An Alternate Universe of my imagining that blends together characters and story elements from Twilight and Life and Death. There will be a mixture of familiar canon events with my own twists. As well as new story elements, such as witches and a new physiology for vampire hybrids. This blog will feature headcanons, aesthetics and various post centered on this AU. Not all characters will make an appearance. This is a side blog. You can check out my main blog @queenofglassbeliever. If have any questions, please feel free to ask. I hope you enjoy!
Isabella Swan is a vampire-human hybrid girl. Having been raised by her vampire dad, Charlie, Bella has spent seventeen years in the world of the supernatural. When her father is murdered by James and Victoria, Bella goes on the run. Finding herself in the small, rainy town of Forks Washington she hides among the humans. What she doesn't expect to find is love with a bronze goddess on earth. But as Bella's and Edythe Cullen’s hearts grow closer, they must face the dangers that lurk in the shadows.
Fandom: The Twilight Saga x Life and Death Twilight Reimagined
Pairing: Bella Swan/Edythe Cullen
Summary: Bella avoids Edythe at school by getting a new lab partner. Angela Weber. Bella struggles with nightmares and sleepless nights.
Word count: 1,483
(Bella’s P.O.V.)
I arrived at school early on Monday morning. Across the lot, I could see the Cullen-Hales standing around Edythe’s car. They had been laughing at some joke one of them had made when Edythe had looked up to see my truck pulling into the school parking lot. Her hand raised in an enthusiastic wave and her warm smile had sparked a fire in my stomach. But I extinguished the flame and ignored the poor girl. In my peripheral vision I could see Edythe’s face morph into one of confusion when she saw that I did not return her enthusiastic greeting. It was clear to me that Edythe liked me as much as I liked her. Which would only make my remaining time here all that much harder. Now that I was forcing myself to cut ties with Edythe for her own good, it would be the hardest thing I’ve done since coming to Forks.
My morning classes went by without much fanfare. Though people still murmured about my sexuality, most of the student body had found something new to gossip about. Whatever the school rumors are I paid them no mind. None of it mattered to me and I had far more important things to think about. Lunch hour came and this time I took Jessica up on her offer to sit with her and her friends at their table. I sat in between Jessica and Angela. The rest of the lunch table was filled by Mike, Tyler, Lauren Mallory, Eric Yorkie, and Ben Cheney.
Tyler was getting on my nerves with his incessant apologizing for the car accident. I told him again and again that apologizing was unnecessary, but he continued to do so. Luckily for me Lauren had a crush on Tyler, and she swayed his attention to her. I turned my own attention to what Angela and Jessica were talking about. Jessica was going on about some upcoming girl’s choice dance where the girls asked the guys. I’d never been to a school dance before and was not too sure it was something I would enjoy. Jessica asked Angela if there was any boy, she wanted to ask out to the dance but didn’t wait for the girl to answer. Instead, Jessica continued the conversation with her own indecision on you to ask. The dark-haired girl didn’t seem to notice when Angela cringed at her question. I quirked an eyebrow and briefly wondered what that was about but did not press my glasses wearing classmate.
The hour ended and I walked with Angela to Biology class. I followed Angela, past Edythe, to her table. As I got near Edythe’s table, she pulled out the chair next to her where I normally sat. But if I could keep up my resolve I would not be sitting there anymore. Without any acknowledgement, not a word or a glance, I walked past Edythe’s table. Even as I saw Edythe’s expression of confusion and hurt, I didn’t falter in my determination, I kept walking. I sat down with Angela at our table. I pulled out my books, set them on the table and kept my eyes focused on the front of the classroom. Mr. Banner was writing on the board setting up the next lesson. As the teacher lectured about the transportation of energy in an ecosystem, I took meticulous notes. Forcing myself to not take notice of Edythe in any way. Not even when I felt her eyes on me as she snuck glances at me when the teacher was not looking.
As the lecture drew to a close, we were assigned our next project. We were to research and write a report on energy in any chosen ecosystem. We would be working with our partners and tomorrow we would begin picking out ecosystems. The bell singling the end of class rang and I followed Jessica and Mike out. The three of us had gym so we walked together to the gymnasium. The class will be playing badminton this week. All the students gathered on the bleachers as Coach Clapp explained the rules of the game. She then sent us to the locker room to change into our gym clothes. I partnered with Jessica, and we played against Mike and a girl named Jennifer Ford. The game had barely begun when the final bell of the day rang. All of the students rushed in a swarm to the locker room, eager to change back into their regular clothes and go home.
I walked behind the crowds of students. Mike fell in step with me.
“Great game today, Bella,” he said with a grin. Sweat dripped from his temple and the retched scent of his body odor filled my nostrils, but I kept myself from grimacing.
“Yes, it was. You’re a good player.”
“Thanks,” his grin got bigger before it was swept away. “Listen, Bella, about the other day. I shouldn’t have said anything…”
“It’s fine Mike. You don’t have to apologize.”
“No, I do. You were right. Whatever is going on between you and Edythe isn’t any of my business. I’m sorry.”
“Thank you, Mike. I appreciate that.”
“So, we’re cool?”
“Yeah, we’re cool Mike,” I smiled.
Mike smiled back at me. “Great!”
“See you tomorrow then,” he called over his shoulder as he headed for the boy’s changing area. I gave a small wave goodbye before heading in the opposite direction towards the girl’s changing area.
I exited the gym and began the short trek to the parking lot. I made it to my truck before the person I shouldn’t want to see most approached me.
“Hello, Bella.”
Just the sound of Edythe’s velvet smooth voice sent a pleasant shiver up my spine. For the first time today, I looked at her. Her eyes, though dark, held a spark of hope. She kept her features steady, a peaceful and neutral expression.
“Hello, Edythe.”
“You switched lab partners. Why?”
Edythe Cullen was not one to beat around the bush.
“It’s just better this way,” I said. “You and I shouldn’t be friends. You’re better of with out me in your life.”
I opened the truck door and climbed in.
“Bella, what’s going on? If you’re in trouble, I can help you.”
“The best thing you can do is to keep your distance from me. It’s the only way you’ll be safe.”
“Safe from what? What does that mean?”
“Just drop it, Edythe.”
She sighed but drop it, she did. Though I suspected this wouldn’t be the last time she brought it up. I closed the door and pretended not to see Edythe’s sorrowful and puzzled face. Edythe walked away to her own vehicle leaving me room to back out of my parking space.
The next day was the same as the first. As was the day that followed. By day, I was a diligent student. I passed a history test with flying colors. Angela and I worked on our biology assignment. I found that I really liked being Angela’s friend. She was a bit quiet, a little shy, and incredibly sweet and smart. The games of badminton went on in gym class. Jessica and I made a good team. Mike was competitive but a good sport. Unlike his badminton partner. I’ve dodged Jennifer’s numerous intentional shots to my forehead. But most of all I kept as far away from Edythe Cullen. She tried to talk to me again, but every time she did, I told her the same thing. That it was better that we were not friends. By night I kept myself distracted with a book or with the radio, spending hours turning the dials of the old radio I kept in my room.
I couldn’t sleep anymore. The nightmares were far too intense. I hadn’t slept since Saturday night, and it had not been a well rest. I had woken myself up with my own screams. The nightmare had started out the same way it always had, with James and Victoria’s attack. My dream-self watched the horrible memory of the vampires tearing Charlie apart as he screamed at me to run, but on Saturday night the dream had changed. Suddenly it wasn’t Charlie being torn apart it was Edythe. Charlie’s and Edythe’s cries of pain were echoed by my screams of terror. I could not go back to sleep that night. I had not slept sense. Every night sense I filled the moonlit hours with anything that would distract me from the fear and growing loneliness.
By the time Thursday rolled around the circles under my eyes were so pronounced I could pass for a starved vampire. The bit of gold around my pupils were lackluster giving the impression that the light had gone out in my eyes. The truth is I had not had a good night’s sleep in months and the side effects were beginning to show.
Jessamine's canon story is that she got kidnapped from her home and turned into a vampire. Which is better than her being a Confederate, but it's also terribly boring. Don't worry though.
Fandom: The Twilight Saga x Life and Death Twilight Reimagined
Pairing: Bella Swan/Edythe Cullen
Rating: Teen
Summary: Edythe drives Bella to the auto shop so that the later can pick up her truck. Bella goes on her first hunting trip since arriving in Forks.
Word count: 2,948
(Bella’s P.O.V)
Saturday rolled around and it brought with it a truck bedload of anticipation. I slept in today finally crawling out of bed just before noon. As I threw together a ham and egg sandwich for brunch, I noticed that my senses were getting weak. It always started with my senses. First it was my eyes. Usually, I could see the air particles dancing around and everything was in pristine clarity. But bit by bit the air particles faded away and the colors began to dim. Then it was my sense of smell. Normally I could smell raindrops in the clouds before they fell from the sky. So, imagine my surprise when I heard the sound of rain hitting my roof and I had not anticipated it. In hindsight I should have. I do currently live in a rainforest.
It wasn’t a hindrance really. My senses were just fine, by human standards, it only meant that I would need to hunt soon. The cattle blood in my refrigerator wasn’t cutting it anymore. After I ate, I found my phone in my room and saw that I had a missed call from Edythe. My ringer had been turned off and I had not heard the vibrations I normally would have. Add that to the list of reasons why I need to go hunting this weekend. I called Edythe back. Once the small talk was done, Edythe asked when it would be a good time to pick me up. I told her whenever was fine and she said she’d see me soon. I hopped in the shower for a quick wash and threw on some clothes.
I had just pulled on my raincoat when I heard a car pull into my driveway. I should have been able to hear Edythe’s car from miles away. Yep, definitely going hunting this weekend. There was a rhythmic knock on my door. Even though I knew who would be behind it, it still brightened my day to see her. But it was also bittersweet in a way. I was determined that today was the last day I would spend with Edythe. I was not sure what I could do about Biology class, but I could avoid her outside of school. I cared too much about Edythe to continue putting her in danger.
I locked my front door and Edythe led me to the passenger door which she held open for me. Edythe took the scenic route to the auto shop. At the end of Nottingham Way, she turned away from the beaten path and took an unpaved dirt road. The road cut through the trees creating its own path. Some time ago, before the streets were paved, this could have been a regularly used road. Now it was a forgotten piece of the town’s history; a treasure for me and Edythe to enjoy together. The drive had shown off some of the beauty that this small corner of the world had to offer. Even in the middle of winter, the trees were a bright green. The color stood out against the brown trunks of the towering western hemlock trees and Douglas-firs. I wondered if Edythe was enjoying the scenery as much as I am.
“I’m glad you picked this road,” I broke the comfortable silence we’d been riding in. “The view is beautiful.”
“It is not the view that I am admiring.” Edythe turned her head slightly so that I could see her lopsided grin and twinkling eyes.
My cheeks painted themselves a bright pink and the smell of freesias and crisp apples saturated the air. Edythe’s fingers briefly gripped the steering wheel before her whole body relaxed. Hybrid blood had a strange effect on vampires. Unlike the scent of human blood, which flamed the fire of a vampire’s throat, a hybrid’s blood was more soothing. Just a whiff of a hybrid’s scent could ease the thirst of a starving vampire better than the taste of the sweetest human blood. Though it would quench a vampire’s thirst they lacked the instinct to drink from us. Some part of their subconscious told them that hybrids weren’t met to be a food source for them, but that didn’t stop some vampires from trying.
“Tell me about yourself,” I suddenly changed the course of the conversation. I had to stop this flirtation with Edythe before we both became too attached. The last thing I wanted to do was lead her on in any way. “You’re adopted, right?”
Confusion twisted Edythe’s perfect features. She clearly was not expecting such a sudden change in our topic of conversation. Plus, I imagine her inability to read my mind made it even more unexpected.
“I’m sorry,” I continued. “Is that too personal a question? I don’t mean to pry.”
Edythe’s face smoothed out. “No, it’s alright. You just caught me by surprise is all.” She probably wasn’t surprised often.
“Yes. I was adopted by Carlisle a long time ago. He was my godfather, a good friend of my parents. After they died, Carlisle and Earnest took me in.”
“Earnest adopted you too then?”
“No, it was just Carlisle. There are cases of same-sex second parent adoption, but it involves petitioning and lawyers and courtrooms. Carlisle and Earnest thought it might traumatize me further to put me through all that. They’ve always done their best to do right by me.”
“You care about them very much.” It wasn’t a question. Merely a statement of the obvious.
“I do.”
“And the others? They were adopted by Carlisle, as well?”
“Not all of them. Just Alice and Emmett. Rosalie and Jessamine are Earnest’s nieces. He took them in not too long after I was adopted.”
“Wait,” I said recalling what Jessica had told me on my first day at Forks High. “I thought Emmett and Alice were foster kids. At least that’s what I’ve heard at school.”
Edythe shrugged. “It doesn’t surprise me that you were misinformed. A lot of people don’t know the difference between ‘fostering’ and ‘adoption.’ They were foster kids, siblings actually, when they came to live with us. It was just Emmett at first, but when Carlisle found out about Alice, he took her in too.”
“That was really kind of him. Earnest too.”
Edythe nodded her head in agreement. “They’re two of the best people I’ve ever known. Carlisle and Earnest have done so much for me.”
I understood that the story was a fabrication; a lie to tell the humans, but that last part was the truth. I could hear the truth of it in Edythe’s voice. She loved her fathers and no matter what the cover story was the Cullens were a family.
When we inevitably reached our destination, I couldn’t fight the heavy feeling in my heart. I was determined that this would be the end of our budding relationship. It was simply far too dangerous to get involved with anyone and it was best I ended things now. How do you break up with someone whom you’d only started falling for, whom you’ve never even been on a date with?
Edythe walked with me as I followed the mechanic to my truck. When I had bought it from the car dealership in Seattle it had been fully restored. The dealership had bought the red pick-up truck from a local who had done a lot of work and maintenance on it. I had been impressed by how new the truck looked, but as the mechanic led us to the truck, I was not as impressed. The truck clearly had several dents in the cargo bed and the paint was badly chipped. Edythe noticed the flaws too and frowned.
“They certainly did a job well done,” she remarked sarcastically after the mechanic had left. Her fingers ran over the dents and chipped paint. “Perhaps I should ask Rose to give it a makeover.”
“No need to bother her,” I said. “The exterior’s appearance doesn’t matter so long as I can drive it from point A to point B.”
I climbed into the cab and placed the key in the ignition. With a turn of the key the beast roared to life.
“That’ll do,” I spoke loudly over the sound of the engine. I turned the key back to the ‘Off’ position and climbed down from the cab. “Thank you again, Edythe for driving me here today. And for being my chauffeur these past few days.”
“Your companionship was thanks enough. I was happy to assist.” Her dark gold eyes twinkled and at the sight of the smile that accompanied it, my slow heart raced.
It was now or never. “Well, I’m sure you have better things to do with the rest of your day than hang around with me.” I climbed back into my truck, shutting the door firmly behind me.
Edythe stood on the outside, her petite frame just reaching high enough to look through my window. The corners of her mouth turned downward. Her frown showed her confusion over my unexpected effort to leave. Her eyes narrowed and I could feel her scrutinizing gaze on my face through the glass.
“I’ll see you on Monday then.”
“Good-bye, Edythe.”
I started the engine and pretended the roaring sound of it drowned out the sound of my heart breaking.
The weather the following morning was truly a reflection of my somber mood. A heavy fog blocked out the sky and clouded up my windows. I dragged myself out of bed before the sun was up and threw on some clothes. A simple flannel and jeans combination will make a perfectly suitable hunting outfit. I couldn’t put off a hunting trip much longer. If I didn’t go soon, I would start to lose my strength and speed. Hunting anything without supernatural strength is not easy.
I turned onto the highway and drove south past the town limits. I continued heading south, past the conifer forests, towards the Hoh rainforest. Driving my truck again felt wonderful and succeeded in lightening my dreary mood. I hadn’t had the old girl for long, but I loved her. It was exactly the kind of truck that Charlie would’ve liked. The morning mist was dense and shrouded everything in a sense of mystery and misery, but as the sun rose above the trees its rays broke through the haze. The skies became clearer leaving only a thin cloud cover between the sun and the earth.
After driving for a while, I finally reached my destination. I turned onto an abandoned dirt road and left my truck hidden among the red cedar trees. Once I was satisfied that the truck was hidden well enough, I took off at top speed towards the east, headed towards the Olympic National Park. I ran deep into the forest beyond the hiking trails and past the campsites. The trees moved past me in a blur of browns and greens. Because my sense of sight was weak at the moment, I put my trust in my sixth sense. That instinct which every vampire possessed that warned them that danger was near. With my instincts still intact I dodged the trees, my feet lighter than air against the forest floor.
Running has always been my favorite part of being a hybrid. The feeling of adrenaline and freedom coursed through my veins. My heartbeat harder as I picked up speed, the sound of it thrummed against my eardrums. The thick cover of the trees thinned out as I reached the base of the mountains. I stopped in my tracks to let my lungs fill with air. With every deep breath the particles in the atmosphere danced across my tastebuds. Using this sense, I tracked down a heard of elk. I hid among the trees as I watched the heard graze. I watched and waited for the opportunity to pounce. That chance came when a cow elk wandered away from the others. I silently followed the female deer. If I concentrated, I could smell the blood rushing through its veins. My mouth watered with venom. My lips curled back to reveal white and sharpened teeth. With a quick leap my arms were around the elk’s neck and by teeth sunk into its jugular. The venom I injected into its bloodstream paralyzed the creature, ceasing its struggling.
I pulled the fresh blood from its veins; the warm liquid coated my tongue. To vampires the taste of animal blood was satisfactory at best, but to me the flavor was sweet and complemented by a rich undertone of earthy flavors. I swallowed the blood and as it coated my throat, I felt my senses returning. The remaining heard, sensing a predator, took off into the forest. I could hear the pounding of their hooves against the dirt. The beast I was feasting on became limp in my arms as a drained the last of its life-giving blood. I dropped the animal onto the floor and inspected my clothes. Other than fur and dirt my clothes were unmarred. As a child I had been an extremely messy eater, often returning from a hunting trip with my shirt caked in drying blood. Now that I am older, I have perfected the etiquette of hunting.
After burying the elk carcass under a large tree, I continued on with the hunt. The act was much simpler now that my senses were stronger than they had been the last few days. I headed up into the mountains, smelling the rich aroma of a bobcat. I easily found the feline and took my fill before disposing of the body. I made my way back down the mountain and ran west to where I had hidden my truck. I stepped up into the cab of the truck and started the engine. It was noon as I began the drive back to town.
My skin was buzzing with renewed energy, the effect of a recent hunt, and my mind was clearer and sharper. Gone was the fog of thirst that had clouded my mind. As I drove, I took in the bright emerald greens that passed me by. Moss clung to the trunks of the trees and hung from the branches like draperies. I rolled the window down and the smell of the forest wafted in. The sensual scent of musk and amber swirled in the air of the cab. I breathed it in, grounding myself with the earthy scent. I always felt better after a good hunt. In fact, I felt so good I almost forgot the sorrows that plagued my heart. I almost forgot.
While I enjoyed hunting the act of it filled me with grief. Charlie and been on an extended hunting and camping trip when James and Victoria had emerged from the trees. I had been daring dad to eat a roasted marshmallow when the wind changed, carrying our scent into the trees. That’s when the two nomads found us. Dad and I heard their footsteps as they changed course. We stood and waited for them to break through the edge of the trees…
I shook myself out of my saddened stupor, refusing to let my mind drift to such a terrible memory and tried to focus on something else. But if I wasn’t struggling against a wave of grief then I was fighting against the blossoming feelings for Edythe in my heart. It felt like my soul was crying out for its missing piece. My eyes stung with tears. I gripped the steering wheel tightly with my hands. The metal frame bent and curved under my fingers. Immediately, I loosened my grip. No need to take out my sorrows on the old girl. Instead of dwelling on the troubles that plagued me I focused instead on the road ahead of me.
I had reached the town limits and drove past the Forks Timber Museum and north up Forks Ave. I took a left turn off the main road and wove my way through the streets until I reached my house. After a quick shower and changing into clean clothes I checked my phone, which I had left at home, for messages. Why I bothered I didn’t know. Edythe Cullen was the only contact on my phone. There was my answer. I checked my phone in the hopes that Edythe had tried to get in touch. Which indeed she had. The vampire had called and left a voicemail. I pressed play on the message and let Edythe’s melodic voice fill the room. The message was a simple one, it was her asking me how my truck was holding up and how was I doing today. Edythe ended her message with well wishes and a promise to see me tomorrow. My heart dropped to my stomach at the sound of that promise. Tomorrow was Monday, which meant it was back to school and the true start of cutting Edythe out of my life. It would not be any easy task to achieve, especially in Biology class, but then I thought of a feasible solution. I could switch lab partners. Angela Weber was in the same class, I decided to give her a call to see if she would be my new lab partner. I found the Webers home number in the phone book and was lucky that it was Angela who answered.
I was glad that she didn’t ask questions about being my new lab partner and was thankful to she agreed to switch. Knowing that I would have a new partner made returning to school tomorrow just a little bit easier. Until then my greatest task was to avoid any thought of Edythe Cullen. Easier said than done.
In "Midnight Sun" Edward remarks that Bella has green and gold around the pupil of her eyes. And it inspired an idea for hybrids.
They have human eye colors, but around their pupils they have red or gold depending on their diet. So for example. Bella would have chocolate brown eyes with gold around the pupil.
A color combination like that wouldn't be noticeable but I think it would be a cool little detail. Also imagine a hybrid with blue eyes and red around the pupil. Now that would be a cool affect!
Warning: Blood and blood consumption, grief, and implied homophobia.
Word count: 3,825
Summary: Against her better judgement, Bella accepts Edythe’s offer to be her ride while her car is in the shop. Bella faces bigotry from her classmates, but finds an ally in Jessica Stanley.
January 25, 2005 (Bella’s POV)
I could feel Edythe’s eyes on me as I entered my house. The sound of the door closing was quickly followed by the sound of Edythe’s Volvo pulling out of my unpaved driveway. I forced myself to not peak out the door’s window, less she sees me blushing. I stayed by the door and listened until I heard her car turn off onto the next street. What was it about the bronze-haired goddess that made my slow heart race and my face flush with affection?
I walked down the short front hallway, entered the small dining area, and placed my bag on the small round table in the corner. The walls were wood paneled, and the carpet was dull gray. It was cold in the house, so I tossed some logs into the old furnace that I had walked past on my way into the dining room. Room was a bit of a stretch. The entire house couldn’t have been more than nine hundred and fifty square feet. To the left of the dining area was a kitchenette. From the refrigerator, I pulled out a gallon of cattle’s blood (it was amazing what you could buy at the butcher shop) and poured it into a glass I had produced from the cabinet. Cattle was by no means my favorite, but it would do until I could go hunting and restock my supply of wildlife blood. I settled into the cushioned chair I kept near the furnace. I spent a few moments warming myself and savoring my drink before getting up to search for a phonebook that was lying around here somewhere.
Finally finding it, I returned to my chair and opened the pages to “E” section. I quickly found what I was looking for. “Eagle Auto Repair & Towing”, the auto shop that Edythe had told me had towed mine and Tyler’s vehicles away. I called the number listed. A front desk clerk answered and after explaining who I was and the situation I was put on the line with a mechanic. I was told that my truck wouldn’t be available until Saturday. Holding back a frustrated groan I thanked the mechanic before hanging up. I then tossed the phonebook onto the floor where it landed with a thud. The sound echoed in my ears. To human ears the noise wouldn’t have been noticed, but to my ears the sound vibrated against my skull. It was a nuisance, but I could deal with it.
Back in the kitchen I rinsed out my glass in the sink, washed it, and dried it with the kitchen towel. After which I returned to the dining table where I had placed my bag. I seriously considered forgetting the homework that had been assigned. Surely the teachers would understand why I hadn’t been up to doing it? In the end I decided to just get the work done and over with. It hadn’t taken long at all, and I finished within the hour. I glanced at the wall clock and saw that it was a bit past five pm. So, I returned my books to my bag and myself to the kitchen to throw together a quick dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. After I finished my meal and cleaned the kitchen, I dug out the copy of “Mansfield Park” that I had at a local bookstore. The store’s selections had been low and mostly unappealing, so I was pleasantly surprised to find one of my favorite Jane Austen novels.
It had been over two months since Dad was murdered, since my entire life had been turned upside down, and since then nothing in the world felt right. So, when I found “Mansfield Park” buried among a pile of discount books, I felt closer to Dad than I have in a long time. Charlie Swan had been a simple man. His main goals had been to raise me to be independent and to know that I was loved. And to make the most of his immortal existence. Which meant engaging in the activities he loved most; fishing, baseball and reading. Charlie had been a vampire since 1687 and had found many ways to occupy his time. One of which included reading books. Dad had been partial to horror and mystery novels but had a hidden love for the classics. Such as “Jane Eyre” and “Wuthering Heights.” Then he had me and when I was old enough, he introduced me to his favorite authors and their works. Now, as I turned the pages of my book, I felt my father’s presence.
I methodically turned the pages of the novel, carefully reading each word. Even going back to reread sentences, then paragraphs, and then whole pages. As I read and reread the pages the minutes ticked by. As the minutes turned to hours, I knew that I was prolonging the inevitable lull of sleep. It was my least favorite time of day, or rather night, when I had to sleep. It was the only time when I was completely unguarded. And if that wasn’t bad enough, it was the only time that the nightmares took over. Only they weren’t nightmares but were horrible memories that were far too real.
The wall clock chimed to tell me the hour. Eleven o’clock on the dot. Reluctantly, I put my book away and put out the furnace. The whole house steadily became cooler and cooler. I went through my nightly routine. Which mostly consisted of a long hot shower where I spent most of it scrubbing mercilessly at the crescent scar that disfigured my wrist. For several weeks while on the run I had managed to hide out in a mountain home in Wyoming. It had once been my childhood home where Charlie had taught me how to control my vampire abilities. Dad and I had traveled all over the country since leaving Wyoming, but that place had always felt like home. I felt safe there. That was until James found me. He attacked me and I crippled him by tearing off part of his leg, but not before he managed to sink his teeth into my wrist. The fire of the venom as it coursed through my veins was excruciating, but I wasn’t going to let it stop me from escaping. I knew that the pain wouldn’t last long. It would die down to an annoying sting before my own venom completely eradicated it from my system. So, I forced myself to run. To get as far away from James as possible while he reattached his leg and recovered. Now, the only evidence of my last encounter with the sadistic vampire was my ugly scar.
The water had long been running cold before I turned off the shower. I stepped out and wrapped myself in a fluffy towel. I grabbed the brush and worked it through my hair. It was long, dark, and straighter than I’ve ever been. As I worked the bristles through the strands of hair, I took notice of the various shades that human eyes could never see. Strands of mahogany and bistre wove their way through the brush. All the strands and shades of brown twist together to make the dark brown that my school peers saw. Only under sunlight would they see shades of red. My dark hair contrasted with my cream-colored skin creating a striking effect. The fog cleared from the mirror, and I caught sight of my arms. The muscles underneath my smooth skin were strong and lean. I never considered myself vain, but I knew I was beautiful. I knew that I was just as lovely as a vampire.
I placed the brush down on the bathroom countertop. As usual, not a single thread of hair had tangled itself in the bristles. Perk of having unbreakable hair. I dried off, threw on some flannel pajamas, and brushed my teeth. The venom that coated my teeth was acidic to anything that could possibly stain them, but I liked the tingling clean sensation that spearmint toothpaste left behind. My bedroom was a second story loft space that overlooked the dining area. Just like the living room below, the loft space was carpeted. Though rather than gray the carpet was a faded golden brown. I crawled under the quilt of my bed and forced my eyes to stay open. I did not want to face the horrifying nightmare, but as the rain fell against the windowpane it created a hypnotic effect. Bit by bit my eyelids grew heavy and even with supernatural strength I couldn’t keep them open.
The next morning, I awoke to find that neither James nor Victoria had murdered me in my sleep. I considered that a good start to my day. Once I dragged myself out of bed, I poured myself a bowl of cereal in the kitchen. The room was still dark as the sun hadn’t even risen yet, but thanks to my superior sight the darkness didn’t hinder my movements. The rain from last night had let up but I could still hear the sound of the morning mist against the walls of my house. Sitting at the kitchen counter, I slowly at the bowl of cereal. As I chewed my food, I considered calling Edythe. The clock read six thirty, that wasn’t too early to call right? I knew that she was a vampire, that she didn’t sleep, but she didn’t know that I knew that. Would it really be so bad if she knew I am a vampire-human hybrid? No, it wouldn’t, but getting Edythe =dragged into my troubles and possibly hurt would be. Perhaps it would be best to keep her at arm’s length. I put the empty bowl in the sink and returned to my room. I rummaged through my dresser and pieced together an outfit for the day. Not sure how I managed to take my time selecting an oversized sweater and faded jeans, but I did. It was just after seven as I laced up my boots. School didn’t start for another hour. To pass the time I brewed myself a cup of tea and sat down on the carpeted steps that led to the loft. From there I could see, off in the distance, the first rays of sunlight breakthrough the trees.
As I sipped my tea, I heard the sound of a familiar engine. I smiled to myself. That was Edythe’s car in the distance, speeding toward the town limits. Soon enough I would catch a glimpse of silver as the Volvo turned onto my street. Just as I predicted, I saw Edythe’s car coming down the street at around eight. I placed my empty mug in the sink and grabbed my bag from the dining table where I had left. I then stepped outside, locked the door behind me, to wait for my ride. As Edythe’s pulled into my driveway, I greeted her with a little wave. Thoughts of keeping her at arm’s length seemed to have disappeared from my mind. All I could see was her bright smile lighting up her golden-rod eyes.
“Good morning, Bella.”
“Hey, Edythe,” I replied as I opened the passenger door and got in. “How was your evening? Did you sleep well?” Of course, I knew that she didn’t sleep at all but what can I say other than I think I’m funny?
“My night was pleasant. How did you sleep?”
I noticed that she avoided the question regarding sleep, but I wasn’t going to say anything. “I slept well enough.”
Edythe had started the drive to the high school which was only a few minutes from my house. The time was filled with simple conversation. She asked me if I had gotten in contact with the auto shop. I filled her in on the conversation that had transpired.
“Unfortunately, my truck won’t be available until Saturday. Does your offer to drive me to the shop still stand?”
“Of course. As does my offer to drive you to school for as long as you need me.” Edythe’s eyes widened as she registered what she said. “I mean it. As long as you need it. My help that is.”
I was amused by her ramblings, but I didn’t let it show on my face. Or at least I hope I didn’t. No point in embarrassing the poor girl further. “I understood what you were trying to say. And I appreciate it. You’re sure you don’t mind being my chauffeur for the rest of the week?”
Why wasn’t I turning her down? It was too dangerous for her to get close to me. It’s not like I couldn’t walk. And if it rained, so what? That’s what an umbrella was for.
“I don’t mind at all. Really Bella I’m happy to help you.”
“And your siblings don’t mind? How are they getting to school?”
“They don’t mind. They’ll be taking Rosalie’s car. Trust me, she’s happier driving her own car than sitting in the back seat of mine.”
Edythe turned into the school parking lot which was already filled with the student population. As I stepped out of the car, I felt the eyes of my peers. It must have been quite a sight to see the mysterious new girl with one of the elusive Cullens.
“I’m going to be the talk of the town again.” It wasn’t a question. I already knew my day would be spent fending off questions about yesterday’s accident. Edythe, who had also gotten out of the car, looked around the sea of students.
“I would say so. Would you like me to walk you to your first class? I could fend off any intrusive peers.”
I came so close to turning down her offer, but I just couldn’t do it. As much as I knew it was bad for her to get close to me, I found myself craving her company. So, like a fool I said yes. Edythe and I walked side by side. I took the chance to admire her from my peripheral vision. Edythe was slender and petite, just an inch shy of my five feet and four inches. Her bronze-colored hair was pulled up into a messy twist. Curls fell from the updo to frame her face. She wore a pale lavender sweater that hugged her curves and the color brought out the delicate lavender of her eyelids. If I didn’t know better, I would think that Edythe was wearing eyeshadow. The sleeves were rolled up and the material was too thin to provide any protection from the cold, but I knew the weather didn’t bother her. We stopped in front of Building 3 where my English class is held.
“Would you join me for lunch?” Edythe asked me before we parted ways.
‘Just say no. You can’t get any closer to her than you already have. Say no.’
“Yes. I would like that.” ‘Dammit.’
Edythe smiled at me as if my answer just made her day. “Well then I’ll see at lunch time.”
I simply nodded my reply too afraid I’d say something stupid. The smile remained on Edythe’s face as she bid me a good day. I entered the classroom and took my seat. As the other students filed in Mike stopped by my desk.
“So, what’s the deal with you and Cullen?”
“Edythe? How do you mean?” I had a pretty good idea what he meant, but I wanted to hear him say it.
“You know. You two looked pretty cozy. People will start to talk.”
“Firstly, anything between Edythe and I is nobody else’s business. And if people want to gossip about two teenage girls because their own lives are so boring and unfulfilling then that’s their business. Secondly, the only thing between me and Edythe is kindness and a ride to and from school because your buddy’s reckless driving put my truck in the shop.”
Mike’s blond hair and hyperactive personality made me think of a golden retriever, but that wide eyed and gaping expression on his face brought to mind the image of a goldfish. Mr. Mason, the English teacher, entered the classroom before Mike could respond.
“Mr. Newton please take your seat.” Mike walked away from my desk, still appearing to be in shock. As the remaining students took their seats the school bell rang. I kept myself from cringing at the shrill noise. Truth be told, I had never been to school before now (Dad home-schooled me) and had no idea that a school bell was so loud. It made my ears ring and my head throb. I hated that stupid bell.
The rest of the morning couldn’t go by fast enough. If the student body wasn’t talking about the car crash, they were talking about the rumors that were being spread about Edythe and I. Were humans really so backwards in their beliefs surrounding sexuality? I knew they had negative opinions, but I was so used to the acceptance of vampire law that I didn’t consider how humans viewed the subject. I had never had too before now. The bell that singled the end of fourth period rang and the students rushed out, eager to get to the cafeteria building. I was among the last of my classmates to leave and I was stopped by Jessica.
“Hey Bella. How are you doing today? I hope that all this talk hasn’t gotten you down.”
“Not really. It’s annoying, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“Good. I wouldn’t want you to think everyone thinks that way.”
“So, you don’t…” My voice trailed off.
Jessica shook her head, her dark voluminous curls bouncing as she did. “Nope.”
By this point we’d reached the cafeteria and pushed through the doors.
“Are you going to sit with us today?” Jessica asked referring to herself and her classmates whom I had sat with yesterday. “I promise to keep Mike and Lauren off your back.”
“I appreciate that, but I’m actually supposed to sit with Edythe.”
“With just Edythe? Or with all the Cullen-Hales?”
I stopped in my tracks. “I’m not sure.”
Something about sitting with five vampires I didn’t know made me feel incredibly on edge. I began looking around the cafeteria and noticed Jessica doing the same. I spotted the Cullens at their usual table, but Edythe wasn’t with them.
“Bella look.” Jessica directed my attention to the other end of the cafeteria where Edythe sat at a table by herself. She gave me a little wave when she saw me staring. I blushed and waved back.
“Come on Bella, lets go get you some food so you can get your flirt on.” Jessica and I grabbed our food and went our separate ways, but not before she wished me luck. I approached Edythe’s table.
“Is this seat taken?” ‘Smooth Bella.’
“Please, help yourself.”
I sat down in the chair next to Edythe, setting my tray on the table. Edythe grimaced at the food.
“That does not look appetizing at all.”
I looked down at the greasy slice of pizza, salad, and bottled lemonade. “It’s not so bad.” ‘It’s actually worse.’
“Are you sure about that?” Edythe had the cutest lopsided smirk. She couldn’t read my thoughts, but she could clearly read my face. I picked up the greasy pizza. I took a bite and chewed slowly. Gah! What was with school food tasting like cardboard with tomato sauce?
“See, like I said, not so bad. But perhaps I’ll stick to just the salad.”
Edythe chuckled. That’s when I noticed she didn’t have a tray of food. ‘Wonder what her excuse will be?’
“Where’s your lunch, Edythe? Aren’t you going to eat?”
“I had a big breakfast this morning. I’m not very hungry.”
I nodded my head and bit my bottom lip to keep from smirking. I picked up the plastic fork from my tray and dug into my salad. After a few bites and a sip of lemonade Edythe got around to asking the questions I knew she would eventually ask.
“May I be forward, Bella?” I nodded for her to continue. “How did you get out of the way of the van? That was an impossible feat.”
“Just must have been lucky I guess.”
“That was some incredible luck.”
I shrugged. “I had an adrenaline rush. It’s very common in a life-threatening situation.” I ate some more salad and drank some more lemonade. “Was that your only question?”
“I have a few. Were you perhaps bitten by a radioactive spider?” The corners of her lips curled up indicating that she was joking. At least mostly.
“Certainly not.” ‘As if a spider’s pincers could break through my diamond-hard skin.’
“Then perhaps kryptonite is involved?”
“You do know that kryptonite weakens Superman’s powers? It’s not the cause of them.”
“Well, there goes my best theories.”
We laughed together. Ever since I met Edythe, I found myself feeling lighter than I have in a long while. There was a time when I’d didn’t think I’d ever laugh again. Not since Dad…since Dad…
“Bella. Bella!”
I blinked away the tears that had blurred my vision. Tears fell down my cheeks, the intense cold of the venom slightly stinging my skin. Of all the human traits I could’ve inherited, why did crying have to be one of them?
“I’m sorry. I just thought of my dad and I…” I choked on silent sobs and couldn’t get the words out. Most of the town, if not everyone, knew that my dad had died even if they didn’t know the truth of how. They just knew the story I had spread around town.
“Hey, hey it’s okay.” The pad of Edythe’s thumb brushed against my cheek wiping away the tears. A pulse of electricity tingled against my skin. My face warmed with the rush of blood to my cheeks.
“I’m sorry…”
“You do not need to apologize.” Edythe interrupted me. “You have every right to be upset over such a loss. Can I get you anything?”
“No, I’m alright. Thank you though.” I wiped away the rest of my tears with the sleeve of my sweater. “What is it we were talking about?”
“You were shooting down my carefully constructed theories.” Edythe lightly teased me.
“Oh, yes. Radioactive spiders and kryptonite. Groundbreaking theories.”
I took a swig of lemonade then used the sleeve of my sweater to wipe away the rest of my tears. The lunch hour continued on without any more waterworks from yours truly. Edythe and I walked to Biology together and after my last class of the day, Edythe was waiting for me outside of the gymnasium. After dropping me off at home she wished me a pleasant evening and sent me away with a promise to see me in the morning.
Only two more days. I could allow myself the pleasure of her company for two more days. What would it hurt?
Summary: After witnessing Bella impossibly dodge Tyler's van, the Cullen family debate on whether or not she's a vampire and if she is an exposure risk. Alice reveals to Edythe that Bella is in danger.
January 25, 2005 (Edythe's P.O.V)
I followed the cadence of sirens as the ambulance carrying Bella drew closer to the hospital. Someone at the school had called 911 and E.M.Ts had promptly arrived to take Bella and Tyler Crowley from the scene of the accident. In my Volvo with me were Rosalie and Emmett. Each lost in their own thoughts of disbelief.
'How in the world did a human avoid that collision?' Rose's thoughts dripped with skepticism. Emmet's thoughts were similar. If he had not been there to see it, he would not have believed it either. I considered the brunette girl in the ambulance. She appeared every bit as normal as every other teen at Forks High School. Sans myself and my vampire siblings. However, the stunt she had just pulled was anything but than normal.
We arrived at Forks Community Hospital. I quickly got out of the car and entered the building. Rosalie and Emmett were right behind me. I nodded a greeting to the receptionist as I walked by her desk. My destination was Carlisle's office. I could hear him shuffling papers at his desk. Before I could knock on the door, his thoughts gave me permission to enter.
"Hello, Edythe. Rosalie. Emmett." Carlisle greeted the three of us with kind eyes. "What brings you all here?"
Rose answered him. "We wanted to speak to you before you went in to see a patient that was just brought in. Isabella Swan."
"The young woman involved in the vehicular incident at your school."
Leave it to the small-town gossip chain to spread news faster than an ambulance speeding towards the hospital.
"That's the one," Rose said, "the Swan girl could be an exposure risk."
"How so?" Carlisle asked.
"The car accident," I responded. "A van skidded across the ice in the school lot. Bella was its way. She would've been crushed between the van and her truck if she hadn't…"
"If she hadn't dived out of the way like a ninja!" Emmett enthusiastically interrupted me.
"While his version of events is puerile, it's correct," I continued. "Bella moved at incredible speeds. Too fast for a human."
"Do you believe her to be a vampire?"
"Unclear." "Impossible." Rose and I said at the same time.
"What do you mean 'unclear'?", Rosalie asked incredulously. "I could hear her heartbeat from across the cafeteria."
"Perhaps it was an illusion of sorts," I said. "We've met vampires with stranger abilities."
Rosalie rolled her eyes. Her thoughts echoed the disbelief clearly displayed on her face. Carlisle, ever aware of when his oldest daughters were about to argue, stepped in.
"We'll worry about what species she is later. In the meantime, the three of you should go to the house now. We'll have a family meeting later when I get home."
Rose and Emmett stood up from their seats, but I remained where I was.
"Actually," I said. "I think I should stay here. Bella will need a ride home since her truck was towed."
In my mind, I recalled the image of an Eagle Auto Repair & Towing tow truck pulling into the school's parking lot. Bella's truck, Tyler's van, and the unfortunate sedan would've been towed away by now.
"Fine," said Rose. "I'll call Earnest and ask him to pick us up. I'm sure Alice has already filled him in on what's happened."
Before E.M.Ts had arrived at the school, Alice had led Jessa away from the accident. There hadn't been a lot of blood, but better safe than sorry. Rose and Emmett left Carlisle's office.
"I'm going to see Ms. Swan and Mr. Crowley in urgent care," Carlisle stated. "Are you coming?"
"No. I'll stay here for now," I said.
Carlisle nodded and headed out of his office. I could hear Carlisle reach the urgent care unit just as the nurse was finishing checking Bella's vitals.
"I can take it from here, Nurse Thompson."
"Sure thing, Dr. Cullen." Nurse Thompson was a sweet, middle-aged woman. And was one of the nurses that didn't gossip about my father's sexuality. I liked her.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Swan. How are you feeling?"
"Just Bella. And like I've been telling everyone, I feel fine."
Carlisle, who's thoughts were open to me, was amused. 'She's got gumption.' I could see the room through Carlisle's eyes. He looked down at Bella's chart which he held in his hands. 'Her vitals are abnormal. Her heart rate is slow for someone her age. And her blood pressure is higher than normal, but I don't believe it's cause for concern.'
"Are you experiencing any dizziness or light headedness?"
"Fit as a fiddle, doctor," was Bella's quick response. "When can I go home?"
"There are some forms you'll have to fill out, but after that you're free to leave. The nurse's station is just down the hall. The nurse on duty can get you the forms you need."
"Thank you, Doctor Cullen."
Bella stood from the hospital bed and walked at a human pace towards the double swinging doors.
'She moves very gracefully.'
For some unknown reason, a low growl escaped from my lips.
'Easy Edythe. I only meant that she was graceful for a human. She moves as if she were one of us.'
I silently apologized and ignored the amusement that colored Carlisle's thoughts. I followed the sound of Bella's footsteps as they led her down the hall. She was light on her feet. If I didn't have such advanced hearing, I wouldn't have been able to hear her. I stood from my seat and approached Bella as she was filling out the sign out forms at the nurse's station. I cleared my throat. Bella raised her eyes to meet mine. How could a pair of eyes be so captivating?
"Oh, Edythe, I didn't expect to see you here. Did you get dragged into the back of an ambulance too?"
"No," my lips curled up in an amused smile. "I followed the ambulance in my car. I wanted to make sure that you were okay."
"I'm alright. No blood no foul," she handed the forms to the nurse. "Don't know how I'm going to get home though. Pretty sure my truck isn't very drivable at the moment. Not to mention that it's still in the school lot."
"Actually, I saw it get towed away," I told her.
"Great." Bella's voice dripped in sarcasm. "Now what am I going to do?"
"I could give you a ride home," I offered. "And I could give you the name of the auto shop."
Bella and I had walked to the front entrance. I walked ahead of her to hold the door open for her. She sent me her gratitude with a smile.
"I would appreciate that. Thank you."
I led Bella to my car and opened the passenger door for her. Then waited until she was settled before closing the door behind her. Aside from Bella's occasional directions the ride was quiet. Which was not unpleasant. While the thoughts of the people I drove by buzzed past like annoying insects, Bella's quiet mind was peaceful. The interior of my car became a temporary save haven from the unforgivable onslaught of foreign thoughts. I turned down King Richards Way. Bella's home was a small, wood paneled structure at the end of the street.
"Thanks again,” Bella said as I stopped in front of her house.
"It was no problem," I assured her. "I was happy to do it."
And I really had been. While I would've been glad to help anyone who needed it, something about being in Bella's presence made my non-beating heart swell.
"Before you go, do you have a cell or home phone?" I asked Bella. "I could give you my number and whenever you need to pick up your truck, I can give you a ride. All you have to do is call."
Bella reached into her pocket and pulled out a Motorola Razor. As she handed me the mobile device, she stopped, and a look of realization crossed her face.
"My bag!" Bella exclaimed. "I left it in the school parking lot."
"No worries. I grabbed it before following the ambulance." I reached behind the passenger seat and produced the girl's school bag. "Here you are."
"You didn't mention this earlier?"
If I had the ability to blush I would. "I, um, forgot?"
Forgetting was not something my kind was capable of doing. However, Bella's presence seemed to render my mind impotent. Her companionship was distracting. In the best possible way. Bella chuckled. Before she took the bag, I noticed a knowing smile danced on her lips. Quickly, I added my number to her contact list and handed her the cellphone.
"Thank you." Her hand rested on the door handle, ready to leave the car but I was not ready to watch her leave.
"Would you like a ride tomorrow?" The question came rushing out in an attempt to get Bella to stay just a little bit longer.
"What was that?"
"I mean, with your truck being in the shop, would it be alright if I picked you up tomorrow and gave you a ride to school?"
"I would be grateful." Bella exited the car. She leaned back down and peered in. "See you tomorrow?"
"See you tomorrow, Bella."
She smiled and closed the car door. I waited until she was safely inside her home before pulling out of her driveway to make my own way home. After crossing the bridge over Calawah River, I headed northward until I reached the hidden driveway that led to the Cullen residence. Resting just past six primordial cedars, was a colonial style home that had been meticulously restored by Earnest. The three-story mansion had been Earnest's pride and joy the last time we resided in Forks nearly seventy years ago. As evident by the freshly painted off-white exterior and polished windows, time had not diminished my father's love for the house.
I knew my family was gathered around the dining room table before I had even entered. Of course, we never used it to dine, but it made for a good space to have family meetings. Carlisle greeted me as I took my seat by his left-hand side. He told me through his thoughts that he'd taken off from work early, but that he would be going in for the night shift. Our coven leader sat at the head of the polished oval table. To his right was his mate and husband Earnest. They were married according to vampire law, but Washington State had not yet legalized same-sex marriage. "Yet" according to Alice. For now, Carlisle and Earnest posed as partners to the Forks population. To my left was the psychic pixie herself, Alice, and always by her side was Jessamine. Across from Jessa sat Emmett and seated between Emmett and Earnest was Rosalie who jumped right into the discussion.
"We need to keep an eye on the girl. If anyone else saw what she did today, it could risk exposure."
"No one saw anything Rose," I responded calmly. "Everyone simply thinks that Bella was extremely lucky." Perhaps it was juvenile to emphasize "Bella", but I did anyway. All while ignoring the smirks from Alice and Jessa.
"Besides," Alice interrupted Rosalie. "Spying on Bella won't work. She'll sense whoever we send and run. Trust me, that won't be a good thing." Images of Bella running from shadowy figures flashed across Alice's and my mind. I didn't know who was after Bella, but I got the sense from Alice's vision that they were dangerous.
"Then what do you suggest we do?" Rose asked.
"Nothing."
"Nothing?" Emmett jumped in. "You can't be serious? Did you not see how fast that girl moved?" He replayed the incident in his mind. Though in his overactive imagination Bella was doing a lot of back flips.
"Sweet pea, I agree with Emmett," Jessamine spoke up. I felt her cringe inward as she said, 'agree with Emmett.' "We can't do nothing."
"We are going to do something. Just not yet. It's not the right time, but it will be soon."
'Soon' didn't really narrow it down for immortal creatures. 'Soon' could be within the next decade or two.
Carlisle, knowing it was a fruitless effort to try and convince Alice to elaborate, moved on to the next topic. "Perhaps it would be best if we moved on to a new discussion. Where do we all stand on the human vs vampire debate?"
"Emmett said that she moved with incredible speed," Earnest said. "And Jessa told me earlier about the girl's agility. Surely, Bella must be a vampire."
"Not likely," Rose said. "She had a heartbeat. We could all hear it." My other siblings and myself nodded in agreement.
Carlisle nodded his head as well. "The girl did have a beating heart, but it was much slower than it should be." Carlisle recalled to his mind Bella's medical chart from earlier today. "Miss Swan had a heart rate of around forty beats a minute. Which is low, but it is still considered normal. Especially in athletes."
"If she is athletically trained then that could explain her agility." Earnest said.
"But not her speed," Emmet continued for him. "I'm telling you; no human could've moved that fast. She moved like one of us."
"Edythe had biology with Bella," Jessamine said. "Anything to add?"
My thoughts wandered back to biology class. I replayed every time our fingers touched as we passed the microscope between each other. Her touch had been . . . warm. Though she didn't radiate the same warmth that the humans around us had. And she certainly didn't have the same burning touch possessed by our wolf friends in La Push. The closest I could compare it to was the touch of another vampire. Because we all had the same ice-cold skin all vampires felt warm to one another. Yet, Bella's touch had been different. I could feel the warmth of human blood pulsing beneath her fingertips providing heat to Bella's otherwise cooled skin.
"She was warm," I answered Jessa.
"Human warm or vampire 'warm'," Emmett raised his fingers to air quote warm.
"Both? I know that doesn't help."
"You think?" Rosalie was steadily becoming annoyed. "This conversation is going nowhere." My first sister stood up from her place at the table and squeezed Em's shoulder. A clear indication that she wished for him to follow. She was right. We could all, quite literally, debate this all night. But the truth of the matter is none of us knew what to make of Isabella Swan.
Emmett and Rosalie retired to their bedroom for the evening. As did Carlisle and Earnest so that they could spend time together before Carlisle had to return to the hospital. Jessamine retreated to her study. From her thoughts, I gathered that she was going to do some research. She was the most concerned about what Bella was and whether or not it endangered the safety of our family. I myself climbed the stairs to the third floor where my room was.
My dwelling is behind the last door down the hall and faces south. Like the entire south facing wall of the house, my wall had been replaced by glass. Which gave me spectacular views of the Sol Duc River and the Olympic Mountain range. The unfortunate downside to my room was that it was directly above Rose's and Emmett's room. I closed my door behind me and settled into the black leather sofa that rested against the east wall. Digging my iPod Shuffle out of my pocket, I placed the headphones in my ears and drowned out the sound of Emmett's and Rosalie's nightly activities. The music device was new to the market only having been released two weeks ago. Of course, thanks to Alice, the family had stock in Apple Inc. and got early access to the product. My psychic sister was adamant that the iPod Shuffle was going to be very popular over the next few years.
Speak of the devil. Alice didn't bother to knock on the door. She already knew that I heard her approaching and knew that I would invite her in. Alice sat down on the thick golden carpet, parallel to where I was stretched out on my sofa. She leaned her head back against my wall of CDs. I turned down the volume of my media player and removed one of the earbuds. Alice's thoughts were a tangled web, so either she was hiding something from me, or she had not yet decided what to focus on. Finally, her mind calmed and the image of Bella sitting in the school cafeteria and eating food was clear in her mind's eye.
"Does this mean you believe her to be human?"
"I don't know." Alice confessed. "Bella is very difficult to see. Most of my visions of her are cloudy. The ones that are clear are unfinished. Like, there's a decision that has yet to be made."
"What can you see?"
Alice's smile lit up her face. "Bella is going to be my best friend." She showed me a vision of her and Bella giggling over a topic of conversation that had yet to unfold. I could sense Alice's anticipation and excitement behind the vision.
"The only other clear vision is of, well, you saw it earlier."
Indeed, I had. I could easily recall the image of a terrified Bella running from an unknown threat.
"She is in danger. Isn't she?"
Alice nodded her head yes. "Though in danger from whom or what, I don't know. I suppose only time will tell."
Alice was a relatively patient person, but not having the answers to this particular problem was bothering her a great deal. With nothing more to say, Alice wished me good night and took her leave. I returned the earbud to its rightful place and turned the volume back up. I closed my eyes and was, for once in my endless existence, grateful for my inability to sleep and therefore dream. Because if I could, my subconscious would have haunted me with nightmares of Bella suffering amongst the shadows.
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