Chapter Three - When Worlds Collide

"Be careful!" I hissed as Addy tripped out of the car. The last thing I needed was a bloody knee before the party even started. I rushed forward palms sweaty.

"Happy Birthday!" She squealed, throwing her hands in the air and moving forward to hug me.

I cringed into the embrace, "Not so loud!"

Addy rolled her eyes, "What? In case the birds hear you're one year older? Oh my God…" She trailed off, taking in the view with a pleased grin.

Sophie came from the driver's side and hugged me quickly, then moved to allow Joe and Kate to do the same. Grace and Aaron soon followed, pulling up behind the others.

Joe let out a low whistle, "Yeah, this is exactly what I imagined… How did you end up getting involved in all this, again?" He gestured to the house, an eyebrow raised.

I nodded, "I sold my soul to the devil in exchange for some rich friends." I glanced to the window, suppressing a smirk at Alice's attempt to observe everyone's arrival subtly.

"Ah," Joe pointed at me, "Makes sense, you do come across pretty hellish. Total nightmare."

"Do you usually insult the Birthday girl?"

"Only when it's you."

"So glad you came, Joe." I smiled sweetly, leaning toward Sophie and whispering in a very obvious voice, "Make him walk home."

Sophie nodded winking.

Kate began walking toward the front door, looking over her shoulder and wiggling her eyebrows, "Can we get to this party or what?"

"Hold on!" I rushed forward, but not before the front door opened.

"Hi!" Alice beamed, hurrying down the steps, "Oh, it's wonderful to meet you all finally!"

I felt all of their eyes flick from me to Alice, back to me again. I felt a blush rising and was thankful for once when Alice intervened.

"Come on in!" She beckoned the group to follow her and they didn't dare argue. My friends hurried in before me, Grace winking as she and Aaron walked past hand in hand.

I looked down the long drive, squinting through the darkness. No sign of my family yet.

I put my hands on my hips, blowing out a breath. I glanced up at the window and smiled softly as I caught Jasper's gaze. He gave a nod indicating I should return to the house and after a moment I did just that.

Introductions were done by the time I reentered the living room and all the humans seemed to be in one piece, engaging in polite conversation. I felt my shoulders relax slightly.

Edward, who stood in the corner with Jasper, quirked an eyebrow at me, unable to block out my stress-filled thoughts.

'Piss off' I resisted rolling my eyes and Edward turned his head away to smother a laugh, murmuring something to Jasper.

"Photo please!" Alice bounced across the room, curtailing my group of friends together.

"Already?" I asked exasperated as Addy squished in next to me.

This went on for ten minutes, Alice swapping people in and out of shot (including herself). At one point I could barely see from all the flashes.

"Okay, that will do until your mom gets here!" She hugged me with one arm, then hurried away to look through her portfolio. As much as it pained me to smile so many times in such a short space of time, it had helped to break the ice among strangers, for which I was grateful. As everyone dispersed to different areas of the room, I felt a very brief hand slide along my back, and I turned just in time to see Jasper sit by Esme on one of the sofas.

Clearing my throat and willing the blush away, I walked toward Kate who I saw was nosing at the CD player in the corner of the room, grabbing a glass of champagne off a table as I went.

"Do you ever take a day off?" I asked, taking a sip. Kate was flicking through the CD collection with great interest.

"How can I?" She asked, pulling a CD from its place and opening the case, "When it comes to choosing the music at a party it's a matter of life or death."

"Well, when you put it that way…" I turned around, leaning against the wall.

"Also, Alice said for me to come and have a look. Said you mentioned my job and gigs," she winked, "didn't know you talked about me so much, are you in love Clara?"

"How could I not be," I said dramatically, avoiding looking in the direction of a certain cowboy.

I took another sip of my drink as I cast my eyes around the room.

I wasn't surprised when I saw that Grace and Aaron were talking with Esme and Carlise on one of the sofas, mature and polite. Jasper watched them carefully, and I wondered if he was analysing them as a threat or trying to know a part of my life through more than just my ramblings late at night as he held me in his arms.

In comparison, Addy was listening with extreme interest, with no subtlety in her expression as Emmett discussed his whittling hobby. Alice was chatting animatedly to Joe, who was trying and failing to not stare at Emmett's hulking form both impressed and slightly scared. I drank to stop myself from laughing.

Kate hit a few buttons and then music filled my ears. She turned, bumping my shoulder as she leaned beside me, "This place is like something out of one of those dream home magazines."

"Tell me about it," I rolled my eyes, "It's quite annoying actually."

"I mean, if you wanna swap places, I'm more than happy to take up the role of friends with rich people." She grinned.

"You're more than welcome to deal with the headache of it."

"Bold of you to call us the headache," Rosalie slid up next to us, handing me another glass of champagne.

Since I hadn't finished my own, I passed it over to Kate who said 'cheers' and then downed it in one gulp.

"Oh my god, at least try to keep it together!" I laughed, "The night has only just begun."

"And what a way to start it!" Kate said, then held her hand out to Rosalie, "I'm Kate by the way."

Rosalie stared at the hand for several seconds, an internal conflict going on behind those golden eyes.

I almost shoved my fist into my mouth to keep in the cackle that built in my throat as I watched Rosalie move mechanically, and very very briefly, grasped Kate's hand. She leaned away as quickly as she could in front of human eyes.

I cleared my throat and indicated to the vampire next to me, "And this is Rosalie."

"Nice to meet you! Love your style!" Kate grinned. Her head snapped over to the food table as she watched Joe pile up a plate. "Oh, be right back." She said, with no intention of coming back.

As Kate moved toward the food table I turned to Rosalie, "Wow I am so proud of you, that's some character development right there. That can't have been easy… you know, normal human interactions-"

"Oh shut up," She hissed, and she wiped her hand on my sleeve as though Kate was diseased. She then moved her fingers gently through my hair, fixing the perfect curls back into place.

"Did you come over here just to shout at me or…?"

"I was checking you haven't ruined your outfit yet."

"Oh, ye of little faith!" I grasped her hand, "Come on, let's join the party!"

Rosalie gave me a horrified look but didn't pull away as we walked over to join, Edward and Sophie who were quietly speaking.

"You're lucky it's your birthday," She hissed in my ear and I smiled smugly in return.

And for the first time today, I did feel lucky. Music and happy chatter filled my ears, the smells of freshly cooked food and sweet perfumes filled the room, giving me a warm, content feeling deep in my gut.

Sophie looked up and smiled as we sat next to them. I could feel more than see Rosalie's sneer that she sent to Edward.

"All good over here?" I asked.

"Yeah," Sophie leaned on her hand, "I was just saying how weird it is that we've lived so close to each other for the last few years, but we never really got to know each other. Though I suppose since we are a bit older we wouldn't have crossed in school…" She hummed in thought.

"Your parents work for the timber industry here don't they." Edward inquired, "Esme had mentioned."

"Yeah, sort of a family business I guess, been passed down through my dad's side for who knows how long."

"Are one of you three going to take it on then?" I asked, indicating to Sophie and her two preoccupied siblings.

"Oh, God no. Hence why we're the bane of our parent's existence. Dad's furious no one will carry on 'the great family legacy'" She mimed air quotes.

"You don't get on with your parents then?" Edward asked.

Sophie shrugged, "Strained would maybe be the word I would use. I can tolerate them a lot more than the other two, especially Addy." Sophie rolled her eyes, "Don't even bring it up with her, she'll happily complain to you the rest of the night."

"I'll stay well clear then," Rosalie said in a flat voice, a clear indication that she never intended on approaching Addy to begin with.

"Anyway! Your family seems much more interesting, what's the story with all of you?" Sophie couldn't keep the interest out of her voice, and I leaned back with my hands on my lap, smiling.

"Yes, please go on."

Rosalie cast a cold glare at me.

It was Edward who answered, "I'm sure Clara has talked about us enough, she doesn't have the best filter when it comes to other people's privacy."

I scowled at his pleased look, and Sophie held back a smile.

"Actually," She said, "She doesn't talk about any of you at all. Which makes it all that more interesting…"

They were saved from answering by an exclamation.

Addy, ever loud and proud, had just exclaimed, "Oh bring it on you big hairy tree trunk"

My head flew in the direction the noise came from and held back a squeak.

"Please tell me Addy didn't just challenge Emmett to a brawl or something like that."

"If only," Rose rolled her eyes, "at least that would be interesting." She gracefully stood from her seat and moved toward the action. Sophie quickly followed and I went to do the same when I felt Edward shift beside me.

He looked amused, "Emmett told her she couldn't beat him at chess. She disagreed."

"Oh my God." I covered my face with my hands and laughed.

I heard Addy exclaim, "I was the chess club champion 3 years in a row! You don't know what you're up against man!"

I was heartened to hear Edwards chuckle and peeked through my fingers at him.

It was subtle, barely noticeable, but he was twitching.

My eyes narrowed and I leaned back, temporarily ignoring the jeers and laughter behind us.

"She'll be here soon."

He knew what I meant before I even said it.

'I'm sure she's just as twitchy as you.' I thought, rolling my eyes, 'You're both so disgustingly obvious. Just try not to disappear together later. It is my Birthday after all.'

"How could I forget." He said sarcastically, motioned to the decorations that littered the room.

It was sweet what they had. It felt new, pure, young even. Full of grand notions of love and overly romantic displays of affection. I can't say I blame them, having experienced what it was like to be swept up by a vampire. Yet… I couldn't help but feel it was a bit naive and it worried me. For both of them, but especially Bella, who was so caught up in her fragile whirlwind that she would forget to think of herself.

Do they talk about the future? What does she want apart from him? A career? A family?

I tried not to dwell on it too much, wanting to believe they were just teenagers in love and experiencing all that came with that. But with the constant threat of death around every corner, and the way she stuck by his side as much as possible over the last few months…

A flash and I was blinking. I heard Alice squeal 'So cute!' as she trotted away with the camera. I let out a light-hearted huff.

"Thank you for that Alice."

Edward and I joined the crowd around the strangest chess match I've ever seen. On one side, a man the size of a bear, on the other a tiny angry pixie woman.

I stood next to Esme who linked our arms, smiling brightly, "Thank you for allowing us to host your friends tonight Clara. It means the world to Carlisle and me."

I looked at her in surprise, "I honestly believed Alice was the only one apart from these idiots to be excited about this" I indicated to my friends all of whom crowded around Addy shouting varying tips and tricks that all seemed to contradict each other.

Esme smiled at them fondly, "Of course not, you're part of this family, but your other side, well, the human side, is just as important. If not more. We are honoured to be a part of these memories, for as long as you'll have us." She linked our hands and squeezed mine slightly.

I blinked back tears, suddenly overwhelmed in the best way possible. I wasn't quite sure what to say so I merely whispered, "I love you, Esme." and squeezed her hand back.

She practically beamed and opened her mouth to say something only to be interrupted by a sudden gasp.

"Oh my," Esme covered her mouth, but couldn't hide the smile that lifted her lips.

I turned to grab the camera only to have Alice appear next to me with it in hand.

I took it from her with thanks and turned to forever memorialise the moment that one of the great Cullens had been beaten by a human.

Emmett looked stunned. So stunned that he couldn't of, as I initially believed, let her win.

Addy stood up holding the check-mated king, and held it over her head like a trophy.

"You can all bow down before me."

"But… that's not possible." Emmett looked up at his fallen piece like a lost puppy.

I saw Edward swing his head toward something behind me and I turned. Jumping slightly, I saw Jasper was by my side, his facial expression blank but his narrowed eyes showed he was thoroughly entertained.

He looked at me and I quirked an eyebrow thinking hard about what his expression had to mean.

Then I let out a gasp that was masked by the surrounding noise, "...you did not!" I whisper-shouted.

The quirk of his lips told me he did, and Edward's smiling headshake confirmed it.

He had influenced Emmett's emotions, made him confused perhaps or distracted.

"Stop trying to cause chaos!" I said laughing.

Emmett who had very obviously heard me was scowling deeply at Jasper who moved to stand behind me.

I looked at him incredulously, "You can't possibly think I could protect you from him."

"Oh no, but you'll make a good shield," Jasper said, tilting his head down toward me.

I let out a mocking laugh and lightly slapped his arm. "I'm the birthday girl! You can't sacrifice me!"

Addy handed the chess piece back to Emmett, an easy smile on her face. Addy held a hand out to him, "Good game Cullen, you almost had me there. To be honest, if you hadn't moved that rook near the end I would have been toast."

Pleased knowing if Jasper hadn't thrown him off that one move he definitely would have beaten the puny human, his hand engulfed hers and he shook vigorously. So much so that Addy swung wildly with each movement. It didn't last long of course. One tug on the arm by an irritated Rosalie and the crowd dispersed. I noticed that Jasper had disappeared from the room and Edward stood by the window, watching the drive like a sentry.

Kate had somehow wrangled Rosalie over to the CD player, and the vampire looked like she was begrudgingly enjoying talking about her collection. If there was one thing Rose loved more than Emmett, it was talking about herself.

I flicked through some of the photos on the camera, smiling fondly. I pursed my lips and reached into my pocket. My brows rose, and a nervous giddiness rose within me when my eyes caught the 'We're on our way' text from Bella.

Explained why Edward stood waiting for his lady love to arrive.

Addy slunk up next to me, "Jeez! That guy has gorilla hands! I thought he was going to break my hand! Do you think he's angry with me?"

I took her hand laughing, massaging it slightly as she pouted.

"Definitely," said Joe, sipping on a beer as he leaned against the wall.

"No one asked you!" Addy hissed.

"No, that's just Emmett." I said, "He's a teddy bear really."

"Yeah, wouldn't wanna see him angry though," Joe said, "Look at the size of those arms."

"I would." Addy slung her arm around my shoulder. "Do you think we can give you your present yet?" She asked.

I groaned, "Guys! I told you, you didn't need to get me presents."

"Oh shut up," Joe rolled his eyes, "You say that, but you really can't wait to be showered with gifts."

I stuck my tongue out at him and he returned the gesture.

"So like, are we doing shots later or what?" Addy said in what she hoped was a slick murmur.

"Addy there are people here who are underaged and there will be lots of grown-ups, I hardly think there will be some hardcore shots and passing out in the bathtub."

"If there's a will, there's a way. It's not like any of us three are driving back later!"

Alice popped up under Joe's arm, causing him to shout out and spill beer down his front.

"Sorry!" Alice said, handing him a napkin.

"Jeez Joe, save it for later! Bit early to be spilling stuff down your front, we haven't even started dancing yet!"

Choosing to ignore myself and Addy who were giggling like school girls, Joe responded, "It's no problem, honestly." He shot Alice a small smile and dabbed at his shirt.

Alice stared at him for a few moments, at first it seemed she was going to respond, but I saw those eyes glaze over and brows furrow in confusion.

So did Addy it seemed, "Are you okay?" She asked, leaning toward Alice who snapped out of her daze.

"Oh yes!" She said, and before anything more could be said about it, footsteps were approaching the living room.

Bella bustled into the room, stopping short as she noticed all eyes on her and in very Bella fashion blushed head to toe.

"Uh… hi." She said.

A chorus of hi's rang around the room and Bella relaxed slightly.

She smiled shyly at Edward who was practically glowing now that she had arrived. However, instead of rushing over to him as I expected, I was pleasantly surprised when she approached me and enveloped me in a tight hug.

"Happy birthday," She murmured into my shoulder, "You're so old now," She said as she pulled back.

"Still not the oldest in the room though thankfully," I quirked an eye and she laughed at our insider knowledge of the immortals that scattered the place.

"Sorry we were late, I think your mom made my dad change his shirt five times." Bella rolled her eyes, "I should have come over earlier with you."

My mom and Charlie were next, and this time Esme and Carlisle stood close by, ready to greet them. Charlie, who had looked like a deer in headlights at all the sudden social interaction, relaxed slightly as he shook Carlisle's hand.

Esme embraced my mom saying how nice it was to finally meet her properly, and my mom returned it with hurried thank yous and 'What a lovely house you have!'

I watched nervously. I hoped my mother liked Esme as much as I did.

It was interesting to watch, they were all analysing each other. Three parts of my life in one room, taking it all in, sizing each other up. All their burning questions may finally be answered.

Bella walked to Edward who had been patiently waiting to embrace her. As Bella left my eyeline, I noticed my aunt lingering behind Charlie, slowly making her way in. I bounced on my toes in glee, eager to properly introduce her to my new life.

My mom also noticed the movement, and both she and Charlie parted to let her come into view" Oh! And this is Rachel, Clara's aunt!"

"Yes, she had mentioned she was coming!" Esme said, and turned to Rachel, "It's so lovely to meet you, Clara has told us so much."

My brows furrowed. Rachel stood with a very blank expression, eyes flickering back and forth around the room. Like she was trying to gauge something. There was none of her usual warmth and humour, just a defensive tense stance like she was ready to bolt from the door she had just entered from.

I took a step forward. Esme did too, moving to embrace my aunt as she had my mother.

Rachel flinched back from her, keeping Esme at arm's length.

The room went quiet and still.

I felt my friends move awkwardly at the interaction, looking to one another as though that would explain the sudden intrusion on the calm of the evening.

My mother stared at Rachel with a bewildered look.

Edward shifted. All the Cullen's did. It felt like something was happening and I didn't know what it was.

My panic was growing.

Then I went cold and froze.

My mind was swirling.

There was no way Rachel would have known the Cullen's back in Canada, would she? She was never around to meet them, always away in some other far-off place… so what's… Why...?

My panicking was quashed and a sense of calm fell over the room. I felt Jasper's presence approach from behind and the tension in my shoulder's dissipated slightly.

Everyone else seemed to have the same reaction too.

Everyone except Rachel who was now staring directly at Jasper over my shoulder.

Snapped out of the strange tension that had enveloped the room, I exclaimed, 'Rachel!"

Her eyes snapped to mine as though she was knocked back to reality and there was no doubt that for a split second, they were filled with overwhelming fear.