Adventures In An Alternate Dimension Book 2

Chapter 22 - The Magic of a Spring Blizzard

Ashlynn's POV

Forks wasn't exactly known for its balmy weather, but this May morning held a crispness that bit at my nose. Perfect prank weather. A mischievous grin spread across my face as I eyed Bella's house across the sprawling meadow that separated our properties. Living on the same land but in separate houses was a compromise we'd made years ago. Close enough for family gatherings and spontaneous movie nights, but far enough to avoid sibling-induced homicide.

Today, though, I was pushing those boundaries a bit. My fingers tingled with anticipation. Taking a deep breath, I focused, visualizing the cool tendrils of frost creeping across Bella's pristine white siding. It started subtly, a faint shimmer on the window panes, before blossoming outwards, transforming the house into a frosted wedding cake. I giggled, the sound muffled by the cool morning air. This was going to be epic.

Moments later, the shrill ring of my phone pierced the quiet. "Ashlynn Rain Black! What did you do?" Bella's voice crackled with a mixture of annoyance and amusement.

"Good morning to you too, Bells," I chirped innocently. "Just enjoying the view. Isn't your house looking particularly... festive this morning?"

"Festive? Ash, it looks like it got caught in a blizzard!" Her voice softened a touch. "Though, I have to admit, it does look kind of cool."

Mission accomplished. I allowed myself a smug smile. "Maybe a little too cool for getting the kids ready for school, huh?"

A defeated sigh came through the receiver. "Ugh, you're right. Here they come..." I could practically hear the chaos erupting on Bella's end. "Hey! Don't touch the windows! And Hunter, please put your shoes down, they're soaked!"

Laughter bubbled up inside me. This was the best part. My heart went out to Bella, but the image of her trying to wrangle her kids through a winter wonderland in May was just too much.

Just then, the back door slammed open and a hurricane of giggles came barreling towards my house. It was little Olivia, Bella and Sky's eldest, with Lily, her ever-energetic little sister, trailing close behind.

"Auntie Ashlynn! It's snowing at our house!" Olivia shrieked, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Lily, ever the pragmatist, skidded to a halt a few feet behind her. "It's not snowing, silly. Auntie Ashlynn froze the house."

"Even cooler!" Olivia squealed, already clambering onto the porch swing. Lily, after a moment's hesitation, joined her, their laughter echoing across the meadow.

"I told you this would be inconvenient," Bella's voice said from behind me. She was leaning against the doorframe, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips despite the exasperation in her voice.

"Hey, inconvenient or not, they're having a blast," I countered, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Besides, a little ice never hurt anyone."

She rolled her eyes, but the smile won the battle. "Just promise to melt it before Edward gets home. He'll have a coronary." Edward, Bella's husband, was a creature of habit, and anything out of the ordinary sent him into a tailspin.

"Deal," I said, already picturing Edward's bewildered expression. This prank was turning into a win-win. I could tease Bella and entertain the kids all in one go. The perfect morning, in my not-so-humble opinion.

The rest of the day unfolded in a flurry of activity. The kids spent the morning bundled up in winter coats and snow pants, pretending to build snowmen out of fallen leaves. Bella and I, fueled by endless cups of coffee, tackled the mammoth task of decorating the house for an impromptu "Spring Froze-Fest" - my genius naming, of course. By the time Edward arrived home, the house was a testament to my icy handiwork, complete with glittery snowflakes I'd conjured and strategically placed on the porch railing.