Pandemonium

Date: 12/14/2009

Alice's point of view

I woke up to the worried voices of my father and my twin brother, Alec. I laid there motionless; it would be nice to just remain like this, away from the real world, undisturbed. But, I knew the peace wouldn't last for very long. I could feel two pairs of intense eyes boring into the side of my head, waiting for me to regain consciousness. I could feel my brother's rough hand on mine, trembling with anxiety and my father's light footsteps against the linoleum floor.

"Alice?" I heard Alec whisper in a hushed voice, "Please wake up…"

My eyes opened, but they were blank and unseeing. I could see the bright white lights hanging above and the basic outlines of Alec's face. I heard Alec breathe out a sigh of relief, and squeezed my hand even tighter than before, his knuckles turning white from strain.

"Al?" I choked out "What happened?"

"I found you sprawled across the floor unconscious. I was so scared. I thought you were- Oh god…" He stopped in mid sentence, covering his mouth, realizing his mistake.

"I'm fine" I lied, unwilling to accept the truth. Alec looked hesitant, his pale blue eyes meeting mine. "No, really…" I smiled briefly, despite myself. It hurts to see Alec worried.

"Alice, the doctor scheduled a few tests for you, so you'll have to stay tonight. I'm sorry about all this."

"Oh…" I said, trying to hide my sudden anger, which was showing visibly on my elfish face. So, this is how I spend the first day of my long awaited summer vacation? I glared at my hands, which were clenching onto the white sheets so tightly, they'd rip to shreds.

"I could stay if you want, Alice." Alec offered sincerely.

"No, it's okay… Don't worry, I'll be better in no time, you'll see." My voice sounded shaky with hints of hysteria. I hope Alec hasn't picked that up. He was always so sharp about things.

"We'll check up on you tomorrow, honey." My father said with a pained expression, running a hand through his tousled hair. His gaze looked far, searching the past as if I reminded of him something that was better off sealed away.

"Be safe, okay?" Alec murmured. "You'll be alright soon…" He sounded like he was reassuring himself, trying to be as convincing as possible. He didn't want to leave yet, his face was broken, terrified. I could hear him breathing like some stricken creature, but he grabbed discipline from somewhere, and pulled himself together. He stood up, tall and straight and marched out with father, his long fingers still lingering on the doorway. Before he disappeared into the dark halls, his low sobs echoing off the walls.

I let out a sigh, as I rubbed my temples, trying to calm myself. The absolute worst thing was that I hurt myself even more. I was already in a pretty severe condition, better not risk it. I have no idea how I'll get out of this one… It could be the end of me. I wanted to cry so desperately, but my tears just wouldn't come out. My head spun, I thought of all the good things that seemed to fade into black.

I couldn't remember the last time Alec had looked so shattered. He was the very last person I would expect this from. He was always so together, tough and impenetrable. There was just so much going on at once, that I couldn't wrap my mind around it. I feel exhausted, and my stomach hurts even more than before. There was like a tiny inhabitant inside that was trying to gnaw me open, and was moving further with each bite. I buried my face in my hands, when will things ever return to normal? I wonder what'll happen to me… There were a million different things that I would have to give up on, my family, my dreams and my dying hopes of finding my soul mate. It's all gone.

Jasper's point of view

I was thirsty. My throat was aching and dry, each step took great difficulty. I walked down the empty corridors, my patience running thin. Where was Carlisle?! It's been hours upon hours since I arrived. I needed to hunt immediately, before I lose all self control and become the monster that I hated most. I leaned against a nearby door, resting my head on the hard, wooden surface. Trying to stay calm and reasonable about things, no, I can't destroy what Carlisle built for all of us, no. Just don't think about it, the hunger will fade away soon enough. Closing my eyes, I inhaled a large helping of air, before a scent so alluring swept past my senses. It smelled floral, like lavender, freesia and orange blossoms. I was completely captivated, I wasn't aware of anything else that was occurring. It was tempting me, draining all of my powers.

I didn't know what had come over me, but I wasn't thinking properly at that moment. I entered the room inconspicuously, hidden in the shadows. I was desperately searching for that delectable scent that seemed to radiate from this very room. Then, I saw her, lying on the bed with her spiky black hair surrounding her delicate face like a halo. She was small and thin in extreme, as if she would break like a porcelain doll. My feet were moving on their own, not obeying my commands. I approached her silently, not daring to make a single noise that might wake her from such a peaceful slumber. I knelt down beside her sleeping form, my head leaning against the metal railings. She looked so innocent, almost like a new born child.

How could I ever hurt her?

I reached forward, to touch her neck, using gentle fingers, running lightly over the smooth skin. I moved on to her face, tracing her features one by one. My touch followed the arch of her eyebrow, and trailed down her cheek, sketching the outline of her jaw. There of a feeling of love and longing, something I have never felt before. I kept my composure throughout, but the wall I built to contain myself slowly broke down. I just felt cold hunger. Nothing was strong enough to tear me away. I bent forward and planted my lips at the crook of her neck, where the visible blue veins were throbbing from underneath the translucent skin.

If I weren't a killer, I would have treasured her. I would have cared for her with all my heart.

My fangs emerged. They were long and sharp, clearly the teeth of an animal. I apologized to her quietly, knowing that she wouldn't ever forgive me. She was dying and I was taking full advantage of that. I was seconds away to fulfilling my every desire, but I couldn't help but feel guilty and disturbed.

Just then, everything changed. Her eyes snapped open, and she was staring at me with a look of pure hatred.