I don't own anything Twilight. The idea of Bella being a mind reader is mine and a few events. Everything else belongs to Stephenie Meyers. No copyright infringement intended.
Chapter 3: Whys of Amber
Edward's Point of View
As soon as we were all in the car I started on about my revelation of the new student. "By the way, has anyone noticed anything supernatural about Isabella Swan?"
"Supernatural?" Jasper repeated the one word with emphasis.
"Like how her skin is so white, or the odd color of her eyes, or how incredibly beautiful she is?" I stated the obvious physical differences.
"What's so supernatural about that? So are we." I gave Emmett a fierce look at his dense comment. I rolled my head implying that he should continue thinking about my inquiry. He just stared at me blankly.
I sighed heavily. "I discovered the most peculiar thing about her during Biology." I had everyone's attention; I paused for a minute to build up their tension. "She has no heart beat." It was silent for about two seconds.
"WHAT!?"
Everyone in the car yelled at the same time and my poor car shook at the verbal bashing.
"She's a zombie?" asked Emmett just before he was hit hard in the back of the head by Rosalie.
"Are we all zombies then?" Rosalie chastised him and had a very irritated glare.
"Oh…" Emmett's eyes widened as realization finally hit him. He glanced around the car to see if anyone else had mad the same blunder, nope, he was the only one. "No way, she's a vampire too?!"
"It would seem so. Her skin is exactly like ours. Her eyes aren't exactly the same but they're still golden, which is unnatural for a human. She's amazingly attractive, vampire beautiful. And she was totally unaffected when I tried to dazzle her." I attempted to explain my findings, to make them see what I saw.
Everyone started laughing; a loud roar that I knew could be heard from people outside on the street.
"So because she thwarted your dazzle that immediately makes her a vampire?" Emmett was struggling to get his question out while still laughing.
"She definitely didn't have a pulse!" I shouted angrily.
'Okay okay, you are so easy to tease. Lighten up will you.' mocked Emmett.
"So apparently we have another vampire in our midst and she appears to be a vegetarian. What do you suggest we do about the situation?" asked Jasper in a very military fashion.
Alice started bouncing happily. "I suggest Rose and I go over to her place later and introduce ourselves. Let her know she doesn't have to run or fear us."
"Why is it only you two?" Jasper asked Alice nervously.
She stared at him stunned. "For a military man I thought it would be obvious…well you are a man. Don't you think she would be a bit intimidated is three guys showed up on her doorstep? Girls always come off as sweet and innocent. We would be the best choice to ensure she doesn't get scared and run off."
"She has a very good point Jazz. So what do you have in mind? Show up at her place and say 'we come in peace'?" now it was my turn to do the mocking.
"Something like that but maybe leave out the 'we come in peace' part, that's to cliché. I was thinking just go over, say hi, let her know we're okay and maybe get to know her."
"It sounds simple enough and who knows, maybe she'll become a friend. It would be nice to really talk to someone other than the Denali's." Rosalie got a very thoughtful look on her face and she smiled, almost sweetly, it was scary.
Jasper shook his head adamantly. "I don't like it. I don't want you going without someone stronger."
I watched in my rear view mirror as Alice's chipper expression morphed into a sinister one. She tilted her body around to place her chest against Jasper's and she leaned in close to his face. His mind was all over the place and it worsened with each millimeter she made closer to him.
"If she did something, I'm sure we could take her. But is we want a new friend we have to show some trust, let her know we won't hurt her."
I instantly diverted my eyes when she placed her hand on his groin and he growled.
'She is too coy, damn it…' Jasper moaned and I heard his head thump on the back of the seat. "O…okay…"
"NOT IN MY CAR!" I was clenching the steering wheel firmly; their arousal was something I did NOT want to smell. "I'll throw you out right now."
Emmett started laughing and patted me on the shoulder. 'Ahh, poor Eddie can't handle a little bit of hormones.'
That was it! I violently stopped the car at the start of our driveway. "EVERYONE, OUT!"
'Touché…'
"What did I do?" asked Rosalie as she slowly climbed out of the car.
"You're with the brute. I just need some time to think." The second everyone was out of my car I sped down the drive toward the house. I zoomed into the garage and remained still for several minutes just thinking. Why had another vampire come to Forks? Why was she in school? Why were her eyes that shade of gold? Why couldn't I hear her mind? Why was she so hostile to me? Why was she so attractive? I had so many whys but didn't get any answers.
"Edward, why are you still in the car? Where are your brothers and sisters?" Esme inquired as she walked in my direction.
"Walking, I needed to think." I felt my eyebrows scrunch together as I tried to answer some of the 'whys' I had. My hands instinctively tightened around the steering wheel as I was coming up blank for any reasons for the new girl.
Esme reached over and pried my fingers away from the wheel mumbling something about keeping my car drivable. She then looked at my face with loving and understanding eyes. "Can you tell me what you had to think about?"
I looked into her pleading eyes and there was nothing I could deny my mother. I sighed and extricated myself from the Volvo. After I closed the door I leaned against it and tried to find an explanation to give her.
"It's the girl that started school today…"
Esme clapped her hand together and looked giddy. "Are you attracted to her? Is she beautiful, nice, does she like you?"
I grasped her by the shoulders to calm her down. "Mom, calm down! Yes she's beautiful, I don't know if she's nice and I don't think she likes me." And I have no clue if I was attracted to her; she had definitely sparked some interest in me though.
Esme tilted her head to the side skeptically. "Who wouldn't like you?"
"Apparently the new vampiress at school." Rosalie interjected from the doorway.
"Is that a metaphor for something?" Esme asked, completely innocently.
Rosalie walked up and nudged me in the shoulder with hers and smiled sweetly. "No it's a fact. The new girl in school is a vampire, and she was giving Edward the cold shoulder today. No pun intended."
Eyes wide with shock, Esme looked at Rosalie for a minute then turned to me. 'She's really a vampire…' I nodded. 'Why is she here?' I shrugged.
"Alice and Rosalie are planning to go over to her place tonight to introduce themselves and get acquainted."
"And it's time to go." Alice hollered from the living room. Rosalie winked at me then sauntered out of the garage to start running.
As I watched her walk away all I could think about were all the 'whys' I had and no answers to any of them, and those astounding gold eyes. Those exquisite amber eyes, even if they were hostile towards me I couldn't help but be mesmerized.
"Earth to Edward…"
I looked down to see a worried Esme staring up into my eyes. I smiled sheepishly and she smiled back.
"And what pray tell is going through that handsome head of your." Esme asked seriously curious as to what had stolen my attention.
"…Amber." That one word explained more than I was willing to say at the moment. I shrugged casually then walked inside and sat down at the piano, staring at it.
"Amber? Is that the girls name?" she was completely confused now.
Emmett and Jasper erupted into laughter. They stopped shortly after starting once they saw the annoyed look on Esme's face.
"No, her name is Isabella Swan…" stated Jasper.
"But her eyes are the color of amber." Emmett interrupted and went back to laughing.
I placed my fingers on the piano keys and let my fingers dance the way they chose. I heard Esme gasp somewhere behind me and I knew she was surprised that I was actually playing again. It had been so long since anyone had heard a decent note from the instrument let alone a melody. I let my fingers wander as my mind returned to the amber eyes inset in a pale porcelain face surrounded by soft touchable chocolate brown hair. I didn't even know how long I had sat there playing over the keys but Jasper's thoughts broke through my deep thinking.
'Wonder if we need to pick up the girls or if they're getting a ride with Bella.'
"Just call and find out. It's not like they'll be sleeping." Jasper smirked at my suggestion then opened his phone and started to call Alice.
"Hello, I was wondering if you needed a ride to school?...You know Emmett and Edward are going to be jealous." Jasper chuckled quietly. "Okay, see you at school."
Jasper looked at his phone unhappily. "They're getting a ride with Bella."
I scowled at his obvious upset manner. "Look on the bright side; you'll get to see her in an hour. Be grateful it wasn't a whole day or a week even." Jasper smiled meekly. "That was pathetic."
We both laughed for a minute then we decided to do our monotonous homework to kill some time. With Jasper's pleading and eager feelings filling the house we left about twenty minutes early.
Alice must have seen us leaving early cause when we entered the schools parking lot the blue Eclipse was already there, and parked in the spot next to my originally one. A slight smile curled the corner of my mouth as I pulled in next to the Eclipse and shut off the car. Jasper was out the door before the Volvo had come to a complete stand still. I exited the car and watched as Jasper and Alice embraced like it had been a year since they saw each other last. Emmett and Rosalie soon followed. This left me and Bella to wait uncomfortably by our respected cars.
"Nice clothes…" Jasper leaned back to take in his wife's appearance. She wore a pair of baggy black jeans and a green peasant blouse. I noticed Rosalie was also wearing a pair of black pants, but they fit her better, and a cream colored, low cut V neck sweater.
"Bella loaned us the clothes. Oh Jazz, I'm so glad you didn't kill Maria like you had plan all those years ago." Alice hugged her husband tightly.
"What? Who brought up Maria? Why are you glad that I didn't kill her?" Jasper stared at Alice, searching her eyes for the reason behind her odd comment.
"Well if you had killed her, you wouldn't have a sister right now would you?" Alice just smiled pleasantly at him, letting the words work their way in.
"And why would you say I wouldn't have a sister. Not that I ever did, besides Rosalie."
Alice giggled then rested her cheek on his chest. "Bella was changed nearly forty years ago by Maria, unintentionally."
My expressions matched Jasper's, both were of complete shock and we both turned to look at Bella. She was propped up against the back of her car looking at the ground in front of her. She looked worried and frightened about the situation. Did she not want a brother? Did she think we wouldn't accept her? Hadn't my sisters proven that we would last night? Or was she just uncomfortable about her current circumstances?
She took a deep breath and stood up straight then walked toward Alice and Jasper. She must have been really apprehensive because I instantly felt a large current of calm wash over me.
"Jazz, your powers can't touch her. She's an ultimate shield, no ones powers can come close to her. Not ones to read her mind or control her emotions or manipulate her mind, even Alice's gift is tremendously limited." Rosalie told him since she could feel the calming wave as well.
Bella and Jasper gazed at each other for a moment, neither knowing exactly what to say. Bella took another profound breath before speaking.
"Hi, I'm Bella. I guess I'm your sister in a weird, twisted sort of way." She looked so scared, like she was going in front of a judge and she was the guilty party. Jasper just gazed back at her, completely dumbfounded.
The voice I had long to hear since yesterday finally chimed threw the air. Her two mumbled words from yesterday were nothing compared to her actual voice. It was musical with a touch of alto, so it wasn't the high pitch like Alice's tone. Her vocal spell over me was broken when my eyes gazed at her face. I tried to restrain myself but the laughter broke loose. Bella's nervous expression, and Jasper looking flabbergasted, it was just too hilarious.
"And what is so funny?" Bella growled at me and glared.
"I've never seen Jazz look so lost before and your jumpy demeanor didn't help."
'Edward, if you have the hope of becoming her friend I suggest you shut up now!' Alice's eyes were evident of her annoyance with me. Without delay I ceased my behavior.
Jasper ignored me and continued to focus on Bella. 'I have a sister, amazing?!' after about a minute he composed himself enough to speak. "Nice to meet you, I'm Jasper."
"Why so formal? We're all family here. Edward, Emmett, Jasper, Rosalie meet Bella. Bella meet everyone." Everyone laughed at Alice's attempt at peace keeping.
Students started to file onto the school grounds indicating it was soon time to go to class. All of us started to walk toward the common area where we would split up.
"Are you joining us at lunch Bella?" Alice asked harmlessly. "You really shouldn't hang around with the three biggest gossips in school considering your…status."
Bella looked a little unsure at first but nodded in agreement as she went off to her class.
I headed to my classes like normal, doing what the teachers told me, following directions. Doing the same thing I had for a century now, but something felt different and I couldn't put my finger on what it was.
It was finally time to meet my siblings for lunch. I purchased a bag of chips and headed for the usual table. Everyone but Bella was already seated and waiting for me.
I sat down and looked around. "Where's Bella?"
"Her class is on the far side of the school grounds. Oh there she is now." Rosalie pointed at the large entrance where Bella had just entered. She went and bought a bag of carrots then went to the 'gossip' table but didn't sit down.
We all waited on bated breath to see what she was doing. With the help of my superior hearing I could hear her conversation clearly.
"Sorry guys, I can't eat with you today. There are a few things I need to discuss with Alice and Rosalie Cullen. But maybe tomorrow I can join you okay."
"Ahh, okay, don't have too much fun." Jessica whined.
"Thanks." Bella smiled at the table then turned and sauntered towards us.
"Okay, I'm here." Bella smiled again but this time it seemed more genuine than the one just before it.
"Hey Bella, I was wondering if maybe you would like to come over to our place tonight. Met our parents Carlisle and Esme, and just visit with everyone." Alice laid her head on Bella's shoulder and batted her eye lashes optimistically.
Bella stared down at the hopeful sprite with wide gold eyes. "Well, it would be nice to visit with other vegetarians."
Alice immediately hugged Bella around her shoulders and started bouncing in her seat. "HURRAY!"
So Bella was going to be at our place tonight. Someone other than the Denali's was visiting. Will she want a tour of the house? Do I need to straighten my room? What kind of things does she likes? Damn, I was starting to feel like a housewife, worrying over trivial things like that.
"Do you like video games Bella?" Emmett asked eagerly.
"I've never played one. I'm more into books than games, sorry." She shook her head regretfully.
"What other things are you interested in?" it was now Jasper's turn to ask a question.
"Hmm…I would have to say music and photography and puzzles." Even though she had already answered, Bella looked to be still thinking.
"I understand the music, but why photography and puzzles?" Everyone at the table was curious but Jasper was the first to speak his mind.
"Even if I have a perfect memory I feel better and happier when I look back on some of the pictures. And when you have an endless night of nothing, puzzles help. Brain teasers are great too." Jasper nodded in understanding to her reasoning.
The first bell rang signaling it was time for students to start heading to class. We threw away our fake lunches and headed for our respected classes. I went to Biology with Bella and the class was a normal read and answer assignment. It took us both only minutes to complete. I sat wondering what I should do next when a piece of paper was shoved in my direction and I read it.
How old are you?
Her handwriting wasn't as neat as mine but she wasn't as old as me either and she didn't come from a time where calligraphic writing was normal.
17(108), you?
She quickly scribbled down her answer and passed it back.
17(56)
She was the same age as me, well, sort of. I erased the last three lines to be safe and I jotted down my next question.
What music do you like?
Her reply took a little longer this time which implied she was writing more.
Almost everything, but not much heavy metal and I hate rap. I listen to a lot of classical and alternative.
I smiled at her answer. Other than being vampires we had something else in common.
Same here and I can't stand rap. Do you play any instruments?
She looked a bit shocked by my message. I didn't know if it was my reply or my question, or both maybe.
I used to dabble with my dad's guitar a long time ago. But I really enjoy singing.
She sings? With her voice singing a hymn I could die happy.
Do you sing very often?
She smiled at my inquiry and answered swiftly.
Not really, mostly when I'm alone or in the shower.
I chuckled quietly as I imagined her singing in the shower. Without me realizing it, my body started to respond to the mental image. I cringed at the pain my jeans were creating for me. Think baseball!
I'm looking forward to you coming over tonight.
And in all honesty, I was. I watched as a huge smile crossed her tempting lips. DAMN, baseball, baseball, baseball…
The bell dinged before she could respond and we went to our last classes of the day.
'I wonder if it's too early to ask her out.'
I was startled when a wave of possessiveness bombarded me. It was a feeling I had never had before, let alone why I was having it.
'She seemed pretty comfortable with the Cullen's today. Maybe I should wait and see if it's a passing phase.'
Smart idea Mike, wait and see what happens. Either way, I doubt she'll go for a little boy like you. I headed straight for my Spanish class, eager for it to be over. And for some unknown reason, class seemed to drag on and on and on. At last the bell sounded and I was out the door running (at a human pace) for my car.
Alice and Rosalie were standing with Bella next to her car talking and laughing while Emmett and Jasper were waiting for me by mine.
"Alice and I are going to ride with Bella so we can show her the way. You guys go on ahead and tell Esme we're bringing company." Rosalie grinned then hopped into the Eclipse.
Bella glanced at her passengers then to us guys. "I need to stop by my place first and get a change of clothes. Don't want to start any rumors within the first week."
I nodded and we all climbed into the cars and left the school. I drove home a tad faster than I normally would and my brothers noticed the difference.
'Eager much?'
I could care less what Emmett thought at the moment, I wanted to get home. We reached the house and in a matter of seconds, I had the Volvo parked and was in the house searching for my mother.
"Esme, we have company coming over!"
Chapter End Notes:
Soooo, my lovely lovely readers, let me know what you think. Pretty please, with a sparkly vampire on top (you decide which one).
