This was an entry for Truly Anonymous Twilight Picture Prompt Contest. The contest is now over so I can post this under my name. And guess what? This fic won Third Place-Public Vote for the AU Category!

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Many many thanks to everyone who voted and my fab PTB betas who did a wonderful job!


Three hundred and sixty one. Sixty two. Sixty three. Sixty four.

I'm counting along with the ECG, sweetheart. It just keeps beeping slowly. There's no difference in you. Are you broken beyond redemption? You cannot be. Please don't be. I beg you. Please.

And why isn't there a smile on your beautiful face? You always smile. I noticed that about you, for the small time I was allowed to be near you.

I remember when we first met. You were so fucking adorable hiding behind your caramel hair; your shy eyes darting to me almost every second. You'd fallen from a tree and sprained your ankle. I remember your dad scolding you for being so naughty, for being the girl who climbed trees.

You were so distant that day. There was a permanent crevice in your forehead. I asked you why. You told me that you were engaged.

My heart cracked that moment; but I smiled, for you.

I convinced myself that it wouldn't work out. I didn't understand how it possibly could. You were only seventeen. I was…well, nearly three hundred. You were human. I was a demon. I wanted things that you couldn't comprehend.

Now, you're in my bed, in my house. Oh, the irony.

I'm so afraid for you right now. Can the venom heal your broken spine? Will it be enough for all the lost blood and bones?

I have so many questions, sweetie. Why did you jump? What made you? Who made you? Did someone push you? I will kill any imbecile who dared to lay a hand on you. Did I just threaten to...Damnit, baby. What have you made me? God knows I 've never threatened a human being before. But now, those notions, which have always been so abhorrent to me, seem to flow easily through my veins like blood.

I run my fingers through my hair; a nervous habit I picked up from Edward.

Edward. He's my son, my friend. Just wait, my dear Esme. You'll love him just like I do. Trust me.

A quiet sigh leaves me. It's been a while since he left. And then, I realize what I am doing and chuckle.

Only a couple of decades ago, medicine and the phenomenon of human interaction were the only things on my mind. Now, they are secondary to you and my son. Never thought I'd change. But I did, over and over. First when I bit Edward Masen on that dingy autumn day and then, now as I'm waiting for you, my love.

I can feel it creep on me, lovely. It's wondrous and frightening. I believe I have never felt so conflicted.

I wonder if you'll accept this change, accept me. I hate the thought of you leaving me after you realize what I've turned you into. But I'll let you go, sweetheart. I know that because you deserve better than a monster.

My whole mind is filled with thoughts, honey, holding more than I ever thought possible. It's fascinating. Disturbing.

I'm so confused, love.

Never, in my entire life, have I wished so much for vodka.