Changes
Chapter 2 – Adjusting
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight unfortunately. ):
***
Cassidy yawned and opened her eyes after a deep, dreamless sleep. Stretching out, something clicked. Sitting up, she realized that this wasn't her room. The view wasn't hers...This wasn't her house. Her mind was still blurred from her long sleep, but she was awake enough to register her surroundings.
She was in a medium-sized room, there were two doors leading out, one to a bathroom, the other to...Well, she didn't want to find out. A wardrobe was just visible in the bathroom, revealing her clothes and shoes. She was tucked up, with her toys beside her. The bed was covered in a cherry-blossom pink and apple green quilt. It was up against the wall, leaving a pathway. Opposite her bed was a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. Even she had to admit the view was incredible. Even though it was overcast, miles of forest stretched out before her. It was beautiful, even though it had begun to drizzle, casting everything in a misty, grey light. At one end of the room, facing the window was a desk, with a laptop on it. A low bookcase and a chaise lounge were beside it. Behind the door was a notice board, with all her pictures already on it. Looking closer, she could see a shelf below it with all her cameras on it. At the foot of her bed was a white whicker chest, with a cream cushion on top. Resting on top of the cushion was the bag. She grimaced, wide-awake now.
Suddenly, her doorknob twisted silently. She turned to face it, eyes wide with fright. As her captors entered, she masked her shock. They were the most beautiful people she'd ever laid eyes on. First through the door was a beautiful man. His blonde hair almost blended with his impossibly pale skin. Next was a woman, with wavy brown hair, holding onto the blonde man's hand. Following in pairs was a tall, muscled boy with short black hair, who resembled a bear, with his arm around an impossibly beautiful girl, with wavy blonde hair. After them was a boy with tousled blonde hair, and a pixie-like girl with spiky brown hair. They were standing very close, but they weren't' touching. Last was an extremely beautiful boy, who looked younger than the others did. His hair was bronze and tousled, but he was alone. They all had the same topaz eyes and perfect, angular features though. Swallowing her fear, Cassidy spoke up, "Who are you? Why am I here? I don't know anything if information is what you want" She jutted out her chin stubbornly, trying to look brave.
The blonde-haired man gazed calmly back, "Hello Cassidy. It has been a long time since we last met, some could say too long"
"How do you know my name? Who are you?" she asked, her eyes filled with terror.
"I'm sorry, where are my manners. I'm Carlisle Cullen. This is my family. Esme, my wife. Emmett and Rosalie, Jasper and Alice, and Edward are our adopted children. I know your name, because you're a very distant relation" The others threw Carlisle incredulous looks to quick for Cassidy to see.
"What?!" Cassidy exclaimed, summing their feelings up into her words and face.
"I'm afraid that it's a very long story, and it's too early to take it all in."
"I want to know now," Cassidy argued stubbornly, even as Carlisle shook his head.
"Maybe later. Rosalie, would you help Cassidy get settled in please," shepherding the others out, hiding Alice's curiously blank face from view.
Rosalie hissed, but obeyed, after seeing the look on Esme's face.
***
Meanwhile.....
James jumped lightly through the townhouse window, landing silently. Surveying the empty cupboards and room, he sniffed. He growled. He should've known... His onyx eyes glinted in the moonlight filtering in through the curtain. Hearing a muffled snore, he smirked. He hadn't eaten since Seattle, and he was thirsty. If he couldn't have the girl, her family was the obvious choice. He bared his teeth in a malicious grin as he descended upon her unsuspecting family...
***
Alice moaned and dropped her head into her hands as Jasper rubbed circles on her back. "He's killed her only family. Her parents, brother and sister are all dead!" she whispered, horrified. Carlisle nodded at Esme, who went upstairs, concern written all over her face. Stepping out into the hall, they listened to the muffled voices. A high-pitched, frantic voice was protesting. Then there was silence. Suddenly a howl of anguish echoed through the house, followed by heart-wrenching sobs. Upstairs, Esme watched as Cassidy's small body was wracked by sobs. Dropping to her knees, Cassidy's sobs increased. Esme followed suit, enveloping the girl in her cold arms. Cassidy didn't put up a fight, and collapsed into Esme's waiting arms.
***
I'm sorry for the depressing ending. I couldn't decide whether to put in this line at the very end, "If Esme could've cried then, she would've cried for the fragile girl cradled in her arms". What do you think? Leave it or add it?
I would've made this longer, and you would've found out why Edward couldn't hear her thoughts, but my sister's threatening to kick me off. I wrote this chapter, mostly fueled by inspiration I had in school, so I had to write it before I forgot.
