The Great Stand
A/N: Once again, I apoligize for not throwing the Cullens in in Chapter One. Enjoy.
I remember the thirst most clearly. It burned my throat. I felt wild, and out of control. I didn't stop to think as I ran, so fast I was a blur, down the dark street. I saw a man, I smelled him, and heard his even breathing, as he made his way outside to run a late night errand. His heartbeat filled my ears. I ran forth toward him. He did not have a chance to scream before my teeth sunk into his neck, draining him of his blood and his life. When there was nothing left of him, I dropped his light body in horror. How could I have done such a horrible thing? Panicking, I carried him back to the woods. I removed his jacket, and pulled it over my bloodstained front. I pulled the hood up over my light brown hair. His jacket was too big for me, partly because he was a heavyset man and I was bellow the average weight for my height. His jacket smelled of cigarettes. That was an oddly familiar scent, however I couldn't piece together why... I dug through his pockets until I found a half empty carton of cigarettes, and a lighter. I then found all the dry brush I could, and covered his body with it. I burned him to meer ashes, and then I spread the ashes throughout the wood. I fell to my knees, and put my head in my hand. The world was so clear, and I was so sharp and focused... I realized I would never be plain old Ana ever again.
Present day
I stood outside the high school I would attend. Ten years ago I never would have been able to handle this, but now...
I made my way through the throngs of kids around me, and I made my way to the office. People stared at me, which wasn't surprising. I understood now that I was supposed to be physically appealing to them. They were supposed to stare, gape, ogle; however you want to put it. I knocked, and smiled at the secretary. I ignored the venom that filled my mouth as I floated over to her desk.
"Hi, my name is Ana Cloutier, I'm new..."
"Oh, yes, welcome," the woman said, as she fumbled for my papers. She went on to explain everything, show me the best routes to me classes, and so forth.
"Thank you very much," I said gracefully, and I was headed out the door when the secretary, Mrs. Milder, called me back.
"We don't get many new students around here, and I'm very curious... are you, by any chance, related to the Cullens? The Cullen family, I mean?"
My brow furrowed. "I... I don't think so... I'd have to ask my mother on that one..."
"I'm very sorry, dear, I don't mean to pry, you just... resemble... some of our other students..."
"The Cullens?"
"Yes, and the Hale twins," She added, flustered, and embarassed.
"Well, I'll ask my mother after school..." I said politely, though I was very confused.
"Yes, yes, well enjoy your first day. Best of luck."
"Thank you..." I said, closing the door. I frowned, as I concentrated. What did Mrs. Milder mean?
I took a deep breath and decided to not let it bother me. My brown hair was pin straight, and shiny. I wore a sweater, jeans, and boots as I walked. Then someone caught my eye. She was beautiful. She had deep brown mahogany hair, and she wore designer clothing. Her skin, like mine, was exceedingly pale. She, like me, was exceedingly beautiful. She caught my eyes. Her's were topaz... which resembled mine. My eyes were a brilliant mix of crimson and topaz. I came to the conclusion that this was because of my abnormal (for vampires) diet. I had a steady balance of animal and human blood. It made me a bit more inconspicious. I quickly turned away from the girl, and continued on my path to my first class.
* * *
The bell sounded to end the day, and I made my way out of the classroom. The Cullens and Hales, I had discovered, were other students at Sequim High. Not to mention they were vampires, too. They stared at me, and whispered, like everyone else. Yet somehow I doubted they were talking about me because the found me attractive.
"Ana! Wait up!" A boy named Trevor, who had grown very attatched to me, it seemed, called.
"Yes?" I asked, turning towards him.
"Do you... need a ride home? I heard you talking to Claire about walking, and I..." He rubbed his head, and smiled sheepishly, "wondered if you wanted a ride home instead...? My brother can take you..."
"That's very sweet of you, Trevor," I said, my voice oozing with sincerity, "But I really could use the exercise."
"Okay... maybe some other time, then?"
"Maybe," I waved, and made my way to my locker. I had no need for my books now. I glanced up, and my gaze was met by Edward Cullen. A name I had heard whispered by a girl during lunch. He was handsome, I'd give her that, but beauty never defines a person. I closed my locker, and made my way to the office. After a brief exchange, I was on my way to the outdoors, and then I was heading home. When the school was out of sight, I began to jog, and when it was safe I practically flew home. I didn't know who they were, and I didn't much want to know. The only thing I did know was that they knew who I was. What would that lead to?