Open Book

I walked up the stairs just as Jemina passed me in the hallway. She gave me one look and then said, "You should wear your hair down. It suits you more."

I shrugged. "Fine. I was going to, anyway. Or maybe a headband..."
I closed the door behind me and then looked at the closet. I knew for a fact Jemina was the one who arranged my closet. For all I know, that's what she and Alice were doing.

I opened it and sure enough, everything was in order.

I looked towards the balcony and then without thinking, I walked there. And that's when I saw.

It was his room. I forgot about that. I swiftly walked out of the balcony, closing the glass door and closing the drapes. I needed to get dressed. And fast.

I walked towards the walk-in closet and then grabbed everything I can get. If I didn't get dressed the way Jemina wanted, she can have a serious tantrum about it.

I laid everything out. I took a blue blouse. It was a nice color. A beautiful blue. It hung like a mini-dress. Around the waist was a lacy trim of a belt. Sometimes, Jemina knows just what I wanted. Or not.

I took a pair of jeans and then threw it on. I descended down the stairs, fast. I grabbed the beige trenchcoat in the closet under the stairs.

I noticed I was the only one down the stairs. Well, not including Keira and Wilfred.

"Where are they?" I demanded as I grabbed the glass wine that was filled with what looked like red wine. But I knew better than to think that. Even if we do have a diet for animals, it doesn't mean we always have that.

I took a swig as I waited for their response. I wiped my mouth with the napkin Keira gave me.

"Outside," she said. "Waiting for you. And your car is already there."
"Do I have to always drive?" I muttered as I took my bag--- with everything already there. I have to thank Alice and Jemina there. I put on my jacket as I walked outside.

Everyone was already inside the car. And I have to say, it was a nice car. Since I bought it. A black Mercedes.

I opened the driver's seat. "It's still early."
Conner shrugged. "I know. But it would be best if we can find a nice parking space."

"Okay then," I replied as I started the engine. The light purring was nice to my ears. I missed this car. I'm glad Wilfred already had it put here so we didn't have to ship it off or something.

I stepped on the gas and we were moving. I didn't need the map to know where I was going. Alice showed me enough last night.

There was a wide parking space. Only a few cars were there. Two to three. We were early, just as I said.

The few people that were there looked towards the car we were in.

"It looks like the Cullens have a pretty rich reputation here," Hazel murmured from the backseat. She held out her hand for me to see what she meant.

"I can't believe the Cullens have a new car..."

"Very nice, it seems like these Cullens need to..."

"Damn. I wish I have a couple of million dollars lying around..."

"Morons," I muttered as I parked at the far end of the parking space, making sure it's in the shady part, too.

I stopped the engine and then I looked at nothing.

Nothing. I don't think they're really breathing. It was a long moment.

"Well?" I finally asked. "Are you guys getting out or not?"

Slowly, Jemina opened her door. Eldridge, Conner and Hazel followed. I was the only one left. I took one look at myself in the mirror. The gold eyes are a tad bit annoying, but that's that. Unless I want contacts. Of course I knew that was going to be annoying, also.

I opened the driver's door and then got out.

I didn't know it was that long that we stayed silent in the car. Already students were parking their cars, gossiping and looking at us. Of course we'd appear peculiar. White skin, gold eyes. Although, I knew a few people they already saw with the same characteristics.

I looked at Jemina. She looked at me. And then she nodded. I knew this meant everything is clear.

And then Hazel held out her hand. It was twitching. And I knew that gesture. It meant she was hearing some things she didn't want to hear.

I took it gently and then heard the hundreds of thoughts flowing in her head right now.

"Cullens. You think they might be relatives?"

"Oh my god. Not this again! And that big one just gives me the creeps..."

"The Cullens are something. But this is another state of fact..."

"Do you think..."

I removed my hand. I heard enough. And frankly, it was the same thoughts she heard everytime we go to school. Especially High School.

I led them away from the staring eyes that are giving us different gestures of what they felt; scared or amazed. It was either the two or more.

The front desk wasn't hard to find. The sign clearly states that.

I opened the door and found a woman sitting in a desk, reading a novel. She didn't appear to hear us and Eldridge had to clear his throat loudly to draw her attention.

She looked at us and did a double take.

I smiled kindly, something I knew from experience. Always treat elders respect.

"Oh... you must be the, um... the Arquettes and Swan twins," she looked at us, blinking.

Of course we were a topic of gossip, no doubt about that. I wonder if I should have asked him about it...

And then I knew I had to speak. "Yes. We are. We came here for our schedules, please."

"Of course, of course," the woman said as she opened the drawer on her desk. She took out a few stacks of files and then looked at us again. "Names, please?"

"Jemina, Conner and Eldridge Arquette. Isabella and Hazel Swan," I recited, sounding bored by the minute.

She had to flip through the stacks of those papers, but soon enough, she got our schedules, a map and slips we had to let all of our teachers signed. By the end of the day, we had to go see her again. And also, her name was Ms. Cope.

When we got what she wanted, she gave as a slight smile and then told us 'good luck'. We nodded politely and then got out of the office. Fast.

"That seriously felt like deja vu," Jemina said as she looked at her schedules. Conner and Eldridge were already looking at theirs. Also, Hazel took just one glance at hers. I checked mine. It was all fairly basic then. My first class is English. Hazel has Spanish and Jemina got Biology. Lucky for Conner and Eldridge, they have five classes together.

"Well, see you guys," I said as I headed towards English. Suddenly, a boy with oil slick black hair looked at me and did a double take and then he smiled as he went towards me. Oh, no.

"Hey there. You must be one of the new student. I'm Eric," he said.

I nodded. "Bella Swan."

"Oh," he said. "What's your first class?"

"English."
"Oh, mine is History. We can walk together."
I shrugged. I didn't want to appear rude to this boy. He was actually brave enough to talk to me. I wonder what the others are doing so far.

As we walked, he kept talking and talking. I only had to catch a few of it, though I was making sure to seem like I was listening.

"So, what about you? You have brothers and sisters, too, right?" He finally stopped to look at me. Luckily, I saw the English door.
"Sorry, I have to go. Although, it was nice meeting you." I walked away before he can say anything else. I opened the door. No one was there. Good. It gave me time to think.

I approached the teacher's desk, gave him the slip and then he made me sit at the back. I didn't get a chance to catch the teacher's name. It looks like he and I are going to get along with the whole introductions thing.

The lesson was basic. I barely listened, so I just scribbled on my notebook and answered obediently when I was called. The question was easy, so yeah.

History came and flew by. So did one subject I forgot. I usually forgot about things like these when I didn't care. Lastly, before lunch anyway, it was Gym. My torturous year has started. From my point of view, I didn't like Gym. I'd rather take another subject. I wasn't much of a sporty person. Nor was Hazel. Only Eldridge seems to like it and so does Jemina. Conner usually manipulates people around him to get out of it.

I listened as carefully as I can. When the ball was passed to me, I swiftly dodged it and it bounced on a boy's head. He looked at the source of the ball and then looked at me.

Before I knew it, he was there.

"I'm seriously sorry," I apologized as soon as he was at my side. "I'm not really the greatest person on the court."

He smiled warmly. "That's okay. I'm Mike, by the way."

"Bella Swan."

A girl jogged slowly towards us, her curly hair in a ponytail. She had a sly smile on her lips and then she looked at Mike, but looked away quickly. The word crush came to my mind.

"She's got a great spike, doesn't she?" She joked.

I smiled and Mike chuckled.

"I'm Jessica, by the way," she continued.

"Bella," I repeated. This is becoming boring by the second.

"You're from Arizona, right?" She asked.

"Yes."
"Aren't people from Arizona, supposed to be like, really tan?" She pressed, keeping her sly smile.

I shrugged. "Maybe that's why they kicked me and my family out."

Mike laughed and then Jessica giggled in a fake tone. Snob.

"You're good," Mike said as he played with the basketball on his hand.

"That's soo funny," Jessica cooed in the same fake tone.

"Uhuh." I raised my eyebrows and then looked at the clock. Only, one, two, three.

The bell rang. I heaved a sigh of relief.

I nodded at both of them and then went towards the girl's locker rooms, changing into my normal clothes in a fast movement.

I took my bag and then walked towards the cafeteria. It was only half-full considering some of the students are still discussing their lessons.

I scanned the room.

Someone bumped into me and I looked around to see who it was. It was a girl with a pretty face and dark hair. She was carrying a camera, but her other stuff fell on the floor.

She flushed and then mumbled an apology. I helped her pick up her books and then gave it to her. She flushed again and said 'thank you.'

I shrugged and then continued to scan the room.

"Umm..."

I looked at the girl again. She was blushing, but she looked at me with a shy smile. She seemed genuinely afraid to talk to me.

"Yes?" I enouraged.

"Well, if you want... you can sit with me and my friends." She gestured towards a table where I saw Jessica, Mike and Eric.
"Uh, thanks... but no thanks. I'm waiting for my family."
She blushed again. "Oh. That's too bad. Sorry..."

I grabbed her hand. She didn't jerk it away, just cringed. I let go of it. I heard a brief state of her thoughts. She was embarrassed and seemed afraid to be talking to me. Embarrassed because she seemed intimidated by me and afraid because she still seemed intimidated by me.

"Well, I can. Until they're here, then."

She smiled. "That'll be great."

I smiled back. It was only a slight smile.

"I'm Angela," she offered her hand.

I shook it a little. I tried to tune out her thoughts. I didn't want her to be afraid. Not just yet.

She led me towards them, and they seemed surprise and ecstatic by her courage.

"Bella!" Mike and Eric said together.

"Uh, hi," I said awkwardly.

"Here," Jessica said as she pulled a chair for me to sit next to her.

I sat down slowly.

"So, Bella, how are you liking Forks so far?" Eric asked conversationally as he took a bite of his sandwich.

I didn't want to get into a full blown conversation on how I detested Forks. So I just said, "It's fine, I guess."

"What about your family---" But as Jessica was going to ask a question, she looked behind me.

I checked and then, sure enough, Jemina was there, a childlike smile playing on her lips. She beckoned towards the farthest table from this one. Where Hazel, Conner and Eldridge sat.

"If you like," she added.

I shrugged. "Okay then...."
I stood up and then looked at the amazed looks on the humans. "See you."

I walked with her towards the table. I sat down and then sighed. "Finally."

Eldridge chuckled. "Are you seriously bored this fast?"

"Yes," I groaned.

Jemina already got me a tray of food. An apple, a diet Coke and a few carrot sticks.

I looked at it. I detested human food. As much as Forks.

"Try to eat it," Hazel whispired as she bit an end of a carrot stick, swallowing it. She took a swig of Coke and then licked her lips. She was trying not to gag it out.

I laughed. "Seriously, Hazel. Just swallow it on a paper napkin if you can't stand it."

She glared at me. And then, surprisingly, she chuckled. "You have no idea how I would want that."

"So..." I picked up a carrot stick and then broke it into two. "Anything suspicious?"

Hazel shrugged. "Nothing. It's just the same things we always get. Want to hear it?" She offered her hand.

I took it and then felt the sensation again. So much thoughts flowing into my own mind again.

"Gorgeous... I wonder if she has a date to..."

"She has a twin, right? That Bella girl Eric was with..."

"Oh great, it was bad enough with the Cullens..."

"They seem weird..."

That's that. I understood enough.

"Why are we always compared with them?" Conner asked as he played with his food using his fingertips.

"Take a look," Eldridge said as he gestured towards the other table on the other side.

And I knew what he meant. I didn't have to look to know. What they look like to us, was what everyone thought of us.

Conner sighed. "Well, if you think you're bored, Isabella, think of what we feel right now."

I nodded. "Well, it's better than actually doing nothing. Are Keira and Wilfred...?"
Hazel shrugged. "Wilfred has a job in some law office somewhere in Seattle. And Keira is working as a part time doctor in Olympia."

"So, basically until they come home, we're all alone?" Eldridge asked thinking thoughtfully.

I knew what he meant. And Hazel knew from what Eldridge was thinking. So we both said at the same time, "Don't even think about it."

"What?" He said innocently. "I wasn't thinking of doing it."

"Yes you were.... we're not really that---"

"Okay, okay," Eldridge said. "I'm not throwing a party. But you have to admit, it's a nice way to let people know we're harmless."

"No," I hissed. "I'd rather they leave us alone."

He just shrugged, Hazel sighed, Jemina tried sipping her diet Coke and Conner looked at nothing.

I kicked his chair and he came to life.

"Sorry. I didn't know what I was seeing."

"Of course you didn't."

"Hey guys, why are we talking, anyway?" Jemina asked.

Eldridge chuckled lightly. "It's a bit of a habit now, isn't it?"

"Maybe," Jemina said. "It's the only human stupidity we have, anyway."

"Yeah, right," Hazel scoffed. She took the absurd looking bagel on her plate and then bit. There was no denying how she didn't like the taste. I handed her a napkin and she spat the bread on it.

"Thanks," she murmured. "Seriously, I didn't remember it tasting like that."

"You have to love what it does to you," Jemina said as he played with the bread on his plate with a fork.

The seconds ticked by and the silence lasted.

I watched the clock at the top of the doorway. The seconds were ticking slowly and slowly as I waited for it to end. Well, for me, anyway.

I groaned and then stood up.

"Where are you going?" Hazel asked suspiciously. "You're not going to skip, are you?"

"No. You know Keira will practically murder me. I'll just go in early." I took the rest of the food, stood up and then dumped it on the nearest trashcan. Wasted, as always.

"Hey Bella!" A familiar voice called.

I groaned. Damn, I want to be alone.

I smiled just in time as Mike caught up with me. He smiled back warmly. I kind of felt bad for him. I wanted to be friends, but he acts like a golden retriever. Literally.

"Hey Mike," I greeted as I took the pass from my bag.

"Your last class is Bio, right?"

"Yes. You suppose correctly."

"That's great. That's my last period too."

Nice, real nice. "Oh, that's nice, then. At least I know somebody. Who else is there?"
"Oh, Angela is there... and Edward Cullen, I guess. Are you related to them?" He asked sullenly. Like the Cullens were a bad subject for him. Well, he didn't have to open it in the first place.
I can guess some people just wanted to know that. "No, we're not. We're just family friends, that's all."

"Oh, well then. That's cool, I guess." He still sounded sullen. And I can also guess he wanted us to be related or something.

"Er, yeah, sure---" I was suddenly cut off. I heard footsteps getting near. Another damn.

I whirled around. "Edward. Err, hey."

"Bella," he nodded and then he looked at Mike. "And Mike."

"Hey, Edward," he muttered. He, then, smiled at me one last time. "See you in class."

I looked at him when Mike left. "He seemed really intimidated by you."

Edward grinned. "Yes. That's what Alice showed you, right? People are always intimidated by the Cullens. I see your clan are easy to get along."
I shrugged. "Runs in the family, I guess."

It was just a short walk. He opened the door for me and I thanked him appreciatively. He sat down at the far end of a table. Nobody occupied the seat next to him. I approched the teacher's desk and then he signed my slip. His name was Mr. Molina. Mr. Molina gave me my book and then seated me next to Edward, which was the only seat empty. Intimidated, he told me.

I sat down and then looked at the board. Class doesn't start until a few more minutes and already I'm bored out off my mind.

I played with the leaves of the book, pretending to be fascinated by it.

"Having fun, as I presume?" he murmured, a sly smile playing on his lips.

I groaned. "Save the eighteenth century slurr, please?"

He smiled. "I simply cannot."

I sitffled a laugh. "Well, it's simply abnormal to speak the language we were born in compared to the twenty-first century language. Or slang, as some people might desrcribe it."

Edward chuckled. "Ah, as it seems. Whichever language shall you presume in?"

"Whatever works," I said indiffirently. "I mean, it doesn't matter, right? People would know we're different. Why bother trying to hide the camouflage when people already think so? People here," I shook my head stiffling a hard laugh as I finished, "Gossip like there's no tomorrow."

He didn't say anything. He merely just looked at me, thinking hard.

I shot him an annoyed glance. "What?"
He shook his head, smiling, "Nothing. Although, the bell is going to ring soon."
I looked at the clock. He's right. Only two more minutes.

"Umm... so, since becuase of this conversation, I'm taking it we're friends now?" I asked, waiting for his reaction.

He laughed. "Well, friends. Friends should know a lot about each other, am I correct?"
"You've done your study. Yes, I'm pretty sure that's how humans interpret with each other."

"Shall we give it a try then?"

"Questionnaire much?"

He grinned. "Well, as much as I'd like to say ladies first, I'm afraid I'd like to go first."
"That's so unfair. Why can't I start?" I asked, aghast.

"Because I'm pretty sure you already know a little about me."
I looked at him. "Huh?"
And then he looked grave. "Do you remember your human years?"
"No. When Wilfred found me, I was already dead--- or so they thought. My life was almost gone. But he stole my body from the morgue and could have sworn my heart is still beating. And he was right. By then, I didn't remember much. It is like being... struck with amnesia. Wilfred just gave me quite a few details." I stared at the board again. I rarely talked about who I was before immortality.

"Ah," he said, comprehension flickered on his face. "I see, I see."
"Why?" Suspicion was flagging inside of me. "Do you know me from the past?"

He shrugged and then finally, the bell rang. Biology is about to start. The term, saved by the bell crossed my mind as I listened to the lecture that was boring me to bits.

Edward Cullen

Saved by the bell, I thought as I sighed in my chair. She had no idea on how much I knew about her past.

I clenched my fist under the table, not wanting to take her suspicions to a higher level.

It was simply intriguing. How could she now know who I was? Or how Wilfred, of all people, couldn't recognize me enough from the past?

I wasn't listening to the lesson. Particularly, it was quite boring on my terms. Bella, too, was having a hard time keeping a straoght face. Instead of just staring at Mr. Molina as he talked about flanaria, I lapsed into a deep thought. The past. My past, as a matter of fact. The clear animosity it gave me. It was not something I can endure. She did not know everything, but I did. I still remembered. What she didn't know is how she died. She was not sick, after all. She was murdered. Or so I thought. The cuts were deep enough. I was already a vampire when I met her. And she had the sweetest blood I have ever smelled. I was not a newborn. Nor was I a full-grown vampire just yet. If you count a two year old vampire. A runaway. Carlisle let me be when I was turned into one. And so I did. New York seemed like a nice place to be.

It was nighttime there and I was walking sullenly in the park. That's when I saw her. She was in clothing I knew came from a rich class of a family. She was sitting on the bench, weeping softly. I couldn't help myself, I had approached her when I wasn't even thinking straight. I clenched my fist. The converstion was something I should never had done.

"Who are you?" Isabella Swan had asked, her sad beautiful face turning to fright when she caught sight of me.

"My name is Edward Cullen, and shall I ask why the lady is out at night?" I had bowed to her, to show her I will not do any harm.

She shook her head. "The air seems so cool at this late hour. And why, shall I ask, is Mister Cullen here?" she smiled.

I had laughed and she was mesmerized, as I too was with the kind smile she gave me. "Ah, but the weather is fine today, Miss Swan."
She had looked taken aback. "H-how did you know who I am?"

I smiled. "With great pleasure, everyone knows who you are, Miss Isabella Swan."
"Umm, Bella. Please do call me Bella."
"I will if you agree to call me Edward."

She giggled. "Deal. Well, Edward, you struck me at a bad time, as a matter of fact."
"Why is that then?" I had asked. Curious indeed.

She sighed longingly. "I---I met this boy. And I thought he was very nice, yes? My parents approve of him and all... but, well, after a few weeks, I seem to have misjudged him. He... simply... does not want me for me. He just wanted the power. I... I broke it off. I did not want anymore. But--- he seemed vigilant. He is not devastated when I told him. He was furious. Furious, indeed. He--- he tried to hurt me." She coughed a sob and I had to pat her on the shoulder. Very gently, not wanting to make skin contact. But she had. She was very reckless. She might have forgotten that I was a stranger. A stranger that should not be here. Bella hugged me closer, burrying her face on my chest as she wept. And I had not done anything. I just brushed her hair with my fingers, quietly soothing her.

She shook her head angrily, and her deep chestnut curls moved with her. "This is so horrfying! I am so very sorry for throwing my grief at you. It is unlikely for me."

"Ah, Bella, that is alright. I am sorry for intruding on your behalf," I had apologized.

She smiled as a tear was glisttering on her cheek. I brushed it away.

"It is already late. My mother would be worried. What about you?" She looked at me.

I smiled. "I am just visiting here. Do not mind me."
"But you can come with me," she had suddenly said, her eyes glittering with excitement. Or was it tears? "I'm sure mother and father would not mind," she was still saying. "When they see you, that is." She gave me a shy smile.

I shook my head. "I am sorry, but I have to decline. It is all so very kind of you to consider, though. I must get back to my own home, then." I stood up and then I helped her to her feet. She did not seem to notice how cool my skin is against her warm skin.
"That is very sad," she said. She was unhappy, but she had tried to hide it.

I bowed again and then walked away from her. But she had caught my hand and I looked at her in confusion.
"Umm... Are you coming back tomorrow?" She asked hopefully. Too hopeful. I could not say no to a face like that.

I chuckled. "If you would like to, that is."

She had nodded, smiling up at me. "That would be wonderful!" And then she had unexpectedly, stood on her toes and kissed me on the cheek. She flushed and then walked away.

I stood frozen where I was, looking after her as her skirt fluttered in the breeze. That's when I had noticed I could not hear her thoughts.

I shook my head, coming back to the present. Mr. Molina was still discussing the lesson. Up until the bell rang, that is. I sprang to my feet and then had the urge to look at her. She looked rather bored. She lifted her eyes to meet mine and then she chuckled. "Well... that was an interesting lesson."

"Interesting," I echoed.

She seemed confuse by my tone. "Well, I don't really want to bother asking because I know what you will answer... but is everything okay?"

I shook my head. "Actually, no. I don't seem to feel very... like myself..."

She looked alarmed. "Oh, well... you should probably get going. I guess I will just see you later?"

I nodded, absentmindedly. I ran out as swiftly as I can. I walked towards the parking lot and I got inside my car. I revved the engine and then breathed heavily.

Alice was at my door in a flash, but I did not blink or move. She opened the passenger door and then got inside. She, too, looked alarm. "Is everything alright? Jemina told me that Bella told her that you said you don't seem like yourself."

I shook my head. "I need Carlisle. He knows what I am talking about."
She nodded, understanding. "Run, Edward. I'll drive."

"Thanks," I whispired. I opened the door and then slowly went towards the woods. And then I ran. I ran as fast as I can. The hospital was only a short distance. I opened the door and came to the nearest receptionist.

"Edward," she seemed delighted to see me. So did her thoughts. Melissa Cooper was no more than twenty-three years old. "I'll buzz in on Dr. Cullen."

I nodded. "Thank you."

After a minute, she called for me. "Edward, he's free to see you now."
I nodded and then walked towards Carlisle's office. I found him looking at an x-ray of his patient.

"Ah, Edward. Is there a problem?" He asked when I entered.

"Carlisle... do you remember when... you made me... I--- ran away from you for a couple of years?" I asked, thinking slowly.

He nodded as he looked at me. "Edward, are you all right?"

I shook my head. "No. I've been getting... flashbacks of it." I closed my eyes.

Carlisle looked at me in confusion. "Edward. I do not understand you. What are you saying?"

"I already know Isabell Swan before any of them did," I blurted out. Once I said it, I opened my eyes.

He looked at me, in widen disbelief. "Edward... does this mean she is the one...?"

"Yes. The picture Alice found was her. That's why Alice said she seemed familiar when she saw the future."

Carlisle paced slowly. "Ah... you should mention this... to Wilfred, at least. From what I know, she was murdered." He paused. "Was she?"

"Yes. She was," I was whispeing now. "But I don't think she should know this way. I mean, I think she is perfectly happy not knowing."

"Ah, Edward, it is still her past."

I shook my head. "I think I need to think this out for a second. Thank you, anyway, Carlisle."
He nodded. "Do the right thing, Edward."

I opened the door and then halfly ran out off the hospital. I needed to be somewhere quiet so I could think.

Meadow, my head was telling me.

And then it struck me. The meadow is somewhere quiet and nice. I can breathe heavenly there without being disrupted.

I ran as fast as I can. I stopped only when I was comfortable with the spot. I lay down amd enjoyed the sounds coming towards me.

And I came back to the past, the following night. I felt different, going in past form. I closed my eyes in content and thought back.

I found her waiting for me as she played with the strands of her curly brunette hair. She was wearing quite a nice dress; cream colored and had a lacy waist line. She was wearing a cape. The hood was on top of her head. She didn't seem to notice my presence.

I came prepared this time. I bought a bonquet of red roses just before the flower shop closed early in the night.

Bella turned around suddenly and she gave a delighted smile. She stood up and walked towards me. She hugged me tightly, like I was going away to some place. "Edward, you came! I thought you forgot, actually. And what are those?"
She spotted the roses and she blushed scarlet. "Are those for m-me?"

I nodded and bowed as I gave her the roses. "For the beautiful lady, I presume. And how could I forget our meeting place?"

She smiled shyly. She took her hood down and beckoned me to come with her to sit on the bench.

She looked up at the sky. "Ah. Isn't the moon beautiful tonight?"

"Why, yes it is," I agreed.

It was quiet then. She was playing with her skirt when I spotted something on her hand.

I took it and looked at it sharply. "What is this?"

"Umm... a-a... a scar," she murmured, trying to pry my fingers away from her hand. But I did not let go. I brushed my fingers across the bruise. It looked like hours old. There was still a little blood on the gap.

"Does anybody know about this?" I asked her gently.

She shook her head. "No. They will never understand. I-I-I can take care of myself, you know!"

"Bella, Bella. I can assure you I can take care of you much better than you, yourself, can. Now, what I want you to do after we say our good bye is to clean this out. Make sure you wrap it around a piece of cloth. Something sensitive should not be harmed." I kissed her bruised hand gently. "Now. You should be off to bed and taking care of that." I helped her on her feet again.

"But-but Edward... will I see you again tomorrow?" She asked.

I smiled crookedly at her. Her heart picked up speed. I chuckled. "Let us just wait and see, shall we? Good night, Bella." I kissed her on the forehead and then ran off.

The next evening was like that. She did not seem to think of any suspicions going on. Although, she did ask at one point on why he cannot come out in the day.

"That is something I must keep to myself, dear one."

No more questions. But as we seem to always see each other, I can see other bruises forming, not only on her arm, but on her foot, neck or face.

"Bella, is he still hurting you?" I asked.

She did not answer. She simply muttered something about how the moon shone brightly that night.

It came to my great frustration when I confronted her one evening. I have also found a cut on her forehead that seemed to happen just after she left.

"Isabella Swan, I am afraid you have to tell me what is happening, or else," I threatened. It sounded like I was only kidding, but I was not.

She wept softly as she burried her face, once again, on my chest. "He-he keeps hurting me. I have nothing to do. I cannot tell my parents. They-they'll kill me!" She sobbed softly. "They are the only one who can help and I am afraid to tell them. They even said we're engaged! And nobody, I mean nobody comes between something they say."

I soothed her once again, patting her on the head. This contact did not seem to bother me, for I have grown attached to her. Hurting her was like killing me.

"You have me," I offered softly.

She looked at me with those sad, childlike eyes. The brown eyes seemed to drown out everything else. I leaned in towards her and kissed her right on the mouth. She seemed surprise, although she did not stop it. She parted her lips and I could taste her warm breath on my mind. That's when I knew things have gone too far.

I pulled away and then took her hands out of the strangle hold on my neck. I did not let go.

"Bella, you should know I'm here. Always. You know that, right?"
She nodded and then I hugged her closely to my side.

The following night, I was expecting her seated on the bench again, but I found nothing. She was not there. I waited until the sun shone. The following night, I came back and still nothing. That was when I noticed a piece of paper in the trashcan and then I took it. It was a newspaper. The frontpage was all it took me. New York Heiress, Murdered By Her Own Fiancee. I dropped it and stared into nothing. I forgot everything. I did not want to do anything but return to Carlisle Cullen.

I suddenly opened my eyes when a warm touch made me stop my trance. I looked around and saw Bella leaned towards me, her hand was touching my arm.

She smiled apologetically. "Sorry. I thought you heard me come through."
I glared at her with cold eyes. "You should have said something, anyway. What are you doing here?"

If she was aghast by my rudeness, she hid it pretty well. "I wanted to know if you're alright, although it seems you are back to normal." Her tone gave her away then. It turned acidic and bitter. Not the same voice I remembered. When I looked into her eyes, I could not see the same girl I once was inlove with, but didn't realize it until she died. Or at least I thought s.

I sat up properly and she crossed her arms across her chest. Whenever I see her, I always seem to forget she was there, but she was always in my thoughts... her human self filling my mind. And her sent came back to me.

"Hello? Edward? Cullen? Are you even listening to me?" She snapped her fingers across from my eyes impatiently.

I shook my head. "Err---sorry. I'm just... glimpsing the past, I guess."

"I thought you could read minds?"
"Yes. I can."
"So then you can hear what I'm thinking?" She asked and then she fidgeted uncomfortably.

"No. Sadly... you are an exeption."

She sighed in relief. "Seriously? Well, that's something alright."

"You said you can shield, right?"
She nodded.

"Well then... that's the answer right there."

She thought for a second. And then she stood up. "I should probably go. Jemina made me swear I'm going to take her shopping in Seattle."

"Don't you have homework today?"
She raised her eyebrows. "Like, seriously, Edward, I already finished before I even came here."

"Ah."

She walked away then. And I can think clearly again.

After that wretched day... I could not bear to stay in New York. I only stopped to see how she seemed. Maybe then I was so preoccupied with my thoughts that I did not hear her heart breathing slowly and slowly... fading away. The doctors had been right about the wounds. They were deep enough to... actually kill her. Her eyes were closed and I could not see the warm brown eyes anymore. I could only touch her hand, kiss what I thought was a corpse's hand. Possibly, when I left, Wilfred must have stole her body. Which led to another newspaper frontpage I saw before I left. Body,Stolen. Police Have No New Leads.

I shook the thought out. When Esme joined Carlisle and me, it was no bother for me. Carlisle had deserve to find another company. A female. Soon after that, he found Rosalie. In Rochester. I turned bitter by then. Especially when I heard she was supposed to have been... well, the idea is dwelling. The most annoying thing by then is when I heard Carlisle think that she was perfect for me. As if I needed anymore remindance of her. Soon after Rosalie, she found Emmett almost mauled by a bear. They were perfect for each other. He was the only reason sometimes she doesn't turn bitter on me too. Maybe I should have been kinder to her on her first immortal day. And finally, Alice and Jasper came and the Cullens were bigger than ever. They were sometimes the only reason I do not think of her. But time to time, even they can remind me of her. It came to a close call when Alice found a picture I painted of her when she was still alive. The questions that she threw at me were unbearable. Who is she Edward? She seems pretty. Beautiful, in fact. Reminds me of a human form of Rosalie. Human... My God Edward! She's human? When? How? Where? Why?

Jasper, who picked up my annoyance quickly, got her to stop questioning me and then they left me alone. Alice was apologizing as Jasper took her hand and led her away from me.

If a dead heart can break, mine certainly would.

Even if I could not read her thoughts, her expressions gave her away. My "open book" is what I used to call her.

Used to, I thought sadly.

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Please do review! I would really appreciate it! Seriously.

Yours Truly,

NYX.