Chapter 2

I was surprised to discover that I had no problems seeing when I opened my eyes. I had expected fuzziness and disorientation, yet I experienced neither. My vision was sharp, perfect...too perfect. Everything around me seemed clear. I could hear more distinctly than I think i'd ever been able to hear before. The sounds interested me, so perfect. It was amazing. And my sense of smell...that too seemed to be better than usual. Wow, I must really have been out for a while. I feel like I've been reborn.

A young man, early 20's at the most, stood over me with concern in his eyes. He looked like some sort of doctor. He waited to speak, hesitant. Very alert..that's a good sign.

The man hadn't spoken, but I had heard him loud as day. Curious, I sat up. I was amazed at how easily I did so. I thought I would have still been weak.

"How do you feel?" The man asked me. His eyes are dark, he will need to feed soon...

"I feel...great, surprisingly. How long have you been here? May I inquire as to your name?"

"Oh, right. Sorry. I'm Carlisle, and I've been here with you for 3 days, and before that, I was treating you. You had the Spanish Influenza. I was beginning to worry that you weren't going to pull through." I'm amazed at how calm he is...how should I approach this?

"If you don't mind me asking, approach what?" I was pretty sure I was hearing Carlisle's thoughts. I was hoping that he wasn't about to inform me of my death. It had been too painful for me to not be alive right now.

"You heard that? Can you hear all of my thoughts?" Hmm...I never expected this...

"It would appear so. What didn't you expect?"

"I didn't realize you would be so...talented...when you awoke. Come with me, you must be thirsty. I'll explain everything in a moment. Can you promise me not to go anywhere?"

I saw Carlisle's mind though, and my own mind was already racing. Vampires? Could this be so? I was extremely alert and healthy when the pain stopped, as if I had never even had so much as a cold in my life, let alone the Spanish Influenza. However, I never thought that I wasn't human anymore. "How is this so?"

"Excuse me? How is what so?" What is he seeing? I wish I could hear his thoughts as he can hear mine...

"Vampires. How is it that we are vampires? This thirst you speak of, is that the burning in my throat?" The burn was becoming worse by the minute. I had to do something fast.

Oh, wow. He's taking this well. Yes, Edward, that is thirst. Typically, vampires drink human blood. I have found a way around this, found a way to make our kind less monstrous. I realize it is wrong of me to ask you to follow my diet, especially now, when you are so young! But I ask that you try, that you follow my lead in hunting. We will go outside, into the forest to hunt. Do not be afraid, for you will know what to do.

"Are you sure?" This was all so new to me, the thought of drinking blood was euphoric, and that scared me. I didn't know what to do, all I had to go on was what I could see of Carlisle's thoughts.

Yes, I'm sure. You will find that you are strong, stronger than you ever thought possible. Do not be alarmed. This is normal. Follow me, and be careful not to touch anything for now. You will see what I mean about yourself when we enter the forest. Come, I know you are thirsty.