Waking up the next morning was a task. My heavy eyelids wanted to remain shut. As if they wanted to avoid the upcoming battle. A hand rubbing soothing circles woke me up and caused my eyes to slowly open. I moved my head to the side and looked at Alex sleepily. His smile brought out my own.
"Hey sleepy head."
"Hi," I reply. I let out a yawn.
Alex chuckled. "Did I tire you out that much?"
Memories from last night surfaced. I blushed like a tomato. "Maybe," I reply as I stretch out my limbs.
Alex smiles at me and then looks at the new bruises I have on my shoulders. I don't mention the bruises that will no doubt be on my hips. "Does it hurt?"
"No. I'm perfectly fine. I'm sore but not because of the bruises." I smile at him cheekily. Before he can reply, I push him to the side and climb on top of him so that I am straddling him. I don't care about the fact that we don't have any clothes on.
Alex smiles at me adoringly and runs his hands along my sides. "Your beautiful. I don't know what I would do without you." I close my eyes as his hand cups my cheek. I open them and smile down at him.
"I love you too." It's at that moment that my stomach decides to ruin the moment. Alex chuckles.
"As much as I would like to go again, you need something to eat. Not to mention that you are sore and need time to recover."
"Four rounds really tires a girl out," I tell him teasingly. I climb off of him and grab one of his shirts and put it on. In a blink of an eye, Alex has pants on and is already heading into the kitchen.
I follow him and look at the clock on the stove. "It's already 11:00!" Alex doesn't turn as he starts to cook me eggs and bacon.
"I wanted you to sleep in more. I know that I tired you out last night." I smile at his comment.
"How chivalrous of you." In no time, Alex sets a plate of food in front of me. I immediately start eating. "How are you such a good cook? You don't even eat human food. Hell, you haven't even eaten human food since the 1700's."
"I've had some practice. I've watched Esme cooking you food on occasion. I wanted to be able to cook for you while I can." This man never ceases to surprise me. "We will need to go soon though. It's a four hour drive back to Forks and we need to go over everything before heading to the field to meet the wolves at six. We probably need to leave in an hour. Finish eating and then get dressed. I'll start packing everything." I nod in response.
I don't say anything as Alex walks away. I continue to eat but the food tastes like sandpaper in my mouth. I swallow the food and then push the plate away. The battle is tomorrow. I can't help but to worry. This was a fight that would not be easily won. I know that the Volturi is standing back; waiting until the battle is over. They want my family to be destroyed before doing anything.
Everything will be ok. I have to think positive. We will win this fight. The wolves will help us. Everything will be ok. I slowly eat the rest the the food and put the dish in the dishwasher. I make my way into the bedroom and put on some clothes.
We are soon in the car, heading back to Forks. My thoughts go in every different direction on the way back home. Sure enough, four hours later, we are back home in Forks. I climb out and go to Rosalie who is standing outside.
"Hey. How was it?" Rosalie has a smirk on her lips.
"Oh god Rose. I am not having this conversation." She just laughs.
"I'm going to win the bet at this rate," chimes in Emmett who makes his way over to us.
"No, your not Emmett. I am." I whirl around at the voice and stare at my boyfriend angrily.
"You are part of this bet too! Is that the only reason why..." Alex blurs over to me and places his hands on my face.
"No it isn't. I love you. That's why I'm doing this." I huff in annoyance.
"Why?"
Alex cracks a smile. "The money that Emmett put down could buy us an island. Thought we could have a vacation destination."
I glare at Emmett who flashes his teeth at me in response. "You two are unbelievable," I grumble. I don't say anything else as I walk into the house leaving Alex behind.
I walk into my bedroom only to find Alice rummaging in my closet.
"Alice, what are you doing?" Alice walks out of my closet with some clothes in her hands.
"Getting you ready for your "camping" trip tonight. You need to wear layers. There's going to be a snow storm tonight on the mountain. You need to be plenty warm." I watch as Alice places a bunch of winter clothes on my bed.
I look at the pants and shirts that are on the bed. She has placed long snow pants, a purple thermal under shirt, and a warm sweater on my bed. She also places my burgundy snow jacket right next to the clothes. The clothes look plenty warm. She's preparing me for this storm.
Alice races back into the closet and puts warm clothes into my backpack. "For tomorrow," is all she says as she walks past me.
"Ok."
"Go ahead and get changed. You need to head to the field soon. Oh, and don't forget to bring a hat and gloves. And make sure to wear your winter boots."
I nod as she walks out of my bedroom. I turn back to look at the clothes and grab them.
I put on the black snow pants. Then the undershirt and sweater. I look at myself in the mirror. Of course Alice would have me in designer brands for a snowstorm. I shake my head and grab the winter coat. It's not that cold right now. I'll just put it on tonight.
I grab the rest of my things and head downstairs to see Bella and Edward standing below the stairs. The both of them are talking to Alice.
It's only when I'm walking down the stairs that I pick up on their conversation.
"Don't you love me Bella?" Alice asks Bella in a sad voice.
"Of course I do Alice," she replies. What is going on? I look at Edward and he just looks aggravated.
"Then why do I see you sneaking off to Las Vegas to get married without inviting me?" My eyes widen. Bella was going to elope with Edward? I look over at Edward and he just smiles and lifts up his shoulder.
"Oh," is the only thing that Bella says.
"You two are eloping and aren't going to invite me or Alice?"
Bella just sighs. "You two know how I hate to make a big deal out of things. It was Edward's idea anyway." I turn and glare at my brother.
"Seriously? I'm not even invited?"
"I don't want a big deal out of this. I would rather it being just the two of us," sighs Edward.
"Well that's not happening. Especially now that Alice is planning it."
Edward crinkled his eyebrows. "How do you know that?"
"Your forgetting brother, that I know all," I state triumphantly.
Edward realizes what I'm implying. He sighs in aggravation.
As if on cue, I turn to look at my pixie sister who is bouncing in front of Bella. "Please, please, please let me do your wedding Bella."
"No absolutely not!" Edward doesn't say anything as Bella starts to protest. I think he's starting to come to the conclusion that what happens in the book will happen here.
"Please?" Alice continues to bounce.
"I'll never forgive you for this Alice."
"Yay!" Alice squeals, clapping her hands together.
"That's not a yes Alice!" I sigh. Time to step in.
"Come on Bella. Just let her do it. I want to be there also. I'll never forgive you two if you run off to Vegas without me."
Edward walks over to Bella and leans into her ear. "Vegas," he promises her.
"Not a chance," interjects Alice. "Bella would never do that to me. You know Edward, you can be a disappointment sometimes."
"Vegas isn't happening," I agree with Alice. "You are forgetting that there is still another book left and it has your wedding in it. Alice plans it, so Vegas isn't happening."
"Things can still change," disagrees Edward.
"Not this time it won't," I reply. Bella grumbles at my reply but she doesn't say anything else. I take that opportunity to change the subject. "So. Can I see it?"
"See what," asks Bella in confusion.
"The ring, silly. I know he proposed to you last night." I grab her hand and notice that her left hand is bare. I drop her hand immediately. "Where is it," I huff in annoyance.
"Bella has issues with jewelry."
"You mean she has issues with that jewelry because of a certain person named Jacob Black."
"What! No I don't. Well maybe. Ok, I don't want him to get hurt," explains Bella. Oh Bella, always trying to deny the obvious.
"Whatever," I roll my eyes. "Can I at least see it please." Edward groans and runs upstairs. He's instantly back at my side.
"Here," he hands me the ring. I smile at it's beauty. It looks like the ring from the movie, except it looks more elegant. The diamonds have a beautiful shine to them.
"It's beautiful. It was your mothers, right Edward?" I look at Edward and gently give him back the ring.
"Yes." Edward can't contain the small smile on his lips.
"It's beautiful. Congratulations." I hug him in excitement before launching myself at Bella. Bella wobbles back, not expecting the force of my hug.
"Come on. We have to go. We need to meet Jacob and Paul at the clearing," says Edward. I let go of Bella and nod. Edward runs upstairs in a flash and returns to my side.
"Don't forget your coat Bella. It's going to be cold tonight," says Alice.
"I've got it already," Edward assured her. "You have yours Sophie?" I hold my coat up in response.
"Well, have a nice night." With that Alice turns around and races upstairs.
I look around me for a certain vampire. "Where's Alex at?"
"He had to get things ready for tonight. He went and ran ahead of us to start pitching the tents. He will be there when you get to the location." Oh, I was hoping he would be here. Guess I will have to wait then.
I don't say a word as I follow after Edward and Bella. Edward drives us towards our destination before stopping at the beginning of a dirt road. "We will need to walk from here." I wordlessly follow after them. Edward takes us the long way to the clearing. He wants our scent to be nowhere near the trails that Jacob and Paul will take us.
I follow after them for twenty minutes. I'm growing tired of carrying the backpack containing my clothes. It's starting to weigh a ton. Edward turns back to look at me. "You ok Soph?"
I groan in response. "How much farther. I'm tired of carrying this thing and walking." Edward chuckles.
"Well lucky for you, we are here." Sure enough, I see a break in the trees ahead of us. We soon step into the clearing.
"Finally," I declare in exasperation.
"What are you groaning about princess?" I look up and notice Paul emerging from the shadows.
"Oh good. You've arrived," I state dryly.
I look behind him and watch as Jacob emerges out of the shadows as well. Bella smiles as he gets closer.
"Hey Jake," greets Bella.
Jacob gives her a smile.
"Hello Jacob," greets Edward. Jacob just ignores him and looks over at me.
"Hey Sophie."
"Hi Jacob."
Jacob then turns back to Edward. "So are we ready? What paths do we need to take?"
Edward brings out a map and starts pointing at different locations. It seems that Jacob and Paul understand.
Paul walks over to me. He immediately takes my backpack off of my shoulders and then puts it on. "Here, I'll carry it for you." No need to ask for my permission.
I give him a small smile. "Thanks Paul." I look over at Edward. Our eyes meet and I think we are thinking the same thing.
"I'll see the both of you in a couple of hours." I nod and watch as he stared at us unhappily. He doesn't like this part of the plan. Edward then disappears into the tree line. Heading in the opposite direction of us.
"So, are you ready to go." I turn back to Paul.
"Yeah, let's get this over with."
Paul gasps and places his hand over his heart. "Ouch. You wound me Sophie Cullen." I roll my eyes at his dramatics while he laughs. Paul then picks me up in his arms. Paul and Jacob look at each other for a second and give each other a nod. Jacob then picks up Bella and holds her in his arms as well. I give Bella a small smile before Paul runs in the opposite direction as Jacob.
"Nervous?" I look up at Paul as he continues to run.
"Nervous? About a bunch of vampires trying to kill me? No, never Paul." Paul cracks a smile.
"Same old, same old, huh?" I smile at him.
"Yep, pretty much." I don't say much as Paul keeps running. He starts jumping from one rock to the other. I start to cling on to him tighter. Afraid that he might drop me.
"Relax. I won't drop you." I nod.
"Thanks." I glance up and notice that we are at the base of the mountain. I groan. It's bigger than I thought it would be.
"Scared of heights princess?" I grimace at him.
"Don't call me that wolfy. Maybe. I'm not a fan of heights. Especially rocks that can get loose and fall on top of us."
Paul grumbles and I smile in satisfaction. "Don't worry. I won't let any rocks crush you. Also, don't call me that."
"Fine, as soon as you stop calling me princess."
"No can do princess."
I smile at him. "Fine. Wolfy it is then." Paul huffs but continues to run.
I don't say anything else as Paul keeps climbing up. He soon brings us out of the trees and he is just running on the rocky surface. Loose rocks roll down the cliff side but Paul makes sure to go around them. He avoids the loose minerals that could break his fall and send me tumbling off of the mountain. I just hang on tight as he continues to effortlessly run up the mountain.
I don't know how much time has passed once we get to the top of the mountain. The sun starts to set, letting us know that darkness will be here soon. A gust of wind then blew through the trees. The cold wind started to feel like we were on a glacier. I started to see small flecks of white against the dimming light.
Paul runs around a little bend and arrives at a small opening in the trees. I notice two tents nestled against the surface. They aren't large and are situated about 10 feet apart from each other. Paul sets my feet on the ground and I stumble to the side. Paul is there to catch me so that I don't fall. "Careful." Paul's voice is calm for once.
"Thank you." I give him one last look and turn to notice Alex emerging out of one of the tents. Relief flashes over his face.
"Sophie! Thank the heavens that you are ok. You are here sooner than I expected." Alex gathers me in his arms and peppers my face with tiny kisses. He brings me into a longer kiss on my lips. I give into him and clench the front of his shirt in my fists. I hang on to him for dear life. Afraid that he will disappear at any moment.
A cough breaks us apart. I turn and watch as Paul folds his arms in front of his chest. "Not to bother you, but you might want to take shelter. I can feel that the weather is going to be bad."
Alex nods. "Alright. Thank you, Paul. I can't express my appreciation enough to you for bringing her to me safely."
Paul just grunts and gives him a curt nod. "I'm going to change. I'll keep watch out here tonight in case you need me." With that Paul turns around and disappears into the trees.
"Sophie!" Edward emerges beside me out of nowhere and hugs me like his life depends on it. I wrap my arms around his torso. Edward gives me a small kiss on the top of my head and backs away from me. Flashes of my childhood comes to mind. Edward always kissed me on the head when he knew I needed to be comforted.
"Thank you," I tell him. He doesn't need to ask what for. He knows. "Is Bella here yet?"
"Yes, she got here about five minutes before you did. She's in the tent right now. You'll be in the other tent with Alex. I suggest to go ahead and bundle up. It's going to be a bad storm tonight."
"Alright. I'll see you in the morning." Edward stares at me and gives me one last hug.
"Be safe." I nod and watch as he walks away and enters the tent that's farther away from us.
"Ready?" I look at Alex and notice that he is holding my bag and winter jacket. I take the jacket from him and put it on.
"Yeah. Let's get this night over with." Alex gives me one last kiss and leads me into the tent that's closer to us.
The wind has started to get worse and the howling of the wind doesn't help ease my nerves. It's going to be a cold night. I just hope that I don't freeze to death.
Happy 2023 everyone! I hope you all had a safe and restful holiday season. This is probably the longest chapter that I have written so far. Eclipse is almost over. I have big plans for the upcoming battle. What all would you like to see in it? Also, what are your opinions on Breaking Dawn? Should I keep it the same or tweak it a bit? I'm going back and forth with it. Well, tell me your thought. Until next time!