Chapter 19

Hansel, Gretel and me...

Jessica keeps telling me about Jared on the drive home. Arrived in front of my house, I ask him:

"In summary, he interests you and you would very much like me to present him to you.

Too strong !

You know I've only seen him twice.

Please… she begs me.

Ahhh! I sigh. I'll see what I can do.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, cries Jessica, taking me in her arms.

I'm not sure I'll make it, you know?!

But you're going to try, it's better than nothing!

Thanks for driving me home Jess.

Please Bells. »

I get out of the car and watch Jessica drive away, waving her hand. Charlie hasn't come back from fishing yet. I prepared steamed potatoes with parsley butter and creamed spinach while waiting for the catch of the day. My father arrived shortly after proudly depositing me the fresh fish, but also full, on the kitchen counter. I looked at him, looking bad. He immediately understood the problem, washed his hands and began to empty the entrails of the animal.

"I swear that when you look at me like that, you're scarier than some of the criminals I arrest," he told me.

Next time you will empty them before presenting them to me. Anyway, you have to clean them before freezing them when you bring back too many.

Understood, boss! Charlie jokes. »

After dinner, I go up to my room and find Edward there, who pulls me against him.

"I missed you, I gasp.

You too, he said, stroking my hair. Were you able to speak to Harry Clearwater?

Yeah, and I think he's going to consult Carlisle.

This is good news, my love. »

I had explained to Edward what was at stake today. At first he was as reluctant as in the book about me going to the reservation. But on the one hand he realized that I will go no matter what, since I had promised and on the other hand he understood the importance for me of trying to save my life. of the Quileute. I had also of course spoken to Carlisle who had assured me that he would quickly black out if Harry contacted him. All you had to do was cross your fingers. However, talking about Harry reminded me of another problem.

"On the other hand, there will potentially be a problem with Jacob.

Billy Black's son?

Yes, I nod. He's supposed to become a wolf in a few months.

And what's wrong with him? Do you think he'll phase in soon? Edward worries.

No. At least, there is no clue that indicates it. On the other hand, I think he overheard my conversation with Harry.

Did you mention werewolf and vampire?

Just wolf and transformation. Harry mentioned a leech, but you weren't quoted. »

He sighed in relief.

"How is that a problem? he asks me.

He will quickly put "two and two together", realize that vampires exist and realize that you are cold blooded, as they call you.

I see, I'm going to have to talk to Carlisle about this.

And me to Billy, I add.

Good idea ! After all, they have as much to lose as we do if the secret comes out. I'm going home, so you can take a shower.

Are you leaving now? I exclaim as I move away from him. »

I see him wrinkle his nose. I squint.

"Is this a roundabout way of telling me that I stink?

Well no…

Hmmm hmm"

I clear my throat, looking at him sideways.

" All right ! I admit it's a bit difficult to breathe in the smell that has soaked into your clothes and your hair. Please don't be mad at me, he begs me. »

I laugh seeing his puppy dog eyes.

"Sounds like you've been watching Alice try to make others feel guilty." Don't worry, I won't blame you for so little. »

He seemed relieved. I place my but on his cheek and say to him:

"Just tell me next time. All right ?

Alright, he replies with a smile. »

After Edward leaves, I leave the bedroom window wide open and take a shower with my new vanilla shampoo. Yes, I know Bella loves the smell of strawberries, but personally that smell sickens me. One of the first things I changed from my daily routine was that damn shampoo. Once out of the shower, I put on a T-shirt and shorts and call Billy.

" Hello ? comes Billy's hoarse voice on the other end of the line.

Hello, Billy? It's Bella.

bella? he asks worriedly. There is a problem ?

Maybe. It's about Jacob.

What is it ? he said, visibly sitting up in his chair.

He overheard part of our conversation with Harry.

Oh… Which one?

I don't know, but we ran into him after our talk and he confronted me on his way back to the beach. He seems to have understood that your legends about the wolf warriors are true.

And on the … others? Billy asks hesitantly.

He didn't mention them, I said, realizing that Jacob was nearby.

I'll take care of that, thanks Bella.

Please, Billy.

By the way, when should the … guests arrive …

Just after the passage of Peter and Charlotte. We'll let you know as soon as we know more.

GOOD. Good evening Bella.

Good evening Billy. »

I hang up and sigh.

"What caused this sigh of defeat?" Edward's voice asks from the window.

Jacob was listening to the conversation I had with his father.

More problems in perception?

Billy said he took care of it. For now, this is just their secret, so best to let them handle it.

That's exactly what Carlisle said, Edward agreed. I have information for you: Peter and Charlotte are arriving tomorrow.

Owl ! I can't wait to meet them!

Pardon ? Edward exclaims. It is out of the question that you meet them.

And why ? I reply, annoyed.

They don't have the same diet as us.

Jasper answers for them! He said they wouldn't feed in Forks.

It's too dangerous !

You're starting again ! I say crossing my arms. You make a decision for me, without consulting me.

There is not even need to discuss, you will not meet them, he answers, categorical.

So I think there's going to be a problem, because I don't need your permission to meet whoever I want. That too is non-negotiable.

Bella… he breathes, pinching his nose.

You better go home. I think I risk saying words that would exceed my thoughts.

You... Are you firing me? he asks, saddened.

That's right ! I say, opening the window wide. No one will direct me like a puppet. If you had accepted a compromise, it would have been different. But as long as you are not ready to agree to discuss with me, I believe that we have nothing more to say to each other. »

My serious and resigned look makes him understand that it is better to leave my room and he disappears into the night without saying a word, looking sad. I'm sorry to send him back like this, but he clearly went overboard. He must understand that mores have changed in a hundred years and that I cannot accept being treated like a fragile object and not a person capable of thinking. I feel hurt by this attitude. I really feel like he insults my intelligence.

"Bella? »

Ah! Charlie just got home. I'm going to have a chance to take my mind off things. Indeed, taking care of my father helps me keep this story in the back of my brain for a while. Arrived in my room, however, I feel the depression resurface. I take my guitar and play "Veiller tard" by Jean-Jacques Goldman. I rest my chin on the body of the guitar, sighing. Provided he understands how I feel. I get up, put down my guitar and touch the window to close it, when a violent flash of images passes before my eyes. I then see James come through my window and pin me to bed. I scream in terror and fall to my ass.

"Bella," Charlie shouts, rushing down the stairs. »

My door is suddenly opened and I feel my father's arms pull me against him.

"Are you hurt somewhere?

I…I think I saw something…I sputter, my eyes wide in terror.

Or ?

At the window, I answer staring into space. »

Damn it ! But what is happening to me?! My father approaches the window and looks outside.

" What you saw ?

Red eyes, I reply, of course not being able to tell him the truth.

Oh ! Charlie said, visibly relieved. It must be the eyes of a nocturnal animal. You know their retina reflects light.

Yes… Yes you're right, I nod trying to smile. »

I only manage to wince, but that seems to convince Charlie who advises me to drink some water and go to bed. I nod and he leaves the room. I get up by pulling myself up using the bed. I take a breath and put my hand on the window again and the same images attack me, but this time I bear them without shouting. I fix my attention on the calendar above my desk… Wednesday…

"He'll kill me on Wednesday...I whisper." »

A draft made me shiver and I felt cold arms wrap around me. If it hadn't been for that enchanting smell, I would have emptied all the air from my lungs on the spot. Edward had dragged me away from the window and was growling.

"Uh…Edward?" What is…

Who ? He whistles. Who will kill you?

James, I answer quietly. »

He growls louder and raises his head. His eyes are black and scary. I start to shake. He scares me.

"Stop it, idiot! Alice orders, slipping through the window too. You can see that you are scaring him. »

Edward seems to take notice of my condition and pulls away a bit, but doesn't let go.

"Alice! I… This is so weird… How…"

No words come out properly. I don't even know if what I want exactly. And then I pull out the one thing I'm sure of:

" Help me !

Don't worry, she reassures me. It's weird the first time and then you get used to it.

What are you talking about Alice? Edward gets annoyed.

She has visions, she explains to her brother. Visions like me.

We know it…

No, you don't understand, I interrupt him. Before, it was during my sleep… But then, I just touched the window and I saw James pass by this same window and I…

And you… Edward hisses between his teeth.

Emptying myself… I said, closing my eyes as the growl grew louder.

Edward, if you keep doing this, you'll attract Charlie. Go get some air!

I'm not leaving Bella!

I'll be with her, Alice replies. Anyway, she has questions to ask me, so get out of there»

He looks at me questioningly. I nod and he leaves saying he's going to tell Carlisle. Alice and I talked most of the night, lying on my bed. She explained to me how her first visions came to her, how she succeeded in provoking them and hiding them. We agreed that my visions were triggered by touching an important object for my future. She was impressed with my ability to elicit the same vision by repeating the touch. This would act as a catalyst.

I also brought up my argument with Edward. She told me that she understood, but that I should not forget what she told me a few days ago about her upbringing. I told him that I knew and that I would be patient, but that currently I was hurt because I had the impression that he was questioning my intelligence and taking away my autonomy and my freedom of thought. She smiled at this and assured me that he would understand sooner or later. Fatigue finally got the better of me and I collapsed in sleep. When I woke up, Alice was still there. She warns me that Carlisle wanted to see me and that she would run beside my truck.

I take a human minute, dress smart enough not to look like a slob in front of seven incredibly handsome vampires. I check my skater skirt, adjust the lace of the midnight blue bodice, and slip on my boots and coat under Alice's approving gaze.

Charlie has already gone fishing and writes me that he will stop by the police station before returning. I text him, telling him I'm going to the Cullens. I climb into my truck and head for the villa. As soon as I stop the engine, my door opens and Edward says hello. He looks nervous, so to reassure him, I smile at him and kiss him tenderly. He seems to relax a little. When I open my eyes again, I see a multitude of emotions running through hers. Sweetness, fear, pain, but above all a lot of love and I melt in front of her honeyed irises. He takes my hand and leads me inside. I then feel Edward tense slightly.

"Oh Bella! Carlisle says coming to meet me. I'm glad you're here. We have guests. »

I then look at the couch and see four bright red orbs staring at me. The man is very tall, blond and smiles mischievously. His companion, also blonde, is on the other hand very small, even smaller than Alice. She looks at me curiously. They could be brother and sister. With their childish looks and scarlet eyes, they look like evil Hansel and Gretel.

"Peter and Charlotte, I blow.

Impressive ! Peter exclaims. His heart didn't even speed up in the sight of our eyes. You are very brave, he adds, looking at me.

Or stupid... Rosalie muttered, before getting snarls from Alice and Edward.

In any case, you unleash the passions, Charlotte laughs slightly. »

"Main Quest: Successfully kill James… Reward: A new bed… Penalty: A broken leg… Duration: Three days. Developer Tip: Better to avoid slime than get it on your face…"

I raise a skeptical eyebrow. The return of weird quests… and nonsensical comments.