Thaw-chapter 11

Jan 16, 2010 13:08

"Ah, yes, the glow. Boleyn’s Blaze, it’s called. Henry the 8th had his court search the castle’s trove for a stone that had a particular flaw so that it appears to glow red in certain light. He used it as the final lure to get her to marry him."

AN: These characters are not mine.

Bella asked Edward to come to her house the next day to talk things over, provided it was overcast enough, which it was.

Charlie had plans to go fishing, so she had at least a couple of hours without having to worry about him overhearing.

The only catch was that Jake was so protective of Bella that he insisted on being there. If not in the room, then outside, should she need him. Now, he never wanted to leave her side unless Charlie was home, at least.

Edward arrived just as Bella was finishing cleaning up the breakfast dishes. She hadn’t eaten much lately, and was starving that morning, so she’d scrambled some eggs and fried up some bacon for herself and Jake, who’d arrived a little earlier.

Edward wrinkled his nose as he entered the house. Since he didn’t eat regular food, he had no fond association of food smells, even for what was Bella’s favorite meal. Likewise, Jake wrinkled his nose at the smell of Edward.

Good morning, Bella. Jacob, he said in his typical formal tone. Sleep alright?, he asked of Bells.

Well, no, but thanks for asking. G’morning, she mumbled.

And how’d you sleep, Edward?, Jake asked. Oh, that’s right, you don’t. Sorry, forgot for a minute.

He wasn’t trying to tease Edward, but he did feel a little giddy at pointing up the basic differences between vamps and humans.

Not that he was normal, either. Since he began shifting, Jacob slept a few hours, then woke and got up, got some water, went back to sleep for a bit. Napped during the day at some point, maybe even twice.

Bella gave Jake a dirty look. Jake, would you go out on the porch now, please?, she asked him.

That’s right, dog, go to the porch, where you belong, Edward hissed, also teasing, but half serious.

Jake mock bared his canines at them, slamming the door behind him.

So. Here we are, Bella said. Tell me what your plans are.

Edward folded his arms, the dim light glinting off his cheekbones, eyes glowering like fading embers.

I was headed to Mt. Vesuvius to destroy this, as I told you, he said, plucking the ring from his pocket.

And then I was planning to go to the Volturi again. I hadn’t decided whether to provoke them into destroying me, or simply ask to join their fold.

She nodded, trying to process what he was saying.

Bella, would you do me a favor and try on the ring? A lot of work really did go into its fabrication.

And I’d just like to see it on your beautiful finger. He held it up.

She’d been surprised at how quickly her feelings for him had faded. She once thought, not long ago, that she could never feel anything but unbridled, limitless love for him, for eternity.

Then she and Jake had gotten serious, and her heart flipped. And yet at that moment, something warmed in her toward Edward, something that seemed ever-present, if dormant.

She held up her left hand hesitantly. Edward slipped on the ring, which was twice as cold as platinum would be before being chilled by a vampire’s iciness.

She shivered as the ring began warming to her body temperature, wishing Jake were there to be her personal oven. He really came in handy at times.

As she looked at the heart-shaped diamond, she noticed a red glimmer at its center. Mesmerized, she couldn’t look away.

Ah, yes, the glow. Boleyn’s Blaze, it’s called. Henry the 8th had his court search the castle’s trove for a stone that had a particular flaw so that it appears to glow red in certain light. He used it as the final lure to get her to marry him.

And I, alas, was hoping it would do the same thing for you. Because…

He turned away, biting his lip.

Because why?, Bella prodded.

Because my love for you surpasses what Henry felt for Anne, he finished.

He dropped his head. He couldn’t look at Bella, it was too painful at that moment.

Bella didn’t know what to say. Here she was, just a kid, and yet Edward was implying that his love for her was greater than one of history’s epic romances.

The memory of that feeling suddenly crept back into her mind. She shook her head, squinched her face in confusion. Then she remembered her history.

But didn’t he behead Anne, accusing her of adultery? After she bore him a child? Bella asked.

Well, yes, but that was later on. I’m not saying he was a stand-up guy, Bella. But he did know how to woo his ladies.

She looked at the ring again. It was the closest to eternal she’d ever been. She wondered who else had been affected by this amulet of passion. His grandmother…

But it really did look odd on her finger. It suddenly represented some kind of artificial, trumped-up relationship that she could never live up to. She fingered the bracelet she wore with dual charms, the tiny wooden wolf, and the crystal heart, which had unfortunately chipped while she was doing housework.

She slid off the ring, placing it on the table, and made the motions to get a glass of water so she wouldn’t have to look at Edward.

Bella, you know you could come with me to Italy. TheVolturi think highly of you, since you have gifts. I’ve never seen Jane put in her place like that, he said, recalling how Bella had resisted her powers.

And what, become some sort of human lab rat? No thanks, she huffed. And they creep me out. I’m not afraid of vamps, but I can’t be a part of what they do there. They’re vicious, but with that ultra-civilized veneer.

She looked out the front windows and saw Jake pacing back and forth on the porch. He looked so worried, his brow furrowed, chin dropped to his chest. But the second he caught her glance, he lit up. God, he was so gorgeous like that.

Wolves can be vicious too, but at least they’re honest about it, she thought, smirking playfully at Jake.

Well, obviously I can’t to tell you what to do, Edward, but here goes. Please don’t go to Italy. Save this amazing ring, and I bet you that when you go to Oregon with your family, you’ll find a girl who’s perfect for you.

It hurt to say that, but she had to get it out. And she didn’t want to be responsible for whatever ill could come of him in Italy.

He’d just have to get over her, if it was possible. She was tired of hauling around the affections of two boys. And she knew what she wanted for her future.

Who she wanted was panting against the window pane, fogging it up, looking totally adorable.

Edward, think about it. Your family loves you, and they need you around. And we can remain friends, see each other from time to time.

Friends!, he scoffed. He knew his chances of wooing her back were slim, but he saw there was nothing more for him to say then.

I’ll think about it, but I’ll never consider you a friend, Bella. You are the love of my very long life, which shall be unendurable without you. But I can see you’ve fallen for the dog, for the carnal way of life. And I really can’t blame you. Being a vampire is hell and I never wished it for you.

He grabbed the ring, thrust it into his pocket, and took her hands. I’ll return this to the Cullen vault for some other lucky demon.

Farewell, Bella, he said, kissing her fingers. You’d be in my dreams, always, if I had dreams. But I’ll think of you constantly.

He whisked out the door in a blur, nodding goodbye at Jake, burning rubber in his Volvo.

Jake came inside, approaching her carefully as he expected her to be upset or agitated. He hugged her from behind, warming her instantly.

After a few minutes of silence, she turned to face him, buried her face in his strong chest, flung her arms around his big neck, and kissed him ferociously.

I love you, Jacob Black. So much. Now let’s have some more bacon.

He beamed his brightest smile. She was his, for the moment. And they were having more bacon.

Chapter 12

thaw, fanfiction, twi fic, twilight

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