I remember that awful April night very clearly. It all started with a phone rang, that woke us up.
"Who would be calling this late at night?" my husband, Frank, grumbled as he got up to answer the phone downstairs. "I have to get up early."
"Hello, Carpenter's residence." I heard his voice from down stairs.
"Mrs. Hale," Frank said shocked. "Calm down, I can't understand you."
"She left here around," Frank started and called up to me. "Vera, what time did Rosalie leave?"
"She left around eight," I answered waking up to look at the clock it was almost midnight.
"Eight. Why?" Frank asked as I came down stairs. I could hear Mrs. Hale's frantic voice clear as a bell. "She hasn't come home yet."
"What do you mean she didn't come home?" Frank's eyes expanded. "It's only a two minuet walk."
"She's not back, something is wrong, she should have been home by now. Where is she?" I heard her crying.
"Calm down, did you call King's place?" Frank then asked her. I never liked her fiancé, he just give me the wrong impression, it would have been a good place to start.
"Yes. He is out of town with his buddies. I haven't even heard from her," Mrs. Hale's voice was coming in an even more frantic pace.
"She wouldn't of gone anywhere without calling you." Frank nodded. I could tell he was getting frustrated. "Can I talk to Mr. Hale? Mr. Hale, did you contact the police?"
"We'll find a sitter and be right over." He paused. "Sure we'll do that right away. She has to be somewhere, they'll get to the bottom of this." He hung up and looked at me with confusion.
"Rosalie didn't come home?" I asked trying to find out what is going on.
"No, she didn't," Frank informed me. "They are very worried, Mr. Hale asked us to contact the hospital, do you mine?"
"Not at all," I answered picking up the phone.
"Good," Frank smiled weakly as he went upstairs. "Than find a sitter, the police want to talk to us. I told them, we would be right over. I will pull out something for you."
"Hello," I called operator. "Rochester Hospital please."
"Yes, Dr. Cullen." the doctor answered.
"Dr. Cullen," I was stunned to see him answering the phone. He was the same doctor who treated my son. "Where's the sectary?"
"Getting coffee, slow night to night," He explained. "Why? Do you need to talk to her?"
"No," I answered. "This is Mrs. Carpenter."
"Oh, is Henry having problems with the prescription, I give him?" He asked.
"No, he's fine. I am calling about my friend." I explained. "Do you know Rosalie Hale?"
"The one getting married," He answered "I believe half the state knows her."
"Yes, that one." I answered not surprise by his comment. "Has she check in lately?"
"No, I would recall seeing her." Dr. Cullen answered. "I'll check here quickly." Then I heard the him whisper something to one of the nurses. After another whisper he came back to the phone. "No, she has not checked in. Why is there a problem?"
"She hasn't come home yet," I explained.
"That's odd," Dr. Cullen voice seemed concerned. "Had her parents called the police?"
"Yes, they have, I just needed to make sure?" I then got interrupted.
"Whose that?" Frank asked coming down.
"Dr. Cullen," I answered. "You, met him and his wife at the park, she wanted to hold Henry."
"I remember her." Frank said as he rubbed his eye. "Ask if she could babysit."
"Is your wife free?" I said randomly.
"Yes, why?" Dr. Cullen answered surprise by the question.
"We are heading over to Hales, can she come and watch Henry?" I asked feeling strange asking in the middle of all this.
"She would love that," Dr. Cullen answered. "I'll be off duty in a short time, I will keep an eye out for her. Maybe even look around afterwards."
"Thank you, Doctor." I smiled somewhat feeling relieved he knew she was missing. I didn't know why, I just felt a huge amount of relief. By the time I went back upstairs, and got dressed, I didn't even take time to worry about my looks. Dr. Cullen's wife was there with her brother, Edward. They were quick, of course they didn't live that far away.
"Carlisle said your friend was missing," She stated solemnly, I was surprise to see her still well groomed, and not at all tired looking.
"Yes, do you mind watching Henry for us, we need to see what is going on?" I informed her.
"Not at all," The woman answered.
"Esme," Edward started.
"I am perfectly capable," Esme interrupted. "How old is he, again?"
"A little over a year," I answered. "He is asleep, he should be fine."
"It will be no problem," She smiled sweetly. "I brought Edward along, is going to the Hale's place with you."
"Yes, we heard that she was missing on the radio, before Carlisle called." Edward explained. "I believe I can be some help."
"He will be helpful with the police." Esme said in a serious manner.
"Thank you." I told the both of them. "We should get going."
"Grandmother" Vera interpreted. "Cullen is a very popular name, I highly drought."
"Is your last name Cullen?" Vera looked towards Rosalie.
"That's my husband's last name," Rosalie answered in a solemn tone as she took a deep breath.
"I didn't know that," the older Vera looked towards the younger Vera.
"Then why are you telling this story?" The younger Vera asked.
"Because she reminds me of it," Vera answered. "Its her voice."
"Well I am sure she has," the younger Vera started.
"I don't mind," Rosalie defended herself taking deep breath "What happen when you came to Hale's place, when you came here? I would like to hear more."
"What happen on the way over is more like it." Vera went on. "We walked over."
We came across a broken street light surrounded by police cars, and a yellow ribbon giving away a crime scene, along with a detective taking pictures and brushing off finger prints.
"Detective," I yelled as he looked up.
"Are you the Carpenters?" He asked giving Frank a dirty look.
"Yes," Frank answered seeing a broken street light. "Is this the crime scene?"
"Yes, I got to show you something, Mrs. Carpenter," the detective as he walked me over as he showed me a hat, that he was brushing for fingerprints. "IS that hers?"
"Yes," I answered.
"The buttons'" He than showed me buttons that was not moved. "It seems someone scattered them on purpose."
"Not to me," Edward said as he eyed the detective.
"Those were on her jacket." I explained to them.
"I see," the detective smiled at my husband. "Do you mind if I meet you at Hales?"
"Yes, we are on our way there." Frank answered.
"Be careful with what you say." Edward warned us as we came to this very house.
The detective followed us to the Hale's home, where they had their police cars parked in front with dogs sitting in the back truck. "I am glad to see your right on it." Edward pointed out as he notice the large blood hounds scratching in the back of the truck. "I know a faster way than their method."
We ignored him as I came in to see Mrs. Hale, still dressed, with her hair loose from fallen pens and her face beat red. She was pacing back and forth in the entrance hall when we came in.
"Vera," She ran to hug me, followed by Frank, which surprised both of us. Then she gave Edward a shock look wondering what he was doing here.
"What brings you here?" She demanded.
"To see if I can help," He answered as he placed his coat on the coat rack. "My sister is watching their son."
"Glad you came, we were just questioning Mr. Hale." The detective's younger partner said as he walked casually out of the living room. Mr. Hale, was also dressed with a loosen tie, and blood shot tired eyes, I could tell he just finished with a hard integration. I notice their two sons where up too. They where in their night clothes, the older one seemed upset by the situation, while the other one just looked at the detectives confused.
"Mrs. Hale, you really need to relax." The other detective investigating came in, noticing her tension.
"You don't tell me to relax," Mrs. Hale yelled with distinct furry. "I can't, my daughter could be with God knows who, in God knows where, getting God knows what and you are treating my husband and I as if we where responsible for their disappearance. I will relax when you do your job, and bring her home."
"Mrs. Hale, this won't take long." The younger detective informed her. "We just want to get all the details. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, right this way."
"They didn't do anything," Edward informed them.
"Mother, she probably is just." The older of the two boys started.
"Stay out of this." She screamed to her son. "Your sister has gone out before, but not without calling. She does do things out of selfishness, but she will not let me worry like this. I know something is wrong, I can just feel it."
"You should be a little more concerned." Edward told the older Hale boys.
"Just cooperate and we'll find her." The older detective informed.
"They are only following procedure." Edward looked at us. "Maybe you might know something, but be careful what you say."
The two detectives led Frank and I into the living room sofa, followed by Edward, then Mr. and Mrs. Hale. The detectives took a seat on Mrs. Hale's sofa, she stood behind them with her eyes fuming down on them. "Now, Mrs. Carpenter, when was the last time you saw Rosalie?"
"Around eight, when she left my home." I answered them.
"Did she seem in any hurry, like she had to be somewhere?" The younger detective asked me.
"She is never in a hurry to leave our home." Frank answered as Edward gave him a small smile.
"What was she talking about when she left?" the older detective asked.
"She was worried about her wedding. Scared that it might have to be indoors." I explained.
"Are you sure she spend all evening worried about that?" The younger detective asked sarcastically.
"I can honestly say, she would spend all evening worried about that." I answered as Edward smiled at me again. These questions were getting ridicules.
"Did she mention that she had to go somewhere, besides home?" the detective asked as Mrs. Hale glared in on me. This was the first question that made sense.
"She just wanted to go home, it was getting dark." I answered.
"Was your husband home at that time?" the older detective asked as they both looked at him.
"Yes," He answered.
"Isn't it strange that you didn't offer her a ride?" They looked at him.
"They didn't do anything." Edward interrupted, he seemed to know their thoughts.
"Stay out of this, son, we know what we are doing." The younger detective said angry.
"Stop it," Mrs. Hale demanded. "They did not do anything, what motive do they have?"
The phone rang again. Mrs. Hale went to answer it. "Mrs. King," Mrs. Hale's face went into a furry. "I don't care I want to talk to him. Give me, Royce." There was a pause. "She's not home yet, have you seen her." There was a pause. Then she yelled to the top of her lungs. "HAVE YOU SEEN HER?" Edward stood beside her, as if he was listening to the phone conversion.
"Question the Kings," Edward ordered the detectives as Mrs. Hale slammed the phone.
"He says he was out drinking with his buddies, " Mrs. Hale started as she got interrupted.
"See, he has an alibi" The older detective breathed. "Do you still want us to check it out?"
"Is he coming over?" Mr. Hale asked raising an eyebrow.
"No," Mrs. Hale snarled. "Mrs. King says he needs rest."
"Don't you find that a little strange?" Mr. Hale asked the detectives. "I would feel better if you check it out."
"We'll go over there in the morning if it makes you feel comfortable." The older detectives said as he closed his book. "I drought we will get much. Why don't you get some rest, Mrs. Hale, you look awful."
"Of course I do, my daughter is missing. What did you expect, for me to be in makeup serving tea and cookies." Mrs. Hale yelled so loud the walls shook. "Why don't you go over there now, and do your job."
"Mrs. Hale, we'll get to the bottom of this." The younger detective stopped her.
"You are doing a swell job at that, questioning the Carpenters" Mrs. Hale yelled. "What motive do they have?"
"Mr. Hale, control your wife" The older detective ordered him.
"It is better she is yelling at you than me." Mr. Hale pointed out.
"And as far as getting some rest, I swear with every breath of my life, that I will not rest in till she comes home. Even when I stop breathing, I will not rest in till I see, my Rosalie again." Mrs. Hale screamed her final words.
"That is enough," Vera yelled slamming the tea mug down. "Grandmother, you always get work up telling this story. This is why you shouldn't be telling it. Especially to my guest. I am so sorry, miss."
"That is alright," Rosalie defended her old friend. "Did they find anything at King's place?"
"You know, I never trusted him. His mother answered for him, says he was out of town the whole time. Hanging out with his buddies." The older Vera went silent. "Liar, she was. I had to go back home, Dr. Cullen called asking for his wife and brother-in-law to come home, said it was an emergency they had to deal with. It was later that month when."
"There is no later," Vera interrupted rudely as Rosalie notice the time.
"I don't mind really." Rosalie stood up looking at the clock. "I have to go, those, my husband and I our going dancing."
"Oh, where?" the older Vera asked curious. The young woman made her feel like she was talking to one of her girlfriends.
"The Ball Room," Rosalie answered as her friend smiled.
"My daughter owns that place," Vera smiled. "Its was in pretty good condition in my day. She keeps it that way. She likes telling stories. If you want to know the whole story."
"Of course," she whispered.
Emmett was just about finished with his shower, the room was completely steamed. As soon as he got out he heard a strange tapping noise. Emmett figured it was someone in the other room, he ignored it. He then turned to look in the mirror, and started brushing his teeth. He then felt something cold and hard press down on him. It felt like a hard hand that was pressing his shoulder down. It was a freezing hand, cold even for a vampire. It caused Emmett jumped quickly, and turn to see no one near him.
"I really should've waited for a younger elk." Emmett muttered when the pressure backed off. He then started brushing his teeth.
Emmett then went out to unpack his suit, as soon as he got dressed. As Emmett dressed he heard a cry in the closet. It sounded like a woman, an older woman crying out in grief. Emmett went to open the closet, stunned by the walk in closet Rosalie once had he looked around. Nothing was there, it was completely empty, but the cry didn't stop. Emmett went in to see if the woman was hiding. He then felt that coldness again. Emmett took a deep breath 'This isn't happening.' As soon as he said those words Emmett heard that voice again. "Emmett."
Emmett turned to see a woman who had a strange resemblance to Rosalie, but older. She just stared at him, giving him a look like she was judging at his trail. What was she doing here? Emmett was going to grab her and show her the door, when his hand went straight though her body.
"So much for that unbreakable grip of yours. It won't work on me." The woman laughed. If vampire's had goose bumps, he would have goose bumps. If vampire's could sweat, he would be boiling. If he had a heart beat, the neighbors would be able to hear it.
She continued laughing coming closer to Emmett, stood right in front of him. "Now, look in the mirror."
Emmett looked in the mirror he did not see her reflection in the mirror, he looked down to see her in front of him, but it was just him in the mirror. Emmett felt his hands begun to shake. As the woman laughed. "I didn't know vampires could get so scared. She started to laugh, again.
Emmett started heading for the door, he did not want to be in this room for one minute. He was going to run down, grab Rosalie and head far away as possible. He didn't even care if the bill was paid.
"You're not leaving" She hissed angry flying faster than his vampire speed increasing her size, blocking the door. She then boomed in a loud voice. " Vampires shouldn't get scared, epically of me I have been waiting for you, too long."
"You waited for me." Emmett stuttered.
"Yes, and I have to say" She then shrunk back to his size. "Your not making a good impression."
Emmett let out a soft screech trying not to scream he asked. "Wh-wh-who arrrrre youuuuu and wha-wha-what doooo you want wi-wi-with us?"
"Emmett" The woman rolled her eyes softly as she went through his body, causing a chill, forcing him to turn around. "I know most people, dread meeting their mother-in-laws, but this is ridicules"