ONLY TIME WILL TELL
Check out the trailer for this story on my home page...huggs
I own nothing that has to do with Twilight, that honor go strictly to Stephanie Myers.
A/N: Special thanks to my amazing Beta JSH, Donna you rock girlfriend.
CHAPTER 4
THE AWAKINING
I could feel the flames that licked my body start to descend, almost liked it was being sucked from all the orifices of my body, drawing to the center of my chest, as it hit my heart it felt as though it exploded and pulled at my chest. My back arched at that same moment, my heart stopped beating, my back fell back to the ground and all was quiet.
I laid there for a few minutes before opening my eyes, the room was dark, it took a few minutes for my eyes to adjust, but as they did I noticed I could see everything so clearly, even down to the tiny dust molecules floating in the air. I turned my head and searched the room. The room was made of nothing but stone, I was laying on a block of stone as well and a sheet draped a crossed me.
I flung the sheet away in a motion that was faster than I was ready for and it startled me; I jump within that same motion and found myself up against the cold stone wall. I whimpered from fear as I searched the room once more, trying to figure out why I was here, my mind was racing in so many directions I couldn't understand one memory from the next , I had literally a dozen memories going through my mind at the same time.
"STOP!"
I screamed as I buried my face in my hands then pressing my palms to the temple of my head. I realized my voice had changed as well, it sounded like the bells of an angel, sweet, soft, not as shrill as it was before. I placed a hand on my throat, still trying to figure out what had happened to me.
I tried to think one of the dozen of memories that was returning as they raced through my mind, suddenly I realized if I concentrated hard enough, that I could distinguish between them, as I sorted through my memories once again this time paying special attention to what was there, as they flashed repeatedly, one had caught my attention. A woman, a pale woman she came to me. She told me about Jasper...
JASPER!
My husband the love of my life, she was going to change me to make me like him, she must have succeeded, was I a vampire? Was all this just a dream? But why was I here? How could I move so fast? Why is my vision so in tuned to my surroundings? Why can see everything and its pitch black in here?
Something caught my attention, a movement of some kind, I looked around the room not seeing anything, but I heard it, something is moving, and it smelled so good. The aroma was like chicken is being fried and the whole house smells like the delicious morsel of meat frying in the pan.
My throat began to burn, once again I brought my hand to my throat, it was hard to swallow, and it felt like I had the worse sore throat known to man. I then I heard a howl, I covered my ears, it was so loud, earth shattering, then it stopped, and my mind began to work again, what was that? It sounded like a wolf, but why was it so loud, it sounded like it was in this room with me, like it was echoing off the walls.
I thought for a minute, could it be another part of being a vampire? Acute hearing as well as sight and smell? I moved around the small room hunting for a way out, there was a small light filtering through one of the walls, I walked over to it and peeked through the crack, I could see outside, there were trees and grass, tall grass, it was blocking my view but I could still see around it to some extent.
I looked over the entire wall. I found a crack above my head and I followed it with the tips of my fingers. It traveled completely around in a perfect square. I pushed slightly on the wall, the whole side of the wall gave way and fell outwards and shattered into a million pieces. I stepped over the rubble and out towards the wooded area onto the plush green floor taking in my surroundings, and looked around. I turned as I looked at where my resting place was. It was and entrance into a cave, but it only had one room, as I looked up, above the opening of my tomb sat in the side of a hill, I moved around the mound as I slowly climbed to the top, once again looking around.
This place looked familiar to me, that's when I remembered. It was where the woman vampire had taken me. This is where I sat waiting for her that night before we found Jasper, if my heart could beat it would have done so, rapidly. I turned and move quickly through the trees to find the open field, as I came closer to the field I stopped, hid behind one of the trees as I did that day. I didn't want to frighten Jasper or any of the others that were with him, that day, I had to be careful. I peeked around the tree to the open field, my heart dropped, the tents were gone. I stepped out and looked around. I was sure this was the place. I walked across the field and there was the open crater that I had seen that morning. Taking in my surroundings, I searched for something, anything, but the tents had indeed disappeared. My heart broke. Can a heart break when you were a vampire? I don't know but if it couldn't something was happening because I felt as if I was crying but wait, I was crying. I brought my fingers to my face but there were no tears.
How can you cry and have no tears, I sang out with my new voice losing all my patience. I kicked a good size rock with the toe of my shoe and sent it sailing across the field; it hit one of the trees and went completely through it! I was amazed with my strength, but it scared me a little as well.
Jasper where are you? I cried out loud almost hoping he could hear me, run to me, take me into his arms and hold me to make this all better, but knowing he couldn't. He was gone. What am I going to do now?
I knew nothing about being a vampire. My throat was burning something fierce and I didn't know why or how to fix it. I knew for sure that I couldn't go to the doctor, were there even Doctors for vampires? I doubted it. I looked down at my hand, I noticed I was shimmering like Jasper and the others were when I found them earlier.
Earlier, was it even the same day? I wonder how long I slept; the woman said I would wake up in three days, had it really been that long?
Immediately I heard a growl, my head whipped around to face the wooded area, then I smelled it, oh god that smells wonderful, what was that sweet smell, I must have it! My senses took over and I was flying into the forest. I stopped when I knew it was close to the aroma. I quietly edged closer to find a mountain lion getting ready to pounce on a rabbit that had frozen in its tracks from fear. I pounced, landing on top of the lion, sinking my teeth into it throat right at its pulse point. His sweet essence flowed into my mouth and down my throat. He fought hard, but I held on until he fell to the ground. I drained every ounce of his sweet nectar from his body.
Once I finished I kicked him to the side and looking down at my prey. I glanced up to make sure no one had seen me. I dug a hole and buried him. I noticed that the burning in my throat was satiated, that's when I realized that was what I needed to stop the burning in my throat. Then I remembered something else the woman had told me actually there were two things she had said.
The first thing she said was that I would kill humans to sustain myself, I didn't want to kill to live and I just found out there was no need to do so, when there were animals to give me what I needed.
Secondly she said that there was another coven of vampires north to the west of here that fed on animals and didn't harm humans. Maybe I should find this coven, ask them for help. I was afraid to seek out my family if I truly was a danger to them; I didn't want to be anywhere near them. Jasper would hate me for killing his family, and I couldn't live with myself if I harmed them or any human for that matter.
I came to the conclusion I was on my own, I knew what I was but not how to sustain my life as one. I felt as helpless as a kitten would if he was lost, searching for help among the multitude of people. I had to find a way to get to Washington without running into any humans, I knew there were a few towns that had a lot of people in them but I think if I stay away from those towns I will be okay. Maybe traveling at night would be best, I could only imagine what people would say if they see my skin shimmering like this.
I waited until sun down and made my way back to my house to get some clothes to change into. I was a mess and my clothes were shredded and covered in blood, not only from the lion I attacked but from being in that cave. They were dusty and almost falling off of me.
I approached my home. I slowed the closer I got, making sure no one was around. When I didn't see anyone I made my way to the house. I slowed taking in the conditions of the structure. The door was falling from its hinges, the roof was sagging, there were holes in the wood that held the dwelling that Jasper and I once shared. The weeds had taken complete control of the house not only on the outside but on the inside as well. I stepped inside, the wooden floor creaked and gave way with every step I made, the furniture was gone. I made my way to the bedroom, it too was absent of furniture. I looked around the house that once belonged to Jasper and myself and wondered what had happened to our home.
Once again I felt like crying but the tears never came. I walked out of the house. I turned too looked up at our home once again before leaving. I spun around and found the barn was in worse shape than the house, I was at a loss for words.
I couldn't figure out what had happened, everything since I had woke up was different, I was lost I had no idea what was going on with me or the world. There was only one place to go, so I headed north.
I kept to the woods as much as possible, not seeing anyone since I had set out. I loved the speed that I was capable of traveling in, I was able to cover a lot of terrain in a short period of time, but I began to slow down when I noticed I was running out of forest to hide myself in.
I looked around to see nothing but open field for as far as I could see, it was still dark but I was afraid if I continued that when it did start to get light I would be trapped out in the sun and someone would see me. I stood there for a few minutes going over my options.
I decided that if I didn't start taking chances I would never get to my destination, so I took off like a flash down the country road. I don't know how far I had gone, but I finally found another wooded area. I was so relieved for the sun was just starting to come up so I headed for the trees as fast as I could and took refuse in one of its trees, I leaned back against its heavy trunk to wait out the day.
I relaxed in the trees waiting for dusk, I heard voice approaching, if my heart could beat it would have given my position away, the voices stopped just under where I was positioned, I was frightened that I would smell their blood, afraid I would kill them so I held my breath. I wondered how long I could hold my breath without passing out and falling out of the tree, but it seems I didn't need to breath at all, the couple that was beneath me were coupling, if I wasn't a vampire I knew I would have been beet red with embarrassment. I silently climbed higher in the cover of the leaves so they wouldn't see me. After a while they dressed, making their way out of the forest.
At this time it dawned on me, I wasn't holding my breath, and I didn't kill the humans, I didn't even smell them my throat was a little scratchy but nothing to uncomfortable, I sighed with relief, why would that vampire lie to me about not being able to be around normal humans? Why would she say that I would attack them, drain them of their blood? I didn't feel the need to attack anyone, other than animals. I was relieved to say the least.
Once it started to get dark I jumped to the ground, making my way through the forest, when I came to the end I stuck my head out to look around there was a huge road dividing the forest in two.
I stepped out and was readying myself to cross this huge road, that's when a sound came out of nowhere, it rumbled and shook the ground where I stood, I turned to see a monster coming straight for me, it had a great light that blinded me to look into it, the sound that came out of it was indescribable, as it went around me with great speed, a man reached out of the monster and screamed at me.
GET OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD BITCH!
I backed up and watched as it made its way down the road, I was shaken, why was that man in that monster? He didn't seem frightened. If anything he seemed more angry than scared. This made no sense to me, I think I'm a little out of place and I was starting to wonder just how long I had been asleep?
Jasper isn't where I had seen him last, then the house was in shambles, now this, this whatever it was. If anything I was in more need to get to these vampires, I really needed their help and I needed it now.
I ran until I made it to some mountains which I was glad for my throat once again was starting to get scratchy and sore, once there I brought down another mountain lion and drained him quickly, then I was on my way again.
I had come across a log cabin that was sitting in the woods. Someone had hung some clothes out to dry; I noticed a pair of men's paints and a tee-shirt hanging there. I hated to do it but my dress was hanging on me now and showing parts I wished to cover up.
I quickly ran to the line, snatched the clothing and made my way to the nearest stream. I discarded my clothes and lowered myself into the water and cleaned myself as best I could. My hair was all over the place and I knew if I ever came across someone they would think I was demented, I smoothed it out the best I could while it was wet.
I found a piece of line and tied it up into a ponytail. I had to admit I did feel better now that I had cleaned up. I took note of where the house was so I could send them some money to replace the clothing that I had stolen and I headed out again.
I crossed mountains and streams galore, finally I was in the state of Washington, I looked around once there and wondered how far Forks could be from where I was. I spotted a couple walking down the road; I took a chance that they wouldn't be afraid of me and asked them for information.
Excuse me sir, I said slowly approaching the gentleman.
Yeah, can I help you? He asked as he looked at me concerned.
Yes, can you tell me how far Forks is from here and how I get there? I asked nervously.
You're in Forks ma'am, are you alright? he asked still looking at me as I was hurt or something.
Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking, I told him then continued, do you know of a family called Cullen? I asked hoping they would know them, I was so done with traveling, I had seen so many strange things that I couldn't explain, I needed answer, I needed help.
Of course everyone knows the Cullen's they live on the other side of town, just follow this road it will take you to their front door, he said with a smile.
Oh, thank you so much sir, thank you, I said again so relieved that my trip was almost at an end.
I almost ran off in vampire speed when I realized I couldn't do that in front of these nice people, I would probably frighten them to death, so I slowly began to walk at human speed when I was out of there line of sight I made for the woods and took off.
I found myself at a river, I looked around then started to walk away from the water and back into the woods. When I came to another opening I noticed a house that sat a little ways ahead and hoped that it belonged to the Cullen's, considering I hadn't seen another house within miles this had to be it. I heard a noise that brought me to the attention of an animal that was no more than two feet from me. I jumped back at least a foot, and looked upon the biggest wolf I had ever seen. He was growling at me but he didn't approach me, he just stood there and growled. I looked at him in wonder.
Well ? Are you going to attack me or stand there and growl at me all evening? I asked him, knowing I was being silly, animals don't talk, but I couldn't figure out why he hadn't attacked me and I almost had a heart attack when I heard a voice, was losing my mind as well?
He won't attack, the voice said as I turned to see a pale man walking towards me, I hoped with everything I am that he was a Cullen's.
Why not? I asked as I looked back to the wolf.
Because he can't come over the treaty line, he said I looked down like an idiot to look for a line as the man chuckled.
That's not Bella, Jacob, the man said, as I looked at him, with a confused look. It's not her, I just left her, and she was perfectly fine, it takes three days for the change to take place, he continued, and then I thought he was losing his mind as I looked between him and the wolf.
Are you speaking to the wolf? I asked worried for my safety. The man looked at me and chuckled again.
Yes, I can read his mind, he is a shape-shifter, he said, as I looked at him more confused as ever.
A shape who? I asked, he let out a hearty laugh as the wolf walked away and a man took his place.
I looked over at the man who took his place, in awe, this man was an Indian, I had heard about them but they were savages, I worked my way closer to the pale looking man, who watched me closely.
He won't harm you, he told me as he put him hand on my shoulder to comfort me.
Are you sure? I heard all Indian's were savages, I told him as the Indian, gave me a look of disbelief.
Who are you, the Indian asked, looking at me as if I was something he wanted to eat.
I looked at the pale one and told him, who I was, afraid of the Indian that stood in front of us.
My name is Isabella, I have come a long way in search of a family named Cullen, I need their help, I told them as both men looked at me in shock.
What? I asked thinking that maybe I should run away.
You said it wasn't Bella, Cullen, you broke the treaty, the Indian screamed.
She isn't my Bella, Jacob. I don't know who she is but she isn't my Bella, maybe she's some relation of hers, I swear I left her at her house not ten minutes ago, the pale man told the Indian.
You better be telling me the truth bloodsucker because if I find out your lying to me I will burn you without thinking twice, he said as he turned and burst into a wolf and took off into the woods.
Well that was interesting, I told him, As I turned to face him, so you are a Cullen sir? I asked him. He smiled.
Yes, my name is Edward, and you are Isabella, my girlfriend is named Isabella, Isabella Swan, you look exactly like her, he said, as I looked at him in shock.
No that is impossible, I am Isabella Swan or I used to be, I told him.
Then you must be related to her, when were you turned? he asked.
I was made this way in the year 1867, my husband went off to war and disappeared, a short time later a woman came to see me, she said that my husband was turned and she asked if I would like to be like him. I could not live without my husband so I let her turn me, when I awoke everything had changed, I don't understand any of this. I remember the woman told me of your coven, and how you drink from animals. I was alone I thought I would make my way here and ask your coven for help, I told him as I lowered my head, hating to ask this kind man for help.
Of course, we can help, your eyes are red have you been drinking from humans? he asked.
No! I could not do that I have only drank from mountain lions so far, but never a human, never human, I promised, but was in shock that he would think that of me.
Then why are your eyes red? There usually not red unless you have feed from humans or you have just woken from the burning, he said.
I have only been awake for 3 days sir, I am frightened, can you help me? he looked at me in shock.
Wait, you just woke up? But you said you were turned in 1867? he confirmed in the way of a question, confused and in shock, I don't understand this at all, the longest anyone has burned is a seven days, he said.
The woman said three days I would sleep and then I would wake but she wasn't there when I woke up no one was around I don't know what to do, I told him.
Sweetheart do you know the year? he asked me sweetly, I think I like this man he even talks sweetly to me.
It is 1867 ummm August, ummm I don't know the date, I told him honestly. He chuckled and shook his head.
You poor dear what you must be going through, he said as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders and started walking me towards the house as he talked.
It is 2010 my dear and you have slept a very long time, I don't know what happened but my father is very good at figuring these things out so let's go in here and talk to him shall we, he said as he led me to the house.
When Edward told me that the year was 2010, I think I went into shock how was this possible? How could anyone sleep for that long? No wonder Jasper wasn't where I had seen him last and it also explains a lot of what I saw during my travel here, well it doesn't explain it but it makes it easier to believe. I was way into the future, where a lot of things had changed. I was so glad that I had come here for help.
He opened the door and escorted me in and sat me on the sofa and called for a man named Carlisle. I was in awe of this house it was beautiful and huge, but I guess if you have a lot of vampires living in here it would have to be a large house, then I wondered just how many did live here.
Carlisle, can you join us please, he called and walked over to me and smiled.
Yes Edward what is it? he asked as Edward move out from in front of me and the other man looked upon my face in shock.
Edward what's going on here, I know that's not Bella she just left who is this woman? he asked.
Carlisle sat down across from me as Edward told him the story I just told him, Carlisle was amazed at what he was hearing.
You just woke up three days ago? You realize you have been burning for a hundred and forty three years young woman, tell me your name? he asked.
You're going to love this, Edward told him with a smirk.
My name is Isabella Swan Whitlock, I told them as Carlisle stood to his feet and Edward gasped, and I heard another voice come from behind me.
What did she say her name was! a girl asked from behind me, I turned in the direction of her voice, and to my surprise, there he stood, my Jasper he was standing there with his mouth hanging open.
Jasper! I screamed and ran across the room and jumped into his arms as I chanted his name over and over, I have missed you so much my love, I cried tearlessly, as he placed me on my feet.
I'm sorry darlin' I don't know who you are, I know you carry my name but I'm afraid I have no memory of you, he said.
I backed away right into Edward who put his arm around me and sat me on the sofa again. They all looked at me sadly, they needed more information from me but I didn't want to talk at the moment, I stared at the floor and folded my hands in my lap as my mind wondered off to when Jasper and I spent time together while he was on leave.
I could hear the pixie looking girl asking Jasper who I was and why did I have his name, he tried to tell her I had to be someone from his human years. She seemed upset and he was trying to comfort her, he was comforting her as I sat dying inside I was his wife not this woman. I could hear others entering the room and wondering what was going on as Edward and Carlisle told them all they knew.
Edward stooped down in front of me and touched my cheek to get my attention, as I looked at him with sorrowful eyes.
Honey how do you know Jasper, and why do you have his name, he asked sweetly.
I shook my head not wanting to tell him, I felt I had done enough damage I just wanted to leave maybe I will cross that treaty line and make that wolf tare me apart. It was clear Jasper didn't remember me, the woman vampire told me before she turned me he didn't remember me, I guess I just wished he would.
Please Isabella, he asked as I looked into his eyes. I sighed and looked over at Jasper who took a seat across from me next to Carlisle as the pixie sat in his lap; I closed my eyes not wanting to see this.
I need to go, I told him as I got up and started for the door, Edward stopped me by grabbing my arm, he swung me around to face him.
Did you not travel a great distance in hopes to find my family so we could help you? he asked. I sighed and paused a few seconds before answering him.
Yes but I didn't know Jasper was here, I cannot stay here, I cannot stay here and watch him be with another woman, I whispered, trying to hide the sadness that I portrayed in my eyes.
I heard the pixie mumbling something as Carlisle told her to show some respect.
Come on, we need to get all this out in the open so we can help you Isabella, Please stay, let us help if we can, he said as he led me back to my seat.
Okay let's start again, how do you know Jasper? Carlisle asked. I looked down to the floor before I spoke.
He is my husband, I whispered as the pixie went off in a rage.
That is enough Alice, you either calm down or leave it's your choice, Carlisle demanded. She crossed her arms and gave Jasper a dirty look and slammed herself into another chair across the room, while glaring between Jasper and myself.
And that was while you were human, right? he asked.
Yes, we met in the year 1864, I lived with my aunt after my parents and brother were killed, we married in 1865, just before Jasper went off to war, I told him. I looked over at Jasper who gave me a sorrowful smile, as if he was trying to remember and was sorry that he couldn't.
Who was the woman who came to you? The one who asked if she could turn you so you could join Jasper? he asked. I looked over at Jasper.
I didn't know her name sir, she was one of three sisters, I began, and when I mentioned the sisters Jasper perked up. One of her sisters Maria, had Jasper and the other two lived in a separate camp, I told him. Jasper jumped out of his seat.
You changed because you found out I had been changed, he said surprised that I had done that. I nodded my head as Jasper began to pace back and forth as he pulled his hair out of his face with his hands.
I don't understand how you slept for so long, I have never heard of such a thing happening before, Carlisle said. I shrugged my shoulders.
Wait what did you say, just how long did she burn? Jasper asked looking between Carlisle and me.
She just woke three days ago, Carlisle told him, Jasper looked at me and growled deeply.
No no no no this can't be, Carlisle while I was with Maria I overheard her talking to her sisters about a girl they had turned they tried turning her with a bite and magic, they came to Maria for help, it seemed the sisters couldn't wake the girl, they said it had already been five months but the girl still slept! Maria was mad as hell, she told them to take care of her to put her somewhere that if she woke we would know about it, but nothing ever came from it, where did you wake up darlin'? Jasper asked in that sweet southern accent that I loved so much and missed beyond belief.
In a cave in the wooded area, just beyond where Maria's camp site was, I told him, he collapsed on the chair placing his hand over his mouth not believing what I was telling him or what he was hearing.
I'm so sorry darlin', you shouldn't have ever been made to go through that! They used magic on you. They use to do it all the time. Their magic never worked, Maria finally ended their miserable lives finally tiring of their antics, she was afraid they would bring the Volturi down on us, so she finally killed them and burned them, but if I had known where you were I would have saved you this pain my dear, he said.
Jasper this is not your fault I wanted to be turned I wanted to be with my husband, at the time I didn't know they were witches, I don't think it would have mattered even if I knew, I told him as he looked over at me with sad loving eyes.
So they were witches? Carlisle asked Jasper. He nodded his head still not taking his eyes off of me.
There may be consequences, of the transformation, Carlisle told us.
Jasper looked away from me to Carlisle. What do you mean consequences? Jasper asked in a worried voice.
Well, they used magic in her transformation. Isabella is a newborn, have you thought of that? But do you see anything about her that would prove she is a newborn, other than her red eyes? he asked as Jasper looked back at me and shook his head no.
And you say you have been around humans and you don't get thirsty? He asked.
No the woman said I would kill humans if I was ever near them but they don't affect me in the least now a mountain lion is another story, I told them as they laughed.
Did you have any children with Jasper? Carlisle asked as Jasper and Alice leaned forward to hear, but I think they both had different reason, Jasper because it would have been his children, Alice just because she wanted to know and hoped we didn't.
No we wanted to start a family after he got back from the war, we talked about it often, he really wanted a family, and I would have been happy to give him one, I told Carlisle but mostly to Jasper, who was smiling at me now, Alice huffed and left the room. Jasper didn't seem to mind, for he never even looked up when she left.
It seems you bare a strong resemblance to Edward's girlfriend, and when I say strong, if you weren't a vampire we wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the two of you, he said. I'm trying to figure out how this is possible, he continued.
I don't have a clue sir, unless she is related to my aunt, her children would be my cousins who in return would make Edward girlfriend, my cousin a few generations removed? I said more as a question than a reply, as we all chuckled. My uncle and my father where twins, as my mother and aunt were sisters, maybe there is where the resemblance lies sir, I replied.
Yes that is very possible, my only question is, would you be offended to meet my girlfriend, Isabella? Edward asked sincerely. I looked at him in disbelief, I understand he didn't know me, but I am a southern girl, it is an honor to be a part of such a humble house hold.
Why sir? Would I be offended in meeting my own family? If she knows of our kind, then it would be an honor to meet this lady friend of yours, I told him, and he smiled with a nod from his head and Jasper smiled as well.
Isabella, my name is Esme, Carlisle and I are mated, it's very nice to meet you honey, I know you must be exhausted from you journey, would you like to rest for a while, before we get into any more questions? she asked.
Thank you ma'am, that would be very welcome, if nothing else so I can think about everything that has been told to me, I replied as she got up and led me to a room to relax.
Yes that will give me time to go over some books I have in my study, maybe I can come up with something that will help us understand why you slept for so long, Carlisle said.
Thank you sir, I appreciate all of your help, it really does mean a lot to me, if you will excuse me, I said as I stood up and curtsied and nodded my head at the same time and followed Esme up the stairs.
