Chapter 7 – So now you know
Edward had insisted he knew everything, up until the Cullens got attacked by Jane.
"Well, I was unconscious for about a week after that. I heard the screams of everyone, and I think I got overwhelmed and everything went black. Next thing I know, I'm in a cold, damp, stone room. I had some food, which tasted really good. And then Aro came in to see me. He apologised for everything. He even told me he had Jane killed, due to her law breaking actions. I remember him saying something about letting me go, but he had already told you all I was dead. I cried for hours, maybe even days. I didn't see another vampire for three days, when Caius brought me some food. He was really kind to me. He even brought me a blanket to keep me warm. I refused to wear any clothes they offered me. They smelt like death. It was then that I knew I was going to die." I watched Edward flinch. He had scooted closer to me, as I tried to remember the last few days of my human life, but I didn't try and push him away. "Two days later, Aro returned. He said I had a choice; I could remain human, but stay with the Volturi and replace their secretary, I could die a quick and painless death, or I could become one of them. He let me consider it for an hour. I decided that being a human was pointless without you, and I certainly didn't want to die. So, I chose the latter choice. I would become a member of the Volturi. When he returned, he somehow knew my choice already. He had a bottle of hair dye that he sent the receptionist out to get, and some straighteners. He told me to dye my hair, and straighten it. I did as he ordered. I didn't know why he was making me do these things, until, an hour later, he returned again. He had nothing for me this time, but he was accompanied by a young boy. A human boy. I was confused. I was really hungry, and wanted some food. I was too scared to ask for some, though." Edward was now holding my hand, but I was too far into my memories to notice. "Three days later, I woke up. I don't remember anything except unbearable pain. When I came around, I knew I was different; a vampire. The burning in my throat was excruciating, and when I saw the boy shackled to the walls, I realised why Aro had brought him to me. He looked so weak, so lifeless. He looked at me with nothing but pure horror in his dead eyes. He begged me. He used all of his strength to get up on his knees and beg me to kill him. I didn't have to think twice; I was so thirsty." I hung my head in shame. Edward put his arm around my shoulders, but again, I didn't really notice. "I served with them for years. I learnt how to control my gift, what it could be used for. Aro even let me out to hunt humans for myself. I couldn't remember anything about my human life at that time, I was too consumed with thirst. I would wander around Italy, picking on anyone who smelled tasty. Then, I decided I wanted to explore out of Italy, so I went to Germany. People worshipped me there, and I used that to lure my dinner to me. It was only when I was in a high street one morning, that I saw a face that reminded me of someone. I couldn't think who. But I knew he was American, his scent was different to everyone else. I felt a different need; I needed to know him better. He was with a woman, so I couldn't ask him who he was. I followed him wherever he would go, and when he went to America, I followed. The woman left him in Jacksonville, and I felt a tinge of recognition. I was so frustrated with myself that I couldn't remember who he was. When he flew back here, to Forks, I got that recognition again. Out of nowhere I suddenly recalled the street names, and where they led too. And when he went into his house, I got that same feeling. I stalked him for a week, and he didn't even realise." I had started dry sobbing. "When I heard him on the phone one night, talking to a woman, he sounded really upset, hurt. I couldn't hear the other end of the phone, so I didn't know what about. I had an urge to comfort him, tell him it was okay. I need to feed, I was so thirsty, but I was too involved with this man. I let myself in through the back door, and once I was in his kitchen, memories flashed before me; an innocent teen girl, cooking dinner. A vampire, watching her. Much like I was watching this man. And then I heard the other end of the line. 'I miss her Charlie.' And he snapped back at her. I saw red when he said my name. 'Isabella is dead Renee. Get over it.' He was so harsh when he spoke of me, the human girl. Renee was in tears, and she hung up on him. Then Charlie saw me. He reached for his gun, but caught his hand on a knife. His blood called me. I had been thirsty for so long; so, without even thinking, I killed him. I looked over his lifeless body, and I realised I had become a monster; I had killed my own father. That's when you and Carlisle turned up. If I had a soul, I would have let you kill me there and then, but I didn't understand anything. So, I did what I knew best, I fought back, using some gifts I picked up along the way and I ran. I went back to Aro, and explained what had happened. He treated me like his daughter, and comforted me. A few months later, I decided it was time to move one. Aro allowed, as long as I promised to abide by the rules. Of course I was going to. I started off killing humans, but every time I looked at their dead bodies, I was reminded of what I did to Charlie. So, like Carlisle once done, I tried to starve myself. It didn't work, obviously. But then I remembered you. You fed on animals. I tried it, and found I actually liked it. I wandered around for a few years, alone. And then I met Anna-Lee. She took me back to her coven, and they accepted me with open arms. I didn't tell them anything, other than the fact I was once part of the Volturi, what my gift was, and how I had killed Charlie, turning me to animal blood. We lived happily for years, moving every three years. And then we came here, and I'm sure you can guess the rest."
I looked at Edward, who was sitting so close to me, his leg was touching mine. His eyes held mine, and I could taste his breath as it danced across my tongue, making my brain hazy. He moved his head closer, and I could feel the electricity between our lips, but before he could kiss me I jumped across the room.
"What are you doing?" I asked feebly. I couldn't think straight. At least I knew one thing; he still had the same effect on me. The voice in my head growled.
"Bella." He got up, and joined me across the room. He didn't touch me though. "I'm so sorry. For everything that happened to you. I thought you were dead." I watched the sadness almost cloud over his eyes.
"You can leave now." I whispered. He didn't argue. He turned and ran, faster than I thought possible even for a vampire.
***
It had been weeks, and I hadn't seen any of the Cullens. I had been hiding out in my house. I only had another three bags of blood in the fridge. I've have to put in another 'order'. I tried calling the Cullens house, but nobody ever answered their phone. Stupid caller ID. I didn't know why I cared so much, I hated the Cullens, right?
Right. The voice replied.
I paced my house, constantly listening for any sign of a vampire. There was none.
I can't take this anymore. I thought to myself. I ignored the voice in my head when it protested to the idea of going to the Cullens house. I just ran, as fast as I could, to the mansion.
I didn't bother to knock, I just let myself in. Before I did that, I made a mental note to myself; all cars in garage. Good.
"Hello?" I spoke in a normal tone. Suddenly, all the vampires were in front of me, all except one. I looked to the floor. "Uh, hi."
"Bella." Alice nodded. She hated me now, I got that. It still hurt though.
"What can we do for you?" Esme said. She smiled a little, but I saw disappointment in her eyes. I felt so rotten.
"I need to see Edward." I looked at each of them. Emmett refused to meet my eyes, and Jasper wasn't even attempted to calm anyone. I wondered if I should do it myself.
"Don't." The velvety soft voice answered my thoughts. Everyone looked up to Edward, standing at the top of the staircase, and they made room for him to walk past them, towards me.
"What do you want, Isabella?" He asked. He didn't sound hurt, angry, disappointed. Just emotionless, business like.
"I want to talk to you." I answered. I sounded so pathetic.
"I'm busy."
I looked around him, and saw all the Cullens were watching us. They looked angry, and I thought about taking Jasper's gift again.
"Don't even think about it." Edward glared at me. He could read my mind?
"How.."
"Bella, we're busy. Can you come back later?" He was playing my game. Fine, I'll play too.
"Okay." I shrugged, trying to sound like I didn't care. I turned and walked out of the house, human speed. I blocked my thoughts, as I recited the medical book I had read in my mind. I jumped through his window; he had made it so easy by leaving the window open. He wasn't in his room, and the familiar surroundings made me feel nauseas. His CD's were in the same place, with a few new titles. I pressed the eject button on his CD player, and I found the same CD in there as what was in there the last time I was in this room. I turned and sat on his black couch. Instead of feeling cold, like it had done when I was human, the cold leather felt warm against my iced skin. I looked up as he entered the room. Annoyance flitted across his eyes.
"I thought I made it clear I was busy today." He said.
"I also thought I made it clear that I wish to talk to you." I shot back.
