Hi everyone,
And we're back with another chapter! Sorry, it's a couple of days late. My goal was Friday, but you know how life can be sometimes... it just got in the way!
Anyway, it's here now! Hope you like it!
Disclaimer:
All publicly recognisable characters, settings, etc., associated with the Twilight Saga are the property of Stephenie Meyer. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this story. This work is created solely for entertainment purposes and is not intended for profit. No copyright infringement is intended.
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Time had passed slowly, and for the last three days, Renesmee and I spent most of our time with the Cullens, except for Bella and Edward. Edward did spend some time with Renesmee - I'd watched from Mom's arms earlier, his intense focus entirely on my sister. But I hadn't truly seen him, not close enough to feel his thoughts clearly, since that first night we had that problem with the wolves. I couldn't help but notice his continued distance, a stark contrast to the attention he gave Renesmee. We also spent some time with our imprints and Seth.
I spent most of my time held by Mom or Leah; Renesmee was usually with Aunt Alice or Jacob. The constant hum of thoughts and emotions was now familiar, almost second nature, since the confrontation with Sam and his pack. I felt them constantly now, a low hum beneath the surface. But I suspect that I can copy gifts… As of now, I have started having short visions. Fleeting and unclear…Just now, as Aunt Alice smoothed her jeans, a flicker snagged my attention - swirling grey fog, a flash of crimson eyes - gone before I could grasp it. Deciphering them felt like grasping at smoke.
Today was the day that Renesmee would finally meet her mom after such a long wait.
"So, what's our plan for today? How is Bella going to deal with the fact that Edward's behavior caused them to lose Phoebe?" Aunt Alice asked, her usual effervescence dimmed as she perched on the edge of the sofa, smoothing a non-existent wrinkle in her jeans. She continued, "Bella is a newborn; they're not prone to being able to control themselves."
Even now, beneath Aunt Alice's worried words, I could feel the low thrum of Dad's tension, the tight knot of Jacob's fear…
"We could ask the same question about how she's going to handle the wolf and his imprint," Dad drawled from where he leaned against the door frame, arms crossed. His tone was bored, almost lazy, but his finger's slight, rhythmic tap against his bicep betrayed an underlying tension. His eyes, when they met mine, held worry and concern.
I didn't care how Bella would handle the fact that I was no longer her daughter. After everything Edward had said and done, the consequences were inevitable. Part of me wanted to be sympathetic, but after that had happened, I was never hers to begin with.
Bella had merely been an incubation system, a surrogate, an obstacle. The thought felt harsh, landing sharp and unwelcome in my mind. Was it truly mine? It felt alien, cold. Yet…how could I feel even curiosity for the one whose body carried me, when my existence belonged with Rosalie? A quick mental shake tried to dislodge the coldness; Mom was Rosalie. That was the only truth that felt real, the only one that mattered.
"Bella will have to deal with this the same way Edward has to. There is no reversing the consequences of his actions that night." Grandma Esme explained gently, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "The paternal bond, if it ever existed between Edward and Phoebe, to begin with, is gone - fractured by his own choices. She is Rosalie's daughter, and that will not change."
"Back to the topic, everyone," Mom said as she looked towards the bassinet that held both Renesmee and me.
"Yeah, what are we going to do about Bella?" Leah asked, her gaze snapping towards me, her brow tightly furrowed.
A heavy silence settled for a moment, thick with unspoken anxieties. Broken only by one deep, throaty chuckle, full of anticipation.
"She's going to try to kill you." I could hear the grin in my dad's voice as he looked towards Jacob. His grin was a little too wide, a little too amused, and a little too predatory.
"It was out of my control," Jacob's voice hitched, pitched higher. "I had no choice in it. Just ask Leah. She can attest to that." He shifted, unable to stay still, his eyes pleading.
Leah looked up and nodded slightly before returning her attention to me.
"She won't care. Newborns are emotional and irrational. They act - they don't tend to think. They are driven by two things." Uncle Jasper explained patiently, his calm voice a steady anchor in the room, though I saw his hand rest subtly on Aunt Alice's arm. "Hunger and instinct." The words seemed to echo strangely inside me, a cold, primal resonance I didn't understand.. He continued. "She no longer experiences emotions as they were before. They tend to bury logic and thought. This makes a newborn so dangerous. Hunger, rage, lust, sorrow, bliss, passion, they feel it on a level of intensity their humanity could have never held a candle to." A tremor went through me, ice skating down my spine despite the warmth of Mom's hold.
Even with the explanation, Uncle Jasper's voice held just a tinge of amusement. Knowing them, Uncle Jasper and Dad were probably already placing bets on Bella's reaction.
"So, what will she do when she realizes that Phoebe isn't her daughter, despite having given birth to her? I shouldn't be the only one concerned!" Jacob stated, wringing his hands. "If she's going to try to kill me, what is she going to do to Rosalie?"
"You aren't the only one concerned." Grandma Esme interrupted. "And we will handle it as it comes. We will handle this as we always do: as a family."
"Nah, I think Bella will try to kill Edward. After all, he caused Bella to lose Phoebe as a daughter. But Esme is right. We will handle this as a family." Dad stated, looking over towards Mom and then me lovingly, reaching out to briefly squeeze Mom's shoulder.
*Who are they talking about?* Renesmee asked in confusion through our bond.
*Your mom…* I answered hesitantly before deciding just to be honest with my sister. *She is waking up today. They all worry that she will be mad at Jacob and my mom.*
*Do you think she will be?* Renesmee asked worriedly, looking at me for answers.
*Undoubtedly so.* I explained hesitantly. *Newborn vampires are unpredictable and dangerous. They run on instinct and hunger. Logic is not something they will think about. So yes, your mom will be angry with Jacob and my mom.*
*I don't want her to hurt anyone…* Renesmee said sadly.
*Nor do I, sis.* I responded with a sigh. *But I think that the family will do everything in their power so that no one gets hurt. However, I do believe that Jacob will be hurt before your mom can even get to my mom.*
*Why, though? He is innocent in all of this,* Renesmee asked, confused.
*He imprinted on you.* I explained gently. *She will undoubtedly be angry because of that.*
*But your mom did not hurt Leah when she imprinted on you. Why will my mom hurt my Jakey? *
*My Mom isn't a newborn vampire, Renesmee. She has control over her emotions. I explained. However, your mom is a newborn and will not have any control over her emotions.*
I felt her incredulous stare, causing me to look up into her chocolate-brown eyes and smile innocently at her. She huffed but didn't comment any further. I could see the conflict written clearly across her face, though.
Uncle Jasper peeked over the bassinet, having decided that the tension and heavy discussions were now over and we were safe to come out. Through our bond, I felt Renesmee tense slightly as he approached, a sudden flicker of…possessiveness? Directed his presence near us. "Good morning, Lil' Darlings," he said softly before leaning down and kissing me on the top of my head.
That flicker ignited. Through our bond, I felt a sudden, sharp pang of possessiveness flare from Renesmee - *Mine* - directed fiercely at Uncle Jasper's simple affection.
A growl left my sister's chest. One that I felt vibrating through my entire body, and I looked towards her in question.
*Are you okay? * I questioned in concern, feeling the vibrations in my skin.
Renesmee didn't answer except to give a stiff nod. But I knew she was lying. Her emotions were erratic; a bout of jealousy that wasn't mine was coursing through our bond - but why on earth was she jealous?
"Did Nessie just growl? At you?" Jacob asked with mirth and incredulity in his bewildered voice. Jacob stared down at a slightly glaring Renesmee, though I noticed with some confusion that the glare was directed towards Uncle Jasper.
"Yes, and it was quite a nice sound." Uncle Jasper replied with amusement before continuing, a little more subdued. "Lil' Darling is jealous and a little protective. She is staking her claim on Phoebe. She is feeling a type of fragility in their bond since they have different parents."
The growling suddenly stopped, as Renesmee quickly diverted her gaze away from my shocked gaze. Suddenly, the earlier tension I'd felt from her clicked into place. It wasn't just random anxiety…it was this?
Wait, what…why was she questioning the strength of our twin bond? Even if we had different parents, she is still my sister. That didn't change! As quick as lightning, I wrapped my sister in my arms in hopes of soothing her erratic emotions.
*Shh, shh, we're fine. Our bond is fine, it's strong. That won't change. We might have different parents, but you are my only sister. We are sisters…always and forever.* I rambled out as I panicked at the idea that my sister thought that I would reject our bond.
*Promise?* She asked in a small voice as her emotions started to settle. I buried my face in her hair and scented her, something I'd wanted to do for a while now. A small purr left my chest as I recognized the scent of my sister; she smelled like jasmine, iron, and wolf.
*I promise. Nothing can change the bond we have. You are my sister. Always and Forever.*
Renesmee pulled me tightly against her chest as she took the needed comfort from me. Though I couldn't see clearly, I felt the distinct pressure of her nose against my scent gland as she breathed me in…I wonder what I smelled like to my sister.
"Awe, they are just adorable." Mom sighed with a smile in her voice as she came closer to the bassinet.
I'm a little ashamed at how fast my eyes sought out my mom. Giving my sister one last squeeze, I moved my arms and reached out for my mom. My hands opened and closed in slight desperation.
"Did someone miss me?" Mom asked with a teasing laugh, but I could see the way her eyes sparkled as she watched me with happiness and love. I was hers, and she was mine. That's all that mattered.
Mom leaned down until we were eye to eye again, her warm topaz gaze meeting mine - the icy, sapphire blue color Dad loved, framed by dark lashes. She cupped the side of my face tenderly with both hands. My fingers wrapped around her wrist gently, and my thumb brushed back and forth along the side of her arm. She smiled down at me sweetly and ran a gentle hand through my soft curls - already, the wavy, icy-blond strands brushed past my shoulders, shining even indoors.
I couldn't help the happy sigh escaping my throat at the sensation of her touch, the love and adoration shining brightly within her eyes. It caused me to relax instantly.
"Come here, little love," Mom whispered after another moment before lifting me from the bassinet while Jacob lifted Renesmee moments later.
No one lingered after that. Everyone seemed to know what they needed to do and where they needed to be. Mom moved at vampire speed towards her room to get me ready. Dad had a warm washcloth waiting for us on the bathroom sink when we entered, with some Johnson's baby wash and baby lotion.
When I was cleaned and lathered with lotion, my body wrapped in a towel with my hair still slightly damp, I was carried into the bedroom and laid onto my parents' bed. Mom disappeared to get ready herself while Dad took her place. He moved with grace as he easily dressed me for the day, his cool fingers brushing against my pale, alabaster skin as he fastened the simple red dress. I was wearing a simple red dress with black leggings underneath and a pair of black and red sneakers. My hair was placed in a loose French braid to keep any of my hair out of my face. Dad did an excellent job.
"There we go, little dove, all done," Dad whispered as he moved to pick me up before moving to the mirror. He held me up so I could see. A small figure in red and black stared back, nestled securely in Dad's arms. Behind us, Mom stood smiling, her hand resting on Dad's shoulder. I tilted my head, observing the reflection - the face looking back was mine, yet subtly older than just days before. The rapid changes were still startling. My gaze slowly moved from the mirror to meet the proud, loving eyes of my parents standing behind me.
A voice broke our moment of peace and reverence, filled with anticipation and excitement. "It's time."
Mom and Dad tensed, looking at me in the mirror before asking Mom about the plan. "You remember the plan, right?"
"Yes…Esme, Jacob, Leah, and I will stay with Phoebe and Renesmee. The rest of you will be in the room when Bella wakes up. Edward will keep the imprint on Renesmee, and the fact that the parental bond between Phoebe and Edward has been broken a secret and then he will take her hunting." Rosalie stated calmly, though her hand tightened almost imperceptibly on Dad's arm, a silent acknowledgement of the deception Edward was about to undertake.
'A heavy task, deceiving his own mate the moment she truly awoke. The weight of his past actions seemed to hang over the entire plan.' I thought worriedly.
Dad gave me one last caress before placing a lingering kiss on my temple and another on Mom's. "I love you both." He said before he was gone.
I quickly searched for my mom's eyes and found a small reassuring smile on her face, but the worry lines around her eyes deepened fractionally. "Your dad will be just fine, little love. We all are," she said. However, I still felt the worry swirling around in the air, a palpable tension clinging to us.
Mom slowly walked down the stairs toward the living room. She had me cradled against her chest; her grip was tight but secure.
Esme was wringing her hands so tightly her knuckles shone bone-white against her pale skin as she sat waiting on the couch. Jacob held Renesmee clamped to his chest, his jaw set so tight a muscle ticked near his temple.
Leah paced, her sneakers making small, sharp squeaks on the polished floorboards with every restless turn, however, she moved closer toward Mom and me when we entered the lounge.
Mom moved to sit next to Esme, bypassing the rocking chair that we usually sat in together. Mom was surprised when Esme grabbed her hand before placing me on both their legs, hoping to calm down.
Leah quickly moved and sat down between Esme and Rosalie on the floor, where I gently started to run my hand through Leah's hair.
The silence in the house felt unnaturally thick, amplifying the soft shush of Mom's breathing near my ear, the faint creak of the floor upstairs, and Jacob's ragged, audible breaths.
Their eyes were unfocused as they sat and listened to a conversation that Renesmee and I could not hear.
My own frustration simmered…My enhanced hearing strained, picking up the frantic rabbit-fast beat of Jacob's heart, Esme's near-silent hum of worry, but nothing from the room upstairs. Was Dad safe?
It was quiet for far too long for my sanity and anxiety when I suddenly saw movement. Mom, Esme, and Jacob quickly moved to the window, leaving Renesmee and me safe with Leah.
They all gave out a collective sigh of relief when Bella and Edward jumped and ran off into the woods for Bella's first hunt.
The rest of the family soon gathered back in the lounge, where we all settled and returned to our usual routine, yet the sharp edge of tension remained, an undercurrent beneath the surface calm, waiting for Bella's return.