Urgent Meeting

64.

Bella has curled in a corner of the living room her eyes lost in the distance. Edward turned back to the others. Balloons and birthday decorations were forgotten. The pile of gift wrapping was scattered on the floor. No one noticed the mess. Jasper was holding a pale Alice and Carlisle talked in a low voice on his phone. Emet and Rosalie had disappeared somewhere in the house. Esmes wouldn't turn away from the garden hoping that Renesme would appear again, running to her open arms. But they all knew it was wishful thinking. Whatever had taken over Renesme was what the Vulturi had feared. Something old, as old as time itself.

"What did he say?" called Alice as soon as Carlisle put his phone back in his pocket. He shook his head. They all waited, holding their breaths. For vampires, it was quite easy.

"Benjamin will fly here tomorrow. From what he told me... it seems something went wrong with our little girl. It wasn't supposed to happen. Her powers should just wake up. She should have more control over them but not..." he faced Edward. They both nodded in silence.

"What?" Bella woke up from her stupor. "What is it?" Edward joined her and placed a hand on her shoulder. She relaxed against his touch. She hasn't spoken since her daughter walked away while she screamed her name.

"Our daughter is not just a little girl. I've spent countless times trying to teach her how to reign her mind-reading abilities. I happened to brush with something dormant inside her. I always thought it was just her power," Alice lifted her head.

"The odd thing is..." said Alice. "I can't see her future. Like something is obscuring the events," Jasper stroked her short hair, and she covered his hand with hers.

"What about Jacob?" murmured Bella. She frowned at the floor as if reliving the moment Renesme slipped away from them.

"What of it?" snarled Edward. His lips curled up exposing fangs.

"He didn't recognize me when I called his name. He looked different," she blinked and gazed at the others. "It can't be those ten years he spent away from her." She covered her face with trembling hands. "What have we done? They were fated and we kept them apart." Carlisle crossed his arms over his chest and nodded. Edward squeezed Bella's shoulder.

"What do we do now?" asked Jasper. Alice raised her eyes to him. He gave her a weak smile.

"We prepare for whatever is about to come," announced Carlisle. "Call Sam, we might need their help," he added.