Chapter 10: The Pack

Chapter 10: The Pack
The next week passed fairly uneventfully. I spent most evenings either at the Cullen’s or Bella’s house. We mostly just talked, getting to know each other better; or rather, them getting to know me.

It was hard for me, watching them, knowing that this relatively carefree atmosphere couldn’t last; and yet I could do nothing. I could only do as I had been doing, and watch. But I didn’t think this way often. I was generally distracted by the goings on around me. I was making other friends too, people I didn’t even know about. There seemed to be crowds around me everywhere I went, asking questions almost faster than I could answer, only deterred at lunch time when Alice and Edward’s presence made them uncomfortable. This allowed me time to get to know Angela and Ben, and I was soon joking and chatting with them like we were old friends. Mike continued to help me with my Spanish, and even joined us in the cafeteria once or twice.

The subject of the dance came up almost immediately. On Monday, Alice arrived at our table with an enormous grin on her face, proudly announcing that she had been put in charge of the organisation of the spring dance on Saturday night. She, Angela and I fell into discussions of dresses, shoes, hair and make up right away. I did, however, catch Bella’s trademark grimace at the thought of dancing, and the ‘please-don’t-make-me-do-this’ look she threw Edward. I wasn’t interested enough to watch his response.

On Tuesday, I was at the Cullen’s after school, and Alice convinced me to have another go on the piano. I was nervous, because Edward was there; but I sucked it up and managed to get through a fairly simple arrangement of Für Elise from memory with minimal mistakes.

I had just finished when my phone rang, the sound so unexpected that it made all of us jump. I dug it out of my bag and answered without bothering to check the caller ID.

“Hello?”

“Hey Becky Boo.”

“Alex!”

I was ecstatic to speak to Alex. We hadn’t had any contact in all the time I had been away, and just hearing his voice was heavenly.

“Becky Boo,” Emmett snorted. I rolled my eyes and smacked him round the head.

“One sec Lexi... Emmett, if you’re going to make fun of me, at least do it when you’re not within my reach.”

“Something up?” Alex asked.

“No, Emmett’s just being an ass, but what else is new.”

He laughed with me. Emmett pouted.

“Love you really Em,” I called over my shoulder as I stepped into the kitchen for some semblance of privacy.

“How are you?” I asked as soon as I was alone.

“Bored, frustrated, and thoroughly pissed.” He answered with a huff.

“Aww, poor baby,” I cooed. “What’s up?”

“Dad got a new girlfriend.”

“Is that a problem?”

“Not really, but... it’s just... Samantha isn’t exactly...what you’d expect...for Dad.”

“Why? What is she like?”

“Well, she’s... she’s nice, in her way. She’s only 25, and she’s already semi retired.”

“What?” I giggled.

I could hear him smiling. “It’s true. She’s an ex-Playboy centre-fold with a part time modelling career still going. She’s your typical California girl – blond hair, blue eyes, glaringly obvious breast augmentation...” He laughed. “Seriously, those things are like watermelons. I’m talking Katie Price huge”

I smiled too. His mood and my mood were directly linked.

“Look Lex, I understand it’s difficult to accept someone new in your dad’s life, especially someone you don’t approve of. But as long as he’s happy, that’s what matters. It’s not your decision to make. Okay?”

Alex sighed. “Yeah Becks, I get it. Think I’m gonna be the same with our kids? I probably won’t think anyone is good enough for them.”

I smiled sadly. “Maybe.”

There was silence for a moment. I could just imagine Alex digesting what he had said to try and find the cause of my sadness. He knew me so well, I had no doubt that he could hear it. I imagined I could even hear the click as his brain worked it out.

“Oh God Becky, I’m sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset.”

I had to giggle. He sounded so funny as he rapidly backtracked. “It's okay Alex, I don't mind. It's just kind of depressing, you know? Thinking about something that will never happen.”

“Becky, you can't think like that. You're so much stronger than the others, I just know you're going to be fine. Please sweetheart, don't be sad.”

I smiled. He always knew just what to say to make me feel better, but on this particular topic, I was a lost cause. I couldn't shake the feeling that my Mistake was on it's way; inevitable, like a hurricane following its course to the end. The end of everything.

“Don't you ever imagine it at all?” Alex asked in a whisper, bringing me back to reality. “Being grown up, living in the big house, surrounded by kids.”

I sighed; it was a lovely picture he painted, and everything I could ever want. “Tell me more.” I begged.

He chuckled. “All right. Try this. Imagine it's twenty years from now. We're married, we're happy. My grandparents have given us the house. Maybe they still live there, maybe they've moved out, you choose.”

I considered for a moment. “They're living with us. Their health is starting to decline, but we take care of them.”

“Perfect. Alright, we take care of them. And there's kids, tons of kids. Six or maybe seven, all girls. A whole crowd of little Beckys.”

I laughed. “That's your dream? It sounds like a nightmare to me.”

He chuckled quietly. “I think it's perfect. That's what I imagine for us, our life.”

I hummed. “It does sound nice.”

Alex sighed heavily. “God Becks, I miss you so much. Tell me you'll be home soon,” he almost begged.

“Well, it's Tuesday here, and I come back on Sunday. That help?”

“Now I feel selfish. It's Wednesday here; I don't have to wait as long as you do.”

I giggled. “Don't worry baby, it's not so bad. There's a dance on Saturday night, that should distract me.”

“Oh really? Got a date yet?” he joked.

“Not yet, but I think Mike might be planning to ask me. He seems kind of interested.”

“Doesn't he have a crush on Bella?”

I smiled. “Yep. But you know what boys are like. Always changing their minds.”

He was suddenly serious. “Not me. I'll never change my mind about you.”

“Me either.”

“Wish I could go to the dance with you.” he mumbled, and I could hear him pouting.

“Me too.”

“Yeah. Oh, one sec Becks.”

There was silence for a moment. When Alex spoke again, he sounded upset.

“Sorry Becky, I have to go. Dad wants me to go riding with him. I'll call you when I can, okay?”

“Alright Lexi. I love you.”

“Love you too. See you Sunday.”

“See you.”

We hung up at the same time, something we always did. We didn't even think about it any more, it just happened. Neither of us wanted to be the first to go.

As soon as Alex’s voice was gone, I felt sad. I didn't realise until he was gone just how much I really missed him when we were apart.

I wandered back into the living room and put my phone away. I didn't stay much longer, declining Esme's offer of dinner. I really just wanted to be alone right then.

By Wednesday, Alice’s dance plans were in full swing, and she had successfully roped me into helping. Mike did indeed ask me to the dance after Spanish, and I politely declined, telling him I had a boyfriend. Unfortunately, that didn't stop Tyler having a go at lunchtime. I managed to keep my cool, calmly explaining that it didn't feel right going out with another boy, even as friends, when Alex was so far away. That did manage to register, and I didn't have to field any more unwelcome advances the rest of the day.

As the week progressed, my longing for Alex grew and grew and grew. I couldn't stop thinking about him; he was in my dreams every night, and in my thoughts almost every second. I searched desperately for distractions, and on Thursday, I decided to head down to La Push and see Jake. I had yet to explain my presence here or where I had come from to the pack, and I didn't want Sam to think I couldn't be trusted.

I debated internally as I drove down the winding forest road; did I go to his house and hope he was in? Or should I go into the centre of the village and hope to come across him there? In the end I decided it would be too complicated – not to mention stressful – trying to explain who I was to Billy should Jacob not be there, and drove straight to First Beach.

Luck was with me. As I pulled into the parking lot, I saw the figures huddled together around a burnt out fire. It wasn't raining, but the sky was murky and overcast, a storm threatening to break any second. The hulking silhouettes of the wolves were the only signs of life, besides the occasional passing car.

As I cut my engine, I saw them lift their heads to look at me. One figure – Jacob, I could see now – broke away from the crowd and began jogging across the asphalt towards me. I smiled as I climbed out of the car and raised the hood of my raincoat.

“Hey Becky!” Jake crowed, sounding much more happy than he had last week. “How are you?” He slung one arm around my shoulder as we walked towards where the others waited.

“Fine thanks Jake. Hey, sorry I flipped out on you last week. Yelling at you like that... it wasn't nice, and I didn't mean to be cruel.”

He shrugged non-committally. “No big deal. You said too much, I get it. It happens sometimes. I shouldn't have tried to push you.”

I smiled. “Are we going to trade apologies back and forth all afternoon, or actually have a productive conversation?”

Jacob laughed, but didn't reply. We had reached the small crowd by this point and I did my best to smile in a friendly way; one that hopefully didn't say 'I know everything about you, all your secrets and the best way to piss you of, and you don't know a thing about me, but trust me anyway'. That would not have been a good vibe.

All the wolves were wearing knee length jeans and dark coloured, skin-tight t-shirts; much lighter clothing than any other human would wear in the current weather conditions – less than I was wearing at least. There wasn't anyone else around, which was probably why they could get away with it. There were eight of them, including Jacob, which surprised me. I had gotten the impression that Quil hadn't phased until part way through Eclipse, yet there he was, looking at me curiously from between a rather anxious looking young man, who I recognised by his mental voice as Paul, and the slightly younger Embry. A woman – Leah – also stood slightly back from the group, with a smiling boy beside her who must have been Seth. That was a real shock. I wondered idly when the Clearwaters' first phases had been, but thought it would be rude to ask.

The tallest man, Sam, greeted me with a smile and introduced everyone around the circle, although it was fairly easy to figure out that Jared was the only one I hadn't identified already. Still, I kept my smile in place and nodded politely to each person.

“So,” Embry said after the introductions were over, “Have we got ourselves another vampire girl? Or is this one a witch.”

I laughed. “A bit of both, I guess, minus the whole 'hubble bubble' thing. And I’m just friends with the vampires, not dating one, so lets leave that title to Miss Swan, shall we?” I quirked an eyebrow at him before I continued into a short summary of the Necklace and its powers. Of course, then the wolves had questions, which I did my best to answer, and then Seth asked for a demonstration of what I could do. After checking that no one was around to see, I casually clicked my fingers and the smoking fire flared up with bright blue-green flames, the driftwood logs pulled back together from the ashes. I laughed as the Quileutes all jumped back in surprise.

“You never told us,” Sam said when he had recovered, “What are you actually here for? What reason do you have for visiting us?”

I shrugged. “I felt like it. I was bored of normal life, and needed a change. My boyfriend noticed I was restless and suggested I come here, since I’m so obsessed with the Twilight books.”

“He knows about you?” Jared asked.

I barely had time to nod before Leah huffed in frustration.

“Well that's just peachy,” she grumbled. “I'm sure it's wonderful to be able to tell everyone you meet all about yourself. Sorry to burst your bubble sweetheart, but life's not so easy for the rest of us.”

She wheeled and began to run towards the parking lot. Several of the others called out to her, but she ignored them, racing into to tree line across the road. I saw her leap forward, leaving a cloud of shredded fabric behind as she phased; her grey tail disappeared into the trees before anyone had time to react.

Seth started after her, but Paul grabbed his hand. “Leave her. You know how she gets when she's in one of these moods.”

“Sorry about that,” Jacob said to me, “Leah's still adjusting. And I think she's kind of a bitch anyway.”

I frowned. “Yeah, well, you lot aren't exactly making it easy for her.”

The boys all turned to me with looks of surprise and confusion, clearly wondering what was making me so grumpy all of a sudden. I sighed.

“You're completely clueless, aren't you? She's the only girl in a group of guys, and she has share your minds. She has to face the love her ex has for her cousin – not that I’m blaming you for that Sam, I know it's involuntary – every single day. On top of that, she's dealing with an enormous change in herself, plus the death of her father; the way you all treat her isn't exactly helping. Do you ever think that maybe she doesn't want to be 'one of the boys' for the rest of her life?”

They all just gawked at me, completely stunned by my outburst. I huffed and shook my head. “Why do I even bother?”

I stepped around the fire, heading in the same direction Leah had gone.

“You'll never catch her!” Seth called. “She's fast, and she has a head start.”

“Yeah?” I looked over my shoulder at him. “Well, I'm pretty fast too.”

I shifted to my vampire form, smirking at the astonished faces and wrinkled noses that comprised their reaction and took of at top speed, following Leah's scent through the woods. Seth was right, she was fast. Perhaps a different mode of transport was in order.

Still running, I concentrated, trying to make my powers work without speaking; I didn't have time for the whole 'I wish' spiel right now. My focus seemed to pay off, and I felt the power flow through me. Slotting in a mental get-out clause so my clothes didn't get ruined, I whispered, “Wolf,” and leaned forward. Paws hit the ground instead of my hands as my clothes melted away, and I smiled triumphantly as I picked up the pace. Four legs definitely went faster than two.

What do you want? a disgruntled voice asked me. Good, Leah could hear me. That would make everything easier.

Yeah, cos being in someone else’s head is just peachy.

I just want to talk to you Leah.

Well, I don't want to talk to you. I don't care how you got here, just get out before I come back and give you a limp.

I sighed. I’m trying to be sympathetic. I know how the guys treat you, and I want to see that that treatment isn't justified. You are making that shockingly difficult.

Oh, boo hoo. Leah huffed.

I had caught up to her by then, and she gave up trying to run, turning to glare at me, teeth bared. I whimpered and stepped back in surrender. I wasn't afraid, but a fight between us would be the opposite of helpful right now.

Why do you care? Leah sneered. Why don't you just go back to your perfect little life and stop interfering with mine. I don't want or need your sympathy.

I know. I answered. She waited for me to say more, but I didn't. I couldn't.

You're lucky. She whispered. You have love and family. You can choose who you love, instead of having some freaky force decide it for you, or make you this genetic dead end. You didn't turn into a giant wolf in the middle of your living room and cause your dad's heart attack, because no one was looking out for the signs of it coming just because you're a girl. You didn't cause the resulting stress that pulled your brother into this too. You're lucky.

I couldn't speak for a moment. Of course I knew about Harry’s heart attack; I just didn't realise it was Leah's first phase that triggered it. Or that she felt so responsible.

It's not your fault. I murmured softly, placatingly. You didn't choose this.

Did you?

No.

Leah was pulled up short. She seemed to think that I had asked for this, that it was something I enjoyed and wanted.

I do enjoy it. I said, still calm. Sometimes. But I never asked to be chosen. I never asked to be given this responsibility. It's hard; you don't know how hard. At least you had a whole pack of people to help you. Familiar faces, people you know, even if they do irritate you. You can share this with your brother. You can tell your mother. You have almost ten people here to help you. Me... I have one. I can't tell anybody. Alex is the only one who knows about me at home. Yes, I tell a lot of people when I travel, but that's just to make things easier. I don't tell everybody; just the people who need to know. Besides... I gave her my best wolfy grin. Turning into a giant wolf is way cooler than what I can do. This feels amazing!

I started running around the little clearing we were in, chasing my tail and leaping over fallen logs, trying to work some of the excess energy in my muscles. Leah laughed at me, a throaty, barking laugh along with her human laugh in my head, but I didn't mind. It was nice to hear her happy. I calmed down after a minute, puffing and panting.

I think you're the lucky one Leah. You can stop whenever you want. You can get away from this. I can't; I’m stuck with my fate for the rest of my life... to the bitter end. Although that's not so far away, really. I pictured the other Sisters, remembered their mistakes, brought forward the ticking clock that was always in the back of my mind, counting down to the time when my mistake would be.

Leah gasped. They'll kill you?

I shook my head. Not kill. Remove. It will be like I was never born. I sighed. You could die tomorrow, and people would remember you. Your mum and your brother and the rest of the pack would mourn for you. When I go, no one will mourn. No one will remember. There will be someone else in my place... or there might just be an empty space. Alex will love someone else, marry someone else, grow old and die with someone else. And I will have to sit and watch that, and watch another innocent girl go through everything I went through, and try to help her if I can. I’ll do my best; that's all I can do.

Leah sat down on the grassy forest floor, and I sat too, lying down with my head on my paws as she thought over everything I had told her.

How are you not freaking out? she asked, her voice sombre. I’d be terrified if it was me. Or I’d go crazy worrying. How do you stay calm?

I shrugged. I’ve accepted it. I know it will happen, and that there's no way out. I chuckled. Alex doesn't agree. He wants me to fight it, try to figure out why the Necklace exists so that I can break the cycle. He believes in me, even though I don't believe in me.

He sounds like a good man. Leah thought.

He will be, one day. I agreed. But we're still just kids. He has a long way to go before he's done growing up. He'll make a lucky girl very happy someday. I trailed off, feeling dejected again.

Don't give up hope. She encouraged me. I've known you all of half an hour, and I can see you are strong and determined; no one else has bothered trying to talk to me when I don't want to talk, like you did. Whatever curse has been placed upon you, I have no doubt that you will break it.

We fell into contented silence; there was nothing more that could be said without us going round in circles or beginning to argue, and we both knew it. After about half a minute, Leah leaned back and raised her nose in the air, letting out a loud howl. I copied her, just for the hell of it. She laughed at me again, especially when I sat there like a dog, grinning widely with my tongue lolling out of my mouth. I saw myself in her minds eye, really looking at this new wolf form for the first time.

I was pure white, with a few tiny spots of what appeared to be grey. These actually turned out to be an iridescent silver that sparkled in the weak light filtering through the storm clouds; I didn't know if they would always be there, or if they were just a by-product of my having shifted into a wolf from my vampire form. My nose was pale pink where the others had black noses, and my muzzle was long and thin, like Leah's, a more feminine line than would be seen on the boys. My eyes were still the same colour too, though they were twice as big and much more round. I could see a slight change in the colouring of my fur around my eyes, making it almost look like I still had glasses on. It was odd not having the lenses in front of my eyes after so long, but the enhanced eye sight was worth the weirdness.

Wow, Becky makes a pretty good wolf. Jared commented, alerting me to the fact that my head suddenly felt very crowded, as ten other minds tried to share the space.

Whoa, dizzy. I said, shaking my head a little. How do you guys cope with that?

Well, we didn't have it all come along at once. Jacob joked good naturedly as the others filed into the clearing one by one. Shouldn't you be used to this? I mean, you said you were a mind reader.

My telepathy is selective. I patiently explained. I choose when I want to hear people, unless they deliberately throw their thoughts at me. If I was like Edward, hearing everything all at once, I think I’d go stir crazy. I don't know how that boy copes.

Boy! Paul scoffed. I growled.

I know you don't like him, but he's my friend, they all are, and I’d appreciate it if you'd leave the slander for when I’m not around. I thought grumpily. Say whatever you like, just wait until I’m out of hearing range.

Leave Becky alone, Paul. Sam said softly, but with a subtle edge of authority. She's allowed to socialise with whoever she wants. If she wants to be friends with the Cullens as well as us, I won't stop her. I certainly won't rescind my friendship because of who she chooses to hang out with at other times.

I smiled. Thanks Sam. That means a lot. Now, if you don't mind, I think I’m going to go back to sharing my brain with me myself and I before I get a headache.

The wolves all laughed and sent various goodbyes my way.

When are you coming back? Seth asked eagerly, his sandy tail whipping back and forth.

I don't know. I admitted. I’m actually going home on Sunday morning, and I won't be able to come back for a long time after that.

I know. Jacob piped up. How about you come say goodbye to us on Saturday night? I think there's something going on that night.

There's a dance at school. I nodded. That's a good idea Jake. If you guys meet me on the beach around eleven, we can say our goodbyes with no interruptions. Head home if I’m not there by midnight though; I don't want to keep you up.

Several wolves scoffed.

Please. Embry said, rolling his big eyes at me. We stay up later than that for patrols on a nightly basis.

Yeah, and you get grounded for it. I reminded him, which made the others laugh.

I really do have to go now guys. I said apologetically, and there was another round of goodbyes before I headed back to the beach for my car.

Chapter 9: Memories

Chapter 9: Memories

I beat Edward to Bella’s house, whirling into her back yard half a second before he did. Although, to be fair, that was only because he slowed down to check if Charlie was in.

“I win, I win!” I crowed, dancing around in a circle.

Edward darted out of the trees.

“You cheated!” he growled, springing at me. I danced away, twirling out of his reach every time he tried to grab me. I couldn’t stop laughing, watching his face stretch into a huge smile.

A light laugh from above our heads made us both stop. Bella was leaning on her window sill, watching us with amused interest.

The breeze suddenly changed direction, blowing her hair around her face, and her scent in our direction. Edward gave me a worried glance, wondering how I would react to a human scent, especially one as strong as Bella’s.

I gagged.

The smell was disgusting! I had never smelled anything worse. I was briefly reminded of Bella describing the way blood smelled to her - like rust and salt - before my stomach twisted and felt like I was going to throw up. I bent over, clutching my stomach, and tried to rally enough concentration to change back to my human form.

I heard, through the roaring in my ears, Edward’s voice, asking me what was wrong, and then the faint sound of a window closing. The smell disappeared with the sound, and I collapsed onto the grass, finally managing to complete my Change. Within half a second of being human again, my forehead was clammy and I was exhausted... but the nausea was fading.

“Becky?” Edward asked again, anxious. “Are you alright?”

“Fine.” I croaked. I coughed, trying to clear my throat. One cool hand smoothed across my forehead, while another lifted me into a sitting position. I realised my eyes were closed, and when I cracked them open Bella was just coming out of the back door, a worried look on her face. I shook my head, trying to clear the dizziness. A few deep breaths helped, but my head was pounding like the pistons on a steam engine. I moaned and clutched my head.

“Should I call Carlisle?” Bella asked anxiously, coming to kneel on the grass beside me. “You don’t look so good.”

I shook my head again. “I’ll be ok in a minute. Your scent just took me off guard a little.”

Edward nodded, as if he had expected that would be the route of the trouble. “The thirst can be uncomfortable. I’ve never seen anyone react like that before though...”

He trailed off; listening to the replay I was running in my head.

“I wasn’t thirsty,” I said in a quiet voice, “I never have been. Right from the start... it just wasn’t there.”

“What then?” Bella wondered. She was bizarrely nonchalant, considering we were discussing why I hadn’t wanted to kill her the second I smelled her.

“The smell... I can’t even describe it.” My nose wrinkled at the memory. “I just felt so sick I couldn’t even stand up. I think it’s probably The Necklace’s idea of protecting me. It knows I don’t want to hurt people in that form, so it made them physically disgusting to me.”

“Are you sure?” Edward asked, frowning. “It seems a little bit odd. Isn’t it supposed to protect you?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Don’t ask me how this thing works; I haven’t got a clue.”

I played absently with the little silver bow as I spoke, twisting it in my fingers. My head was starting to clear and my forehead had quickly dried off in the chilly Forks air. I managed to pull myself up onto my feet, but made use of Edward and Bella’s helping hands to get inside.

For the rest of the afternoon, as I sat in Bella’s living room listening to her talking with Edward and getting over my queasiness, I pondered just how much I didn’t know about the Silver Necklace. I had no idea of the extent of its power, or its limitations beyond the rules instilled by those above me. Thinking of them made me shiver.

My life was controlled by forces far beyond the comprehension of most people. The Volturi didn’t compare.

There was Hope, of course, but even she answered to someone. Someone who had the power to terrify us all with just the sound of his name.

Darcy.

Darcy Pembrook, born in 1818, was a well respected, though widely disliked, English gentleman. In life he owned a jewellery shop. Though he was cordial to his customers, outside of his professional life he was, to put it mildly, an ass. He was rude, coarse, unsociable, degrading, insulting and utterly friendless. When a mystery supplier sold him an interesting piece one day, he couldn’t find it in him to part with it. The Silver Necklace never even touched Darcy’s shelves. He kept it in his pocket, carrying it everywhere with him. When he found out what it could do, he abused the power. At some point, something in it leaked into him, making him even worse than before.

He died the way he lived; bitter and alone.

The Necklace, along with all his other possessions, was passed to his brother. As Darcy’s only living relative, he had inherited everything when a will could not be located. Mr Pembrook gave the Necklace to his daughter as a birthday present.

And so it began. Hope made it through life without problems. It was when she passed away that the trouble began. Darcy had been existing in the strange nether region between worlds known as Unreality. When Hope joined him, her strength combined with his, and gave him the power he needed to recover, and to control her. With every new addition, he grew stronger and stronger, and the Sisters were powerless to defy him. He had haunted my nightmares from the moment I knew of his existence. Though I had yet to meet him, I knew it couldn’t be too much longer before he made an appearance.

And yet even he wasn’t at the top of the ladder. The Necklace came to him in mysterious circumstances. At least, they were mysterious at the time. Now we knew everything.

The ultimate power belonged to two beings. The first was Fate. We called him ‘My Lord Fate’ or just ‘My Lord’. He carried out the decisions, did the physical things that made events happen. He was a very busy man, understandably, and I had never met him either. But, unlike Darcy, I could very easily go through my life and not even catch a glimpse of Fate, or his sister.

The Lady Destiny; the true controller; the top of the heap; the one calling all the shots... the decision maker. If Destiny wanted something done, you did it, no questions asked. This last, I had had the pleasure of seeing personally. I had to ask her permission to tell Alex about my life, and, luckily, she had accepted my request.

According to Lillian, I was the only one out of all of them to have even met Destiny, much less plucked up the courage to ask for an audience with her.

My mind continued to wander, remembering that magic moment when Alex and I first got together...

Slowly, very slowly, my consciousness began to return to me. I became gradually aware of my surroundings. Small sounds, muffled and unintelligible, registered in my mind, but I couldn’t make sense of them. I couldn’t see; my eyes were closed, and when I tried to open them... nothing. I couldn’t move, not even to twitch a finger.

My hearing got clearer and clearer. The noises began to make sense.

A slow, rhythmic beeping.

Rattling window blinds.

Breathing, low and uneven, hitching in odd places.

Sobbing.

Someone was sobbing? What could there be to cry about?

More senses returning. There was a nasty taste in my mouth, the kind of thing I got sometimes first thing in the morning if I ate too soon before going to bed. I could feel the rough sheets that were wrapped around me. I could feel that I was half sat up on a lumpy bed, leaning on big pillows. I could feel the wires and tubes sticking into my arms. And I could feel hands curled around mine, and something wet dropping onto my skin.

Tears.

I felt a sudden urge to comfort this stranger; this mysterious person crying over my hands. I struggled with my lids, trying to open them. It felt like someone had glued them shut, or weighed my lashes down.

“Becky.”

It was quiet, a broken whisper, but I instantly recognised the voice. The shock broke through the walls in my head, and my eyes flew open.

A head, invisible but for a mop of unruly curly black hair, was bent over my folded hands. His shoulders heaved with the sobs that racked his body.

“Please Becky,” he whispered, “please wake up. I need you to wake up. Please. Please.”

I had to answer. I would do anything to take the pain out of his voice, anything. My throat was sore, my mouth dry, but I persevered. After half a minute of struggling, I managed to croak out a response.

“Alex?”

His head snapped up, his hazel eyes locking with mine. We stared at each other for a moment. Then he threw his arms around me, holding me tightly, but gently, in a warm, comforting embrace.

In that moment, something within me changed. I barely knew Alex; he was just a boy in my Maths class. He didn’t mean anything to me. He wasn’t even a friend, really. But here, in his arms, I felt safer than I ever had in my life. Something about him made me feel things I had never felt before.

I felt special.

I felt loved.

Alex didn’t let go of me. He leaned away slightly, but kept his arms around me. He looked into my eyes again, very serious.

“Becky,” he sighed, finally smiling. His grin was infectious; I had to smile back.

“Alex.”

He took a deep breath. “I have something I need to tell you Becky.”

I waited.

“Becky, I... I love you.”

I didn’t realize at first that I had said the words with him. But when I did, my smile grew. He loved me. And I loved him. I was certain it was true.

He gaped at me for a second, then smiled, a breathtaking smile of pure happiness. Then he leaned in, very slowly, and pressed his lips to mine.

That was my first kiss, and every time I kissed Alex, it seemed to get better. He was magical.

I was pulled out of my daydreams by Edward.

“Becky, Charlie’s around the corner. We have to go.” He smirked. “Unless you’d like to explain how we got here when neither of us has a car.”

I laughed, my blissful mood lingering. “No thanks. Let’s get out of here.”

I got up and hugged Bella, promising to be in school the next day, before exiting through the back door and hurrying a few feet into the trees before I Changed. I didn’t want to be incapacitated by her scent again.

Edward joined me a moment later, and we ran together through the trees.

When we reached the Cullen’s house, the whole family was waiting for us. I was hugged by each of them in turn, assuring each that I was fine and there had never been any danger.

They finally let me leave around ten. I was exhausted; I could barely stand, much less run, so Alice drove me home.

Once again, I fell asleep to dreams of my darling Alex.

Chapter 8: Homecoming

Chapter 8: Homecoming

I charged down the long corridor, moving faster than lightning, getting around the corner in half a second.

Giana squeaked, startled by my sudden reappearance. I snatched my bag and cardigan from where I had left them behind the desk.

“Grazi Giana!” I yelled as I set off at a sprint, heading for the lifts. I could hear the growling and snarling already; they couldn’t be far behind.

Thankfully, the lift already stood open. I darted in and hit the button for the ground floor... just as the first of the guard rounded the bend, led by a livid Jane. I smiled at her. “Arrivederci!” I called brightly, waving as the doors closed. I heard the enraged shrieks, and laughed, relief doing strange things to my body.

By the time the lift doors pinged open, I was human again, and I had replaced my black slip-ons with trainers. I ran, though speed wasn’t as critical now. It was still very light; only 5:15, not yet sunset. I had about half an hour before it was dark enough for them to follow me without being spotted. That was plenty of time. I was halfway to Florence by the time the sun finally disappeared below the horizon, and made it just in time for my flight at 6:30.

When I switched my phone on, I found a text message from Alice.

Becky

If you don’t call before noon Bella is going to have a panic attack. Don’t make Edward suffer that.

Call.

Alice

I sighed. Of course Bella would have found out. I could only hope Alice was exaggerating about the panic attack thing.

After quickly checking the Seattle time on my phone’s world clock - it was 9:45 in the morning - I set about composing a new message.

Hey Edward,

Just got out of Volterra. Not too bad but Jane will probably hate me forever (tee hee). Tell Alice that I’m ok, will call Bella now. C u on Monday.

Becky

p.s. I beat up Felix. It wasn’t even really a fight, just me throwing him around like a rag doll ;-)

I sent that, then dialled Bella’s number. I listened to the dial tone, praying that Charlie was out fishing already. Luck was with me; Bella picked up on the third ring, sounding a little breathless. Knowing her she probably ran to the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hi Bells, it’s Becky.”

“Becky!” Her voice sounded relieved. “Where are you? I’ve been worried sick! When Edward told me where you were going...” She took a deep breath. “Just tell me you’re ok.”

I sighed. “I’m fine Bella. I’m on a plane, I’ll be home tonight, and I’ll be in school Monday. Ok?”

There was a moment of silence before Bella answered. “Are you really alright Becky? You sound kind of... crabby.”

I realized then that I wasn’t exactly being polite. I sounded exasperated and irritated, when really I was just exhausted. “I’m so sorry Bella; I didn’t mean to snap at you like that. I’m just really tired. There’s a nine hour time difference between Italy and the West Coast, and I haven’t really gotten over the jet lag yet.”

“Don’t worry about it Becks,” Bella sounded much happier now, satisfied that I wasn’t angry at her. “I slept fourteen hours after I got back.”

I rolled my eyes. “I know. I’ve read New Moon about ten times.”

Bella laughed, and I could picture her blush. “Right, I forgot about that.”

“Bells?” a faint voice echoed down the receiver.

“Oh! Sorry Becky, I gotta go, Charlie’s up.”

“No problem Bells. See you Monday.”

“Bye.” Bella hung up, and I put my phone away.

***

I was absolutely exhausted by the time I staggered through the door. I knew I wasn’t going to make it to my bedroom, so I opted for the sofa in the living room instead. I remembered crossing the hall, and flopping down, but I was out before my head hit the cushions.

The next thing I knew, the phone was ringing in the hall. I moaned and tried to block out the noise, but it just seemed to get louder. Grumbling incoherently, I heaved myself up off the sofa and went to the phone.

“Whoever this is better have a good reason for calling.” I croaked.

“Becky? Is that you?” a shrill voice asked.

I moaned again. “Alice, what do you want?”

“We wanted to invite you over,” she said, sounding hurt. Great. “We thought you might want to talk about your trip. Don’t tell me you were still asleep. It’s 10:30 for crying out loud!”

“It is?” I rubbed my eyes and squinted at the clock. “Wow.”

She sighed. “Becky, you’re hopeless.”

“No, I’m tired,” I grumbled, “I don’t even know what time it was when I got home last night, but I am pretty sure I haven’t had enough sleep. I mean, I’ve jumped nine hours forward, and back again, all in the space of about two days, if that. I haven’t had a full nights sleep since Friday. I’m begging you Alice; give me just a little more time in bed please.”

She was quiet for a minute. I crossed my fingers and squeezed my eyes shut. Finally, Alice sighed.

“Fine. But you have to promise you’ll come over tonight.”

“I promise. Thank you Alice.” I yawned widely.

“Bye Becky.” Her voice had a smile in it, so I was sure I was forgiven.

***

When I woke up again, rain was streaming down the big glass windows of my living room. The sun shone, though it was obscured by thick clouds, and a quick glance at the clock told me it was almost midday. I stretched, stiff from sleeping on the sofa, and went to make myself some lunch.

As I crossed the hallway, something seemed different. I stood and considered for a moment, before I realised that the piano books I had left on the hall table on Thursday night were gone. Or rather, one was. The bright blue cover of the Disney book had caught my eye, because my Twilight book had been on top before.

“Now where can that have got to?” I said to myself, injecting a heavy dose of sarcasm. I knew exactly where my book was.

I made myself a sandwich for lunch and ate at the speed of light, chasing it down with a glass of orange juice, then set off in vampire mode, going full speed.

I stopped just before I reached the Cullen’s, listening.

Just as I’d expected, the sound of a piano floated out through an open window. The melody was so familiar, I actually started tapping it out on the tree trunk I was clinging to, as if I were the one playing.

Carter Burwell’s ‘Bella’s Lullaby’.

I slipped quietly through the back door, making no sound at all. Rounding the corner into the living room, I saw Edward straight away. He had his back to me, totally absorbed in the music. He stopped very suddenly, apparently sensing my presence, and turned around to give me a sheepish grin.

“Hi,” he said, his voice apologetic.

“Good afternoon,” I smiled and skipped over to sit beside him. “What do you think?” I asked, gesturing to the book open on the music stand.

He contemplated for a second. “It’s good, I guess. Not perfect, and not very well arranged for piano, but still, good.”

I laughed. “My teacher said exactly the same thing when she saw it the first time. I haven’t even attempted this one yet.”

He chuckled. “Want to hear the original?”

My eyes went wide. “Please!”

Edward turned back to the keys and began to play again.

There are no words to describe what the real Bella’s Lullaby was like. It was absolutely beautiful, and Edward’s playing was perfect. It was as different from the film version as possible; nothing was the same. When he had finished, I sat there for a minute in stunned silence, trying to remember how to speak.

In the end, all I managed was a breathless, “Wow.”

His smile was huge as he took the book off the piano and handed it to me. “Here. Sorry I borrowed it without permission. When Alice told me what it was, I just couldn’t resist.”

“Don’t worry about it Edward. Curiosity is only natural.” I smiled at him.

Quite suddenly, he was staring at me intently, like he was trying to see something in particular. Then his eyes grew very wide, and his jaw dropped. He touched his fingertips to my cheek, just below my right eye. I leaned away.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“Becky... why are your eyes gold?”

I relaxed a little. “I told Alice to tell you about this. Don’t tell me she’s still keeping secrets.”

He looked even more shocked than before. “She wasn’t kidding. It is perfect.”

I giggled, and the tinkling sound of my laugh made him look even more startled. I jumped up and darted across the room, heading out the back door. He followed me, barrelling into my back when I stopped abruptly in the middle of the lawn and falling on his backside.

I laughed again, then lifted my hands in the air and turned a cartwheel over his head, planting both feet and going straight into a series of backward flips across the grass. When I reached the trees, I stopped turning, grabbing hold of the lowest branch of a big fir and pulling myself up into the leaves. In half a second I was at the top of the tree, looking down on an astounded Edward, still sprawled on his back. I jumped to the next tree along, a sturdy looking oak, and climbed back down, snapping off a branch thicker than my arm on the way. When I hit the ground, I threw the branch like a javelin, launching it across the river, where it splintered against another tree.

“Ta da!” I trilled, dropping a little curtsy. Edward laughed and clapped while I bowed and pretended to blow kisses to my ‘audience’.

“Is that what you meant about beating up Felix?” Edward asked when he had control of himself again.

I nodded. “You should have seen his face. It was priceless.” I laughed again, the sound bouncing off the trees.

He grinned at me. “Race you to Bella’s?” he challenged.

I smiled back. “Ready, set...”

“GO!” we both yelled, setting off at top speed towards Bella’s house, laughing all the way.

Chapter 7: The Meeting

Chapter 7: The Meeting

Aro POV

“Here she is master!” Jane called as she entered the room. I smiled at her, and the guard members around me began to snicker as the girl came into view. I too watched her, curious.

She was fairly tall, maybe 5’ 9”, with light brown hair that fell straight to her shoulders and eyes the colour of rain clouds -light grey, with a little sparkle in them- behind rectangular glasses with thin lilac frames. Her skin was peachy, fair with a little tan, her features rounded and irregular, with full, naturally pink lips. She wore blue jeans and a tight pale pink t-shirt that showed her curves; she had an hourglass figure, though she wasn’t skinny, with wide hips and a full bust.

Her stance was confident, without a trace of fear, her expression curious as she studied the room around her.

She stopped in the middle of the floor and bobbed a curtsy, bowing her head respectfully.

“Bonjourno Aro,” she said her voice steady and her accent perfect.

“Bonjourno,” I replied, a hint of a smile on my lips. “We are on unequal footing my dear. You know me, but I know nothing about you.”

She smiled too. “Ask away sir. I will answer any questions you have.”

I got up from my seat and walked slowly towards her. She made no movement, only watching me with polite interest, her hands folded in front of her. I began with the most conventional question.

“What is your name child?”

“Rebecca Kathleen Wainwright, sir.”

I continued to walk slowly, circling around her while she looked straight ahead.

“And how old are you?”

“That depends sir.”

I was intrigued. “On?”

“Whether you mean my true age or the age I appear to be, sir.”

What an amusing young girl! Such a novel way of speaking. She smirked, as if she had heard my thought.

“Very well. What say you to giving us both?”

“Of course sir. In physical age I am at this moment 18 years old, but my true age is only 14.”

What? How could that be possible? Did she grow quickly? Or something else, something even I couldn’t imagine.

It was Caius who voiced my confusion.

“How is this possible?” he thundered, leaping up.

The guard shrank back in terror.

Rebecca didn’t even flinch.

She smiled at him sweetly, though her eyes were hard and cold like steel. Her tone remained polite as she spoke.

“My necklace sir.”

She pointed to a silver chain at her throat. The neckline of her t-shirt was just low enough to show the little bow that hung from it, sparkling as it was caught in a chance ray of sun slanting in through one of the thin windows. I was instantly captivated by it.

She looked up at me. “I’m afraid you can’t have it Aro,” she said, a touch of the steel in her eyes leaking into her voice, “It’s my only way home. Besides, it wouldn’t work for you anyway.”

I started. “You can hear my thoughts?”

“Yes sir, but only if I am listening or if you want me to hear.”

“And your necklace lets you do this too?” I asked.

“Yes sir. It can do anything.” she smiled, before adding, “for me.”

“Do you know what surrounds you Rebecca?” Marcus asked, speaking for the first time.

“Yes sir.” Rebecca smiled at him warmly. It was interesting, but also slightly confusing, to watch her, the different responses she gave each of us, her manner differing from person to person, though always polite.

“And what is that?” he said, continuing his question.

“Vampires sir,” she replied calmly.

“And are you frightened my dear?” I asked.

Her chin jutted out, as if she were insulted by the question. “No sir. I have confidence in my ability to protect myself.”

The guard snickered again and Caius laughed out loud. I smirked.

Rebecca’s hands clenched into fists and her expression turned murderous.

“It is not in your best interest to underestimate me Caius,” she almost growled, spitting his name between her teeth, “That is a mistake you would regret very quickly.”

The laughter got louder...and then died away as Rebecca’s eyes closed and a soft glow emanated from her. Her eyes snapped open and they were no longer the colour of rain clouds, or like solid steel.

They were golden.

A shocked hiss ran through the room, only to be silenced by a feral snarl that ripped from between Rebecca’s lips like the roar of a lion.

There was a beat of dead silence before anyone could compose themselves enough to speak.

I still stood near to Rebecca, just a few metres away, and so I took it upon myself to speak first.

“Ah yes,” I said, smiling despite my feeling of unease, “my spies told me about this. An interesting little trick; changing yourself into one of us and then back again. I wonder...”

She turned on me, her manner hostile rather than polite, her eyes blazing and fury so prominent in her perfected features that it seemed like she would never smile again. I took an involuntary step back, stunned for a second by the force of her anger.

“Oh, spare us the theatrics Aro,” she growled, “You can have your precious tests if you wish, but be clear in your intent. I have no patience today, and I wish to be on my way.”

“Very well,” I said, still a little muddled, “Felix!”

I snapped my fingers and Felix’s huge form separated itself from the light grey crowd at the edge of the room. He stalked forward, a cruel little smile on his lips.

Rebecca turned to face him, also smiling; but her smile was not cruel, it was assured. She was, as she had said, confident in her own abilities. I had never seen anyone look so sure of themselves when faced by Felix. Most people, vampire or otherwise, were terrified of him.

She sank into a low crouch, her weight forward on her right leg, and waved him forward.

Felix charged, hands out, ready to grab her around the waist as he passed. But she moved too quickly for him. At the last second, she reached out and grabbed his wrists, then lifted him off the ground, shifting from one foot to the other and swinging him over her head. Releasing his wrists at just the right moment, she sent him soaring across the room to crash into the wall over Marcus’s head.

Rebecca grinned as Felix got up and brushed the dust off of his clothes, his face a mixture of surprise and fury. He charged her again, but she caught him once more, this time throwing him up towards the ceiling. As he came back down, she took a fighting stance, feet apart, knees bent, hands ready to strike. As he came level with her, her fist snapped out, catching his jaw and sending him flying again.

The rest of the fighters leapt into action, spreading out until they completely surrounded her, before closing in. For one half-second, she was entirely obscured by grey shapes. Then there was a flash of bright light and they were all on their backs, Rebecca standing tall and proud in the centre of the circle, hands on hips, that infuriating smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth as she studied the toppled figures around her.

Once again, the room was filled with a shocked silence. Then Caius began to clap. Slowly, sarcastically, his trademark sneer firmly in place.

“Excellent Rebecca!” he said, almost crooning, “You will make a fine addition to our fighting force.”

She turned on him, furious once again. She snarled, and then began to yell, the words exploding out of her so loud that they rang around the room, making several people clamp their hands over their ears.

“If you are honestly deluded enough to think that I would join your stupid, sycophantic killing squad, you’ve got another thing coming. You are exactly the opposite of what I stand for, and don’t think you can threaten me, because I am ten times as powerful as you and I don’t have to hide behind muscle the way you do.”

The guard growled in sync, but Rebecca paid no attention to them. She turned on her heel and darted out of the door, pushing the two vampires that tried to stop her back onto the floor.

“Get her!” Caius screeched, and the sound of Rebecca’s footsteps picked up pace, fading away faster as half the guard charged out of the door behind her.

I had a feeling this was one chase we were going to lose.

Chapter 6: The Invitation

Chapter 6: The Invitation

When I opened the door, I was surprised to find a folded piece of yellowing paper on my door mat. The outside was addressed ‘To Becky’. The writing was neat and elegant, a slightly Gothic twist to the letters.

I dumped the piano books on the hall table and picked up the note, crossing into the living room and flopping down on the couch before I unfolded it.

My heartbeat picked up as I read the note.

It has come to my attention that you have been spending time with a young lady by the name of Alice Cullen. Judging by what my guard heard of your conversation, and the manner in which Miss Cullen left your home, on Wednesday night, I am sure you will be aware of what she and the rest of her family really are. You will also be aware, no doubt, of who I am and why I am writing to you.

I would very much like to meet you personally. Call the number at the bottom of the page and my secretary will make you an appointment.

You would be wise not to delay, my dear Becky.

We do not offer second chances.

Yours,

Aro of the Volturi

I was utterly frozen for one half second. Then the panic washed over me.

What was I going to do? If I didn’t go to Volterra, Aro would send the guard here, and that could not be allowed to happen.

But he had said his guard saw me and Alice, and heard us talking. What were they even doing here?

I decided it wasn’t worth worrying about until I absolutely had to. I hadn’t had a visit from Lillian since I arrived, so everything must still be on track. My focus now should be getting to Italy and back again before Monday without alerting a certain bronze-haired vampire or his easily panicked girlfriend. If Edward wouldn’t let Bella go 15 miles down the road to La Push, he certainly wasn’t going to let me go half way across the globe to visit vampire royalty. Not that I was as fragile as Bella was, but he would still kick up a fuss, and she would stress herself out with needless worrying.

I sighed. It would be impossible to keep this from them. All I could hope for was convincing them not to follow me when I went. And I would go; I had to, to protect them.

The phone number at the bottom of the note was fairly ordinary, but my fingers shook as I dialled.

“Hello, Volterra Enterprises, how may I help you?” a pleasant female voice answered.

“Hi, this is Rebecca Wainwright, I’ve been asked to make an appointment with a Mr Aro?” I made my sentence a question, as if I wasn’t quite sure I had the right name. Which was true; I didn’t know if he used an alias as part of the business façade.

“Of course! We’ve been waiting for your call.” The voice was light and bubbly, the Italian accent prominent but not overwhelming. “We have an opening at 5:00 pm on Saturday, will that be ok?”

I mentally flipped through all the relevant flight schedules, looking for something that could get me to Italy in time and back to America as soon after the meeting as possible. There were plenty to choose from, but, of course, with the nine hour time difference between Italy and western America, I would have to leave tomorrow afternoon to make it with a reasonable allowance for sleep. Still, it was possible. I thought through all this so quickly, the receptionist probably didn’t even notice my hesitation.

“Yes, that will be fine.” I said, making sure to sound light and positive.

“Wonderful,” the voice replied, and I could hear the smile in it, “We look forward to your visit.”

“Thank you,” I replied pleasantly before hanging up and hurrying upstairs to pack.

***

I knew Edward and Alice could feel my edginess the next day, but I took no notice of their sideways glances and suspicious looks, focussing on acting normal for Bella.

When I got home, I sat down at my desk and pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen. Undoubtedly, someone would call at some point this evening, and if I didn’t answer the phone they might decide to come over. I had to leave some explanation of my sudden disappearance, and the truth seemed like the best plan; I would never be able to come up with a feasible excuse, and, knowing Alice, she would probably search the house just to satisfy her own curiosity.

Alice, I wrote, reasoning that she would probably be the one to come.

I apologise for disappearing so suddenly, but I have a rather pressing problem that requires my immediate attention. All you need to know is:

1. I will be out of the country for approximately three days, and I should return sometime on Sunday night.

2. When I say the problem requires my immediate attention, I do mean mine and no one else’s. That means you don’t follow me, and you stop anyone else who tries; I don’t care if you have to tie Edward to a tree, NO ONE is to follow me.

3. You have to keep this from Bella at all costs. I am positive she will panic and that is never a good thing. If you can’t keep it from her, at least keep her calm (Jasper may come in handy for that one).

4. If you really want to know more, there is a note, addressed to me, in the top drawer of my desk that should explain everything.

5. If in doubt, text me. My mobile number is on a post-it by the phone.

I think that’s everything you need. One again, I’m sorry I can’t give you a better explanation, and please, please, PLEASE don’t follow me. I’m doing this for your own good. If I don’t go, the problem will come here, and that is a very bad thing if I want to keep things on track for Eclipse.

See you at school on Monday.

Becky

I folded the paper in half, wrote ‘Alice’ on the outside and propped it up against the phone on the hall table. I wrote my number on one of the pink heart shaped post-its I kept there for writing notes and stuck it to the receiver. Then I took my suitcase and travel bag from where they sat waiting at the foot of the stairs, and flew around to the garage, locking the door behind me.

I pulled out before stopping the car and stowing my bags, then locked the garage door and did a last sweep of the house.

When I was satisfied that everything was in place, I climbed back into the car and sped along my driveway, turning onto the road at the end and heading for the airport in Seattle.

***

I was waiting for my connection in New York when my phone buzzed. Ah ha! Someone must have noticed I was gone. I pulled it out and... Yep, ‘Incoming call, Alice Cullen’ was lighting up the screen. I hit the answer button and put it to my ear.

“Hi Alice.”

“BECKY ARE YOU TOTALLY CRAZY?!”

I winced and held the phone away as Alice’s shrill voice screeched at me. Even with the speaker an inch and a half away from my ear, I could still pick out each word with perfect clarity.

“YOU ARE COMPLETELY OUT OF YOUR MIND! IF YOU THINK YOU CAN GO INTO THE VOLTURI STRONGHOLD AND COME OUT ALIVE YOU HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND NO EDWARD I WILL NOT CALM DOWN!”

“Please Alice; you’re giving me a head ache!” I pleaded as quietly as I could, not wanting to draw attention to myself in the crowded departure lounge. It seemed to work, because Alice took a deep breath and continued in a slightly more measured tone.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t send Emmet and Jasper after you right this second.”

“How about two?” I asked, and then continued before she could respond. “One, I do not need their help, because I am not some helpless human, and you know better than anyone what I am capable of. And two, if they end up in Volterra, Aro is going to know about it, and anything that reminds him about you guys is a very bad thing indeed.”

There was silence for a few seconds as Alice took all this in.

“Why is it bad?” she said, her voice quiet and serious.

I chewed on my lip, trying to come up with a way to explain it without giving anything away. When I was fairly sure I had it right, I spoke slowly and deliberately, trying to convey what I couldn’t say.

“If he is reminded of you, he is undoubtedly going to be reminded of Bella, and a certain agreement you made with him a few weeks ago. If that happens, he might decide to check on you earlier than he first planned. That’s another reason why I’m doing this of course; if I don’t go to him, he will come to Forks, or send someone, and he already knows I’m involved with you. Look, Alice, I really wish I could explain all of this; but I can’t, not without revealing the future, and there are some things even you can’t be allowed to know about.”

Another silence. Then the sound of the phone being passed from one hand to another.

“Becky, Alice is translating the Declaration of Independence into German in her head. What is she trying to hide?”

I smirked. Typical Alice. Typical Edward too, always wanting to know everything.

“I would guess that she is avoiding telling you what happened on Wednesday night after we went shopping, but she shouldn’t be, because I want you to know that I can take care of myself.”

“Who are you trying to protect Becky?” Edward asked, and his question threw me for a second.

“What?”

“You heard me. You’re obviously trying to protect someone, but who is it?”

I had to think about that for a minute.

I was shocked by a voice in my ear that wasn't Edward’s. It was loud and clear, like the person was standing right next to me.

You can’t keep this from him Becky, Lillian’s voice said, echoing around my head, you’re going to have to let a little bit slip. Not too much, mind. Time scales, deadlines, important dates, but no specifics. Just do what you did with Jacob and you’ll be fine.

Are you sure? I asked her hesitantly. I had to be positive that this was right.

I’ll stop you if you go wrong. Have faith Becky; let the powers of the Multi-verse guide you.

“Becky?” Edward asked. His voice was low and nervous.

I took a deep breath. “Listen to me Edward, and listen carefully. What I am about to tell you must stay between us, got it? No one can know besides you, me and Alice.”

There was a short pause. Then Edward spoke, his voice sombre now, serious.

“We’re listening.”

I took another breath to steady myself.

“Ok. I can only give you the timing; I can’t tell you anything in detail. It’s early April now. Eclipse is set to start in about a week, and then it’s pretty much solid story from there to next January. None of the Volturi is supposed to be anywhere near Forks until June, and, if all goes as it should, they won’t even think of visiting you specifically until August. If this goes wrong there will be major mix ups in the space-time continuum and I know that sounds cheesy but it’s the truth. If I don’t go to Volterra, they come to me. That is a very bad thing, because it throws everything off schedule. And of course, I would get the blame because it would be my fault. You asked who I’m trying to protect. I’m trying to protect myself. I’m trying to protect you, and Bella, and the people of Forks. I’m trying to protect the entire Multi-verse, and that isn’t something that’s easy to do. I’m risking so much just by telling you this; I can’t even explain it right. To put it as simply as possible, I would risk more by not going than I am by going. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful, but there’s no help for it.”

The tannoy pinged, announcing my flight.

“Look, I have to go, my connection is boarding. I’ll see you in school on Monday, ok?”

“Sure.” Alice answered, having apparently reclaimed the phone. Her voice shook slightly. Obviously the new information had had an adverse effect on her nerves.

“Text me if you need me.” I said, and then hung up as I approached the gate.

***

It was dark when the plane finally landed at the airport in Florence.

My car was waiting for me, not just an identical copy, but the exact same pink Mini I had left in Seattle. I wasn’t usually a selfish person, I liked to do things for others rather than myself, but sometimes even I couldn’t resist doing things just for the fun of it. Besides, it would be nice to actually drive it with the top down.

I climbed into the driver’s seat, popping the roof open before starting the engine and going on my way.

I had found a little village, about an hours drive from Volterra, with a small hotel, and had made reservations there over the phone while I waited for my first flight. It took me two hours to get there, for I wasn’t in a hurry and took every opportunity to admire the beautiful landscape around me. In my own world, Italy was the farthest I had been from home, on a family holiday to Tuscany when I was 13. We went in May, during a heat wave, and the sun shone everyday. It was beautiful, but good lord, it was hot. We had spent most of the time in the pool.

As I topped the last hill before my destination, I caught sight of the city, perched atop the next hill along. It was like every other town and city I had passed. There was nothing in its appearance to suggest it was any different from the others, and, to most people, it wasn’t.

Tomorrow I would enter that city. The very real possibility that I wouldn’t come back out should have terrified me. But all I felt was gratitude.

I was grateful that I was able to do this for my friends.

I was grateful that Alice and Edward had listened to me and stayed in Forks.

I was grateful for the time that I had had here.

And, most of all, I was grateful that even a serious injury would send me home, to my parents, and my friends, and my Alex.

I was still thinking about Alex as I lay in an unfamiliar bed in a generic hotel room half an hour later. As I drifted to sleep, I dreamt that I was home. I dreamt of half term in Cornwall, of walking along a beach at sunset, hand in hand with the most perfect boy on the planet. I dreamt of playing the piano for Eileen in the ballroom at Parks House. I dreamt of singing as Alex played his guitar, and of him singing to me. I imagined what he would say if he was here with me, what he would think of the Cullens, and what he would think of what I was doing now.

I could almost hear his voice, like he was lying next to me.

I can’t say I’m happy about this, Becks; but I trust you. I know you can take care of yourself, and I know you’ll come back to me, because you always do. God knows why; I’ve never done anything good enough to deserve you. I have faith in you. I know you can do this. You’ve gotten yourself out of tighter spots than this before, and I know you’ll do it again. Oh, and by the way...

I love you.

I smiled in my sleep, content in my dreams of my home and my Alex.

My heart.

My soul.

My one true love.

Chapter 4: Shopping With Becky

I decided to put this chapter in Alice’s POV for fun, and because I can describe things better this way. Hope you like it.

Chapter 4: Shopping with Becky

How long does it take to say ‘see you later’?

I loved Edward and Bella insanely, of course-they were my family- but sometimes their unwillingness to be apart, though romantic, was seriously annoying.

They had been standing by the red scrapheap Bella called a car for 5 minutes, and they showed no sign of moving. I knew Edward could feel my irritation, and, from what he was telling me yesterday, so could Becky. I glanced at her where she sat in her odd little car one space over. She was staring at Bella and Edward, like I had been, but her expression was soft, not irate. I realised I had seen that look before; the ‘happy-because-they’re-happy’ look that Esme always wore when she looked at them.

Becky turned, meeting my eye, and smirked. Then she looked back towards Edward, more intensely than before. He looked back at her, then glanced at me and grinned.

I stuck my tongue out at him. A vision of him getting into the car flashed through my head, and I smiled.

As if on cue, Edward kissed Bella softly for a moment and helped her into the truck. He closed the door - always the perfect gentleman - and watched her drive away, a serene smile on his face, before he turned and strolled towards us.

Becky’s engine roared to life. She pulled out and drove away just as Edward climbed into the car.

“Sorry Alice,” he said, still smiling like a love struck teenager- which he was.

“That’s ok Edward, you can’t help it.”

I wondered idly why Becky hadn’t left sooner, if she needed to go home first.

He laughed. “She waited so that she could be sure we would be home before she got there. She’s not sure she can handle the others alone.”

I didn’t blame her. There was nothing scarier than a pissed Rosalie.

***

About half an hour later, I was all set to go shopping.

Esme was excited about meeting Becky; we so rarely made human friends.

Carlisle was curious about her abilities and her knowledge of us, wondering just how far it went.

Jasper was nervous, unsure if he could control himself.

Rosalie was irritated, as predicted. In her opinion, the more humans we associated with, the greater our own personal danger. The fact that Becky already knew about us obviously made no difference to her.

I heard the sound of an engine that was rapidly becoming familiar, and tires turning onto the drive, and saw a flash of Becky’s car parked outside.

I squealed, making Jasper, who had his head in my lap, jump a foot in the air, and barrelled down the stairs to the door.

“Hi Alice I -WOAH!”

Becky tried to speak, but I cut her off with a huge hug, making her wobble. I didn’t know why I was so thrilled to see her; maybe because this was my first shopping trip with anyone who wasn’t crabby, whiny or older than me.

She laughed breathlessly.

“I swear Alice, you have too much energy for one person, especially one so tiny. How do you fit it all in there?”

“Ha ha very funny. Come on, the others are dying to meet you.”

“I’ll bet,” she smirked.

I pulled her into the house, eager to have this over with so we could go. Not that we were going to find much. Ugh! It was killing me that we only had time to get to Port Angeles, Seattle was so much better, and they had designers.

Edward had drifted down from his room and was playing the piano softly. Emmet was watching a ball game. Rosalie was tucked under his arm, doing nothing to hide her sullen expression. Jasper and Carlisle were just coming down the stairs and Esme hurried around the corner from the kitchen, a huge smile on her face.

“Hello,” she said, coming to stand a little way away from us, “You must be Becky. It’s so nice to meet you.”

“Thank you Esme. I’m very happy to meet you too. Your house is even more beautiful than I imagined, and...” Becky blushed, “so are you.”

Esme laughed. “Well, that’s one I haven’t heard before.”

Carlisle laughed too, coming to stand beside her. “Hello Becky, my name is Carlisle.” He held out his hand and she shook it, smiling and nodding.

“Emmet, Rosalie, don’t just sit there, say hello.” Esme chastised.

“Yo.” Emmet called in his big booming voice, raising one hand, but not turning his eyes from the screen.

Becky giggled. “Hi Em. Hello Rose. Oh!” she gasped, “I’m sorry, please don’t think I’m being informal or over familiar or anything, it’s just I’ve read so much about you, I feel like I know you already.”

“Don’t worry about it Becky.” Emmet really turned to look at her now, grinning like a lunatic. Rose just scowled.

Jazz was staring at Becky, looking totally perplexed. She noticed, and smiled at him.

“Something the matter Jasper?” she asked, making all of us start, because no one had introduced him yet. She giggled.

“Silly, I know everything about you,” she paused, looking straight into his eyes, “Major Whitlock.”

Jazz’s jaw dropped, and his eyes bugged out of their sockets. Edward was staring at her too, and I knew what he was thinking, what both of us were thinking, under the shock: she knew what Bella knew about us, but we hadn’t told her Jasper’s story yet, nor did Edward plan to. How could Becky know?

I shook the thought out of my head. Two of the four books hadn’t happened yet; Jasper’s story must come sometime in the future, but I couldn’t see, because the decisions wouldn’t be made for a while.

“We better go if we’re going to make it home before ten Becky,” I said, tugging on her arm.

“Ok,” Becky grinned, “I guess I’ll see you guys soon. It was nice to meet all of you. See you at school Edward.”

“Bye Becky.” Edward called, having to shout a bit, as I had already pulled Becky out the door and halfway down the steps to her car.

***

Shopping with Becky was like nothing I had ever experienced. It was strange to have someone who was as enthusiastic about the process as I was.

The few times I had dragged Bella shopping, she merely grumbled and let me do my own thing, accepting that Alice would be Alice and only complaining that I shouldn’t spend so much money on her.

Whenever I went with Rosalie, she chose her own clothes, and was much more interested in her own reflection than anything else. I was left to my own devices while she twirled in front of mirrors, so it was more like shopping alone.

With Becky, there was a balance. She was someone who didn’t mind me choosing her clothes, and then had fun trying them on. She suggested things that she liked, but accepted when they didn’t look good on her, which wasn’t often, as she looked good in a range of different colours and styles. She had changed out of that hideous school uniform into a pair of dark blue jeans and a black short sleeved t shirt, ditching the omnipresent rain jacket in favour of a fuchsia pink hoody. It was casual, but it suited her.

Everything suited her. Jeans, trousers, skirts, dresses, t shirts, blouses, all manner of shoes, from heels to high tops, and all kinds of colours; green, blue, black, yellow, orange, red, brown, pink and purple; though she did favour the last two above others, and she liked floaty, feminine clothes more than trousers.

I was having so much fun; it didn’t bother me that I hadn’t had a single vision all afternoon. I didn’t care that everything I did see was fuzzy and indistinct. Though I’d been dreading a small selection, I didn’t mind when we actually got there, and we found almost three bags full of pretty decent clothes that would hold up in the unpredictable Forks weather, and would still be acceptable for her to take home to England.

It happened as we were driving along the black highway between Port Angeles and Forks at about nine o'clock.

The sun had set, and the night was deep blue, the moon a bright light in the sky, almost full, the stars twinkling like diamonds. Becky and I were chatting, as we had been all afternoon, about anything and everything, when quite suddenly, there was someone in our path. Becky slammed on the brakes, pulling to a stop just inches from the figure, who didn’t even flinch. I knew in an instant that it was a nomad; someone who wandered from place to place, never stopping anywhere for long, and answering to no one but themselves.

Before I had time to process this, Becky was out of the car, rushing towards the statue-like vampire with a concerned expression.

BECKY! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? THAT IS A VAMPIRE YOU KNOW! I yelled at the top of my mental voice, praying she would hear me. She seemed to, because she twisted round slightly to wink at me. I realised she was acting, making the nomad think that we were both ordinary humans.

“Oh my gosh, are you ok?” she asked, putting on an American accent and making her voice sound flustered, “I’m so sorry, I really didn’t see you there. My god, I could have killed you! I’m so sorry.”

“Not a problem madam,” the stranger answered, his voice silky and seductive, “It was my fault entirely, I wasn’t listening for traffic as I should have been. If there’s anyway I can make it up to you and your delightful friend, you have but to say the word.” The double meaning in his words would have been obvious to a seven year old.

“Actually, there is something you can do for us,” Becky said, sounding a little smug, “You can get the hell out of our territory.”

The nomad suddenly looked flabbergasted. “I beg your pardon? I...”

He trailed off, his eyes widening, as Becky glowed softly, lifting slightly off the ground and tilting her head back. When she resettled, everything was the same for one half second. Then the nomad yelped and raced into the trees at top speed.

What on earth? What had Becky done that could terrify a vampire? I got out of the car and hurried over to her.

“Becky? What was that?”

She didn’t answer. She just turned so that she was facing me.

It was the biggest shock I had ever had in my life.

Her skin had gone from plain to alabaster, bumpy to smooth, and dull to shimmering. Every feature was perfectly formed, angular, but with a soft, subtle curve, and her body had had all the creases smoothed out. Even in her baggy hoody, she looked like she had just stepped off a runway. Her mousey hair had turned a glorious shade of light, gold flecked brown. Most shocking of all, her once grey eyes were a brilliant gold, just like mine.

If my heart had been beating, it would have stopped.

“Becky. What... what did you do?” My voice was breathless and weak.

“You like it?” she asked in a voice like golden syrup, smiling sweetly with glittering teeth, “I worked out how to do this on Monday. It’s absolutely perfect, not a single fault. And it’s so much fun! I made it home in all of five minutes.” She grinned at me wickedly.

“But... how could you do that? If you turned yourself on Monday... you were human Tuesday morning and... Becky, how do you go back?”

“Easy! Well, not so easy, it takes a lot of concentration to do this, but it’s fairly simple once you get the hang of it.”

Becky closed her eyes and took a deep breath. A little frown crossed her features as she focused, then the soft glow returned. She didn’t lift this time, but I could see the changes: hair that had been shining turned dull; skin darkened; stunning vampiric perfection became average human beauty. Her eyes were ashy grey again when they opened.

“Ok, that is just crazy,” I said, when I could speak again. Becky laughed.

“Yeah, life gets pretty mad when I’m around. Alex always says the only thing more unpredictable than hanging out with me is the British weather.” She laughed again.

My interest perked up again, madness forgotten, as we climbed into the car. “Who’s Alex?” I asked. Becky blushed.

“He’s, um... he’s my boyfriend at home. He was the one who suggested I come here.”

“He knows about you?”

“Yeah, ever since I had this really bad accident and I decided to tell him everything.” She smiled, her expression soft. “He always really understands. He doesn’t freak out or anything and he can spot when I want to go travelling before I even know it. Little things, he says, like reading the same book over and over, or doodling, or talking about something a lot; they're signs that tell him that I’m bored with normal life and need a break.” She looked at the road, and I don’t think I imagined the tear on her cheek.

“Do you miss him?”

She nodded. “We were supposed to be spending the week together, for the school holidays, but he told me to come here, have some fun. I think he’s going to see his dad in London.”

I could see that this was hard for Becky, so I dropped the subject and started asking her more about her girl friends at school. They sounded hilarious, always doing silly things and making her laugh.

We had decided that I would back to Becky’s house and help her put away the new stuff, then run home afterwards. I got a little worried as we carried on down the road; we were getting awfully close to the boundary line. Did she know about it, or should I tell her?

Just when I was sure we were going to cross over, she turned onto a driveway that wound through the trees like a ribbon, following the treaty line exactly. When the drive opened into a wide grassy lawn, the line seemed to split in two, with our scents on one side, and the wolves on the other.

Becky left me to wander while she made herself dinner, humming along to the music that filled the house thanks to the speakers in every room, controlled from a central hub in the lounge.

The inside of Becky’s house was predictably girly and fun. Everything was decorated in varying shades of pink and purple, with flowery prints and smooth curves. Two sides of the house were completely glass, and the other windows were huge.

The main hallway opened out on either side with arches through to a huge living room and a kitchen-come-dinning room, and a door through to a small study with a desk, laptop and pigeon holes for stationary, similar to the ones in Esme’s office.

Upstairs there were two large rooms, one on each side, with frosted glass double doors. On the left was a large dance studio; sand coloured floor, ballet bar, one mirrored wall and a huge stereo. More glass doors opened onto a small balcony overlooking the garden. On the right was Becky’s bedroom. The walls were pale lilac, the floor carpeted in a darker lavender colour. The bed was a big four poster with fuchsia curtains and a baby pink bedspread. It had two pillows, and a dark pink comforter patterned with blanket badges was laid across the covers. At one end of the room was a small door leading to a blue and white bathroom, and at the other, a set of double sliding doors gave access to a walk in closet only a little smaller than mine. But, unlike mine, this closet had nothing in it except a single purple suitcase and the shopping bags Becky had dumped when we got in.

All in all, it was a nice house that suited Becky perfectly, showing her personal taste and feelings. I liked it; it was somewhere anyone would be comfortable.

I stayed for a little while longer, chatting and giggling about this, that and everything in between, until Becky yawned loudly and I decided it was time I headed home so that she could get some sleep. She thanked me for the shopping trip, and I ran still smiling from the satisfaction of an enjoyable shopping trip.

For some reason, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being followed.