CHAPTER TEN
sᴘᴏᴛʟɪɢʜᴛ

The pretty sound of the birds was more evident up among the trees. Up there, just among the clouds, we live in our own little bubble, letting in only the sweet sounds of the forest and easy thoughts of us. It was that space amongst the treetops next to the house that replaced our spot in the forest by the bed and breakfast.
Sometimes I missed it: the familiarness, the symbiotic sense of my being within the trees, the ease of being able to find Alice away from the business of town and closeness of her siblings. But here, this was our new home base, bringing with it a sense of newness that could be nothing but exciting and comforting.

"Edward and Bella are here," Alice said from where she laid against my stomach. Alice waited a moment before she continued. "I think it's best we go down. We may have to diffuse a situation."

She began to slide down the branch, dropping through the wide-open window that led into my room.

"Diffuse a situation?"

She nodded, smirking humorously. "Rosalie's out by the Jeep."

That small collection of words said enough. Rosalie and Bella could never mix into a good end product. When we met by the front door, the four of them- Emmett, Rose, Bella and Edward- were still there. Rosalie was slid under Emmett's car, seemingly ignoring the pair, while Bella nursed her hand, tucked into her boyfriend's side.

"Fall down again Bella?"

"No, Emmett. I punched a werewolf in the face," she drawled, scowling slightly.

I let out a brief, surprised laugh, which seemed to cheer her if only for a second. "I'm going to need to hear the rest of that story."

"You'll hear it."

"Jasper's going to win the bet," Rosalie chimed from beneath the car, which was held up from the floor by one of Emmett's hands.

"What bet?"

"Let's get you to Carlisle," Edward said with a grimace.

"What bet?"

"Thanks, Rosalie," Edward hissed, not looking at Bella's weak glare. "It's infantile. Emmett and Jasper like to gamble."

"Emmett will tell me," she hummed.

"They're betting on how many times you'll slip up in the first year."

"Oh. They have a bet about how many people I'll kill!"

Edward sighed in defeat. "Yes. Rosalie thinks your temper will turn the odds in Jasper's favour."

"Jasper's betting high."

"It will make him feel better if you have a harder time adjusting. He's the weakest link," Edward said as he took her by the shoulder, steering her away from Rosalie and toward Carlise, who now stood by the doorway.

"Sure. Of course, it will. Maybe I'll add a few extra homicides if it'll make Jasper happy. Why not?"

As Bella made her way inside, I found my way next to Rosalie, waiting as she rolled herself elegantly from beneath the car, not an inch of oil or grease on her flawless face. She rolled her eyes, already knowing what to expect as she walked to the opposite side of the Jeep, expecting me to follow.

"How come I didn't know about the bet?"

"Jasper thought you would get offended," she said, her voice louder than it needed to be.

"Jasper thought that, did he?"

Rosalie shrugged. "It's just because you're so protective over her."

"Betting on how many people she'll kill is a little messed up though."

"See, offended."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever. I promise I won't get offended next time," I said. "What's wrong with the Jeep?"

"Nothing's wrong. Just giving it maintenance and Emmett wants me to change the tyres. Apparently, these ones aren't sturdy enough. I only changed them three months ago," she said, wiping her hands against an old towel.

"I don't think I've ever even seen him use it."

"He hasn't used it since James," she said.

"That makes sense."

As we talked, Alice floated to my side, a hand on my shoulder. "Hey Elide, I'm going inside to help Esme," she said, her eyes flitting to her sister as she smiled warmly. "Bring Rose in when you're done, please. I don't want you hiding out here."

Then, as she disappeared swiftly into the house, Rosalie turned to me, leaning across the back of the truck as she placed her tools to the side. For the first time ever, Rose's complete and undivided attention was on me.

"She cares about you," she finally said.

I smiled. "I care about all of you too."

For the fifth time that morning, she rolled her eyes, but a small smile still danced on her lips. "You said you wouldn't get offended."

"Offended about what?"

"I know about you two. I mean, it's a little obvious, but I know," Rosalie said, pushing herself from the jeep, readying to head toward the house. "Just... I'm glad it's you."

☾

Graduation had come quicker than any of us had wanted, but most of all for Bella. We had all done this before- that boring cycle. Redoing it made the system feel pointless, a process ade to lead us to a boring job, a boring life. That was the privilege of our immortality: we had the time and resources to be able to feel unfulfilled.

"Miss Cullen, Miss Masters, in your correct places please," Mr Varner shouted from the top of the line.

"I'll see you soon," Alice chimed, and then she was away to the front of the cue along with her brother.

The ceremony itself was forgettable and over before I'd even blinked twice. Names were called out and students rose to applause, receiving their certificates and smiling embarrassedly on stage. The crowds burst out into excited cheer as they were all handed out and the line was finished, dispersing into chaos.

"Elide!"

"Jessica."

I recognised her voice instantly, a high shrill that I hadn't heard in a while. She smiled warmly as she greeted me with two arms around my shoulders, quickly pulling me in for a hug.

"Can you believe it's all over?"

"I really can't."

"It was a good two years," she cried, smiling sadly.

"It really was."

I smiled. And despite her flaws, I found myself realising that I would miss Jessica Stanley. Credit had to be given to her unending sense of persistence and self-confidence- she'd been the first to welcome me and Bella in, after all.

"Good luck in..."

"Oh, I'm not going to university," I said. "I have an internship."

"Oh, well congrats!"

"Thanks. I know you'll do great in California!"

Seconds later she was skipping off to another group, her voice lifting above the dull chatter of the crowds. My eyes scanned the faces closest to me, looking for at least one friendly smile. It was a relief when I found Bella's father.

"Charlie!" I greeted him with a wide, toothy smile.

"Finally got to you to call me something other than Mr Swan. It really is a good day," he said. "Congratulations, on the graduation."

"Thank you," I said, nodding as Bella finally joined his side again after talking to Jessica. "Esme is taking Alice and me to Jack's, do you two want to tag along?"

"We have plans to go to the Lodge," Charlie said. "But thank you for the invitation."

"That's okay. I'll see you at the Cullen's," I said, squeezing Bella's hand and leaving.

Jack's diner was filled with the usual glow of the neon lights that sat above the windows. It wasn't as busy as I'd expected it to be- we suspected most people had gone to the Lodge like Bella and Charlie, due to the closer proximity. But Alice, Esme and I didn't mind. The quiet bustle was a nice atmosphere in comparison to the chaos that'd been present during the ceremony. We sat by the window, Esme on one side of the table with me and Alice on the other.

"So, what do you girls want to eat?" Esme asked as she shuffled closer to the window. I'd never eaten at the diner before.

At my confused expression, Alice elaborated. "Esme has a customised purse. Perfect for sneaking uneaten food away."

I let out a little laugh, not at all surprised. "I love the commitment."

"I think I'll have the fresh cream and strawberry cake," Esme said, her eyes brightening at the idea of it.

"She loves to come and judge the cakes. To see if they live up to be as good as her own," Alice said as she picked the menu up.

"I don't compare, only look," Esme said, a bright smile forming on her face. Her eyes switched to me. "Did Alice tell you? I gave one of my cakes to Bella for her to give to Charlie as you suggested, and he loved it. He asked for another."

"That's great, Esme! I knew he'd like it," I said, and she nodded softly, handing me her menu. "I'll have the Victoria sponge."

"I'll have the fudge cake!"

As the waitress came over with her looped over apron and pad of paper, we ordered our cake, watching quietly as she skipped over to the glass stand by the coffee bench, slicing our choices from the large cakes made freshly that morning. The scent of sugar and cream-filled my nose, a sweet smell that reminded me of a house I'd not called home in a long while.

"My Mam used to make a Victoria sponge every year on my birthday," I said after the girl had placed our cakes on the table and left toward the till.

"I've never heard you talk about her," Esme said.

"I don't often like to."

Esme stuck a fork into her cake, pulling the crumbs from the cream, watching as it fell apart nicely. Her lip quirked, eyes narrowing precisely as she brought the place next to her nose, acting as if she couldn't smell it as it had been cut.

"What rating do you give this one?"

"A solid six," she said. "It does look very pretty. But it smells as if it's got far too much margarine."

Esme placed her plate back down on the table and opened up her bag, pushing something aside to get to her purse. She pulled out a few notes, placing them down, ready for a tip.

"Thank you for taking us out," I said.

Esme smiled again and placed a hand on mine. "Oh, it's no bother at all. I was looking forward to it," she said, and then her eyes drifted to Alice, who was still staring between the window and the clock on the opposite wall. "Are you alright? You're being awfully jumpy?"

"I just want to get back and make sure everything is in order for the party," she said with a sigh.

"Alice, you spent all of last night getting it ready!"

"That means nothing," she groaned, her leg bouncing up and down below the table. "I need to get ready too. Not everyone wakes up looking perfect."

I put my hand on her knee, stopping it from bouncing. "Did you really just say that?"

"Oh, Alice dear, did you tell her about the dress?" Esme suddenly said.

"The dress?"

"Yes. She bought you the most beautiful dress, Elide," Esme said. "You'll love it!"

I spreader the material of the dress down against my stomach, flattening the creases. The red colour oddly flattered my skin tone, the neckline dipping low toward the waistline, an obvious choice on Alice's part. I did love it, just as Esme had said I would. My hair was curled and face bare, and as I passed Rose on the stairs, I felt wholly underdressed.

"I need your advice," Alice's voice rang from the living room. From the hallway, I could hear the sound of Bella's nervous heartbeat. "Should we give them familiar and comforting or educate their music taste?"

Alice was beautiful in a glittery gold dress, the hem reaching just to mid-thigh, her legs bare down to her silver flats. Her hair was untouched, a hint of rouge powder blushing her pale cheeks and sculpting her doe eyes.

"Keep it comforting. You can only lead the horse to water," Edward said.

I entered the room, smiling as I did so.

Bella had to hold back her groan, looking down at her khaki skirt and white top. "I think I'm underdressed!"

"You're perfect," Edward said as he placed an arm around her shoulders, finding her hand with his.

"You'll do," Alice said briskly as she glanced up, her eyes not lingering on me for too long.

"Thanks. Do you really think people will come?"

"Everyone will come. They all want to get a look at the reclusive Cullens' mystery house."

Bella rolled her eyes at Edward's response. "Fabulous."

Despite Bella's obvious discomfort at the idea of the party, I couldn't help but be excited. It was a delicious way to close the time at Forks high school, given how chaotic it had been.

The first to arrive were a group of Bella's closer friends. It was as if they were scared to arrive alone, as they all piled in one after each other, having travelled in Mike's van. Jessica took the brave leap first, gazing around the entranceway with an open mouth.

The music started as if times on cue, erupting into a loud smash of house-music. Reluctantly, Bella went to greet them, pulling me with her as we showed them further into the house.

☾

"Now that we're finally alone and everyone is distracted, I can tell you what I really think," Alice said, her voice never muffled by her lips' close proximity to my neck.

"What's that, hm?" I asked, head tilting back against the wall so I could catch a true glimpse of her in the darkened room, the pale light of the moon and stars outside of the window reaching her silvery skin.

A kiss trailed up my neck, and her lips only parted from my skin as she came to my face. "The dress looked better off," she whispered, eyes flickering down as she spoke with a tone of voice and pattern of words that only came out when we were alone.

"That might be the case. I'll need to test it with your reaction," I said, slipping a finger below the strap on my right shoulder. "But not yet."

Alice sighed in frustration. "I want to dance," I said.

"Then dance," she said, stepping back from me so I could push myself from against the wall.

"I can't hear the music well enough in here," I said, knowing fine well that she knew I was lying.

Dutifully, she followed as I lead her from her room, down the stairs, pushing past people who crowded the hallways. Music flooded from the dining room from the stereo in the corner- it was a song I didn't know, with a low pitch and deep base and a volume that shook the floor. Behind me, with her fingers enveloped loosely in mine, Alice was swaying, her weight balanced on the tips of her toes as she twirled around, eyes closed.

A few heads turned to look at her, but Alice carried on as if she was the only person in the room, until her hands found mine, even with her eyes shut. She spun me around, her laugh ringing above the music, a whole three octaves higher. She was so beautiful then, with her carefree nature and glowing optimism in spite of all of what was no doubt running through her mind.

Slowly, I stopped her spinning, making her eyes open as I stopped dancing too, placing a hand on her elbow, the other reaching from her shoulder. She watched it knowingly as it trailed up her neck gradually reaching her chin, wrapping around her cheek. Then, in front of the whole room, I kissed her, letting my lips slip across hers eagerly.

"What changed your mind?" Alice asked as I pulled away, placing my forehead against hers.

"I don't need to hide anymore," I said, grinning. "Not when you're the one person that I'd go crazy for."

Alice let out an ecstatic laugh as her hands latched onto my arms, pulling me into another twirl. I laughed with her, letting my eyes wander, seeing Rosalie with her proud smirk and Bella with her wide eyes opened in surprise as if it had not been as obvious as Rose'd said.

Out of nowhere, Alice went rigid, stumbling backwards from the dance space, into the wall. Bella rushed to our sides, gripping Alice's arm.

"What? Alice, what is it? What did you see?" Bella asked quickly.

I pushed her away carefully. "Give her space."

Alice shook her head as she snapped out of it, swallowing, but giving no explanation.

"Who invited the werewolf?" Alice asked, her nose scrunching almost at the same times as mine.

"Guilty," Bella said.

Alice sighed. "Well, you go take care of it then. I have to talk to Carlisle."

"No Alice, wait!" Bella shouted. As Alice disappeared up the stairs, she said. "What do I do?"

"Tell him to go away if you have to," I said, shaking my head. "I need to find Jasper."

The eldest of the family's siblings was outside when I finally found him. Jasper sat by the back door, a pile of rocks by his side as he threw them one by one, further than even I could see, thanks to the surrounding trees. He sent a small side as I sat beside him, and I could sense his discomfort- not at me, but at the hoards of people that were now swarming the house like bees to the hive. The very essence of the Cullens was their Queen bee.

"Alice has seen something. She went to tell Carlisle, I think," I said, and Jasper nodded, making it clear that he was dazed and distracted by the overwhelming concentration of the scent of human blood. It didn't help that it was his territory, his home that was being contaminated. In his confused state, it was no wonder he hadn't sensed them. "The wolves are here."

That made his head snap toward me, and Jasper was on his feet in seconds, holding a hand out to me like a gentleman and pulling me up.

"You should have said that earlier," he said, smirking as he showed me through the door.

Just as Alice floated down the stairs, skin soaking in the purple light, Jasper and I reached Bella's side, cutting slightly in between her and Jacob. Two other boys stood behind him, their eyes narrowed but stance surprisingly casual.

"Alice!" Bella shouted desperately. Alice's anxious face turned. "I need to talk to you."

Alice went to put a hand around her, pulling her from the presence of the wolves, but then Jacob's arm shot out in front, stopping Alice in her path. "Hey, not so fast."

"Excuse me?"

"Tell us what's going on," he demanded, not removing his arm.

I slipped in front of him, separating Alice and Bella from the wall. "Touch her again, wolf, and you'll get more than a bite."

"We have a right to know," he growled, staring flatly, pulling his arm back.

"Hey. Hey. This is a party remember," Bella said, adding a hysterical chuckle that sounded nothing but forced.

"It's alright. He has a point," Alice said, surprising us all. Neither Jasper nor I loosened our position.

"What did you see Alice?" Bella asked, swallowing nervously, her eyes flicking from one group to another.

"The decision's been made."

"You're going to Seattle?"

"No."

"They're coming here," Bella said in realisation, her face draining of life.

"Yes."

"To Forks," she whispered, as if in disbelief.

"Yes."

Beside me, I felt Jasper stiffen. For myself, the reality hadn't quite sunken in yet, until I saw Alice's face: hard and petrified, void of the passion and joy she'd looked at me with only ten minutes ago. The young vampires were coming to Forks. They would tear the whole town down to get to Bella. Jasper shook his head disapprovingly, his eyes shooting toward Jacob and his friends for a split second. We shouldn't be discussing this in front of them, his expression showed.

"For?"

"One carried your red shirt."

"We can't let them come that far. There aren't enough of us to protect the town," Bella said. I admired her hopefulness in the fact.

"I know. But it doesn't matter where we stop them," Alice said. "There still won't be enough of us, and some of them will come here to search."

"No. Alice. I have to go. I have to get out here."

"That won't help. We aren't dealing with a tracker. They'll still come here first."

"Then I have to go to meet them," Bella insisted, her voice breaking.

"Hold it, what is coming?" Jacob asked, his voice forceful, demanding.

"Our kind. Lot's of them."

"Why?"

"For Bella. That's all we know."

"There are too many for you?"

"We have a few advantages. It will be an even fight," Jasper said, though we all knew it was his pride talking.

"No. It won't be even."

For a moment, the meaning of his hiss had gone misunderstood on my part. At first, I thought it was a dig, a comment on how incapable we were, but as Alice sighed, placing a hand on her forehead with her eyes closed, I knew exactly what was going on.

"Excellent," she snapped. "Everything just disappeared of course. That's inconvenient, but all things considered, I'll take it."

"We'll have to coordinate. It won't be easy for us. Still, this is our job more than yours."

"I wouldn't go that far but we need the help. We aren't going to be picky."

"Wait. Wait," Bella said with a frown. "Coordinate?"

"You didn't honestly think we were going to stay out of this?"

"You are staying out of this," she insisted.

"Your psychic doesn't think so," Jacob snapped, folding his arms over his chest.

"Alice, tell them no!"

I shook my head, speaking for Alice without meaning to. "Bella. Separately we could all get killed, but together..."

"It'll be no problem," Jacob finished.

"How many?" One of the wolves- Quill- asked.

Alice frowned, her eyes glassy as she tried to force herself to see. "It changes. Twenty one today, but the numbers are going down."

"Why?"

"Long story and this isn't the place for it."

"Later tonight?"

"Yes. If you're going to fight with us you'll need some instruction," Jasper said and the three boys scoffed loudly.

"No!" Bella shouted, only to be ignored.

"This will be odd. I never considered working together. This has to be a first."

"No doubt about that," Jacob agreed. "We've got to get back to Sam. What time?"

"What's too late for you?"

"What time?" he repeated.

"Three o'clock."

"Where?"

"About ten miles due North of the Hoh Forest ranger station. Come at it from the west and you'll be able to follow our scent," Jasper said.

"We'll be there."

We watched as the three pack-members retreated to the front door, keeping to their triangle formation. Then, as we began to dissolve back into the party, the music suddenly filling my ears once again, the situation was put into perspective. That metallic scent returned again, no longer masked by the earthy scent of the wolves. I could hear each individual heartbeat if I wanted to, some pounding in time with the rhythm of the base.

This was what we were protecting. Not just Bella. It was more than that familial sense of defensiveness. It was a moral necessity to create a barrier for Forks, to protect the life that lived here, even if it was a fleeting moment in amongst our eternal life.

☾

Sorry, this took longer than usual! I was ill and spent all weekend/ week watching Netflix and making Tiktok edits ( add me flowersforophelia.wp aha).
Thank you for reading, lots of love!
xox