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ย  ย  ๐™ฐ๐šž๐š๐šž๐šœ๐š ๐Ÿธ๐š—๐š, ๐Ÿธ๐Ÿถ๐Ÿถ๐Ÿธ

ย  ย  ๐„๐•๐„๐‘๐˜ ๐‹๐ˆ๐†๐‡๐“ ๐ˆ๐ ๐“๐‡๐„ Chambers household was shut off. Midnight had just struck, causing the grandfather clock at the end of the hallway to chime. Robert and Lori Chambers were in deep slumber, both having to get up early for work the next morning.

ย  ย  Crickets chirped loudly from the open window in the youngest child's bedroom, drowned out by the loud snores coming from the young boy beside her. Liz had been wide awake for hours, talking with her best friend Paul up until he passed out twenty minutes ago.

ย  ย  It wasn't unusual for the thirteen year old boy to spend the night. He was a year younger than the blonde, and due to his father's alcoholism, Liz had gotten used to sharing her bed. She never minded. Paul was her best friend. A brother figure she's never truly had. They were inseparable.

ย  ย  Just because they were becoming teens and growing up, they both made a promise that they would never let anything change between them. Liz couldn't imagine her life without Paul. They relied too much on one another. Both balancing each other out.

ย  ย  Liz felt her eyes getting heavier and heavier and just when she thought sleep was finally going to consume her, a loud thud came from what sounded like the living room that startled her back awake. The fourteen year old froze, her bright blue eyes darting towards her closed door. At first, she thought it might have been nothing. Maybe she was hearing things because she was tired? But when she heard footsteps outside her door, she shot up from the bed in alarm.

ย  ย  She was just about to wake Paul in a panic when she heard an all too familiar voice whisper/yell through the hallowed walls. "Stay outside. I'll be right back."

ย  ย  Ester.

ย  ย  Relief spread through her chest, but then was immediately taken over by confusion. Because Ester wasn't supposed to be here. She was supposed to be in California, visiting their grandmother for a week. She's not meant to come home for three days. What is she doing home so soon and in the middle of the night?

ย  ย  So, being as quiet as she possibly can be so she doesn't wake Paul, Liz slips out of her door and into the hall, looking out towards the living room where she heard the thud. Heading in that direction, she comes to see it completely empty, no one in sight. The fourteen year old looked around in confusion, swearing she had heard Ester.

ย  ย  Maybe she really was just tired? Maybe she was just trying to freak herself out?

ย  ย  Feeling quite uneasy, Liz turned to head back to her bedroom when something caught her attention. Light was peeking through under the door of her dad's study. That is the room where he keeps most of his construction plans and his computer, that Ester nor Liz were allowed to touch without permission because they couldn't afford a new one.

ย  ย  A part of Liz wanted to go wake her parents, but she knew if it was only Ester, she didn't want to get the girl into any trouble. Not without knowing what exactly was going on. So she slowly made her way towards the room she hardly ever enters, and opened the door slowly. What she saw only gave her more questions than it did answers.

ย  ย  Ester was kneeling near the large safe, turning the knob and letting out a string of curses when she failed to get it opened. Trying again, Ester was on the verge of tears when the lock didn't budge.

ย  ย  "Ester?"

ย  ย  The oldest Chambers sister twirled around so fast, gasping at the sight of the young girl standing there. "Damn it, Liz! You scared the hell out of me."

ย  ย  Liz just continued to stare at her in confusion. "What are you doing here? Why aren't you in California?"

ย  ย  "It's complicated..." Ester muttered, not at all expecting her little sister to catch her doing this terrible act.

ย  ย  "What's going on? Why are you in dad's office? Why are you trying to get the safe opened?"

ย  ย  Ester ran a shaky hand through her hair. "That's a lot of questions, Lizzie."

ย  ย  "I'm going to get mom," Liz declared, turning to leave.

ย  ย  "No!" Ester hissed, jumping to her feet and moving towards the young girl, yanking her back into the office and closing the door as quietly as she could. After a few seconds of waiting to see if their parents woke up and sighing once realizing they were in the clear, she turned back to her sister and crossed her arms. "You can't tell mom or dad you saw me here tonight."

ย  ย ย  Liz was so confused. "I don't understand. When did you get back from Nana's?"

ย  ย  The seventeen year old girl bit the bottom of her lip, closing her eyes as if she was trying to figure out what to do. After a couple seconds, Ester sighed. "I never went to Nana's. I've been staying at a friend's. I lied about going to California."

ย  ย  "But we dropped you off at the airportโ€”" Liz examines, trying to understand what she was being told. "Mom talked to Nana."

ย  ย  "Nana's been covering for me," Ester admitted, her eyes filled with shame from the confession. "Nana knew I had to stay away for a couple days and lied to mom for me."

ย  ย  Liz was appalled. "You got Nana to lie to mom and dad for you?"

ย  ย  "She never would have done it if it wasn't seriously important."

ย  ย  "What's so important?" Liz demanded. "What is going on that is so crazy you had to lie to mom and dad about where you were for a whole week?"

ย  ย  Ester shook her head. "I can't tell you. I'm sorry, Lizzie. I just can't. No one can know."

ย  ย  "Are you okay? Are you in any danger?" Liz whispered, worry suddenly replacing her other emotions.

ย  ย  "No. Not really. It's a friend. They are in a situation and they need my help."

ย  ย  "Help with what? What are you doing in dad's officeโ€”" Liz started to question but froze when her eyes locked on the safe, where she had just found her sister not even three minutes ago. "Ester, please tell me you weren't trying to get into dad's safe to steal the emergency money?"

ย  ย  Ester could barely meet her gaze, and the fourteen year old girl ran a hand through her hair. "You're trying to steal money from dad? Are you insane?"

ย  ย  "I'm not stealing it. I'm borrowing it," Ester told her. Liz scoffed in the response and the oldest sister rubbed the back of her neck. "They'll never know it's gone. I'll have the money back by the end of the month. My friend can't get the money until then but they really need it now. Please, Lizzie, you have to trust me on this. It is seriously important that I get that money. Something bad might happen if I don't."

ย  ย  Liz gulped at her words, realizing the panic and fear in her sister's eyes. "I don't know..."

ย  ย  Ester grabbed Liz's shoulders and bent down only slightly so they were eye level. "Let's make a promise. Don't tell mom or dad anything. Don't tell them about Nana. Let them believe I'm still in California and play along when they come pick me up from the airport in three days. Don't tell them you saw me here tonight and do not tell them about the money. If you can promise me you will keep this to yourself and if you can swear that you will never, ever mention this again, then I owe you."

ย  ย  "What do you mean?"

ย  ย  "If you are ever in a serious situation, one that you can never tell me about or I can't tell anyone about, then you just need to use the code and I'll understand. I won't deny you the request you ask of me. I won't force you to listen to reason. I will trust you that you know what you are doing. I will cover for you in any way I can with mom and dad. I will keep whatever secret you need me to keep. And I will never ask you about it ever again. Just have to say the code, and it's done."

ย  ย  Liz didn't know what to say. A part of her was scared, but mostly for Ester and whoever this friend is that she says is in trouble. It must be pretty serious if Ester is willing to steal the money their parents have worked so hard to save, who add to it little by little at the end of every month and cling to it as a fall back in case there is ever an emergency or they were seriously late on mortgage payments. Money is not something they take lately in this family and Ester knows this.

ย  ย  But looking at Ester, seeing her eyes welled up with tears, Liz knew she had to do this. She had to help out her sister. No matter what, they were supposed to look after one another.

ย  ย  With that realization, Liz nodded. "What's the code?"

><><><

ย  ย ย  ๐‹๐ˆ๐™ ๐‚๐‡๐€๐Œ๐๐„๐‘๐’ ๐๐”๐’๐‡๐„๐ƒ ๐Ž๐๐„๐๐„๐ƒ front door and closed it softly behind her. Leaning her back against it, she takes a second to calm her nerves and get her head on straight. Everything that had just happened was piling up on her and she hasn't had a moment to take a breather and really think.

ย  ย  But she doesn't exactly have a moment to do that either. Not when a crazy, psychotic vampire was hell bent on tracking both her and Bella down and making a game out of tormenting not only them, but their vampire partners as well. Gosh, Liz doesn't even know if she can call Jasper her boyfriend. They haven't had that talk yet.

ย  ย  Not important right now, Liz! She scolded herself

ย  ย  "Liz? Is that you?" Danny calls out from where she assumes is the kitchen.

ย  ย  Taking a much needed breath, Liz pushed herself off of the door and moved towards the kitchen. Danny was at the cabinet, grabbing a large blue bowl from the cabinet and the smell of buttery popcorn coming from the mic filled her senses. The timer beeped and Danny grabbed the bag, looking over his shoulder and smiling at the blonde who appeared. "I thought I heard you come home. Just in time too. Ester wants to watch a movie. You are more than welcome to join us."

ย  ย  Movie nights. Her favorite kind of night. Oh how much she'd love to simply join them then what she was about to do. She shook her head, reminding herself to stay focused.

ย  ย  "Where is Ester?" She asked, ignoring his question completely.

ย  ย  "She's right behind you," a voice says into her right ear, causing Liz to practically jump out of her skin. Ester was startled too, not expecting such a reaction and held her hands up in surrender. "Woah, it's just me, kid. Relax."

ย  ย  Relax. How the hell can Liz relax when she was being hunted and she needed to tell her sister and future brother-in-law she needs to leave the state?

ย  ย  Ester noticed how nervous and skittish she was acting and frowned. She placed a gentle hand on Liz's shoulder and looked into her eyes. "Lizzie, what's going on? Are you alright?"

ย  ย  This was taking longer than expected. Jasper gave her ten minutes, not even. He was already up stairs packing a bag for her, listening to this entire conversation. She didn't exactly explain to him what she planned to do on the way here, just asked where she should say she is going and went from there. She wouldn't put it past Jasper if he comes down and drags her out for taking so long before she has a chance to fully explain what is going on.

ย  ย  She originally planned on talking to Ester in private, but she was running out of time. "I have to leave."

ย  ย  "Leave? Leave where?" Ester asked cautiously.

ย  ย  "I can't explain. I have to go to Phoenix tonight."

ย  ย  Danny is the one to step forward. "Phoenix, Arizona?"

ย  ย ย  Liz nodded, but Ester shook her head in bewilderment. "What the hell are you talking about, Liz? It's eight o'clock at night and you want to go on a spontaneous vacation trip?"

ย  ย  "It's not a vacation trip!" Liz told them.

ย  ย ย  "I thought you were with Jasper and his family playing baseball? What the hell happened tonight?" Ester demanded, her voice rising louder than Liz has ever heard it before. Liz had texted Ester earlier before she had come home that she was with Jasper. Danny had just come home around the time she was leaving and didn't really say anything, just gave her a disapproving look before telling her to be careful.

ย  ย  "Nothing happened. I'm fine." Liz stuttered out, running a hand through her hair. "It's Bella. She needs my help and she has to go back to Phoenix. Tonight. I have to help her."

ย  ย  "Like hell you are!" Danny stated, the popcorn and this movie night was completely forgotten. "You are not going anywhere."

ย  ย  "I'm sorry, Danny but this is important and I have to."

ย  ย  Ester shook her head. "Liz, just slow down! You are not making any sense. Whatever happened with Bella, I'm sure Charlie can help her. But as for you, you are not traveling to a different state. I am your guardian. Nana trusted me to watch over you. I know I haven't always been there for you when you needed me. But just know, I'm here now. And I'm not going anywhere. So whatever this is... whatever reason Bella needs to leave Forks, you can trust me. Just tell me. Please."

ย  ย  This was it. A part of Liz was hoping Ester would trust her enough that she wouldn't have to resort to this. But her words struck Liz hard in the chest and she wanted to burst into tears. Instead, she simply pulled Ester into a tight embrace, the older Chambers sister letting her do this before she pulled away. Liz looked her sister in the eyes before saying the words. "Ester, it's a lose lose situation."

ย  ย  The older blonde tilted her head in confusion. "What?"

ย  ย  "The code, Ester. I am using the code."

ย  ย ย  "What damn code? What are you talking about?" Danny demanded. Liz simply ignored him and never once took her eyes off of her sister.

ย  ย ย  "Ester, I'm in a lose lose situation and I need to leave. I have to go to Phoenix with Bella. You have to let me."

ย  ย  Ester remained stunned for only a few more seconds until her face twisted and realization slowly started to take over. The memory of one of the haunting times of her life flashed back to her and he took a scattered step back.

ย  ย  "If you are ever in a serious situation, one that you can never tell me about or I can't tell anyone about, then you just need to use the code and I'll understand. I won't deny you the request you ask of me. I won't force you to listen to reason. I will trust you that you know what you are doing. I will cover for you in any way I can with mom and dad. I will keep whatever secret you need me to keep. And I will never ask you about it ever again. Just have to say the code, and it's done."

ย  ย  The memory flashed in her mind all too fast, it nearly knocked her off her feet from the force. The code. Ester told her to use it if she was ever in a situation that was so serious or severe like hers had been that night when Liz had caught her stealing money from their parents emergency fund. She was saying anything to get Liz never to repeat that night because after she had done it, she never wanted to remember what happened. Even though she had returned the money like she had promised, even though her parents had never found out, the reasons behind her actions were so terrible she never wanted to remember them ever again.

ย  ย  "A lose lose situation? Are you serious?" Ester whispered. She had meant it in her heart that night. If Liz ever used this code, she would agree to whatever Liz was saying, no matter what and trust she knows what she is doing. She just didn't realize how hard it would be or that Liz would ever be in a situation where she would have to do this.

ย  ย  Liz choked back a sob. "Yes. You know I wouldn't use the code if it wasn't."

ย  ย  Ester blinked once, then twice before swallowing. "Are you in any danger? Do I have to worry?"

ย  ย  Yes. "No. But I have to go and I don't know when I'll be back."

ย  ย  Ester only nodded as Liz made her way towards the stairs. Danny was growing impatient and annoyed with being left in the dark. "Okay, what the hell is going on?"

ย  ย  The sisters once again ignored him, Ester going to the living room as Liz went upstairs to get her bags. She could hear Danny arguing with Ester, but the oldest blonde wasn't even acknowledging him. Liz entered her room to see Jasper standing by her bed with a duffle bag he must have pulled from her closet, his expression hard and distant.

ย  ย  Liz only added a few things to the bag that Jasper had forgotten, like her hairbrush and toothbrush, not sure how long she'll be gone and Jasper watched her carefully, not knowing what to say. After zipping up the bag, Liz stared at it for a few seconds before quickly turning and swinging her arms around Jasper's neck. He met her embrace, holding her closed to him as possible as she buried her face into the crook of his neck.

ย  ย  Neither one said a word. The two held one another for a minute before Jasper mumbled they had to leave. Liz forced herself to release him and grab the duffle bag, heading back down to the living room, where Danny had slammed the door to what she assumes is his and Ester's bedroom. Ester was sitting on the couch as Liz came back down, a single tear escaped the corner of her eye.

ย  ย  Ester jumped to her feet when Liz headed straight for the door. "Will you promise to call me as soon as you get there?"

ย  ย  Liz turned and shook her head. "No, I can't promise that. I will call you when things cool down though, it might be a couple days though."

ย  ย  "A couple days? Liz... I don't know-"

ย  ย  "Ester, please." Liz begged, brushing her hand behind her ear and tried not to show how truly scared she was in front of her sister. She didn't need to worry anymore then she already was. "I know things haven't been the same between us and I'm sorry that I took my frustration out on you. But you are my sister and I need you to trust me now. I need you to uphold your end of the promise you made me three years ago. Please."

ย  ย  Ester hesitated for a moment before nodding, knowing she had to keep this promise she made to her three years ago. She had to trust Liz knew what she was doing. She had to trust she would be alright. "Okay. Go. But please, Lizzie, please call as soon as you can. I need to know you are safe."

ย  ย  "I promise," Liz told her before opening the door. She paused at the threshold, turning back and gave the older girl a timid smile. "I love you. Thank you."

ย  ย  Before she knew it, the door was closed behind her. Jasper was at her side instantly and soon she was in his arms just as a car pulled up front, Jasper running to it and placing Liz in the backseat. She was surprised to see Esme and Rosalie in the vehicle. No one said a word as they drove off back to the Cullen house.

><><><

๐„๐ƒ๐–๐€๐‘๐ƒ ๐€๐๐ƒ ๐๐„๐‹๐‹๐€ ๐๐”๐‹๐‹๐„๐ƒ up to the house the exact same time the others did. Emmett was standing in the back of Bella's beat up red Chevy truck, hopping out and looking around to make sure the coast was clear. Jasper had informed the blonde that it worked, that Ester and Danny were safe as well as Bella's father. Liz has never been more relieved before in her life.

ย  ย  Getting out of the car, Jasper did not let go of her as he guided her towards the house, Edward doing the same to Bella right behind them. They barely made it past the threshold when they saw Carlisle coming down the stairs with Laurent. Both Liz and Bella were jerked back, as Laurent froze before them.

ย  ย  Carlisle held a hand up towards his sons. "Wait. He came to warn us about James."

ย  ย  "This isn't my fight and I've grown tired of his games," Laurent claims. "But he's got unparalleled senses, absolutely lethal. I've never seen anything like him in my 300 years." He paused, his eyes turning towards Liz before talking directly to Jasper. "The woman, Victoria, don't underestimate her. James sees this as a game against the two of you for protecting the humans. But Victoria is a conniving, self-absorbed, narcissist. She favors killing human girls who dare challenge her in beauty. She won't let a human walk around this earth who is more beautiful than her and she has your human under that list. James will save her for his mate, it is what they do. He saves the pretty ones as gifts."

ย  ย  Liz felt a shiver of terror shoot through her spine and gulped. "Well, that is frighteningly flattering."

ย  ย  Laurent just gave a look to both Edward and Jasper before leaving the family to the mess they found themselves in. The five of them made their way towards the garage where Jasper finally left Liz's side as they were all forming a plan.

ย  ย  "I've had to fight our kind before. We're not easy to kill." Jasper tells Emmett, who had taken Liz's bag from her grasp, the girl still thinking about what Laurent had said, about how she would be saved for the redhead specifically if James catches them.

ย  ย  "But not impossible," Emmett confirms. The two were preparing the cars, while Liz stood the farthest from the group, watching them all taking things from their cabinets and shoving other bags into cars. She leaned against the farthest wall in a daze while the other planned. "We'll tear them apart and burn the pieces."

ย  ย  "I don't relish the thought of killing another creature," Carlisle says regretfully. "Even a sadistic one like James."

"Don't forget about the narcissistic psycho bitch Victoria," Jasper states, looking over at Carlisle sharply. "You heard what Laurent said about her. She wants Liz. We kill them both."

ย  ย  "I read his thoughts," Edward spoke up, looking over at Jasper. "He wasn't telling the full truth. She only goes after the humans that James claims would be more beautiful than her if they went through the transition. Apparently the way James looked at Liz was different then the way he looked at Bella. Apparently a look Victoria has seen many times before, which only pleases James more. But he always brought the girls to her. He loves giving his mate play toys as presents. James should be our first priority."

ย  ย  "What if he kills us first?" Rosalie questions, sitting on top of the counter.

ย  ย ย  "I'm going to run Bella south. Jasper will follow with Liz. Can you lead the tracker away from here?" Edward asks Carlisle.

ย  ย  "No, Edward. James knows you two would never leave Bella and Liz. He'll follow you both."

ย  ย ย  Alice approached the boys. "I'll take them. I'll drive them south."

ย  ย  "No, absolutely not. I am not leaving Liz's side," Jasper declares, looking between his best friend and adoptive father with gritted teeth. "No way in hell."

ย  ย  "I'll go with them," Emmett spoke up, walking up and grabbing Jasper's shoulder. "You know I won't let anything happen to her, Jazz."

ย  ย  "We'll keep them both safe," Alice tries to reassure both males.

ย  ย  "Can you keep your thoughts to yourself?" Edward sneers at the pixie vampire.

ย  ย  "Yes." Alice said before taking Bella from his grasp and leading her towards the car. Jasper notices Liz towards the end of the garage, the quietest he has ever seen her be. He moved towards her, the blonde watching as he approached. He surprised her when he rested his forehead against hers.

ย  ย  "I'm so sorry." His words were whispered, which caused Liz to close her eyes and bring her hands to either side of his face.

ย  ย  "Whatever you are thinking right now, stop it." Liz told him sternly, opening her eyes to meet his stare. "I can see it in your eyes. You are wishing you never dragged me into this. But it was bound to happen sooner or later. Because I know we are meant to be, Jasper Hale. I wouldn't have this any other way."

ย  ย  Jasper brushed back her bushy curls and then caressed his fingers tenderly down the side of her cheek. "If something were to happen to you, I won't be able to live with myself."

ย  ย  "Then I guess you better kill this son of a bitch, huh?" Liz said with a forced smile.

ย  ย  Jasper never moved his forehead from hers. "I won't stop until he is nothing but ashes."

ย  ย  "Good," Liz muttered. "Do me a favor, get the redhead too while you are at it? She really creeps me out."

ย  ย ย  "Of course," he whispers, moving tilting his head inwards. A part of Liz thought that maybe he was going to kiss her. That their first kiss was going to be in the middle of all this chaos in front of his family. Liz was ready for it but terrified at the same time. She wanted it but didn't want it to be a goodbye kiss.

ย  ย  But that is not what happened. Liz could see it in Jasper's eyes. He wanted to kiss her, he really did. But he was too distracted, too angry and too determined to find James and Victoria and rip them to shreds. This can't be that moment. No matter how much they both wanted it.

ย  ย  So instead, he redirected his head and kissed her cheek, so close to the corner of her lips. Liz savored the feel of his lips on her skin, blinking up at him as he grabbed her hand and moved her towards Emmett, who held out his hand for the blonde. She reluctantly lets go of Jasper and takes Emmett's, looking over her shoulder at Jasper before taking a seat in the back next to Bella.

ย  ย ย  "Rosalie, Esme, could you put these on so the tracker will pick up Bella and Liz's scents?" Edward asks, taking clothing items out of the bags both Bella and Liz had packed with them and tossed them to the other woman. Esme took Liz's sweater without question while Rosalie glared at Edward who threw Bella's brown jacket at her.

ย  ย  "Why?" Rosalie spat. "What are they to me?"

ย  ย  "Rose," Emmett warned, standing by Jasper's side who was now glaring angrily at the bitter blonde.

ย  ย ย  Liz shared a look with Bella, both truly understanding just how much Rosalie does not like them.

ย  ย  "Rosalie, Bella is with Edward and Liz is with Jasper. They are both a part of this family now," Carlisle informs the blonde vampire, grabbing the jacket she tossed to the side and handing it back to her. "And we protect our family."

ย  ย  Rosalie looked between Edward and Jasper before reluctantly taking the jacket and walking off. Emmett spoke quietly to Rosalie for a few seconds before giving her a quick kiss and jumping into the passenger seat next to Alice. Edward was talking to Bella, trying to reassure her that everything was going to be okay, as Jasper was being held back by Esme who was speaking to him calmly, his eyes locking with hers through the window.

ย  ย  "Liz," the blonde is snapped out of her gaze by Emmett's voice, who was looking back at her. "Everything's going to be okay. I'm not gonna let anyone lay a hand on you. On either of you."

ย  ย  Liz didn't realize she was crying until she felt something wet sliding down the side of her face. She quickly wiped it away with her sleeve and shook her head. "If anything happens to any of you because of us-"

ย  ย  "Nothing is going to happen, speed racer. We outnumber them seven to two."

ย  ย ย  "Liz," the sound of Edward calling her name startled her, the blonde looking over to the man standing outside the vehicle. "Whatever happens, you and Bella stay together. Don't leave each other's sights."

ย  ย  Liz only nodded nervously, before leaning forward. "Edward... make sure he doesn't get himself killed."

ย  ย  The vampire simply nodded in understanding before the engine was turned on and Alice stepped on the gas pedal, driving both girls as far south as they can get.































___________________________

Damn I'm on a roll! Another short chapter, but it's okay cause everything is coming together! Only three more chapters left until part two! So excited!

Thank you all who is reading and supporting! I've had the idea about Victoria for a while now, just knew she was a little crazier than the books and movies made her out to be.

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