Bella's P.O.V
The next day, Edward, Garrett, Tanya, Carlisle, Kate, Emmett, and I were preparing for the fight in a few days.
"Aro plans to disable us before striking. Jane and Alec target me to expect their actions," Edward explained.
Garrett glanced at me. "Wish we all had your shield," he remarked.
"It doesn't help me fight, though."
"No, projecting it could benefit all of us," Tanya suggested.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"I mean, shield someone other than you."
"Is that possible?"
"Gifts can develop over time," Carlisle responded.
"At first, mine was in my palms. Now I can radiate it all over my body." Kate said.
I grabbed Kate's hand and squeezed it hard. "How do you do it?" I asked. "Tell me!"
"Ow!" Kate yelled.
I let go of her arm, and Kate spoke. "You need to visualize it. See how it moves and what color it is? Now, picture it expanding. Will it go beyond you?"
I attempted to do it, but my effort was fleeting.
"She needs motivation," Kate commented.
Edward stepped forward.
"No!" I yelled.
"It's okay. I can handle this," Edward reassured him.
"He says that now," Garrett said.
"Bella, focus, or he's going to get hurt," Emmett said.
Edward puts his hand up, ready to touch Kate's hand.
"Edward, I'm not ready to do this yet..." I said.
Kate touched Edward's hand. It sent a painful shock through his body. Edward groaned.
"I'm sorry! I said that I wasn't ready!" I yelled.
"Dude, you're not motivating her," Emmett pointed out.
"You want to try?" Edward asked Emmett.
Emmett raised his hands in surrender and took cautious steps backward. I gave it another try, hoping for a different outcome. Kate touched Edward's finger. It sent another shock through his body, making him groan in pain again.
"Kate!" I yelled.
"You seem to lack incentive. Must I see if Renesmee's awake?" Kate asked.
"Are you crazy?"
"All right, this one's at full power."
As she was about to touch Edward, I lifted my shield. It protected Edward from Kate's power when she touched him.
"It's painful," Edward grimaced, "but it's bearable."
I smiled. "Let's go again," I suggested.
Edward glanced at Emmett and said, "Emmett?"
Emmett raised his hands. "I'm good," he said.
As the evening settled in, Edward entered the cozy living room of the cottage. I stepped into Renesmee's bedroom. I could hear the gentle hum of her favorite lullaby playing. Renesmee looked up and smiled. She was stunning, gazing at around eight or nine.
"Mom, can you read me this story?" Renesmee inquired.
"Sure, sweetie," I responded.
I walked to her bed, tucking her in and feeling the soft blankets. I picked up the book and opened it to the front page—the sound of the pages turning filled the room.
"There is sweet music that is softer falls than petals from blown roses on the grass. Or night dews on still waters between walls. Of shadowy granite, in a gleaming pass. Music that brings sweet sleep down from the blissful skies." I said.
After reading a few pages, I looked at her. She closed her eyes, so I closed the book and set it on the chest beside the bed. Then, I got up.
"Mom," Renesmee said.
"Hmm," I said.
"Did Aunt Alice and Uncle Jasper run away because we would die?"
"They left for our safety, just like everyone else here. So I'll let nobody hurt you."
I kissed Renesmee's forehead, pulling her close. "Come here, time to sleep," I whispered.
After helping Renesmee fall asleep, I walked into the living room and did not see Edward. I examined Alice's note before Edward came back. Afterward, I put away the letter, and Edward sat beside me.
"It's strange. I could demolish a tank. I feel...drained." I said.
Edward kissed my shoulder and unbuttoned my shirt. "How about a bath?" he asked.
I looked at Edward and smiled. "I remember how to undress."
"Yeah, I do it much better."
I smiled bigger.
"Bella, I've had a habit of underestimating you. You can not overcome every obstacle you have faced, and you do. You're the reason I have something to fight for, my family," Edward said.
I looked at Edward, and he grabbed my face, and I kissed him. Then he pulled away and got up. "I'm going to get the water running," he said.
After Edward left the living room, I pulled out the letter again. I examined Alice's heartfelt note. I turned the message over, examining the torn page from The Merchant of Venice. I noticed the book on the shelf. I opened it and found a note from Alice. It said, J. Jenks, Seattle—destroy this.
Alice took precautions to ensure that only I would receive the message, knowing that my mind would be shielded from Aro's reach. I threw the book into the fire when Edward returned to the living room.
The next day, I drove to Dad's with Jacob and Renesmee.
"I'm surprised you paused Jedi training," Jacob remarked.
"If I don't take Renesmee to my dad, he'll come to us. With twenty-seven vampires and one human, that's not so great," I responded.
"I know that's what you told Edward."
I said nothing to that.
"Whatever, I'm glad to get away from all the reeking bloodsuckers," Jacob said.
I gave him a look of disapproval.
"I'm sorry. I know they're good people, but Dracula, one and two are... creepy!" Jacob said.
We both laughed.
When we pulled into Dad's driveway, Renesmee got out and ran toward Charlie and Sue as they left the house.
"There she is! Come here!" Dad yelled.
Dad caught Renesmee in his arms and spun her around. "Wow! Look at you! You have grown half a foot, like six inches," he said.
"Come on inside; lunch is on the table," Sue said.
Dad glanced at Jacob and me. "Time to decorate the tree," he said.
"I've got a few errands to run, guys. So I'll be back soon, okay?" I responded.
Curious, Jacob glanced at me and went inside the house alongside Renesmee. Jacob's unawareness is crucial for the plan's success.
I got in the car and drove to Seattle. Alice's note filled me with a renewed sense of hope. She may have had a plan for us, and J. Jenks was the key. I arrived at the restaurant, met Jenks, and went to his table.
"Mrs. Cullen," J. Jenks said.
"Hi," I said.
"I'm so happy you called."
We both sat down.
"I always meet my private clients here; it's more comfortable than the office," J. Jenks said.
"And it's more public," I said.
J. Jenks smiled.
"So, what type of work do you do, J?" I asked.
"Well, you know this and that. So it's always different, which keeps it interesting." J. Jenks responded.
"Have you known Alice and Jasper for a while?"
"I've been working with them for over twenty years. Also, my late partner met Jasper fifteen years before that. So he's uh...well-preserved."
"Yes, he is."
"I trust that Mr. Jasper is enjoying his vacation."
"He didn't tell you where he was going?"
"No, no, no. Jasper mentioned he was leaving when he came by to place his order."
"I assume that his order is ready?"
"Of course, I've never been late for a delivery."
J. Jenks slid an envelope towards me. I opened it and found forged passports and documents for Renesmee and Jacob.
"Is there a problem?" J. Jenks asked.
"No. My husband and I thought we'd all be traveling together," I responded.
"Jasper said only two were traveling. His instructions were obvious."
I returned the passports and documents to the envelope, feeling disappointed.
"It was my mistake. That will not happen." I said.
Alice's vision was clear while driving back to Forks after meeting with Jenks. Edward and I won't be involved in Renesmee's future.
When we returned to the house with Renesmee, I watched as she entered Edward's arms. He picked her up and talked to her. I entered another room, took a bag for Renesmee with money, and wrote her a letter.
My dearest Renesmee, I thought we would have forever together. Yet, forever is shorter than I had hoped. I know why Alice left me clues; it has to keep you safe. This pack contains everything you and Jacob will need. Jacob will protect you and help you learn about the Tekona legends.
I opened the letter and set it in her bag as I finished it. Alistair walked into the room.
"It's a romantic notion. Isn't it? A few righteous individuals can defy great evil. Yet, I must admit you even had me believing for a moment. Well, good luck," Alistair said.
Alistair spoke before leaving the room. "You are going to need it. Cheers,"
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