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I longed to touch him. I leaned forward, he mirrored the movement. He elevated his hand slowly, reaching for me. His fingertips touched at the corner of my lips making a gentle path to my temple, allowing the heat of my cheek to be transferred to his cool palm. It felt so wonderful; I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch.
A few seconds passed until the school's buzzer rang. I opened my eyes, he lowered his hand. His expression was warm and mystified.
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Chapter 7 – Different Worlds
"Do you have English now?" he asked. I nodded, grounded once again. "I'll walk you there."
"Alright," I smiled. I took a large bite from the untouched pizza, finished the orange juice, and dumped the remainder in the bin. Edward took my hand trying to be casual. No objection here, I savoured his touch.
From the north-east side of the room I saw Edward's family stare at us; Emmet and Jasper were incredulous, Rosalie glared, Alice on the other hand, was smiling. I wondered if she had seen this coming.
We made our way to the cafeteria door, where Bridget was waiting for Angela. She gave me two thumbs up and grinned crazily.
Our journey to my English classroom was a short one. We stopped outside the door. "I'll see you later Vivian," his voice was like melting honey.
I stifled the daze, no physical ogling, I reminded myself. I leaned in, but didn't let our bodies touch, and said in an equally seductive tone "See you later Edward."
He was slightly taken aback but definitely amused by the situation. He gave me a half-grin and briskly walked off. I know I could only fool him so much, my heartbeat gave me away; his body didn't lend me the same courtesy.
Once I entered the classroom, I took my seat next to Taylor again. He raised one eyebrow. "Hey Vivian. So, what's up with you and Edward?"
I was eighty percent sure that Edward would be listening. I wondered if I could tell Edward through Taylor to butt the hell out. However, that would be kind of conspicuous. I had to say something to Edward, I would end up all paranoid if I felt I was being watched 24/7.
Edward told me hearing of thoughts to him was similar to a hall full of people; I wondered if I would make my thoughts loud enough, he would hear me over the others.
Edward!
Nothing.
Edward!
EDWARD, LISTEN TO ME!!!
"Woman, are you trying to give me a headache?"
A smile pulled at my lips. Can I ask you a favour?
"Depends," not wanting to agree to an unconditional favour.
Could you please not watch me through others or listen to their thoughts about me? There was no reply. Edward? He must have tuned me out again, whatever his answer was going to be, I doubted it would be an honest one.
At last. "Vivian, you must realise that I've been through high school several times now. There is little interest for me here. You, on the other hand, are something worth watching. However, I can understand the idea of being watched isn't exactly a comfortable one, and I'd like you to be. Therefore… I'll try not to."
Hmm, 'try'… I'm not sure if I'm too happy with that word.
"It's the best you're going to get." He was probably right.
Alright then, but put some effort in that trying of yours. Now, if you don't mind I have a disturbed child named Jane Eyre to attend to.
"Which reminds me, don't forget Taylor; he's still waiting for an answer."
About what?
"About me. Enjoy your head in solitude." He was gone.
My nails were about to lengthen when I consciously repressed the impulse. I was positive that his 'trying' was not going to cut it right now.
On one hand I'd like to dismiss Edward to Taylor – which Edward would unquestionably hear – just for him being aggravating. On the other hand I didn't want to edge Taylor on by following me around like I was mother duck. I decided to keep it neutral.
"Edward just felt like a chat. Men are vague." I left it at that. It was one of those clichés people don't question, like 'God works in mysterious ways' or 'Everything to keep the misses happy'. Taylor consented to my answer.
A moment passed before he tried to inconspicuously scoot closer to me. What a failed attempt, even if I was human it wouldn't have gone unnoticed. His chair reminded me of an old wooden door that has never been oiled at the joint.
I heard his heart thumping faster after one final crack, excess blood crept to the surface of his cheeks. His reaction caused me to feel a longing to hunt something. It wasn't specifically increased blood-flow that triggered it. It was the difference in rank in the food chain; the steady stance of the predator and the nervous fear of the prey. Who ever assumed humans were on top?
Mr. Mason covered the first three chapters of Jane Eyre with us in detail. It proved to be a more compelling story than I initially assumed. Jane had lost both parents and uncle. She was lonely for she was not accepted by the world; she didn't fit in. I felt sympathy towards the young character, her world sounded oddly similar to that of my own. Thank god I have my mom, and Edward to relate to. The irrational part in me hoped the fictional character would find happiness further on in the novel.
When class was over, Taylor gallantly rose to escort me once again to my Art class. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see Edward leaning at the door of Mr. Mason's class. He was about to 'sneeze' when I raised my hand signalling him to stop.
I turned to Taylor. I had to be direct to un-mother-duck myself. "Taylor, you've been very kind to me. Thank you for that, but I think from now on I will manage to get to classes by myself." He frowned at me and didn't seem like he was about to answer. "Bye Taylor." I said and turned to go meet Edward.
The image was marvellous. Students, all dressed in dark shades were filing past him. Edward created a lightened centre, his torso was veiled in the white sleeveless shirt; visible skin was marble white. There was commotion, chatter. He stood steady, bright, in the centre of it all, watching me.
I walked up to him. He reached for my hand more easily this time; it was still cool.
"Shady was right." Taylor mumbled silently as we started walking to the Art classroom.
I didn't feel like asking how he knew what lesson I had now. It wasn't hard to guess how he knew, but ignorance is bliss, however slight the ignorance might be. I glanced at Edward, he was lost in thought. I wondered what he was thinking about: tomorrow – when he wouldn't be here due to good weather, me, or perhaps his family who didn't seem too happy at the end of lunch.
"Your family members are not biologically related, are they?" I asked him.
"No, we are all 'adopted' so to speak. It all started with my father, but let's not go into details now." He smiled at me. "We pretend that Jasper and Rosalie are biological siblings though. It creates a more socially accepted explanation why Emmet and Rosalie are a couple, and so are Jasper and Alice."
"That's a lot of love," I mused. "Do all vampires live that way?"
"No, what we do is extremely rare. There is only one other family like us in Alaska."
We reached the Art building. He stopped to look at me. "There are not many vampires in this world. But do understand Vivian, if you were ever to encounter one, make sure you aren't alone. To them you will be their enemy and consider them yours." His expression was grave.
"I can take care of myself." I said to reassure him and inform him I'm not an easy wolf to mess with.
"No Vivian, you have to assume the worst when you deal with the worst. Plus, you never know what their gift is. If they can, they will use it against you."
I guess I should take advice from the expert. "Ok, I got it."
His remaining breath escaped his lips. He frowned at the thought of having to breathe in again in order to talk.
"Don't be such a wuss, it's not that bad."
He laughed. "Whatever Vivian, see you later." My fingers left his now almost warm ones; all five of mine somewhat sad at having lost their partner.
I entered the room to be welcomed with the holler "Class, I'm not in the mood for chit-chat! Get moving!" I smelt a faint trace of blood coming from her. I wasn't surprised about the change in attitude.
I assembled all my utensils and got to work. Yesterday I had created the outlines of a forest scene; tall trees half covered by green moss and high grass amongst the bushes.
Today I was planning to patch up the textures and add some detail by painting individual leaves. Tomorrow I would do a dark wash over the whole canvas to suggest night time. On top of that I'd use lighter shades to convey the moonlight and let it hit specific places amongst the forest floor. Eventually, I would let vibrant colours such as blues and reds intertwine between the greens and browns to portray life.
I flirted with the idea of painting myself in wolf-skin amidst the scene. Yet, I couldn't picture myself there. What would I be doing? Hunting, running, or sleeping lazily? I figured that in time I would know what the subject of the painting would be doing in the forest.
After fifty minutes I performed the ritual of cleaning brushes, putting away paint, and moving my painting back into the small storage room. My eyes fell on my classmates' work; the tawny haired girl painted in a few of their works was… not human. Each girl had either a pair of butterfly, or swan wings, or a fishtail instead of legs. They couldn't place me in their ordinary world. Confusion filled me for I couldn't decide if this should amuse or scare me. I decided it was benign and chose for a wary amusement.
Just outside the door I saw Edward waiting still glorious as ever, I could get used to this. I was still living the after shock of seeing the paintings when I reached him. "Did you know they're painting me as fairies and mermaids?"
No emotion crossed his face, his features carefully remained the way they were. "Really?"
"You know you're not that good of a liar as u think you are." He looked extra innocent. "You'd tell me if their thoughts get too close to discovering the truth right?"
"Off course," dropping his pretences. I felt reassured, it was good to have someone knowing and protecting my secret with me.
Our hands found each others again. His bronze hair bristled on our way to Gym. "What class do you have now?" I asked.
"Computer Technologies."
"That's very modern of you."
"The class changes, each time there is something new. It's refreshing once in a while. I take it at higher level." He was the picture of ease.
We exchanged goodbyes before I entered the changing room. Angela and especially Bridget wanted to know what wickedness I used in order to get Edward talking. Bridget questioned if I had drugged his food which made me laugh. I fed them innocent little replies.
Gym was a drag, the usual pretending to be weak like the other girls. Apparently the teacher had worked us rather hard because they were all sweating heavily. Some of the boys smelled lovely, wet with transpiration. It tickled my senses. Afterwards, in order not to stand out, I took a shower like everybody else, at the speed of everybody else. The water that usually relaxed me had an opposite effect – it frustrated me. I would have liked to see Edward one final time before not getting to see him for so long.
When I entered the parking lot I saw that a silver Volvo was missing. Edward had driven his family home already.
I was sitting with my bare feet in the sand, letting the little crystals glide between my toes. The sun was caressing my skin making me feel warm on the inside as well as out. The sea was breathtaking and the seagulls were keeping me company. The waves and wind were singing a symphony for me alone.
I looked out in the distance. I spotted a white speck on the horizon. I gazed at it trying to identify what kind of boat it was. To my surprise, the speck was increasing in size rapidly. I realised it was racing towards me. The sun's golden rays were turning orange. Then it hit me; it wasn't a boat, it was Edward, running on water. The rays changed to a burgundy red, reflecting its colour on me and my surroundings.
Edward was accompanied by large waves created by his speed. He came to a stop right in front of me. His eyes, like the sun were rubies instead of their usual topaz. A vibrant red tear rolled from each eye, staining the flawless white skin. Others might have found the image horrifying, scary even. Though the emotion on his face was so sincere, so pure; he was filled with sorrow.
I wanted to hold him, I wanted to tell him I would make it better. I tensed the muscle in my arm to lift it, but it would go no further. Edward shook his head.
"I'm a monster."
I felt consciousness creep in but I refused to open my eyes. I wanted to maintain the bloodstained angel. My effort was in vain. Defeated I opened my eyes to see my now dark room. The only visible light came from the moon through my balcony window. My alarm-clock showed '23:12'. I stretched the last residue of sleepiness away from my pre-run nap.
I went downstairs in the baggy t-shirt I had chosen to sleep in. My mind was still with Edward within my dream.
Esmé was watching television with a bowl of popcorn. She looked comfortable. She was dressed in homey clothes, her medium-long blond hair was tousled. "Hi mom."
"Hey, honey." I turned to the kitchen to drink a glass of water and returned to the living room.
"I'm going for a run, want to join?"
She didn't look up. She was completely absorbed by the man and woman on the television screen. "No thanks babe, nothing can tear me away from this sappy movie. Have fun." She threw another handful of popcorn in her mouth. I left through the backdoor and approached the woods at an easy pace, drawing out the pleasure that was about to follow.
Earlier this afternoon when I came home, I was dying to go on a run. I wanted to celebrate the feelings Edward had stirred in me. Though, running at night with a nearing full moon would be exponentially better. Therefore I had decided to take a pre-run nap instead.
I threw off the shirt and underwear near a moss-covered tree and let my body become one with the night. My spine lengthened, and my auburn pelt sprouted. My limbs rearranged themselves with the sweet crunch of bones. My extended jaw now held a moist nose with which I took in as much night as I could. I felt invigorated, I felt alive. I darted through the forest. I jumped over high branches and licked my lips at the smell of wildlife.
After a stretch of time I was deep in the forest. I spotted a small circular opening within the canopy. It created a round patch of moonlight on the forrest floor. I was enchanted and entered it, rotated once to test the ground. I lay down with my muzzle on my paws and closed my eyes.
For several moments I was at peace. Until…
"Vivian, can you hear me?" an anxious muted voice sounded.
My eyes shot open. Edward? Yes, but you sound distant. I replied mentally.
"Thank god. Vivian, I can't believe I'm telling you this but – ARGH." He snarled, a curse followed. "I'm afraid your Biology class is going to smell much nicer in the future, if you won't manage to reach me in time. I'm being chased by three werewolves." Edward sounded furious. "If you weren't my last resort I wouldn't be asking you this. Help me… please."
Completely startled but determined I stood up. I'm on my way, where are you?
"Deep in the forest, there are no landmarks here." Another loud growl filled my head.
But how will I find you?
"Find a way. Find it fast."
A/N: Grrr!
