WITCHCRAFT

CHAPTER 23

Bella had gone to a baseball game with the Cullens. And suddenly, one hundred and fifty three things where happening all at once.

One - Charlie absolutely hated Edward now. While he liked him when he was just the sweet boy that was going to be her daughter's stepson he was now his other daughter's boyfriend and had been threatened with a gun.

Two - Both Edward and Bella, and soon the rest of the Cullens, found that hilarious.

Three - Bella was a terrible referee and on the phone call with Rosalie that was somehow one of the most important things she talked about.

Four - There was a trio of nomadic vampires passing the area that had caused the 'animal attacks' the police had been investigating.

Five - That trio wanted to play baseball, too.

Six - In playing baseball the trio met the Cullens and Bella.

Seven - One amongst the trio was a tracker and Bella's scent very much appealed to him.

Eight - Bella had told Charlie that she was suffocating in Forks and needed to get away from here before she ended like her mom.

The other one hundred and forty five things were playing through Lucy's mind as Rosalie told her all this on the phone and soon enough Carlisle was at her door.

"Protection detail anyone?"

"No, Carlisle", Lucy sighed, dropping her hand from her ear as she hung up the phone, "How come we've been together for almost two years and none of this ever happened and suddenly I have to worry about some nomadic vampires that want to kill my sister?"

"Where is Angela?"

"In her room", Lucy rubbed her head, "She doesn't need to worry, does she?"

"Well, no, but maybe she could stay nearby", he went onto the first step, "Angela, I brought your favourite ice cream."

"You did?", Lucy's face brightened.

"Yeah, yours too", he smiled, holding up the plastic bag.

"No, hold on", Lucy paused when Angela rushed past them, grabbing the bag and shouting a quick 'Thanks, Carlisle', then she continued, "Bella really hurt my dad's feelings, what the fuck happened?"

"Language."

"Carlisle", the tone was threatening enough.

"We need to get her far away from here, and Edward. They're expecting her smell near his so Esme and Rosalie are scouring the woods in Bella's clothes. Jasper and Alice are taking her away."

"So you kidnapped my sister after she broke our father's heart until, what, exactly? Because they're not going to stop until Bella's dead, are they?", Lucy crossed her arms.

"So, we'll have to get them first."

Lucy gulped but decided not to enquire any further, instead opting to turn on a movie and join Angela on the couch, occasionally looking over at Carlisle. Both women fell asleep on the couch, Carlisle watching over them. However, when Lucy woke up he was gone. She tried to go by her day as usual.

She went on her morning run, picked up pastries and coffee, rang a distraught Charlie's doorbell and invited him over for breakfast, had breakfast with him and Angela, painted in the study - it was supposed to be Carlisle, she wanted it to be, but it ended up looking more like Esme which had her more confused than ever.

At night she sat on the couch with Angela and Charlie as Charlie's cellphone rang. He picked up immediately and his face fell, "I'm on my way right now."

"What is it?", Lucy asked tiredly.

"I'm going to Phoenix, Bella fell down some stairs and she's in the hospital", he told her agitatedly.

"Oh, okay, Dad, wait", she stopped him at the door, pulling him into a hug, "I love you, be careful, please."

"Love you, too, sweetie", his smile wasn't as genuine as it usually was with the stress of his other daughter in the hospital looming over him.

Angela regarded Lucy with worry when she turned back. Lucy smiled slightly and decided to try to lighten the mood, "This doesn't mean you don't have to go to school tomorrow!"

"I wish to have children one day."

Lucille looked up at the giant she was cuddled against in the gardens. She smiled when her eyes met his, "As long as I may raise them with you, so do I."

"So if I were to die in the arena-", he didn't finish that thought, "Lucille, I would want you to-"

She slapped a finger over his mouth, effectively shutting him up as she sat up to look at him, still not at his height, "I don't even want to think such things, Amor. You and I will be eternity. And if I were to lose you I would not be able to move on. I must show you something."

There was a questioning look in his eyes when hers closed. When she opened her eyes, he, too, was able to see the golden band that connected them. It was thick, strong and shined like the sun. He could not avert his eyes, "Mea Vita, what is this?"

"I- Carus, you must know I have some gifts beyond your understanding. And, in time, I'm sure you'll learn as much about them as I have over the past millennium. But for now, please, trust me. This string connects us in love and companionship for life and beyond."

"The past millennium, Amora?", an amused but confused smile passed his lips. She leaned up to kiss him, meeting eyes filled with love when she pulled back.

"I'm a witch, Amor."

His hands wandered to her back, pulling her into his lap, "What does that mean, Lucille?"

"I don't know. It's what I am. It's what my mother was. It's likely what my children will be", she looked up, a hand against his cheek, "The first time I met you I was a young girl, and the day after I woke up like this. I will forever be your age."

"And grow old with me", he smiled, not fully understanding what she was saying but hoping it meant they'd get their life together.

"I can only hope, Meus."