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Bella’s terrified expression turned blank; a half vampire? How was that even possible? And how did she know Carlisle and the Volturi? If this Summer Rose girl had an intimate relationship with the Volturi clan, she could jeopardize the lives of everyone she loves. “Edward—“, but before Bella could finish, Carlisle lithely stood with the rest of the leaving crowd and walked over to Edward and Bella. With worried eyes, Bella traced Carlisle’s every step. Curiosity was welling up within her as she wondered how Carlisle knew this seemingly atrocious human vampire. Carlisle bent down to face the couple eye to eye, his expression hard to decipher, though he appeared to be agonized, “I can’t explain in full detail at the moment,” he began with a hushed and expressionless tone, “but I came to know Summer while I was with the Volturi. She was the…”wife”, so to speak, of Aro. Once they heard she was a half vampire, they were prepared to kill her. However, she has magnificent capabilities; powers only other vampires can dream of. Aro couldn’t kill her, it would have tortured him to see such a beautiful and powerful young lady go to waste. While our friendship grew, she wanted to adapt to my lifestyle, so I taught her how to feed off of animal blood. She grew attached to our lifestyle quite hastily, and I doubt she’s changed from the feeding habits I taught her.” Carlisle paused to give Bella’s hand a soothing squeeze, “She’s not dangerous, but that look in her eyes was a signal for me. She wants to meet with me tonight.” He turned to Edward and gave him a warning glance, “Edward, take Bella, your mother, and siblings home. I don’t believe Summer wishes to harm us, but I am not willing to take any chances.” Edward nodded almost inertly, “I will, but I’m coming back. I won’t let you stay here alone.” “No, Edward,” Carlisle said firmly, “this is my conversation with her, not yours. She knows the Volturi, and I do not know why she isn’t with them at the moment. Meeting her could risk all of your lives, especially with the situation of Bella’s immortality.” “Carlisle,” Esme abruptly interjected. Carlisle turned to face the direction his wife was looking. Two guards in black tuxedos were making their way towards the front row seats, “They’re coming for us,” Edward glared with contempt at the two husky men. Bella heard a low growl stirring inside Edward’s chest. Bella felt so helpless; if she was an immortal, all this worry would have never existed, and no one would be able to threaten any of Cullens. But she had to wait until after her and Edward’s wedding, which was only two months away. Carlisle rose to his feet to greet the gentlemen, while the rest of the family, except Bella, sat immovable in their lifeless positions. Bella couldn’t find a way to contain her worry, resulting in her fidgeting. Edward tried his best to calm her, “Bella, don’t worry,” he whispered to her melodiously, “I told you, though this will be for a different reason, I WILL get you away from here safely in a matter of moments.” He eyed her protectively, running his cool fingertips through the locks of her long brown hair. Bella buried her face in Edward’s chest, hoping to find the solace she wanted, and she assuredly did.
Meanwhile, Carlisle was attempting to persuade the gentlemen that his family needed to get home, “Mr. Cullen, Summer would have come to greet you out here, but it would cause a ruckus. Please, honor her wishes and bring your family; she’s intent on meeting all of you.” Alice was already busing herself with checking to see if Summer would truly hurt them. Instantly, a smile grew upon her face. She bounced up to her feet and daintily skipped over to Carlisle. Inaudibly to human ears, she told Carlisle what she had seen. Apparently, Bella guessed, everything would work out fine. Edward, on the other hand, remained skeptical. He knew that Alice’s psychic abilities were not always reliable because the moment someone in her vision changed their mind, the entire future would take a twist. During the midst of this circumstance, the majority of the Cullens were too preoccupied to realize that the theatre had already emptied out. Summer, nonetheless, didn’t fail to recognize that the Cullens were the only spectators left. Grinning politely, Summer danced her way down one of the long aisles. All eyes turned to face the lovely, petite Summer Rose. Edward took a defensive position over Bella, placing his left arm across her upper back and his right across her waist. Summer came to a sharp stop and cocked her head to the side, “Relax, Edward. I know you don’t know me, but ask Carlisle, I’m simply a friend.” Bella adored the sweet tone of musical ringing bells in Summer’s voice. She seemed joyous and spirited, exactly like Alice. Her voice chimed with unspoken laughter; Bella strongly wondered how this blissful Summer Rose could be harmful.
“Carlisle, we finally meet again!” Carlisle’s nurturing, fatherly smile glistened when Summer jumped into his embracing arms, “Ah, Summer, I never guessed we would’ve met each other once more. This almost seems like a dream.” “More so a nightmare, rather than a dream.” Edward growled beneath his breath. Summer raised her eyebrows at his displeasure, but she shrugged off his impolite words and gestures, “Is this your family, Carlisle?” Carlisle hesitated, “Yes, they are. I doubt you need an introduction though.” Summer laughed heartily, reaching to give Esme a warmhearted hug, “It’s such a pleasure to meet the exquisite wife of Carlisle Cullen, and all of your alluring offspring.” Summer gave Edward a sarcastic side glance. She was testing his composure, something Edward plainly could not stand. Summer glimpsed at both Carlisle and Esme with sincere, begging eyes, obviously wanting something, “Please Carlisle, I haven’t seen you in years, and I’ve never met your family. At least give me tonight to catch up with you and get to know your dear loved ones?” Carlisle sighed and shook his head lightly, “You were always so stubborn. I can see that hasn’t changed.” “Yay! That’s your way of saying yes!” Esme put her finger up in admonishment, “On one condition, dear. We take you home with us.” Summer’s entire expression froze and blanked, “Uh, um…okay.” Edward didn’t take his burning glare off Summer. “What’s the matter, Summer?” Alice finally spoke up, running over to take Summer’s hands into hers. Jasper, Rosalie, and Emmett only sat and listened to the flitting conversations flying all around them. “Nothing really, Alice. I would…love to come with you. Let me just…grab my…um…things.” Summer patted Alice’s hands and walked her way back to her dressing room at a slow human pace.
“Carlisle, what are you thinking?! You’re placing Bella’s life in danger here.” “Then take her back home to Charlie, Edward, if you’re truly that scared of Summer. I know what’s in her heart.” “I know what’s in her mind!” Edward roared back at Carlisle. Bella started; she had never seen Edward become so defensive against his own “father.” “And what’s in her mind, Edward?” Edward paused and directed his gaze to the plush red carpet, “I can’t read her mind…” “Exactly,” Carlisle maintained his caressing tone toward his son, “she’s a shield, among other things, Edward. She’s the most powerful vampire I have ever met.” At Carlisle’s words, Edward shot his burning glare against his father this time, “Which is why Bella should not be among this mess. This monstrous crossover is intimate with the Volturi, she could—“ “She’s no longer involved with them Edward,” interrupted calm Alice. No one spoke a word until Alice was taken aback by something she was seeing from the future. “Alice?” Bella broke free from Edward’s death grip and grabbed hold of her best friend’s little shoulders. Bella shook her slightly, “Is she with the Volturi, Alice?” Jasper placed a caring hand on his love’s arm, “Darling, is she with the Volturi?” He tried his best to control the intensity of the mood in the room. Alice jerked out of her daze with a loud gasp, blinking rapidly, “Summer’s no longer a part of them,” she began in an agitated tone as she grabbed hold of Jasper and Bella’s hands, “but…she has a part of Aro, and he’ll do anything to take it back.” Carlisle was about to question her when Summer approached the family. Gasps and wide-eyed stares filled the empty auditorium. Summer stood silent and still, holding a purse and a piece of carry-on luggage in one hand, and the hand of a tiny toddler in the other. She breathed in deeply, feeling the pressure of the Cullens’ stares, “Everyone, this is Chloe, Aro and I’s daughter.”
