Author's Notes: I was reading a book called "Confessions of an Austen Addict" the other night and instantly I thought...hmmm I could have fun with this! So here it is, the first chapter of my new story Mistake of Fate. I don't intend for it to be very long, I'm thinking 3 or 4 chapters at most. I hope you all enjoy it. Also a big thank you to JenJenSon for her help.
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or the characters and make no money from this story it is purely for fun!
Mistake of Fate
I didn't even cry, I just sat, laid, slept...I was empty. It wasn't just Edward...all of them...they didn't even say goodbye. I didn't mean enough to any of them to warrant a goodbye, an explanation, a choice. Why weren't things simple? I could no longer read Romeo and Juliet or Wuthering heights, both of those reminded me too much of Edward. Instead I buried myself in other books, anything I could find starting with this I would never normally read before working my way back to the books I loved so much. This was the only thing I did in the months after the Cullen's left.
I knew Charlie was worried, that was the only reason I ate. I forced myself to at least stay alive for Charlie, hoping somewhat foolishly that one of them would come back for me...even if it was only to tell me they were sorry; to explain why they all left without even a goodbye. I fell asleep with 'Emma' half open next to me.
I awoke with a start and sat up, looking around me. There was a breeze but the window was no more or less open than usual. I couldn't bear to close it...what if one of them came back? I glanced around and everything seemed normal, not a thing out of place. I sighed and sunk back onto my pillows, it was just my imagination making me nervous.
"Bella?" a voice called, I sat up again. I hadn't imagined that, I was wide-awake. I heard a knock against my window and I snapped my head to the tree branch outside. Someone was outside.
I was out of bed in a moment and flinging the window open all the way and found myself face to face with Carlisle Cullen. I must have looked somewhat like a floundering fish for a moment while I fought to find my words but he didn't comment, he didn't even crack a smile.
"Carlisle? What are you doing here?" I asked, I listened quickly for any sign of Charlie waking before gesturing him to hurry inside. "Come in."
I stepped back and in one graceful leap he landed in my room in a crouched position before standing in front of me.
"I apologise for the inconvenient hour." He told me, bowing his head slightly.
"That's ok." I whispered. Then it sank in that he was actually here, I wasn't dreaming, not a trick of my imagination...he was here. Tears sprung to my eyes and I threw myself against him gripping his shirt as tightly as I could.
"Bella, I'm sorry I shouldn't have come." He murmured, wrapping his arms around me. "It was not my intention to upset you."
"Don't go." I croaked. I sounded desperate but I didn't care. Carlisle pulled back from me slightly and lifted my chin until I met his beautiful ochre eyes. I must look an absolute mess, I thought absently as I stared up at him.
"I was not planning to leave just yet." He replied sincerely. "I just needed to see that you were doing alright, Bella."
"Take me with you." I whispered, closing my eyes as more tears fell.
"Bella, it is unfair for you to ask that of me." He murmured, "Things are not that simple and you do have your father to think about."
"He'll be ok, please Carlisle." I pleaded, gripping his shirt again.
"Bella, please sit down, relax." He said, placing his hands on my shoulders and carefully walking my backwards until I sat back on the bed. "Bella, you need to sleep, you need to eat."
"I need you all to come back." I whispered. Carlisle managed to manoeuvre me into a lying position and pulled the covers around me before sitting on the edge of the bed.
"I am so very sorry that this happened Bella, but regretfully you cannot come with us. You are not meant to be with Edward, it would only cause everyone more heartache if you were to come with me now." He said, stroking my cheek. He was soothing me, lulling me into a strange calm. "You need to get better Bella, eat, sleep and be happy." My eyes drifted shut as his soft voice washed over me and he placed a kiss on my forehead just as Edward had before he left me. Oh no! My eyes shot open but Carlisle wasn't there, I glanced around my room frantically before my eyes fell on the window. It was pulled back down so that it was only open a crack, exactly where it had been when I climbed into bed with my book. I let out a deep breath...so it was my mind playing tricks on me. Again.
I buried my face in my pillow and screamed in frustration. It had seemed so real; I could see him, feel him and smell him. Maybe Charlie was right, I did need to be sectioned...
Another two weeks passed and I couldn't forget about that night. I had made a bit more of an effort to get on with living, to be more normal but it was hard when all I wanted was the family that had left me behind. I wasn't so bothered about being with Edward anymore, I would never forget him of course and I would always have a soft spot for him in my heart but I was angry with him, hurt by what he had said when he left me. I picked up another book from my shelf and as I did so spotted a small piece of paper that fell from it.
'Bella,
Always know that a part of you will be with our family forever. I only wish things could have turned out differently. Please be happy.'
I dropped the paper as if it were on fire. I hadn't dreamt it. Carlisle was here. Edward had not written that note. I stared at it on my floor for a considerable length of time before picking it up again. I lifted my book also and climbed into bed.
An hour or so later I felt my eyes getting heavy, I was determined to finish my chapter, I still clung to Carlisle's note in my other hand.
"Miss, are you alright?" a voice called.
"Goodness me Mr Miller, how in heaven's do you think she came to be out here?" a woman's voice followed. I groaned and blinked before trying to fully open my eyes. What was going on? Where was I? On first sight I was looking up at trees, lots of trees. The sunlight crept between the leaves causing me to wince slightly. Then as I continued to look around I noticed my two onlookers. I pushed myself up into a sitting position, my fingers sinking into the soft, damp grass beneath me.
"Miss? Are you alright?" the man asked again. I glanced down at myself to find that I was wearing a full-length dress, it was itchy and heavy...wonderful I was dreaming again.
"Thanks, but I'm fine I think." I replied. They both looked at me curiously. I realised that compared to their perfectly pronounced English, my American accent must have sounded odd. "Where am I?"
"Why just outside of London, Miss...?"
"Swan, Bella Swan." I told them, taking the gentleman's extended hand.
"How pleasant to make your acquaintance Miss Swan, I'm Mrs Miller, my husband Mr Miller and I run an inn in town." The lady smiled, offering a small curtsey and taking both my hands in hers. I tried miserably to do the same but stumbled and twisted my ankle.
Ouch...dreams weren't supposed to hurt.
"Miss Swan, may I ask how you came to be here? Forgive me if I seem forward but you look a little lost." Mr Miller asked, glancing around me as if looking for some sign that I didn't just appear out of thin air.
"I don't remember I'm afraid." I replied, trying very hard to put on a more British accent. It sounded awful, but at least I tried. Normally in my dreams I fit in just fine, in fact it was usually Mr Darcy that found me and whisked me off of my feet. I thought back and remembered that I had been reading 'confessions of an Austen addict' before I fell asleep.
"What is that?" Mrs Miller asked, bending down delicately to pick up a piece of paper. She read it quickly and then offered it to me. "Oh you poor dear. You should come with us; at least get something warm inside of you and a good night's rest." I took the paper she offered, Carlisle's note. I had been holding it when I fell asleep, but it was here...why would it be here? I suddenly realised why Mrs Miller looked so concerned, to read the note it sounded almost like I had been abandoned here, by the look on Mrs Miller's face that was obviously what she thought and since I couldn't come up with a better reason I decided that this story was good enough.
I suddenly had an uneasy feeling in my stomach...the feeling that maybe this wasn't a dream, which was completely crazy because there is no way this was real.
I allowed the friendly couple to show me back to their inn, they told me they were more than happy to help, they had never been blessed with any children of their own so being able to help someone else's was a pleasure for them. What an odd way of looking at things?
Mrs Miller had a meal brought to me immediately, some kind of stew but I wasn't going to complain...even if the bowl and utensils didn't look sanitary. I shrugged to myself; they were all fine so I was probably safe. Again the thought crossed my mind that this dream was too real for comfort. I spent the evening in the pleasurable company of Mr and Mrs Miller before being showed to a small bedroom. I was disappointed that this unusual dream had not brought me my handsome Mr Darcy but I was glad to be going to bed, this meant I would wake up and everything would be normal again and I would be free to dream of Darcy, Edward and anyone else my mind chose another night.
It wasn't normal.
I almost screamed bloody murder when I woke up and found myself still in the small dark bedroom of the inn. It was still dark outside but there were noises from downstairs. People got up at this ungodly hour?
A short while later a knock on the door and then a creak told me that I was no longer alone. I recognised the woman from last night; she had served us our meal and taken the dishes after. She informed me that she was here to dress me.
If it weren't for the struggle I had had to removed my clothes myself last night I wouldn't have allowed her to but now I knew how many ties and button and layers I was dealing with I willingly accepted her help. I was however most unimpressed at having to use a chamber pot but had to none the less.
"Mr and Mrs Miller are downstairs, would you like me to take you?" she asked, when I was done.
"Please." I replied.
Breakfast was interesting; the couple informed me that if I had no other plans I would be welcome to stay with them as long as I was willing to earn my keep helping them run the inn. I told them I was very grateful and asked if I would be able to take a short walk about the town to decide. They agreed but cautioned me about being a young woman about the town by myself. It wasn't really the done thing I assumed but I wasn't exactly worried about my reputation, my clumsiness and accent would do that for me anyway.
I found myself wandering the town for a while; it was so different. I frowned and decided to head somewhere quieter. I headed back towards the woods where the Miller's had found me and allowed myself to panic.
What was I going to do? I was stuck here. I knew no one, I had no family...I wasn't even supposed to be born yet...actually I wasn't exactly sure when now is? What year was this? Then my mind drifted to something Edward had told me.
I remembered him talking to me about Romeo and Juliet; about what he would do...the Volturi was it? Where were they? They would be alive...they may just want to eat me but they would be alive.
Maybe my knowledge of them and the future would help me...maybe they could even believe me, spare me, send me back or change me...something... But the Volturi were in Italy, firstly how would I get there and secondly how would I know where to find them?
I decided to walk through the woods, a little deeper in so that no people passing on the footpath would think I was lost or crazy or anything else. I began talking to myself, as if that would make more sense than listening to it in my head. Nothing did. Then I saw something, a flash of something fast. I had only ever seen one thing that fast. Then it was gone.
Maybe I had imagined it; after all if there was a vampire here I would probably be dead right now. I decided to take my chances however small that if there was a vampire out there, they could help me find the Volturi.
"I know what you are!" I called out. Nothing. No movement; no sound. I sighed in frustration, I was losing my mind even in my dream...that was apparently not a dream. Then I felt a shiver up my spine, I was being watched. I still saw nothing, heard nothing...but something was there. "I know you're there, I know you can hear me and I know if you wanted to I'd be dead by now..." Still nothing. "Could you at least show your face? You're freaking me out."
"You know Miss, you have the most unusual manner of speech." A voice came in my ear. I gasped and spun around, I knew that voice. He was gone. No one was there. My mind really was playing tricks on me.
"Carlisle?" I called, barely a whisper but I knew if he really was there...he would hear me.
"You cannot see me, yet you know who I am and by my given name?" the voice came again. I suddenly feared that this Carlisle was possibly nothing like the Carlisle I knew, suddenly I was picturing a red-eyed Carlisle Cullen stalking out of the trees. I shook the image away.
"I know all about you." I replied, hoping to coax him out.
"And how might I ask do you know me, Miss..." Suddenly I was faced with Carlisle Cullen, golden hair, pale skin and to my relief golden eyes.
"Swan, Bella Swan." I told him. "and believe me, you wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"That may be so but since I cannot say that I entirely believe you; perhaps you should explain yourself Miss Swan." He suggested.
"Could I just ask one question first?" I asked him, he raised his eyebrow. "What year is it?"
"It is eighteen thirteen, what an unusual question." He observed.
"Eighteen thirteen?" I exclaimed, I had suspected it was somewhat close to that but hearing it made it seem so much more real. "That's almost two-hundred years..." I felt tears fill my eyes and blinked as much as I could to remove them.
"Miss Swan, I am afraid I really must insist that you elaborate; what is two hundred years exactly?" he asked.
"I've met you before, but not for nearly two hundred years." I told him. He clearly didn't look like he believed me. "I know...I know that you were born here in London, more than one hundred and fifty years ago. I know that you're not like others, you only feed off of animals...actually I'm slightly confused I thought you were with the Volturi right now?"
"I was, I came back to England for a few personal items and sentimental reasons I suppose before I journey on to the new world." He told me. "You must understand my position Miss Swan, what you are telling me is rather hard to believe."
"Yes, I know." I nodded. "I can tell you more if that helps...like while you were in Italy, there was a painting done with you in it wasn't there? I'm afraid I don't remember all the others names I was only told about them briefly."
"How do you know that?" he asked, stepping closer to me. His stance was dominant but not overly frightening, just enough to make me nervous.
"I told you, I meet you in two-hundred years time, I know you then, you have a whole coven with you, they all drink from animals not humans. I know you sparkle like diamonds in the sunlight...I know you tried to kill yourself when you became what you are." I told him. "I don't know what else to say to make you believe me. Please trust me, in the future you do, you even save my life. That's it! Look!" I held out my wrist for him to see.
"You were bitten? May I?" he reached out to touch my scar. "Definitely one of our kind, the scar is colder to the touch than the rest of your skin. You remained human, how is was that possible?"
"The venom was sucked out, it was actually your idea you know?"
"Remarkable..." He dropped my hand again and stepped back from me a little. "Forgive me, my control is not what I would like it to be."
"Stick with it, in two hundred years you are completely immune to the smell of human blood." I grinned. He gave me a curious look again.
"You know it is very inappropriate for you to be here alone." He told me, glancing around us.
"I know, but I don't come from here and I am still hoping to get back to my time. Besides give me twenty four hours to fall over and curse and my reputation will be firmly in the mud anyway." I shrugged.
"I am sorry that I cannot help you." He replied.
"Actually...I wasn't aware that it was you until you spoke. I just knew it was a vampire." I told him. "I was hoping to find out how to find the Volturi, if there's anyone that will know how to get me home it will probably be them."
"I think you Miss Swan are the most curious person I have ever met, I fear it will be very dangerous for your health." He smiled.
"I have heard that before." She grinned back. "So what would you advise is the best way for me to get there, as I imagine I won't find a car or subway any time soon?"
"The fastest route would be to head to the coast and travel across the water by boat, of course." He replied. "Pray what exactly is a subway or a car?"
"They are the forms of transport where I'm from. They won't be invented for a while yet so unless you plan on changing history to invent them yourself I'd probably better not explain them to you." I laughed.
"Well, Miss Swan since you seem intent on placing yourself in harm's way I have no choice but to accompany you safely to Volterra." He announced bowing slightly. "If you would forgive me for any offence I may cause, I might suggest that on the way we perhaps correct your speech and mannerisms somewhat to avoid drawing any unwanted attention to us."
"Oh Carlisle thank you!" I exclaimed, throwing my arms around his neck, he darted out of my arms in a heartbeat. "Sorry, I keep forgetting you don't know me. You just look the same to me."
"I apologise if I startled you, or offended you." He replied, stepping back towards me. "I am sure you will understand me when I say people do not normally touch me."
"Of course." I nodded. "So when do we leave?"
"First I have to attend to the business I was here for and as long as the weather remains the same we can depart this afternoon." He replied.
"Of course, we wouldn't want you sparkling and drawing attention to yourself." I grinned. Then I spotted the tears in his jacket. "You were just hunting?"
"Yes, how could you tell?" he asked, looking surprised.
"Your eyes are very light and your jacket's ripped." I shrugged. He offered me his arm and we walked back towards the footpath. "So who does everyone think you are now?"
"Miss Swan, may I advise as your first lesson that young ladies do not normally ask so many direct questions, it is considered unbecoming." He murmured.
"Sorry, I just didn't want to say something stupid." I replied, hoping that Carlisle didn't also think me unbecoming.
"I am simply Mr Cullen, another upper class gentleman passing through town." He said calmly.
"Most eligible bachelor in town I bet." I murmured to myself.
"I am fairly certain that is another thing that a lady wouldn't say." He told me quietly.
"You'd be surprised." I winked, thinking of the girls in Jane Austen's books that thought of not much more than finding a husband.
Carlisle showed me the house he was staying at, he left me to take tea with the servants bringing me some lunch as well while he took care of what he needed to. He even made a joke about how I needed the lunch more than he did.
By two o'clock Carlisle had returned and even had a small case packed ready.
We travelled from the town by carriage but stopped at a small village only an hour or so later. I had spent the past hour talking to Carlisle about his story, for his point of view. It was much more fascinating hearing it from him in person.
At the village Carlisle led us into the woods.
"You asked me the fastest way to travel." He said slowly. "We shall be running until we get to the coast. The carriage was a test of my control. I had to decide whether or not I would be able to carry you but I am fairly certain that having fed just this morning I should be fine."
"Oh..." I mouthed.
"Do you need anything to eat or drink before we go?" he asked me.
"No, thank you." I replied, still slightly unsure whether this was such a good idea. Carlisle in the future I would trust with my life, Carlisle in eighteen thirteen...admitted he didn't have that same control. I tried to tell myself it was the same Carlisle; he would never intentionally do something to hurt me so he must be certain that he can do this.
"Very well." He nodded, offering me his hand. He tugged me closer to him causing me to blush, the only time I had been this close to him I had been bleeding. My embarrassment grew when after checking the bag was secure on his back he lifted me effortlessly into his arms, clutching me against his chest as if I weighed no more than a tiny child. I wondered why he didn't carry me on his back like Edward had back...well forward in my time; but then I supposed it was even less ladylike. "Are you comfortable, Miss Swan?"
"I'm fine." I replied shyly.
"We should reach the coast by nightfall and be able to acquire you something to eat before boarding the boat, there will be room for you to rest there." He explained, glancing down at my still flushed face. "Please alert me if you need me to stop for any reason." I just nodded and then shut my face instinctively as the air began to rush past us.
I opened my eyes a few times during the run but since it mainly just made them water, and all I could see was a blur of greens and browns I decided it was safer to leave them shut. After a while my body became more comfortable with his movements as he sped as gracefully through the trees. I was glad that I had accepted his servants offer for using the facilities at his house even if it was only a chamber pot. I definitely did not like the idea of asking him to stop so that I could go to the toilet in the bushes.