carlisle? What now?" he groaned.
"Alice's visions aren't certain," Carlisle said comfortingly, looking at me for validation.
"Exactly."
I had spoken to Bella and she made it clear that this wasn't her decision. It was somebody else's. And I had a good idea of who that may be.
"Somebody besides Bella has made this decision," I say.
"So what exactly do we do?" Rosalie snapped. "Watch her every second of the day?"
"It would be much easier if we knew when this was gonna go down," Emmett said, taking a seat next to his wife.
"I know," I say. "All I know is that it's going to happen soon. I'll have her out of the house on Sunday. After that we may just need to do what we can to either keep her out of the house or be very vigilant."
"Wait," Edward says, "what's happening on Sunday?"
I smiled. "We're going shopping!"
Carlisle blanched. "She actually agreed to that?"
I nodded. "Of course. Like I say, she is my best friend."
A sliver of hope entered Edward's eyes. To him, this probably meant that Bella was becoming more open to us. Little did he know it was probably because she felt she owed me for…
I let that thought drop and Edward's eyes darkened once again. I ignored it.
"We'll ask her about it in the morning," Carlisle said, making his decision. "Perhaps, if she changes her mind about wanting to be with the Joker, your vision will change."
I shook my head. "I told you, Carlisle, this wasn't her decision."
"But it's worth a shot," Edward piped in. "If that doesn't work, then I won't leave her side, no matter how much she complains or fights. That vision is not going to become reality," he insisted.
I sighed. This was going to be a long night.
Bella's POV
When I woke up, the first thing I noticed was that I wasn't alone on the bed. For a split second, I thought it was Mistah J. When he finished his work early, he sometimes spent the night with me. I usually slept on the couch or floor at his feet and, when he was ready; he would carry me to the bed or wake me up for some 'fun time'.
Then, I was back in reality. It wasn't Mistah J. I reached my hand out and it came into contact with a very cold, stone hard arm.
My mind went into a frenzy thinking it was Edward. I remembered the nights he laid beside me all those years ago.
"You're up!" a high pitched, excited voice exclaimed, grabbing my hand.
Alice. Not Edward, but his pixie sister. For a moment, it thought I felt disappointed. Why on earth would I be disappointed that Edward wasn't the one beside me when I woke up?
I hated him. I still hate him.
So, why did I think it would be him?
I thought of Mistah J first, though, and this comforted me. I opened my eyes and the events of last night came rushing back. I felt myself blush but, thankfully, Alice didn't mention anything.
"Good morning, sleepy head!" Alice said, jumping off the bed. "I told you I'd come back."
I nodded and yawned.
"You want something to eat?" she asked.
"I think I'll go get ready first, Alice. I feel kinda grimy."
She nodded. "I'll go ask Esme to get something ready for you in the meantime. Don't take too long or you'll miss your medication time. Carlisle's orders."
I sighed and watched as she danced out of the room. She was go graceful and elegant. I used to be… before this goddamned medication. I hoped they could be reversed somehow. I couldn't be with Mistah J like this. He didn't want me as I was. I'd jump into the acid again if that's what it took.
I walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind me. Looking into the mirror, my began to race. This was it. Today was the day. I was leaving with Mistah J. I was going to be with my love.
My anxiety rose as I took in everything that had changed. Would he take me as I was now? The hair, the eyes… everything was different… yet somehow the same. I still loved him. I still wanted to be with him.
Why was I suddenly so nervous?
Just as I feared, Alice was at my door again.
"Bella?" she called. "Jasper sais you're feeling a little anxious… Do you want to talk about it?"
I could hear the curiosity in her voice. She suspected more than she was letting on.
"I'm fine," I called back. "Just… noticed how different I look. It's strange…" It wasn't a complete lie. Therefore, I was able to say it convincingly.
"Alright," she said, giving up. "Breakfast is almost ready."
"I'll be right out."
Before I had the chance to think about it anymore, I hopped into the shower and let the cold water hit me. It gradually became hotter and I relaxed into it. My muscles felt stiff, but I knew it was the tension and the worry I was carrying around with me.
How was I going to do this? How would I face them knowing what was going to happen? My phone was gone, so I couldn't even let Mistah J know to meet me somewhere else. To formulate another plan…
He was definitely coming here. And he wasn't coming alone. And… he wasn't coming unprepared. He was coming with a video camera. A camera that would be live streaming the entire escape straight to the government.
An act he probably thought would be funny… But in reality, it was a plan that rendered the Cullens unable to use their superhuman gifts to fight back. Knowing that whatever they did would be broadcasted straight to the government… they couldn't fight back. Do anything un-human. Do anything a normal human would be incapable of.
This was the perfect getaway plan. If I knew he wouldn't attempt to kill them.
If he tried to shoot them… punch them… and nothing happened…
They'd be exposed.
And there would be nothing to save them.
Why did I suddenly care? Why was it my business whether or not their secret got out? This was their fault to begin with. If they'd let me go without resisting, they wouldn't have to go through all this.
So… why did I feel so… guilty? Inescapably guilty. Horribly regretful…
I had promised I would never expose them.
But they had broken promises to me.
No, Edward broke his promises to me. The others… hadn't made any to break… Yet I was so willing and ready to put them in a situation that would change the world as we know it.
I could feel my anxiety rising again; this time to such a high level that I started feeling dizzy. I lowered myself to a squat and focused on my breathing.
What do I do?
What do I do?
Just then, there was another rap on the door.
"Bella?" Alice's worried voice called from behind it. "Bella, Jasper said you're not doing so well. Your heart sounds ready to give out. Please, open this door."
I couldn't respond. I couldn't think.
Alice. I was putting her in harms way. I hadn't even considered that.
When I didn't respond, she wasted no time in breaking the lock. She took one look at me, hyperventilating in a squat in the shower and she panicked.
"Carlisle!" she called. "Bella!" She ran to me and put the shower off, then threw a towel over my body. "CARLISLE!"
"What's going on?!"
That wasn't Carlisle who asked. I looked up and Edward stood at the door, eyes wide and mouth pulled into a worried frown.
"I think she's having a heart attack," I heard Alice say.
"How did you not see this?" he cried out, running to me.
I was in his arms and my heart skyrocketed.
"I don't think that's the best idea right now, Edward," Alice hissed.
"I've been to medical school," he snarled back, laying me gently on the crisp white bed sheet. "Bella, can you hear me?"
I didn't move, didn't respond. I was too busy trying to calm down the racing of my heart. My left arm started feeling numb, as if the blood there somehow became frozen.
"Bella, if you can hear me just nod your head," he said softly, clutching my hand.
I nodded once, not looking at his face.
I hadn't even noticed that Alice had left the room until she came back in with Carlisle.
"Move, son," he said sternly.
I saw Carlisle rush to my side and he had a syringe in one hand. Oh no. I didn't want to sleep now. I couldn't risk Mistah J coming while I was knocked out.
"Bella, sweety, this is going to relax you," he said.
I shook my head no. I didn't want it.
"It's not a choice. I don't want you to go into shock. Just calm down and try to keep your breathing steady."
Before I could resist, I felt the needle jab into my arm and a cool liquid entered my system.
The room was silent for a minute as two worried vampires stood at the foot of the bed, gauging my reaction to whatever was in that syringe.
Suddenly, a wave of calm overtook me. I could physically feel my heart slowing down.
Alice's expression relaxed but Edward remained stiff. I felt my eyes getting heavy.
"She will be fine, Edward," Carlisle says, standing up. "Minor heart attack, it seems."
"What caused it?" Edward asked through his teeth. "She was fine all this time?"
Carlisle sighed. "It could be a number of variables. It could be anxiety or stress related, perhaps a bad reaction to the antitoxins. I'll run a blood test once she wakes up to rule out the medications."
That was all I heard before sleep took me. I was so afraid of what I'd find when I woke up.
Edward's POV
"When, Alice?" I griped for the tenth time.
"She'll be up in seven minutes, Edward," she said.
She was still blocking her thoughts from me, but I didn't want to cause another scene. Whatever it was, if it was urgent, she'd have told me by now. I know she wouldn't risk Bella's safety for a secret.
And if it wasn't a threat to Bella, then I decided I'd try to let it go.
"She's really been out for a while," Esme noted from the kitchen.
She decided to start preparing something for Bella to eat when she finally got up. She would be famished.
"Eight hours, to be exact," I said, looking at my watch.
It was almost six.
"She'll be fine, Edward," Carlisle said, his eyes not leaving the television. "I'll run some tests on her later. Anxiety attacks do really take a toll. She must have been tired on top of the medication."
"This wasn't a mere anxiety attack, Carlisle," I reminded him.
"It was a very minor heart attack. I suspect she'll be okay. I'm not going to give her today's dose of her medication, though, just to be safe. If that was what caused it I wouldn't want to risk it. I'll do the tests and we can continue her program tomorrow."
I nodded, hearing the sense in his words.
"Bella's really been improving, Edward," Esme said from the kitchen.
I didn't respond. My worry wouldn't decrease until I actually saw her awake and fine. They all knew that so they didn't push me.
She's coming, Alice thought to herself.
Not long after her thought, I heard Bella's footsteps as she walked slowly down the hall.
Bella's POV
When my eyes opened, I felt so unsure of practically everything I was once so sure of. The one thing I did know; I had to talk to the Cullens. I was suddenly afraid for them.
They could defend themselves from everything… except exposure.
I got up and put on my old outfit. It was out of the laundry now, and I was more comfortable in it. Also, when I saw Mistah J, I wanted him to see me as I was. Something familiar to show him I haven't changed all that much, despite the hair and eyes. I saw my white, platform boots in the corner of the room. Alice must be tired of me going barefoot. I pulled those on over my fishnets. I was ready.
I slowly got up and started walking to the living room. They all stared at me. Carlisle was sitting in front of the television, Alice and Edward were on opposite ends of the sofa and I heard pots in the kitchen. That was most likely Esme.
I had to hurry. I didn't know how much time I had left.
"Where are the others?" I asked, noticing the absence of three of the vampires.
"Jasper, Emmett and Rosalie went hunting earlier this afternoon," Alice explained.
My eyes widened. It was almost as if Edward could read my thoughts.
"It's six, Bella. You've been out all day," he said. His eyes filled with worry.
Shit.
"Oh," I said simply.
What was I going to do?
My eyes traced the room as I searched for the words.
"Bella," Alice said, getting up. "What is it?"
I opened my mouth to speak, but an ear-shattering crash stopped me.
We all raced to the front room and saw the entirely glass wall was shattered to pieces, leaving the wind to rustle my hair.
"What the…"
I didn't need to be a mind reader to know what Carlisle was thinking.
Suddenly, ropes slung down outside and two men dressed in back swung into the room, each of them holding a camera pointed directly at us.
Edward, probably hearing their thoughts, immediately lowered into an attack stance, ready to leap.
If he did, I knew it would be over for them.
"Edward, don't!" I cried, putting my hand on his shoulder.
He looked up at me, confused.
"You think we're just going let them take you?" he demanded.
I shook my head quickly.
"If any of you attack, it'll be caught on film…" I tried to explain.
Alice lowered next, ready to fight with Edward.
"And?" she hissed.
I gulped. I had to tell them.
"And it'll be sent to Waller. It's a live stream. If she sees you, Alice, of all people, taking down a grown man with a gun, it'll be over. They'll want to know why…"
I was fighting back tears as I spoke, knowing the pain I had inevitably brought to them.
They both stood up immediately, shocked and, for the first time, frightened.
"What do you mean?" Edward snarled through gritted teeth.
I couldn't look at him.
"I… gave him the idea. I knew you wouldn't be able to use your… abilities to stop me from going as long as… you were at risk of exposing yourselves…" I admitted.
I heard a gasp from beside me. I looked up and wished I hadn't. Alice looked… heartbroken.
"Bella…" she said, her brow furrowing. "Why?"
I grimaced at the pain in her voice. "I'm… so sorry, Alice. When we planned this, I didn't know we would…"
Become friends again? What could I say? The men just stood there, guns in one hand and camera in the other, oblivious to our hushed conversations.
"We?" she questioned. "But how did…" she trailed off as she came to the realization. Edward saw it in her mind before she spoke it and I heard him moan. "The phone."
I couldn't even nod. It was too late.
"But I'm not going to let them hurt you," I continue, trying to save what was left of my dignity. "I promise. As long as you act human, nothing bad will happen to you. It can't."
Carlisle was the first to step forward. He had been silent during our entire conversation, but I knew he was paying attention. He didn't even look at me once.
"Gentlemen," he said calmly, "may I ask why you have decided to literally break into my home?"
They didn't answer.
I wanted to turn around, run back into my bedroom and cry. I wanted to get onto my knees and beg for forgiveness. Surely, another plan could have been made. Why did I choose this one? To hurt them? Of course, that's why.
I suddenly realized. That wasn't my bedroom. This wasn't my house. They weren't my family.
My family was the Adonis of a man sliding down the rope at that very moment before swinging himself into the house just a few feet before us.
His green hair somehow stayed in position as the wind followed him inside. He was dressed in a black and white suit. He looked… amazing… handsome…
My eyes widened. It's been so long since I've seen him. My heart picked up. I wanted to run to him, hold him, kiss him. Alice probably sensed this because one cold hand was suddenly on my shoulder with enough force to hold me back if I were to move.
Then, his eyes settled on my face that was probably drenched with longing, and his red lips curled up into that wicked smile I loved so much.
Then, I lost control. I couldn't help it. I leaped forward, towards the man I loved. Finally, we were getting out of here.
"PUDDIN'!"
A/N More drama to ensue! Thank you to everyone who'd been reviewing, I love hearing your thoughts.
They did manage to get to Waller to set it all up, by the way, and it will all be explained in the next chapter.
Tell me what you thought! I wanted Alice to be the one to find the phone, simply because I felt, at that moment, she had the most trust in Bella. And it would be easy to manipulate her.
Anyway, leave a review! Maybe try to predict what happens in the next chapter… it's going to get messy... and interesting!