A/N: -lesigh- No reviews last chapter, but I did have a lot of hits. A LOT. Oh well...maybe this time right? RIGHT?! I am on the brink of madness, so please, please, PLEASE remember to review. And now I like to thank my awesome beta, TeamEdwardCullen8208!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything that belongs to Stephenie Meyer, including Gianna. But unfortunately for the Beautiful Stranger and Elena they do belong to me.

Chapter 2: "This is Nice, Isn't it?"

The bus ride to Volterra was anything but exciting, and it did nothing to offset the sudden feeling of depression that washed over me since I left the tight embrace of my loving parents. I couldn't help but wonder if I had made the right decision to leave everything I had ever known for something different, something truly new to me. I had never lived outside the four walls of my house; it had been my home and my everything. I finally understood why so many people choose to fear the realm of the unknown. To truly leave everything familiar is like throwing yourself off of a cliff, not knowing if there is water to break your fall or someone is there to catch you below; a leap of faith.

I looked out the bus window and stared grimly at my sullen reflection. My few worry lines creased as I thought about the near hysteric state I had left my mother in. I winced when my mother's last facial expression I had seen danced in front of my retinas. My mother looked lost, defeated somehow. On the other hand, my father seemed to be taking my departure surprisingly well, almost as if he was pushing me out the door and glad to get rid of me. The conversation I had shared with my parents before the bus rolled away played in my mind as if on repeat.

My mom stood beside me, arms linked lovingly with my father. Her normally happy, sparkling face was rearranged into a mask of worry as she absentmindedly twirled a strand of her hair around her freshly manicured finger. Her eyes were welling up with unshed tears as she turned toward me for one last goodbye. She hung her head, letting her hair fall in her face as she wrung her hands together nervously. Seeing her obviously upset, I rushed over and brushed the hair out of her face, tucking it neatly behind her ears.

"Mom, there's no need to worry. I'll be back for Thanksgiving. That's only a couple of months," I said, trying in vain to comfort her, taking her hands in mine as my eyes searched for hers.

A tear slipped out of the pit of her eye, dripping off of her chin and landing on her sky blue blouse. "I know honey, but I just can't shake this awful feeling that I have in my gut."

"What feeling, mom?" I asked, genuinely curious as to what was making her so flustered.

She looked up and locked her sorrow filled gaze with mine. "Like I'm never going to see you again."

"Now mom, that's just silly." I smiled sadly at my mother, biting my lower lip as I placed my palm on her tearstained face. "Mom, I'll be back. I promise. Just make me a promise that you'll take good care of dad. You know how he gets."

She laughed halfheartedly as she wiped at another wave of tears that coursed down her face. "Yeah, I will. Don't forget to call or write." Her voice cracked with emotion. "Oh honey, I'll miss you. I'll miss you so much."I pulled her into a warm embrace, placing my chin on her shoulder.

"I know mom, I'll miss you too, but this isn't goodbye forever, just for a few months.""I know. I guess I'm just being a stereotypical mother who is reluctantly witnessing her only child grow up and move away." The bus honked its horn, signaling its imminent departure.

"Have fun and take care of Elena and yourself!" My mother added with one last wet, chaste kiss to my cheek.

I flashed a smile. "Of course."

"Be careful pumpkin. Call if you need anything. And also, don't forget to call if you don't need anything," My father joked, pulling me into a one arm hug and placed a tender kiss on the top of my head.

The bus honked again. I gave one last loving bear hug to both of my parents and started backing towards the bus, still facing them.

"You don't have to worry. I'll call when we get there." I said as I turned around and streaked towards the slightly moving bus.

I bounded up the bus stairs and turned around for one last wave. My father waved back with enthusiasm, but my mother just lifted her hand and placed her head on my father's shoulder.

A sudden swerve of the bus brought me out of my thoughts as I was thrown carelessly into the plastic armrest of my seat. Elena was snoring lightly as her body collided solidly with mine, not even causing her to stir from the deep sleep that she was enjoying. Oh, if only I could be so lucky.

I hissed in pain and pushed Elena roughly back into her seat, making sure she didn't hit her head in the process. Rubbing my injured elbow, I stood up, glancing around for the cause of the almost accident. I scoffed when I saw a couple of black and white masses in the middle of the dirt road.

And that's why I hate cows, I thought to myself as I plopped back down in my navy blue, cushioned seat. I checked on Elena, making sure she was still asleep and not unconscious from the rough pounding she unknowingly endured.

I poked her in her side with a little more force than strictly necessary, and she swatted at my hand.

"Don't poke me," Elena mumbled without opening her eyes.

I smiled slightly. "I'll poke you if I want to."

"If you enjoy the use of both hands, you won't."

I stifled a giggle with my palm and leaned my forehead lightly on the window, watching as my breath steamed up the already semi-fogged glass. I quickly drew a small heart in the fog before it vanished and leaned against the window again, trying to find a comfortable position. I observed the familiar rolling hills fly by at unnatural speeds, swaying with the moving bus as we traveled deeper into the Italian countryside. My eyes twitched towards the sky and I noticed a dark, ominous throng of clouds spreading out on the horizon, threatening a storm. The dark collection of thick clouds threw an eerie shadow over the bus as I banged my head lightly on the window glass.

I normally became excited when a thunderstorm shook the countryside, but today I loathed the very idea of rain. My mood was bad enough as it was; I missed my parents and felt bad for leaving them, I was bored out of mind, and my best friend's snoring was starting to irritate me. A crackling of thunder and the sudden sound of quiet pit-pattering broke my thoughts. I groaned inwardly and watched with disdain as the offensive rain pellets streaked by on the windows, leaving wet tails behind.

I crinkled my nose in disgust as if the water droplets were splatters of poison. This was just what I needed to make myself feel better, clouds and dampness.

Perfect. Thank you, God.

I sighed heavily and reached for my bag that had to be stored under the seat in front of me. I chuckled at the absurdity of this particular rule the bus driver had explained over the P.A. to the passengers. What was my bag going to do? Jump up and hit someone in the face, apparently. Stupid bag.

I unzipped the main compartment and took out my sketching pad and pencil as another flash of lightening and clash of thunder rang out overhead, making many passengers jump a few feet in the air. In my periphery I saw Elena jolt awake and gaze around confused. Her eyes locked on my form.

"It's raining?" Elena asked sleepily, adjusting her cramped body in her narrow seat as she rubbed the crust from her eyes.

"No, it's most definitely sunny out. Oh and that thunder you heard was just a bird passing by," I replied sarcastically as I tapped my sketching pencil lightly on the paper in my lap.

"What's your problem?"

"Just in a bad mood," I admitted, looking away.

Elena punched me lightly in the arm. "Well don't take it out on me. Besides, I just woke up. How would I know if it was raining or not?"

I snorted. "The dark sky and thunder would have been a good clue. Plus it's normally a tad bit brighter at three in the afternoon."

Elena punched me again, this time harder.

I turned towards her, eyes narrowing. She cocked her eyebrow at me as if to say "Come on, bring it."

With a swipe of my hand, I waved off her violent expression, signaling for her to go back to sleep. Elena grumbled and muttered under her breath as she fluffed her pillow. I studied her as she plopped her head down still grumbling, never closing her eyes and keeping them glued to my face. I flushed and turned to face forward, suddenly stopping and doing quite an obvious double take.

That's when I saw him.

I shook my head, trying to clear the sudden dizziness that started to fog my mind. I smiled slightly as I opened my sketch book to draw the man that was sitting across the aisle. He had propped himself up against the window, sprawling his legs across the vacant seat next to him, his arms dangling freely, swinging to and fro with the bumps and dips that the bus felt as it trudged along the winding country roads. I felt a pang of jealously when I eyed his comfortable position. I gently moved my sketching pencil across the paper and as I sketched him, he stayed perfectly still, like a living statue. It felt as if he knew I was drawing him and he didn't want to ruin my picture. His eyes were shut and white ear buds had been placed delicately in his ears, blocking out any unwelcome noise.

Even in his sleeping state, I could tell he was beautiful. The dark violet bruises under his eyes contrasted well with his pale, porcelain like skin and reminded me of a person suffering from a case of insomnia. His jaw and cheek bones were angular and defined perfectly, as if they had been chiseled from marble by God himself. His messy, dark brown, curly hair hung loosely around his face, framing it to perfection. I couldn't bring myself to take my eyes off of him as I continued to sketch him, fearing that he might disappear if I looked away for even a few seconds or held my eyes closed for a bit longer than a standard blink.

Quickly looking down, I checked my progress on my sketch. I scrunched my face in disgust when I noticed a smudge of graphite on his drawn nose; the perfect insult to his angel face. I immediately attacked the repulsive mark, making the offensive smear disappear. Once satisfied that it was forever gone, I repositioned myself and glanced back to the man's sleeping form. I gasped in surprise when two blood red eyes met my own.

My heartbeat quickened to a dangerous pace and my heart threatened to implode in my chest as I realized the beautiful man was staring directly at me. Not staring past me out the window, but actually at me. I immediately began to feel self conscious and I silently wondered when the last time I plucked my eyebrows had been. I felt a blush creep onto my face as his menacing eyes raked over my body, making me quiver involuntarily. He cocked his head to the side as he opened his mouth just enough for me to see him slide his tongue over his sparkling, white teeth. I gaped at him, my jaw slack.

A sudden movement from the seat next to mine caught me by surprise, and I jumped in fright.

"Hello? Gianna, are you alright?" asked Elena, snapping her fingers in front of my face.

I breathed a sigh of relief. It was only Elena. I wiped my forehead, clearing the sheen sweat that had developed there.

Cursing myself, I unwillingly tore my eyes away from the Beautiful Stranger and looked at Elena. She was gazing at me with a worried expression.

"Gianna, are you alright?" She repeated, holding the back of her hand to my face, checking my temperature. No doubt was I little over heated, if not feverish.

I cleared my throat and let out the breath I didn't realize I'd been holding in. "Yeah, I'm fine," I managed to croak out.

"Are you sure? You look as if you're about to throw up or pass out,"

Elena said, still sounding worried.

"Elena, I promise I'm fine. Fit as a fiddle or whatever that saying is."

"Alright. If you're sure, I'm going back to sleep. And if you do feel the need to vomit, make sure it's not on me. These are my best shoes," She announced, smiling at me as she finally closed her eyes again.

I felt myself roll my eyes skyward as she settled herself for the millionth time. I locked my gaze back down on my sketch pad, intentionally avoiding eye contact with the Beautiful Stranger. My heart stopped as I scanned the sketch and became reacquainted with the stranger's absolute exquisiteness. After building up the courage, I chanced a peek at the seats across from where I sat.

There, in the navy blue suede seats, sat nothing but air. I glanced around, confused, trying not to be overly conspicuous as I looked for the man that once occupied the two seats. My mind started running away with all kinds of ridiculous thoughts. Did the Beautiful Stranger go to the restroom? Or was he just tired of me staring at him? Did this gorgeous creature, one that seemed too perfect to be real, even exist? Did my unfair, delusional mind make him up out of desperation and boredom? But then how did I get this magnificent sketch? It's not as if I could create a beauty such as this. My mind was not that gifted.

Looking longingly at my notebook one last time, I closed it with a heavy sigh and placed in gingerly back into my bag. I wrestled it back under the seat in front of me, making sure it was secure so it would not be thumping anyone in the face. Sighing again, I leaned back into my chair and unwillingly closed my eyes. I still wondered where the angelic man could have gone, or if he even existed. I cursed myself mentally. Why did I care where he went? Why did I care that I could have been the cause of his unexplained and unseen departure? I concentrated, searching my mind, seeking a truthful answer to these questions. Maybe I did care…because I knew deep down offending such a stunning creature would no doubt send me to Hell.

I shook these absurd thoughts my mind, refusing to let them plague my conscience. Instead, I listened intently to the soothing rain drops batter the windows, letting the sound relax my tense muscles.

"Hello Gianna," a velvet smooth voice whispered into my ear. A male voice.

I gasped loudly and threw myself forward, hitting the navy blue suede in front of me. I squatted in the small space at the end of my chair, not daring myself to look behind me.

A deep, silky, inviting chuckle pulled my unwilling eyes around to the space behind my previously occupied chair. Standing there with his arms crossed and draped across the top of my vacant seat was the Beautiful Stranger in all of his glory. I furrowed my brow, completely confused. How the hell did he get back there?

"Jumpy little thing, aren't you. It's not as if I can blame you. Humans are naturally afraid of me and my kind. It's a part of your instincts, you see," He purred, cocking his head to the side.

I cleared my throat, trying to find my voice. He chuckled again.

"It's also a fact that humans tend to get a little disorientated in the presence of my kind. I can see that you are no exception," He smiled, flashing his brilliant white teeth as his ruby irises scanned my face.

"H-how…how do know my name?" I managed to choke out and mentally kicked myself. Why did I have to have courage now?

The strange man continued to smile at me as he pointed to his temple and lightly tapped his finger there. "I know a lot about you, Gianna."

"How? I don't know you. We are strangers to one another."

"Some things are better left unknown."

"Who are you, exactly?" I asked curtly.

"I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you," He chuckled a laugh that made me feel uneasy, like he wasn't joking. "And I don't want to do that yet." He added as a light afterthought.

YET?! What does that mean…yet? I thought to myself as I felt myself giving him an apprehensive look.

"Why did you call me a human?" I questioned, rising into a standing position. I glimpsed towards Elena's seat, hoping she was awake, as I was looking for help. I was disappointed and startled to find that she wasn't there. I looked around again and found that the entire bus had been emptied, and we had come to a standstill. My eyes flickered back to the perfect man's face. He was staring at me, his eyes practically dripping with amusement.

"Is that not what you are, a human?" I took the question to be rhetorical and stayed silent as he continued, "But you are a very observant human, a trait which could cause a lot of unnecessary trouble for a girl like yourself. You're different, I can see it."I gasped as he maneuvered his body with unnatural speed and grace into the aisle. "But you're still one of them. Oh, this will anger the others so, but don't worry. As long as you attempt to remain oblivious, you'll be fine. Or at least I hope so," He raised an eyebrow. He seemed to be talking more to himself than to me.

I huffed at his words and was suddenly infuriated by them. "What do you mean I'm different than a normal human?' I am just as human as everybody else that walks on this planet."

The cryptic man smirked to himself as if he was enjoying an inside joke."You're different because you are unafraid. You're different because you do not feel threatened in any way by my presence. You, unlike any other human, are genuinely curious about me. It makes you special indeed."

"I still fail to see how this makes me 'special'," I said, running a shaking hand through my hair.

The flawless man's face went blank, void of all emotion. "Believe me, you do not want to see why this makes you so special." He took another step forward as his eyes lowered to my neck.

My breath caught in my chest at his movement. "What do you want from me?"

He smiled again, making my heart dance. "I want you to wake up."

The bus started shaking violently as I swallowed the large lump that had formed in my throat. I pressed my back against the window as I held the back of the seat, steadying my body against the shuddering bus and trying to put as much space in between me and the man. The man smiled wickedly and took two large strides towards me until his body was mere inches from mine. A glacial breeze seemed to be flowing off of his skin and clothing, a wind that chilled me to the bone. His burgundy orbs studied my expression as his sweet breath blew into my face, making me even dizzier.

"You want me to what?" I asked confused by his earlier answer as I fought the smoldering affect his eyes were having on my brain.

He raised a hand, allowing a finger to trace the skin from the corner of my eye to the middle of my throat. I swallowed again, looking straight into his eyes.

"I want you to wake up," He repeated as his head dipped down to the contours of my neck.

I squeezed my eyes shut and let out a bloodcurdling scream as the violent tremors continued to wrack through my body.

"GIANNA! GIANNA!" Elena screamed from somewhere beside me as she shook me violently, her voice laced with concern. I jolted awake and threw myself into a standing position, hands flying to my neck as protection. My breathing was ragged and my chest heaved as I struggled to breathe. I glanced around wildly, looking for the crazy, stunning man. When I couldn't find him, I let out a relieved sigh. My mind worked to fit the pieces together. It had all been just a dream, a bizarre dream. I felt my heart deflate as I came to the realization that I had dreamt up the beautiful, terrifying man. He didn't really exist.

I coughed and patted my chest with one hand. "What…what happened?"

"I don't know, one minute you were sleeping just fine, the next you were screaming your head off. Everyone started staring, so I woke you up. You must have been having one hell of a nightmare," Elena said, placing a hand on my quivering arm.

I gazed around again and blushed scarlet. Most of the occupants of the bus were looking my way, talking to their loved ones and friends in hushed whispers, some were even standing to get a better view. I sat down immediately and pushed my head against the seat cushion, closing my eyes.

"Are we almost there?" I asked Elena, rubbing my temples with my index fingers.

She responded without a moment's hesitation. "Yeah, just a few more minutes. You can see the city from here, actually." I cracked my eyes open in time to see her point out the window.

Atop one of the country hills sat a looming city, casting an elongated shadow over the valley. The ancient walls and towers held a welcoming touch as I gazed at them. I smiled slightly, happy that I would be getting off this bus soon. All I had to do now was wait a few more minutes.

"So," Elena said abruptly, "What were you dreaming about?"

I shook my head. "I don't know exactly, but I do remember a strange, beautiful, and terrifying man with red eyes."

"Did he hurt you?" Elena asked as she scratched at her leg.

"No. I wasn't even truly afraid of him…I just…I don't know," I admitted, feeling awkward about this whole situation.

"If you weren't afraid of him, then why did you wake up screaming?" Elena asked, tucking a stray strand of my hair behind my ear.

I leaned with the bus as it turned right and started ascending a long hill. "I don't really know why. In the dream I knew I should have felt scared, but for some reason I didn't. I think maybe I screamed because he was about to bite my neck."

Elena covered her laughter with a quick coughing fit. I narrowed my eyes at her and she held up her hands in defeat.

"What? You can't blame me for laughing. An attractive man about to nibble on your neck doesn't sound frightening, just sounds like a good time to me," Elena said, waggling her eyebrows, abruptly lightening the tension that clung to the air.

"Ha, ha. You are quite the comedian Miss Elena," I snorted, rolling my eyes dramatically.

We laughed together until we had cramps in our sides and tears streaming down our faces. The PA interrupted our jokes and we reluctantly settled down, wiping the last of the tears from our faces.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have finally arrived at Volterra." A round of applause and cheering sounded throughout the tight cabin of the bus. "We are not allowed to drive into the city today, so we will be parking in the visitor's lot to unload the luggage and then you can be on your way. We hope you have had a good experience on MacAfee Bus Line and invite you to join us again."

"Finally. We. Are. Here," Elena squealed as the bus came to a halt in the middle of the crowded parking lot. Tourists were flocking towards the main gates; all with gleeful smiles on their faces.

"Yes we are," I breathed, pulling myself out of my seat and grabbing my evil, face slapping bag at the same time.

Elena skipped in front of me as we walked down the aisle. Elena never ceased to amaze me with the amount of energy she held in her body. She jumped the last two steps and hit the pavement with a dull thud. I descended the stairs gracefully and placed my feet on the ground, taking a deep breath. I turned to Elena, who stood waiting patiently for me. We linked arms and merrily walked to the side of the bus to find our luggage, chatting about the weather.

After digging through the piles of baggage, we found our suitcases and started to haul them to the grand entrance of Volterra.

"So this is nice, isn't it?" Elena said, stepping into the long line to get into the city. "Here we are, off by ourselves in an unknown city, adults finally. This is going to be so much fun."

I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, fun."

We wheeled our bags to the security check point where we had to have them searched. We waited patiently as the officers checked our passports and information with critical eyes.

I smiled pleasantly at one officer, who acknowledged me before whispering to his fellow officer that stood next to him. An officer approached me from the side."Here is your passport, and good luck in school," He said professionally as he looked behind me. "Next please."

I grabbed the handle on my suitcase and ambled forward, tripping over my feet. Elena sat on the ground, waiting and watching for me. She waved once she saw me, beckoning me to her.

"Can you believe this place? It's beautiful," She gushed as she grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards what I could only assume was the direction of our apartment.

A/N: DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW PLEASE.