Edward's POV-
I watched as Renesmee fled from the room. Everything in me was screaming at my brain to chase after her, but my feet wouldn't move. I think I was still in shock. I was completely aware of everything going on around me, but my body was as still as a statue. I couldn't break out of my thoughts.
I watched as Rosalie and Emmett made their way over to me with confused looks on their faces and even more confused thoughts. They hadn't seen Bella, but Renesmee ran into them as she was fleeing from the room. I could hear Alice, Jasper, Carlisle, and Esme coming my way and their thoughts grew increasingly louder as they approached. With the exception of Alice, who was still hiding her thoughts, they had all seen Bella, and wanted to make sure I was okay. They hadn't seen Renesmee chase after Bella, so as of now they didn't suspect anything.
I cursed myself as I still couldn't find the strength to move. I need to go after them. Bella needs to know that I still love her. I hoped she hadn't moved on. I don't know that I could deal with anyone else taking my place as her love, or being a father for Renesmee. A sudden pain shot through me at the thought. I had left Bella all alone in this. It's been a hundred years that I've been a father and it wasn't until today that I realized it. For a hundred years, Bella has had to raise our daughter by herself.
"Edward—" I heard Carlisle begin to speak. He was going to ask if I was okay, but Emmett cut him off.
"Did anyone else catch that? Ness nearly bulldozed Rosie and I." He said. I felt a pang of sadness course through me, earning me an odd look from Jasper. He was starting to piece the story together. I watched as Alice grabbed his arm and laid her head on him. I could tell through Jasper's thoughts that she felt guilty.
"Edward, what's going on?" Esme asked me. She was scared. I didn't need to read Jasper's thoughts to understand that. I could sense the tension all around me. I heard as Jasper figured out that Renesmee was mine and Bella's daughter and gave me a worried and sympathetic look.
"Son, I know this must be a shock for you, believe me, it's a shock for all of us too. Share with us what you're thinking. We're here for you." Carlisle told me. If only he knew, although I'm sure he'll find out soon enough.
"I'm confused." Emmett admitted. What's new?
"Now, I'm a little worried. What did we miss?" Rosalie asked to nobody in particular. I still hadn't said a word. How do I go about explaining any of this? How would they react? I'm sure Esme and Carlisle would be happy. Jasper and Alice as well. Rosalie would be pissed at me. She's always wanted a child to look after. If it weren't for the possibility that Renesmee could get mad at her, I'm sure she'd rip my head off. I'm sure Emmett would take the opportunity to come up with some unoriginal dad jokes.
As I was thinking about the situation, I could hear through Jasper that Alice was growing increasingly frustrated. Maybe she'd figured it out too, and was getting angry that I'd screwed up so much. I looked in her direction and she was trying to hide her emotions. It only took a few more seconds until she gave in.
"Okay, I give up!" She exploded, pouting. "What the hell is wrong with you? You've been sulking for a hundred years, and you finally have a golden opportunity to fix your mistakes, and what do you do? You stand here and sulk some more." She rambled on. I shot her a glare. She doesn't have the first clue! I have a lot to think about! As much as I want to go talk to Bella and comfort her, she probably wouldn't speak to me anyway. Maybe Renesmee can calm her down before I try and see her. Perhaps the fact that my body didn't seem to be working was a sign—A sign that if I were to go talk to Bella right now, I'd just make things worse.
"Edward! Are you even listening to me? For the love of all that is holy—man up and go get your family back!" She yelled. As soon as the words came out of her mouth, she must have realized she said something wrong because regret and fear overwhelmed her. It only took a fraction of a second, but her attempts at blocking her thoughts failed and I realized what she'd been hiding from me.
"You knew." I growled at her, growing angry both at the harsh reality of her words and the fact that she knew that Renesmee was my daughter! She was worried, but tried not to let it show through.
"You stop it right there, Mister! Yes, I knew, but only since yesterday!" She defended herself.
"Alice—" I growled once again. A whole day! I could have had a whole day with my daughter getting to know her even more!
"Don't get mad at me! I was going to tell you, but she told me not to." Alice admitted. I must admit, I was a little hurt that Renesmee didn't want me to know. Does that mean, she would have just let us all leave, knowing who we were.
"Alice, we're family! You were supposed to tell me!" I was still angry, but the hurt that I felt from Renesmee not wanting me to know had calmed me down a little. Alice gave me an disbelieving look.
"Are you kidding me? By that logic, I made the right decision then." I was still angry, but the fact that she already considered my daughter as part of our family warmed my heart a bit.
"This isn't over." I told her.
"Didn't think it would be." She responded. I made my way toward the area that Renesmee and Bella had left, intending to find them now that my feet seemed to work. I heard Emmett mumble a quick 'What the hell' before I tuned them out, solely focused on finding my mate and daughter. I made it almost to the small stairway when two people stepped in front of me.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Cullen, but we cannot permit you to go any further." The large one, Felix, told me. Based off of his thoughts, I was surprised he was being so civil to me. He was very protective of my Bella, and he knew well of what had gone down between us. The same went for the other, smaller, one named Demetri. He and Bella were very close. Luckily for him, he saw Bella as a sister, as did Felix.
"I'm begging you—I have to fix this. Please let me see them." I pleaded. They were displeased with the fact that I knew Renesmee was my daughter. They knew I had seen Bella, but were hoping that I didn't realize my relation to Renesmee. I hoped their silence meant that I could go by, so I started to walk around, but they stopped me again.
"We told you, Mr. Cullen. It wouldn't be good for anyone if we allowed you to see them." This time Demetri spoke. I was growing more upset by the second.
"That's my mate and my daughter back there. You have no right to keep me from seeing them." I lowered my voice so it was barely audible. I'm sure if Jane heard me threatening her fellow guards, I'd be writhing on the floor in less than a second. These two, however, had no offensive power over me.
"As honorary brothers to Isabella and uncles to Renesmee, I think we do." Felix told me. He was growing angrier as well. Demetri remained relatively calm, at least outwardly.
"So help me, if you don't move this instant—" A flash of movement and bronze hair out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. I watched as Renesmee entered the room, once again, looking like a zombie. There were tears staining her cheeks, her mouth was hanging slightly open, and she kept her hollow eyes lined to the floor as she walked. I didn't know what had happened with Bella, but I knew the girl standing a few feet away from me was nothing like the smiling, happy girl I had been dancing with a few minutes ago.
Renesmee's POV-
What had I done? This was way worse than anything I could have expected. I thought she'd be angry and scream at me. She had every right to be mad. I had gone behind her back, betrayed her even. I expected her to be furious with me. I could handle angry. Mom has rarely been angry enough to yell at me in the past, but each of those times, she would yell, I would apologize, I'd go to my room for a day, and then we'd hug it out the next morning.
I never expected this! She didn't even seem angry as much as she did sad and disappointed. I wanted her to yell. I wanted her to ground me forever and tell me that I'm an idiot. I would gladly trade my freedom for a week with my family—but no, instead of angry, she's sad. I can't even say that I understand why. I always assumed that she didn't want them to meet me because she didn't want them to take me away from her. That sounds like it would generate a more angry response rather than sad though. Unless she thinks they're going to take me from her…but that would be crazy! I would never leave my mom. She's been the peanut butter to my jelly since day one. I need her. And if she truly thought that the idea was even a possibility, then why would she try and push me away? She wouldn't even look at me, let alone talk to me. How is that supposed to make me want to be around her if she won't even listen?
I slowly made my way back to the throne room. I didn't really feel like being around people, but I had to tell Aro that the party was over. I just wanted all of these strangers out of my home. I hoped I wouldn't run into Jordan again. I was at my breaking point and I know that if he tries to pull something, I would snap at him.
I don't even know that I want to see the Cullens. My dad saw my mom, so he knew she was alive. He'd probably bombard me with questions that I really am not in the right mindset to answer. I don't think I ever explicitly said that she was my mom, but considering that he said that I look just like her, I'm sure it didn't take long to figure out. From there, he'd have to be an idiot to not figure out what that meant for him, and I knew he wasn't dumb.
I wonder if anybody else saw my mom. Rosalie and Emmett hadn't. It wouldn't matter if Alice did. I wondered how Jasper, Carlisle, and Esme would respond if they did see my mom. Would they be upset? Angry, even? I sure hoped not. I adore them already, and I don't know that I could ever see them in the same light if they didn't get along with my mother. I wondered how they would feel if they found out about me. They seemed really intrigued when I told them earlier in the week about my hybrid-ness, for lack of a better word, but how would they feel knowing that Edward is my father? I'm sure I'd be intrigued too if I found, perhaps, a two headed dog, but that doesn't mean I'd keep it forever.
I walked into the throne room, my face likely looking like a mess. I wasn't crying anymore, but the evidence was all over my face. I was a mess. I looked around for Aro and when I spotted him, I started walking over to him. He was discussing something with Marcus, and normally I'd hate to interrupt, but I couldn't seem to let myself care tonight. I had never felt so broken and alone, and I had nobody to blame but myself.
I was about halfway to Aro when it happened. I was walking over, feeling sadder than ever about what had happened with my mom, in addition to the fact that I could see my dad struggling against Felix and Demetri's holds, when Jane spoke.
"You act like you didn't know this was going to happen." Hell no, bitch. Not today. I turned to her and glared. She was already glaring at me when we made eye contact.
"I didn't! Not today at least." Jane shook her head at my words, giving me a look of disbelief.
"Do you even hear yourself, Renesmee? You're upset because Mommy coming home ruined your birthday with the Cullens?" I didn't say anything. I had no idea how to defend myself, but I continued to glare. I could see by the mention of their names, the Cullens started to pay attention and make their way over to where my dad was currently standing, watching in horror. She let out a sarcastic chuckle. "You are unbelievable! Do you realize how much your mother has done for you—how much she's given up for you?" She pushed. I narrowed my eyes. I was seeing red.
"Of course, I do, Jane!" I yelled. I was going to continue, but she cut me off.
"Then why would you do this to her? To your own mother! Renesmee, you of all people should have known how much this would hurt her." She continued. Her words shot through me, and my eyes starting to water once again. I hate that I was letting her get the upper hand on me. I had a good reason to do this!
"I just wanted to meet my—them." Shit. I almost said family. By the outraged look on Jane's face, I know she heard my mess up.
"Say it. Say the word, Renesmee." Jane challenged. I felt myself gaining confidence. I was not going to let her stand here and dig into me. She hadn't the slightest clue, and with each word that escaped her mouth, my hesitation about completely ripping her apart faded.
"My family."
"Your family? Look around, Renesmee. This is your family." She was referring to the Aro, Caius, Marcus, and the rest of the guard. "They aren't your family. They're strangers, one of which you happen to share DNA with, that's it!" She yelled. I can't take this. I can't take any more of this utter bullshit. I can't believe I used to like and admire her! She says she's my family, but here she is trying to make me feel like I'm a horrible person for wanting to meet my father! It's been a hundred years for the love of all that is holy!
"You see, that's where you're wrong, Jane. In a matter of days, I have learned more about why I am who I am than I have in the past fifty years!" I told her. She rolled her eyes, and I snapped. "Who are you to even judge me? Just because your dad hated you so much that he had you burned at the stake doesn't mean that I shouldn't be allowed to know mine." I said angrily. God, if looks could kill. I hit a soft spot and I knew it.
"That's not the point, Renesmee! You know how much pain they caused your mother!"
"It's been a hundred years, Jane! I waited for a hundred years!" I defended myself.
"Exactly. A hundred years and you still don't seem to comprehend that there is never going to be a relationship between you and the Cullens. Not if you want to have a relationship with your mother that is." She smirked and I tried to think of something witty to say. I hated to think that there was a possibility that I wouldn't have any sort of relationship with the Cullens. Aunt Alice was right. I loved them already. Jane took my silence as a cue to continue.
"C'mon Ness, you didn't actually think that they could just show up and Mommy and Daddy would get back together and everyone would be a big, happy, family did you?" She taunted. Of course I never expected that, as much as I desperately wished it would. I didn't want to start crying again, especially not at something as stupid as her lame taunting.
"Jane, stop." I told her. I wanted to just tell Aro that the party was over and retreat to my room. I wanted this day to just be over.
"No. I had to hold my tongue this entire week. I had to act civil to these atrocities this entire week so they wouldn't grow suspicious. Well, secret's out, Princess! I might as well get everything I need to say off my chest now." She smirked. What I wouldn't give to see her power backfire on her just once.
"Civil? You call being a raging bitch all week being civil?" I questioned. She tilted her head at me, giving me a smug look.
"At least I know where my loyalties lie." Again, her words felt like a canon just blew through my chest.
"That's low, Jane." I whispered. My loyalty was with my mother, but I can't just completely turn my back on my father and his family!
"Just about as low as going behind your mother's back and getting all buddy-buddy with the sole group of people she was trying to protect you from." She hesitated intentionally. "I can't say I can think of anything as low as that." My face was red with anger and my fists were clenched at my side at this point.
"You act like I'm proud of what I've done! I feel horrible for hurting her so much, but—" I began.
"But what, Renesmee? What could you possibly have to say that would excuse you for what you've done? You're mother's entire existence revolves around you! Every thought she has and emotion she feels can be tied back to you somehow. She has been with you, guiding you, protecting you, loving you since she found out she was pregnant with you! Think about it Renesmee. She risked her life coming here so you could be born. She had to learn how to raise a hybrid baby from the time she was 18 while trying to learn how to manage life as a vampire. She has hidden here for 100 years for your protection. She only ever leaves if it's for your sake. Most astonishing is the fact that she forces herself to put on a brave face for you every single day despite the fact that the resemblance between you and your father kills her inside. Doesn't that mean anything to you?" She spat. I began sobbing as guilt flooded through me. As much as I hated to admit it, I knew Jane was right. I didn't even try to formulate a response. I heard my dad growl from behind Demetri and Felix which just made me cry harder. How could something so amazing be so horrible in the eyes of my mom? Jane looked over at him and chuckled a bit.
"Of course not because between the unconditional love of everyone here in Volterra, and being spoiled rotten, poor baby Renesmee still craves the one thing she cannot have—A relationship with her daddy." She fake pouted to mock me. I could kill her. "God! You idolized him so much that your mother never had the heart to tell you—"
"Stop Jane!" Alec yelled, effectively cutting her off. She looked over at him. Alec normally wasn't one to get angry, but when he did, everyone knew to back off. He glared at his sister, who cowered a bit in shame. Aro was the next one to speak now that Jane and I weren't verbally attacking each other.
"Thank you for coming everyone. It has been lovely seeing you all once again. Tonight's ball has now come to an end, but we hope to see you all again in the future, on good terms I hope." He addressed everyone, then turned to me. "I'll handle Jane. You should get some rest."
For the first time since running away earlier, I looked to face my father. The pain in his eyes rivaled my mother's. His eyes were pleading with me to talk to him, to not leave. It was inevitable though. I guess a relationship between the Cullens and I just wouldn't be a part of my forever. My eyes watered again at the thought. I hated how emotional I was being tonight! I stared at the floor so they wouldn't see the tears and pain in my eyes.
"It was nice meeting you all. This past week has been one of the best weeks of my life, so thank you. I hope you have a safe trip back." I concluded and began to turn away. I could hear my father struggling against Felix and Demetri, and whispering threats to them both, although I couldn't hear the specifics. I suddenly felt two cold arms wrap around me, and looked up. It wasn't exactly who I had hoped, but I hugged her back anyway, letting the sobs escape me. This could be the last time I'd ever see any of them, and it killed me.
"Shhh, Ness. It's okay." Alice comforted me, rubbing my back. She was shorter than me, but I buried my head in her shoulder. I shook my head.
"No, it's not. She won't even look at me." I admitted. She hugged me tighter.
"Give it time, Ness. Your mom is stubborn as a mule, but she loves you. I don't need to be an empath to know that." She told me. I don't know how I ever survived without her. I pulled away, wiping my tears.
"I guess this is goodbye." I said. She shook her head.
"No, it's not a goodbye. It's a see you later." She assured me, taking my hands and slipping something into one of them. "We'll always be here." I looked at the small piece of paper that had a list of phone numbers, emails, and an address on it. I smiled a bit. "We love you." She told me.
"I love you too. All of you." I said, looking from her to my dad. His eyes were still pleading for me to stay. "I have to go. I'm sorry." I once again turned my back and walked out the door.
Author's Note:
So that's the end of the ball. Pretty eventful, huh?
I worked really hard on this chapter, so I hope you'll all be kind enough to review. Here's some example review topics.
1. General thoughts on the chapter, the ball as a whole, or Renesmee's behavior.
2. Who do you think won that verbal battle between Renesmee and Jane?
3. What do you think will happen now? The whole 'Bella shows up at the ball' was pretty predictable, I'll admit. Can anyone guess what's coming next? Or what you'd like to happen at least?
Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, alerted, favorited, or literally even read my story. You make me happy :D
PM with questions.
Until next time, Taylor.
***Easter break is next weekend, so if I get a good response on this chapter (lets say 395 reviews), I'll try to update earlier or maybe even *drum roll* twice. You have officially been bribed.