XIII. Catching the Clairvoyant by Surprise

I almost staggered in the face of Alice's eager expression, hope flooding her eyes. The tension in the room was suddenly drowned with a wave of calm, so unnatural I could only suspect Jasper. "Tell me," Alice demanded, eyes glazed over with what I assumed were not tears, but venom.

For a long, drawn out moment, I didn't reply. And then, I warned her, "It's not a pleasant story." I would tell her, of course, although I wasn't sure how to start. It wasn't my place to decide whether she should know her own history or not. It was her bright enthusiasm that caused me to hesitate.

Alice faltered for only a second, before insisting, "I can handle it. Please, Isabella."

I squeezed her hands gently. "You don't have to beg."

"Sorry," she said, voice catching, "I can't see it. It's all muddled."

I nodded, understanding. "I assume because even I don't know what to say," I reassured her. "I just need to sort my thoughts." That she had seen anything at all…it's probably what had tipped her off.

"Do you want to take a seat?" Edward asked for my benefit. I was sure they could all stand around comfortably for the rest of eternity, but he must have noticed my feet shifting.

"Okay," I agreed. Edward took my hand back and steered me towards the sitting area. Everyone arranged themselves comfortably on the couches in a very human manner. Alice and Jasper sat directly across from me, Alice in particular sitting on the edge of her seat, leaning forward, hands clasped on her lap and eyes glued to me.

I gripped Edward's hand tightly, thoughts churning. Finally, I started with the most basic of facts, "Your name is Mary Alice Brandon and you were born in the year 1901 in Biloxi, Mississippi."

The simple sentence caused reactions from everyone, but I ignored their gasps and murmurs, watching Alice's hands fly up to cover her mouth. My gut twisted with sympathy and I wondered if this is how Azmon had felt.

Once Alice nodded for me to continue, I sighed and closed my eyes, trying to recall as many details as possible. It had been many years since I'd read the illustrated guide, but Alice's story had always fascinated me.

Thoughts sorted, I met her gaze and continued factually, "You were born to a middle-class household. Your father was a jeweler and pearl trader. He traveled often. Your mother tended to your home. You had a little sister―her name was Cynthia."

I paused again, when I noticed Alice's tiny shoulders quivering. Jasper's comfort wafted across the room. "S-sorry," Alice stammered, wiping at her dry cheeks, "I just...I wish I could remember them. Please, go on."

I didn't allow myself to hesitate too long this time. "Even as a human, you had visions," I recalled. This elicited surprised reactions from everyone and I stopped. Even Alice was perplexed.

"Truly?" Carlisle's voice broke across everyone else's, his expression an odd mix of fascination and concern.

"Yes," I confirmed, turning to him, "It caused a lot of talk from the townspeople…twice, she tried to warn someone of their future―I think one was her cousin. Alice foresaw his death. They refused to listen, so when her warnings became true, she was accused of cursing them. They called her a 'witch.'" I scrambled to remember who the other person had been; a friend? Maybe something about a failed marriage? I shook off the thought with a frustrated huff.

Esme was horrified, but it was Jasper who spoke up, "I assume, that's not the worst of it?"

I closed my eyes for a moment, and then met his cool gaze. "No. Alice had a vision of her mother's murder," I explained to him, ignoring their gasps and pushing forward, "Unlike her father, she believed Alice. Because of this, her mother was careful for many months, but as soon as she dropped her guard, she was killed―run off of the road, if I recall correctly." I locked eyes with Alice again, "Her death was declared accidental. Your father silenced you. Within months, he remarried to a woman whose father was a potential customer."

The implication was not lost on any one. This was where most of the details got muddled, but I remembered the main points. Still, I wish I could recall more. "You had another vision―the same man who murdered your mother, planned the same for you―" I winced, Jasper's ire sweeping across me.

"Jazz," Alice was the first to scold, but he'd already reigned it in. Without his earlier calm, I could once again feel the tension weighing heavily.

"Apologies," Jasper bit out, gaze cast aside, shoulders drawn tight.

I took a deep breath, shaking off the pang of fear, and watched Alice closely while I continued, "Knowing your father was behind everything, you tried to hide out with your relatives. But with the death of your cousin, they chased you off. You then tried going to the town's marshal, but your father had already beaten you. He told the town you were deranged and shipped you off to a mental asylum a few counties away."

I paused again, giving everyone a moment to digest this. Already, Jasper had saturated the room with a calm that kept everyone from acting out. Despite this, I was met with troubled frowns. Alice in particular was engrossed, leaning forward again, hands curled tightly against her knees.

"It's why your hair is short," I pointed out, "They shaved it off in response to the threat of a typhoid outbreak." Almost involuntarily, Alice brushed her fingers across short, spiky locks. I braced myself, knowing my next statement would be brutal, "It's also why you have no memories. You underwent electroshock therapy to 'cure' you of your visions."

The bewildered look on her face was the antithesis to Jasper's sinister glower. But the calm in the room only doubled. "Oh," Alice whispered, fingers splayed against her temple, as though trying to imagine the pain. "I guess...that makes sense," she frowned, but then shook off her apprehension. "What happened next?"

"There was a vampire who worked in the asylum. He cared very much for you and tried to protect you. But then, you had a vision of another vampire. You were his singer and he was a tracker―James. The vampire from the asylum planned to escape with you, but no matter which way he planned it, James always caught up to you. The only way was to change you," I explained, with the annoying thought that there were details I'd missed.

I shouldn't have been surprised when I was interrupted again. That it was Rosalie, was odd. "What's a singer?"

It was then that it occurred to me that the term hadn't been mentioned until the second book. "It's like what my blood does for Edward. It sings to him," I hesitantly explained, aware of the way he'd loosened his hold around the palm of my hand. "Or as the Volturi say it, la tua cantante." I didn't know Italian, but it was close enough to Spanish that the phrase was easy to recall.

There was an uncomfortable shift in the air, at the mention of the Volturi.

But when no one spoke further, I took another breath, turned to Alice, and finished, "He bit you, hid you away, and then went to distract James. He was killed, but it allowed time for the venom to spread. When James found you, your blood was fully turned, and he abandoned you, expecting you'd become a savage. The pain of the venom erased the last of your memories."

Relieved to be done, I slumped back, leaning against Edward's side. Although I was sure there were questions brimming, everyone waited for Alice to speak first.

"I see…" Alice murmured and flew to her feet. "Just one question―the vampire from the asylum, what was his name?"

I lifted my shoulders helplessly, "I'm sorry, I don't know."

Her lips curled into a sad smile. "It's okay. Thank you, Isabella… I...I'm not sure―if knowing is better or not. But thank you." She swept her gaze across the troubled faces of her family, "I'd like some time alone now." Without awaiting a reply, she flashed through the room, out the glass doors, and across the river.

"Why is it…" Jasper began, features tight, "That you know the tracker's name, but not the other one?"

I shifted and dropped my gaze.

"What aren't you telling us?" he demanded.

"Jasper," Edward snapped, moving forward in his seat, as though to shield me.

"No, it's okay," I said, placing my other hand against his arm, "He's right. There's a lot I haven't said." I hesitated for a second longer, before turning to Jasper, "The tracker―James. He'll be making an appearance sometime within this month or the next."

Jasper blurred as he shot up to his feet in a move too quick for my eyes to follow. "He's coming back for her?" he growled a deep terrifying sound.

In the same second, Edward was on his feet as well, shielding me. "Back off," he hissed.

Jasper reigned in his chaotic emotions and slowly sat back down. Once I could breathe, I stood to my feet, sticking close to Edward, and explained, "No. He and his coven are nomads. They're just passing through."

"How many?" Carlisle stepped forward with a grave expression, taking command.

"Two others," I replied, "Victoria―his mate. And a male called Laurent."

"And we will make contact with them?" Carlisle asked.

I furrowed my brow, thinking back on how the story played out. I began slowly as I gathered my thoughts, "Around the start of spring break, there will be a thunderstorm." Fortunately, I didn't have to explain further when understanding dawned in their eyes.

Emmett scoffed, speaking for the first time, "We'll be together. Three against seven? Easy." His face split into a vicious grin.

Carlisle didn't entertain the idea. "How does it end?" he asked, his gaze never once wavering from me.

I heaved a sigh, gripping Edward's hand, knowing he would like my answer least of all. "It ends in a hunt...for me."

"What?!" Edward hissed, angling his head to stare down at me, eyes burning.

I shrugged helplessly and sighed again, eyes dropping. "Can I go home now? I'm tired."

"Of course," Carlisle agreed, halting any protests. "We'd appreciate it if we could pick this back up?"

Despite the sympathy in his voice, I knew the safety of his family overrode my discomfort. "Okay," I said shortly.

Edward began guiding me towards the front door. On the way, Esme stepped forward to take my hand, "Thank you, Isabella. It was so nice to meet you."

I nodded, expression softening. "You too. And thanks for lunch. It was delicious," I recalled, a grin tugging at my lips.

"Oh! I'm glad," she laughed softly. Behind her, Carlisle shot me a grateful look.

"Have a good evening, Isabella," he said as we reached the door.

"You all as well," I waved before Edward steered me out to the front porch.

The ride back to Charlie's house was quiet. A glance towards the digital clock revealed that it was only after four. Another two hours before I had to think about cooking dinner, if I decided to make anything at all.

When Edward pulled up to the house, I gathered my bag in my hands. "You're coming in?" I checked.

For some reason, he seemed surprised by the invitation, and then relieved. "Yes," he agreed, reaching over to turn off the ignition. We exited the car and headed inside. I paused in the front hall after hanging my coat, thoughts muddled. Finally, I turned and lead Edward into the kitchen, tossing my bag atop the table and took a seat.

Edward didn't say anything when I pulled out my notes and began working on Mr. Varner's homework, simply sitting beside me, watching me with a thoughtful expression. It continued like so, while I did the reading for English and the worksheet for Spanish. Once I got to biology, I turned to Edward, "How are we splitting up the lab report?"

"However you'd like," he settled on. I was surprised he didn't offer to do the whole thing himself.

"I'll do the analysis and discussion," I decided, wondering how much it'd annoy him that I'd chosen the more interesting sections. But he only hummed in acknowledgment, expression distracted. I leaned back and crossed my arms. "What's wrong?"

"Many things," he answered shortly. Tilting his head to lock eyes with me, he said, "That's why you tried to stay away from me. You knew I'd put you in danger."

"Oh," I blinked, realizing how easily he could reach that conclusion. "No, that's not it, actually."

"No?" Edward's smile was self-deprecating.

I pursed my lips. "I stayed away, because if I even hinted that I was aware of your secret, I would become a liability to you and your family. Of course, I didn't actually expect you'd develop feelings for me."

"How could you not?" Edward frowned.

"Knowing it and experiencing it are two different things," I hedged delicately. Bella. It was supposed to be Bella. But I couldn't say that, so instead I said, "And then, I needed you, and I couldn't say no." I held my breath, wondering how he would take my selfish admission.

"Needed me more than you needed to be safe?" His eyes were solemn.

I shifted uncomfortably and looked away. I needed him, because I didn't want to be alone. But he'd rather I be alone than in danger. A lump got lodged in my throat.

"Isabella?" he inquired, cold fingertips skimming my cheek.

I cleared my throat. "I, uh...I guess I didn't think that far ahead," I answered quietly. I had decided to live in the moment rather than dwell on the one future I knew. "Besides, I didn't plan on accepting your invitation to playing baseball with your family."

"Were you planning on telling me any of this?"

I winced. "Maybe? I don't know."

I hadn't thought this far ahead. Whatever I had with Edward wouldn't last. And what would it matter then?

"Talk to me, love. What are you thinking?" he murmured, palm curving against my jaw.

"I'm thinking," I whispered, eyes closed, "That I'm selfish. I need you, but it's only causing you problems. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry," he said, running his cool thumb along the apple of my cheek. "And don't despair. We'll figure something out. James won't get anywhere near you."

"Okay," I breathed, leaning into his touch.

Our quiet moment was abruptly cut short by the sharp ringing of the phone. "Must be Jessica," I sighed and heaved myself to my feet. Reluctantly, I picked up the phone.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Isabella!" Jessica greeted me cheerfully.

"Hey, Jess."

For a second, there was silence on the other line. "Are you okay? Why do you sound so weird?"

I rubbed at my temple. "Sorry. Just a killer headache." With everything today and the lack of sleep from last night, the exhaustion had hit me all at once, and now there was a pulsing pressure between my eyes.

"Aw," Jessica whined, "Okay, I guess I can wait…"

I heaved a relieved sigh. "Thanks, Jess."

"Duh! What are friends for? Now, go take some painkillers and lie down! You have to be in top shape for tomorrow's field trip!"

"Huh? Oh. I forgot about the field trip," I muttered.

"How surprising," she teased, giggling. "Bye, Isabella!"

"Night, Jess."

As soon as I hung up, Edward was on his feet, packing up my schoolwork. "You should get some sleep," he suggested.

I blinked, eyes burning. "I'll try," I allowed and walked him to the front door.

"I'll pick you up in the morning?" Edward offered, pausing and turning at the threshold.

I wasn't expecting a good night's sleep, so I nodded my consent. "Good idea. I don't even remember where we're supposed to meet up for the trip."

Edward tilted his head in agreement and leaned down, briefly pressing his cold lips against my forehead. "Get some rest," he murmured.

I watched him make his way down the driveway, before shutting the door with a small sigh.

The digital clock displayed 2:05 AM when I shot up with a gasp, choking on air. I leaned over the edge of the bed, rib cage rattling as I hacked my lungs out. Tears burned in my eyes as I scrambled to get in a breath. My lungs expanded rapidly, desperately. "Fuck," I wheezed, shoulders trembling until a sob broke out. Damn it, Azmon. You were wrong. I can't do this.

Untangling myself from my comforter, I stumbled to my feet, shoving my sneakers on and pulling on a sweater. I almost lost my footing as I careened down the stairs. I lurched across the hall, out onto the back porch, and through the damp grass. "Azmon!" I cried, voice quivering, "Please! Please."

But I was only met with eerie silence.

I stood there, lump stuck in my throat, and despair squeezing my heart. I dropped down, sinking into the sodden grass, burying my face into my knees.

You should've left me to rot with the fishes.

A hand brushed my shoulder, and my head shot up. "Oh," I blinked, meeting the amber of Edward's eyes.

"Not who you wanted to see?" He didn't give me a chance to answer. Caging his arms around me, he shifted me until my small, huddled frame was on his lap. Tucking my head under his chin, he quietly held me.

I settled into his icy embrace. I was wet and cold and it was dark, and I could almost imagine that I was still sinking into the muddy seabed. Only the loud, thudding of my heart and expanding lungs reminded me that I was alive. That I could still breathe. "What is it like," I whispered, "What is it like, not needing to breathe?" For a long time, Edward didn't answer.

"Needing to breathe―I no longer recall the sensation," his quiet voice filled the night like a song, "We still breathe because it's a tool we use for hunting. Beyond that, it's redundant. It brings no relief."

"No relief," I repeated softly. "I can only imagine."

"Is that what you dream about? Not being able to breathe?" he asked, threading his fingers through my hair.

"I dream of drowning," I confessed, breath hitching in my throat.

"You said you wouldn't be alive, if not for that man… Is he the one who saved you from drowning?"

"No." No one saved me from drowning.

I pressed myself closer, anchoring myself to Edward's stone-like embrace. I don't know how to let go. I was teetering on the edge of between who I was and who I was supposed to be now. One way lead to death, and the other way lead to Edward. The choice should've been easy. It wasn't.

"What would you do," I asked, "If I died?"

The strained silence was a leaden weight. Suddenly, Edward's tight grip loosened, and he said with no compunctions, "I'd follow you."

My shoulders hunched, burdened with the weight of Edward's life. My choice now had consequences. For a split second, I loathed Edward for putting the responsibility of his existence on me.

I vanished the thought almost instantly.

Edward's choices weren't mine to bear. But I didn't want that for him; didn't want that for his family. So I chose him―because I didn't want him to die. And because I was too afraid to die a second time.

A/N: Ahh, the angst! I have the inability to not write it :(

I hope the scene with Alice was worth the wait! It was kind of hard to write, because I hate information dumps, especially when there are so many characters involved, but hopefully it came across organic!

So, field trip will be coming up in the next chapter. Obviously, Isabella will get into some sort of trouble, so let me know your predictions! ;) Thanks for reading! :D

Edit: I'm so sorry to everyone who had issues reading this chapter! FanFiction was being trash and not adding this chapter to my story, and I know some of you who have this on alert weren't able to use the link emailed to you. Unfortunately, the best I could do was wait for FanFiction to fix the issue, and reupload the chapter. Hopefully, everything has been resolved. Next chapter is practically done, so you won't have to wait long for the next update. For now, just let me know your thoughts on this chapter! Until next time!