"My name is Mackenzie Curtis; everyone calls me Maisie," the new vampire shyly tells the handsome doctor and his beautiful wife standing in front of her. Just like every other vampire, she has smooth and pale skin, a beautiful figure, and stunning red eyes as a newborn. Her long hair is straight and a very dark shade of mahogany, slung over her shoulders.

"Well, Maisie, I know how incredibly confused you must be at this moment," Carlisle gently tells her. "But you must believe me when I say this." He looks into her wide eyes. "There are mythical creatures in this world. They blend into their surroundings everywhere, living to keep from exposing themselves to the human world."

"You're vampires," she states blankly.

This startles Carlisle and Esme. Who is this girl? What and how does she know about vampires? "Yes… and you are, too, unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your perspective. How did you know about us?"

Maisie takes a deep breath. "I stumbled across some books. It was really interesting. But I never would have dreamed that vampires would ever be able to hide themselves, remain unexposed. The speed and strength, and beauty and immortality, of course." She pauses. "This is kind of freaky, if you ask me."

Carlisle smiles slightly. "Well, there is much more to talk about, but we must take care of more important things, I'm afraid. Your thirst, for example. It must be quite intense."

"Erm, yeah, actually," Maisie swallows and shifts nervously on the couch. "Do I have to, you know, kill someone for blood?"

"There are other options. It may not be as appealing to you, but it saves a human life," Carlisle chuckles.

Esme delicately takes Maisie's hand. "Trust me, dear. I won't hurt you." Her compassion and kind smile gives the girl confidence in her, and she leads her out to hunt.

Alice comes down the stairs slowly.

"How is Edward doing?" Carlisle asks her, but the worried look on her face answers him. She shakes her head slowly.

"Will she stay with us?" Alice nods at the door, changing the subject.

"If she wishes to."

* ~ * ~ *

Edward rubs his eyes. He remembers my voice. Be happy for your family. For me. It echoes in his head. I promised. I'll keep my promise, Bella. I'll try.

Those words melt my heart, and I feel as if a ton of weight is lifted from my shoulders. I know that it would take some time, but he will heal. I have to believe that.

* ~ * ~ *

By the time Esme comes back with Maisie, still holding her hand just as she had when they left, sunlight faintly shines through the clouds. The newborn's irises are still crimson red, but not as bright as before.

Alice and Carlisle rise up from the couch, waiting for them.

"Hi, Maisie." Alice smiles slightly.

"Hi," Maisie politely says. "Alice, right?"

Alice nods sweetly and leads her to sit next to her on the couch. Esme and Carlisle sit across from them.

"Now," Carlisle begins. "Maisie, ever since you've been changed, did you maybe… feel anything? Anything out of the ordinary? Some sort of power?"

"Besides the speed and strength?" She lets out a short laugh, and then thinks for a second. "Well… I kind of had this before, except it's a lot clearer now. Does that count?"

Carlisle leans in, interested. "What is it?"

"I can't really be sure. I think I can see or feel… spirits." She makes a face, then smiles. "I saw my dad. Well, I didn't actually see him. They're all like a misty figure. But I know it was him. There are faint glows from the mists, but I feel them; they're all different. And I felt him."

Alice's eyebrows rise and Esme's eyes widen, making Maisie feel uncomfortable for a second.

"Fascinating," Carlisle marvels. "I've never heard of that before."

I'm bewildered. She can see me. Can't she? Or is there more than one spirit even here in this room? I look around, but I only see what everyone else—besides Maisie—can see.

"Is he here with you in this room?" Carlisle questions.

Maisie looks to the side and grins. "Yes. Just before he died, he promised that he would never leave me. In fact, there are always spirits around. They're just there. It's really spooky."

[So that was the introduction to the new character, and she plays a big part of this story. I will reveal a lot more about her in the next few chapters. Please review, they really help me keep writing. Thanks to everyone! ]