Part II: All in Good Time

September 4th

I know the date, because Heidi told me. Yes, Heidi. The sweet tour guide with the smiles and high-heels. She brings me my meals, shows me the bathroom, and gives me my one source of consolation now: conversation. I should hate her, I know. But considering the state I'm in now, she's the only friend I've got.

I've lost my watch. In other words, you'd better not wonder about the time, because it could be midnight for all I know. Of course, I'm not tired at all, so that's into likely. It's only a matter of time before I'm a complete, warped nutcase.

Vampires. I can't get used to the idea, and yet just being around her is proof enough. I've started a list in my mind. I'll put it down here, so I don't forget:

Vampire characteristics:

drink blood

pale skin

zero body temperature

very fast

red eyes

fangs

Oh, and I almost forgot…

preference for stupid American tourists

Hopefully, this makes things a little clearer, in case you're a bare-faced skeptic. I know. You're laughing now, aren't you? Considering my appalling, emotional episode of last entry, I seem strangely resilient now. But it isn't true.

I'm scared. I'm scared to death, and it's not just because I've discovered one of history's most horrific legends.

I'm scared for me. For what they mean to do with me. I ask my jailer questions repeatedly, but she only shrugs with that deceptively kind smile of hers. The smile that had us all fooled. Then she asks me about my own life, and I, too, play mum.

It's my best defense now. Silence.

September 5th

I've seen him. He's been here, in this room.

Aro. Such a ridiculous, simple name. And yet, this person—this vampire—affects everyone around him, including me. It's a chain reaction, and I'm the bottom of the chain. I've never been so afraid of anyone, and yet I don't understand why. As an onlooker, he seems the kindest, most compassionate being in the world. His voice is like a breath, and he never raises it in emotion. He is very wise, and handsome, too, if I was also a vampire and had no heart. I wonder… is this what people look like in hell? Damnation in exchange for beauty?

"Hello, Aster." A voice to make your skin crawl.

He came in my room, after I'd dressed and eaten. As if nothing had happened; not yesterday, not the day before… never.

"Hello, Aster," he said politely

"Get out," I answered, just as politely.

He sat down beside me, weighing the mattress a little. He didn't seem to mind when I scooted away.

"Aster…" he looked me over slowly. "Such an interesting name. I have never heard it before."

"I've never heard 'Aro', either," I retorted.

He laughed. "No, I doubt you have. Still…" His voice was barely a breath. "Suppose it's a sign? Suppose you really were meant to join us?"

"If that were true, I would be a vampire now."

He shook his head. "Some decisions take time, my love. Hopefully we won't have to take drastic measures to help you reach yours."

I turned away. I couldn't look at him anymore.

"Aster?" he said softly.

My stomach twisted as he lifted my chin, looking deeply into my eyes. His own were black, shining like obsidian. I could only hope I wasn't his next victim.

"Let go of me," I whispered.

His eyes were curious. "Why, my dear?"

"I don't want you to touch me. Let go."

He acquiesced, but only to trail his hand down my throat. I could feel it linger there, cupping my pulse. His eyes never left mine. I started to grow dizzy. Was it all an effect of fatigue, I wondered, or did vampires have hypnotic powers, as well?

"Aster," he repeated. His voice was even softer.

"Let… go." My voice cracked.

He obeyed, finally, laughing again. Then he asked another question. "How old are you?"

I remember staring at him. If he was going to kill me, then why would it matter? "Eighteen," I answered.

"Perfect!" he crooned. "A legal adult, by today's standards. And are you in college now, Aster?"

"That was my plan, yes, before you took me hostage."

Aro laughed again, loudly this time. It hurt my ears. "Ah, but she is an impertinent one!" he said, and his teeth flashed in the light. Then he reached for me, and I couldn't pull away. "I like you, Aster," he said merrily. "I like you very much." His hand stroked mine, and I watched his eyelids fall heavily. His thick lashes brushed his cheek, and all was still.

I remember how confused I was. I broke the silence eventually, demanding an explanation. He gave it to me. It sounded like something from "Eragon: The Inheritance" series. The dragon connected to the human. The vampire reading the human's mind through—

"A single touch," Aro told me calmly. "That is all that's required. It's amazingly useful, once you think about it." He giggled. "Not for you, of course, my dear. Unless you enjoy hearing your thoughts aloud…?"

I shook my head, pale with disbelief. Oh, this was just perfect. The supernatural undead having supernatural powers. That I can deal with. But this?! What legend or novel has prepared me for this? This isn't supernatural, I thought frantically. This is… unnatural. Unreal.

Then I realize he can hear every word, and he giggles again.

"So what now?" I snapped. This time, I manage to tear my hand away. "You have my thoughts. You have me. What do you want?"

"Patience, sweetling," he cooed. "Let us cross that path when we come to it. In the meantime, I believe Heidi has your dinner ready for you."

"I'm not hungry."

I felt his eyes on me, and looked up. I'll never forget the look on his face. He looked like a starving man, sunken with malnourishment, who has suddenly caught sight of a tempting dish of food.

"Why do you look at me like that?" I whispered.

His face was wiped clean, as if by magic. "It matters not, my dear." He rose from the bed. "Enjoy your meal. I shall try to visit again, if I may."

"You may not," I muttered, biting into a muffin. It was pretty good. I remember turning around, another sassy remark rising to my lips, when I felt his fingers clamp firmly about my neck, and his face hovered dangerously close before mine.

"Do be careful, my sweet," he breathed. "I want to ensure your safety here."

I felt the blood draining from my face. The bread dropped, forgotten, from my fingers. Aro smiled, almost tenderly, and began stroking my face with his free hand. Just when I felt I would faint from the nausea—and pain—he released me, letting me fall forward with a gasp.

I didn't eat anymore. I haven't eaten anything since. I'm writing, staring sullenly at the stale food, and my stomach growls on, ignored. I won't touch another morsel. I won't accept anything they give me. They are liars. Monsters. They are not going to let me live. Why not help them while I can?

Silence sucks.

September 6th

Still haven't eaten. It isn't bad, this starvation. Then again, I could be wrong.

September 7th

Ok, so I'm wrong.