Chapter 8:
Bella was exhausted after what had gone down between Edward and herself. Distracting herself with Carlisle's many books would only work as long as she could concentrate. She did not. Staring blankly at pages she now and then flipped. She listened for movement outside the door. Her tears had dried. Standing she walked over to the door and unlocked it. Carefully opening it, she saw that he no longer sat there. She had not even heard him leave.
"Right," she muttered under her breath. Vampire skills, she reminded herself. She made her way to the bathroom and there glanced at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were a bit puffy after her crying, and her cheeks were still red, including her nose. She turned on the water and washed her face.
Feeling a bit more refreshed she made her way towards the kitchen. Her fingers were itching to get busy. Usually Esme would cook and bake, and she loved her for it. But now she needed to take her mind elsewhere so she would not spiral. Cooking would help. It always did.
Nothing was worse than admitting that he had been somewhat right. She had really seen herself with Lucas in so many of her daydreams. While he also infiltrated her dreams when she slept, they were just that. Dreams of something that at this time was not possible. Unrealistic. What was still real was her connection to Edward and what had always been her dreams when it came towards him and the two of them as a couple.
It had not gone completely unnoticed some of Lucas' interactions with her. Maybe the angel did not understand or think of them, but he had certainly enticed her dreams with some of his reactions. No matter how subtle a blush or touch that could mean something completely different for him, it certainly was fuel to an ongoing fire.
At the same time it was hard, trying to imagine a different life ahead. One where she would keep humanity, live out her days and then die. She had been so certain to become a vampire so she could spend her eternal life with Edward. It would still be a possibility. She knew he would not change her, and only that should perhaps have been a red flag in their relationship. No matter his reasoning. He had been enough though.
Now her dreams and daydreams took her into a far future where she at times were surrounded by children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. The feeling of aging seemed less scary by spending it with a soulmate even as a human. She had no doubt she would be happy. Lucas even promised as much.
Dreamweaver waved to Talia again as her sister came over. Her see-through feathers made her wings look like sparkling diamonds in the oddest of ways when light hit them at different angles. Her skin was a pale pink and her eyes were completely white. Yet she saw everything.
"How is it going?" Talia asked her sister.
Dreamweaver looked over to their brother Dream whom snored slightly as he slept soundly. "It goes well. We are only enhancing from the feelings that are already there, so the dreams that take form can only come from the true possibility there. Fascinating, really. And yet, there is not much needed as she is very capable of dreaming of him on her own," she said and stretched her arms a bit over her head.
"Same as Erlos, at least there is only enhancing, I was worried we were manipulating too much and would cause more harm, but as long as we stay on the fine line of helping along what is already existing, we are in the right sone."
Dream arose – nearly identical in looks to Dreamweaver, apart from his more purplish-skin – his white hair stood out around him. "There are many nightmares going through the humans now," he said.
"Should we tell Shade?" Dreamweaver asked.
"Not many knows how deep your powers go," Talia said. "Unless you want more of our siblings interfering with your work, I would suggest you keep your low profile here. I can tell Shade." Talia knew all of the dream-angels that helped humans and at times eased their burdens through their dreams. Shade was the best at chasing nightmares away, his twin Shado a close second.
"Bella dreamt of Lucas again," Dream said. "I only observed as I do most of the time. It is quite interesting the possibility that he could really be her mate."
"Oh, there is no possibility. He is," Talia told the twins.
"It's not possible," Dreamweaver then said, as she dragged a hand through her own short white hair.
"He has a bond to her, well a strong possible bond. It's there, I can see it clear as day," Talia then said, at the same time referring to her powers.
"Ah, well, it's not like we could have known properly. We have no insights in his dreams," Dream said. "And we have not seen him around here for a long time."
"No, I would imagine not," Talia muttered. "Erlos can barely do anything, and even I struggle with his threads."
"I hope you're not changing anything you should not," Dreamweaver said, her tone turning grim.
"No, I just observe for now to make sure the right path is followed for the outcome we wish for," she said. "Also, I might have put in some openings for Erlos, but there is not much I can do even to Lucas' path. He is strongly protected, but as long as our creator does not warn me, I take that as a go-ahead to try to influence a little bit."
Dream shook his head in disbelief. "How is that not changing anything?"
"I told you; I have just made a few openings for Erlos to easier influence what already exist there as a huge possibility with how frail the bond Bella and Edward share. Hopefully it will lead to our brother's happiness," Talia defended.
"I see," Dreamweaver said and yawned largely. "Ah, it is time to sleep again." She laid down and her eyes stared unblinkingly up at the sky in the angel plains as she observed the dreams of humanity once more.
"I should join her," Dream said as he looked over at his twin.
"You just came out of the slumber," Talia pointed out.
"There's not much rest for us," Dream said and shrugged. "Shade and Shado is out hunting demons, and until they're back, the responsibility falls to us."
"I will let you get back to it then. Call on me if you notice anything unusual," Talia then said as she decided to leave.
Dream nodded before he too laid down again.
Lucas observed the tension that had grown between Bella and Edward since he had come back. Something had gone down between the two when he went to find Erlos. Sitting in the school cafeteria he knew he was not the only one taking notice as he followed Jessica's silent musings just by observing her looking between the former couple.
Jessica was observant when it came to the former couple as she also still did find Edward highly attractive, although she was loyal to Mike – at the same time not sure how much he was loyal towards her in turn. Noticing that Edward still did not take interest in any other girl at the high school had made her aware that he obviously still held feelings for Bella. In her mind, Bella was crazy for not forgiving and forgetting whatever had gone down between them. At the same time she reasoned that Bella would have to have a good reason for not getting back together with him at all.
Edward tried not to wince at Jessica's thoughts or Lucas' for that sake. The male angel was quite right, although the thoughts around the group concerning them had been highly different. Mike was obviously happy about the larger rift, and it did not stop him from glaring much more at the boy. Ben had briefly noticed, although he had not delved deeper into that pattern. Angela was more concerned for her friend, and some sympathy stretched out to him as well, even if her main focus was Bella. Lauren had wondered if it could score her a date with him. And at that point he had almost considered scooting closer to Jessica, just to escape, and that said something. He focused back to Lucas' pleasant mind. The angel did observe the obvious rift, but did not make more out of it. His mind became a bit fuzzed, and for a while he just rested in the hum that had no sense, but made his day much better to endure. He would of course not admit that aloud.
Alice was trying to avoid thinking about the most obvious part throughout lunch. Well, since she and Jasper had returned the other day, actually. Her husband had picked up on the emotions between Bella and Edward and it was such a jumbled mess. She knew though, without a doubt, that Bella had made up her mind. Thankfully she was good at concealing her mind from her brother when she needed to, or refraining to directly think of the certain events or what eventually would cause her some sadness as well. Most importantly though, her sister would be happy, and that was the most important part of it all.
Perhaps Alice had known from the moment Edward had decided to leave, at least, a possible outcome had already then come forth for her newest sister. She had not seen the man in her life, but she had seen an older Bella, much older, smiling as she observed her own large family. She had been there too, visiting, apparently known to the family as auntie Alice, to all the generations there. After greeting them all with hugs the vision had faded. It had calmed her still heart somewhat, that the first implied leaving would not stop them from being in her life. Yes, most of her visions had kept Bella a vampire, except from that one. Now she wondered though, if it was closer to the truth. That old vision had not come back, instead others had taken its place. All possibilities coming from the one choice that had to be made. It made her head spin. As if whoever out there in charge did not want her to know either. The only constant that her sister would be happy – and that she and the family would still be part of her life – the known fact.
Lucas' myth part was more present as he felt Edward focus on his mind, it did not bother him all too much, except for the fact that he did not want him to listen in to everything that went through his mind. Said vampire had long ago agreed with that fact, and he did after all open up more if there was something he needed to share. If he subdued his powers more, he would also give more access, therefore he was on a delicate balance. It was therefore that he did not notice Tyler before he approached Bella when she was leaving the table before it was too late. The guy had courage considering Edward still managed to scare other guys away from her, what he did not expect was his own emotions spike as the boy clearly made Bella uncomfortable. Tyler took her blush the wrong way and stepped closer while she took another step backwards. Edward, he called in his mind, and then tilted his head towards where the two stood. He noticed the conflicted emotions that ran over the man's face. His golden eyes met his and he gave a small shake. Lucas sighed.
"If me not going to prom with you last year was a clear enough message…" Bella said as she stepped further back and away from Tyler. "Then I don't know what is. I'm not interested in you, Tyler." She hoped her voice was firm enough, but the guy clearly did not heed personal space.
"Is Tyler bothering you, Bella?" Lucas asked as he came up beside her.
His looming presence helped her visibly relax as Tyler took a step back, taking in Lucas' form. He was well-liked, but also known for not having any interest in any of the girls in school. Bella briefly wondered if it would help her case at all.
"He's not taking well to no," she said, her voice stern.
"When someone says no, it means no," he said to Tyler. "No matter if she and Edward's over, it doesn't give you any right to push."
"And it gives you some sort of claim?" Tyler asked, stubbornly.
Lucas half-smiled and shook his head. "Hah, no. I am Bella's friend, and I thought we got along too, but I see that won't be possible if you're going to disrespect the female population of this school."
Bella was glad most of the cafeteria was empty by this time. She noticed Alice and Jessica had joined them and the two were glaring at Tyler.
"Take a hint, Tyler," Jessica said fiercely. She would have to tell Lauren that she was better off without the guy.
Tyler muttered a "whatever," and was on his way.
"Thanks guys," Bella said, relieved.
"No worries," Jessica said, slightly elated that she had been part of the drama. "If he doesn't get it now, then I'm sure we can easily find a guy to punch him in the face. And if he then still does not get it, we can always consult someone if they know how to hide a body." She laughed at the last part, obviously joking.
Alice and Lucas grinned widely, while Bella's came more out as a grimace. "Let's not take it that far," she then said and shook her head.
Lucas followed Alice and Bella as they walked out arm in arm, they would be late if they did not get to class. Personally he was considering skipping an hour. He noticed Jessica had not left his side. He raised a brow at her in question.
"You know," she started. "I don't think Bella would say no if you asked her out."
He felt his lips part in surprise. What in the world went through this human's mind? He found his composure as he walked with her out into the cold temperature of Forks. "I'm not sure what you're talking about."
Jessica patted his arm and shook her head. "Men," she muttered under hear breath, as if that was an answer in itself. "When you figure it out, I will tell you I told you so." With that she left him behind as he stood, his face still showing the obvious surprise he felt.
He had no words. He knew Jessica could be easily seen as shallow, although there was more debt to her, as it was with any human being. He knew that she truly saw herself as a friend to the group they had formed, even if she loved drama and gossip. That was simply part of who she was, yet it did not define her. Whatever she had observed in her mind he had no way of knowing now, and only Edward could enlighten him there.
Yet he knew that most of his newer emotions were dormant most of the time. He was genuinely caring towards everyone and had no problem of starting a conversation and being interested. So what in the world had she seen? What had made her so sure that Bella would like to go out with him? These new questions kept him occupied and distracted until the school day ended and he was back at the Cullen house.
Standing just inside of the front door was Ariel, Erlos and Talia. Their wings retracted into their backs when everyone gathered and it started to become a bit crowded.
"There you are," Ariel said happily and went forward to hug him.
Lucas greeted the three. "Maybe the dining room has better space for all of us," he suggested.
"Should we bring Bella?" Esme wanted to know. "Should I call Carlisle home from the hospital?"
"No need," Talia said. "We won't be staying long. Walk with us, brother?"
Ariel let her gaze fall upon the mind reader. He got nothing from the three of them, she was sure. And nothing to feel. Nothing indicated that there could be any bond between the two of them. How interesting, she thought as she followed her brother out. She could not miss what was not yet there.
