Confounding Edward
EDWARD'S POV
Three months had passed, and Bella still hadn't returned. I ached for her and constantly searched for her.
Carlisle had convinced me to go out hunting with him and I agreed.
Alice's thoughts came into my mind as we were heading back.
"You and Carlisle are needed, Edward. A mile from the house you will find Bella."
I took off at high speed, not hearing what Carlisle yelled.
I had to get to Bella. She was the only person that mattered.
"Bella, I love you," I said to the trees.
When I saw her huddled form on the ground, I slowed to a walk. She rolled over, giving me a partial view of her beautiful face. She hadn't aged a day since I last saw her. In fact she looked younger, and she was crying.
"Are you all right?" I asked, touching her arm.
"My head hurts," she said.
"May I take a look," I asked.
Talk about déjà vu.
She just looked at me as I helped her sit up. "Bella, please let me help you?"
"H-how do you know my name?" she asked before falling forward, toward me.
I caught her before she could hit my chest.
We had a similar conversation before in this very spot. The first time I met her, but I hadn't known her name back then. She disappeared three days later, not to return for two years. I wouldn't continue going through hell for two more years.
"I love you," I whispered to her before Carlisle joined me.
"How is she?" he asked.
"What took you so long?" I asked.
"I had to call the house to find out what caused you to take off," he replied, giving me a fatherly look of concern.
"She's going to leave again, Carlisle. It's as if we're meeting for the first time again. I can't lose her."
"I know, son. We need to get her back to the house."
I stood with her in my arms.
"Esme and Alice are preparing a hot bath for her." Carlisle thoughts projected as we ran. "Let them tend to her. You need to call Charlie and Malcolm."
I knew I had, too, but I couldn't pull myself away from her. Carlisle handed me a phone as Alice took Bella from my arms.
"Give us an hour," Alice said.
I couldn't. An hour was too damn long. Three months had been hell for me and anyone who came near me. I wasn't about to let her from my sight for thSat long.
"No, Alice. I'm staying with her. I lost her once, and I'm not about to again."
Rosalie put her hand on my chest, barring my way.
"You have calls to make," she said, pointing to the stairs to my room, to Bella's room. "Go and make them. Then take a very cold shower to calm yourself the fuck down. Until you are calm you will not go anywhere near Bella. Understand? Or, your car will suffer if you set one foot in Alice and Jasper's room without my permission."
I got into Rosalie's face. "I don't care about my car or my piano," I said through gritted teeth. "All I care about is Bella. No one can keep me from her."
"You would think that," Maidie said, appearing in front of me.
Waves of calm began to wash over me.
"Jasper, cut it out," I yelled.
"It's not me, Edward. I swear it is not me," Jasper said, coming out of the room her shared with Alice.
"Then who?" I shouted.
Calm kept coming toward me wave after wave. I resisted but the more I did, the stronger they became. I went down to my knees as each wave washed over me. I glared up at Jasper from my knees.
"I swear I'm not the one trying to calm you. I gave up after the second day," he said.
Another wave crashed against me as I struggled to stand.
"Stay down, you moron," Rosalie said. "Apparently someone wants you to calm down and listen to reason. Go and call Charlie and Malcolm. They're just as worried as you are."
"Please, Edward, listen to Rosalie. Calm down. Wash away the grime from the hunt," Bella said.
Bella?
"We will talk once you are calm. I love you."
"I'm going mad," I said to Emmett as he did whatever Rosalie asked.
He threw me over his shoulder and with a backwards salute, ascended the stairs.
"Listen to Rosalie. Call my father and grandfather. Call everyone. I'm trapped and Maribella is beyond saving, but I can return. I need your help. Please help me."
"Shower first," Emmett said, setting me on my feet before shoving me toward the bathroom door.
"You know I can't go in that bathroom," I said.
"Shower now," he said, pointing to the locked bathroom door.
"I will not go in that room, Emmett."
"Yes. You. Are," he said, getting right in my face. "Bella is back, and you will go in there."
"Listen, Edward. Please listen to him."
I grabbed my head. I couldn't stop hearing Bella's voice, my Bella's voice. There were three rooms I couldn't go into: the bathroom that adjoined our rooms, the music room, and her room. I locked all the doors and threw away the keys.
"No key," I said to the air.
The door exploded, sending shards every which way but where I was standing.
"Guess you don't need a key," Emmett said as Carlisle and Jasper appeared.
"How did that happen?" Jasper asked.
"Shower, Edward. Clear your head. Then get to Scotland. I should have listened to you three months ago. I need to go back to where it all began, and I need everyone's help, especially, Iain's. I know what I need to do now and I need your help," Bella said, pleading with me. "Shower and then pick up the dang blasted phone and call Charlie. He has com-badges for you and your family. They will transport you to Scotland."
I did as the voice in my head told me, afraid of what else would happen if I continued to disobey. Cautiously, I walked into a room that was sealed from me and from time. Nothing had changed but how could it. I had preserved everything. The towel was still on the floor stiff from drying. Picking it up, I lifted it to my nose, inhaling. It smelled like Bella.
Turning to the shower, I turned it on. It was cold when I stepped in. The cool water washed over me, calming me instantly.
My phone was humming when I walked into my room with a towel around my waist. Charlie?
"Hello, Charlie," I said.
"Has Alice seen anything?" he asked.
"No," I lied. "Everyone needs to get to Scotland. I'll explain later how I know that."
I was on a high. I felt better than I had in a long time.
"Bella has disappeared again," Carlisle said, leaning against my doorjamb as I button up my shirt.
"I know, don't know how, I just do."
"Does it have anything to do with the exploding door?" he asked, his eyes moving where the door had hung.
The mess had been cleaned up. No one in this house would think I was crazy.
"Yes," I answered honestly. "I think Bella did it to make me listen to Emmett and Rosalie."
Carlisle lips formed a hard line. "I see. And from your appearance, I know you listened."
I lifted a hand. What could I say. Going to the stairs, I disappeared down them with Carlisle behind me. "We're going to Scotland. To where everything began," I said, once on the main level.
"Why?" Esme asked.
"I was told to get everyone to Scotland and that's what I'm doing. Charlie is waiting for us."
"Who told you that?" Jasper asked.
"Bella," I replied, walking out the door and taking off at a run.
BELLA'S POV
I prayed Edward understood what I needed him to do. I couldn't afford to expend any more of my limited powers to communicate with him again, what little I had left, had to be used to get back to him.
My younger self should have hinted to him, or at least Carlisle, I was in trouble. I was lucky enough to be resting in the woods on the day I had first learned of my impending marriage to Garret Gillpatrick. Knowing I was about to flee, I recited the spell I hoped would take my younger self to the woods just outside of the Cullen's. I didn't know in what year she would arrive. Alice would see and send Edward to find my younger self.
Using my younger self as an anchor, I delivered my message.
The mages were near… hunting me. I had to get to safety. Grandfather walked out of the Gillpatrick keep alone. Knowing he was Ewan, I knew the risk of revealing myself to him was low, so I picked up my knapsack and approached him.
"Grandfather," I said.
He started before looking me up and down, taking in my worn shoes, cloak, and clothing. "Isabella," he said a smile lighting his eyes when they connected with mine again. "Not the Isabella I know, but you're her. Well, her future self."
I smiled. "I need your help."
"What aid do you need that your magic can't provide?" he asked.
My gaze fell to my feet.
"You've embraced time travel," he said.
My eyes snapped back to his. "Yes. I've been away from my native time for three months."
"Far too long without an anchor," he said, his gaze moved to my left hand. "But you have one."
I nodded. "I love him very much and need to get back to him, but the mages are on my tail."
Grandfather turned, motioning to someone who had exited the house. They ran to a town car and were soon stopping in front of Grandfather and me.
Aengus got out with a cloak and handed it to Grandfather. Aengus didn't look at me, but he did bow, muttering, "My lady."
Aengus climbed back into the car.
"Does he know who I am?" I asked.
"No, lass, he doesn't. Without your grandmother or you by my side, not many outside the clan talk to me."
"Oh." I glanced at the keep. None of the Gillpatrick's had come out. "So, Aengus?"
"Calls all ladies speaking with me 'My lady,'" Grandfather said.
He held out the cloak to me, and I recognized it as his. "I know it's not much but it's warmer than the rags you're wearing. It will also shield you from the mages until I can get you to the safety of McCullough lands."
"Not where I need to go," I said, accepting the cloak.
He frowned when I was facing him again. "And where do you need to go, lass?"
I sighed, looking to the north. "McGregor lands," I said. "To the little church where your Maribella married Iain."
Grandfather shook his head. "The church no longer stands and where it stood is now a visitors lot."
My face fell. "All hope of healing the past is gone then."
"No, lass. There is a way, but you will need help from witches and wizards to recreate the church inside the library," he said. "It will take time."
"How much time?" I asked.
"Two and a half years from today," Grandfather replied. "You will have your full powers back and will be able to do what you need to."
"Until then, I remain hidden," I said, drawing the hood up. "I will need to get a message to Carlisle Cullen, though."
"Who's he?" Grandfather asked, opening the door of the car for me.
"Another anchor," I replied, getting in and leaving it at.
Grandfather handed me his cellphone. "Call him. I need to let the Gillpatrick's know I haven't found you. I'll be back in a half hour."
Disguising my voice, I dialed Carlisle's cell.
"Carlisle's phone, Alice speaking."
"This is Marie Swan from Forks Hospital," I said. "I need to speak with Dr. Cullen about a notation he made in a chart."
"One minute," Alice replied. "I'll get him."
If she thought my reason was strange, she didn't say anything.
"Ms. Swan," Carlisle familiar voice said. "What notation don't you understand?"
"Thanks for playing along, Carlisle," I replied.
He chuckled. "I believe that is a stray mark and means nothing. Any other questions?"
"Two and a half years." I did a quick calculation to get the date. "The end of May 2217."
"I see. That does seem too long for the medication, but it is correct. Why do you ask?" he asked.
I was silent for a good five minutes, collecting myself. Carlisle was a constant in my travels through time and knew me. "You won't hear from me again."
"Bella," Carlisle said. "Are you okay? You've never been this cryptic."
"Are you alone?"
"Yes, and miles away from my family."
My gaze went to the car window. Grandfather was still talking to someone on the front steps.
"I'm in danger, Carlisle. The mages are after me. I have to keep out of sight," I said, tears slipping down my face.
"Do you need me to come get you?" he asked.
I wiped my face with the inside of the cloak, glad the divider was up. "No. It would put you in danger and there are things I still need to do." I sighed, needing to give him some hope. "You know the date I disappear. Remind Edward how much I love him every day until I send my younger self to you again."
"Again?" he asked.
I smiled. "Edward is sitting by my side now, Carlisle. I will disappear and will not reenter his life for two years. On Valentine's Day, Edward will ask me to marry him and then he will lose me when I go back in time. I'll be gone for three months."
My gaze went to the window. Grandfather was approaching the car. I didn't have much longer to talk with Carlisle.
"The day I return, I'll be Edward's wife," I said, my gaze falling to my lap and the ring on my left hand. "Don't let Edward lose hope."
I hung up, not wanting for his promise. The rear passenger side door opened and Grandfather slid in. I handed him back his phone.
"Message delivered?" he asked once we were on the road.
I nodded and closed my eyes, exhausted.
EDWARD'S POV
As I ran I felt a calm I had not known for a long time. Bella was coming back to me. Only Carlisle and Malcolm believe she would return. Carlisle reminded me daily of Bella's love for me. It bolstered me, but melancholy eventually set in.
I could care less if others were following me. The sisters had been coming every Saturday. They wrote countless spells trying to find her. They would easily be able to get to Scotland.
"Edward, man, wait up," Emmett called with his mind.
I couldn't stop running.
"Come now, Edward, have a level head."
With Carlisle's thoughts I leaped the fence of the base, clearing it with ease.
"Edward, what did Bella tell you exactly?" Charlie asked.
I was face to face with Charlie a second later. He was seething and wanted his question answered. "To get to Scotland and get there as fast as possible."
"Then you will need this," he said pushing a strange badge into my hands. "Bella was working on this before she left. The engineering team has no idea what it is or what it will do. There are exactly seven," he finished as Carlisle clapped his hand on my shoulder.
Charlie handed out the rest and when the Alice had received the last one, we all were standing in the McCullough Great Hall. The four wizards and three sisters were already there.
"Iain needs to be here," I said.
"He's on his way down," Malcolm said, walking into the room. "He arrived late last night with quite a story." He laughed. "So, Edward, Charlie tells me you were told by Bella to come her. How exactly did she tell you?"
All eyes turned to me. I didn't know what to say. "She did," was all I could manage to get passed my lips.
"I think he was hearing Bella's voice," Jasper said.
"What did she tell you?" Malcolm said, guiding my away from the group. He continued speaking to just me in a language I was sure I didn't know, but I've seen stranger things happen in this hall. "You can tell me. I'll believe you."
"She said…" I turned addressing everyone. "Bella's trapped in time and Maribella is beyond saving, but Bella can return. That she should have listened to me three months ago. And that she needs to go back to where it began and needs everyone to be there, especially Iain. She knows what she needs to do now and needs my help."
Iain walked in the hall at the moment. "Then, this is for you, Edward," he said handing me a large box and stepped back.
"Ladies," he said addressing Esme, Rosalie, and Alice, "if you would come with me. You will soon understand what Edward is about to learn."
My mother and sisters followed Iain and disappeared out the door.
"I guess that is our cue," Maisie said and disappeared behind the dais with everyone but Carlisle, Charlie, Malcolm, Jasper, Emmett, and me.
"What is going on?" I asked.
"Wish I knew," Emmett said, rubbing his chin.
"Who's the gift from?" Charlie asked, indicating the tag.
I hadn't even looked at the box, confused at what everyone else was doing and going. I looked at the tag and read "From: Maribella McCullough."
Turning to Malcolm for an explanation, I found I was completely alone. I tore open the box and was encountered a tuxedo only Alice could have put together. There inside was a note from Bella.
"Edward, through time I send this message in hopes you understand. I know what you are thinking and no, Alice did not pick this tuxedo out. Believe it or not, you did. Go now and dress, I will see you soon. The others should be about ready. And trust me on this, Alice is just as confused as you are. I love you. Bella"
As I removed the tuxedo from the box, an envelope floated to the ground. Picking it up, I carefully tore it open, hoping it was Bella. What I saw surprised even me:
You are cordially invited
To celebrate the marriage of
Isabella Marie Swan
And
Edward Anthony Masen Cullen
McCullough Castle, Crail, Scotland
Saturday, May 31, 2217 6:30 pm (Reception to follow)
Cullen Mansion, Forks, Washington
Saturday, June 14, 2217 7:30 pm
What was the date today? Where in the world is my phone?
"Edward, son," Carlisle said, putting his hand on my shoulder. "You should be getting ready."
"Ready for what?" I asked.
"Go and change," he said, taking the envelope and card from me. "Emmett and Jasper will help you. Go, follow the servant."
I looked at him, and he was wearing a tuxedo similar to the one I was still holding.
"Bella, I hope you are right about this," his thoughts betrayed.
I turned, following the servant, not asking what he meant.
CARLISLE'S POV
"I had hoped Edward would have understood this," I said as Charlie joined me, handing him the card.
"Wait. Today is the thirty-first day of May," Charlie said, reading what was visible on the stiff card.
"I know," I said, looking to where my son had disappeared.
"Do you think Bella is right?" Charlie asked.
I had informed Charlie days ago, Bella had been communicating with me through her travels in time.
"I don't know. I still can't believe she didn't tell him when she came to him," I said.
"She couldn't. Her world was turned upside down," Charlie remarked.
"Sending her younger self to him," I said, shaking my head, not comprehending everything.
"Edward can never know, never fully know what today means," Malcolm said, entering the hall clad in the formal clan tartan. "This was the day I sent Maribella into time. Isabella is finally ready to do what I was afraid to do and it must be done before midnight if we are to save Maribella." He paused, straightening his jacket. "Maribella had expended the last of her magic to deliver the final pieces of the prophecy to Isabella and Edward. 'The great mages of my family are the only ones who will be able to stop you. Don't let them. The time is coming for a greater celebration. A celebration and union made out of love. You will know when the time is right. Trust in this simple truth: blood, life, and magic will combine on a dark night where neither mage nor those who are ignorant will be able to see.'"
"But Isabella never figured out what it meant," Charlie said.
"She must have or that card would not exist. Now come," Malcolm said, leading the way toward the magical library.
ALICE'S POV
Iain handed me and Rosalie dark blue dress. My dress was accented with a silver sash. Rosalie's a silver ribbon with a slit running down the left side where a silver underlay could be seen. He also gave us diamond earrings and a diamond initial. For Esme, he had a silver gown and necklace with a diamond set in an onyx circle.
I can't see what was going to happen. "Why can't I see anything?" I asked for the hundredth time as Iain helped me with my gown.
"Because I don't think you are meant to, Alice," he asked for the hundredth time.
"What was in the box?" Esme asked him in hopes of distracting me.
"I'm not sure. I was just instructed to deliver it."
"Who asked you to deliver it?" Rosalie questioned, just as irritated as me.
"My niece," was all we could get out of him. "Oh, Rosalie, I was asked to give you this to play."
Rosalie and I looked at the sheet music.
"I don't recognize it," Rosalie said.
"Neither do I," Esme said. "Do you know who wrote it at least?"
"I wish I did," Iain commented.
"It's about time," he said a moment later.
"Time for what," I whined, stomping my foot.
"Your guess is as good as mine," he said, leading the way out of the room where we were met by Carlisle, Jasper, and Emmett.
"Alice?" Jasper questioned, looking at me as I took in what he was wearing. The Cullen colors.
I shook my head, "Nothing."
"Perhaps this will help," Carlisle said, handing me a small and expensive-looking card.
"It's just a picture of Edward and Bella," Jasper commented.
"Turn it into the candle light," Charlie said.
"All I see are the words 'You are cordially invited'," I said.
"Invited to what?" Rosalie said, snatching the card from my hand and held it at a different angel.
"Edward Anthony Masen Cullen." I looked at Rosalie and her faced probably mirrored mine.
"Here allow me," Charlie said. "Hmmm, back to the picture no matter how I hold it."
Carlisle started to chuckle. "I was afraid of that."
"What do you know, Carlisle?" I asked.
"I promised Bella I would say nothing. I know it's going to be hard for you, Alice, but try to understand what I am about to say, this is what Bella was waiting for."
I huffed and crossed my arms before realized that was a bad idea.
"Come now, Carlisle," Edward said when we all arrived outside the library. "What is this all about?"
"You read the card, Edward, didn't you?" Carlisle asked.
My dear brother nodded his head. "Then you know."
"No, I don't," he said, walking through to open doorway. Stumbling to a halt.
EDWARD'S POV
The library had been transformed. It looked just like the inside of the small church I escorted Maribella to on the night she wed. But there were some differences. Gold, blue, and silver petals littered the floor. Gold lights twinkled as they wound their way around the room. A central area remained clear and there was a flowered adorned arch at the end an aisle.
What in the world was going on?
"Rosalie, the piano is all yours," Justine said.
My eyes followed Rosalie. In the far left corner was a beautiful white grand piano. No decorations need adorn it, but there was a tiara of pure silver and gold along with two small boxes.
"Edward, please stand right here," Zachary said, pushing me over to the arch.
Serene music started to fill the small space with clarity and calming waves.
"Edward," someone called to me.
I looked up to see a beautiful face.
"Relax and remember."
"Remember what?" I asked in a calm voice as the music became more pronounced.
"Turn and look," the voice said.
When I did Carlisle, Emmett, and Jasper join me? Everyone was standing and waiting when a cloaked figure came through the door.
What was I supposed to remember?
"Let nothing happen to my baby girl" another voice said. "Go, Edward, meet her and Charlie halfway."
My feet began carrying me and Emmett placed a hand out to stop me but halted.
Strange and yet familiar words drifted in my mind.
Nothing would stop me nor stand in my way. I was beyond being stopped, but I did, looking down and white roses tipped with red appeared in my hands.
"I believe these are for you, Bella," I said in a whisper.
The cloak fell and Bella stood before me in a beautiful blue and white gown. I held out my hand to her, the rose dropping to the floor all but forgotten. Electricity course through me as we touched, and we were transported to an altogether different celebration.
"Maribella, do you…"
"Stop," I shouted "Maribella, don't marry him."
I tried to free my hand from Bella's, but she shook her head.
The ceremony continued as if I didn't speak. Music floated in the air around us.
"Edward, do you take Isabella as your wife?"
I couldn't stop from answering.
A ring was placed in my hand as I looked into Bella's eyes not speaking. I slipped the ring onto her finger as tears fell from my eyes. It was all very surreal and strange, yet magical.
"With the exchanged of words of love and tokens of your eternal love…" I didn't hear the rest, I moved toward Bella and kissed her afraid I would lose her again.
"I missed you, Bella," I whispered against her lips.
"And I you, Edward. Thank you," she said. "You helped me free Maribella's soul. She can now rest in peace and no longer travel through time, waiting."
Something was pulling me backwards, I gripped Bella's hand.
"You will not lose me again," she said. "Trust me, let go, and open your eyes."
Clapping and whistling could be heard when I release Bella. Malcolm had a smile on his face and tears in his eyes.
"Malcolm," I said right as he collapsed.
Kneeling next to him, I felt for a pulse and found none. "Carlisle, help him."
BELLA'S POV
"Edward, it is too late," Bella said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "He's free to be with Maribella, and he's happy."
"Why haven't I moved on?" Iain asked.
"Your curse is to remain," I said, turning to him, "but only for a bit longer. You will have to face the McGregor council, Edward and I will do what we can to help you."
Edward stood and wrapped his arm around my waist and took my other hand in his as I continued.
"I'm now the McCullough and whether the McGregor's will accept the truth, I'm also the McGregor—the last living descendant of the great and just ruler. They are ignorant and lost in their ways. I have lived among them in secret several times in my journey and know more than the mages. The truth will hurt them and you will help in making them see me for who I am."
"It's time to heal the wounds and start again," I finished, looking to where my grandfather lie content, no longer suffering.
A smiled was neatly planted on his face.
"Alice," I said, addressing my new sister. "Now is not time for sorrow. The time to mourn will come. A celebration of life has begun with Edward and my marriage."
"I know," came her reply. "I understand what happened and why I couldn't see. Iain, you were right, I was not meant to see. I would have tried to stop Edward."
She smiled and winked at me.
"This is only the beginning," I threw over my shoulder as Edward led me from the room away from the others.
"What just happened, Bella?" he asked.
I smiled at him. "Maribella's greatest spell. Don't you remember when we first met? And I'm not talking about when you came across me in the woods crying," I answered
"Remember."
"No."
"You will. Trust me."