WITCHCRAFT

CHAPTER 21

Christmas break came soon. Bella's wrist had healed, Carlisle and Lucy had been talking regularly and book club had turned into Rosalie's complains about Edward. Esme and Lucy were understanding because Edward seemed to be acting like a whiny little child who didn't get the toy they wanted ever since he started to believe he had found his mate.

Everyone within his family seemed to have come to the conclusion that Bella was his blood singer. All except Alice who was upset that they were all straying away from what only she and Edward could see - her visions.

One less freezing afternoon Angela borrowed the car to pick up Jessica and Bella and go dress shopping in Port Angeles. It was the first year they were allowed to go to prom and both Angela and Jessica had picked up side jobs in summer that they still worked at to go all out on their dresses.

Angela had asked out Eric, a boy she had had a crush on since Middle School and he had said yes, impressed that a girl would take the first step, just as Lucy had predicted. Book club was happening in the meantime and while Rosalie was already complaining Esme made tea for Lucy.

"He's been staying in her room, did you know?"

"Wait, what?", Lucy's mouth dropped open.

"He said it calms him to watch her sleep. I find it horrifying and I just want to tell her to run for the hills, far away from him", Rosalie shook her head.

"That's very predatory of him", Lucy shook her head disappointedly but gave Esme a smile and a thank you when she returned with her tea, "I didn't want to say this, especially not in front of you two, but I don't trust him. He's tried to kill me, he's watching my sister sleep and he's attracted by her smell. I'm very worried for Bella's safety and mine, too."

"In Alice's words 'He apologized for that", Rosalie rolled her eyes mockingly.

"But can you apologize for attempted murder?", Esme shook her head, "I'm sure I couldn't forgive and forget that."

"Of course not. And I told him that", Lucy looked down into her mug sadly, "Sometimes, and I mean sometimes because I love you two, sometimes I wish your family would just move away. I feel like a lot of things would be a lot easier if you hadn't come here."

"I'm sorry, Lucy", Rosalie looked hurt, obviously.

Esme reached out a hand to grasp Lucy's, "We're sorry you were dragged into this. Sometimes it's so easy, we just keep our distance and watch but-"

"Ever since Alice came around we always talk to humans, and things always get complicated", Rosalie interrupted her, "She always thinks she sees something in someone and then it turns out Edward just had a crush, or she did."

"I'm glad I've got you two as friends", Lucy smiled, "But sometimes I wonder if it was worth it. I mean, we'll literally die-"

The door opened and closed announcing Angela's arrival, "Bella stayed behind for a date with the haircut."

And with those words she walked up the stairs, a dress bag in hand. The women on the couch exchanged looks. Rosalie had a look of pure fury on her face, her eyes almost black. Esme gave a forced smile, "I guess we should head home."

Lucy smiled apologetically, "Yeah, I guess so. I'm sorry."

Esme forced Rosalie along as Lucy brought them to the door and the women were gone quicker than Lucy had even closed the door behind them. She walked upstairs and into Angela's room, smiling at the scene before her.

"Did you find something nice?"

Angela grinned. She pulled the dress out of the bag to show it to Lucy. It was a simple pastel purple strapless dress with a rim of flowers at the top and would go just past the knees on her. She had some purple Mary Janes to go with that and the heel was thick so she could dance all night. Lucy smiled.