Chapter Eight:
18 Months Later
If someone had told an 18 year old human Bella that in 23 years she would be embarking on a fun trip with Jane Volturi, she would have dismissed them as insane. And yet, here she was, living that very reality.
Bella and Jane had successfully negotiated a deal with the movie studio, and now, after a month in production, the first 'Chrono Kids' film was well underway. With a star-studded cast comprising some of the industry's most promising young talents, the movie was being shot in prestigious locations like London, Hong Kong, and Hollywood. Bella and Jane had traveled to England specifically to witness the magic of the filmmaking process firsthand.
As Bella and Jane strolled along the bustling studio street, heading towards the soundstage where 'Chrono Kids' was being filmed, they were captivated by the sheer spectacle unfolding around them. The vibrant atmosphere of the movie studio enthralled their senses, with stagehands bustling about, swiftly moving props and equipment, and a diverse array of individuals involved in the production. It was a vibrant hive of activity, a world in constant motion.
The towering soundstage buildings that lined the street proudly displayed large pictures showcasing iconic movies of the past, adding a touch of nostalgia and reverence to the surroundings. Bella and Jane couldn't help but pause at various intervals, their eyes drawn to the captivating scenes unfolding before them. The magnitude of the studio and its workings overwhelmed them, as they marveled at the intricate machinery behind the magic of filmmaking.
For Bella, it was a reminiscent experience, harking back to her time working in Vegas for a summer. But this, this was on an entirely different scale. The enormity and grandeur of the movie studio immersed her in a sense of awe and wonder. And for Jane, it was a completely new encounter, a chance to witness firsthand the inner workings of an industry she had only admired from afar.
"It's so surreal being outside in broad daylight, surrounded by all these people," Jane remarked, her astonishment evident in her voice. Having not spent much time with Bella in the past, she hadn't witnessed the remarkable ability Bella possessed to allow vampires to venture out in public under the sunlight.
Bella nodded understandingly, empathizing with Jane's amazement. "I remember feeling the same way when I first discovered this ability. It took some time to adjust, but now it feels completely natural." Bella's voice held a sense of assurance, reflecting the confidence she had gained over the years.
A smile tugged at Bella's lips as she continued, revealing an intriguing development. "I've been experimenting with my sparkle blocking shield technique, allowing me to extend its protection to Garrett even when I'm not actively projecting it onto him. It's been showing promising results. Though I'm not quite ready for anyone to do field tests just yet, I have a strong belief that in the near future, vampires will be able to bask in the sunlight permanently, without needing my presence. Let's keep our fingers crossed."
Her words carried a sense of optimism, a glimmer of hope for a future where vampires could freely embrace the sunlight without fear or limitations. Bella's dedication to refining her ability and pushing its boundaries was fueled by the desire to create a world where her kind could coexist with humans more harmoniously, bridging the gap between their two worlds.
Jane looked at Bella with a mix of curiosity and admiration, realizing the extent of Bella's determination and the potential impact of her endeavors. The prospect of vampires walking freely under the sun was hard for one as old as Jane to imagine, it was a testament to Bella's unwavering dedication and foreshadowed the remarkable possibilities that lay ahead.
Bella and Jane delved into a lively conversation about the movie and the various actors and actresses involved.
"Do you think Malcolm Davis will be at the studio? He's really hot," Jane remarked with a hungry look on her face, though Bella noticed it wasn't for blood.
"I hope so, for your sake," Bella replied, with a wry smiling, intrigued by this new side of Jane she was witnessing. It prompted her to view Jane in a different light and sparked her curiosity about Jane's personal life.
"Why don't you join us, Jane, when we go out to clubs or other places like that?" Bella inquired with genuine curiosity. "If it's a matter of age, I'm sure we could easily make you look 21 or so. Just look at me—I'm playing a 41-year-old with this makeup on, and I seem to pull it off just fine."
"I don't really think I'd be welcome. As you know, my temper has been known to get away from me," Jane admitted, her expression slightly downcast.
Bella regarded Jane with a warm, reassuring smile. "That's something only you can change, Jane. But please know that I would be more than fine if you wanted to come with us. Just act normal, like you're doing now. Let your guard down and have fun. You're a hot, young, immortal vampire. Embrace that more, and I guarantee you'll start receiving invitations to all sorts of places."
Bella's words carried a genuine sense of encouragement and a sincere desire to see Jane enjoy herself and explore new experiences. She wanted Jane to recognize her own worth and potential beyond her powers of pain, encouraging her to let go of her reservations and embrace the vibrant world around them.
"I will try, Bella. Thank you for all you've done for me. I know we didn't start out on the right foot," Jane said, her tone filled with genuine appreciation.
Bella waved off Jane's apology with a playful smile. "Think nothing of it, Jane. If I remember correctly, I put you in your place pretty fast," Bella replied, sticking her tongue out at Jane in a lighthearted manner.
Jane chuckled softly. "I guess you did," she admitted, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"You were lucky that I managed to control my temper and bring it down as quickly as I did," Bella remarked, a hint of nonchalance in her voice. "The next time Garrett was threatened, I must admit, I lost it for a minute. I ended up slicing all her limbs off and decapitating the vampire who dared to threaten him. Then, I immolated her body and those of her four henchmen. Thankfully, that was the only time I've ever lost my cool."
Jane's eyes bugged out a little at Bella's statement, and she couldn't help but think, "Okay, don't fuck with Bella."
"Now, how would you like me to introduce you, Jane? As you know, I'm known to the studio as the publisher, but no one is aware of your identity. I suggest we go with either the daughter of the author or my assistant. Personally, I think the studio would treat you better if you were introduced as the author's daughter," Bella proposed.
"Let's go with the daughter then," Jane agreed, a smile playing on her lips.
The process of witnessing the movie being made proved to be an extraordinary experience for both Bella and Jane. As they observed the actual sets, Jane couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and excitement. These were the very settings she had envisioned and brought to life in her mind while writing the story. It felt surreal for her to walk amidst the tangible embodiment of her imagination.
To Jane's delight, not only was Malcolm Davis there, but she also had the chance to be introduced to him. Bella felt a slight worry as she observed his interest in Jane. While Bella was all for Jane finding someone, she didn't consider it wise for that person to be an internationally known A-list actor.
They had an incredible time at the studio, immersing themselves in the bustling atmosphere throughout the entire day. To Jane's delight, she even had the opportunity to be an extra in the background of one of the scenes featuring the main stars. The experience filled her with joy, and she eagerly anticipated sharing the exciting news with Alec once they returned to Volterra.
After Bella had washed off her makeup back at the hotel, she turned to Jane with a casual smile. "So, Jane, what's the plan for the rest of the day? Our flight doesn't leave until tomorrow night."
Feeling a pang of hunger, Jane turned to Bella with a hopeful look. "I wouldn't mind grabbing a bite to eat. Do you know any good spots around here? It's been ages since I've been to London."
"Sure, Garrett and I have visited London many times over the years, so I know a good area. Let's head out," Bella said.
As Bella led Jane to a rough neighborhood, where she had witnessed numerous drug deals in the past, the two of them engaged in a conversation about their respective pasts.
"So where were you and Alec originally from?" Bella asked, intrigued by the change she noticed in Jane's demeanor. Gone was the cold and sadistic persona she had known before, replaced by someone more open and willing to connect. Bella wanted to seize this opportunity to truly get to know Jane better.
"We were actually born in Wintanceaster, which is now known as Winchester, around 800 AD," Jane replied, her tone carrying a hint of bitterness. "It's actually not that far from London."
"I assume you have some bad memories of your human days?" Bella asked, genuinely interested in Jane's past.
Jane's eyes flickered with anger as she replied, "You could say so. They burned Alec and me at the stake, accusing us of being witches. Aro happened to be passing through and chose to save us by turning us into vampires. I can still vividly recall the flames devouring my skin," she said, her voice laced with simmering resentment.
"Fuck, that sucks." Bella didn't know what one could really say to that. "Have you ever gone back there?"
Jane snorted in disdain. "No, why would I ever want to go back?" she retorted, her anger evident in her voice.
Bella grinned mischievously. "I can think of a few damn good reasons. Let's grab you some food, and then we'll head to Winchester. I've been there before and know an old part of the city that I think will be perfect."
After Jane swiftly drained a drug dealer and Bella set him ablaze in a dumpster, they dashed off to Winchester. The city wasn't too far away, especially when traveling at vampire speeds.
As they arrived at the town center, it was the dead of night, and the deserted town square exuded an eerie silence.
Bella glanced around and then turned to Jane, her expression earnest. "I know this isn't the exact place, but here you can find some closure," she said, a gentle smile on her face.
Curiosity sparkled in Jane's eyes as she looked at Bella, intrigued. "How can I achieve that, Bella?" she asked, her interest piqued.
"How about you unleash your voice and scream at the top of your lungs, expressing all your thoughts about this town and the people who hurt you? Let all that pent-up aggression out. It might serve as a release for some of your anger issues," Bella suggested, her voice filled with encouragement. "Trust me, once you start, you'll get into it. Give yourself the freedom to let go and really say what's on your mind."
Jane looked skeptical but then, fueled by over a thousand years of repressed anger, she climbed up on a bench and surveyed the town. Memories of what had been taken from her and her brother flooded her mind, intensifying her fury. She desperately wished there was someone she could hold responsible, but the passage of time had erased every trace of her small village and its inhabitants.
Finally, unable to contain the seething emotions any longer, Jane unleashed an ear-splitting scream that reverberated through the night, shaking the very foundations of her being. "Screw you, Wintanceaster!" she roared, her voice dripping with defiance and a burning resolve. Her eyes blazed with an intensity that pierced through the darkness, each word carrying the weight of centuries of pain and resentment.
"You didn't get me or my brother!" she bellowed, her voice cracking with the raw force of her unbridled emotion. Every syllable dripped with the venomous defiance that had fueled her survival against all odds. "We stood tall against your hatred, your ignorance, and your fear!" Her gaze pierced through the emptiness, a flame of indomitable spirit that refused to be extinguished. The memories of her past fueled her words, propelling her forward with an unwavering determination.
"We emerged from the ashes stronger than ever before. We won!" Jane's voice resonated through the desolate streets, an anthem of resilience and triumph that echoed into the depths of her very soul. In an act of audacious rebellion, she extended both middle fingers, a defiant gesture that symbolized her unwavering contempt for the town that had inflicted so much anguish upon her. And with one final declaration, she screamed, "Fuck this place!" Her words were a thunderous outcry, tearing through the fabric of her torment and leaving it shattered in her wake.
Jane's fierce expression transformed into a triumphant smile as she turned to face Bella. "You were right," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of relief and exhilaration. "That felt unbelievably good." In that moment, Jane felt an immense sense of liberation, as if she had finally severed the chains of her past and reclaimed the power that her old town had held over her.
"I'm glad," Bella chuckled, a pleased expression on her face. "Now, I think we should make a swift exit. You've certainly managed to rouse half the town, and lights are flickering to life everywhere." She flashed a playful smile, anticipating their hasty departure.
With exhilaration coursing through their veins, they swiftly disappeared into the night, their laughter echoing in the wake of their departure.
They arrived back in London, with several hours remaining until dawn, leisurely strolling along the banks of the River Thames, engrossed in light-hearted conversation about their lives.
Curiosity sparkled in Bella's eyes as she turned to Jane, a warm smile adorning her lips. "So, Jane," she began, her tone playful, "when was the last time you had a boyfriend?"
"Ugh," Jane groaned, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's been too long, close to 30 years. It's just hard for me to find someone who not only accepts me for who I am but also someone I genuinely like in return."
"I'm glad to hear that, though. I was afraid that, with your young age, you might not have matured enough to be interested in men that way. It would suck beyond measure to be alive for a millennium and have no libido. Unfortunately, that was the problem I had with Edward. You wouldn't believe the lengths I had to go to finally get him to go get laid, and with someone else, if you can believe that shit." Bella said, shaking her head.
Jane chuckled at Bella's pronouncement and replied, "I don't think you realize how much times have changed. When I was human, a girl of 16 was considered an adult and would already be married, starting a family of her own. It's only in the past century or so that the perception of adulthood for women has greatly evolved."
"You're right," Bella admitted, a big smile spreading across her face. "I didn't consider that. Okay, now tell me about the freakiest partner you've ever had."
Bella's curiosity piqued, and Jane's face broke into a mischievous grin. "Alright, buckle up for this one. It was about 700 years ago, and Felix and I found ourselves feeding together. The aroma of blood in the air, and the thrill of the hunt—it ignited a different kind of hunger within us. We looked at each other and couldn't resist. Things quickly escalated, and we started fucking like there was no tomorrow. The way he pounded into me, I don't think I've ever come so hard."
Bella's eyes widened in disbelief. "You and Felix! Holy shit, he must be ten times your size. How the hell did it fit in?"
Jane laughed heartily, her amusement contagious. "Not easily, I'll tell you that." Their laughter mingled in the air, filling the moment with a shared understanding of their wild experiences.
Jane smiled as her curiosity got the best of her. "Alright, spill the beans. What's the most outrageous sexual experience you've ever had?"
Bella pondered for a moment, then a wide smile spread upon her face. "Well, I've only been with Garrett, so I can't share any stories about fucking a giant, although Garrett is a giant where it counts," she said, grinning. "But here's a wild one for you. About five years ago, we took a boat out into the Atlantic Ocean. I used my shield to lift us high into the sky, a good mile above the surface. And you know what we did up there? We started fucking and then I dropped my shield and we fucked while free falling. It was amazing! We hit the water and continued doing it under the sea. But that wasn't enough for us. I lifted us up again, and we repeated the whole thrilling experience, only this time with Garrett behind me. As he pounded into me from behind, I couldn't help but watch the Earth getting closer and closer. It was an unforgettable sight and feeling," Bella said, a wide smile spreading across her face, relishing the memory.
"Damn, that sounds like a blast. I wouldn't mind experiencing that," Jane exclaimed, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Bella chuckled, shaking her head. "Sorry, Jane. I'm all for helping out a fellow vampire, but some things are just a hard no," she replied, amusement dancing in her eyes.
They kept on talking, diving into their pasts. Eventually, Jane brought up there first meeting. "You know, when I first saw Edward Cullen, I thought he was pretty hot," she confessed, a hint of amusement in her voice. "But damn, that attraction vanished real quick once I saw how miserable he was, wishing for death and all that dramatic crap."
A grin appeared on Jane's face as she recalled the next day. "And then, the next day when he showed up with you as a human in tow, I was like, what the fuck? I couldn't believe what I was seeing," she chuckled. "No offense, but you're lucky Aro took an interest in you. 'Cause let me tell you, I seriously wanted to drain your ass after I realized my power didn't work on you."
"None taken," Bella replied with a playful smirk. "Honestly, when I first met you as a human, I didn't like you at all. In my head, I think I called you a 'sadistic bitch'," she confessed, her tone dripping with humor.
"So you're saying you also have the incredible ability to read people accurately," Jane retorted, laughter bubbling in her voice.
"Of course, I have many talents," Bella replied with a smirk. She then leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "So, Jane, have you ever tried dating a human?"
"I don't think you'd call it dating, but every now and then I engage in what you might call a 'meet him, fuck him, eat him' arrangement," Jane stated unabashedly.
"Yes, I can see how that might be attractive to a vampire such as yourself. I'm not suggesting you try that again, as you know my feelings about killing innocent humans. But if you think you can control yourself, you might try dating a human for real. You never know. When I went to college decades ago, I was hit on by pretty much everyone. I know you would be batting them away left and right until you found someone you were actually interested in," Bella suggested.
"That's a valid point, but to be honest, I have concerns about losing my temper and crossing the line into torturing people. Handling a single person is relatively easy if I were to lose control as I could just drain them, but in a group setting, it could undoubtedly risk exposure. That's why I've consciously avoided large gatherings of humans. Yesterday was actually the first time in a very long while that I spent a prolonged period of time among humans," Jane explained, her expression reflecting a touch of discontent.
"Hmm, I think I might be able to help you with that if you're open to it. I'm confident that I could create a shield around you to block your gift permanently, similar to what I'm learning to do with my physical shield. Of course, I could easily take down the block whenever you want, so you'd have your power back. Would you like me to give it a try for a minute?" Bella offered, her tone filled with genuine willingness.
"Well, as long as it's not truly permanent, then yes, you can give it a try," Jane replied, her curiosity piqued.
Bella swiftly enveloped Jane with her mental shield, effectively blocking her power, and then effortlessly sliced it off, just as she had learned to do with her physical shield. Handling her mental shield powers had always come more naturally to her, making it a much easier task.
"Alright, I've blocked your power and withdrawn my mental shield from you. Let's go find some poor bastard for you to test it on. I'm pretty confident you won't be able to do anything to him, but let's check, just to be sure," Bella said, a smirk playing on her lips.
They spotted a delivery man going about his early morning rounds. Jane concentrated her power on the man, but to no avail.
"You did it. I'm throwing everything I've got at him, and he's completely oblivious," Jane exclaimed, impressed by Bella's remarkable skill.
"Alright, now I'll take down the shield so you can have your power back. You can test it on him, but please keep it on low power and only for a second. I'm not a fan of torture unless they deserve it," Bella instructed, removing the power of her shield from Jane.
With a nod from Bella, Jane refocused her gaze on the delivery man. Suddenly, the man let out a piercing scream of agony, but it lasted only for a brief moment.
"Alright, that's enough, Jane. Let's leave the poor guy alone now. He's served his purpose well," Bella said, hoping the man wouldn't be too freaked out by the experience.
As they continued walking, Bella spoke up, "Now you know that you can be around people, whether vampire or human, without having to worry about your gift intruding on your life. If you ever want me to put the shield back on you, you only have to ask."
"Thank you, Bella. I'll definitely keep that in mind. It does open up some new possibilities for me," Jane expressed her gratitude.
Bella shrugged nonchalantly. "Think nothing of it. I'm sure everyone would thank me. I don't know if you know this, but some of the Volturi are a little afraid of you," she said, with a straight face.
Their laughter filled the air as both Bella and Jane found amusement in the statement.
They strolled through the streets of London, engrossed in conversation, until the first rays of sunlight painted the sky. Undeterred by the approaching dawn, they visited several attractions, soaking in the vibrant energy of the city. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as Bella and Jane enjoyed their time together. Jane's earlier gloom had dissipated, replaced by a newfound sense of contentment and optimism. The world seemed full of possibilities, and she couldn't help but feel genuinely happy at last.
Bella and Jane touched down in Florence around midnight, and they parted as new friends. When Bella finally got home she found Garrett in the living room. Without hesitation, she hurried toward Garrett, embracing him tightly. Nestling into his chest, she relished in the familiar scent that enveloped her.
"How was your trip with Jane?" Garrett inquired, his eyes filled with curiosity.
"It actually went really well," Bella replied, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "I never thought I'd say this, but Jane can actually be fun to hang out with. We visited the studio and visited several other places, and during our time together, I got to know her a lot better. Something inside me tells me that she's capable of change, that she won't always be such a bitch to everyone. Call it intuition, but I have a good feeling she will start to turn over a new leaf."
"I'm not surprised," Garrett responded with a smirk. "You have a way of working your magic on everyone, as long as they give you a chance."
Bella's smile widened as she playfully retorted, "Oh, really? Did I have to work my magic on you, too?"
"Oh no, you had me from the moment our eyes met," Garrett confessed, his tone filled with honesty. "All I wanted after that was to make love to you right then and there. The Cullens be damned."
"I actually heard about that from Edward later that night," Bella revealed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "The old me would probably never have gone along with it, but the present me is enjoying the fantasy. Imagining that scenario playing out is quite enticing." Bella's voice grew huskier as she let her imagination run wild, envisioning Garrett passionately tearing off her clothes and fucking her right there in full view of everyone.
"Really? How about we indulge in a little role play and see where it leads us?" Garrett suggested, a spark of excitement in his eyes as he embraced the idea.
Bella's smile grew wider. "Sounds like a thrilling game," she replied, her voice tinged with anticipation. "Let's recreate the scene. I'll walk into the living room, just like I did before." Rising from her seat, Bella gracefully made her way to the living room once again, ready to embark on this playful adventure.
Garrett smiled at Bella "It's lovely to meet you, Bella," he said in a voice that was both inviting and warm, gesturing towards the sofa. "Come join us. I'd love to hear your story too. We've all been catching up, as I haven't seen Carlisle in quite some time," he continued, his smile never fading.
Bella couldn't help but smile back. "I'd love to…"
