I don't like plain rides; they leave to much time to think. Thinking freely is bad; my thoughts always end up on her. After eight years Alice called me; Jasper ran away. He had lost it and killed someone. Alice needed me to help and get him back. After things with Jasper were fixed I lived with my family almost like it use to be. Almost.
Later I found out she graduated and went to college on a scholarship to some school in the south. Good she finally got to go back to the sun. After that I don't know she became hard to trace. I could not continue to put enough energy in it; it hurt. So did thinking about her. I took a deep breath in.
Uh-oh, I should have hunted before getting on a small plain with a so many of humans, I thought to myself.
I could feel the plain start to decent. "Well the flight will be over soon," with any luck.
As we left the airport Demetri demanded on driving. So I sat shut gun less than happily.
Driving is one of the few things I enjoy any more.
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Everyone else makes fun of me for it, but I like sleeping. It is relaxing. I almost never have dreams or nightmares, but last night I had one that was both. It was one when I know something reminded me of something else, I just couldn't remember what. Jane said this is the first time she has heard me talk in my sleep. I decided to tell Aro about my dream. He is always interested in my dreams. I think it is because he can't find out my memories so is Trying to figure me out one thing at a time... or maybe it is because I am the only vampire that sleeps let alone dreams. but sleeping isn't the only way I am different from other vampires.
As my thoughts drifted I walked through two heavy doors, to where I knew Aro would be.
It opened to a large stone room with thrones on the walls. I don't like this room. Another I don't know why. As I entered Aro turned to see me.
His walk, as usual, was like floating. Just like... no I will not even say her name in my thoughts. As he got closer I could see the milk red eyes full of excitement. "Ah. Your awake good." He said in his overly cheerful voice. "I have another test for you."
Urggg. Not another one. Yet another reason I am different not only from vampires but everyone. Aro's brain picking, Jane's mental torture, not even his... not going there. Aro has been searching for answers and mind talents that work on me. These "tests" are actually getting on my nerves. I was so deep in thought I almost forgot why I was coming to talk to him.
"Aro I had a dream last night," I said simply. I love watching Aro's expressions when I tell him thing like that.
Just as I expected his eyes lit up. "Tell me everything," he demanded.
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To keep my mind of her, I decided to think about what kind of "test" I would be partaking in. Maybe to test the extent. How far, long, and the amount I hear. I hope they were not going to ask me to gown. If I did my family would not like it, if not well the Volturi don't like to be defied or refused.
We started to slow. I could hear Demetri thinking great the absurd guard are going to stop us again. Always our car.
I think it made sense to check this car; it was black with darkly tinted windows. Who would have a black car in this sun if they don't have something to hide. I almost laughed at myself, we were hiding something. Bigger then he could know.
I finally looked out the window; there before us was a large ancient city. I seen it before, will not first hand, but it looked almost the same as it had hundred of years ago.
The car stopped and Demetri started getting out. Although it was mid morning, the sun did not reach us for the high buildings made dark shadows. I did not need Demetri to lead the way as we walked to the familiar building.
As we walked into the lobby of what looked like a office building, I could smell a human. How odd, I thought have a human work for them. Sure enough there was a lady seated at the secretary's desk. She had long blond hair, blue eyes, and olive skin. She looked up with very warm confident smile and said "Welcome back Demetri. Who's this with you?" Her voice was friendly and polite.
"Hey, in fact this is your new test." answered Demetri. "What did you do to Mary?" he asked but it didn't sound like he now the answer.
Instantly the lady's face and hair changes. Her hair turned brown, her eyes gold, that of a vampire who drinks animals and some strange pain in them, her skin very pale and features lovely and perfect. A vampire. The pulse stopped. I blinked twice. " How did you know?" the other vampire asked as if to in prove the character she had just betrade.
"You missed a freckle." He answered. She almost had me there, he thought.
"Shoot." then she looked to me as if for the first time really seeing me. There was a second of disbelief in her eyes before she blinked, her eyes turned brown. I don't know why, but the eyes reminded me of something I tried so hard to block out. The answer hit me hard like someone punching me in the gut; they were Bella's eyes. In less than a second they were back to gold. Maybe I am going insane.
The shape shifted vampire come from around the counter. "There tests are getting very annoying" she complained, her voice bored and annoyed at the same time.
"Aro's not going to stop until he figures it out."
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"Shoot" I hate losing to Demetri; he is a terrible winner. Then remembering the mention of my test I thought might as well check out the compation. I looked over to the vampire next to Demetri. I know I would run into him eventually, the Volturi know everyone, but knowing some thing's going to happen eventually and it actually happen are two very different things. It's a good thing he did not recognize me and will leave again as soon as the test is done so I might as well ignore him. Well, I was going to win the test at least.
I walked around the counter to walk with them to the castle turret. I should try and act normal or someone is going to ask my why me hands are in fists. "These test are really getting on my nerves." My usual complaint, trying to make my voice sound bored and uninterested.
"Aro's not going to stop until he figures it out." matc hing my tune. I hope Edward doesn't figure it out and tell Aro. I like my secrets. I think I am the only one in the Volturi how has one" Aro knows everything. Well Almost.
"Well, let;s not keep him waiting," I suggested. We ran to the door. Demetri was there first; I was never the fastest, fallowed by Edward. There goes the pain in my chest; while I remembered what riding as he ran was like. I had almost got rid of the pain.
We walked in everyone was there. They like watching my tests. It is one of their few amusements. I don't know why they like the tests so much, I think they are a waste of time. but if there is anything we have plenty of it is time.
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As I search the room for my reason here, I heard Aro's fast, jumbled thoughts. It was a lot to take in. Then he turned around to greet us. What strange eyes; red and milky.
"Ah. Demetri you are back. Isee you brought Edward. Good." He had a very friendly loud voice. "So, are you ready for the test?" Turning to the other vampire next to me.
"Yes," she said in a polite calm voice.
"Alight, Edward this is your test; try and read her mind." Only then did it acure to me I hadm't heard her think. But it can't hurt to try.
Silence for the second time in my life silence was all I could hear. "Nothing" I muttered.
The vampire smiled. That was Bella's smile, another pucnch in the gut. "But this is not the first I meet like that." She frowned. , for some reason I could not grasp. Aro's eyes lit up. Really? I heard him think.
I nodded.
Perhapse sensing she was no longer needed or just wanted to leave, the vampire with the silent thoughts turned away from me to face Aro. "Aro if we are quite done. I would like to go take a nap if you don't mind." Then with out waiting for a response she was out the door and gone.
I was started by the word "nap" but no one else seemed to think any thing of it. There was something very different about this vampire. And I wanted to know what. I love a good mystery.
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As I walked down the hall way it hit me. Memories that might have brought joy or happiness twenty years ago, now filled me with pain and angish. Remembrence.
I hope that sleepying would calm me like it usually does, but sleep would not come.
After a couple hours of waiting for sleep I disided to go hunting. It felt like it was avut three or so in the afternoon, so by the time I get back sleep should come.
I discided to leave with out telling Aro I wasn't in the mode to talk to him right now. twice is enough for one day.
But, of course, as soon as my hand was on the handle of the door to go out Aro's voice boomed. "Going hunting are we? Do you mind takeing Edward along?"
Yes! I do mind. "Sure, why not." Spending time with him is not going to make life any easier.
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Aro was filled with questions, answering tthem would make it harder when I get back to my family. So I simple shook hands with him. He seemed to enjoy my memories, bt I was still curios about the other vampire. What did they say her name was? Only then did I realize they never said her name. No one was thinking about it so I had to ask. "What is the name of the vampire I was testing?" I asked casually.
Everyone laughed. I was started by their reaction. "No one knows. She likes her secrets and guards them well." Aro answered after he finally could control his laughter.
Sense the test was over I thought I should go hunting before getting on anouther plain.
Plus I really wanted to figure out this mystery. Hopefully I could use it as a distraction.
I didn't know the area so I asked Aro where to hunt.
"I don't know. I've never been but she might know a good spot." I know who he ment.
Another secret she doesn't drink human blood.
Aro and I talked for about an hour about how his old friend Carlisle made his new life. Aro was fasinated. Completely absorbed in our comversation. But I consantly caught my self thinking about the sectretive vampire. Why is she with the Volturi if she hunts animals? Why can't I read her mind? Could she have any connection to Bella? No, Bella has no part in this I am becoming paranode. Bella hasn't seen a vampire sense we leaft.
At least as I always picture her; happy, warm, smiling.
Stop thinking about her or it will be harder when you get back to try and forget.
As I got a grip on my thoughts, Alec come in bringing news.
"She is going hunting, so if you want to go this is the time."
Good, maybe I can disifer some of her thought as we hunt. "Sounds good." I said offhandedly.
Aro gave me a thick grey cloke to wear so the sun would not reach me. I was about to ask aobut what she was going to from the sun undr when she turned into a human again. How useful her talent was. I felt slightly envious.
We walked in silence to the car that I entered the city in. She headed to the passenger side and throw me the key. "hey, you can drive."
"Thanks," I said not out of common certisy because I really did want to drive.
When we got in the car, she was the first to speak. "I can guess you have questions. Well so do I, so we are going to take turns. You ask first. Kay?"
"Fine," it did sound like a good idea I just couldn;t guess what she wnated to know from me. I tryied to think of the most insegnifigent. "How long have you been a vampire?"
"Twenty years," It just a coinsedence I told my self.
"What's your favorite movie?"
"Romeo and Juliett."
"Which version?"
"No way, it's my turn." I teased. Wow I don't remember the last time I told a joke. "What do you remember most about being a human."
"Everything." Her voice full of ancient sarrow. Then shifted. "What's your family like?"
------ still Edwards POV
It was suprising how easy it was to talk to this complete stranger. I hadn't talked so freely in twenty years. Her questions were easy; whats my favorite song or band. I tryied to ask easy questions toom but sometimes it seemed like I crossed some invisible line she made to hide her secrets behind.
And she would only answer "moot point". Such as the time I asked where she ws born. She looked like shye was going to tell me, but stopped last minute. All she said was "moot point."
Sometimes she answers made little or no sense. Like when I asked about her family. She laughed so loud it rang in my ears. All she could get out was "They are very, very different from the Volturi. She laughed one more time at the thought. I noticed that she laughed just like Bella. Thinking about Bella didn't hurt either. It was strange, but nice to talk to her.
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I was so tiered by the hunt and time with Edward that I fell into a deep dreamless sleep. Or so I thought I guessed it was around the middle of the night when I was thrown into a dark dream. Someone was chasing Jacob and me throught the forest. I thought it was odd I hadn't seen Jacob in over a year. It made me miss him. Then the forest shifted Jacob turned to Edward we were walking. Then I remembered that it was just like the time we were going to the medow in Forks. I waited for the pain of the remebence to hit, but it didn't I felt fine - more than fine the feeling I get when I was around Edward.I dream went like a record of the memory. But as he was stepping into the sun it changed. It was the day I flow to Forks to live with my father in the cold and very wet place. It was strange how I hated it in the begining now it is my favorite place in the world. Of course I never can stay there for long periods of time it just hurt too much.
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I talked to Aro about staying a little longer I said I was interested in the way they lived but the truth be told I was very intrugued by the secretive vampire. Aro agreed and said he would love for me to stay longer. But if I was going to stay longer I would have to talkt to my family. I douted that they would mind, but lately my family likes to keep taps on me just in cause I go in to one of my dark moods and run off some where, again.
"Hello?" said a soothing motherly voice.
"Esme, its Edward. Is Carlisle around." I counted the hours to see if he would be giving a class.
"Yes. Here you go." there was a two secound pause.
I woundered if they were waiting for my call. I wouldn't put it past them.
"Hi." said a calm deeper voice with a slight british acsent.
"Yes, Carlisle. I disided to except Aro's offer and stay for a time. If that is alright with you?"
"Of course and say 'hello' to Aro for me would you?"
There was a pause, he was wondering he sould ask. He most of disided to because he continued "Are the rumors true?"
I know what he ment. "Yes, the tenth member of the guard is immune to mental talents. And that is nothing compared to her special talent" I could hear the admiration and irratation in my voice.
"What is her talent?" He sounded intrighued as well.
"Shape shifting. She could even make her hear peat." The irriation fell from my voice and envy took its place.
"That is quite a talent."
"Yes and she is soo secretive. She doesn't drink human blood and she can sleep." Very envious.
"Almost human." He noted.
"Indeed. Where is Alice?" I wondered. Carlisle paused.
"With Jasper and the Delili." Was that a lie, I asked myself.
"Ok tell her I said 'hi'," I requested. "Good bye."
"Will do. Bye" I closed the phone. I started to wander what Carlisle wasn't saying. Normally I would have jumped at an opprotunity to divert myself, but some thing else was distracting me, the shape-shifting vampire. Then my thoughts turned to her. Why did she have so many secrets? What were they? Why would she not tell me? As the why whats and hows pored in I started to think about what I was going to do until she woke up and what I would do even after she was awake.
What do they do around here for fun any way? As I thought I had my answer I started to think about what I use to do with my time. But I hadn't played the piano in over 20 years I just couldn't, it brought on the dark moods. Maybe...maybe it wouldn't, like everything else, send me into a dark mood if they nameless vampire was around. But where would I find a piano.
The lady at the front desk called Mary know of one. "Yeah, She has one." I knew who she ment.
"Does she play?" another secret.
"Oh yes!" Her I eyes became distant. I could the sounds of a piano in her head. "but she doesn't play for anyone. We only hear when she plays very loud."
As I waked up the stairs, I wandered what I was doing. Would she even let you play? Maybe she would play for you. BIg Maybe. I went to the door the woman said was her's and knocked once. I could not lie to my self; I was also very courious about the vampire, A vampire sleeping. It just did sound right. maybe she'll be in a covin. I laughed to my self.
There was no answer from the other side of the door. after another second I turned the nop. And there she was sleeping really sleeping. She round over and muttered "Its too green."
I had to put my hand over my mouth to stop from laughing out loud. The room was large and rectangular. One wall the bed pushed back infront of the window, but all the other walls were covered with book shelfs. And the books pilled on to fit as many as possible. I dubted carlisle had as many books. In front of the west shelf was a grand piano, very like his, though his was black not white. I wanted to play, but he was too captivated by the vampire sleeping like her sleep had put him under spell.
I did not know how long I watch sleep most likely twenty minutes, but it felt a lot shorter. When she began to sture I left.
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