Chapter 1: Like any other beginning, for a vampire.
Sitting at a small table with my family in a crowded lunchroom seemed strangely outlandish for a vampire. But it was just routine for us. We were just as inconspicuous as the other humans in this school. Well, at least our attitudes were. Our looks and our differences were definitely a target for suspicion. It was acceptable for us if a human decided to cock their head in our direction and tolerable for a couple of freshmens to start pointing fingers. It is just the way humans react to a couple of inconspicuous vampires like us. We have adapted to their world more than they have to ours. Funny that, they would never be able to adjust to our world. Only if they new the secret, wich wouldn't be that great for the tellers. It would send you straight to the slaughter house, owned and run by the Volturi. I shivered at the thought.
Only one of us had a small, but nagging problem with the close-packed humans. Jasper. My life and my love. I'd found him before he even knew he was looking for me. That is my gift. Predicament. I can see what will happen in the near future, but it isn't concrete. It is based on the decision of others. Jaspers grip on his own sanity was wavering. I had to talk to my brother Edward, but I couldn't use my lips to startle Jasper. I used my mental voice instead. It was much more effective, knowing that Edward could still hear me.
Edward.I called, attracting his attention instantaneously. His head did not turn, but I knew he was listening. How is he holding up? I asked cautiously. He frowned minutely. No human could detect the slight change in his lip formation. My features changed with his. I felt more distressed as I watched Jasper through the corner of my eye. Is there any danger?I scanned the immediate future, flipping through visions of tedium for the source behind his frown.
I watched his head turn slowly to the left, and then to the right. Trying not to attract the attention of the others, I realised. I relaxed instantly.
Let me know if it gets too bad.I thought easily. He moved his eyes up and down slowly again, to symbolise the same answer as before.
Thanks for doing this.I acknowledged him, not expecting an answer, as there was no need. I knew he didn't enjoy listening to Jasper struggle. It had been two weeks since he hunted. It wasn't that bad for us, as we were used to it. But Jasper still was adapting, and that would take time.
As if Jaspers luck could get any lower, a small girl paused at the end of the closest table to ours, stopping to chat with a friend. Almost expectedly, she tossed her short, sandy hair, combing her fingers through it. Why didn't I see this coming? Was I too keyed up to notice what was ahead. I re-arranged my thoughts and searched the immediate future ahead to detect Jaspers reaction towards the girl. I cringed with fear at what Jasper had been visualizing as his attack. I was about to stop him physically, but thankfully, Edward kicked his chair. Jasper surrendered shamefully. "Sorry" he muttered. I shrugged as if it wasn't such a big deal. "You weren't going to do anything," I lied smoothly, soothing his chagrin. "I could see that." I added, trying to ease his panic further. I knew Edward was fighting back a grimace that would surely give our lie away, but we were good at these things. We could work together as effectively as a cork and screw. Conversationally, I added, "It helps a little if you think of them as people" I spoke in a quick tone. Too fast for the human ears that were close enough to hear. "Her name is Whitney. She has a baby sister she adores. Her mother invited Esme to that garden party, do you remember?" I spoke gently, but Jasper still hadn't calmed down enough to think about his words or actions. "I know who she is," Jasper snapped at me. I flinched as he turned away to stare out of a small window, probably trying to re-adjust his behaviour. Edward and I both knew what Jaspers priority was tonight. Hunting. It was ridiculous to try and test his strength this way, letting his hunger get to him. His past habits were not conductive to our chosen way of life; he shouldn't push himself this way. I knew Edward was thinking the exact same thing.
I sighed with resignation and stood, taking my tray of food (merely a prop to sustain our name) with me and leaving Jasper in peace. I knew he'd had enough encouragment from me, our relationship was a lot different from the others in our family. We knew each others mood as well as our own, as if I had Edwards gift, only limited to one person. I left the room without a backward glance, knowing the person behind me needed it.