Chapter Text
Chapter Fifteen - Ivy -
Oh, I can't
Stop you putting roots in my dreamland
My house of stone, your ivy grows
And now I'm covered in you
Ivy - Taylor Swift
"I cannot believe that you all started without me!" Alice appeared as we were halfway through 'The Thing', hands-on-hips, faux outrage painted across her face.
Of course, I was the only one to react with shock, and the popcorn bowl absolutely would have gone flying if Jasper hadn't held it down with one hand.
"Well, I mean, I can believe it," She continued, moving forward, standing directly in front of the screen. "I saw it happening and I just had to rush back."
There were a number of 'move out of the way Alice!' that echoed throughout the room from both mortal and immortals alike.
"Alice, could you please sit down, you're blocking the TV," Esme smiled gently, using a much kinder tone than the rest of us.
Alice rolled her eyes and then walked toward the place where both Jasper and I were sitting.
"I don't think there's enough room-oh okay then," ignoring the little space there was, Alice, forced herself gracefully into the spot beside me, leaving me sandwiched between both her and Jasper.
"Shove up a little Clara," she said, using her strength to slide me along the sofa, causing me to bump directly into Jasper's shoulder, the cool touch making me jump slightly.
"Sorry," I mumbled to him.
Well, this is awkward.
"Alice," Jasper growled in warning, though Alice was not perturbed, she actually smirked.
There seemed to be a silent conversation going on over my head, and I heard Emmett laugh quietly.
"Am I missing something?" I asked.
"No," Jasper answered firmly.
Alice opened her mouth to answer but was cut off.
"Alice," Carlisle warned gently.
"But-"
Jasper's growl cut her off, and they glared at each other. All I could hope for was that there wouldn't be a vampire fight breaking out with me in the middle of it.
"I think I'm going to use the bathroom," I said casually, eager to get away from the weird tension.
I didn't actually need to relieve myself, but I could maybe just go stand in the bathroom for a few minutes.
As I walked the familiar route, I could hear something, and it wasn't from the living room. It almost sounded like… a piano?
I followed the sound, curiosity getting the better of me. As infuriating as he was, Edward did look somewhat, I don't know, angelic? His fingers ran fluidly across the keys, very focused and precise.
And of course, he plays the piano. How very Edward.
"Can I help you?"
I blinked, realising the music had stopped. Edward barely moved when he spoke, but I could hear the steel in his tone. I shifted awkwardly and cleared my throat.
"Uh, sorry. I just heard you playing, and… well, you're really good." I laughed sheepishly.
An awkward silence. He still hadn't moved and I felt the sweat gathering on my palms from the stress of trying to keep this interaction friendly.
Damn you, Edward, can't you help me out here.
Oh no. Cringe, he definitely heard that.
"Yes, I did." He said, finally looking at me, blank, cold expression, "thank you for your compliment, but if you wouldn't mind, your presence is making me uncomfortable."
"Oh." I sheepishly looked around, regretting even entering the room. My feet began to move again, continuing across the room, happy to have my back to him.
But as I reached the door, I bit my cheek and turned quickly, facing Edward, who was watching me.
"Can I ask you something?" I continued before he could say no, "Why did you save Bella?"
I'm taking the way his jaw clenched, as a bad sign, but in true me fashion, I walked toward the danger rather than away.
"No-"
"You can't deny that you did. There's no point."
"I'm not discussing this with you."
"Why not? Is that why you don't like me? Because I'm close to Bella?"
He laughed bitterly as I stopped in front of him, "you're delusional."
"Stop your gaslighting Edward, it's unbecoming." I sat beside him on the edge of the piano seat, and I almost laughed at the incredulous look on his face. He really was like a snobby old man.
"What the Hell do you think you're doing?"
"Thank you."
"What-?"
"Thank you for saving Bella. You may want to act like it all meant nothing or whatever, but it means a lot to me, and to everyone else who cares about Bella."
He didn't say anything, but his brow furrowed, and he almost looked as though he was in pain. I continued on, taking the opportunity of the fact he hadn't thrown me off the seat yet.
"Life might not have much meaning to you Vampires anymore, but to us human's it's really precious. And maybe your whole pretending Bella doesn't exist at School shtick is real, or maybe it's because you do care, or maybe it's all some other weird vampire shit I'll never understand, but you did something good Edward. You don't have to act like you did the opposite of saving a life."
I stood up beginning to walk away. "And Bella doesn't deserve to feel invisible because you have some weird internal issues. You might be a crusty old man at heart, but she's just a teenager. Cut her some slack, or at least crack her a smile every now and then… or something."
I shrugged, a bounce in my step as I walked back into the living room. Honestly, Edward probably ignored everything I said, but I can't read his thoughts, so I can be in ignorant bliss pretending I actually did something.
The trees flew past the passenger window as the car drove further into Forks. Despite severely enjoying the movie marathon we were having, I was eager to return home that night, to my own bed, and stashes of snacks. As soon as she realised my mom wasn't home, Alice demanded to come for a sleepover to keep me company. It was only fair she said after I crashed at hers.
Honestly, I think she just wanted to gossip, and I was more than happy to oblige.
Alice carried my things in for me despite my protests, and I left her to make herself at home as I went to change in some pyjamas.
The last 24 hours have felt like a blur, albeit a good one. The ease with which I can interact with the Cullen's compared to a few weeks ago was astounding and part of me still couldn't believe it. I smiled, changing, the thought of my best friend waiting for me downstairs.
Balling up my clothes to throw in my wash basket, I remembered the drawing in my jean pocket and stuck my hand in to grab it.
My eyebrows furrowed. I tried the other pocket.
It wasn't there. Now don't panic.
I checked again, again and once more for good measure.
Panic.
"Shit shit shit."
Did I drop it? Was it down the side of the sofa ay the Cullen's? Is it in Alice's car?
"Everything okay?" Alice stood at the door, watching me concerned.
"Huh? Oh yeah." I threw the jeans to the ground uncaring, smiling as convincingly as possible, "Absolutely. Let's go."
I forced her out and down the stairs, desperately trying to ignore the panic in my head, and hoping that no one but Emmett would find the cursed drawing.
Even when he's not here Jasper Hale is making my life hard.
"It was nice what you said to Edward," Alice said a while later as we sat with cups of tea in the living room. (Alice demanded one even if she couldn't drink it.)
I shifted, getting comfortable, "Do you know what, it's becoming a lot easier coping with the fact you are all constantly eavesdropping on everyone."
Alice laughed, "It's unintentional I assure you. I'm serious though, Edward is so stubborn, he doesn't want to hear anything from the rest of us, maybe he'll actually listen to you."
I scoffed, "Yes, he'll definitely listen to me, the bane of his existence."
"Trust me, that's Bella."
I turned toward her, interested, "Why is he so weird about her? What's his deal?"
Alice pursed her lips in thought, a gleam in her eye. "I'm probably going to get in trouble for telling you, but oh well."
"You Cullen's and your secrets," I sipped my tea, "Do go on…"
"I saw their future - Bella and Edwards."
"As in their immediate future as bio partners or…?"
"No! Their future together."
I spluttered on my tea, "Pardon?"
"I know! Oh, it's so exciting. Of course, there were multiple different futures, but this one is becoming more and more certain, oh it's so romantic, they're just destined to be together. What do you think?"
It took me a moment to realise I had been staring at her dumbly with my mouth open the whole time she was talking.
"Bella and Edward… together?"
"Yeah."
"Tell me you're joking. Very funny Alice."
"What do you mean! I'm serious!"
"But… he's a Vampire… and she's well, not?"
"Yes?"
I stared at her for a moment, waiting for her to reveal she was kidding. She was not.
"What do you mean yes, a human and Vampire can't be together!"
"Why not?"
"It- Well I don't know- Seems like it would be messy. A lot of risks involved-"
"There's a risk for humans getting into a car crash whenever they leave the house."
"So we're comparing Edward to a car crash now, good to know."
Alice laughed, "And anyway, you and I are friends, that's not very different."
"Yes, it is!"
She raised an eyebrow, amused, "And why is that?"
"Well, you know…" I spluttered, knowing she knew I was implying intimate relations between a human and a Vampire seemed… risky?"
"Vampires can do everything a normal couple can do you know-"
"Ew stop talking." I interrupted her, "And anyway, they hate each other!" I exclaimed.
Alice gave me a knowing look, "Do they?"
I scratched my neck, thinking.
"Wow. So Edward is a hormonal teenager, being mean to his crush?"
Alice snorted, "Don't let him hear you say that."
I thought of Bella and her annoyance toward Edward and couldn't imagine how she would somehow end up with him. But then again, maybe she was so annoyed at him because she was interested in him?
Teenagers are so confusing.
"When is this all going to happen? Because right now they aren't even talking. And then there's the whole Vampire thing, which Bella doesn't even know about…"
Alice shrugged, "I don't know, it's not clear yet, but I hope it's soon. Edward is becoming insufferable with all his moping around."
"I thought that was just his face."
We laughed into our tea, and then fell into a comfortable silence, contemplating the possibility of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen having a future together.
Is it possible? For a human and Vampire to be together? Knowing what I do, should I discourage it, change the ever-shifting future for Bella's sake? Or is it not my place to make that decision for Bella?
I hummed, "What was up earlier with you and Jasper?" I asked, remembering their glaring match.
Alice grumbled, "I can't tell you."
"Well, now I have to know."
"Don't say that!" She whined, "I had to promise not to tell! Even though I really really want to."
"Why not!"
"No! I'm already in trouble with my family, I'll tell you at some point but not now."
I pouted, doing my best puppy dog impression.
"No!" She squealed, smashing a face into a pillow, "You cannot sway me you monster".
We fell into a fit of giggles
"Fine, keep your secrets, I'll find out eventually."
"You always do."
"What will you do tonight? When I'm asleep I mean. I'm not sure I have much in the way of entertainment for Vampires."
"Don't worry, I'll find something to do. I was actually hoping you would let me see what drawings and paintings you've done."
"Oh, any in particular."
"All of them. Whatever you have."
I was flattered, warmed by how enthusiastic she was even now. "Well, okay. I'll see what I can dig up. There's just one you're not allowed to see though."
"Why?"
"I'm still in the middle of painting it and I don't want anyone to see it until I'm done."
"Even me? You're best friend?" she pouted, huffing.
"Yes Alice," I smiled, "Even you."
I woke to the sounds of clanging and scrambled from my bed in panic. It took me a few seconds to realise that the source of the noise was most likely Alice.
I hurried down the stairs, "What on earth are you doing?" I rubbed the sleep from my eyes taking in the scene before me, "Are you making breakfast?"
"God no," She laughed, "I was just getting everything ready for you."
"Oh very kind," I said sarcastically, walking toward her, taking in the awaiting pots and pans, and food that was taken from the fridge and cupboards, ready for me to make a filling breakfast. "This is a lot of food Alice, you do know you can't have any, yes?"
She rolled her eyes, "I know that. It's not for me."
"Not to shock you, but even I can't eat this much by myself."
"I know." She grinned.
There was the sound of car doors closing, and before I could even blink, Alice was opening the front door, and stepping outside.
"Hi!" She spoke to someone, bouncing on her feet.
Brows furrowed, I came up behind her curious as to who she was talking to.
I had to try very hard not to react when I see my mother and Charlie by the car, and Bella slowly leaving the house. All three looked very surprised and very confused.
"Clara is making breakfast! You should all come to have some, there's plenty."
"Haha…" I grabbed Alice's elbow and leaned in, whispering through clenched teeth, "what the hell are you doing?"
She gave me a sly smile, "I wanted to meet the family! Come on everyone!"
Alice turned and walked back inside, leaving me staring at the gaping people across the way.
I smiled, hoping it didn't look painful. My mind whirled as I watched the three have a quiet conversation, and mentally prepared myself as my mum and Bella walked toward me.
I cleared my throat, "... Good trip mom?"
"Why is Alice here?" Bella whisper-demanded.
"Alice who?" My mom turned to Bella.
"Alice Cullen!"
"Oh!" My mom said, then she smirked and continued in a low tone, "Well, she obviously got the good Cullen genes."
"They're all adopted, mom." I rolled my eyes, knowing Alice could hear everything we said.
"Oh yes. Well, move out of the way then Clara." My mother pushed past me, exclaiming "hello Alice!"
When I looked back at her, Bella was staring at me knowingly, "You're going to have to answer some questions after this, you know that right? Because this is very weird"
I sighed, resigned to my fate and pushed the door open wider for her to enter, "Yep."
Bella helped me with the breakfast, which was probably a good thing because it meant I could simultaneously focus on the food and not Bella's questioning looks, whilst throwing my own glares at Alice when I could.
She was charming of course, hand on her chin, paying attention to every word my mom said as she talked through her whole fishing trip with Charlie.
"I honestly think I won't get the smell of fish out of hair for about a week," My mom giggled like a schoolgirl, and I breathed out a laugh, sharing a look with Bella.
"I have some amazing shampoo that would work wonders for you, I'll send it over with Clara the next time she's over."
I very nearly sliced off my finger at Alice's words.
"Next time?" Bella asked, "I didn't know you had been over to the Cullen's."
"Yes, you've not mentioned it, Clara." My mom leaned over the chair to look at me curiously.
"Clara." Alice spoke in a false shocked tone, "You keeping us all a secret."
I threw the bacon down on my plate with force, and it slid around the plate. I could feel Bella's narrow eyes on me, but I only turned, plastering a smile on my face as I brought plates of food to the table.
"Suppose it must have slipped my mind. I'll tell you later"
Which translated to I will think of an excuse to spout to you later.
Bella joined us a moment later, reaching over to give Alice a plate.
Alice's hand came up and she laughed lightly, "Oh no, I'm going to be leaving soon, you can give that one to your dad, Bella. Since he didn't come over, I'm sure he's hungry."
"Oh okay." Bella awkwardly retracted the food, and my mom piped up.
"Just set it on the side Bella, we can take it over when we're done."
"Perfect!" Alice chirped.
"So how's school going for you two girls?" My mom asked.
"Oh as well as can be." Alice smiled brightly. I raised an eyebrow, knowing she was perhaps being slightly modest.
"Yeah fine."
"Do you two hang out much or…?"
"No, we haven't actually really like… talked before." Bella laughed awkwardly poking at her bacon.
"But I'm sure that's all going to change!" Alice smiled brightly. "I bet we would be great friends Bella!"
Bella looked at her and blinked, clearly not sure what was happening. I kicked Alice under the table but all that did was make my toe hurt and Alice try not to laugh.
"Oh well, that's great!" My mom said cheery, clearly not feeling the vibe in the room. "Awh I always love it when people come together."
"I'm sure you love it when both you and Charlie come together." I waggled my eyebrows.
"Clara!" My mom went bright red, whilst Alice hid a laugh behind her hand, and Bella cringed into her eggs.
"Please stop," Bella begged.
"Can't stop, won't stop." I winked.
"Oh," Alice squealed, "I can't wait for more of this. Oh, we should do girl days together. And we can get Esme and Rose!"
"Haha, what are you doing", I muttered as I shoved food into my mouth.
"Oh, well that's-" my mom was interrupted by a firm knock on the door.
Sally stood up and walked to answer the door.
Alice sighed, "Well I am in a lot of trouble."
"What do you mean?" Bella asked.
And then I heard the voice, and I felt the need to lie down.
"Good morning Ms Miller. I'm sorry to intrude but we're here to collect Alice, she's late for an appointment." Emmett Cullen stood at the door, one arm leaning on the frame, as he flashed a bright smile to my mother. He towered over her like a bear.
I know Emmett and I like Emmett. We're on our way to being friends. But I moved swiftly to stand between my mom and him. The height difference turned something in my brain that urged me to protect prey from predator.
"Hi, Emmett, how you doing." I flashed him a look, and the guilty way he smiled at me, said he knew I would not approve of this growing family gathering, and he seemed to shift, as though hiding something.
I peeked around him, and bit down on my tongue, holding back my growing stress.
WHY ARE YOU HERE. I screamed at stupid Edward Cullen, who couldn't have stood further away from the door. He was side-on, staring off into the trees.
Was it because Bella was here?
Speaking of… "Edward?"
Her voice was… hard to read. Quiet, surprised, annoyed… hurt?
I saw him tense, and the next few moments felt like hours. All of us awaiting Edward's response.
Slowly he turned, and he looked directly at her. It almost felt like the rest of us had faded away and it was a moment just for them. Though whether or not it was a good or bad one, I wasn't sure.
"Hello… Bella." he was awkward, robotic almost. Yet… it really felt as though he was making some sort of effort. He shuffled slightly, clearly uncomfortable with all the attention. He hurried on, looking away from her now, not making eye contact with anyone, "We're just here for Alice, we have somewhere to be."
Before any of us could say anything, Alice floated past and bounced down the stairs. "I'm here!" The dark look from Edward didn't take the cheer from her voice. "It was lovely to meet you!" She called and turned to face Edwards quiet wrath.
Emmett stood up straight. "It was lovely to meet you, Ms Miller-"
"Call me Sally, please."
"Sally." He flashed her another charming smile, winking at my disgusted look. "See you later Clara."
"Don't bet on it."
We watched the three Vampires jump in Emmett's car and drive away. Part of me felt sympathy for Alice, for what I'm sure awaited her.
I jumped as Sally slammed the door.
"Explain." She said simply.
"How do you know the Cullen's?" Bella asked, "I thought you didn't know who they were."
"I didn't," I said, moving to start clearing away the plates.
"So what changed?"
Okay, brain, time to work on max speed, what's the excuse.
Oh!
"Um, well Esme came into the shop the other day and we got to talking about my art and her architect work and all and… well she was asking me to commission some stuff for her, so I've been over a few times and I suppose I just got to know them all a bit."
"Oh, Clara that's so exciting! Why didn't you tell me!" My mother leaned forward excited.
I laughed nervously, "I suppose I just didn't want to get my hopes up or jinx it or something. You know I don't like to show people my stuff before I'm done."
I glanced at Bella. I could see the cogs turning in her head, trying to figure out if what I was saying was the truth or not. I felt somewhat guilty for keeping everything from her when she had been spilling her guts to me about Edward.
"Congrats, that's really awesome. You'll have to show me what you do when you're finished" She finally offered, a soft half-smile aimed in my direction.
Ow, that caused a pang in my heart.
"Absolutely! Oh how exciting, your first art commission! I'll have to call your aunt!" My mom hurried off before I could stop her and I grimaced.
This is all getting rather complicated.
"I better get going too." Bella lifted the plate of food for Charlie and headed toward the door.
She paused as she opened it, and after a moment turned to me, biting her lip.
"Does… Does Edward like, ever mention me or…"
WORK BRAIN, WORK.
"Oh um… not really," I shook my head, a small sympathetic smile, "he doesn't really mention anything. He's pretty quiet." I offered.
Not a complete lie.
"Oh, of course." She laughed awkwardly shaking her head, "Stupid question anyway." She shook her head.
"Hey!" I shouted, stopping her as she went to leave, "I'm sorry for not telling you about it. The Cullen's I mean. I suppose I just didn't know what to say, and the longer I left it the harder it was to explain." I told her earnestly, twisting my fingers together.
She smiled once more, "It's okay, I get it. The Cullen's seem to invoke some weird things out of people."
"I laughed. Oh, you have no idea."
I was panic driving.
Not long after Bella had left did I realise I was late for work. Thankfully when I showed up, I saw it was only Ron I was on with and he barely even noticed me coming in the door. And with it being a Sunday it was nice and quiet.
I welcomed the calm of the store, pottering around stacking shelves and sweeping the floor, as Ron did whatever Ron does at the counter. I was firmly pushing the earlier events from my head, at least for now. I could deal with that later.
I pulled a few things out of the fridge and enjoyed my break in the office, sketching a quick outline of Bella's truck.
BANG - the office door flew open.
My pencil flew across the page, a big line going right through the window shield
"There you are!" Addy shouted.
I looked at her incredulously, "Hello? Is there a reason you're trying to destroy my eardrums?"
"Where have you been?" She demanded, sitting on the chair across from me. "I haven't seen you since Friday!"
"I mean, didn't you talk to Soph?"
"Yes and she said you went to the Cullen's"
Am I really repeating this morning? Is Esme about to walk through the door?
"I am now leaving." Ron was at the office door,
Addy didn't even look, she just waved a hand in his direction, "Yes, yes, goodbye Ron. WHY were you at the Cullen's."
"Adeline. You're sitting on my coat."
With great speed, Addy grabbed the coat from under her and flung it at Ron.
"Bye Ron," I called after him as he slunk away. I then faced Addy with slight confidence, "I was talking to Esme about art."
"You went to the Cullen's drunk, to discuss art."
"The alcohol really brings out my creativity."
I went on to tell the same story I had told Bella and my mom, and by the end, Addy looked impressed.
"Oh wow! So cool! Next time we're out drinks on me then!" She grinned.
"I don't think I'll be drinking again anytime soon. I can still feel that hangover."
Addy sniggered, readjusting in the chair. She looked up then, slightly more serious. "Did you hear about that guy that died not far from Port Angeles?"
I sat up straighter, "No? What happened?"
"That's why Sophie was so worried about you wandering around outside drunk. Some guy got mauled by an animal in the woods. Apparently, it was pretty gruesome too, like it had played with him or something." She shivered. "I'm just glad none of us was alone. You were okay weren't you?" She asked concerned.
"Oh yeah, I was with the Cullen's as soon as Soph left, and they made sure I was okay. They never would have let anything happen to me… I'm sure of it."
And for some reason, I really believed what I said.