The next morning, Bella trudged down the stairs looking like the Underworld had decided to creep into her nightmares. I'm not surprised if the Fates decided to start interfering with her dreams now that she was aware of the Immortal world. However, she said her dreams were fine. She asked for some of the Ambrosia she ate last night, and I reluctantly gave her a small piece to eat alongside breakfast. Dad wasn't home, luckily, so he couldn't object to it. Bella and I got ready for school and hurried out. When we got to school, Bella was whisked away by Edward, and I went through my classes as normal. Alice wasn't at lunch that day, which confused me. Bella questioned it, and we were told that she and Jasper went away for a while. That dampened my mood slightly. I continued the rest of the day as usual, saddened by the loss of my new friends. Once school was over, Bella dropped me home, before she drove off to her job. I managed to get my homework done and get started on dinner. I managed to get it all done and set on the table just as Dad got home. Edward showed up not long after, and Dad chose to ignore him,
Dad took his share and sat on the couch to start eating while watching ESPN. Edward was, uncharacteristically, sitting in the armchair and staring at the TV, it confused me greatly. I ate as well, sitting next to Dad as we watched the sports. Now, I may not be a child of Nike, but I can appreciate a good game. I'm an asset in Capture the Flag, the girl who can control plants in the woods? I had many interesting offers for partnership. I had only just returned to my spot after cleaning away the plates when the door opened. "Dad? Edward? Aspen?" A voice called.
"We're in the lounge room Bells." I called, tucking my legs underneath me. Bella rounded the corner.
"Hey Bella." Dad greeted, not looking away from the TV, "We just had lasagne, it's still on the table if you wanna heat some up."
"Ok…" Bella trailed off. Edward turned his head.
"I'll be right behind you." He said before turning his attention back to the TV. Bella then shuffled away. After a little while, there was a click. I jumped slightly, embarrassed that I was surprised by something, and looked over to see Bella holding her camera.
"What are you doing Bella?" Dad asked.
"Oh come on." Bella sighed, walking over and taking a seat on the floor in front of where I was sitting on the couch. "You know Mum will be calling soon to ask if I'm using my presents. I have to get to work before she can get her feelings hurt."
"Why are you taking pictures of me though?"
"Because you're so handsome. And because, since you bought the camera, you're obligated to be one of my subjects."
"And me?" I wondered. Bella looked up at me with a smile.
"You're my big sister, why wouldn't I?"
"Hey, Edward, take one of me and my Dad and sister together." Bella tossed him the camera, not looking at him. Bella pulled herself up to the couch and squished herself in between Dad and I. She wrapped her arms around our necks and pulled us close. I laughed, wrapping my arm around Bella.
"You need to smile Bella." Edward muttered. Bella did so and the camera flashed.
"Let Aspen take one of you kids." Dad suggested, though I suspect he didn't want anymore focus on him. Edward tossed me the camera, and I caught it as he stood. Bella stood next to him, They wrapped their arms around each other. I peeked my eye through the lens before lowering the camera.
"Bells, come on, you gotta smile." I scolded. Bella forced a smile and I took the photo.
"That's enough pictures for tonight." Dad said, taking the camera from me and shoving it in between the pillows of the couch. "You don't have to use the whole roll now." Edward then casually twisted out of Bella's hold and sat back down on the armchair. Bella hesitated for a second before slumping down in front of me again and turning to the TV. When the show ended, Edward stood.
"I better get home." He said.
"See ya." Dad told him, his eyes not leaving the screen. Bella scrambled to her feet, following Edward out the door. It started to rain, and that prompted me to stand again and check on Bella as she hadn't come inside yet.
"Bella!" I gasped, "What are you doing out here!" I wrapped my arm around her and lead her inside.
"Nothing…" Bella replied, shrugging off my arm and going upstairs. I watched her go sadly.
TIMESKIP
The next day when we got to school, Edward was colder towards Bella and I could tell. He was ignoring her quite a bit, and it lasted until lunch. Bella handed her camera to Jessica, who proceeded to take pictures of almost everyone, and they used up all the film. Edward lead us back to the car. Bella dropped me off at home again and then went off to work again. Bella returned home late, said a brief hi to me and Dad before retreating up to her room. It was the same throughout the week. However, one day, Edward asked to come over. Bella was chattering nervously as she drove us home. Dad hadn't gotten home yet, and Edward was parked in his spot. When we got out of the truck, Edward hopped out of his car.
"Come for a walk with me." Edward suggested, taking Bella's hand.
"You go." I said to my sister, "Be safe." Bella nodded as Edward started to pull her away. I watched as he lead her into the forest and behind the treeline.
TIMESKIP
"Hey Dad." I greeted as he walked inside. I turned to him and gave him a smile as I continued to mix the salad for dinner.
"Hey Aspen." Dad replied, hanging up his belt. He eyed the salad with distaste. "Is Bella here?" I turned back to the food.
"She and Edward are out talking in the woods for a bit of privacy." I set the salad on the table, "Hopefully they're working through whatever they're going through."
"Really? Edward's car isn't here." I froze, looking up at him.
"What?" I raced outside, still barefoot in the bed shorts and t-shirt I was wearing around the house, and low and behold, the silver Volvo was missing from the parking spot. "Oh Gods." I breathed.
"Aspen?" Dad called.
"Dad...call...call someone I'm gonna try and find Bella."
"No." Dad said, grabbing my arm and turning me around. "It's late at night, you can't go."
"Dad I have to." I pleaded. "Please, and it's nature, I can pray to Mum, she'll help me."
"Listen kid, I know how the Gods work, I prayed to my father for years and got nothing out of it. How do you know your mother will answer?"
"I just know she will." I pulled my arm out of Dad's grasp and raced into the woods. "Bella!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the night as I carefully padded my way through the forest. "Bella! Where are you!" I placed my hand on the trunk of a tree nearby. "Please…" I breathed, closing my eyes and praying to the Gods, "Grandmother, Mother, Artemis, please help me find my sister." I then saw an image behind my eyelids, Bella laying on the wet, muddy floor, shivering like a leaf. My eyes snapped open, and I knew where she was. "Thank you." I then hurried quicker and quicker, rain starting to fall over the first. My hair was plastered against my face and cheeks, falling out of its bun as I climbed over roots and fallen tree's. Soon, I found her, Bella. I let out a cry of relief. "Bella!" I gasped, falling to her side. I pulled Bella towards me, cradling her shivering body. "Oh thank the Gods." I pressed my cheek to her forehead, "By Zeus, you're freezing." I pulled Bella into my arms, easily standing while holding her close to me. "It's me Bells, it's Aspen." I adjusted my grip and I treated my way back through the forest.
"He's gone…" Bella muttered. I could only guess who she was talking about, and due to the lack of a vampire nearby, I'm sure my guess was right. "He's gone…" That's all she said as I carefully manoeuvred us around the forest brush. When I reached the house again, a whole load of people were there. Dad, Dr Gerandy, Mr Wevver, Mike along with his father, as well as a boy I recognised as Sam Uley, as well as a whole load of others.
"Bella!" Dad called, rushing over to my side. "Aspen, is she alright?"
"She's not hurt." I told him, "But...but I think Edward's gone...and she's heartbroken."
"Charlie…?" Bella breathed.
"I'm right here baby." Dad said, focusing on her. "Give her here." Carefully, I transferred Bella over to him. Due to his demigodly strength, he was able to hold her easily.
"Put her on the couch and wrap her up." I told him, "Don't put her in a hot bath, the sudden temperature change could put her into shock." Dad nodded before he and Doctor Gerandy went inside. I shivered slightly, the cold getting to me. A warm jacket was thrown over my shoulders. I looked up to see Sam giving me a small smile. "Hey Sammy." I greeted softly.
"Hey Rosebud." Sam replied. I laughed lightly.
"That brings back memories."
"Sure does. How are you?"
"I'm…" I sighed, "I could be better. I'm worried about Bella."
"Let's go inside, get you out of the cold too." Sam placed his hand lightly on the small of my back and lead me into my house. His touch was hot, right at the base of my spine felt as if a hot coal had been rested on it. Doctor Gerandy was checking over Bella with Charlie beside her. Sam led me to two other boys who I hadn't noticed before. "You remember Jared Cameron and Paul Lahote."
"I do." I smiled up at the two boys. All three of them had grown like crazy, long gone were the lanky boys I hung out with on weekends as I grew, they were now much older, and had filled out, with large tattoo's adorning their right shoulders.
"Look at little Rosebud." Paul commented, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. "All grown up now."
"I don't think there's anything wrong with her." I heard Doctor Gerandy said, causing me to look over at him and my mood dampening. "Just exhaustion. Let her sleep it off, I'll come check on her tomorrow." The Doctor checked his watch, "Well, later today, actually."
"Is it true?" Charlie whispered, leaning close to Doctor Gerandy as he stood. "Did they leave?"
"Doctor Cullen asked us not to say anything. The offer was very sudden, they had to choose immediately. Carlisle didn't want to make a big production out of leaving."
"A little warning might have been nice."
"Yes, well, in this situation, some warning might have been called for." I watched as Bella slowly pulled the quilt that was on top of her over her ears.
"Hey." I felt a warm hand on my shoulder and I looked over to see Jared looking at me with sad eyes. "Are you sure you're doing alright?" He asked.
"Yeah." I replied softly. "I'm fine. You boys should probably get back home, it's getting late." I shrugged off Sam's jacket and handed it back to him.
"Listen, Aspen, come down to the Rez sometime." Sam suggested, "I'd love to see you down there again." I smirked as Sam took the jacket back.
"What's this I hear Sam Uley? You trying to win me over again?" Sam gave a small chuckle, shaking his head.
"No, I'm engaged, actually, have been for just over a year now."
"Congratulations, Sam, I'm happy for you, truly." After everyone had left, I hovered around Bella protectively.
"Aspen." Dad called softly. I turned to him, my arms crossed in worry. "I've got Bella, you need to have a shower and warm up yourself, I'll call you up if she needs you." I nodded softly. I then knelt down to Bella, gently brushing a piece of hair out of her eyes. I kissed her forehead softly before straightening and retreating to my room. I hope Bella is ok soon, I don't want to see her like this.