rising dusk

8/14/2019 Rising Dusk

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I cradled my face in my hands as humanly as possiblewhen Charlie came over. Charlie swung the now 9 month-oldRenesmee into his arms and softly sang to her. I smiled whenhis voice cracked, although he had no idea that we could all


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hear."So, is she 2 maybe 3 years now? Why haven't I been

invited to the birthday parties?" Charlie complained.Renesmee now had her head on Charlie's shoulder and she

was sucking her thumb and index finger. I shook my headand laughed, "She's not even 1 yet, Dad." Charlie looked atme skeptically, but continued to sing to Renesmee. Edwardwas sitting on his piano bench playing my lullaby softly. Aliceand Rosalie were upstairs choosing Renesmee's outfits forthis week. And Emmett, Jasper, Carlisle, and Esme were outhunting. I got up from the white couch and went to sit besideEdward.

"Hello, my love." Edward murmured in my ear,continuing to play. I smiled and kissed him on the cheek. I

watched at his hangs glided over the keys and then asked,"Will you teach me?" Edward stopped playing and nodded.He set my fingers on the correct keys to begin and put hishand over mine. "Just like dancing." I commented. "Just likedancing." He agreed. He guided my hands over the keysuntil I had played my entire lullaby. "Beautiful." I whispered."Not quite as beautiful as you." Edward said. I bit my lip andlightly punched him on the shoulder. Edward lifted me ontohis lap and switched places with me on the bench. He

gestured at the piano and said, "Try it." He took my handsand placed them on the first keys.

I hesitantly played my lullaby and an applause filledthe room. I turned to see Rosalie and Alice on the steps andCharlie and Renesmee on the couch. When I looked atRenesmee her wide, brown eyes were sparkling, her cheekswere a faint pink, and her plump hands were clappingtogether. I smiled at her and she squirmed in Charlies arms.He set her on the ground and she danced toward me. I

opened my arms and she climbed into my lap. She pressedher hot hand to my cheek and I saw myself playing thelullaby. Then the sight changed and it was Renesmee nowplaying the piano.

Do you want to learn? Edward asked softly.Renesmee nodded excitedly. He set her on his lap and put


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his hand over hers. Within minutes, Renesmee was playingClair De Lune flawlessly. Charlies mouth was gaped openwhen Renesmee finished.

I told ya she was special. Jacob said, walkingthrough the front door. Charlie just nodded, not bothering toclose his still gaping mouth. Jacob strode across the roomand opened his arms, as if asking me if he could take her. Inodded slightly annoyed and he took her to the corner. Itseemed that Jacob got more time with her then I did.

Jasper and everyone else who went for the huntingtrip entered the room and went to there usual places. Esmewent to her room to work on blue prints and Carlisle went

along with her. Alice glided down the stairs to take a seatnext to Jasper, looking worried. Edward gasped beside meand my eyes locked on his.

What? Whats wrong? I asked in panic. Edwardshook his head staring directly at Alice and muttered,Later.

Whats with you, Bella? Jasper asked feeling myannoyance. I sighed and jutted my chin toward Jacob. He

was in his own world with Renesmee, too busy to notice mygesture. Oh. Jasper said. Alice casually made her way backupstairs with Rosalie. Jasper opened his clamped fist andquickly scanned his eyes over the note Alice had given him.He met eyes with Edward and it was obvious they werehaving a conversation, well to me at least. Charlie seemedcompletely oblivious to the quiet exchange.

Well, I better get going Bells. Im going to meet Sue

in Port Angeles for dinner. Charlie said quickly. I waggled myperfect eyebrows at him and he chuckled. No, its not adate. I nodded slowly and said, Sure Dad. What ever yousay. Charlie rolled his eyes and waved as he ducked out ofthe house, into the pouring rain.


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I heard a loud crash from upstairs and Edward and Idarted to Alices room. What happened? I yelled. Rosalieand Alice were arguing, I told you, Rosalie! One pair at atime! Alices entire armoire of shoes was on the ground and

heels were everywhere. Well maybe you shouldnt stick1,000 pairs of shoes in one place! Rosalie shouted back.Edward chuckled quietly at their stupid fight and yelled,Break it up, break it up! Rosalie rolled her eyes at Alice andpicked up the heavy armoire. In less then 2 minuteseverything was back in place. Soon enough they werechatting like nothing had happened.

Well that was easy, I muttered as Edward and Idescended the stairs. He chuckled and took my hand. Jacob,

Bella and I are going to go back to our cottage could weplease have Renesmee? Edward said. Jacob growled, butlet go of Renesmee so she could run back to us. You wannago home, baby girl? I asked her softly. She quietly said,Yes. And rocked on her heels. Her voice was still like ashock to me. Although I had heard it quite a few times it wasso new to me every time she spoke.

She sprinted out of the front door at full speed and Iheard her giggles in the distance. Edward and I traveled notfar behind. It was almost dark when we got inside the house.Renesmee yawned loudly and Edward and she sat in the oldrocking chair in the corner. I smiled and thought, This isnt awonderful dream at all. This is my real family.

I walked to our room and sat down on the bedlooking at myself in the mirror. Id actually gotten used tothis new woman that was supposedly me. My slightly curlyhair was to the small of my back and my lips were still

marginally uneven. My figure was slightly less curvy thenRosalies, but there was really nothing to complain about. Ifinally made my way up to my eyes. I almost gasped at thebeautiful topaz color that they were.

Edwards faint footsteps stopped at the entrance ofthe door and he sighed. I turned around to see him smiling


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his crooked grin. Gorgeous. He whispered. As do you. Isaid as I made my way to him. He took my waist and Iwrapped my long pale arms around his neck. He bent hishead toward mine and our lips met in a new kind of way. He

towed me toward the bed, our lips never parting.

After almost 5 minutes, I gasped for an unnecessarybreath. Wow. I said. He chuckled and said, That was ahuge understatement. I laughed and asked, What wereyou and Alice thinking about today? Edward laid down onthe bed. I mimicked him impatiently. He grabbed my handsin his and held them to his lips. We laid there for a while untilI couldnt stand it. Edward, please tell me. He shook hishead and pulled our hands away from his lips. It wouldnt be

right. I looked into his liquid amber eyes and batted myeyelashes. Please? Edward scolded himself and said, Itsimpossible to say no to you, but youll most likely be angryat me or Alice.

I propped myself up on my elbow and laughed at hisabsurdity. I could never ever be mad at you orAlice.Edward groaned and said, Theres a first for everything.

Then I actually began to feel angry. Edward, tell me.Please. Alicehad a vision of you. He obviously wasntfinished, but it didnt seem as if he was planning oncontinuing. Okay, and? He furrowed his eyebrows and said,Your eyes were scarlet and filled with thirst andexcitement. Bella, you killed a human.

My breathing had stopped and Edward began to lookworried. Bella? All of a sudden, a million emotions werereleased. Edward, no! You cant let this happen! I dont wantto kill some one. You have to stop me! Lock me up if you

have to! Do anything you can to keep this vision fromcoming true! Please, Edward, please!

I was crying tearlessly and Edward wrapped his armsaround me, pulling me toward him. He kissed my foreheadand said, Ill do everything in my power, love. We can gosomewhere until Alice is sure it wont happen. Alright? I


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nodded, still crying. Edward pulled my chin up and kissed mepassionately, forcing the thought of the vision to the back ofmy mind.

The sun began to rise and I was lying across Edwards barechest when he whispered, Renesmee. I sighed against himand pulled myself off the bed. Your haystack hair is back.

Edward chuckled. I smiled and went to the mirror. I examinedmy pale body and my wild hair. There was a tiny red heart

just above the left side of my pelvis. I raised an eyebrow atEdward and he had one too, but his was on his right side. Itried to rub it off, but it seemed permanent. A tattoo?


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Edward nodded and said, You said you were okay with it. Icouldnt recall that part of the night, but I shrugged it off.

I pranced into the closet and decided to please Alicetoday. I grabbed a casual long sleeved ocean blue dress andan old pair of converses. Shed love that combination.Edward pulled on kakis and a pale blue v-neck. I took thebrush and combed out my tangled mess until it was perfectlysmooth.

Are you ready, love? Edward asked with Renesmeein his arms. I nodded and we rushed back to the house.When I walked through the door I did a 360 for Alice and sheapplauded. Finally! Something sensible for you to wear, but

the shoes? I was thinking something more like stilettos. Ilooked at her like she was crazy and said, I could always goand change into sweats. I began walking toward the doorand Alice yelled, No! Converses are just fantastic. Ithought so. I laughed.

Alice would you like to go on a hunting trip withEdward and me? Youre also invited Rosalie. Alice jumpedup and danced out the door. Rosalie looked at Emmettunsurely then said, Thanks for inviting me Bella, but Imgonna go later. You can leave Renesmee with me, though?Edward set her down and she pranced into Rosalies arms.Edward grabbed my hand and we dashed out the door.

We leapt across the river and began walking at anabove average pace. Alice? Do you know who Ikilled? Ihad to choke out the last word. We sat down on 2 bigboulders across from each other. Edward put his arm aroundme and I began to sob into his shoulder.

Alice gave Edward a questioning look and he nodded.I believe it wasnt in Forks, but definitely some where nearby. Bella, you were crying in the vision, so its either becauseyoure disappointed in yourself or becauseit may besomeone you care about. What? I shrieked a coupleoctaves higher. Bella, Bella, Shhh. Its alright. Edward and I


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will protect you. Remember that its your choice. You canstop it. You just have to find the will. I kept on crying andthen said, And if I cant Alice? Then what?! You cant let me!Please, Alice, Edward!

Edward brought his lips to mine for a deep kiss.Trust me, love. He murmured against them. I nodded andcontinued until I heard a little throat clearing. Edward pulledaway, but I still clung to his shirt.

Sorry Alice. He said, chuckling. I closed my eyesand put two fingers to my temples. The rock suddenlydisappeared below me and Edward was carrying me into thewoods. I sweet scent hit my nose and my throat began to

ache.

Mountain lion? I asked quietly.

Very good, Bella.

Where did Alice go?

She went back to try and look for a different future, but justto be safe were going to hunt.

I nodded and we continued until we reached a smallclearing that was new to me. The water was a beautiful aquacolor. It seemed it couldve come right out of an amazingstory book. My eyes darted from the water to itssurroundings.

3 mountain lions were drinking from the clearing. 2males and 1 female. The males were especially plump. Youtake the one on the left. Should we let the female be?

Edward asked in a whisper. I nodded and focused on thebeating pulse under the lions thin skin.

Edward counted to 3 and we lunged at the males. Iddefinitely gotten better at hunting since the first trip. Afterdraining the mountain lions Edward and I were spotless.


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I smiled at myself proudly and Edward pulled me intoa tight embrace. He put his chin on my shoulder andwhispered, I love you with all my heart. You know that,right? Yes, I know. I love you with all my heart also, but

what if I cant resist Edward? What if tasting human bloodwill put me in the stage where a newborn should be? What ifI wont want you like I do now? He sighed on my shoulder,sending electric waved down my back and I shivered withpleasure. Trust me, love. I believe in you and I will doeverything I can to keep that from happening. I pursed mylips but didnt say anything.

He let me go and we ran back to the house hand inhand. Renesmee was sitting in Alices lap, under the stairs

listening to her sing when we got home. I smiled at them andRenesmee turned her rosy-cheeked face toward mine. Shewas probably half an inch taller since when we left and herbronze ringlets hung about a third of an inch past her waist.

I could hear Emmett grunting in the garage, becausehe was apparently lifting cars and Rosalie was out shoppingwith Esme according to Alice. All of a sudden, a beautifulmale voice chimed in with Alices. I turned me head to see

Jasper singing with Alice in his lap and Renesmee in Alices.

I began to walk to the piano, still holding Edwardshand, but it slipped from mine. Im going to go to thegrocery store so Renesmee can give human food a chance.

Jacob has robbed our fridge in the past month. He kissedme quickly and ran to the garage. I continued to the pianoand took a seat. I placed my hands on the correct keys andplayed through my lullaby. In the middle, I absently mindedlybegan to sing along with the melody.

When I finished I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turnedaround to see Alice with a shocked expression. That wasabsolutely beautiful, Bella. Your voice is even better thenRosalies! I laughed without humor and muttered, Yeahright. Id never been good at singing or anything really. NoBella, honestly! That was amazing! I could see the truth in


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her eyes and I asked, Really? She nodded excitedly andexclaimed, Yes! Really! I smiled now and patted the bench.

Alice plopped down and began to play Clair De Lune.She and I both sung along. At the last note my jaw was tothe floor. She was right. We sounded absolutely gorgeoustogether. Edward came through the garage door clapping. Ihopped up and ran into his arms. He kissed me andmurmured, Beautiful Against my lips. I pulled away andlaughed, Thank you. He smiled and said, Anytime, love,anytime.

We walked upstairs to his once bedroom. I addedsomething for you in the cottage. He said. I sat down on the

black couch and asked, What? He sat next to me andpulled me onto his lap. Youll see later. He picked out amovie and put it in the DVD player. I watched half of the timeand the other half Edward and I were kissing.

About a half hour before the movie ended and therewas a loud piercing crack. I heard Renesmee scream andthen there was a mouth watering scent that filled the room.My throat burned with thirst. I lunged out of Edwards armsand began to run to the smell. No! Bella! Jasper, Emmett beready! I couldnt make sense of his words. I looked downthe staircase to see Renesmee crying as warm, sweet bloodoozed from her tiny arm. The entire front glass wall wasgone. I sprinted down the stairs then stopped dead in mytracks.

Was this what Alice had seen? Were my eyes redfrom my own daughters blood? I couldnt keep my thoughtsstraight as I crouched into a hunting position, my eyes

locked on Renesmees arm. I smiled and sucked in a sweetbreath.

Please, find the will. I heard Edwards painedwhisper from the top of the stairs. I broke into a sob andsprinted out of the door. I held my breath and ran until Iheard Edward yelling my name.


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My knees trembled and I fell into the wet grass.Thunder boomed and it began to pour. I didnt care that mybrand new Marc Jacobs dress was getting ruined. I sobbedinto the grass until I felt arms under me. Edward pulled me

into his arms like a baby. I buried my head into his chest andbegan to cry again.

Shh, Bella, shhh. Its alright. I looked into his soft,butterscotch eyes and choked out, How can you say that! Iwanted to kill my own daughter! Edward, Im a danger to mychild! He stroked my hair and whispered, You may havewanted to, but you didnt. Im proud of you Bella. Carlisle willstitch her up and we can pretend this never happened. Iknew you had the will to avoid it. I shook my head and

yelled, I cant go back! What if it happens again? What if Idont have the will next time, Edward? Then I kill her and wemove on? Im not willing to take that risk with our daughter!He kissed my forehead and said, Of course not. You can waitas long as you feel is needed, but risk is a part of life. Ill staywith you. Why, Edward? Dont stay away from Renesmee

just because I have to. Why would you do that for me? Helooked me in the eyes and said, Because I love you. I loveyou too, but He interrupted me by pressing his lips to

mine.

No buts. Im staying as long as I have to.


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I was still in his arms as he ran to the cottage. He setme down at the front door, but kept hold of my hand. Wewalked to the closet to change out of our soaking clothes. Iput on a camisole and pink, silk pants. Edward put on fleeceplaid pants and that was it.

Well you look awfully nice. I murmured. He smiledand walked to turn on the stereo. I classic song came on andEdward put his hands on my hips. I placed my arms aroundhis neck and put my ear to his bare chest. Youre not goingto hear anything. Edward reminded me, placing his chin onmy head. I know, but I can imagine. I murmured. He me

pulled onto his feet and we spun around. A rapid knock onthe door broke our trance. I pulled my robe on and Edwardfollowed me to the door.

Are you guys ready for bed? Jacob laughed. I glaredat him and he put his hands up. Just kidding Bells. Nessiehas been screaming for you since you left. I saw whathappened and I will get on my knees and thank you a milliontimes for not going at her! She was never going to go ather, Jacob! Edward growled. Okay jeez sorry, but youreally should come home. She wont stop. I pursed my lipsand shook my head. I cant Jacob. At least not now. One ofhis dark eyebrows shot up and he asked, How come? Shesall stitched up Bells. I looked into his dark browns eyes andhe saw the fear in mine. Im afraid Jacob. I dont want tohurt her. I dont think you want that either, so its probablybest if I stay away. Ill call Rosalie and she can take care ofher for awhile. Jacob just nodded. Go get some sleep,

Jacob. Edward said coldly. Jacob just nodded and ran away.

I grabbed the silver phone Edward had given me andhit Rosalies speed dial. Hello? Her beautiful voice rang.Hey, Rose. There was an accident today and Id reallyappreciate if you could get to Renesmee as soon aspossible? Shes at the house. Of course, Bella. Ill see yousoon. I flipped the phone closed and threw it on the couch.


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Why did you sound so mad? I asked placed myarms back around Edwards neck. He lifted me and we beganto spin again. He was imagining you He didnt have tofinish for me to understand. He was imagining me killing

Renesmee? I asked in a whisper. Edward nodded and placedhis cheek to my neck

We spun for hours. I looked at the clock to see that itwas 2 a.m. Would you like to go for a dip? Edward asked. Inodded. I changed into an appropriate bikini and admired mybikini body in the mirror. Edward came out laughing in swimtrunks. We walked out the backdoor and into the warm waterhand in hand.

The water was sensational against my cold skin.Edward could see my stressed expression and he pulled meinto his arms. Not to worry, love. Youll be able to see heragain in just a few days. I sighed and turned to look at him.How can you know that? Edward smiled and I heard softfootsteps running toward us.

Alice appeared in a robe and waved to us. Alice? Iasked happily. Alice slipped out of the robe wearing aswimsuit and she canon-balled into the water. I never knewanyone could look so graceful doing that until now. Sheswam up and smoothed back her hair.

Yep! Bella youll get to see her in just five days. Ohand youll never believe whats doing to happen in a week orso! Alice was patting the water with excitement. I huggedEdward and practically shouted, Oh, Edward this is great! Iwas so worried. He smiled and said, I knew you would getpast it.

What were you talking about when you saidsomething is going to happen in a week? Alice waggled herfinger and said, Youll just have to wait and see. I sighed.Please Alice! Alice sealed her lips and shook her head.Lets just say that some one in your life will be a lothappier. I still didnt understand.


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We swam and talked for hours. Time didnt seem tomatter anymore. The sun rose and fell.

I think Id better get to Jasper. Oh! Alices eyesfocused on something far away and I heard Edward sigh inrelief. Fantastic! What are you doing Bella? Alice shoutedfrustrated. I hadnt done anything. I raised one of myeyebrows at her, but she shook her head. She jumped out ofthe water and put on her robe. Bye. She yelled, runninghome.

What did she see, Edward? Edward grinned andjumped out of the water. He offered his hand and helped meout, although I didnt need it. I pulled on my old sweats and

went to Renesmees room. I knew her scent was strongestthere and I needed as much help as I could get. I stepped inand inhaled through my nose. My throat burned, but it wasnothing unbearable. I observed the area and saw a grandpiano in the corner. It was identical to Edwards.

Do you like it? He came up behind me and put hishands on my waist. I love it. Thank you. I turned aroundand pecked him on the lips. Could I hear a song? He asked.I nodded. I would have never said yes if I was still human,but being a vampire gave me confidence.

We walked to the piano and I began to sing and playmy lullaby. Around the end, Edward joined in. Our voiceswere possibly the most beautiful thing Id ever heard.Lovely. I murmured after the last note. Absolutely.Edward whispered. I turned my face and his golden eyesscorched with love and happiness.

You like this. I whispered. You have no idea howmuch I love knowing that you and I have a daughter andBella, this is the most wonderful thing I could have imagined.I love you and in some amazing way, I have the opportunityto call you mine forever. This is what I always dreamed ofwhen I was human. Being with you for eternity is not


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something I I put my index finger to his lips andwhispered, Me too.

He cupped my face and leaned toward me. I threwmyself against him and we hit the floor with a loud thud.Oh, gosh, sorry! I said as I began to pull myself up. He puthis arms around my waist and pulled me back down. I waspulled into the night with Edwards arms around me.

The sun began to show and something clicked. Oh,Edward! I can do it! I can see her! I shouted jumping off ofhim. I know. He said. Why am I always last to knowabout Alices visions? He chuckled and got up.

I ran to the closet passing the mirror. I now noticedthe tiny E-R in my tattoo. Edward and Renesmee. I looked athis and it showed B-R. I smiled at him and touched histattoo. Do we really need a permanent marking to resembleour eternal love for each other? I asked. He shrugged andsaid, No, but its still nice to have some part of each otherwhen we cant see one another. True. I changed into jeansand one of Edwards over-sized shirts.

Hmmthat shirt looks a lot better on you then

Emmett. I giggled and said, Why thank you. We ran to thehouse and I saw that the front wall was repaired, but all itshowed was our reflection from the unusual sun, so I had noview of Renesmee. The hit us and our skin sparkled, butsomething drew my attention from our beauty.

Her scent hit me like a bomb. I stopped and turned toEdward. Can I do this? He took my face into his hands andlooked into my eyes. Yes. Bella, youre her mother. She has

nothing to fear and neither do you. She knows your coming.Shes dreaming of you right now. I smiled and asked, Whatam I doing in her dream? Youre playing her a song on thepiano. Shes very happy, Bella. She loves you and so do I.

You can do this. I nodded and exhaled.


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I took a cautious step into the house and saw thatRenesmee was sleeping in Jacobs arms. He tensed andglared at me. I furrowed my eyebrows and stomped acrossthe room to him. Rose, take Renesmee. I demanded. She

quickly took her and went upstairs, How dare you glare atme? I shouted to Jacob. Bella, Im sorry, but you said ityourself. Youre a danger to my Nessie! I heard Edwardgrowl behind me. YourNessie? Jacob Black I want you out ofthis house in 5 seconds! I screamed. But Leave Jacob.Edward said curtly. Jacob snarled at us and dashed up thestairs.

Get away you mutt! Rosalie shrieked. There was athud on the ground below the east window and I sprinted to

see.

Im sorry Bella, but I cant put her in danger! Iheard Jacob shout from a distance. The sound of clothestearing brought me to hysterics. Edward pulled me to himand I shouted, He took her Edward! I have to see her. I haveto! I honestly hate him right now. Em, Jazz go find him.Edward growled. They ran to the woods and Edward pulledme away from him so he could look at me.

He stroked my hair and traced my quivering lips withhis finger. Shell be in your arms as soon as possible, Ipromise. All I could do was nod.

Edward, weve got a bit of a situation on our hands.Alice said coming outside rubbing her temples. Edwardgrowled and asked, When? Alice sighed and groaned, Onehour. What? Who? I asked. Mike Newton. He wants tocome and check on you. Edward, what do you mean by

check on? What could have happened that hed need tocheck on? Edward grunted and said, Renesmee. I froze.Hes coming to check and see if Edward and I have had achild? What a Well Im not seeing him after he walksthrough the door of your house, so Im assuming Renesmeeshould be back by then. Whether you have her with you or


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not is your choice. Oh, and hes going to be stuck in traffic somake that 2 hours. I groaned.

I went back to the cottage alone, because Edwardsaid he had to make the house more human. I laughed, butaccepted it. I went to our room and curled up on the bed.Knock, knock, knock!

Bella? Jacobs deep voice asked through the thickwood of the door. Leave. I have no interest in talking toyou. Mommy? Renesmee asked. My heart burned withhappiness when she said my name. I opened the door to seethat Jacob was nowhere in sight. I took Renesmee in myarms and completely forgot about her scent. Hi baby girl.

Ive missed you. Me too. She whispered.

She reached her hand to my face, but I caught aglimpse of her stitched arm. Oh Renesmee! Are you okay? Iwas so worried when I saw you get cut! Does it hurt? Shenodded and I leaned down to kiss the stitches. She placedher hot hand on my face and the vision of her in her in hercrib and me playing the piano to her filled my mind.

I set her into her crib and sat down on the piano

bench. I began fiddling with different notes until I hadproduced a lullaby. Renesmees lullaby. Edward walked intothe room and kissed my cheek. 5 minutes. I groaned andasked, Is he coming here? Edward nodded. Are youplanning on holding Renesmee? I rolled my eyes andanswered, Of course. I quickly gave Renesmee the sametalk Edward gave her about no biting. She nodded andreached her arms toward me. I picked her up and we curledup on the couch with a blanket. I cradled Renesmee, but hid

her under the blanket.

Edward had the door before Mike even knocked. Hi,Edward. Mike said emotionlessly. Mike turned to me and hiseyes widened in shock. Hey Bella! You look.amazing.What have you been up to? Edward sat down beside meand put his arm over my shoulder. Well Ive been thinking


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about college, but nothing really. I heard Renesmee inhaleand she threw the blanket back with her tiny hand. Mikegasped, trying to hide his shock with a small smile.

You had a kid while also thinking about college,huh? I nodded and he got on his knees in front of me. Hesmiled at Renesmee and shook her pinky. Well shesbeautiful. You guys have really settled in, havent ya? Inodded and asked, What have you been up to, Mike? WellIm going to Seattle Community College and Im looking for aplace. Mikes eyes never left Renesmee as he spoke.Whats her name? Renesmee. Edward and I said inunison. I smiled and pecked him on the lips. I saw Mikes facetwist in disgust. Well I better get going. Bye, it was nice to

see you guys. We waved and he finally left.

Hes really isnt happy. His thoughts were quitedisturbing also. I laughed and asked, Like what? He wastrying to imagine us conceiving Renesmee. I shuddered andhe continued, And when he saw you well that was justdisgusting. I giggled and looked into Renesmees chocolatebrown eyes.

You were very good. She smiled and nodded.Edward chuckled, She thought Mike looked like a creep. Ilaughed and got up to put Renesmee on the stone floor. Mycell phone began to buzz against the leather of the couchand I rushed to get it.

Hello? Bells! Im engaged! My dad shouted. Mymouth dropped open and I asked, To Sue? I heard him sighand he shouted, Yes! Isnt it great? The joy began to kickinto my system and I said, Thats amazing dad!

Congratulations! I heard Sue mumble in the backgroundand Charlie yelled, Well, gotta go Bells! I love you! Bye! Ismiled as I hung up the phone.

Edwards arms were around me in a second and hesaid, This is what Alice saw. Charlie is the person who is alot happier in your life. Charlie decided he couldnt wait a


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week, so it happened a bit sooner then Alice had suspected.I traced my tongue along my bottom lip and then smiled. Igot onto my toes and pulled him into a deep kiss. I let go andhe smiled widely, baring his teeth.

Charlie and Sue are going to be here in about ahour. Do you want to go back to the house? Edward asked. Inodded and picked up Renesmee.

Just as we stepped in the door Alice jumped in frontof us. Oh Bella, your mother has been calling, but no onehas answered and she keeps on changing her mind onwhether or not to come and visit!

Im sure my expression mimicked her worried look.Just piles and piles of fun things are happening today, arentthey?! I shouted angrily. Edward now had Renesmee as Ithrew my hands in the air out of frustration.

Well Bella, shes all the way across the country andair fare is expensive so it cant be too soon. Edward said,trying to reassure me. Alice shook her perfect little head andsaid, Wrong. Shes either leaving Sunday or not coming atall.


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I groaned and threw myself onto the couch. I heard acar coming up the pathway towards the house. Charlie.

I put my arm over my eyes and shouted, Edward, Icant handle all this! Where is Jacob? I heard a howl fromoutside and Edward said, You said you didnt want to seehim. So hes staying away. I threw him a sarcastic smile anexclaimed, Good. It should stay that way for now. Therewas a low whine that came from the depths of the forest, butI ignored it. Edward handed me Renesmee and I laid down onthe couch with her in my arms. I closed my eyes and putRenesmees hand to my face.

I could tell she was already sleeping so I pretended to

dream using her dreams. Good. Sleep. Well not technically,because we cant sl Okay Alice. I said throwing in a lightgiggle. A thin blanket was thrown over us and I focused onRenesmees dreams.

She was dreaming of Jacob. They were riding throughthe forest. She was on his back riding toward a rainbow. Thesun was shining and her skin was slightly glittering. Theywere almost to the rainbow when it all disappeared. Cloudscame over and it began to pour. The lush grass turned tocement and the trees turned into fast moving objects. Theobjects cleared and black cloaked figures began walkingtoward them. One by one, their hoods fell to unveil theirface. The Volturi. Caius set a fire and Aro was striding towardthem.

I felt a tear fall on my arm that was underRenesmees head. Her nightmare continued.

Aro swung her down from Jacobs back and Jacobfaded away. He cradled Renesmee and cooed to her. I sawAlecs face go into concentration behind Aro and Renesmeesface went blank her eyes closed and her body limp. Aroraised her above his head.


21/22

Renesmee! I shouted. Her eyes flashed open inshock. Tears were streaming down her face as I sat up. Ipulled her into my arms and Edward put his arms around us.That was terrible. I murmured. I know. Edward said

quietly. There were 2 sets of footsteps coming up the stairstowards the door.

Charlie pushed it open, holding Sues hand. Suesskin was tan and her dark brown eyes were identical to

Jacobs. She was wearing a long red sundress and her nowshoulder length hair was pulled into a pretty bun. Charliewas wearing tuxedo pants and blue button up shirt.

Well you look fancy, Dad! I said, tossing him a fake

smile. Were going out dancing in Seattle. Sue gushed,hooking elbows with Charlie. Sue flashed a bright, whitesmile. She had never spoken to me directly. The ring on herleft hand was beautiful and simple. The diamond was aboutthe size of my pinky nail. Sue noticed me staring and sheheld her hand out to me. Do you like it? She was stillsmiling as I nodded. Charlie mouth Grandma Swan.

I laughed at him and said, Have fun you guys! Suebit her lip with excitement and pulled Charlie out the frontdoor. I smiled, happy to see my dad happy.

Edward smiled and kissed my cheek. See, it has allworked out. I nodded and pressed my forehead to his. Ilove you. I mouthed to him. He mouthed the same thingback and became stiff.

Renees coming? I guessed. He nodded and said,She should be here in about 2 days or so. I groaned and

got up.

Alice? Her black bob shot up at the sound of hername. How long will she be here? Alice bit her lip andlooked into the distance. At least 4 days, Bella. But I highlydoubt it will be long enough for her to notice Renesmeesgrowth spurts, I sighed in relief. So, we will be showing her


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Renesmee? Edward asked excitedly, still on the sofa. Yes,but nothing about werewolves or vampires. It was strangehow naturally I could say the word now. It now held moremeaning and feeling. It was effortless, now that I was

included. He smiled and nodded.

I walked to the garage to find Emmett lifting my Ferrari.I laughed and he set down the car. Wanna give it a try, Sis?I bit my then nodded. He took Renesmee expertly into hisarms and I walked to Emmetts jeep. You sure you dontwanna try the little girls toy first? He asked motioning toEdwards Volvo. He chuckled as I rolled my eyes. I think Illbe just fine. You were seeming to have a hard time with mylittle toy. He burst out laughing, startling Renesmee awake.

rising dusk

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