章節 34: CHAPTER 34

( Same Night )

[ The ??? Bookstore - Branch 1869 ]

The Daggers can still be seen at the bookstore. The bald man, who was the leader, and a woman who looked like his second in command can be seen in a room with only a board. On the board, there was a map of Forks.

"Sir, we have received multiple pieces of information sent by Alistair," the woman said, holding a paper in her hand.

The bald man turned around, facing the woman, and nodded.

"Alistair informed us that the target has a gift related to a sword, and he cannot be underestimated. He also successfully convinced Carlisle to let him stay, but he mentioned that he does not have much time. Carlisle gave him a few days."

The bald man frowned and said, "So, he has been turned into one of our kind. He said the target cannot be underestimated, as expected from a newborn. And a sword as a gift?"

The woman nodded in confirmation and said, "Indeed, sir. We have additional information stating that he is not living with the Cullens. The location is unknown, but he is definitely in Forks."

The bald man's frown grew even larger after hearing the information. The woman then said, "What should we do, sir? Should we infiltrate Forks tonight?"

"Change of plans, tell Alistair to gather as much information as possible. He seemed capable and trusted by them." The bald man declared, and the woman nodded at him. Then she left the room.

( The Next Day - Third Pov )

Mikael and Alice can be seen at their house, preparing to go to school. Mikael is deep in thought while enjoying his morning tea. Alice, who sees this, approaches him and leans her body against his.

"Are you still thinking about Alistair?" Alice asked.

"Yes, it's very odd that he came here. He could have gone to Alaska instead of here if he wanted to go to Canada," answered Mikael with a frown.

'Besides, he wasn't supposed to be here this early. I remember that he appeared in the last movie when the Cullens were gathering witnesses for Renesmee, and he was the last one to arrive as well. Also, I didn't see him at all when the Cullens and their allies confronted the Volturi, considering the fact that he is constantly running from the them. He must have fled the night before the confrontation; he must be a coward then.' Mikael thought while sipping his tea.

"Should I look into his future?" Alice asked.

Mikael shook his head and replied, "No, you don't have to."

'I have a guess, but I'm uncertain if my guess was correct or not. So, I still need him to confirm it,' Mikael thought while smiling at her.

~ At School ~

Bella can be seen in the parking lot with her friends, and she took a picture of her friend for her mother. A moment later, Edward arrived.

Edward approaches her and whispers, "Happy birthday, Bella."

"Don't remind me," Bella says with a reluctant expression.

Edward then says with a confused look, "Isn't it a joyful occasion?"

"Not when I'm getting older."

Edward, who heard her silly statement, laughs and says, "Getting older? Bella, you're eighteen years old, not that old. You still have a lot to do in your life besides thinking about that."

"Well, you're dating someone older than you."

Edward chuckled and said, "Bella, I'm a hundred and nine years old."

"Well, it's a shame I'm dating a grandpa then."

The two of them shared a laugh and kissed until Edward caught a whiff of Jacob approaching. He broke the kiss with Bella and turned his attention to Jacob, who was getting closer.

He smiled at Bella and said, "I'll leave you two alone."

Bella nodded, and he walked over to a nearby car, not too far from where Bella and Jacob were. And Edward can be seen frowning at them.

Bella and Jacob then talked, catching up with each other. Then he said, "Hey, happy birthday. Your dad told my dad, so..."

"Yeah, of course you did."

He then pulled something from his pocket and said, "I saw this the other day and thought of you. It catches bad dreams."

Bella then took the gift from Jacob and said, "That's kind of perfect. Thank you."

"Yeah, no problem," the two then shared a hug, with Jacob staring at the frowning Edward.

A few moments later, Edward and Bella can be seen in the hallway of the school, heading to their class.

"So, how come Jacob Black gave you a gift and I don't?" Edward asked.

"Because I have nothing to give back to you," Bella said, looking sadly at the ground.

"Bella, you gave me everything just by breathing."

Bella sighed and smiled, "I see. Thank you, that's all I want."

Then suddenly, Alice appeared from the stairs by jumping over them, followed by Mikael, who took the usual route.

"Bella!"

Alice then pulled Bella into a hug and said, "Happy birthday!"

Bella, who was surprised, gestured for Alice to not speak loudly, and Alice could only shrug apologetically.

"Alice, I said no presents," Bella said, smiling.

Alice smiled back and said, "Yeah, but I already saw you open it and guess what? You'll love it."

"You're going to wear it tonight, at our place."

Bella, who heard that, seemed reluctant. Alice then said again in a begging tone, "Come on, please... It'll be fun."

Bella then looked at the figure of Mikael, who was smiling kindly at her.

Bella then looked back at Alice and smiled in defeat, "Okay, all right."

Alice yelled in happiness and said, "Great! I'll see you at seven."

They then went to their respective classes.

( Same Day - Afternoon )

Mikael and Alice can be seen preparing themselves and making themselves look good, with Alice wearing a black dress and Mikael wearing a black shirt with loose buttons as well.

Alice can be seen preparing Mikael's hair with a serious expression until there's a bell on the door.

"Hmm? Edward?" Mikael said in a confused tone, and then Alice went to the door and let Edward in.

"Mikael, I have something to tell you..."