6Hi everyone.
I know its been a long time. I've not had much inspiration these past few years. Well... life happens I guess.
I was on Facebook recently when I saw this year's Halloween themed contest - "Tricks and Treats" and I thought, why not?
The rule was- "Entries MUST have a pumpkin reference", so here's my entry. I hope you enjoy.
A special thank you to Alice's White Rabbit for editing this monster in one day. Sally, you are very sweet and encouraging, and I hope to work with you again.
Pen Name: Stazwrites
Beta: Alice's White Rabbit
Title of Story: The Medium
Rating: M
Pairing: Edward Cullen and Bella Swan
Genre: Supernatural/Horror/Mystery
Word Count: 12240
Story Summary: It's ancient. It's been with the family for centuries. The one who acquires it, gains all its powers. So why does it not work for the Cullens?
Bella feels its pull. It seems to be saying something, but what? Why has it always called to her? Even when she was a Swan.
Standard disclaimer: The author does not own any publicly recognizable entities herein. No copyright infringement is intended. The author would also like to add that everything written in this story is fiction and only meant for entertainment purposes.
The car is moving at a fast, steady speed. There's no traffic, which is good. The wind keeps blowing at my face—it's cool and fresh. The green forest is mixed with beautiful red-orange and burnt yellow colors. It's the fall season, my favorite—a very nice welcome after living in the city for a long while. The trees make me feel alive and invigorated. The earthy scent and nature provides an instant boost to my system.
I look at Edward and smile. I can feel him—he's happy, relaxed. His left hand is on the steering wheel; he's singing along to the tune playing on the radio. He turns toward me and kisses the back of my hand intertwined with his.
We could not be happier to be going back home. This year has been really kicking our asses at UDub. I can't remember the number of times I had to brew a relaxing potion so we could study without any stress, or a memory charm, which has slowly become a specialty of mine. Edward couldn't get enough of that one. He was studying to become a doctor so that was really no surprise.
My major was English, and I was minoring in Cross Culture Studies of Supernatural Beliefs and Mythology. I always wanted to be a teacher, and I loved to read. My interest in the supernatural was because— well, obviously, I was a part of it. Learning about all the different aspects of it was really intriguing to me—what the other cultures thought about it and what other different forms of the supernatural were real and what were just stories, and then finding similarities between them and us has always been a curiosity of mine.
I could tell we were getting close. The forest on either side of the long, curved road was majestic. Edward took a left turn ahead, which opened into a narrow path leading to a beautiful driveway surrounded by splendid red and orange maple trees.
We stopped in front of the house. A gorgeous Victorian. It was a huge, white marble structure. It had been in Esme's family for perhaps a few hundred years, but it looked the same, like nothing had changed. It rarely did here in Forks.
Edward took a deep breath, smiled at me, and said, "Welcome home, baby," before bending down to kiss me deeply.
"I have to get my fill of you before my mother hogs you all for herself." he said, his lips still touching mine.
I snorted. "Like you didn't have me all to yourself last night."
"True." He chuckled. "But I can never get enough of you, Bella."
The front door opened, and Esme came out. "What are you two still doing in the car? Get in here," she shouted impatiently.
I laughed and got out saying, "Come on, Romeo, you can still have me later tonight."
Edward sighed and got out muttering, "If either of those two let you out of their sight."
I laughed again and went to hug Esme.
"Oh, how I've missed you, sweetheart," Esme said before releasing me from her tight embrace. She frowned. "And you've gotten thin," she says, cupping my cheeks in her hands.
I laugh. "Esme, I've actually put on weight."
"True," Edward teases before hugging his mother.
Esme lightly slaps his hand. "Don't be rude to your wife. It's not nice. I hope you're taking good care of her?"
Edward pouts teasingly. "Oh, I see how it is. No 'I missed you, Edward, my favorite son'? You don't love me anymore." He sighs dramatically.
Esme hugs him again. "Of course I missed you, and I do love you, even when you're being an idiot."
Edward laughs. "I'm kidding, Mom." And kisses his mother's cheek before putting his hand around my waist and pulling me into him. "Can't you see? Bella's glowing. My wife looks absolutely gorgeous," he says while palming my ass.
I pinch his side.
"That she is." She smiles happily.
"Don't worry, Esme, your son takes really good care of me. Though sometimes, he can be a pain in my ass."
"You love my ass, Bella," Edward whispers in my ear and kisses my cheek before laughing loudly.
"Are you going to be standing outside all day? I came out to see what's taking so long. It's cold. Let the poor kids in, Esme," Carlisle says, standing in front of the door.
"Oh, yes. Come on in, Bella, you shouldn't be out in the cold for so long. Let's get you warm and some hot cocoa," Esme says, putting her arms around me and pulling me inside.
"You guys head inside; I'll get the luggage and park the car in the garage," Edward said.
"Okay," I replied.
If the outside was grand, imposing, and unchanged, the inside was soft, elegant, warm, and graceful. Esme had made a few changes since we had left for college. She had pulled down a few walls to make the living room big and airy while connecting it to the dining room, making it an open and friendly area that also connected the kitchen. It was perfect. She had added more shelves for books and her beloved artifacts. The huge fireplace was still the center of attraction. The whole place was surrounded by huge windows that made the view absolutely splendid and bright inside. She had chosen soft white, cream, and gray color combinations for the walls and furniture. The whole place was warm and inviting. Esme had great taste.
"Hello, Carlisle." I hug my father-in-law.
"Hello, sweetheart. How are you feeling? Good? Are you taking care of yourself? Is my son taking good care of you?"
Chuckling, I replied, "Yes, Carlisle, I feel absolutely fine. Just a little tired due to traveling."
"Wow. I'm really feeling the love here," Edward tells his dad sarcastically, appearing inside. "First Mom, now you."
Carlisle laughs and goes to hug his son. "Well, she's going to give us a precious gift soon."
"We are going to be having that precious gift soon. It takes two, ya know," Edward replies, returning his hug.
Carlisle laughs harder. "You were never good with sharing. Glad to have you back, son."
"Missed you too, Dad."
We went to sit on one of the comfy-looking sofas when I felt it—a sharp tingle across my body, a shiver went down my spine, and I got goosebumps.
"Baby, are you cold?" asked Edward, rubbing his hands up and down my arms.
The sensation went away as soon as it came. I had my suspicions as to where it came from. I looked at Edward and said, "I'm fine." I didn't want to worry him unnecessarily.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes." I nodded and leaned into him as he wrapped his arm around me.
He turned around and opened his hand; the afghan that was lying on the loveseat flew and landed on his open palm. He then wrapped the blanket around my arms.
"Here you go, dear." Esme got my hot Cocoa. "Drink it while it's warm."
"Thank you, Esme."
"So, are you going to share the good news with everyone today?" Carlisle asked.
It was exactly three months back when we learned I was pregnant with our first child. We were surprised but extremely happy. I'd fallen ill and forgotten that birth control pills didn't work while taking antibiotics.
The first child was kind of a big deal to our kind. It was a very happy occasion. A new generation. A new beginning.
There were things that needed to be done. Magic to be performed. Decisions to be made based on the kind of power the baby presented. And doing that while living in a small apartment across the campus, all the while attending classes, was not going to cut it.
When our parents suggested a different option, we knew we had to take it. We decided to move back to Forks for a year or two. Money wasn't an issue, but there were things involved that made it necessary to have our family nearby. We needed all the help we could get.
So, when Edward suggested we take a year off to get settled with the baby, I was on board. We would finish the rest of the semester online.
"That's the plan. When is everyone coming? Mom told me she and Dad would be here," I asked.
"Your parents will be here by seven. There was an emergency at the station. The others should be here soon."
Our parents knew, of course. It was our friends and Edward's siblings who were out of the loop.
"Are you warm enough?" Edward asked, rubbing my arms with his hand that was wrapped around me. I nodded and kissed him on the cheek. He smiled.
"Have you felt nothing since finding out?" Esme asked.
"No, nothing, just hot and cold like right now."
Not like right now. What I had felt a few minutes back was entirely different and hadn't come from my baby.
Sensing Edward's worry, I quickly added, "I feel pretty warm right now."
"I used to feel an eclectic buzz all over myself when I was carrying Edward." Esme laughed. "Quite strong too! And not to mention the sparks that flew out while performing magic." She chuckled.
"It definitely made up for some interesting nights," Carlisle stated to Esme, suggestively pulling her against him on the loveseat. She giggled.
Edward grimaced. "I really didn't need to know about that."
"Hello, everyone! I'm here. The party can start now," Emmett shouted as he entered the house with Rose following behind him.
"The party isn't going to start until Halloween, and that's three days from now, Em," Rose said and proceeded to greet Carlisle and Esme.
I giggled when my boisterous brother-in-law pulled me into his huge embrace.
"Careful, Emmett, don't squish her!" Edward said sternly and pulled me carefully back in his arms.
"I wasn't going to squish my sister." Emmett pouted and proceeded to greet his brother by pulling him tightly against him, almost lifting him up.
"Shit, Emmett, I can't breathe." Edward panted.
Suddenly, Emmett was thrown back, and he landed on the opposite sofa.
"Not fair!" Em shouted again and grinned.
"Well, that's what you get for almost strangling me to death."
"Boys!"
"He started, Ma!" Both Edward and Emmett pointed at each other.
Esme shook her head while I laughed.
"Bella! It's so good to have you back." Rose hugged me tightly.
"I'm glad to be back," I said as I hugged her back.
"Speaking of Halloween. Mom's been making extra special preparations this year," Emmett said with a side glance at his mother. "Does anybody know why? Because she refuses to say anything!"
"Sometimes, things need to be kept as a surprise, Emmett," Esme said with exasperation.
"Oooh … you're giving me a surprise? But my birthday isn't until May. But I don't mind, Mama!" he bellowed and kissed his mother's cheek loudly.
Rose and Edward rolled their eyes. I giggled. I had missed his antics.
"No, Emmett, there's no surprise birthday anything. Edward and Bella have some really important news to share with you all. You'll know all about it then."
Rose turned toward me and Edward, a slow smile gracing her beautiful face and asked, "Really?" Her eyes darted toward my stomach as she put two and two together.
All Hallows Eve was an important night for us, and we all made sure to attend the celebrations as a family instead of separate covens. It was almost like Christmas to us. But this time, Esme had been making special preparations for the baby.
She and my mother wanted to include a special ritual for the safety and health of my baby. She said she wanted to give her thanks to nature for bestowing this precious gift.
"We aren't saying anything until everyone gets here," I replied, smiling.
"Fair enough," Rose replied, her eyes twinkling.
"What?" Emmett asked, glancing between the two of us.
"Rosie. You know what they're hiding? Tell me. I'm your husband."
Edward chuckled.
Rose rolled her eyes.
"I don't know anything, Emmett. And just because you're my husband doesn't mean I have to tell you everything." She glared at him.
"Rosie," he whined.
"Not happening, Emmett." She ignored him completely and turned toward Esme. "I bought the flowers you asked me to. I have them in the shop freezer, so they'll be fresh."
"Excellent." Esme beamed.
"You owe me, Esme. It was not easy getting them."
"I already have something for you."
Esme clicked her fingers and a box appeared on Rose's lap.
Rose opened the lid. "Oh, my God, this is gorgeous." She removed a pretty, floor-length sequined red cocktail dress. It was strapless in a mermaid style with a slit and so Rose.
"I love it! Thank you, Esme," she gushed as she hugged her.
"You're welcome, dear. I bought all you girls a dress for the All Hallows Eve ritual. You can wear the dresses Alice has or whatever you have all decided to wear for the rest of the time. Your dress is with Renee, Bella. She said she'll give it to you."
"No problem, Esme."
Then suddenly, I felt it again—a slight prickling sensation.
I turned toward the fireplace; it was huge and made from stone. Esme had placed several pictures from over the years above it. There were shelves on either side of it that were home to Esme's various collections of artifacts from over the years.
The one I was actually interested in right now was on the topmost shelf. Funnily enough, it was actually a pumpkin. But strangely enough, it was not an ordinary one. It was made out of a gorgeous stone of green, orange, and black colors. It wasn't beautiful per se. It had a gothic feel to it, but according to Edward, it was quite ugly.
The very first time I saw it was years ago. I was sixteen. Before that, it used to be Edward's grandma's prized possession. I remember the day clearly.
Forks, four years ago ...
"Hello, Esme," I said, entering the house.
"Bella. Hello, sweetie."
"Here, Mom gave this … Careful, it's hot. She just got it out of the oven."
"Carlisle and Edward could live off your mother's lasagna alone, I swear." Esme laughed. "Will you convey my thanks to her?"
"Of course. Speaking of where's Edward? I haven't seen him today. And he didn't pick up my call earlier."
"He's in the living room." I frowned. "He has a cold, and Carlisle's at an important conference that's going to take all day." Esme chuckled.
"Oooh …" Now I understand.
My Edward could handle anything as long as it wasn't the terrifying cold.
Giggling, I started toward the living room.
"Tell him you bought Renee's pasta. That should cheer him up," she said, going into the kitchen.
He was lying face down on the sectional.
My dramatic boyfriend.
"Hey." I grinned.
He lifted his head. His eyes were watery, face was pink and blotchy, especially the nose area, like he had been rubbing them constantly. But damn, he still looked gorgeous. Sexy even. Dark green come-hither eyes, penny-colored hair that was lying all over the place. Soft pink lips, which were pouting right now.
"Bella," he said softly, got up and pulled me down beside him, and then proceeded to hug me, sticking his face between my neck and shoulder.
"Bella … God, I missed you," he murmured again.
"Liar. Why didn't you pick up my call then?"
He lifted his head a little. "You called?" He groaned. "Shit, I left my phone upstairs." He kissed my shoulder. "Sorry, baby, I really didn't mean to."
I rubbed my fingers through his hair, scratching his scalp.
He purred.
"Esme said you have a cold. How are you feeling?"
He nodded. "Better now that you're here."
"Why are you here and not upstairs in your room?"
He groaned again. "Stupid Emmett ruined my mattress."
"What did you do?"
"I can't believe you're asking me that."
"I've known you both since we were in diapers." I laughed. "He always does something to irritate you, then you use your magic to retaliate, he then proceeds to seek revenge… rinse and repeat."
He scowled.
"Okay, let me ask again ... What did he do to irritate you?"
"He ruined our date."
"Oh, Edward, you still took me out to our meadow, and I loved that more than anything. More than going out to dinner," I said, kissing his neck.
Emmett had taken Edward's car out to Portland without his permission. In his defense, he had left a note and didn't know about our date. Said note was found lying in the backyard, half chewed off with tiny teeth marks all over it.
Spice—a kitten Edward and I had rescued a few years back—loved to chew on all the things that had Emmett's scent all over them.
I chuckled.
"Now can I ask what you did?"
He lifted his head again and grinned. "I turned his hair bright pink just as he was leaving for that interview." He laughed. "He didn't see until he was halfway there. Stupid side view mirror ... Turned his car around and got back, screaming like a girl all the way to my room." He continued laughing, completely enjoying his brother's pain.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help chuckle. I could imagine.
"Then he decided to pour water all over my mattress." The scowl was back.
"Where was Esme in all of this?"
He pointed toward the fireplace.
"What?"
"There, next to those pictures. Mom was trying to test that grotesque pumpkin Grandma loved so much. It's Mom's now that Grandma's no more … Actually it's Dad's because it really belongs to the Cullens. But you know Mom's more into that shit … Anyway, she was trying to sense its magic, and she was concentrating so hard that she actually didn't hear Emmett crying like a prepubescent girl." He chuckled again.
I looked toward the place where he pointed. It was placed between the picture frames, looking a bit out of place. It was a bit grotesque, but the surface looked shiny and smooth. I didn't realize I had gotten up to examine it.
I bought my hand out to touch it but held my fingers a few inches from it. Was it sending out warm fumes? I don't know … but my fingers felt the heat—like when you hold out your hand in front of a fire.
"What did Esme say? I mean, did she find anything?" I asked Edward.
I felt him shrug. I also didn't realize that he was standing right next to me.
"She couldn't feel anything. Said it was probably hiding its power."
"What's so special about it?"
"Nothing," he answered immediately.
I turned toward him, curious.
He sighed while rolling his eyes.
"Apparently, this thing was a source of great power, and the person who owned it would become the greatest sorcerer of all time and would gain unlimited knowledge or some shit."
"You don't believe it," I stated.
"Nope. This thing has been with the family for generations, Bella. I've always seen it sitting on a shelf like a useless showpiece. Don't you think it would show whatever 'power' it was hiding already? My grandmother basically loved that thing more than her own grandsons. Wouldn't you think it would have given her all the powers in the world? Poor Grandma lost her mind toward the end. Shouldn't this thing have helped her?" He was shaking his head. "No, I think it's just an ugly pumpkin carved out of stone. One of my ancestors probably thought it would be funny to have it as an heirloom."
"Don't you feel that?" I asked, holding my hand out again.
"Feel what?" he asked.
"The heat."
"What heat? I've touched it before. I didn't feel a thing."
"Here, hold your hand like this." I showed him.
He held his fingers the same way.
Shaking his head, he said, "Nope, nothing."
I was unconvinced. I took his hand in mine and held out our fingers together.
"Whoa …" he exclaimed. "I've never felt that before."
"See, that's what I was trying to tell you. You can feel the heat?"
"Yeah. Huh … maybe it's not that useless."
"You can feel it?" Esme cried out suddenly from behind us.
I jumped at the sound, and my fingers touched the pumpkin. I felt the warm heat travel through my fingers, straight up my arm, and a sudden vibrating sensation ran all through my body. It made me shiver. I heard some indistinguishable sounds of voices, then nothing.
I felt Edward's arms around me.
"Bella?"
"Are you all right, dear? I'm sorry I scared you."
"You okay, baby? You zonked out for a few seconds."
"Um … I'm fine. I … I think I felt the pumpkin? I don't know … it was a weird sensation."
"Did it hurt you?" Edward cried and ran his hands over me.
I blushed. "Edward! I'm fine. I'm all right, Esme." Reminding him of his mother's presence.
He stopped touching me but kept his arm around me.
"What did you feel, honey?" Esme asked.
"It was warm when I was close to it. When I touched it, I felt … heat, a weird tingling sensation, and then I thought I heard something ... noises, but I don't know what it was. I didn't understand it," I said, confused.
"Hmm … that's odd. The relic has never revealed itself to anyone. Definitely no one outside the Cullen coven. Helen, Carlisle's mother, always described it as a protective amulet to the Cullen family. Especially the heir. And I found them to be true. There were a few incidents scattered around decades … old diary entries and letters of the ancestors that mentioned the relic's protection toward its heirs." She frowned, thinking hard.
"Um … I felt it too, Mom."
Esme turned toward her son.
"You did?"
"Uh … not when I did it … I mean, I've touched it before ... haven't felt a thing. But now, I actually felt some heat too. But I was touching it with Bella when I felt it," he said, facing me.
"No, we didn't really touch it," I corrected him.
"Oh, yeah. I just felt its heat, Mom."
Esme frowned again.
"Touch it again, Edward. Just you."
Edward put his hand on the pumpkin.
"Nothing." He shrugged.
"Maybe it was because of Bella," she mused. "Touch it together now."
Edward took my hand in his, intertwined our fingers, and put it on the pumpkin.
It was pleasantly warm but nothing else. No voices, no tingling. Just warm heat.
"Well?"
"Just the heat, nothing else," I said,
"Same," Edward replied.
"Hmm … honey, would you mind touching it with me?" Esme asked me.
"Of course not."
Both Esme and I touched it together.
"What did you feel?" Edward asked.
We both replied together. "Same as before, just warm heat, nothing else." "Absolutely nothing but the cool stone."
"You didn't feel it? The heat?" Edward asked his mom.
Shaking her head, she said, "No, honey, I didn't."
Edward made a face. "That's so weird."
"I think I'll research it some more. I'm sure I'll find something in Carlisle's family's grimoires, and I think I'm gonna call Renee—she's good with research." She nodded to herself, then proceeded to leave while muttering something else about letters.
"Well … that was interesting."
"Yeah …" I murmured, still staring at the pumpkin.
"Achoo!" Edward sneezed.
I turned toward my poor boyfriend, coming back to reality.
"Ughhh!" He moaned, sniffing.
"Come on, I'll make you some relaxing potion, and I think my mom has some healing potion stored at our house."
"Yes, please."
Present day
Esme and my mom had continued to research. As far as I knew, they didn't find much. A few diary entries and some letters. The majority of them mentioned protection and health toward the coven.
Over the years, I always felt its power whenever I was over at the Cullens. After that very first time, I never heard any voices again. That brought immense relief to Edward. Sometimes when I couldn't suppress my curiosity and touched it, I'd always feel the heat and occasionally a weird tingling sensation but that's it.
What concerned me was that I'd never felt this way without touching it. The pull was always there, but this physical sensation without touching? Never.
There it was again, slightly stinging this time. I shuddered.
"Bella? Baby, are you still cold?" Edward asked, getting worried now. His brows came together in distress as he kept rubbing his hands up and down my arms, trying to warm me up.
But I was warm.
"Edward, I'm not feeling cold."
I'll have to tell him, but I didn't want to upset him.
"Baby, what are you staring at? Is that stupid pumpkin still affecting you?" Edward cried out.
I didn't realize I was still looking at the pumpkin.
"Uh … I think so? It's just that I felt the prickly, tingling sensation again."
"Just now?" he asked suspiciously.
"Um … when we first came in and about twice since … but I'm sure it's nothing." I continued fast to reassure him. I could see he was getting stressed.
"That's interesting. You didn't even touch it this time." Esme's voice interrupted.
"Mom, I don't know why we even have that thing anymore. Get rid of it already."
"Edward. The relic doesn't mean any harm. Especially toward our family. It belongs to our coven. It's a protection amulet, especially for you. You are the heir …" She trailed off, then suddenly exclaimed, "The baby!"
"What? What about the baby?" Edward yelled anxiously, moving his hands to my stomach.
I was getting anxious.
"The baby is the new heir!" Esme exclaimed. Then continued, "Bella, you've always been sensitive toward the pumpkin, and now that you're pregnant with the Cullen heir, it's probably seeking your attention," she concluded.
"Seeking my attention?" I muttered, turning toward the subject of interest. "Yes … that's exactly it … I think … I think … I can feel its pull? But why?" I frowned, moving my attention back to Esme.
"Because something big is coming." A bell-like voice called out from the door.
"Alice!" I grinned really happy to see my best friend.
"Hello, everyone." She smiled and moved to greet me and Edward. She hugged me fiercely. "Missed you, Bell."
For such a tiny thing, she was pretty strong.
"I missed you too, Allie," I replied, hugging her just as tightly.
Edward pulled her to him, dwarfing her tiny frame in his arms.
Edward had really missed his younger sister. They had always been very close.
"Missed you, big brother," Alice mumbled.
"Missed you too, Kitty," Edward replied softly. He'd always called her Allie Cat as a kid, then it was just Cat or Kitty.
"Hey, guys. Really good to see you, man." Jasper greeted us from behind Alice and did the half-hug handshake thing guys did with Edward and Emmett.
"How have you been?" Alice asked, tilting her head after she and Jasper finished greeting everyone.
"I've been great." I grinned.
"Yes, you have." She giggled.
"You would know." I chuckled. And I was sure she also knew about the baby.
Alice had the ability to foresee.
We were all gifted with the power of magic. We were what people referred to as witches and warlocks, charmers, seers or even sorcerers, but it wasn't that simple. We didn't like to pigeonhole ourselves. Some of us had added unique abilities, which represented our power and strength.
I was very good at charms, and my special ability was fire and earth. I was more in tune with nature. It's why I felt tranquil coming back to Forks. The vast forest really did rejuvenate me. It may very well be one of the reasons for my connection with the pumpkin.
My husband's abilities were really interesting. He had inherited some of the healing powers from his father, though they weren't as strong. It was why he was studying to be a doctor. He was going to practice with Carlisle after he graduated. Both in medicine and supernatural healing. Apart from that, he could really work the wind and water to do his bidding, along with electricity.
Esme and my mother were talented potioners. Plus Esme had the ability of electricity manipulation and my mother, air.
Apart from all that, my mother's talent also included remembering details—she could really retain knowledge. She had something like a photographic memory but stronger. She loved to research and learn new things.
My dad was akin to a truth serum. He could tell if someone was lying. There was no hiding anything from Dad. Though, I've gotten creative over the years.
Carlisle was a healer. He could heal just about anything, even animals. He could even talk to them. That part of his ability was really fascinating, so for him to be a doctor was really no surprise.
Emmett didn't have any magical powers. It wasn't uncommon or unheard of in our kind for someone to skip magic. He did have the magical blood inherited. He was what we called a "carrier". He would just transfer his magic genes to his children.
It was a running joke in our family—to imagine Emmett with a talent was scary. He was a prankster and loved to make jokes. If he had the ability to move things around, he'd make our lives hell.
Rose's talent worked with plants. She, too, was close with nature. She could grow plants, flowers, and trees and nurture them in seconds. Sometimes, we would work together. It was also the reason for her chosen profession—she had a gorgeous little flower shop at the center of town and quite popular too as Rose created beautiful decorations and centerpieces.
Jasper was actually an outsider or what you'd call a normal human being. He had been visiting Forks when he saw Alice and fell head over heels for her. He knew everything and didn't judge. In fact, he was really intrigued by it all and helped my mother with research work at the local library sometimes.
We were a talented bunch together. One family. Though we were from two different covens. The Cullens and the Swans. Rose didn't like mentioning her old coven. She had left the Hales completely when she had married Emmett. Her parents and sisters didn't follow the right path when it came to magic. They were power hungry and evil.
"So what was that about something big, Alice?" Edward asked.
"You tell me. Don't you have something to share?" She deflected. Edward stared at her but let it go, deciding to question her later, I'm sure.
"Yes. Bella and I have some …" Edward started when …
Thud
"Charlie! Careful, you'll break it!" my mom shouted.
I grinned and got up—my parents were here.
They came in carrying boxes.
"Mom! Dad!" I went running toward the entrance.
"Bella! Oh, baby, how I've missed you." My mother sobbed, clutching me to her.
The boxes had vanished only to appear in the living room. It was probably Edward's doing so I wouldn't crash into them.
"Daddy!" I hugged my dad.
"How have you been, sweetie? Has that husband of yours taken good care of you?"
Edward groaned and rolled his eyes. I giggled.
"Yes, Daddy. He takes really good care of me," I said solemnly.
"Well, that's good," he grumbled. He knew I wasn't lying.
My mom hugged Edward and shook his hand.
"What's with the boxes, Ren?" Esme asked when we were in the living area.
"One of the big boxes contains decorations; the other two contain all the things we discussed for All Hallows Eve. And this box is special. It's yours, Bella, but don't open it just now."
"Okay."
"Can someone please tell me what's special about this year's celebration? I can't take the suspense anymore!" Emmett shouted.
Edward laughed, then linking my fingers with his, he smiled at me, then turned toward his family and said, "We're pregnant."
There were squeals, cheers, and shouts of congratulations from all sides, including warm hugs from everyone.
"Dude! You're having a baby! That's awesome." Emmett spoke loudly while patting Edward hard on the back.
"Thanks, Emmett."
"So that's what all the secrecy was about?"
"Only you were in the dark. Everyone pretty much had already guessed." I giggled. Everyone chuckled.
"True," Alice said, giggling loudly.
Emmett scowled.
"It's okay, Em. I didn't guess until today either," Rose consoled, rubbing his shoulder. "Alice cheated, and what Alice knows, Jasper does. And the parents already knew." She looked at me for confirmation. I nodded.
"It's why you're moving back."
I nodded again.
"Good."
"Can we eat now? I'm starving!" Emmett cried.
Laughing, I said, "Yes, can we eat? I'm hungry."
"Goodness, of course. Come on, everyone."
Mom and Rose conjured all the cutlery and set the table while Esme moved all the dishes from the kitchen to the dining room table. All of us took our seats and began to eat.
There were no words, just the sounds of cutlery and plates, hums and moans of appreciation.
**TM**
Everyone scattered around for some drinks, and Rose was helping Esme with decorations.
I was in Edward's old bedroom with Mom.
"Open it, honey," she said, placing the big box on the bed next to me.
I opened the lid, removed the paper. "Oh, Mom!"
"Remove it."
I pulled it out slowly. It was a gold flowy, shimmering sequined gown. It fell down like a waterfall. It was gorgeous. It had an open, deep V-neck on the front and back. The fabric was gathered over the shoulders and the back near the hip area.
"Oh, Mom, I love it. It's beautiful."
"Esme and I performed a charm on it so it will shine at night. I added in a protective charm as well. There are shoes inside as well. And this." She removed a small box and gave it to me.
It was a beautiful tiara made of gold, diamond, rubies, and emeralds.
"Here, it was my mother's, and her mother's before that. It's a family heirloom. She gave it to me when I was pregnant with you. The rubies are for fertility, diamonds are for protection, and emeralds represent our coven."
"Oh, Mom, thank you so much!" I hugged her.
"No problem, honey," she said, smiling as she touched my cheek.
"Now, tell me about the relic. Ez told me you felt the pull again?"
"Yes ..." I told her everything.
"After you got married and left for college. Esme and I collected all the grimoires from Carlisle's mother's house. And I gathered all the Swan spell books and journals. I wanted to know why it was affecting you so much. I wanted to find the connection … turns out, you really do have a connection."
"What?"
"Do you know about the great war, baby?" she asked.
"Yes, of course. You've spoken about it before."
She nodded. "I did."
It was a war that was fought among the most powerful covens. There had been a lot of bloodshed. Many lives had been lost. Many covens disbanded.
"Do you remember the motive?"
"Um … wasn't it something to do with power? One of the covens wanted to rule over every other coven?" I asked.
"Yes, the Volturi wanted to take all the talented beings and wanted them to join their coven. They coerced quite a few. Many fought against them. One such coven was the Cullen coven. But unfortunately, the Swan coven wanted to join the Volturi."
I gasped. "No!"
"Yes, it seems the Cullens and the Swans had been rivals centuries ago," Esme's voice called out from the doorway. Edward was standing next to her, his face dismayed.
"But … why … how … I mean …" I spluttered.
"We don't know, honey. But it seemed that the Swans were somehow related to the Volturi," my mom said as Esme and Edward came to sit beside us.
Edward enfolded me in his arms. "Who the fuck cares if our forefathers were rivals. They were idiots. We're not. I fucking love you." He soothed me.
"Edward, language, please." Esme sighed.
"So anyway, the Cullens helped stop the Volturi and got possession of a few things in the process. One such was the pumpkin. The interesting part? It originally belonged to the Swans," my mother said.
"Wow."
"Yes, the books don't mention how it got into the Volturi's hands, but it briefly mentioned a name. The relic actually belonged to Elisabeth Swan," Esme continued.
"The relic itself has a history," my mother started. "I don't know if the Swans had previously acquired it. But it's possible. You see, if acquired, the artifact gives the person immense power. No one could beat them after that. The stone it's carved from in and of itself has magical abilities. It protects the owner and its coven. So you see, when the relic was won, its powers transferred to the Cullens. And it works only for them. So when Esme told me about your experience … I got curious," Mom explained.
"We think it affects you because it was originally a part of your coven. And now that you are a Cullen yourself, it's communicating with you," Esme concluded.
"Yeah, well, I don't like that it affects her," Edward grumbled, stroking his hands across my stomach and back.
"Like I said before, dear, it will not harm her," Esme told her son.
"Yeah? You guys just said our families were rivals before, and ours acquired it from them, so what's to say it won't affect her negatively."
"Honey, you just answered your own question. If it originally belonged to the Swans, why would it harm her?" Mom told Edward.
"But she's a Cullen now. What if the pumpkin thought she was the enemy?"
Mom was already shaking her head. "It doesn't work like that."
"I'm guessing that the relic recognized her as its previous heir when Bella first touched it. But now it really does belong to your family, Edward. It will not bring you, or anyone close to you, any harm. That part of its magic is pretty straightforward," she stated.
"And almost all such artifacts of its kind—if they really exist ... I haven't come across any, well except the tiara. But though its powers are different … it too works in similar fashion—has similar protection abilities and only serves its true owner," Mom explained.
"So you see, dear, it will not bring any harm to Bella," Esme said.
"But does it really work for us though? I mean, Mom, shouldn't it work for me? I am a Cullen, and it does nothing for me. Are we truly its owners?" Edward had a point there.
"Yes, Edward, you truly are. Have you ever wondered why you have more abilities than any of the others?" Esme asked him rhetorically.
"It doesn't have to physically affect you to show you it belongs to you. And perhaps it works differently for different people. It worked for your ancestor, Anthony Cullen—the one who originally acquired it. It was how he actually defeated the Volturi. So there is no question about its allegiance," Mom said.
"And really, Edward, are we going to war or something for the pumpkin to manifest its powers? I know for a fact that the relic has always protected our family for centuries. There was a journal entry about how it had protected the family from calamity and destruction. And the family has never wanted for anything. The coven has always been wealthy." Esme comforted me.
"And also, I just realized … down in the living room … it's probably seeking your attention because of the baby, I'm guessing."
"I'm sure it will stop once the baby is here," Mom assured me.
"So there's nothing to be scared about then?" I asked.
"No, I don't think so," Mom said.
"I wouldn't say that." We didn't realize Alice had entered the room.
"What do you mean, Alice?" Edward asked. "You also said something big was coming. What did you mean?"
Alice sighed. "I've seen something happening on Halloween. I don't have any details. But I've also been having these feelings that something big is coming. I don't know for sure if it's good or bad."
"What exactly did you see, Alice? Do we need to be worried?" Esme asked.
"I saw two more people with us, but I don't know who. I've never seen them before. And I can't see them clearly! Which is really frustrating." Alice huffed.
"Maybe someone is joining us in the celebrations?"
"Maybe you're right, Mom. But I wish I could just see their faces!"
"Oh, Alice, you just don't like being in the dark." I laughed.
"That's true," she grumbled. "But it's because I want to be prepared. I don't want anything bad happening to anyone."
"Oh, honey, nothing's going to happen. We will all be there. Our whole family is very strong." Esme hugged Alice and looked around us. Mom nodded. "No one will hurt us. And maybe you'll see something more later."
"Now, come on, I think we should leave Edward and Bella to get some rest."
"Yes, you're right, Ez," Mom said, getting up.
"I'll talk to you tomorrow, Bella; get some sleep."
Mom hugged me and Edward before leaving with Alice and Esme.
"You okay, baby?" Edward asked as he pulled me back into his arms.
"Yeah." I nodded. "That was definitely interesting."
"Promise me you'll tell me if you feel even slightly threatened? Or anything out of the ordinary. I don't care, even if it's stupid."
"I promise."
He sighed and kissed me, pulling me closer.
"Let's get ready for bed," he said, pecking me again.
I nodded and moved to get a nightshirt from my suitcase before moving to the bathroom.
The house we'd bought was still getting painted. We had all our things over in a spare room and the garage at the new house. Esme insisted we stay here until then.
After our nightly rituals, we were so tired from all the traveling and information overload that we fell asleep as soon as we got into bed.
**TM**
I was running.
The moonlight being my only source of sight. The branches cut into my skin. The hem of my skirt was torn. I panted as I reached the small clearing.
He was waiting. I knew he would. But suddenly, there was a huge flash of lightning.
I woke up gasping.
"Bella! Baby, are you all right?" Edward asked, pulling me into him and pushing us up in a sitting position before turning the lights on.
"Shit, baby, you're sweating. Did you have a nightmare?" he asked, rubbing my back soothingly.
I nodded, trying to get my heartbeat under control.
"Here, drink some water," Edward said, holding the bottle.
He took the empty bottle away before asking, "Better?"
"Yes." My voice was raspy.
He moved his fingers through my hair soothingly. I moaned, leaning into him.
"What was it, baby?" he asked.
Shaking my head, I said, "I don't know. I think I was running from something or someone, but I wasn't me." He frowned. "I mean, I was someone else who was running from something," I explained.
"She was wearing a long white gown, which was torn at the bottom, something like from the early 1800s. She was running to someone who was waiting for her at a clearing. I think she had something in her hands … Then there was sudden lightning strike and I woke up."
"It's all those stupid stories that are affecting you," Edward said, still rubbing his hand down my back. The stroking sensation was making me feel things. His hand was under my shirt; it was making squirm.
I turned around and started kissing him deeply before moving down his neck and across his bare chest.
"Mmm … Baby? Are you sure you … oh, God … that ... you're okay." He panted.
"Yes," I said, moving to straddle him before removing my T-shirt and working to get his shorts off.
He pulled close, kissing my chest. I moaned loudly. Edward would sometimes use his electric ability to send little tingles of pleasure while focusing on my trigger points like right now. I could feel what he was doing to my nipples right down to my clit. I could come just by that.
"Edward, baby, stop. I want you," I said breathlessly.
He laid us down on the bed and removed my panties before lying between my legs and started to kiss and lick all over my body.
My hands clenched at the pleasure he was giving me. I pulled him back up before kissing him hard. Our tongues battling each other.
"Now, baby. I want you," I cried.
He moved, pulling my legs across his back, pushing forward and connecting us.
"Ugh …" I groaned in pleasure. "So good." I gasped as he sped up.
"Come for me, baby," he said before we both cried out in unison.
We laid there breathing heavily for a while before succumbing back to sleep.
**TM**
"Good morning, Esme, Alice," I said as I entered the kitchen the next morning.
"Good morning, honey," Esme replied as she stirred some butter in the pan.
"Morning, Bel," Alice said cheerfully while sipping black gold.
"Where's Edward?" Esme asked.
"He's taking a shower. He should be down soon," I replied.
"What would you like for breakfast, Bella? There are pancakes and muffins. I'm scrambling some eggs if you want those too."
"Muffins and eggs please." I took a seat at the breakfast nook.
"Here you go, dear. And make sure to finish that glass of milk," Esme said as she got me my plate. "Have you had any morning sickness?" she asked.
I shook my head. "No. I'm taking the potion my mom sent religiously, so no sickness."
"That's fantastic," she said,
"Where's Rose? And the others, for that matter," I asked.
"Rose is at the shop. She had to attend to a client inquiry. Emmett is running an errand, and Carlisle's at the clinic."
"And Jasper's gone to check our house. He thought he'd left the garage door open." Alice giggled.
I was finishing my breakfast as Edward entered.
"Morning, everyone," he greeted, then bent down to kiss my cheek. "Good morning, love. How are you doing?" he asked, lifting his eyebrows. He was asking about last night's dream.
"I'm good." I nodded reassuring him.
Kissing his mother's cheek, he took the breakfast plate she was holding out for him. "Thanks, Mom."
"No problem, dear."
"Hey, Cat. Can I get some of that?"
"Sure." Alice got up to get him some coffee.
"Thanks, Kitty," he said, messing her up.
"Edward." She squealed.
He laughed.
"Baby, Emmett texted. He's at our house. He said workers have started painting the outside. I'm going to go check it out. You wanna come with me?"
"I wanted to go next door to Mom and Dad's."
"That's no problem. Text me or call when you get back. Okay?"
I nodded.
He took our plates to the sink.
"Mom, do you need anything while I am out?" he asked, Esme.
"No, honey. Thank you for asking."
"Okay. Bye, baby. I love you," he said, bending down to kiss me.
"Love you too."
"So you're going to your parents' house?" Alice asked.
"Yeah. You wanna come?"
"No. I thought we could do some shopping together." She pouted, "Oh well. I'll just go help Rose at the shop. But tomorrow, you're coming with us, missy. No excuses," she said sternly, pointing her finger.
I nodded and laughed. "Okay."
"Would you mind if I come with you, sweetheart?" Esme asked me.
"No, Esme." I smiled.
"All right, just give me a few minutes to get ready, then we'll go," she told me.
"Okay, I'll wait for you in the living room with Alice."
Esme went upstairs, and Alice and I moved into the living room.
Alice went still suddenly. I knew that stance; she was having a vision.
Coming back, she said, "I knew Rose was gonna need me today. Her stupid client is going to cancel the order for a different style. Poor Rose will have to make a hundred different centerpieces. Even with magic, she won't finish on time. I'm gonna go help her. I'll even drag Jasper from our house." She giggled as she started to leave.
"Alice, wait, I can help. I'll come with you."
She was shaking her head. "No. You go ahead and spend some time with your Mom. We'll be fine and will get it done on time."
"Sorry, Bella honey. Rose just called. Her client changed the order. She asked me to come help her," Esme said, coming down the stairs.
"I know, Mom. I was just going to help her." Alice giggled. "Come on, I'll drive."
"Are you sure you don't want me?" I asked again.
"Nah, with Mom there, we'll finish it within a few hours."
"See you soon, honey. And tell Rae I'll come by later."
"Okay. Bye."
I started to leave as well when I realized I had left my mother's gift upstairs. I turned back to go upstairs when I felt it.
The hair at the back of my neck stood up.
… Bellllaaa …
A whisper.
I gasped and turned around.
It was the stone pumpkin. It was glowing!
… come …
It called again.
I was terrified, but Mom had said it wouldn't harm me.
… comeee …
It hissed again.
My curiosity got the best of me, and I moved toward it.
It was sitting on the highest place on the shelf. I moved my hand in a sweeping motion.
The pumpkin landed on the table in front of me.
It was still glowing.
Something inside it was telling me to touch it.
My hands were shaking as I brought them forward and touched the pumpkin.
Suddenly, my hands connected to it, and I went into a tunnel vision.
There she was again, that woman from my dream.
"Please, Father, I beg you. I do not want to marry him," she pleaded.
"You've been betrothed to him since you were a mere child. A promise is a promise, Lizzie," her father stated firmly.
"Exactly. I was but a child when you promised my hand. He's not a good person, Fa …"
"Enough," he shouted.
"You will do as I say. And you will marry Mr. Volturi's son. And that, Lizzie, is my final decision. You will not go against my wishes now, would you, Pumpkin? You wouldn't want to end up in the same state as your mother now, would you?" he threatened, his eyes burning.
"N … No … Fa … Father." Lizzie sobbed.
"Now, now, that's a good child. Why don't you go tend to your little sister. I have work to do."
And just like that, he dismissed her.
Lizzie ran out sobbing.
"Bella?"
"Bella! Wake up, honey. Wake up, baby."
I opened my eyes to my mother staring worriedly at me.
"Mom?"
"Honey, are you all right?"
"Yes, I think so." I moved to get up. "What happened?" I asked.
"I was waiting for you at home. When you didn't answer your phone, I thought to come here myself. You were unconscious when I arrived. I think you fainted. Bella, have you not been taking the potion I gave you?" She was getting worked up.
"Yes, Mom. Everyday."
"Then what ha … What is that pumpkin doing here?" she asked suddenly. "Bella? Does your fainting have anything to do with it?" she asked again.
"Yes," I replied sheepishly.
"Bella. Why would you touch it? If it's going to affect you this way … Edward may be right. I think we should really keep it away from you. At least until the baby is born."
"No, Mom. And didn't you tell me it doesn't mean any harm to me?"
"Then why were you unconscious?"
I shook my head. "I don't think I had fainted. I think I was in a trance."
"A trance?"
"Yes." Then I told her what I had seen.
"You mean to tell me you saw Elizabeth Swan?" my Mom asked, shocked.
"Yes. I think the pumpkin is trying to tell me something."
"What? Why?" She was baffled.
"I don't know."
"You said you dreamed of her?"
"Yes, last night. I didn't realize it was her. But now, I'm sure it was her. She was running from something yesterday in my dream. Maybe it was her fiancé, that Volturi guy her father wanted her to marry."
"And she was running to someone in the meadow?"
"Yes. A man. He was standing in that clearing."
"This doesn't make any sense. I have no idea why you're having these visions. And with you being pregnant … '' Shaking her head, she muttered, "Edward's going to go crazy with worry." Then loudly, "Bella, I don't want you touching this again. Got it?"
I nodded. "Okay, Mom."
She moved her hands and the pumpkin flew back to its original place on the shelf.
"Now, come on, let's get you something to eat. Something with sugar."
**TM**
"Edward, really. I'm fine," I insisted.
He ignored me. "Carlisle?" he inquired.
"She seems to be doing fine, son. And before you ask, yes, the baby looks absolutely fine."
Currently, Carlisle was checking my health and my baby at Edward's insistence due to my fainting/trance episode.
"I told you, I'm all right," I muttered.
"Okay, let's go downstairs, you two. Everyone's waiting, and I'm really hungry," Carlisle said.
"You go on, Dad. We'll be there in a few," Edward replied.
"Don't keep us waiting for long."
Edward nodded.
"Baby, what am I gonna do with you." Edward sighed after Carlisle had left.
"Love me?"
"You know I do." He sat beside me, taking me into his arms. "You gave me quite a fright. When your mom said she found you unconscious …" Shaking his head, he said, "Bella, I don't know what I'll do if something happens to you or our baby." He was rubbing circles on my stomach.
"Nothing is going to happen to us. I really do think the pumpkin doesn't want to harm us. It just wants to tell me Elizabeth's story."
"But why?"
"Maybe because she was my ancestor and the pumpkin's previous owner before it was claimed by the Cullens." I mused.
"Hmm, maybe. But I don't want you going near that thing again. Understand?" He stared at me.
I nodded. "I understand."
He kissed my lips. "Come on, let's go eat."
**TM**
This time, I knew I was dreaming.
I was in a forest. The moon overhead was shining brightly. I could see a small clearing ahead.
She was there. Elizabeth. But she wasn't alone. Someone was with her.
I moved toward them.
"I will not let him harm you, Lizzie," the Man spoke, clutching Elizabeth's hands in his.
"Oh why couldn't our families see the reason? I wish my mother was still alive," she wailed.
"Just say the words and I'll take you far away from here."
She gasped. "You'd do that? Leave your family? For me?"
"In a heartbeat."
"Oh, Tony."
I gasped. It was Anthony Cullen. I should have known. He looked strikingly similar to my husband. Especially the hair and the height. But his features resembled Carlisle's. But he had green eyes just like my Edward.
I looked closely toward Elizabeth, my ancestor. She had my hair. Or rather I had her hair. I could see myself in her eyes and lips. But the resemblance stopped there. She was taller than I was.
"But I cannot leave behind Charlotte." Elizabeth cried. "I cannot leave my little sister." She sobbed.
"Then bring her with you, Lizzie," Antony insisted.
"Why? Why would you take this risk, Tony? If my father found out …"
"Haven't you realized it already? I have fallen in love with you, Lizzie."
"Oh, Anthony." Lizzie cried and jumped into his arms, burying her face in chest. "I love you too." She sobbed. "I always have, Tony."
"Then meet me here with little Charlotte on All Hallows Eve. When everyone will be busy with the celebrations."
**TM**
"Wow."
"Interesting."
"That's quite a history lesson."
We were at the food court at the local mall. All the girls decided that I needed new clothes, including our mothers.
"I'll once again say, wow," Alice exclaimed.
"I'll say it's fascinating for sure," Esme insisted.
"At least, she was sleeping this time," Rose said, making Alice giggle. I rolled my eyes.
"I can see the future. Maybe you've developed an ability to see into your past!" Alice chuckled.
"Hmm ... That's not a bad theory," my mom said.
"That could very well be! Maybe it's one of the baby's powers—seeing into the past," Esme declared.
"Oh, how fascinating this is!" Alice beamed. "A romantic story, just like Romeo and Juliet."
"Romeo and Juliet was a tragedy, Alice," Rose said, making Alice frown.
"There's definitely more to the story than we thought," Mom said.
"You said that the Volturi were related to the Swans. That means she got married to her fiancé," I said.
Alice's face fell. And Rose muttered, "Like I said, tragedy."
"And maybe that's how he got hold of the pumpkin? Through her marriage?" I was thinking aloud.
"Perhaps," said Esme.
"And then when the Volturi coven started that war, Anthony defeated him and got hold of the relic!" Alice cheered. "Maybe he got Elizabeth too!"
We laughed together.
"Maybe, it wasn't a tragedy after all." Esme giggled.
"Oh, but he never married Elizabeth, Esme. Remember? In fact, he was never married to anyone. It was his brother, Masen Cullen from whom the lineage continued," my mom claimed, ever a historian. If anybody should get the power to see in the past, it should be my mother.
"Oh, yes," Esme remembered.
"There goes your happy story, Alice," Rose told her.
"Poor Anthony Cullen. He never got the girl," Alice said. "But then, what happened to Elizabeth."
"I guess we'll just have to wait for Bella to find out," Rose pondered.
**TM**
Halloween was tomorrow. We were all gathered at the Cullen home, decorating every inch of the place. Everybody was assigned a task. There were garlands of flowers and maple leaves. Table lamps and candles. Vases of flowers and herbs to ward off negative energy. Carved pumpkins with various faces on them—the boys had a ball of a time doing that.
We were all dancing around each other, placing items, when Alice suddenly gasped.
She took a while to come out of her trance. Suddenly, she looked toward me.
"Something is going to happen. Something is going to change, and everything is connected to you and … and the baby," she said gravely.
"What the hell does that mean, Alice?" Edward asked, standing protectively in front of me.
"I saw those two apparitions again. And some uncertainties, but they all revolve around her and the baby."
"What the fuck does that even mean?"
"Calm down, Edward. And enough with that language," Esme rebuffed. "Alice, sweetheart. Why do you think it's something to do with Bella?" she asked softly.
"Because I always see her. I mean, she's there, at the center of whatever is going to happen. Everyone around her is blurry. Sometimes, it's some woman with her, and sometimes, it's both the man and the woman."
"And you think this man and woman are going to appear tomorrow?" Esme asked.
Alice nodded. "Yes."
"That's it. We're not leaving this house tomorrow," Edward declared.
"Edward …"
"No, Mom, I'm not putting my wife and child's life in danger."
"I think Edward's right," Dad said, concerned.
"But we're so many of us with amazing abilities; we'll not leave her side for a second. The ritual is for the baby and Bella's wellbeing. Alice, do you see these people harming us? Harming Bella?" Esme asked.
Alice shook her head. "No, I don't see them harming her. But it's the shadows and the blurry images I'm worried about."
**TM**
After much deliberation and arguments, it was decided that we would not be leaving this house for All Hallows Eve. We would perform all the rituals in the back yard of the house.
Both Edward and I were happy with this decision. We didn't want any variables when it concerned our baby.
I tossed and turned the whole night, unable to sleep. When I closed my eyes, I saw people threatening my baby.
At one point, I saw Elizabeth. She was always at the corner, her face contorted in worry. She kept repeating one thing again and again, "Take the medium with you."
**TM**
"He only wants me for one thing, and I will never give that to him. Never," Elizabeth screamed.
"What are you going to do now, sissy?"
"I am going to take the medium to Anthony."
There she was again, running in the forest. The same forest as before. The branches scratching her arms, her breaths coming in a harsh pant. Her foot gets caught in one of the large roots. She falls but picks herself back again. There's no time. She has to reach Anthony. Her skirt gets caught in the root; she pulls on it harshly, tearing the hem in places, and runs forward. There's a clearing up ahead.
She's got something in her hands I hadn't seen the last time. It was the pumpkin!
She enters the meadow. The moon is bright again. Anthony Cullen is standing in the middle; he turns as he hears her coming.
"Lizzie." He pulls her against him. "You came."
"Take this. Take this and go."
"Lizzie?"
"Please, take this and go, Tony." She sobs.
"Is that … is that the medium?" he exclaims.
"Yes."
"Lizzie, I'm not going anywhere without you.
"Please. Please, Tony. You have to. He has my sister, and I have to save her."
"Then I'll go with you. We'll get her back together."
"Not when this is still with me. He will use me to harness its powers. Its powers are useless without me. It's what he wants badly. But once he knows the power has changed hands, he wouldn't want anything to do with me."
"He'll just kill you, Lizzie."
"No. Not when you become the successor."
**TM**
I woke up startled. It was already morning. I could hear the shower running.
I took deep breaths, trying to gather myself.
Medium—that's what they called it. The pumpkin was a medium. But a medium for what? And it wasn't acquired in a war. Elizabeth gave it to Anthony. If this was the case, did it really belong to the Cullens? No. Elizabeth used the word "successor", so it did belong to the Cullens. God, this is so confusing. I needed to talk to my mom and Esme about it.
But now I need to get up and get ready.
**TM**
It was just a few hours to midnight. All the preparations were complete. Everybody had disbanded to get ready.
My dress flowed down like a waterfall. The metallic gold sequins made a gold-silvery shimmering effect. It felt soft and smooth. The heels my mom bought me were a perfect match, and the tiara made me feel like a princess.
"Wow, Bella. You look amazing," Rose said.
"You guys look just as gorgeous."
She was wearing her red gown, which made her look like a runway model.
"Alice, the makeup is perfect; thank you. And that dress looks so cute on you."
She was wearing a pink dress with a short tulle skirt, which was just perfect for her. Esme really knew our personalities well.
"Oh, you girls, look so gorgeous."
"All my girls are so beautiful"
My mother and Esme cried in approval.
"The boys are looking just as dashing. Let's go down, ladies."
We giggled.
"Let me get my camera. I need pictures," Esme said, running to retrieve it.
We took our time coming down the stairs to hums and gasps of appreciation. All the while, Esme kept clicking pictures.
"You look so beautiful." Edward pulled me into his arms. "Like a queen. My gorgeous, sexy queen."
"And you look good enough to eat." I giggled.
He groaned. "Let's just go back upstairs."
"We can't." I laughed.
"All right, you two. Enough with the flirting. I'm hungry," Emmett interrupted.
"You're always hungry," Edward replied.
The dinner table was filled with many delicacies, all thanks to our mothers. It was quite a spread.
After dinner and giving out treats to the neighborhood kids, it was finally time to go out to the backyard.
Esme and Mom carried out all the herbs and flowers. Rose and Alice collected the candles.
"Come on, everyone, let's go out. It's almost time."
We moved to go out in pairs.
I stopped short.
... Take the medium with you …
Elizabeth had kept saying not just to Anthony but to me as well!
I turned.
"Bella?"
"Edward, I have to take the medium."
"The what?"
"It is what she called it. Elizabeth. It's what she called the pumpkin."
Mom gasped.
"It's a medium?" she asked, shocked.
"That's what they called it in my dream. And she kept insisting I take it. I think she wants me to take it to the ritual."
"Bella, do you have any idea what a medium even means?" my mom asked rhetorically.
"Yes, it's a gateway."
"Exactly. And who knows to what!"
"Mom, I really think we should take it. I think it really is for our protection."
"Bella, do you not care for me?" Edward asked solemnly.
"Of course I do." I choked, tearing up.
"Then, baby, why do you insist on putting yourself in danger?" he asked, cupping my face, wiping away my tears.
I held his hands against my face, and looked him in the eye. "Edward, I will never put myself or our baby in danger. In fact, I want to take the medium with us for protection. We've been over this. The pumpkin won't harm us. Please trust me."
He sighed, then nodded.
"If there's even a slight sign, even a tiny inkling that it's hurting you in any way, I'll destroy that thing without any question. And that's a promise."
"Okay," I agreed.
**TM**
We were standing in a circle, all of us in pairs. Candles were burning in a circle around us. The pumpkin/medium was kept inside the circle. Esme burned some flowers and placed them around. They were for protection, she said. They smelled like perfume.
One by one, we started to call our abilities and thanked the higher power above for them.
Slowly, our circle was filled with a physical manifestation of our abilities.
Small rose shrubs grew next to Rose and Emmett.
Carlisle had a few butterflies flying around Esme.
Edward had the air filled with calm and fragrance.
I had helped earth grow a few plants surrounding us with Edward's help of water.
It was during that time the pumpkin started to glow brightly.
There were gasps all around. And suddenly, Elizabeth and Anthony were standing in front of us.
"It's them," Alice shouted. "The apparitions from my vision."
Edward pulled me behind him.
"Wait. It's Elizabeth and Anthony!" I cried, moving around Edward.
There were gasps of surprise all around the circle.
"That's right, child," spoke Elizabeth's apparition/ghost.
"We mean you no harm. We are here to warn you all," Anthony Cullen said to everyone.
"Warn us?" Edward asked. "Warn us about what?"
"Of what's coming."
"What's coming?"
"You'll need to learn some patience, my son." He chuckled.
"Tony, he's just worried for her." Elizabeth reprimanded her lover.
"You're right, Lizzie." He turned to Edward. "I'm sorry, but we have to start at the beginning to explain that."
"Isabella, have you conveyed to everyone what I have been showing you."
"It was you?" I asked.
"Yes."
"I can see you are all curious about the medium." She looked around.
"All right, I'll start from there. The medium was created as a gift for me by my mother.
"My mother was a very powerful being from a very strong coven. But unfortunately, she fell in love with my father." Her face contorted.
"He was an awful person with next to no ability. He insisted that he'd only marry my mother if she left all her powers and her coven.
"My poor mother was blind in love, so she left her family and transferred all her powers into a magical stone to marry my father.
"They had a few good years, but then my father met the Volturi. They were the worst of the worst," Elizabeth said, enraged.
"My father confided in Mr. Volturi about the stone. And the scoundrel decided to take it for himself. He filled my father's head with lies and the love for power. And one day, he came for it.
"What he never realized until then was that he could never gain its power without my mother's consent. Defeated, he decided to kill my mother with my father's help." She sobbed.
"Before my mother died, she connected me to the stone, transferring all abilities and creating a medium between the two of us. She changed the stone to a pumpkin because she called me that. Her pumpkin." Anthony was rubbing her back, trying to calm her.
"But that wasn't enough either!" she shouted. "That horrible man learned that the medium would be useless without me. He knew once I came of age, it would attend to me. So he asked my father for his son's hand in marriage to me when I was still a little girl. The son? He was twice my age. But my father agreed."
I don't think there was a single dry eye in our circle.
"I didn't have anyone growing up. Only my baby sister, who I would take care of. I would sometimes take a stroll in the forest near my home; that's where I met Tony." She smiled at him. He smiled back, touching her cheek.
"We became friends, and over the years, we would meet up at the clearing in the forest.
"When the time for my marriage came. I resisted. My father threatened me with the same fate as my mother. And I knew I couldn't leave Charlotte, my little sister, behind.
"I had fallen in love with Anthony and decided to tell him everything. He insisted we run away with Charlotte. We had decided to leave on All Hallows Eve when everybody would be otherwise occupied." She shivered in distress.
"But before that happened, my sister and I overheard him saying he would force me to make him the successor of the medium by taking Charlotte and forcing my hand. And I knew I had to act soon. Taking the medium and Charlotte, I left the house, but before I could reach the forest, my father caught us and got a hold of my sister. I knew I didn't have much time. I ran into the forest to find Tony and give him the medium. I gave my consent to the stone to make Anthony the successor."
"It was almost too late. Volturi had found us. We fought but he killed my darling, Lizzie," Anthony continued.
"The bastard was creating an army of talented beings. He sent them after me. But the power that the medium gave me was incomparable to any of the others. I killed a lot of beings that night and stripped Volturi of all his strength and power. He was left with nothing when I was done with him.
"The only regret I had was that I never could find little Charlotte. Elizabeth's father had run off with her. You do not know how much pleasure it gives me to see you with her descendant, Edward.
"She survived. And you're proof of that, Isabella."
There was complete silence for some time as everyone digested all of that.
"Wait, you said you were here to warn us?" Edward spoke up.
"Yes. He's going to come back. Volturi. We do not know how, but he's found a way."
Edward sucked in a breath. I shuddered.
"Do not be frightened, dear. It is why we are here. We will help keep you and your little one safe. We will teach you how to harness the stone's power. You will be able to fight him and destroy him completely. Permanently this time." Elizabeth smiled serenely.
Thank you.
Note: I am removing "A Moonless Night" because its just not working, I've not had any muse. I am sorry. Its still gonna be on my computer so when I actually finish it, I'll post it in its entirety. I am just gonna leave the first chapter up.
Happy Holidays and hope the coming new year brings everyone joy and good health.