9
A NEW DAWNChapter 5
Surprised Guests
The opportunity I had been seeking came the very next day.
I had spent almost the entire day feeling as gloomy as the weather; dejected because Seth never came over. I figured that either he was avoiding me in order to evade my questions, or avoiding me to escape thinking about my dream, or maybe it was possible that Jacob had ordered him to stay away. I didn't think Jacob would do that, considering how he seemed to act toward me before he left.
Charlie arrived home later that afternoon, and Sue showed up shortly afterward. She brought food, it was nice to have something home cooked for a change; although, even food wasn't enough to distract me from the nagging question.
"What was Seth up to today, I thought maybe he'd stop over," I said dejectedly.
"He had some, uh, business to attend to today, over at the Cullens'," she said, her voice seemed concerned. "In fact, I am picking him up from there on the way home."
"You're picking him up?" Charlie snorted. "That's different."
"I don't want him wearing himself out; Jacob has him patrolling, day and night. Since he had to be there all day today, and I was going to be passing there anyway, I insisted that I pick him up. It's not much, but at least it's a little break for him." She sat down at the table, letting out a deep sigh.
"It doesn't help that he spends his off hours over here either, he should be using that time to sleep," Charlie added, looking over at me.
I glared back at him. "Hey now, don't blame me, he comes over here by his own choice. In fact, he crashed here the other day and I let him sleep."
"That's true. I just wish he'd stop trying to do so much," Charlie said.
"He's just like his father was, very stubborn, always worrying about everyone else but himself," Sue added thoughtfully.
After eating, I excused myself, using the explanation that I was going to go out for a drive around town. They both eyed me suspiciously, until I added, "It's just that I've been inside this house every day since I got here, I just really need to get out for a bit." That, they seemed to understand.
However, they were right with their initial suspicion; I had an ulterior motive for going out for a drive, and a definite place in mind. Unfortunately, I didn't know where the place was exactly, but Sue would soon lead the way.
I waited just down the block, hopefully far enough away that Sue wouldn't notice me tailing her. When she left Charlie's, I immediately began my pursuit. From the map I had seen of the area, I knew the general direction she would be headed, so I could hang back a bit to avoid detection. Once we were out on a more isolated part of the highway, I moved in a bit closer. Thankfully, the sun was setting, so everything was a bit dimmer, lessening the chances of being spotted even more. When I saw her brake lights, I slowed down to a crawl; taking in mental notes of the area. Then she abruptly stopped, leaving me no time to stop without being obvious. So instead, I kept slowly on the gas, hoping to pass by her without being noticed. As I passed, I noticed that she had stopped at the end of an almost hidden driveway; Seth was just walking out from the woods wearing only a pair of shorts. That sight alone nearly made me drive off the road, I couldn't help but stare; unfortunately, he looked directly at me as I passed. I quickly turned my attention back to the road and jumped on the gas. I turned off onto a dirt road a short distance away, quickly switching off my lights to avoid being seen. If Seth had recognized me, which I was sure he had, I wasn't sure who he'd tell or what he'd say. I don't know if he would figure out what my plan was, but if he did, I knew everyone would try to stop me.
When I was sure they had passed, I quickly turned around and headed back down the highway, looking for the hidden driveway. I was nearly past it when I saw it, and quickly hit my brakes, bringing the truck to a sliding stop. I sat there for the longest time, just staring, trying to make sure I could find this place again tomorrow. I might be a little insane, but I wasn't stupid. I certainly wasn't about to venture into unfamiliar territory in the dark, especially not where vampires were living. No, I would cross that bridge tomorrow, when I could at least see which direction death might be coming for me.
When I got back to Charlie's, I expected him to mention that Seth had called, but he didn't say a word. His attention was clearly into the game as usual, so I headed up to bed. I laid there in the dark, planning the next day's adventure. I knew that I would probably cause a ruckus, and I had no idea how it would turn out. Maybe tonight was the last night of my life; maybe tomorrow I would become vampire dinner. I tried not to think about that, instead I tried to focus on what I was going to say to them. No matter which way I played it out in my head, in every scenario I sounded like a lunatic. I sighed, and then rolled over to try and get some sleep. There was no way I could plan this, I was just going to have to wing it.
I woke up the next morning with my stomach in knots. Could I really go through with this? Suddenly my idea sounded insanely suicidal, but then the vision of Seth's wolf body lying at my feet snapped me out of the panic attack. I quickly showered and grabbed some food before heading out the door, for possibly the last time. I hoped that Seth wasn't at the Cullens' place today; I knew he would try to stop me if he was. Maybe he had forewarned Jacob; maybe they were both sitting there waiting for me now. Whatever the case, I wasn't going to back down, this felt too right, like this was what I was here for.
When I reached the hidden driveway, my stomach suddenly twisted again, but I didn't stop. I turned onto the road, and followed the seemingly endless tunnel of green until I arrived into an open clearing, which revealed an enormous white house. I came to a stop near the front door, but sat there for a few moments taking in the splendor. Then I caught a glimpse of some movement inside, and decided it was now or never.
I climbed out of my truck, and approached the front porch. As I got closer, the front door opened and a blond-haired man stepped out to greet me, his golden eyes met me with stunned curiosity; I recognized him at once, he had also been in my dream.
"Can I help you with something?" the man asked politely.
I took in a deep breath. "I certainly hope so, although what I'm about to say may seem quite strange." I smiled sheepishly at the man, hoping to win some favor.
"Ok, you have my attention," he replied.
"My name is Brady Dawn, I'm not sure if Bella or Jacob had mentioned me, but I'm the one staying over at Bella's dad's place."
"Is Charlie ok?" The man suddenly seemed concerned, taking a step toward me.
"Charlie is fine, he isn't the reason I'm here."
The man stopped, then stepped backwards, fluidly returning to his previous position. Suddenly the door opened, and another man stepped out, yet another one from my dream. This man was stunning in his physical beauty; his golden eyes seemed to pulse with intensity. For a second I was taken aback, my mind became unfocused and I felt dizzy, like I was going to hyperventilate.
"Carlisle, what is going on? Why is he here?" he asked, obviously annoyed with my presence.
"I'm not exactly sure Edward; he was just explaining that to me." They were both looking at me again, obviously waiting for me to continue.
"You must be Bella's husband Edward," I said, staring at the newcomer. Edward stiffened at my response. "Charlie has mentioned your name in passing, and since it isn't exactly a common name in the current generation, I made the connection."
"You're a quick study, Seth was right about that. However, that doesn't explain why you're here." He was about to take a step toward me, but Carlisle held his arm out to block him.
"Then if you know who I am, you should also know the strange circumstances of my arrival here in Forks. I've been trying to figure out, ever since I got here, exactly why I was drawn here. Seth has his own thoughts on that, but I don't believe he is right, I think I'm here for another purpose." I stared up at the two vampires, trying to explain myself without continuing to sound insane.
"I'm not following," Carlisle said, making a quick glance toward Edward, hoping he'd share some missing information.
"I know about what's coming, I know about the cloaked vampires," I said.
Carlisle's mouth dropped open, and he turned toward Edward again, who remained unmoving, unaffected by my comment.
"It was just a dream," Edward said. "He had a dream about the Volturi, it turned into a battle, and he saw Seth, in his wolf form, get killed. Seth believes Brady's dream was meant for him, to give him time to say goodbye to his family and friends. Brady believes that his dream was meant to spur him into action, and that he is the missing factor from the dire scene he envisioned. He believes that since he was never in the dream, in physical form at least, that this means that if he were there, that it would make the difference; as if one frail human could have an impact in what we will be facing."
"I didn't say I would be human," I snapped, resenting his cold, emotionless presentation.
"What do you mean?" Carlisle said, cocking his head to one side.
"He came here to have us change him into one of us, what audacity he has," Edward said, glaring at me, his golden eyes now blazing.
"You can't be serious Edward, that can't be the reason he is here," Carlisle said, shaking his head.
"How do you know all of this," I demanded. "I haven't even said a word." I returned the glare to Edward, no longer feeling any effects from his beautiful appearance.
"Well isn't that why you're here?" Edward hissed. Carlisle had turned toward me again, an almost pleading look in his face.
Just then, the door opened again, and Bella stepped out. I saw behind her several other vampires peaking out in interest. Then I noticed there were others peering from the windows as well, obviously I was causing a commotion. I'm sure having a human coming to visit the vampire house wasn't exactly a common event.
"Did someone order lunch?" A strange European-sounding voice rang out from behind the door. I heard several hisses, and Bella turned quickly and slammed the door shut behind her.
"Why are you here?" Bella demanded. "This isn't the time for visitors."
"I'm not worried about it," I grunted.
"Of course not, you're hoping that one of us will bite you. You don't seem to grasp the fact that most vampires wouldn't just stop at one bite, they wouldn't be able to stop period. You'd end up as nothing more than another victim, just another snack for an immortal," Edward said coldly.
"Edward!" Carlisle hissed.
"It's true, maybe he needs to know the truth so that the fear he claims he doesn't have, will finally sink in his thick head."
"Edward, you're not serious, that can't be why he is here." Bella said, staring at Edward in disbelief.
"He's right," I said. "It's the only answer for why I was drawn to Forks. There can't be any other explanation, I'm meant to become one of you, I'm meant to help." I looked down, expecting a quick and unanimous rebuke.
I was then startled by an intense growl, and then I heard the sound of large paws stalking up behind me. The look on the faces of the three vampires was of anticipation, probably expecting me to turn around and shriek in fear. I couldn't, I wouldn't let that happen.
I slowly turned around and found myself face to face with a huge russet wolf whose teeth were bared menacingly.
"Hey Jake," I said calmly, and then turned back around to face the vampires, whose mouths were now gaping.
Then another voice appeared, "Who is this?" It hadn't come from the front, but from along the side of the house. I turned to see a small young man approaching; he had very Middle Eastern features. He was smiling at me very cheerfully.
Carlisle immediately stepped down to block the boy, and Jacob's nose nudged me in the back of the head. I was immediately annoyed, I felt like I was being treated like helpless child.
I spun around to face Jacob, "SIT!" I yelled, and pointing toward the ground. Jacob huffed, sounding like a laugh, as several other echoes of laughter rang out from within the house.
I turned back around to see the young man still looking at me, a big grin on his face.
"Benjamin," Carlisle said to the young man.
"I'm not going to hurt him Carlisle, I'm just curious. There is something about him, I can't quite figure it out, but something...compelling." Benjamin was still smiling at me thoughtfully.
"Benjamin is right, there is something there, but even I can't figure it out," another man said, approaching from the same direction as Benjamin.
"You think there is something, some latent potential Eleazar?" Carlisle asked.
Suddenly there was silence and all eyes were on Eleazar.
"Definitely something, I just can't figure out what exactly. It's something I've never felt before, but then again, maybe it's nothing at all," he said.
"Could it be the ability of premonition?" Edward asked intently.
"No! What I saw can be changed, it is not a premonition," I argued, glaring at Edward once again.
"Anything is possible," Eleazar said. "I've felt the ability of premonition before, with Alice and others, but this doesn't feel like that." He shook his head disappointedly. "I wish I could be of more help."
Benjamin suddenly moved closer to me, within mere inches. The young man merely smiled at me, looking deep into my eyes. I should have been frightened I guess, as his eyes weren't golden, but an ominous dark ruby color. Then unexpectedly, and drawing several gasps from the onlookers, he reached up and touched my face with his fingers.
"There is definitely something intriguing about you, if it was within my power, I'd give you what you seek. However, this is Carlisle's home and therefore his decision, not mine." He sighed in disappointment and then stepped back, still smiling.
"Carlisle, we don't have time for this. No matter how...," Edward paused briefly, looking at Benjamin, "intriguing, he might be. You know what a newborn is like, how difficult they are to deal with during their first year; we just don't have the time. I'm not prepared to put my daughter's life in the hands of a newborn."
Carlisle sighed. "Yes of course Edward, you are. Our time is short, definitely not enough time for him to become rational; it would be too dangerous for everyone here."
I saw Benjamin glance from Carlisle, to Edward, and then to Bella. When he stopped on Bella, he grinned. "Apparently not every newborn vampire reacts like that, isn't that right Carlisle. Take Bella for example, I heard that she was in full control from day one. That means there is also a chance that he could be the same," he said, turning his attention back to me. "If there is the chance that he may have the power we need to stop the Volturi, and thereby saving the child, then surely it would be worth the risk."
"No Benjamin! If Jasper were here, he would explain to you all of the risks of newborn vampires. I'm not about to put my family in jeopardy based upon possibilities and what ifs," Edward hissed.
"If Bella could remain in control, then why couldn't I?" I said, offering a pleading look to Edward.
It made me angry that he was so against me, when I knew so strongly that this is what was meant to be. If I didn't succeed, then Seth and the others would all die.
"You don't know that!" Edward snapped. "You're just guessing that is what will happen. If your dream wasn't a premonition, then it doesn't mean anything."
I looked up at him in shock, how did he know what I was thinking? Could he read my mind, is that how he knew why I was at their house? I felt intense anger ripple through my body, how unfair it was to steal people's thoughts and twist them around like that.
"I'm not twisting anything, you're the one who is reaching," he sneered.
"Apparently not, apparently there are others here who can see something that you obviously can't," I said, nodding toward Benjamin and Eleazar.
Edward lunged toward me, and suddenly Jacob was standing between us, while Carlisle grasped Edward's shoulders.
"C'mon Brady, I think it's time to leave," came a familiar voice from behind me.
I spun around to find Seth standing there, dressed only in a pair of ragged jeans; the sweat was flowing down his beautiful smooth chest. His hands were trembling and his eyes were on Edward. For a second, I couldn't take my eyes off of his perfection; my mind was suddenly lost in impure thoughts. Hearing Edward groan, I quickly realized that he knew what I was thinking too.
"Keep my thoughts to yourself!" I said, turning to give Edward a contemptuous look.
Then I suddenly felt Seth's intensely hot hands grab my shoulders, and then he began to yank me back toward the truck.
"Wait, I'm not done yet," I declared, trying to pull away.
"Yes, you are, I won't let you do this," Seth snapped. "Jacob told me everything, how can you be so stupid."
"Seth, leave me alone, this is my business not yours. This is my choice, my decision; it's the only way to..."
"Stop right there," Seth interrupted. "I'm not going to let you end your life because of some misguided belief that you are responsible for our lives."
"It isn't misguided, it's true," I argued. By now, Seth had shoved me into the passenger side of truck; obviously, he wasn't planning to let me drive home. When I tried to open the door to jump out, Jacob had already positioned himself against the door to stop me. "Dammit, this isn't fair. I'm not a kid, I can make my own decisions," I complained.
"Then stop acting like a spoiled brat throwing a temper tantrum," Seth snorted, trying not to smile.
I huffed, then relaxed back into the seat, resigned to the fact that I wasn't going to get my way, at least not today. I glanced toward Edward who was smiling triumphantly, and I quickly cleared my mind. I knew that, no matter what, I couldn't think about what I might do, at least not yet.
I was silent for the drive home, Seth was extremely apologetic, even though I knew his stance on my decision would never change. He was somehow convinced that I was doing this for him; when in truth, this had more to do with me than anyone else. It was what I was meant for, I knew that, and apparently so did some of the other vampires. Unfortunately, Edward wasn't convinced, and neither was Seth.
Much of what was said earlier swirled through my mind during the drive. Apparently, vampires had special abilities, and obviously, Edward's was mind reading. It was now quite obvious that I really didn't understand vampires at all, there was more to them than I had realized. I needed to know more. I looked over at Seth, who glanced at me, then quickly turned back forward, his head bowing in guilt. I tried not to become distracted by his perfect body, but that was almost impossible, so I looked away as well. I suddenly hatched a plan, there was one person who could tell me everything about vampires, and now I hoped his guilt could be used against him. I couldn't help but smile deviously.