Disclaimer: I own nothing. All known characters are the work of Stephanie Meyer.
Sorry this took so damn long. I had a bit of writer's block going on. I personally think I could've done a better job, since I was rushing and all, but oh well. Oh, and the song mentioned while Bella is cleaning is "Catapult" by Vega Under Fire. They're a local band in my city, and they're amazing.
Note: I had a bit too much fun planning Bella's outfits. I was pretty heavy on the description, although it really wasn't needed. Sorry :p
Note 2: I used a little artistic license on "The Brightest Green". Obviously, it wasn't written after Bella. I just thought it made sense with my description of her. (Bright green eyes, super hot skin...)
Thank you all for the reviews. I did my best to reply to all of them, except you pesky anonymous reviewers. JK. I loved all the reviews I got referring to my question. I've decided to wait until she meets the Cullens to veer off-course.
Oh, and this goes out to one anonymous reviewer in particlular: No, I'm probably not going to make Rosalie as big as a bitch as she usually is. And, I do care what you think :)
Chapter Seven
When I got home I mulled over what Jacob had told me about the 'cold ones'. What an appropriate name, I thought wryly. The story was probably true, but I was going to ask my parents to question Carlisle about it. I suddenly found myself wishing that I got a whiff of that Sam person. He seemed to believe the stories, and if he was some type of wolf-man, I'd be able to tell by his scent.
I knew about the Children of the Moon, true werewolves that turned when the moon is full, but I doubted this was the same thing. I smirked as I remembered Caius's irrational fear of real werewolves. Wimp.
I was still thinking about it when I heard a knock at my door. I was surprised. Usually I could just hear someone walking up to the house. Must be my parents, I thought. I hopped over the railing that wrapped around my second story room. As I landed on the bottom floor and answered the door, I found I was right. My mom smiled hugely at me and strode into the room.
"Bella, darling, I'm missed you so!" she gushed, wrapping me into a huge hug. I rolled my eyes.
"Mom, you've been gone like, two days," I said, laughing. "But I've definitively missed you and dad, too. Speaking of, where is he?" He wasn't with her, and I didn't see or hear him anywhere around the house.
Her smile turned mysterious. "Ah, your father. He still at the Cullens. We stopped over there for a quick visit." She giggled, and I was suddenly suspicious. "Apparently, there was some sort of ruckus going on." My eyes narrowed. Why was she being all enigmatic? Could it be about Edward? That was the only conclusion I could come to.
"Oh? What kind of ruckus?" I raised an eyebrow on 'ruckus'. Nice word choice.
She shrugged and turned to sit lightly on my deep purple futon. "It's nothing, really. It's this Edward. Apparently, he's infatuated with this human." She threw me a pointed look and I blushed furiously. "Well, they all are, actually. It appears that this 'human' can block out not only her thoughts, but the thoughts off others." She crossed her arms, and looked at me, waiting for an answer. I could tell she wasn't actually mad, though. There was humour in her eyes. She found my messing with Edward just as amusing as I did.
I smiled widely and laughed. "Well, yeah, I suppose I did mess with him, just a little bit." She laughed, too. Then she frowned and asked, "But Bella, dearest, what about Alice? Does your shield prevent her seeing you, as well?"
I shook my head, my forehead creasing in consternation. "It shouldn't. I mean, I thought it was only for mental abilities. And what she does isn't really mental, is it? I mean, what Jasper does is physical, so I know he must be able to read my emotions. But Alice?" I shook my head again, confused. "I don't know. I don't think that's it."
She shrugged, dismissing it, and changed the subject. "So, when are you planning on telling them? It's been awhile now. What's stopping you?" Good question.
"I'm not sure, actually," I said truthfully. "I'm probably going to tell Edward soon. He's driving me to Seattle the day of the dance, so I'll probably explain myself then. I know he must suspect something, but he hasn't pushed all that much for answers. I told him I'd enlighten him soon enough." I didn't add that I was desperately in love with him. She didn't need to know the gory details just yet. She saw through me, as usual, her broad grin returning.
"Oh, Bella. You like him, don't you?" she asked, elated. She's been waiting all these years, hoping I'd find someone, to no avail. Sure, I've 'dated' casually over the years, but I've never met anyone I've really wanted. And besides, most of them were humans, and I'd never take someone's life so selfishly. Besides, not one of the guys I'd met exactly screamed 'soul mate'. They pretty much just screamed 'I wanna get in your pants!' I'm not even kidding. That actually happened. I stifled a giggle and continued with the current topic. "Yes," I admitted, and her face lit up like it was freaking Christmas morning. "I do, very much so." I sighed. "But I'm not sure if he really feels the same exact way for me. Sure, there's the typical attraction, but I don't know if it's more than that. For him, at least. And besides that-" She cut off my depressed little rant and stared intently at me.
"Bella. From what I hear, this boy is head over heels about you. There is no way your feelings aren't mutual," she said, her words dripping with sincerity. I beamed, unable to focus my happiness into words. He felt the same way? I resisted the urge to jump around and squeal like an infatuated school girl. I sighed happily and took my mother's hands on my own.
"Thank you for telling me that. I can't even began to explain how…anxious I've been."
She smiled and squeezed my hands tightly. "Anytime, darling. I'm just so happy to see that you've found someone." Our heartwarming moment was interrupted then, by my father walking in. He smiled warmly at us, leaning down to kiss my mother softly on the lips and to kiss the top of my head.
"I'm guessing your mother already told you everything? She's not very good at keeping secrets," he said teasingly, casting a sly look in my Caprice's direction. She laughed freely, unashamed. I laughed, as well. "Yeah, she did. Of course," I said, poking her side.
We talked for a few more hours. I didn't even notice how late it was getting until my parents insisted I get some sleep. Snuggling up underneath my quilt, I realized how happy I was and laughed at myself. That was just like me; realizing I was happy as opposed to actually feeling it. I let my thoughts drift towards Edward and fell asleep.
My good mood lasted all the next morning. I danced about, blasting music as I tidied up my house. A particularly catchy song came on and I began to sing along, practically shouting out the lyrics.
The only chance I have of leaving this state and all I know,
Is my revolver mouth and arsenal of bones.
Left in the closet, along with the notes of lust and list of foes.
Oh, my divided mind and restless soul.
The only chance is gone!
I know it hurts,
I know you're scared,
I noticed all the signs.
Though you will be always mine.
It's a matter of time.
If you don't change,
How am I suppose too fulfill this rage?
Honestly, I want this more!
I need this more.
Its left in the closet along with the notes of lust and list of foes.
Oh my divided mind and restless soul.
The only chance is gone
I know it hurts,
I know you're scared,
I noticed all the signs.
Though you will be always mine,
It's a matter of time.
My foul, open mouth
Takes a bow and leaves me black and blue, come on!
I know it hurts,
I know you're scared,
I noticed all the signs.
Though you will be always mine,
It's a matter of time.
I know the truth behind your stare, I know our hearts are beyond repair.
Eventually, my house was spotless and I had nothing else to do. I had already finished all my homework. I didn't really feel like driving anywhere, so I settled on a walk about my house.
It was too cloudy for my liking but I continued walking slowly around the wood surrounding my home. My thoughts, as usual, drifted to Edward. I couldn't resist the urge to giggle stupidly. I was just so…happy. To find that he cares for me as I did for him was simply the best feeling in the world. Unable to contain my happiness, I leaped up about twenty feet into the air and grabbed on the a spruce tree's branch. I dangled there a moment, bobbing lightly. I swung my legs suddenly, and flipped in the air before climbing up a large, leafy hemlock. I sat up there, nestling against the mossy trunk. I was wrong when I originally thought this place was just a horrible, rainy town. It really was beautiful. Or maybe my good mood had transformed everything. At least it was going to be sunny tomorrow.
Oh, wait. Sun. Tomorrow. Well, there goes my good humour. Sunlight and Edward don't really mix all that well. And it was supposed to be sunny for a few days! I groaned.
When I awoke, I could smell him in my room again. I cursed myself for being such a heavy sleeper. I went to the rocking chair near my bed, where his scent was the strongest. I inhaled it deeply, like it was a drug I couldn't get enough of. It smelled of honey, sunshine, and rain. It was amazingly intoxicating.
I couldn't help but enjoy the good weather, despite the fact that I wouldn't see Edward. It was sunny and almost warm out. Throwing on a rather short dark jean skirt and a close-fitting knitted white sweater, I slipped on my black knee high Minnetonka Moccasins. I did a rare thing and put a little crème stuff in my hair, causing it to curl slightly. I put on just a little bit of mascara and eyeliner. I didn't know why, but I felt like dressing up a little today.
As I walked in my garage, I was considering taking one of my motorcycles to school. I was just about to get on my BSA Super Rocket when I remembered I was wearing a skirt. Shit. I liked my outfit and I didn't feel like changing, so I just hopped in my Pontiac.
I got to school early and decided to chill by the picnic benches. I took up one, my legs stretched out on it. I pulled out my sketch pad and a charcoal pencil and started drawing. The outline of his strong jaw came first, followed by the rest of his head. I drew in his hair, messy and falling in his face, as usual. I smiled, getting lost in the illustration. I was just wondering how I was going to do his eyes when I heard rustling in the woods a few yards away. The breeze blew in my direction, and I smelled honey and sunshine. Edward. I stopped myself from running to his hiding spot, but a quick glance in his direction would do. My sharp eyes managed to find him some yards away, crouching behind a young spruce tree, staring intently at me. I blushed, hoping he hadn't seen my drawing of him.
I was thinking of ways to approach him when I heard Mike Newton calling my name.
"Bella! Hey, there you are," he said as he drew near, smiling and flushed. As annoying as his advances were, he was a nice kid.
"Hey, Mike. What's up?" I asked, smiling warmly. With the combination of the weather and the warm fuzzies from Edward's proximity and feelings, I couldn't be half-hearted. I was still too happy.
"Nothing much. What'd you do over the weekend?" he asked, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. I flinched at the close contact, but grinned suddenly when I heard a branch snapping in the woods. Edward was definitely not enjoying this. I could guess the general direction of Mike's thoughts and instead of shielding them, I decided to encourage them. This really was mean of me, but I couldn't help messing with the two of them.
"I didn't really do much. I finished that essay we had in English," I said, noticing the panicked look on his face. He must have forgotten it.
"Oh, crap, I forgot about the essay," he said sheepishly. I smiled at him, and patted his arm encouragingly, letting it linger there a moment too long. I heard another branch snap. I grinned wider.
"Awe, that's okay. I could help you on it, if you'd like." I spoke with just a hint of seduction in my voice, and batted my eyelashes a little. His face flared bright red, and he sputtered a little. I heard Edward curse under his breath. I giggled. This was fun.
"Um, I was, actually… I was actually going to ask you on a date," he stammered, hope alight in his eyes. Darn. I didn't think he'd take it that seriously. I heard Edward take a sharp breath as he awaited my answer.
"Actually, Mike, I don't think I can. That would really hurt Jessica's feelings," I said, grateful for the excuse. It was true. Jessica was infatuated with him and he was the only one who couldn't see it. I was more than happy to play match maker. I could get Mike off my back, and maybe Jessica would finally get over her little crush on my Edward. Okay, he wasn't mine yet, but soon. Very soon.
He face fell, then confusion flitted though his eyes. "Jessica? What does she have to do with this?"
I sighed. Did he really not see it? "Seriously Mike. How can you not see it? Jessica. Likes. You."
He was shocked. "Oh," was all he said. I could tell he was going to need a lot of time to think about this, and I suggested we get to class. He nodded absentmindedly and we walked to English. I sincerely hoped he had listened to what I said about Jessica and ask her out already.
When I walked into Trig, Jessica mentioned how her and some other girls were heading out to Port Angeles to buy dresses.
"I was wondering if you wanted to come," she asked, all eagerness. I had to smile.
"Jess, I'm not going to the dance. I don't really need a dress," I pointed out. She giggled.
"Silly, Bella. You can come to give advice. It's a girls night out. It's going to be so much fun! Please?" She kept pleading with me until I grudgingly accepted. Thankfully, though, the plans were changed to tomorrow, due to Mike's asking Jessica out. I was glad. I knew she must be elated and I was happy for her.
When I got home, I checked my email for the first time in almost a week. My friends were starting to get a little freaked out.
Bella,
Are you okay? You haven't been answering my phones calls or emails. I hope everything's okay. I'm starting to get a little worried. YOU BETTER EMAIL OR CALL ME SOON MISSY.
-Shelby AKA your abandoned best friend.
BELLA,
DUDE! What is up with the lack of response, man? I miss ya, kid. I heard this fucking sweet band and you have GOT to hear them. They're called3OH!3 and they're sick. You better get your ass on the computer someday soon and talk to me.
- JEREMY.
I responded to them all with all the enthusiasm I've been holding it. I felt bad telling Jeremy I already knew about 3OH!3. He got so excited when he discovered new bands, most I've them I've already heard of.
Bored out of my mind, I grabbed a book of Shakespeare's sonnets, my iPod, and a portable player and went to my roof. Hitting shuffle on my iPod, I layed down on my stomach.
It was when I had reached sonnet eighteen when I smelled him again. I looked around, wondering where he was. That didn't work, so I listened closely.
Bingo. I heard footsteps, way heavier than an animal of the forest. It was somewhere to my right. I heard whooshing noise and then the creak of a tree branch bending. Ah, so he was in the trees now. If it wasn't for the adoration I held for him, I'd be a bit creeped out by his stalkerish tendencies. Luckily, my window was in easy reach, even for a human. I climbed in, annoyed at the slow pace I was using. I grabbed my acoustic guitar and crawled back onto the roof. I strummed a simple chord progression. E, D, Cadd9, Am. Bored with my simple pattern, I started playing "Play Crack the Sky" by Brand New. I knew he liked them, and I hoped he knew this song.
We sent out the SOS call,
It was a quarter past four in the morning when the storm broke our second anchor line.
Four months at sea, four months of calm seas to be pounded in the shallows off the tip of Montauk Point.
They call them rogues, they travel fast and alone.
One hundred-foot faces of God's good ocean gone wrong.
What they call love is a risk, cause you will always get hit out of nowhere by some wave and end up on your own.
The hole in the hull defied the crews attempts to bail us out.
And flooded the engines and radio and half buried bow.
Your tongue is a rudder.
It steers the whole ship.
Sends your words past your lips or keeps them safe behind your teeth.
But the wrong words will strand you.
Come off course while you sleep.
Sweep your boat out to sea or dashed to bits on the reef.
The vessel groans the ocean pressure is its frame.
To the port I see the lighthouse through the sleet and rain.
And I wish for one more day to give my love and repay debts.
But the morning finds our bodies washed up thirty miles west.
They say that the captain stays fast with the ship through still and storm.
But this ain't the Dakota, and the water is cold.
We won't have to fight for long.
This is the end.
This story's old but it goes on and on until we disappear.
Calm me and let me taste the salt you breathed while you were underneath.
I am the one who haunts your dreams of mountains sunk below the sea.
I spoke the words but never gave a thought to what they all could mean.
I know that this is what you want.
A funeral keeps both of us apart.
You know that you are not alone.
Need you like water in my lungs.
This is the end.
I let the last chords linger. Setting my guitar aside, I once again set my iPod to shuffle. I couldn't help but giggle at the first song that played. "Y'all With the Vampire Squad?" by Greeley Estates blared. I snickered again, and changed the song.
"The Brightest Green" by Anarbor started. I rolled my eyes. Of course. The song was written after me, and to be honest, it was kind of embarrassing. It was a catchy song though, so I let it play, dancing and singing along.
It was late last night before she hit me up,
And baby, don't you know nothing good happens after midnight.
You see, the night before, I couldn't keep my hands off her,
Yeah I wanted to drink her up.
I giggled at that line. It really was the opposite. He had smelled so appetizing.
Her body burned like fire, and I knew,
I knew I couldn't take any more from her.
I'm b-b-burning and my stomach's turning,
my hearts giving into my eyes. (whoa-ohh)
I'm stare-stare-staring at the skin she's sharing,
my heart's giving in to my eyes. (whoa-ohh)
now it's too late, for me it's too late.
I'm b-b-burning and my giving in to my eyes.
She stood five foot four,
She had the brightest green I'd ever seen,
I'd never seen these eyes before.
And just like that I was hypnotized.
I sit back, I roll phat…
While thinking of you.
And I knew I couldn't take anymore,
From her.
I'm b-b-burning and my stomach's turning,
my hearts giving into my eyes. (whoa-ohh)
I'm stare-stare-staring at the skin she's sharing,
my heart's giving in to my eyes. (whoa-ohh)
now it's too late, for me it's too late.
I'm b-b-burning and my heart's giving in to my eyes.
I'm sweating bullets like a boy that has just been caught.
You say your love is all I need, but I don't need a lot.
I said no such thing, actually.
You say you're sorry, but I know that you're not. (x2)
I'm b-b-burning and my stomach's turning,
my hearts giving into my eyes. (whoa-ohh)
I'm stare-stare-staring at the skin she's sharing,
my heart's giving in to my eyes. (whoa-ohh)
now it's too late, for me it's too late.
I'm b-b-burning and my giving in to my eyes.
Now it's too late, for me it's too late.
I'm b-b-burning and my heart's giving in to my eyes.
I kind of forgot about Edward watching me as I danced and sang. It wasn't until I heard him sigh "Bella" that I snapped to attention. A blush crept up my cheeks but I ignored it. I desperately wanted to find him and rip off his clo-
But enough of these thoughts. I heard my phone ringing incessantly, so I reluctantly grabbed my stuff and climbed inside.
I slept horribly that night, nightmares interrupting my normally pleasant dreams. In my nightmare, I was lost in the forest outside my house. Normally, this wouldn't bother me, but I was human in my dream. I kept wandering around, crying and tripping over my own feet. At some point, I just lay there, hopeless. Eventually, I heard someone calling my name. I looked up and saw Edward, looking like a god. I had smiled at him, and he sniffed. His happy smile had turned into a predatory one. He crouched down into a hunting pose. My heartbeat quickened, I got up to run away. I was human, therefore painfully slow. He caught up with me easily. He grabbed me from behind, and ran his nose along my throat in what was almost a sensual manner. His teeth grazed my now-soft flesh and he bit. Hard. I woke up, a scream dying on my lips. I gasped for air, horrified at my dream. Still shaking, I got ready for school. I could smell him in my room, his scent still fresh. I was scared at what he might have heard me say that night, thanks to my ludicrous dream. I got dressed in a dark blue v-neck and a dark pair of skinny jeans, and wore the same boots from yesterday. I poured some coffee into a traveling cup and headed off to school.
Today was much like yesterday. The Port Angeles trip was tonight, and I found myself actually excited to go. Jessica and Angela were going to follow me home so I could drop off my things, then we were off to Port Angeles in Jess's car.
I ran in my house, and grabbed a purse and transferred some money and other essentials into it. I skipped back outside, glad for the girl's night out.
