The alarm clock trilled, informing me that it was 5 AM. I returned the favor by smashing it on the ground. I know that going to Alaska was the sliver of hope that kept me breathing, but early morning wake ups just don't do it for me.
After dragging myself out of bed, I dressed quickly in my signature outfit (ripped jeans and a heavy jacket). After brushing my teeth and running a bristly brush through my chocolatey hair, I stared at myself in the mirror. I looked pitiful enough to hope that the Denali Clan knew where Alice was for some much needed fashion advice.
Charlie was waiting downstairs for me as I pulled my suitcase behind me.
"Have fun Bells, I'll miss you." he said as he helped me drag my suitcase in the truck. I hugged him and got into my truck, turning the engine on. Just as I pulled out of the driveway, Charlie called out to me. I couldn't hear him over the roar of my truck, but it sounded like,
"But not too much fun!" I smiled slightly to myself as I drove to the airport. Not having too much fun was impossible when you were spending Winter Break with a coven of vampires. Hopefully.
I boarded the plane without problem and landing in Alaska was like landing in a white, icy cloud. As I walked out of the airport terminal, the coldness caught me by surprise. I shrugged on a parka and hopped into my newly-rented car. After driving a while, I arrived in Denali. Picturesque mountains coated with snow seemed to rise out of the ground along with a beautiful wooden mansion.
I kept driving till I reached the driveway of the wooden mansion. It looked bright and warm, but I had suspicions that the inhabitants of the mansion were pale and cold. When I reached the house, I parked my car and got out of my car. Snow was swirling around, but I could see a pale figure walking out of the mansion. When she came into closer view, I saw a beautiful girl. Her hair was a wavy strawberry-blonde and her face was breathtaking. Her skin was as pale as Edward's and her eyes were liquid gold. When she spoke, it was like a melody of wind chimes.
"Who are you?" she asked, she seemed defensive. I guess they didn't get many visitors out here.
"I'm Bella, Bella Swan." I answered, as the girl's perfect face went from surprise, to recognition, to confusion, and finally to understanding.
She opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly, another girl appeared, covering the first girl's mouth. The second girl was tall and lean, with corn-silk hair that fell past her shoulders. Her face was inhumanly beautiful, but she had sharper, more warrior-like features than the first.
"Hello Bella, welcome to our home." the second girl said, revealing her lower, but captivating voice. As I walked over to the girls and inside the mansion, the second girl told me her name.
"I'm Katrina, but please call me Kate,"she said, "And ignore Tanya over there, she's a bit more reserved." she continued.
As I stepped inside, I was speechless. The ceiling towered over me and the floor was a mosaic pattern of rustic stones. Everything was open, and looking up, I could see the levels above me. Tanya instantly disappeared to the second floor and shut her door while Kate rolled her eyes.
I started to speak, but I was stopped when another girl danced into the room. She had hair like Tanya, but it was intricately braided. Her features were gorgeous, but plainer than Kate or Tanya. She smiled at me as she pulled a familiar face in the main room. His face was beautiful and olive-tinted.
"Laurent!" I cried in happiness, relieved to see a familiar face. He grinned at me and shifted towards me. The girl's face instantly turned suspicious.
"You know her?And she knows you?" she asked, narrowing her gold eyes at me slightly.
Kate hit her face in her hand in exasperation.
"Irina, she knows Laurent from the Cullens. Remember, that's why Laurent moved in with us. Bella is with Edward." she explained. As soon as his name flew out of her lips, I felt my wound re-open. I was being sucked into a black hole and I couldn't escape.
"Bella? I'm sorry, I should have remembered how you knew Laurent. Perhaps we can start over?" Irina apologized, but her voice sounded far away. I could feel Kate shift her weight and whisper to both Laurent and Irina.
Suddenly, a freezing hand was pressed to my forehead and my tunneling vision cleared. I saw a pair of caramel eyes looking at me with alarm. I brushed off my pain as I smiled and tried to look like nothing happened. Irina and Laurent exchanged worried glances.
"Bella, as much I as love to spend time with you, I've got to leave. My friend is expecting me and she doesn't like to wait." Laurent chuckled softly, a look of remembrance in his eyes. Irina's eyes narrowed at the 'she', but Laurent pretended not to notice as he disappeared, leaving the door wide open. Irina watched out the door for a moment.
"It's been a pleasure Bella, I hope we can talk more later." Irina said sincerely, smiling a bit before sprinting up to the third floor. Kate turned to me, her amber eyes glimmering in excitement.
"C'mon, I'll show you where you'll be staying." Kate said, linking her arm through mine and flashing me another mischievous smile before we sauntered up the stairs together.