Nessie's Life

Chapter 29

Shelley cleared her throat and shifted her weight, looking nervous. Benjamin squeezed her hand, and I looked at her encouragingly. Everyone was here now, gathered around Shelley to hear what she wanted to say.

Alice had seen it as soon as I had given my support earlier, and dad had read it in Alice's thoughts. I felt instant relief when Alice told me the outcome was good. Those of us who knew had kept it to ourselves, waiting for Shelley to explain it to everyone in her own words.

She began. "I'm sure you all realized awhile ago that I would want to become like you one day. I will, soon, and Benjamin will help. But there's something else that I want to do first."

She swallowed and looked directly at Mom. "I want to do what you did. I think that Rosalie has always been right. My bond with my mom has been the most precious thing in my life, and I know that she was able to weather way more hardships than she deserved because she had me to love and to place her hopes in. I've always wanted to experience that with a child of my own. I know that Ben will be the most amazing father, so much so that it almost hurts how much I want to see it happen." Benjamin kissed her cheek.

Shelley continued. "I can't begin to imagine what you went through. I don't want anyone to think I'm disregarding what you suffered. What you all suffered. But I think we all can agree that Renesmee was worth it."

The love I felt from everyone in the room at that moment almost choked me. Mom grabbed my hand.

Shelley continued, "I know it will be hard, but I also know that this time we will know what we're doing. You'll be prepared to help me. And my baby. And in the end, I'll be both one of you and I'll have a perfect little family of my own."

She waited. There was a definite tension in the air. Though I had vague impressions of the time when my mom almost died for me, I knew that I really couldn't say much. It was my mom, my dad, Carlisle, even Jacob who had fought that battle. Fought for me. After a few minutes, my mom stood and walked towards Shelley. She placed a hand on her face gently.

"My sister."

A single tear fell onto Shelley's cheek.

My mom continued. "If you believe it's what you are meant to do, I support you." Shelley fell into her arms.

Carlisle stepped forward. "If you go through with this, you will endure much pain. I have no way to stop it. But I have learned invaluable lessons from our last experience with this. If you understand the sacrifices, I will not stop you. I have every confidence that we can get you through it."

Shelley whispered, "Thank you, Carlisle."
_________

My performance that evening was my best yet. I was filled with the joy that comes with the anticipation of new life, and I was energized by my family in the audience.

Since the terrible day four years ago that I had met Shelley for the first time and injured her within an hour, my dancing had improved a ton. Not only was I mastering technique, but I also was beginning to love the art form and the unique way I could express myself through movement. It actually seemed to be one of the few things that I was perfectly made for. While it might be obvious that my natural strength and grace could help me stand out amongst humans, it was more surprising that this was something that I could do well that full vampires couldn't.

Most of them seemed to be unable to slow down enough. Though they could walk and breathe at human speed through imitation, dance was something that needed to be felt instead of copied. There was also the issue of moving with breath, which vampires couldn't do.

After the show, I hugged my parents first.

"I never would have believed a daughter of mine could be so graceful," said Mom. "But you are, baby. And so much more."

"We're so proud of you Renesmee," said Dad.

Carlisle handed me flowers as everyone else congratulated me. As happy as I was to see them, I couldn't wait for the rest of the night and the dinner date I had planned with Jacob.

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