I don't own anything, too bad. Huge thank you to my betas: Pastiche. Lethe and Kimmydonn. I'd be lost without them.
I hope you are still with me. The contest is over...I didn't win anything :(
The first chapter is reposted because there were a few minor mistakes. Enjoy!
PS: THANK YOU guys for reading, reviewing, putting my story on alert and favorite. I hope you are will stick around.
Chapter 2: The truth
BPOV
I stood outside their living room window with my teeth clenched and glared inside. This wasn't happening. What if they gave him more ideas?
I watched as Elizabeth, Edward's mother, served everyone dinner. They had guests. I had smelled that stench only once in my life and it made all my hair stand up. How was this possible? They looked like humans. They had another two families over.
I was so focused on the old man that I failed to hear the front door opening. It was too late. I heard a gasp and felt eyes on me. There was a girl with jet-black hair, looking at me, startled. I tired not to step into the light of the porch or she'd see my eyes. I moved back slowly and her black eyes kept looking to where I had stood a second ago. She sighed and looked up.
The door opened again and Edward stepped out. He wasn't even dressed for the winter! His thin shirt couldn't keep the coldness away.
"What was that?" Edward asked, sticking his hands in pockets.
"That was Billy talking in his own language with Dad," she shrugged. "It's coming. It's closer. There are more," she mocked her Dad's friend.
"What is he talking about?"
"I have no idea. They have been at it for a few weeks. Jake may know," she told him. "I think. I mean, he lives there."
"Doesn't your Dad talk about that home?"
"Umm no. It's top secret or something like that."
"Oh."
They stood quiet for a minute before I saw him shivering.
"I was over at Jake's a few days ago… and we heard them," the girl said quietly.
"Yeah?" Edward sounded hopeful. I was frozen on my spot, praying she wouldn't tell him anything bad. "Leah?" Edward asked, going closer to her. I felt a surge of anger rip through my body as he touched her shoulder. What was that? Why was I so angry?
"We heard something about the cold ones," she whispered, glancing toward the spot I had been when she first saw me. "It's the Quileute's myth."
I heard Edward take a sharp breath in. Did he know that? Those creatures couldn't keep the stories to themselves! "I… you mean… are you talking about vampires?" he asked quietly. The last word was almost muted.
She glanced at him in surprise then looked at the spot again. "What do you know about them?"
He scratching his head and looked away. "I read-"
"Get inside now! Before you get pneumonia!" Edward's mother said sharply from the doorway.
No! I groaned internally. He knew what the cold ones meant. Was that possible?
I couldn't leave until I saw everyone going to their houses and to my surprise, Leah's father walked into the woods, toward me. I backed away and hissed lowly.
He watched me carefully and I saw his eyes widening. "You're not one of them!"
"Sorry?" I asked confused, keeping a good distance between us.
"The Cullens, I thought… I heard they were coming back."
"Who…? I don't know anyone named Cullen," I explained.
"Are you a nomad?" This guy knew more than he should, but I'd heard of the Quileute legend.
"Um… no."
"I'm letting you know there is a treaty here. I will send someone to you to explain more. Where do you live?"
I looked panicked at Edward's house. Did he want me to leave? I couldn't. "I won't…" hurt anyone. I couldn't say it because it was a big fat lie.
"No one will harm you. I promise."
"I will meet one of your people, but not at my house."
He smiled ruefully. "What about here? This spot?"
"Perfect. When?" I asked. I was a thousand times calmer when I could hear Edward's heart.
"Half an hour. Everyone will be furious when they hear this. And we thought they were back!" he snorted and looked at me disgusted. He turned on his heels and left. Holy… crow! Was he really going to send a wolf monster after me? I had seen only once, and didn't know how to make my feet run faster. Would he send just one? I wasn't sure if a vampire could have a panic attack, but I was surely having one.
I moved a few feet closer to Edward's house and watched him move around his room. Would they make me go away? I couldn't do that. After our talk earlier this week, I was sure that I was addicted to his presence. I had found myself in front of his house every night since the talk. Feeding didn't matter, I just wanted to see him, to hear his heart, to smell his intoxicating scent.
A throat clearing from behind me made me jump, startled. I was going mad, surely. I should have heard and smelled that stench. He was here faster than I expected him. I recognized him as one of the guests.
"Hi," I greeted, taking a defensive stance.
"I'm here to talk only." He watched me frowning for a few minutes. "There was a treaty made with some of your kind. Decades ago," he told me.
"Okay, I got that."
"The treaty line starts at the river and ends at the shoreline." I tried to remember if I ever crossed it. "You don't hunt on our land and we'll leave you alone."
I nodded. "Okay, I understand."
"Good. I'll help you to remember if you happen to forget."
"There will be no need," I assured him.
"By the way, if you bite –not kill– we'll know."
"Okay," I said in a smaller voice. It was a good thing I'd never bitten, huh?
He nodded gravely and left. I exhaled a sigh of relief and glanced up to Edward's room. The light was off. I didn't want to risk anything so I went back to my house.
In my one hundred and three years, I had never felt alone. For the first time in my existence, I wanted someone next to me, and I knew exactly whom I wanted. He was untouchable. I feared to let myself feel more for the human, he should have been nothing more than food. An appetizing dish that you cherish and keep coming to when you desire something divine.
I stayed locked in my house reading, trying to keep his haunting green gaze away from me. His smell swirled in my head and I found myself at my front door, multiple times, ready to just go and see him. I was scared of the first day of school and I knew that I should feed before it came. I tried Port Angeles, for a change, but immediately realized I couldn't even think about drinking from someone else. The same old problem. Aware of the treaty and the threat from the werewolf, I jumped in Edward's room on the night before the second semester started. He was sprawled on his back, the blanket kicked to the foot of the bed as he snored softly. I knelt next to his bed and caressed his wrist, wishing there was another way. Was there another way? I had to feed and no other blood held my interest. I ran my nail over his fragile skin and closed my mouth around the wound. He moaned quietly and relaxed. The sweet ambrosia clouded my senses again, and again the battle to stop started.
"Bella." I wrenched my mouth away and watched him terrified. Did I have an explanation? I licked the wound to close it, quickly, and watched his face anxiously. His eyes were closed, his long black lashes rested against his pink cheeks, his mouth was slightly parted and his breathing was labored. He was asleep.
His wrist moved in my hand and his fingers squeezed mine. "Bella," he repeated in the same soft voice. I breathed a sigh of relief before I let the truth settle around us.
Edward was still asleep, dreaming of me, saying my name. What had I done? I couldn't let him get attached to me, although I wanted that more than anything I ever wanted. I could almost see us in my little house, talking, sitting on the couch; I dared to imagine more… having some sort of normal relationship with him.
"Beautiful." His soft voice brought me back to his room. I had only two solutions. To leave, which seemed unbearable since I couldn't forget him nor feed from another. Or, to tell him the truth and ruin what my kind kept a secret for chiliads.
I kissed the wounded wrist and let myself out of his room. I stayed in the yard until they all rose and started moving around. When Edward appeared in the kitchen, he was extremely pale and I heard his mother worrying about him.
Option number two was the normal one, but what would he think of me? I had taken from him without asking, I had weakened him so much.
When I parked in the school's lot, he was waiting for me again. I was determined to explain myself, aware of much powerful vampires out there that could hurt us both.
"Good morning!" he said warmly, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Good morning," I answered and stopped next to him. "Did you have a nice break?"
"It was nice. What about yours?"
"Lonely." Damn this boy! Where were my lying skills?
"Didn't your guardian visit?" he asked concerned, starting to walk toward the school's entrance.
"He was engaged in other activities, unfortunately." I wanted to say more, to ask more but I didn't want to sound too eager.
"Could you stay with me for lunch, again? We never finished our conversation." Edward looked down at me when I didn't answer.
"Yes, of course. Same table," I told him.
He grinned and waved his farewell, for now. I was the perfect student in the teachers' eyes, and they kept complimenting me for finishing my homework. Some were truly happy as they said it, others had pity in their voices. I had better things to do than homework, but it took little time so I had that many more precious moment to spend thinking about my human.
At lunch, I bought only a bottle of water, having a feeling that Edward would need it. He wasn't there yet when I arrived, so I took my seat and waited patiently. Not ten minutes later, he appeared in the cafeteria's doors. His eyes found me, and he apologized to one of his friends as he made his way to me.
"You're here," he exclaimed and slumped on the other seat.
"Yes," I answered with equal giddiness. "You shouldn't have abandoned your friend." I looked at Tyler and saw him looking somewhat enviously at Edward.
"He's n-not my fri-friend," he stammered, blushing lightly.
I shrugged and kept an eye on the other boy. He was talking with a group of his friends, probably, telling them to look at Edward. I realized that Edward was aware of the sudden attention, and his cheeks turned an unhealthy shade of red.
"Let them talk." I dismissed the situation.
"You aren't upset about this?" he asked concerned.
"No, why would I be? They can talk or think what they please."
"Umm I was wondering if… maybe… if you don't mind…" He stopped talking and ran a hand through his messy hair.
"Yes?" I prompted him, curious about his question.
"Could we… would you like… to go out with me?" The last part was a babble of words that I barely caught. I was frozen for the better part of the next minute. Edward watched me anxiously, his heart thumping wildly.
"All right," I acquiesced. I had decided to go with it, whatever happened.
"You don't have to. I mean… Wait! You will?" he asked surprised.
I giggled and nodded. The light that appeared in his green eyes, the smile that formed on his lips made a picture I wanted to frame and hang above the mantelpiece.
"You look tired," I noted. He had dark circles under his eyes, and he was paler than usual.
"Umm well… you should kno-" he stopped talking and shook his head. "Will tonight do?"
"Tonight?" I echoed his weird twist from the subject.
"A da... a meetin… a date. I have something to tell you." He was so serious as if he was about to tell me his darkest secret.
"Yeah, me too. Tonight," I agreed.
He smiled a knowing smile and opened his lunch, taking a sandwich out.
"No muffins today?" I asked amazed. He blushed and looked away. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, but you always seem to have a few of those."
"I have some, but my Mom thought I needed food of more consistency. Have you changed your mind about the muffins?"
"Eh, no, I still don't like them very much," I answered. "Maybe your Mom is right – you don't look very good today."
His eyes met mine, and in that second, I could tell that he knew something. I averted my eyes and found the bottle of water. I pushed it toward him. "You need fluids."
"You think?" he asked sarcastically. Then the beautiful blush appeared again. He busied himself by biting the sandwich.
Had the werewolves told him something? Were they so careless about our nature? He could have figured something out on his own – he was very smart. The books, his friends and… I was sure I had my slips. No one was perfect. Tonight was going to be the night.
"Bella, I'm sorry," he whispered, and before I could put my hand on my lap, he grasped it tightly in his. His eyes were on mine, wide and excited? Fearful? I wasn't sure what to read there. The softest gasp escaped his lips and his thumb moved over my knuckles. "I was rude."
"It's okay," I assured him and tried to extricate my hand from his. "Could I have my hand back?"
"I don't think so." There was mischief in his eyes. After a fleeting glance around the cafeteria, he released my hand, and I folded them on my lap feeling tingles over my palm where his hand had been. "Tonight." It was an unspoken promise in his voice.
"Where would you like us to meet?" I asked in a whisper.
"Do you want me to… pick you up?"
"NO!" I shouted. I was sure I would have been beet red if I were human. "Umm no, Edward. I'll…ehh…meet you wherever you want." Edward watched me amused for a second, offering me no alternatives. "Would you mind meeting me at the dirt road that gets in the forest?" I asked, unable to tear my gaze from his.
"Perfect. I will be there around five. Would you rather it were later?"
"Five is splendid."
"Five it shall be," he said courteously. The bell rang before I could read anything into that. "Would you allow me to escort you to our class?" he asked playfully.
This was a new side of him, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it. He was very amusing when he tried to speak like a true gentleman, like men would have spoken in my human lifetime. That thought nearly stopped me mid-step. I glanced at him, trying to read into what he had said, but I couldn't see it on his face. Was he doing this because he knew what I was?
He moved his chair closer to me in Biology and talked nonstop. The teacher even had to chide him a few times.
"Edward, be quiet," I hissed, cutting him middle of question. "Tonight."
He scowled a little but remained quiet. At the end of the class, he fell in step with me. "Where was I?"
"Favorite flower," I said quietly, rolling my eyes.
"Yes, so?" he asked eagerly.
"White and red flowers."
He glanced at me surprised but never stopped walking. "You won't give me names." It was a statement so I didn't answer him. "Would it be too soon to bring you flowers tonight?"
"Edward, can we not talk about this here? People can hear."
"So? It's not like we're committing incest or who knows what other trouble."
That you know of, I nearly said aloud. I was older than his grandparents.
"Oh be silent," I said dismissively as we entered the Gym.
"Umm." I turned at his noncommittal noise and saw his eyes calculating as he watched me. "You have… an interesting way with words," he murmured.
Oh crap! I had to be careful. With my words, too. It wasn't enough that I had to be careful no to jump and suck him dry, but I had to be careful with what I told him.
We were playing volleyball, and I tried to stay on the other side of the net. Edward made sure I stood next to him so he could talk more. He could be stubborn when he wanted something. The adrenaline of playing made his blood more potent, and I kept swallowing mouthfuls of venom as I gave him one-worded answers. Every time I asked 'You?' or 'What about you?', he dodged the answer and gave me another question.
"What about sports, since we're here?" Edward asked as I hit the ball.
"I'm not a great fan of them."
"I prefer basketball and baseball."
"Oh you decided to share?" I teased, turning to him. His ears pinked and he shrugged one shoulder.
"Well… eh, I thought…"
"What team?" I asked, eager to be the one asking the questions.
"The Mariners for baseball. They're Dad's favorite and I like them too. As for basketball… that's tough," he muttered and glanced at me.
"How come?"
"Well I like Michael Jordan so much that I have a soft spot for the Bulls, but if I am watching any other basketball team, I'd cheer on the Lakers."
I giggled, unable to keep the sound inside me. He narrowed his eyes at me. I shook my head, trying to get a hold on my giggling fit. "You have a soft spot for bulls," I managed to spit out.
"Yes, I told you th…" he stopped talking and let out a loud laugh. "Ah of course, you'd think of the bovine."
That made me laugh even more, attracting attention. I saw Tyler giving Edward the stink eye. He was unaware of the glare he received, busy regaining his composure.
I saw the ball before anyone else could see it. Tyler threw it with all his might at Edward, who was still unaware of his surroundings.
I couldn't let that happen. First, he would be hurt, and second, I didn't need his blood spilled. The monster nodded in agreement, but she had other reasons. She didn't want her food wasted.
"Edward, move," I hissed. He looked at me surprised. I could see that Tyler wasn't the only one looking at the ball that was zooming at Edward's head, a few others did too. Before anyone could understand what happened, I hit the ball in the other direction and moved Edward from his previous spot.
I couldn't be in the room after that – the adrenaline, the blood pumping through everyone's veins made my head swirl. I rushed out, not caring about the consequences. Who would they tell? Would I get detention? I'd do it without blinking.
I sped home and wondered if it was a wise idea to meet Edward in the evening. He would be even more suspicious.
At two minutes to five, I decided to go. I ran through the forest and saw his car at the edge of the dirt road. He was inside, messing his hair and tapping his foot nervously on the floor. I rapped on the passenger's window and he started. He jumped out of the car and came to me, looking scared.
"Um, hey," he whispered in a trembling voice.
"Hi." He was terrified. Maybe that was for the best.
"Uh… about Gym…"
"Are you okay?" I asked, scanning him.
"Yes, yes. I was wondering…"
"I am fine," I said, cutting him off.
"Of course you are!" he exclaimed then his cheeks turned pink. "Umm can we not go anywhere?"
I froze and felt my heart sinking. I should have expected that. He had probably told his family to pack and move far away from here.
"Oh, okay."
His eyes lit up. I didn't understand him anymore. "Can we go to your place? Please? We really need to talk. Uninterrupted."
"Edward…"
"Bella, I know some things… I have a theory – I don't want to talk about this here."
"Why don't you park here, just behind those trees?" I asked. "I don't want you to wreck your car."
He hesitated for a second then did as I told him. I joined him at the front of his car and led him to my house. I hadn't thought him this clumsy, but he nearly managed to give me heart attack – quite hard to do since my heart wasn't beating any longer. I knew from the second he stepped foot in my house, there would be no going back. He seemed to realize it too and stood just before the threshold for a moment, looking inside the single room house.
Edward took a big breath and stepped through the doorway, closing his eyes. I hadn't moved from my position near the door, which placed him just inches from me. He looked down at me and gave half a smile. I was wondering if it was wise to close the door when his warm hand cupped mine that was hovering on the door handle.
"It's okay, you can close it." His voice was honey soft and I could hear some false bravado under his cool demeanor.
"You can go back, I'll understand."
"No, I want to talk to you. Close the door."
He walked past me, into the house, and I closed the door. When I turned around, Edward was on the couch, looking as comfortable as if he had stayed there all his life. I sat next to him, but left a good gap between us.
"About earlier-"
"I know about you," he cut me off. His penetrating green gaze left me speechless.
"Sorry?" I managed to ask after a few quiet minutes.
"I know what you are." His cheeks turned red and his eyes focused on the carpet.
I didn't expect this very conversation so soon. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm not scared so don't play coy, Bella. I know you are… you aren't… you… you know?"
I pressed my lips together, wondering if we were thinking the same word. Human. He took a deep breath and met my eyes. His short intake of breath made me realize one huge mistake on my part. I had not put new contacts in my haste. Crap.
I closed my eyes and willed the red to disappear, or something to happen. To make him forget what he saw.
"Is it really true?" he asked softly. I felt his scent engulfing me as he moved closer, his heart beating erratically.
"Yes." My answer seemed to ricochet around the room. I was afraid to open my eyes, I could still feel him close, but what if he left? "How did you figure it out?"
"I won't tell a soul!" he vowed and took my hand letting a small electrical current zap through me. "Bella, have you forgotten my favorite books?"
"No one has ever… Aren't you scared?" I asked in a small voice.
"Why should I be scared?" he asked confused. That made me open my eyes and gape at him. Because I frequently drink from you and a part of you knows that.
I didn't answer verbally just shook my head in disbelief.
"Everything seemed to fit. You know? The skin, your words, your gestures, you don't eat… and now…"
"Yes," I said stopping his rambling. He had every right to be nervous. "Do you really understand this? What I am? Why aren't you running the other way?"
"Because Bella, I've read somewhere th-"
I jumped on my feet effectively stopping him and sending his heart in overdrive.
I rounded on him. "What did you read?" I thundered. "As far as anyone knows that is all fiction!"
"Yes, but it's not," he answered promptly and calmly.
"Edward… I am dangerous."
"I know you won't hurt me."
I snorted at his innocence and his eyes grew twice their normal size. "So it's true!" he shouted. I opened my mouth, but before I could say anything, he rushed on. "Let me talk, please." I waved my hand to him impatiently. "I read somewhere that if a human is bitten he is bonded to the…" His eyes met mine and he took a shuddering breath. Yes, say the word that we have been dancing around. "Vampire."
"I think that's a lie."
"You aren't su-" He stopped talking. "You… did you… have you really…"
"What?" I was afraid of this question.
"Did you bite me?"
I didn't move, not wanting to betray anything. His heart was flying as he watched me with true terror on his face. Had he expected me to deny his words? Had he expected me to act like a vampire or pretend I wasn't one? Was he that foolish?
"When?" he asked softly, his voice trembling.
I still didn't move nor answer him. I wasn't even breathing, afraid to hurt him somehow. Edward frowned and rose. "When? How long do I have?"
It was my turn to frown. "What are you talking about?"
"You know what," he snapped. "You bit me. I will be like you."
I suppressed a smile. Thankfully, that part was wrong. "I haven't answered yet."
"You didn't have to. Your silence spoke volumes." He fell back on the couch. "But I feel fine. I mean, I'm a little drained. Now I know why. When, Bella?"
I knelt in front of him and gazed at him concerned. "Do you feel unwell?"
"Do you even care?"
"Always. What can I do?"
"Some water would be nice, but you surely don't have," he muttered. "I have a bottle in my car."
I didn't wait for him to finish, I was out of the door running to his car before he realized what happened. My brain was working a hundred miles per second. What should I do? Was this the right choice after all? Right now, he was really scared. I grabbed the bottle of water and ran back. He was in the same position I had left him. I had probably been gone for a minute.
"Here, drink." I offered him the bottle and he looked up startled. He blinked a few times then uncapped the bottle and took a few swigs.
"That was fast," he said appreciatively.
"Umm can I talk now?" I wondered.
"I am counting on that. You know, I really want to hear this. There's no bite on me, yet you say you did it."
"Edward, I didn't answer your question. You jumped to that conclusion."
"So you didn't… umm… drink-" He shuddered.
I sighed heavily and sat at his feet. "I did," I answered softly. "I am sorry, although I shouldn't be since that's what I'm supposed to do. But there's something different about you."
"Who else? Did you… my Mom? Dad?" Edward asked in panicked voice.
"Only you." He raised his eyebrow at me. "The books are right and wrong at the same time. As are all your sources, at that," I added.
"Why? Are you denying it?"
"No, but before I divulge anything, I'd like to know how you feel about this. Be honest. Are you afraid?"
He gazed down at me and bit his lower lip. "I should be, shouldn't I?"
"You should."
"I'm not, though. I find you fascinating. Partly because you are my every dream come true… and partly because – maybe it's the thrill of it. I'm not sure, but I like being around you. More so since I realized what you are."
I watched him astonished. He had no sense of self-preservation! "Do I have your word that no one will know of me?"
"I swear that."
"Well then I shall start a very boring story and pray it won't frighten you."
"I told you that you're fascinating. You can't drive me away, Bella," he said petulantly.
"I'll sum it up," I promised and my hand found his. He squeezed it but I barely felt the pressure. "I woke up alone to this world. Someone very cruel did this to me. I met different nomads that explained the rules and how to hide… I have done everything on my own. There was one big thing I hated about this, besides the monster I had become. I had to kill in order to feed. I tried to make myself believe that humans did that all the time in order to eat, but I was killing innocent people not animals. I tried to kill only bad ones, but I still felt guilty for taking lives," I paused and gauged his expression. He was looking at me in a mixture of awe, shock and fondness. The boy was crazy. "An idea came to me once when I saw a woman cutting her finger while chopping vegetables. I didn't have to bite and kill anyone in order to feed. That was the best day of my entire existence. I use my nails to cut skin."
"What?" Edward asked, sounding a bit choked. I made a movement above my wrist with the nail. He narrowed his eyes at me. "My wrist… it hurts."
"I am incredibly sorry."
"Can I see?"
For the first time since I had become a vampire, I lost my balance and fell on my ass. My mouth fell open as my eyes widened. Was he insane? Did he have a death wish?
He looked so sincere in that second, so innocent and young.
"I can't believe… I've never fallen," I muttered and resumed my crouched position. "You are insane, kid. I'm sorry to say it."
"I've read it-"
"Edward!" I snorted unable to catch myself. "Forget what you read! Aren't you the slightest bit afraid after what I told you?"
"Well, I know you won't bite since you have other methods. I'm safe."
"You're anything but safe! Your blood is the most potent I had ever smelled. It makes my head spin and… it's so…" I decided not to say it. Delicious? Mouth watering? Addicting? "There's no other blood like yours."
"It can be different?" he asked confused. He was taking it so lightly as if we were talking about my favorite taste in food. And we were, to some extent.
"Yes, just like you love those muffins."
"Do you mean that my blood is like a muffin to you?" he asked amused. I couldn't stop the smile that spread on my face. He was so cute.
"You could say that," I allowed.
"Then how can you stay here? Because I can't stay near muffins for long."
"I hope I won't frighten you, or maybe this will be the awaking I was waiting for, but Edward… let's talk about muffins, okay?"
He nodded solemnly but a small smile appeared on his lips. He seemed intrigued.
"You have a big delicious, warm raspberry muffin. What would you do?"
"Eat it," he said promptly.
"It's the only one you will ever get. Imagine that you could keep it warm and fresh for a long time. Would you eat it all at once?"
"Probably not, but I'll always go back and… Wait!" he shouted and his eyes widened. "I am this muffin?"
"Yes," I said quietly.
He watched me shocked and then gasped. "Umm not to give you ideas or anything… but I'd eventually eat that muffin."
"I won't. I promise. If you got attached to that muffin, you'd be unable to eat it all. Ever."
"That's sort of disturbing," Edward muttered. Alas! He is scared! "It's sort of weird to get attached to a muffin, but I understand where you're going." I feel myself deflate. I cannot show him how dangerous this is. "But there are other… muffins out there." He seemed fond of this new metaphor for my food.
"There are, but I want just this one." I allowed him to look in my eyes, hoping the red there would scare him. "I can't have any other muffin."
"Why?"
"I simply can't, and trust me, I tried. There's something about you and not only about your blood… it's you, Edward. You."
"What about me? I'm a normal boy," he told me stubbornly.
"How wrong you are there! When I first smelled you… it was so hard for me."
"How can you do this anyway?" he interrupted. He had leaned with his elbows on his knees and was impossibly close to me now. His warm breath fanned over my face.
"It's not without difficulty, but if I feed regularly I can do it."
"Your eyes?"
We were back to one thousand and three billions questions. "I wear contacts."
"I knew it!" he exclaimed jubilantly. His cheeks colored and he cleared his throat. "That was one of my theories."
"Of course." I had the sudden urge to hug him to me, but I was afraid of hurting him. "I'd like to try something. It might fail, but I'm willing to try. You have to stay still, mister."
He offered me his hand, wrist up, straightened his back and he seemed to have ceased breathing. I watched him dubious of his actions then it all fell into place and a mad giggle erupted from my flaming throat.
"That's not what I had in mind, silly boy." He dropped his hand and exhaled slowly. "Then what?"
"I would like to hug you." The words seemed foreign to me. I had never had the desire to hug someone.
"Won't it be difficult? Your nose will be really close to my skin." Oh, the ever considerate prey. I smiled ruefully.
"Let me decide that and please don't move. And breathe. If you cease breathing, your heartbeat accelerates along with the blood pressure. Please, breathe," I pleaded him.
"Okay." He opened his arms and scooted to the edge of the couch.
If I could do this, I was stronger than I thought. I cut my breathing, just to be sure I didn't screw this up, and slowly wrapped my arms around him. He inhaled sharply, maybe from my coldness, maybe from the shock of hugging a vampire… or maybe finally he was scared. His heart beat steadily, and after a few seconds, I felt his fingers moving over my shirt. I liked this. I loved this. I wanted more hugs from him.
It was excruciating to be engulfed in my favorite muffin, but the other sensations that coursed through me made me to almost forget about his scent. Almost. The monster seemed to wake and perk her head up, eyes glowing red and trained on the jugular vein that pulsed in his throat. I wrenched myself from his arms.
Edward watched me confused and looked disappointed. "I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault," I assured him. "I didn't think I could do that much. I feel better now."
He grinned and I found myself answering with the same wide smile. His grin faded and a frown took its place. "Where are the fangs?"
He was so serious and concerned that I couldn't help the laughter that bubbled up.
"There are no fangs, silly boy."
"No fangs?" He was utterly disappointed.
"You sound like a child, you know?" I teased and approached him again.
"Bu- but… I thought-"
"Wrong," I shouted before he could tell me about his reading material again. "Everything is a lie, a myth. The sleeping, burnt by the sun, garlic, stake to heart, whatever you name it… it's all a lie."
"Oh." He looked like a kicked puppy. "There must be something right! They had to base what they wrote on something," he said petulantly.
"The speed is right."
"How fast can you run?" he asked eagerly, his eyes glowing in the dark room. I really lived like a century ago. With no light, only the candle light or the rarely used fireplace.
"Faster than a car."
"Wow. Can I see that?"
"I can show you, but you probably won't see me."
"Ah, you're right."
"Aren't you scared, not the slightest bit?"
"Not of you."
"But?"
"I don't want to go home. Is it bad? I must have sounded rude when I said you're all my dreams come true, but I meant it. You know how when you want something so bad that when you get it, you can't let it go?"
"Yes, Edward, but would you please go home It is very late and I'm sure your mother is worried. What if I told you that I will be with you sooner than you think?"
"Like tonight?" he asked me quietly.
"Yes."
My favorite crooked smile appeared on his face just as his phone started ringing. He jumped and fumbled with it before answering. His face had caught fire.
"Are you on your way home, honey?" his mother asked softly.
Edward glanced at me, and I knew he was aware I could hear her, too. "Um yes."
"Okay, hurry. It's already dark."
"Alright, I'll be there shortly." He hung up and looked at his knees then his gaze found mine.
I sighed heavily and he nodded to himself. "Umm I should head home."
"You should."
We were at an impasse. Neither wanted to leave the other. I went next to him and held out my hand. "Come." He took my it reluctantly and I led him out the house.
"No locking?" he wondered when I started to his car.
"Who is going to break in my house out here?"
I felt him shrug and grasp my hand tighter. We walked quietly for a few minutes until an owl disturbed the night's silence. Edward's heart picked up and I could have sworn I heard him whimper.
"You've got to be kidding me!" I shouted making him jump again and stumble over a dead root. I caught his elbow before he fell.
"What?" he squeaked and looked toward me. I was sure he couldn't see me; it was too dark for his eyes.
"Afraid of the darkness?" I teased and he shivered.
"No!" Ah, again with the bravado. He was such a boy!
"I guess it's okay. You're only human, after all."
"Not helping," he muttered under his breath.
"Very good hearing," I said lightly and he answered me with a loud groan. "We're here." I stopped next to his car. He stepped inside quickly and breathed a sigh of relief. I giggled and earned another scowl from him.
"Stupid vamp."
"Ouch."
"Oh crap! Can you pretend not to hear everything?"
"Nope!" I sang and leaned over the open window of his side. "Promise me to eat and drink. I will be with you soon."
"How soon?"
"I have homework, too. After I finish… I will be there."
"Argh… I forgot about that!" he moaned.
"I will help you with yours. Now, hurry, you don't want to worry your mother."
"She thinks I was in Port Angeles at a library."
"What?" I asked more venomously than I intended. "You lied? No one knew you were with me?"
"Um… no?"
"Why Edward? That was a very stupid thing to do."
"I have to go. Mom will be worried," he said, changing tactics. That was fine, I could wait.
"Okay, I will see you in half an hour," I promised and patted his hand that was gripping the steering wheel. "Drive carefully, the road is icy."
"Yes, Mom." He rolled his eyes and the window.
I hope you are still reading. If you are and you are enjoying then leave me some love.
