Chapter 7
a/n Ooops this is a long one. I should have stretched it into two separate chapters.
We all met in the diningroon around a lovely antique table. Carlisle was at the head of the table and Esme stood by his left shoulder. The other arranged themselves around the table, with the married couples all sitting with their spouses. Only Jacob and I looked out of place, as we didn't know where we should sit. Finally I chose a place next to Jasper on Carlisle's right. I figured that Jasper's ability to calm situations down, might be needed and since I was the one who probably needed calming the most… well, it was better he be near at hand.
Carlisle began "Well Jasper started to inform me of an incident during Bethany's first hunt, and I realized that the entire family needs to hear what happened . So Jasper if you will?"
Jasper looked uncomfortable as the center of attention, but he remained seated as he talked "On the way to hunt we came across a small party from the pack. Sam, Quil, and Paul.. I don't think that Quil wanted to be there, but Sam probably issued the order using his Alpha prerogative. Basically Sam stated that he felt Bethany by choosing to become a Vampire had abrocated all her rights as a Quileute. She was told that she is no longer welcome on the Reservation."
I was so surprised at how Jasper had framed the situation. He didn't mention me becoming furious and the things that I had said in anger. Jasper's version made it seem a one-sided confrontation with Sam in the wrong. So I didn't hear everyone else's reaction, being caught up in my own thoughts, at the time. It was Jacob's reaction that I was the most unprepared for hearing.
"He doesn't have the right. He is technically the Chief of the Tribe as the Alpha, but since I am also an Alpha, that goes for me too. We decided to share the position as co-Chiefs and he did not consult me about this at all. I am also quite sure he didn't run this past the Council of Elders. Since your Grandfather is the senior member, there is no way he would let this happen. Bethany, we'll get this straightened out, don't worry."
I didn't know what to say, they were all being so nice to me. Everyone was saying encouraging things. It made me long for tears.
"I don't want to cause any trouble with you and the Packs. The Treaty is important, and maybe he is right and I shouldn't be trusted on Quileute lands. I don't feel out of control, and I have no desire to drink Jacob's blood. Which by the way, it is nice to see you again Jacob, I don't know if it is because of the dog smell or because I knew him from my former life. I also don't find Renesmee appetizing, she smells good, but not appetizing. Maybe we should just give it some time, then they will see I am not a danger and let me go see my Grandfather?" I know that Jasper was measuring my emotions looking for signs of loss of control and Edward was monitoring my thoughts. Both would know if I was misrepresenting my feelings to the rest of the family.
A silence descended on all of us, and for some reason I thought I should be the one to end it. But how? Then I remembered that I had been guessing identities, that some of those in the room, I had never formally met. "Maybe someone could introduce me to everyone here? I guess everyone came to talk to me while I changed, but I don't remember that, and we didn't do introductions upstairs before the hunt?"
Carlisle looked discomfited for a moment, before he slapped a placating smile on his face "Of course, I am so sorry. It must have been so confusing for you. You met my wife Esme before your change. Next to her is Edward, but sitting in his lap is Renesmee his daughter. And behind the both of them is Bella, Edward's wife and Renesmee's mother. Standing next to Bella is Emmett, and in front of him is seated his wife, Rosalie. Now to my right is Alice and her husband, you have met, Jasper. Then on your other side is Jacob, but of course you knew him as a child. This is our family. Welcome Bethany"
At that they all joined in with Welcomes, and smiles. They were all so beautiful and godlike. I wondered how I would fit in. I didn't have long to wonder.
Edwards head shot up, like someone had yelled his name. "Well it looks like we are going to have a visitor soon. Seth is on his way in human form and Leah is waiting for him in Wolf form. Seth seems upset."
At that, they all filed out of the dining room and headed for the front door. I don't know how it happened but Renesmee and I were shoved behind the rest of them, as if we needed to be protected. What were we to be protected from and who was Seth and Leah? I guess I will find out soon enough. Carlisle and Jacob were out in front of everyone else, and I could barely see between Emmett and Jasper's shoulders.
Someone was approaching, I guessed that it must be Seth. When I was finally able to get a good look at him, well he was stunning. I don't know if it was because I was seeing him for the first time with my super Vampire eyes, or it was just him. All I can tell you is Seth is a very handsome man. He was tall, probably close to 7 foot, and muscular. Not in the lifting weights muscular, but as in the lumberjack swinging an axe or farmer with his pitchfork. The muscles were all in proportion to the rest of his body. His hair a light Sandy brown and amazing hazel eyes. They were neither brown nor green but a mix of the two colors. Then his scent reached me, and yes, he did smell like a dog. However, he also smelled like the pine forest and wood smoke, with a bit of menthol mixed in. I don't know how to explain it except that it was not repellant.
"Good, Edward must have heard me coming huh? Did he tell you what it is about? " he said and his voice silky and just the sound of it made me tingle.
"No, Seth. It is probably better coming from you." Edward replied. That must mean it was bad news of some kind, otherwise, why wouldn't Edward just come out with it. Edward looked over his shoulder at me, as if to tell me that he heard that. Oh well.
"So everyone is in uproar. None of the others knew that Old Quil had asked you to change his Granddaughter. When Lil Quil ran into Sam, he couldn't hide it from him. Sam is P.O.'d. He thinks it should have been brought to the whole Council. Then I guess he came to talk to you guys, when he got back, he was in a rage. Old Quil wants Jacob to get back there, as there is going to be a full meeting of the Tribal Elders as soon as he gets there. I got sent here to tell Jake that they want him right now. " Seth rubbed his chest like it hurt, but I couldn't see anything wrong with it. I could see the all of it, since he was only wearing a pair of cutoff Jean shorts. Did Werewolves run around half naked all the time? I would have to ask someone later as this doesn't seem the best time.
"Seth I think you forgot something?" Edward prompted.
"Oh yeah, Sorry but I have been told to tell you guys to stay on your side of the line. Right now, no one is safe on our side of the line. Man is Sam mad. Don't worry, Mom is on the Council and I as sure that she will agree that you did the only thing you could do. Really the only other choice was to let her die, and that would be like murder, huh? So where is she? Is she all crazed NewBorn like Sam was saying?"
At that Emmett got mad. "Crazed NewBorn? He blamed it on her bloodlust. What an idiot, really man, sometimes I wonder. But to let his ego get so big, that a bitty girl threatens him. What a loser. "
I really like Emmett. He reminded me of my big brother, he was also showing that same need to protect me that my brother always had. Though I doubt I need it now. I grabbed Emmett and Jasper's shoulders and tried to push my way in between them to the front of the group. They resisted for a moment, then Carlisle nodded to them, letting them know it was OK.
I stepped forward and Seth's eyes met mine, I stared. He stared. I guess everyone else was getting uncomfortable with our staring. Carlisle decided to perform the introductions.
"Seth, I don't know if you have had a chance to meet her before, but this is Bethany, the newest member of our family. Bethany this is Seth Clearwater, he is Jacob's Third, to his Alpha. Bethany you will need to come a little closer for Seth needs to smell you, so that your scent is known to the Pack. That way they don't think that you are a rogue Vampire and hunt you for entering their territory."
I didn't know what to do. I seemed to be holding my breath, but I didn't need to breath. I just wanted to keep his scent inside me. Now I was supposed to get close to him. I know that I shouldn't have butterflies in my stomach but that is what it felt like. I don't know why I did it, but I lifted my hand out in front of me. Kinda like a queen does for her subjects to kiss her ring. His large hand engulfed mine, gently, though I knew that he couldn't break me. He bent over in almost a bow, and brought his nose to hover over the skin on the back of my hand. Goosebumps traveled from my hand up my arm and I took a big gulp of air. He inhaled like it was the finest wine or a rare aromatic. The whole time he was looking into my eyes without blinking. I knew my mouth was hanging open, but I couldn't seem to close it. I couldn't think. In that moment, there was no one else but Seth and I. When he let go of my hand, I thought I was going to faint. Jasper came up behind me and took my elbow. With a little tug, he pulled me back towards the Family.
Seth blinked, like he was waking up from a dream. Carlisle smiled and there were some chuckles from the crowd, along with a growl that must of come from Leah, who was watching from the edge of the woods. Carlisle made a throat clearing noise and Seth's attention came back to him. Carlisle asked if should attend the meeting, so as to convey the status of my change. Seth turned to Jake.
"Actually Carlisle, that would normally be a good idea, but I think this time, with tempers running so hotly, it is better that I go alone. Since I have been here and witnessed the change and her remarkable control. I think that the Council will accept my bearing witness much easier. I will keep you all informed. I'm going to take Leah with me, Seth you stay here so I can keep in contact. Edward can read your mind and we pass information back and forth instantaneously." Then Jake took off his shoes and socks, pulled his shirt off and started to walk towards the woods, leaving his footwear behind. Seth went to follow but looked over his shoulder several times, toward where we still stood in front of the house.
"Well Seth is going to transform and he will be back in a moment. Bethany, Alice is yelling at me in her head, and since I hate getting between my sisters and what they want. Alice would like to show you the house, and most specifically, your room. Even more specifically, your closet. If that is OK with you?" Edward asked me.
I was still in kind of a daze, so it took me a couple of seconds to process everything. Seth was going to go turn into a Wolf and come back to be a form of communication between us and Jake. I was wearing rags due to my falls, and I probably had dirt all over my face and grass in my hair, and this is how I looked when I met Seth for the first time. OMG what did he think of me. Alice wanted to show me the house? My Closet? I turned to Alice who was about the same size as me, though she was Pixie thin, and I was a butterball turkey. "Please Alice, Please ?" I begged. I wanted a shower and some nice clothing. Maybe some makeup and jewelry. I didn't know much about those things, but I was willing to learn.
Edward had been listening to the jumble in my head and he laughed really loudly, which made everyone stop and stare at him. Since apparently it is a rarity for him. "Wow, Alice you finally have a willing participant. She is ready, willing and pliable. If she were a canvas, she'd have a sign on her that said "put paint here". Alice gave Edward a dirty look and the turned back to me and grabbed my hand.
She didn't have to tug me into the house, because I was willing to go anywhere with her. She yelled back over her shoulder "Just because some people appreciate me and my talents, more than others, doesn't mean you have to be rude Edward." Then she turned to me and bestowed a most beatific smile "Finally, you are just going to love the stuff that I put in your closet, but I've only had a couple of days, so there isn't much selection yet. The rest will be arriving this week. You are going to be irresistible. Come on. This used to Edward's old room but since he and Bella have their own Cottage, I asked Esme if we could make it your room. I've been working on it with everyone's help since you arrived. I can't see you cause you are a blur like Renesmee but I see the rest of us smiling; so I am sure you are going to love it. "
She pulled me up the stairs to the 3rd story, and down to the end of the Hall. The last door was closed and it was the one she brought me to stand. She said "close your eyes." Then I could feel the rush of air as she opened the door and the smell of new paint, sawdust and plastic. She pulled me forward so that I must have been standing in the middle of the room, and turned me slightly to my right. "OK open your eyes."
I opened my eyes and fell in love. It was my Grandmother's room. As a little girl, when we would visit La Push, I would spend hours in my Grandmother's Bedroom. My Grandparents were old-fashioned and had separate bedrooms. She said Pop's snores kept her awake. I loved her room. She had a giant four-poster bed made of mahogany and it had a canopy. There was an armoire, and a dresser, with two night tables to match. All of it was ornately carved in the same mahogany. She kept it shined to a gloss and it smelled like lemons and beeswax. With all that beautiful wood, all her bedding and accessories were white eyelet lace. Though there was nothing beachy about it, for some reason it always reminded me of the ocean. Pops must have given them Grandma's furniture. I could tell that the bedding was new and a little different from Grandma's, but beautiful. I got all choked up. My new body couldn't cry but the emotion was too much for me not to let it out somehow.
Alice asked "So do you like it?"
I practically knocked her over and squeezed her in a hug, before I remembered my Newborn strength was probably hurting her. "I love it. It is a part of my old family and my old home, that is carried with me to my new home. You couldn't have done anything else that would please me more. Thank you," and knowing that they all could hear me downstairs. I said a general "Thank you to all who helped, I love it." Alice laughed knowingly.
"Finally, someone who enjoys presents and surpises." said Alice
I heard a distinct "Hummph" from downstairs but I didn't think I should say anything. Then I caught sight of myself in the mirror and I was horrified. My hair was an out of control bush with leaves and pine needles. My face was all covered with dirt and dried pieces of grass. My dress was in tatters, only the slip from underneath covering my chest. I let out a cry of dismay and Alice understood immediately. She walked over the closet door and went in? My closet was the size of almost another room. Hanging from the dowel rods were row after row and white garment bags. Further in the garment bags were replaced by separates on hangers. There were whole rows dedicated to skirts and pants, with the tops taking the top rows. Don't even get me started with the shoes. All the Shoes that corresponded with a certain outfit, like the green ones on my feet, were stowed below the garment.
"Which ones are mine?" I asked.
"All of them, of course." she replied nonchalantly. I could hardly believe it. This was not a closet. It was a whole store! "So Bethany, what do you want to wear? I saw the way Seth was looking at you, so I think you should wear something a little sexy?"
I think she was waiting for me to object or to argue with her, but I don't know what is appropriate to wear when you just turned into a Vampire and meet your new family for the first time and then have to deal with your old family being difficult. I mean, I was wearing a beautiful dress to go on my first hunt and I definitely wouldn't have chosen that. Maybe I should just leave it up to Alice.
"Alice whatever you pick out, will be appropriate, so I'll leave it up to you. But don't you think I should take a shower before I get something new dirty?"
Alice was delighted with my attitude and my giving her Carte-blanche, so she showed me to the bathroom that adjoined my room and she pointed out all the toilettries she had pre-stocked for me. It seems that she already knew that I preferred fruity or spicy scents, to floral or musk. She was also happy that I didn't try to kick her out of the bathroom but just started stripping down right there. In hospitals, there is always a nurse or a parent with you in the bathroom in case you pass out, so I was used to having an audience. Alice just kept up a running commentary on the styles and fashions that she thought were best suited to me and where and how she purchased my huge new wardrobe. I was just happy that I didn't have to appear in front of Seth again looking like I had lost a fight with a bush. When I got out of the shower, there were big, soft towels to dry with, and Alice was waiting with an outfit. I felt no embarassment changing in front of Alice, I felt for sure that she was the one who had dressed me in the green dress while I burned, so she had already seen everything. First were lacy, matching panties and bra from Victoria Secret. Then empire waisted baby doll dress in dark brown velvet. The dark brown turned my hair to a golden color. If only my eyes were already the beautiful shade of Topaz that everyone else had, instead of the bright red. Then I would be a little more confident. Alice topped it all off with a Brown choker that had a Cameo carved out of some pink stone, and a pair of dark brown slippers. I looked at the slippers and then back at Alice.
"You seem to be a little clumsy in your new body, why tempt fate? Just until you get a little more steady." She said with a twinkle of mischievousness in her topaz eyes.
I hugged her, trying to be gentle. "I've had four brothers, but I've never had a sister before. I think I am going to like it."
Alice said Rosalie's name and she was there in the doorway to my bathroom in moments. Her beauty took my breath away. I couldn't imagine anyone to compare with Rosalie.
"Rosalie will you do Bethany's hair? You're much better at hair than I am? " Alice asked, with her hands full of my ruined dress and shoes. "Don't worry I will take care of these for you, while Rose does your hair."
"You don't mind me doing your hair?" said Rosalie looking unsure.
"Please, I don't know what to do with so much of it. When I was human, there was a lot less of it. It would fall out so much when I had radiation treatments; that it was hard for me to cut it when it was just growing back. I guess the change decided that all my hair should be that long, not just the old stuff. So it filled it in. Now I am clueless?"
She seemed to think about it for a moment and then she waved me to the stool that was in front of the vanity mirror. She grabbed a brush and started trying to tame the mess that was my new hair. At first she worked in silence, but then I decided to ask her about her husband, Emmett. Pretty soon we were laughing and talking, like we have known each other for years.
Then Rosalie said, "I've been so jealous of Alice and Bella's relationship. They are best friends and I feel so left out sometimes. I'm glad our Father decided to make you a part of the family. "
What could I say "me too." Finally after a lot of tugging and pulling, Rosalie tamed my wild hair and though she had it pulled up on either side of my face, she left it hanging loose down my back. I didn't have any bangs so I didn't have to worry about them getting in my eyes. I looked in the mirror, and I barely recognized me anymore. I didn't look like poor, sick Bethany Ateara anymore. I was Bethany Cullen, but I didn't really know who she was, but at least she wasn't ugly. Next to Rosalie I hesitated to say I was pretty, but presentable was a good description.
"You look so pretty, everyone is going to love it." Rosalie said with pride.
"Will you walk downstairs with me?" I asked. I was afraid of doing something wrong and I wasn't sure where I was supposed to be right now? Were there things that I was supposed to be doing? I'm sure Rosalie sensed my trepidation, cause she agreed to walk with me.
We came to the bottom of the stairs and I could tell right away that everyone was in the living room. The TV was on so low that I could barely hear it, if I didn't have my new super hearing then I know that I wouldn't have heard a word. Rosalie tugged on my arm, pulling me into the room with the rest of the family. There on the white carpeting was the largest sandy brown wolf that I had ever seen or heard of, it was the size of a small horse. It's intelligent eyes followed my entrance. Jasper looked up and smiled at my nervousness, as I am sure he could already feel it. Bella and Renesmee were playing a game of cards with Esme. The three of them were sitting on the floor around the coffee table, absorbed in their game. Carlisle was sitting in a lounge chair reading a heavy leather bound book. Edward was at the piano and the most divine music was coming from it. Note to self, learn to play. Emmett was the one with the remote control but he seemed dissatisfied with the selection, so he kept changing the channels. It only took a second for my new Vampire brain to take all this in, but I'mure if I still could, I would be blushing bright red. Rosalie left my side and went to sit in Emmett's lap.
"Where's Alice?" Jasper asked.
From behind me, I heard her singsong voice "I'm right here. I was just stocking the bathroom with blue contact lenses for Bethany."
"Do you know something we don't, why would we have to hide Bethany's red eyes?" Jasper asked.
"No I have not had a vision, but I just believe in being prepared. Especially since Bethany is blurry, like Renesmee." and with that Alice plopped herself in Jasper's lap.
Carlisle looked up from his book, "That reminds me, before I leave for the hospital tomorrow Bethany, I would like to take a sample of your blood with me. I want to check your chromosone count and see if the Shapeshift gene is still dormant. "
I was going to agree to whatever Carlisle asked but Emmett interrupted "Of course it is still dormant, or she would have sprouted fur and a tail by now. "
"Just the same, Emmett I would like to check on it. " Carlisle replied.
"I don't mind Carlisle, I'm used to it. It won't bother me and if it helps in some way?" I left it at that. I really didn't know what I was supposed to do, so I wandered over to the window. I could have stood there forever absorbed in all the minute differences between the scene in front of me and the scene my new Vampire senses allowed me to see.
The music from the piano stopped, and the Wolf whined "The Council meeting is over. Since Old Quil had Sue Clearwater and Jacob on his side, Sam couldn't really do anything about it. He tried to get the terms of the Treaty to prohibit the creation of any new vampires. He also wanted to nullify the Treaty if non-vegetarian vampires came to visit our side of the Treaty lands. He was voted down on both counts. Old Quil asked Sam if he was afraid of a 85 pound girl. Sam replied that she is no longer the sick, weak human in Quil's memory; but is now a bloodthirsty Vampire with Newborn strength, and rage behind her. He refuses to have her set foot on Tribal Lands. Unfortunately, enough agreed with Sam that they were able to ban you from Quileute Lands. Jake said that once you have been proven a Vegetarian and in control of your Newborn thirst and rage, they can try to get the ban lifted. Your Grandfather, called Sam a fool and said that the next time there is a fight; that he hopes Sam isn't one that gets hurt cause it would be hard for Dr Cullen to cross the border without breaking the Treaty. I don't think Sam thought about that when he pushed for the control of the border." Edward and Seth were looking at each other while Edward was getting the information through Jake's link with his pack/Seth and relaying it to us.
I turned my head away from my new family as I didn't want them to think that I didn't appreciate all that they had been through to help me; but it was one thing too many. I had given up my Parents, and Siblings, my home in California, my friends, and even my ethnicity. I was no longer part Quileute Indian, now I was other. I guess Vampire would fall under "Other". But I had thought that I would at least get to keep Pops and Lil Quil. They were the only parts of my family that could know about my new life and continue to be a part of it. Now I can't go see Pops, he has to come to me. How much longer will he be able to do that, he is old. Really old and his health is frail. I think Lil Quil turning from me, hurts almost as bad. He should have been the one that I could count on, but his allegiance to his pack must mean more to him than he stupid cousin. Just because he would let me follow him around during the couple of summers I was well enough to spend at La Push with my Grandparents, didn't mean he had to go out on a limb for me. Just because I would have, I guess it doesn't mean a thing. I found myself wishing I could cry and needing to be alone.
"I'm going to go for a walk, if that is OK. I won't go far." Esme nodded at me and Seth was there in his Wolf form at the door. I opened the door and he rushed out ahead of me, running to the forest.
Carlisle looked up from his book before I closed the door and asked if I wanted company? I said "No thanks, I'll only be a little bit. Just need some air to blow some of the cobwebs away." He smiled and nodded, going back to his book and I closed the heavy front door.
The sun was starting to set, it was twilight, but I found I could still see everything perfectly clear. I walked down the porch and across the lawn to where the trees surrounded the property. I walked without looking and just went from tree to tree idly touching the rough bark. I did try to stay clean this time. I heard a twig snap behind me and I jumped.
"Ohhh" I said when I saw that it was Seth behind me.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you or anything," he had his shorts back on and a butter yellow T-shirt covered his muscular chest nicely.
I didn't know what to say and so I sorta blurted out "How did you get clothes? I assume because Jake took his off, that you have to change nude, so where do the clothes go?"
That made him smile, "Sometimes I carry them with me. I roll them up and tie them to my leg, but they tend to get dirty that way. Other times, if I go someplace often, then I keep a stash of clothing there. Most everyone in Jake's pack has a stash of clothes in the Cullens' garage. "
"Oh" Wow that really took brains, I felt like my IQ was dropping every time I opened my mouth. He was so handsome and well built that he caused me to feel like swooning. I wanted to whatever it took to be in his arms, even if it took fainting. Damn where is a good fainting spell when you want one? But no, they always happen when you don't want one, like right before your driver's license test. Don't even get me started on that one. It then occurred to me, that I knew nothing about him. Of course I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "How old are you?"
He smiled, and it was a cute boyish smile, I know I smiled back at him foolishly. He replied "Well that's hard to answer." He paused and I was not going to let him get out of telling me so I kept my mouth shut, that way he had to answer " You see when the shape shift gene gets activated by the presence of a Vampire, we develop our full growth in a matter of months. So my body is probably about 24 years old, but my real actual years is 17. Once we have our full growth, then our bodies quit aging, I won't age again until I quit changing or we call if phasing. You have to quit phasing for about 5 years before your body will start aging again. Since the phasing is tied into our emotions, it is even harder than you would think because every time we get mad, upset, afraid etc… we lose control and phase into our wolf form and the clock starts over."
"I was 16. I guess I am never going to age again, so I will always be 16. I didn't really think about that when I chose this life. Now it occurs to me that I should have thought about it. Now well it is water under the bridge." I felt so nervous talking to this boy/man. There was a lot of things that I wanted to know but didn't know if it was alright to ask.
Seth noticed my nervous twitching and reached out and grabbed my hand. My hand felt like it was on fire and looked down to where our hands were joined together, then back up to him. He was so focused. He turned to look around us for a moment, then turned back to me. "Come, there's someplace I would like to show you if it is OK?"
"OK" of course it was OK, I would follow him wherever he wanted to lead me right now. He gently pulled me in a easterly direction. The ground began to get rocky and then it started to slope upwards. We came to large boulders, and Seth gently lifted me up onto some. One set of boulders formed almost a wall closing us off and Seth let go of my hand to jump up onto them. Then he reached down for my hands, and I felt like I flew through the air and landed beside him. I lost my footing for a moment and fell against his chest. He wrapped his long arms around me easily to steady me. Then he let go of me to jump down and I felt bereft without his arms around me. Oh boy was I in trouble. After another 10 minutes hike, we came to another wall of huge boulders. This time he turned me around and lifted me up onto the boulders\, and then he jumped up beside me. He jumped back down, and reached up for me. I held out my hands but he grabbed either side of my waist and gently lowered me down against his body. I stopped breathing. For a moment our faces were mere inches from each others, the he lowered me to the ground and I sighed in disappointment. I wondered if there was any way I could trip and have my lips just happen to land on his.
Lost as I was in schemes that would end up with me kissed, it took me a minute to realize that we had reached our destination. Ahead of us was a beautiful waterfall, with a small crystal clear pool at the bottom of the falls. The pool emptied into a small creekbed that was littered with the large boulders we had climbed on the way here. The pool was surrounded by ferns and rocks but looked deep enough to bathe in. I wanted to say something romantic or sexy but I couldn't think of anything like that, so I said what came to mind.
"Oh Seth, its so beautiful." and I turned to look at him, hoping he would say something like "No Bethany you are the most beautiful thing here". Ok I admit it, I am a hopeless romantic, at least deep down inside.
Seth smiled down at me and said "yeah it is one of those special places on earth, I like to come here when I am upset and need to think things through."
Great, he must have brought me here to cheer me up. I guess its not his fault, that I am not the type of girl that gets told romantic lines. I bet Rosalie gets all kinds of poetry written about her. I chuckled, laughing at myself for being so silly.
Seth looked puzzled and then he asked "Why are you laughing?"
"Sorry I wasn't laughing at you, I was laughing at me. I was just thinking that what this place really needs is moonlight and Rosalie, then you would have to write romantic poetry about this place."
"What? I don't think so. If I was to write romantic poetry to anyone, it would be to the girl that is with me right now. Only I don't know how to write romantic poetry, but if you want to stick around, I can promise the moon in about an hour." Seth was looking at me the whole time and he didn't look like he was teasing or playing a joke or anything like that. Then he started looking startled "Breathe Bethany." he said.
I took a deep breath, and realized that I had been holding my breath for a long time, cause there it was again. That beautiful scent of his, that smelled of the forest and dog, but clean dog. His scent was there again tickling my nose. I breathed it in deeply and kept my eyes on his. Then suddenly I felt shy and wondered if the glowing red eyes were creeping him out, or if he was able to look beyond them.
He seemed to know what I was thinking, cause he said "I know the red is only temporary, but does it hurt?"
Was he referring to my eyes? "My eyes don't hurt and I can see so much better than I did before. It is all so much clearer and all around there is so much more detail to see now."
"They say the pain of the thirst is unbearable. Does it hurt really bad?"
"I don't know, cause I am used to pain. I try not to think about it, especially not about the thirst. It's like anyother pain, you learn to live with it. Doesn't hurt to phase, I mean all of your body rearranging in a moment, that has to hurt too?" I sat down on one of the large boulders by the pool and tucked my dress around me.
Seth sat down beside me and put his feet into the pool while he talked to me "You're right phasing does hurt and you do get used to it. A lot at first cause you explode out of your clothes at the drop of the hat until you learn to control it. But it does still hurt.
We sat and talked for what seemed like hours, about our families and our childhoods. We had so much in common and we both wondered why we never ran into each other during those summers I spent following Quil around. We talked about school and how strange it will feel to go back to school after all that has happened to us. The moon came out and we were still talking. Seth held my hand and it felt like it was encased in a heating pad, but it felt nice so I didn't pull it away. Eventually we realized we had been out there too long and needed to head back. The walk back to the Cullens took less time, we lingered over every touch of our skin on the other.
Occasionally I would hear his moist squishy heart beating in his chest and the pain would flare up in my throat, then I would take a deep breath to remind me that he didn't smell like prey. Soon we back in the yard in front of the Cullen house, just a Werewolf and Vampire outside in the moonlight.
Seth looked nervous and I wondered what was wrong. Did he fear the others would get mad at him for being here with me. Thinking about it, I decided to not make it so obvious so I tried to take back my hand. He reached over with his other one to stop me. Now he had my one hand in between two of his. "Bethany, I want to ask you something and I want you to promise to answer me truthfully?"
I didn't have any secrets of my own, and I didn't anyone else's secret so I said "OK?"
Seth looked down at our hands "Bethany I want to kiss you goodnight, but if it is going to hurt you, cause you pain then I want you to tell me that."
I too, looked at our joined hands instead of at him "I really want you to kiss me. I've never been kissed but it will cause me pain. I'm willing to take the pain though."
We stood there for a long time, neither of us moving, I wasn't breathing just in case he did try to kiss me. I tried to see us, as we would look to everyone else. I barely came to his chest in height, I'm little but very curvy. Then there is Seth, he is almost 7 foot tall and leanly muscular. We don't exactly fit, he would have to pratically bend in two to look into my eyes. However, there was an electric current running through the air between us, that bound us together. I finally couldn't stand it anymore and I looked up at him. I scraped my teeth over my bottom lip. He licked his lips and stared into my eyes. He looked away from me and dropped my hand. I felt bereft.
I turned away so he couldn't see how disappointed I was, and started up the porch steps to the house.
"Bethany" he called my name and I turned to see what he wanted. He crossed the distance between in two large steps. He grabbed by my waist and lifted me into the air and planted his hot lips against my cold, hard, stone lips for just a moment. I closed my eyes and saw skyrockets. Then he gently lowered my feet back to the porch steps and without a word ran off into woods.
