"When we were five, they asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. Our answers were things like astronauts, president, or in my case a princess. When we were ten, they asked again. We answered rock star, cowboy, or in my case gold medalist. But now that we've grown up, they want a serious answer. Well, how about this? 'Who the hell knows?'" This got a round of applause form the audience, even the Cullens joined in, enjoying her speech.
"This isn't the time to make hard-and-fast decisions. This is the time to make mistakes. Take the wrong train and get stuck somewhere. Fall in love a lot. Major in philosophy, because there's no way to make a career out of that. Change your mind, and change it again, because nothing's permanent. So, make as many mistakes as you can. That way, someday, when they ask what we want to be, we won't have to guess. We'll know." Jessica got a standing ovation when she finished, some of her friends practically screaming as they cheered for her.
After that, the names were called and students walked across the stage one by one as parents clapped and cheered for them.
Maya had practically bounced across the stage when her name was called, beyond excited to finally be graduating. She was still a little bit sad that none of her family from the Volturi had been able to make it, but she had understood. Apparently, there had been an uprising somewhere in Asia two days ago and her family was still busy cleaning up the mess they left behind.
As she accepted her diploma and looked out at the audience though, she caught sight of both her mothers in the crowd. They were near the back, on their feet and clapping for her. At the sight Maya smiled wider than she had thought possible.
She practically vibrated the rest of the ceremony and the moment it was done she immediately headed out to find them.
Normally she would have gone to her father, but Bella had taken off early with Edward and she knew he wanted a few minutes alone to congratulate her.
"Darlin'" Jasper called, catching up to her. "The family is this way." He tried to steer her over towards the Cullens, but she shook her head.
"My moms are over there!" She vaguely noticed the other Cullen's heads moving to face the direction she indicated, but did not pay them any attention. She was too focused on cutting through the crowd, accidentally leaving Jasper behind as she did so. He had been so shocked to hear that they were there he honestly froze for a moment.
The moment she reached them, she threw her arms around Sulpicia as she was the closest. "You made it! I didn't think any of you would! Did anyone else come with you?"
"Breath Cara Mio" Sulpicia told her with a smile as Maya moved to hug Athenodora.
"I'm sorry. I'm just so happy you could make it."
Athenodora laughed, hugging her back. "We can tell Gattina."
"So? Is anyone else here?"
"No, we snuck out" Athenodora sent her a wink.
Maya widened her eyes at that, unbelieving. Sure she knew the rumours of her uncles locking their wives away in the castle tower because they were so controlling was false. But she had never before seen her mothers leave the castle without at least three guards each. The idea of them being out without a single guard was unheard of. If her uncle Aro and Caius found out about it they would probably be the first vampires to ever die of a heart attack.
At her look of shock, Sulpicia shook her head in disappointment. "Did you really think that we would miss your graduation?"
"Well, no. But I heard about the issue in Asia and just assumed that you would be helping there" Maya admitted.
"Hmph, as if we would ever allow such a thing to stop us" Athenodora declared.
Maya smiled at that.
"My queens" Carlisle greeted, being sure to keep his voice down so the humans did not catch it. "It is a pleasure to have you here."
"It is a pleasure to be here" Sulpicia responded. "Your coven has certainly grown quite a bit since your time with us."
"Ah, yes. My apologies. Allow me to introduce my family. My wife and mate; Esme, my daughters; Alice and Rosalie, and two of my sons; Emmet and Jasper. My last son is over with Maya's father. Perhaps you will get the chance to meet him later."
"Yes, yes" Athenodora said with a flick of her hand, brushing off the topic of Edward completely as she focused in on Jasper. "So you're the man who has captured my daughter's heart? I must say I was terribly disappointed when you did not come to introduce yourself when you visited Volterra."
Jasper swallowed harshly at that, unsure of what to say to the women who had practically raised his mate. He knew how much they meant to Maya and he desperately wanted them to like him so Maya would be happy.
Maya however, had no such problem finding words. She rolled her eyes. "Mama, you know we were in a bit of a rush. I told you that when I came to say goodbye."
"We know that Cara Mio," Sulpicia assured her, "but that did not stop us from being disappointed."
"Yes, although this may be better. Now we have the time to talk with him. Without your uncles and brothers interrupting us" Athenodora mused with a smile.
Jasper relaxed a tad at the emotions coming from them. While their words may lead one to believe that they intended to interrogate him, he could tell that they were only aiming to have a bit of fun. "It would be my pleasure to have the chance to get acquainted with the two women who raised Maya to be such a wonderful lady."
As he bowed to them, the queens both smiled and held out their hands for him to take one at a time, placing a kiss on the backs of each of their hands as he did.
"My you were right Gattina, he really is a fine gentleman." Athenodora turned to face Esme, "you certainly have a well-mannered young man here. You should be proud."
Esme smiled at that, relaxing more as it became clear that the queens were not here to cause trouble. "Thank you. Though I cannot claim all the credit. He was already in possession of most of his manners when he joined us."
While Athenodora and Esme continued to talk, Sulpicia turned to focus back on Maya. "Why don't you go and speak with your father? He seems to be done with Isabella now."
Maya turned to see that her mother was indeed correct. Her dad was making his way over towards them while Bella and Edward headed off towards Edward's car.
"Alright" Maya agreed easily. "Just please, go easy on Jasper. I am rather fond of him."
"No promises" she teased.
Maya let out a huff before heading over to her dad and practically throwing herself into his arms.
"I did it daddy!" she told him, excitement once again getting the better of her.
He laughed, "yes you did Sweetheart. And I'm so proud of you for it."
"Thanks! I couldn't have done it without you!"
"Now I'm sure that's not true" he drawled with an eyeroll.
Maya shook her head, adopting a look of mock seriousness. "No really, without you I probably would have run off into the woods and never returned after my first day in this horrible place."
He laughed at her antics, causing her to break out in a grin of her own. "Alright you little terror, that I might believe."
They both laughed for another minute before eventually quieting down. "So is your plan still to head over to the Cullen's to help Alice get her party ready?"
"Well, since you refuse to arrest me it is" Maya told him with a put-upon sigh.
"It can't be that bad." He rolled his eyes at her.
"No, it really can" Maya assured him.
"Alright if you say so."
Maya gave a firm nod, "I do."
They continued to laugh and chat as he congratulated her again on her graduation. Eventually though they were interrupted by her mothers, who had made their way over to them.
"Charlie, it is lovely to see you again!" Athenodora greeted as they reached them.
"You as well Athenodora, Sulpicia. So tell me, where are those men of yours?"
"They are off dealing with some political problem or another" Sulpicia said dismissively.
"Yes, although speaking of them," Athenodora turned to face Maya, "I'm afraid we are going to have to head out."
"Already?" Maya whined, "but you just got here! You should stay for the party at least!"
Sulpicia smiled at her and brought her into a hug. "Yes, and we would if we could. But remember we did sneak out. As such it is probably for the best we return before your uncles send out the search parties for us."
Maya sighed in acknowledgement, knowing full well that they may just do that. God forbid anything ever happen to her mothers or the streets of Volterra may just run red with blood as the two kings and the rest of their family tore apart the city to find those responsible.
"Don't be too upset Gattina. We are always only a phone call away" Athenodora assured her.
"Or you could come visit. And bring that man of yours with you" Sulpicia added.
Maya smiled hopefully at that. "So ... you liked him?"
Athenodora sniffed, "he'll do."
Maya giggled at that and gave her mothers one last hug before they went on their way, Charlie offering to walk them to their car.
As they walked off Jasper came to stand by her side. "So those were your mothers."
"Yep. Were they anything like you pictured?"
"Some. Although I expected the wife of Caius to be a lot more serious."
Maya rolled her eyes at that. "Yeah, she tends to be the force that balances him out. They didn't go overboard with their questions did they."
Jasper snorted, "I used to fight in the vampire wars remember? A couple of questions from your mothers is not enough to scare me."
"They absolutely terrified you didn't they?" Maya asked with a grin.
Jasper turned to face her. "Completely. How can two women be so polite yet so terrifying at the same time?"
Maya shrugged. "It's a skill. And one I hope to someday acquire."
"Darlin' you are scary enough already" He assured her.
"Come on cowboy" Maya said with a scoff giving him a shove, "it's time to go face the real terror. I think I can see her counting the seconds we are losing to set up her party from here."
Jasper shuddered, "do you think it's too late to join your moms on their flight home?"
"If you've decided to, then definitely." Jasper groaned at her reply and resigned himself to being ordered around by his terror of a sister for then next few hours.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later that night Maya and Jasper hung out on the deck. They had been mingling with the crowd as Alice had ordered them two but had eventually escaped to the open air for a break. Neither of them were super thrilled to be at this party.
Yes, it was lovely and Alice had certainly outdone herself with the decorations and set up. But with how busy and stressed they had been from dealing with the threat of Victoria all they really wanted was a nice quiet night.
In fact, in preparation for this Maya had actually snuck a few blankets, pillows and decorations out into the woods earlier, taking advantage of the trouble Alice had seeing her. Their plan was to spend some time here, to be seen by others, and then quietly sneak off into the woods for their own little graduation celebration.
Sadly, it was apparently not to be as Emmet came out to find them. Alice had apparently had a vision about the army and they were needed in Carlisle's office.
They all rushed to his office and were the last to arrive. Maya was surprised to see some of the boys from the pack there, but brushed it off. Instead, she concentrated on the situation at hand.
"Alice, what did you see?" she asked the moment they were all present and the door was closed.
"They'll be here in four days" Alice explained, not needing to elaborate beyond that as all the blood drained from Maya's face.
"This could turn into a bloodbath" Carlisle sighed, leaning back against his desk.
"Who's behind it?" Edward wanted to know.
"I didn't see anyone I recognized. Maybe one." As Alice talked, Jasper and Maya moved over towards her. Jasper putting an arm around her shoulder to support her as she focused on her visions and Maya grabbed her hand in comfort.
"I know his face. He's local. Riley Biers. He didn't start this" Edward confirmed, reading her mind.
"Whoever did is staying out of the action" Alice confirmed, Victoria's face coming to mind at the thought. As Maya had said, it was too big of a coincidence of the woman coming back at the same time as this army.
"They must be playing with the blind spots in your vision" Carlisle reasoned, his own thoughts echoing Alice's.
"Either way, the army's coming and there aren't enough of us to protect the town" Jasper was completely focused on the battle ahead. He knew in the end who was behind would not matter much when faced with these odds.
"Hold up. What damn army" Jacob asked, finally tired of not being able to follow the conversation.
"Newborns. Our kind" Carlisle explained simply.
"What are they after?" Embry asked.
"They were passing around Bella's scent. A red blouse." Alice informed them.
"They're after Bella? What the hell does this mean?" Jacob demanded.
"It means an ugly fight. With lives lost." Carlisle was worried for his family, knowing that there would be no way all of them would come out alright if they had to fight this army by themselves. But he also knew they had no choice. The alternative was to do nothing and allow the newborns to reach the town. If that happened they were likely to wipe out the entire town.
Jacob looked at the other two shifters and at their nods of agreement said "All right. We're in."
"No. You'd get yourselves killed. No way" Bella stated sounding worried. Although Jasper could sense some smugness mixed in with the worry at the thought of having all these people fight for her.
"I wasn't asking for permission" Jacob stated.
"Edward?" Bella turned to him, looking for support.
"It means more protection for you" Edward was willing to do anything to protect her, even work with the mutts.
"Jacob, do you believe Sam would agree to an understanding?" Carlisle didn't like putting more people in danger, but logically he knew his family would not be enough to handle the newborns. It was why he had put off doing anything about them yet; if they took the fight to army he knew they would lose.
"As long as we get to kill some vampires" was Jacob's response.
"Jasper?" Carlisle turned to Jasper knowing he had the experience and wanting his opinion.
"They'll give us the numbers. Newborns won't even know they exist, that'll give us an edge." He was already reworking his plans to fit in the wolves as he said this, easily falling back into his role as a soldier and commander.
"We'll need to coordinate" Carlisle said, trying to think of a neutral spot they could meet at.
"Carlisle, they're gonna get hurt." Bella said, again trying to stop the wolves from getting involved but he just ignored her.
Carlisle was making this call as their leader and as such the opinion of someone who was not even a member of his coven held no sway over his decision. "We'll all need some training. Fighting newborns requires knowledge that Jasper has. You're welcome to join us."
"All right, name the time and place" Jacob said, glancing over at Bella as he did.
"Jake, you don't know what you're getting yourself into." Bella tried again to dissuade him.
"Bella this is what we do. You should be happy. Look at us, working together. You are the one that wanted us to get along. Remember?" With that parting line, Jacob and the other two left to go inform the rest of the pack of the army.
As they left, Maya contemplated the situation they found themselves in and wondered, not for the first time, why they didn't simply inform the Volturi of the army themselves. It's not like she didn't have their number.
Raising her hand to catch everyone's attention, she asked exactly that. "And the reason we are not giving my angry uncle a call so he can work out his temper on this army is because ...?"
"Because they will kill Bella if they come here and see she is still human" Edward snapped back angrily.
"Besides, how do we even know that the Volturi aren't behind it? You may not see it, but those are monsters who will kill anyone!" Bella declared.
Maya just groaned in frustration before heading up towards Jasper's room, pulling Jasper with her, wanting to get away from Edward and Bella before she fully lost her temper. While she may not want anything to do with Bella anymore, she had to admit that Edward had a point. Even if their reasoning was different. Her family was looking the other way with Bella as a kindness to her father. As such they simply couldn't call them up and direct her families attention to the situation. It would force them to acknowledge the Cullens and the situation they were in because of the laws they broke. Which meant that as much as she hated it, they were on their own in dealing with the Volturi. Though that didn't mean Bella and Edward didn't piss her off with their self-centred attitudes.
As Maya got ready for bed she thought back on all that had happened that day. It had started out amazing. She had graduated and her mothers had even managed to be there for it. Alice had not driven them all to insanity in her party planning and she and Jasper had even found time to plan out a small celebration of their own.
However, now she found herself preparing to fight an army of vampires out to kill her and people she considered her family and had to listen to others call people she considered her family monsters.
Why oh why is it that Bella is such a magnet for danger and drama? Maya wondered as she got into bed that night, curling up with Jasper as he stretched out