"She's bitter. She's practically mute. She has walls built so high around herself -no one can get through to her. She's Isabella Swan- your new loner roommate." When Jasper's brother comes to stay at his apartment, Bella is less than happy. B/E
POV will alternate. As you can see this is AU. My first Twilight story. Enjoy.
Chapter one: Calamity
Epov
I'd had enough.
This was one time too many.
After walking in on another seemingly 'eye-opening' moment with Emmet and Rosalie- yet again, I finally decided that it was time to leave the Cullen household. As in accordance with Jasper and Alice, it was high time that I found my own place, so that I had somewhere far away from the excessive exuberance of the energized couple I refer to as my siblings.
Carlisle and Esme had been slightly disheartened after hearing about my decision. I knew not only by their thoughts, but also by their reluctance to help me pack. Although, Esme had offered to iron and press-pack my shirts. Vampiric speed meant that I was packed within minutes, only my vast music collection prolonging my astoundingly short collection of belongings.
It had been a week since Alice and Jasper had offered me their old apartment. They had found another 'bigger' apartment back in Forks, nearer to the family. Although, I doubt that it was due to the spacious aspect of the apartment, after all- this is Alice we are talking about, spending extraordinaire.
I hadn't wanted anything lavish and from what I had heard from Jasper, their old apartment was adequate for my tastes. However, I could tell that there was something more than they were letting on. For the past few days Alice has been memorizing the Prada product codes for this season's wear, whilst Jasper has been surprisingly busy reciting Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Their antics are hiding something. Decades have not changed their petty attempts to keep me ignorant of their secrets. As I placed the last CD into the solitary box onto my bed, I sealed it shut and set it down with the others by my door.
You know, if this moving is about your prude issues- Rose and I could make an exception for you and have fun somewhere away from you and your sensitive state.
The intrusion of the mocking voice I knew so well penetrated my thoughts and I suppressed a smirk.
"Emmett, dear brother. Take it from me- Its my time to leave."
Prude.
"One of these days Emmett, one of these days…"
Emmett quickly silenced upon the arrival of Carlisle and Esme. My parental figures stood and observed the now empty room, Esme's face solemn and unmoving, set like stone of which our kind were famous for.
We're going to miss you son.
I nodded at Carlisle's words, Esme sent the same gesture and followed with a tight embrace. My 'bedroom' seemed so lonely without my belongings, the high windows highlighting the emptiness of it all.
"Alice and Jasper are expecting me sometime soon. I think I should get going, Alice predicted rainfall in an hour." I spoke to them. Carlisle nodded and collected a few boxes to take to my Volvo.
"What've you go in here bro? A collection of po-"
"Emmet!" Esme reprimanded sharply. He instantly silenced and grabbed another three boxes following Carlisle down the staircase. My brother- the crude joker, that I would certainly not miss.
"Lets get this underway then, shall we?" Esme smiled, patting my arm affectionately and then proceeding to follow our family's gestures.
It was an hour later that I found myself knocking on my new Port Angeles apartment door. Alice instantly crashed into my frame, followed by a more conventional Jasper. As predicted, the rain began to drizzle and I was ushered into my new abode. True to their word it seemed quite quaint and homely with a spacious living room- a must for one such as myself. Due to my lack of sleep, I usually squandered most of my time in the living room, occasionally writing a new song on the piano.
I would have to suffer without my harmonious companion for a few days, until Jasper and Emmett find a hole in their agendas to run it back up here- preferably during the night.
12983, 33564, 3365...
"Anything you'd like to share Alice?" I asked with a mock smirk. I'd rather not listen to the incessant listing of her favorite Prada item codes.
"Hmm?"
"I think I've hear enough of this year's pencil skirt ranges and jerseys, anything you'd like to explain or share before leaving?"
Alice shrugged her shoulders innocently and my eyes flickered to my more mature brother-whom lacked the crude humor.
"Maybe, we should tell him Alice." Jasper finally relented. I tried to pry his mind for information, but Shakespeare still barraged my power. Alice's body then became rigid for a moment and she then shook her head with a pixie-like smile.
"No need. Our secret will be walking right through that door in three, two, one…"
Her countdown was time precisely with the unlocking of the apartment door and a brunette woman subsequently tumbling through, nearly tripping on the welcome mat. It was a strange sight to behold. What was she doing with a key? A cleaner perhaps? I would have to do something about that- I managed my own work…
My thoughts cut short when her scent drifted my way. A scent so mouth-watering and tempting I had to clench my fists in pure restraint to keep from pouncing on her. It was enticing, floral and above all- mesmerizing. I risked a glance her way and she met my gaze, her brows furrowed at my hasty attempt to keep myself restrained. I must have looked murderous. I felt murderous.
I hear her whisper a concoction of curses under her breath and she clenched her teeth in annoyance, shooting Alice and Jasper a steely look. It was quite humorous, the look really didn't suite her face at all. Another pang of pain shot through me and it took every inch of my control to prevent a massacre my thirst longed for. My fingers clenched painfully, grasping my forearms in a vice-like grip.
She barreled past, knocking her elbow on the kitchen counter as she passed and into a room on the right of the furthest wall. Her muffled "ouch" caused a couple of inaudible laughs from the couple behind me and I turned to them in an instant.
"What is the meaning of this?" I asked ravenously. My mouth filled with venom, my throat constricting with an unquenchable thirst.
Alice looked towards Jasper hesitantly and he gulped at my balled fists.
Edward, I didn't think she'd have this affect…
"Yes, once again you didn't think." I spat, careful not to rise above vampire frequency. My throat ached relentlessly, like a red-hot poker rammed into my trachea. It began to recede, but only enough for me to prevent instant attack if she were to appear again. Never, had I felt so dangerous.
"Who is she?" I asked after an awkward silence, filled with their mental apologies.
"That is-" Alice began, but was soon cut off by Jasper who seemed to be working his calming effect. However, to no avail.
"She's bitter. She's practically mute. She has walls built so high around herself -no one can get through to her. She's Isabella Swan- your new loner roommate." he finished, straight to the point.
I looked at him with a precarious glance.
Thought I'd better not hold back. You've had enough surprises for one day.
I huffed a baited breath, although, I found it to be a mistake. Her scent shot like adrenaline through my nostrils, burning a pathway of pain in its wake. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all.
Alice shook her head at me, folding her arms around her tiny frame.
"You two can help each other Edward. I've seen it, I know its possible," she spoke softly, "She's going to understand you a lot more, if you decide to stay."
I watched my sister for another moment and it was then that she let her visions flood into my mind. Visions of the brunette, now who I knew was named Isabella and myself conversing- without me attacking her like an animalistic murderer.
"Alice your visions aren't one hundred percent accurate. You of all people know that." I told her gently. Upsetting Alice was in comparison like shouting at an innocent child- it was just not done.
If you give it time, she might even move out herself Edward. Alice says she's been contemplating it for a while. Just rough it out, she's so antisocial you won't even notice she's here- unless you confront her.
I glanced back at Isabella's closed door and shook my head. I had wanted to leave, as soon as the scent had attracted my thirst. However, there was something that spiked curiosity within me. How had she become so bitter and antisocial if Jasper and Alice's opinions were correct? Maybe I could explore her mind and probe around a little?
I tried valiantly to pick up her thoughts. Different voices penetrated my mind and yet none matched the "ouch" I had heard a few minutes earlier. In fact, I hadn't heard her thoughts as she entered the apartment. Odd.
Maybe I could talk to her later? Get her to open up a little, if my siblings were correct then she may simply be lonely.
"That's a great idea Edward!" Alice chirped, "Though, she doesn't really like to talk. The most we get is a couple of yes's and no's."
I drifted for a second, letting my thoughts wander. I couldn't put an innocent's life at risk for my curiosity. I wouldn't.
I ran a hand through my hair, tugging at it impatiently. Why should some little human girl ruin my first chance at independence? Especially one so apparently bitter and unresponsive? Another wave of calm flooded my veins and I could tell that Jasper had finally had enough of my pent up anger.
"Thanks."
He nodded appreciatively and placed an arm around Alice.
"Maybe we should get going?" he asked his spouse softly. She responded in a curt nod and turned her eyes back towards me. She looked at me, guilt permeating her expression. It was then that I caught a vision of myself drenched in crimson blood, a brunette body hanging in my grasp. If I could, I would have shuddered.
Maybe…you could...no one would...
I knew Jasper's next thought and shook my head in determination. I would not harm a human. Not even one whose blood sung to me in such an enticing manner. One who had me lusting for her blood it seemed to become a life support.
I toyed with the idea of leaving, but a muffled cry reached my senses and I turned to the couple once again.
"She does that frequently. Of course we can't ask her what the matter is…we aren't supposed to be able to hear it." Alice explained. It was then that I felt shame. Maybe she really was lonely- I of all people could relate to that.
"Stay Edward. Maybe you can coax something out of her with your expertise?" Jasper offered, "You know you're just as strong as Carlisle in the control department, you do it on a daily basis."
I nodded knowingly. Another painful sob reached me and a shock of guilt hit me like a wave crashing against a rock.
"Fine." I spoke determinedly. Another smile emanated from Alice and her thoughts of appreciation seeped into my already full mind.
I was putting myself through torture- only to aid a curiosity over a simple human girl.
After Alice and Jasper left, I walked to the Volvo and grabbed a few boxes. I could have carried more, but I didn't want to raise suspicion on my initial arrival in the small town.
It was a quiet place, more thoughts echoing into my mind although they were easy to block. Green still ensconced the town and the rain was just as frequent. The apartment was situated on the third floor of a red-bricked, blue- windowed building. I was provided with my own parking space. I eyed my Volvo hesitantly. The only downside to becoming independent was the fact that I had no garage and therefore had to leave my car collection at my family home.
No doubt to Rosalie's glee.
My, my, my doesn't he look dishy…
It was after this errant thought met my ears that I decided to scurry back into my shared apartment.
I placed the boxes onto the floor beside the kitchen counter with ease, deciding to check my 'bedroom' before unpacking. Isabella was still sobbing in her room and I took the solitude to have a gander.
My room was a simple pale green, with a glorious mahogany wooden flooring. Alice looked as though she had polished it before leaving, it was impeccable.
It was a suitable size for my music collection and I noted that Alice had kindly left a bed for my room to play the part in my role as a 'human'.
I was just about to check a closet door when a shriek echoed through the apartment. I moved with an inhuman speed through the door and into the living room area and suppressed a laugh. Isabella had fallen over my possessions by the counter and she struggled to stand. I held my breath and went to offer her my assistance when she flinched away.
"It was a simple gesture of kindness." I told her.
She mumbled something incoherent, enunciating the words 'capable' and 'self' through her myriad of inaudible words.
"You seem…quiet and reserved. Not much of a talker?" I asked as she reached the sink and pulled a glass out of a yellow painted cupboard. I noted that she frowned whenever she saw the color.
She ignored my question and took a dramatic sip of water, spilling most of it onto herself. She seemed to attract misfortune in my eyes. I offered a tissue from a box on the side, she refused and dabbed at it with her hand. Her ministrations only wafted her delicious scent through the apartment and I found myself gripping onto the kitchen counter. I could do this. I would not hurt a human. I could not hurt a human.
I controlled my thirst with as much determination possible. I had to learn how to deal with situations like this.
"So, what is it about the colour yellow? You seem to have a dislike for it. Any particular reason why?"
She slammed down the glass and crossed her arms defensively.
"Why so many questions? Therapist much?" she countered.
"In actual fact, I am." Lets gauge her reaction from that zinger.
"Great. Just what I needed." she hissed under her breath. She grabbed her glass and almost tumbled to her bedroom doorway.
"Maybe it is," I whispered quietly, "Maybe it is."
So, my first Twilight Fanfiction piece…worth continuing? Review if you please!