Sorry it's taken so long to update, but school, banquets, and the rapidly approaching prom issues make life complicated. Not to mention having a big heart & promising to help others takes up a lot of computer time. DON'T GET THE FLU! But I'm here now! Let's see where Alice is taking me this time. Thanks for the reviews.
It's dark outside, and I'm relieved to finally be around people. I know that I must walk slowly and be careful about how I act, so I try to copy the crowd as I walk down Main Street. The smells are torture, so good, so repulsive, so controlling. I'm not close to any particular person, but I can pick out each one's scent.
I take another glance at a small scrap of my letter, my last tie to who I am, and I stare at the enormous Arch ahead. I walk closer and closer to it, trying my best to act natural, but I see many people stop and stare at me. The more eyes that watch me the more paranoid I become, until I am certain that they suspect me. I cross the street, and a young, handsome man accidentally bumps into me.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," he says smiling.
The wind blows at just the wrong moment, and his scent captures me. I can't stop myself now, but instincts tell me that there's a better way to do this. My mind starts thinking of a thousand different ways to do this. I have one- it's crude, but the best I've got.
"That's alright, but do you think you can help me? I'm new in town, and I think I'm lost."
I've got him, and he knows it. He shrugs and lets me lead him away from his path.
"My sister and I can't read this map, and we need to get to New York immediately. She's very shy, so I told her to stay back at the shop. I was lost and came down this way."
We walk down a dark alley, and my instincts can't take it any longer. I'm too weak and thirsty to wait.
The city scene fades into an early country morning.
Something horrible must have happened to me in the fire. This was the fifteenth time I'd seen something that wasn't really there, and, sadly, I was sure that this would happen, too. In the four days that I'd been… aware, I guess, I'd seen signs of where I was going next, random events in New York City, and once again I saw the beautiful blonde man. He seemed so unhappy, yet he did anything the woman, Lucy, told him to do. It aggravated me that Jasper wouldn't do anything for himself and stand up against the violence, but besides the two visions- I was certain that's what they must have been- I knew nothing else about him, except that he, Lucy, and the others he was always surrounded by were like me, whatever "we" were.
I'd been spending the past few days hiding from the sunlight or at least from human contact. My sparkling skin still shocked me, and I wondered if my entire body did that in the light. I still hadn't found a mirror or lake or pond or anything reflective, so I wasn't sure what I looked like. As soon as the sun set, I would once again start running north, following the directions of signs and visions. I paid little attention to the country and nearby city streets. Instead I racked my brain for anything that would remind me of who I was, what I was, or why New York was so important, but every night I came up as empty as I had the night before. The earliest I could remember was waking up in that destroyed building. Everything before that was blackness.
"Not now, sun," I whined to myself. How I craved someone-anyone- to talk to. "St. Louis is just right here. Please, let me hide somewhere in town before you reveal what I really am!"
I ran even faster, a remarkable feat I must admit, and raced the sun to St. Louis. I wasn't sure when I'd decided to take normal transportation to the City, but I figured that it was time to use the money someone had left me. I'd seen a large train speed by me yesterday, and maybe one could take me to my destination. That was the plan, but my latest vision had me scared. I was terrified for the man I would soon meet, but I couldn't let one man hurt my chances for a real life.
I'd made it behind an old shack just as the sunlight brushed my skin. A milkman changing bottles at the doors did a double take, but I was hidden before he blinked. The house's little line of bushes wouldn't hide me for long though. A cat- I assumed it lived here- was standing in the middle of the front yard in clear view of one of the windows, it's orange, black, and white back arched up ready to pounce. What if a kid decided to look behind the green shrubs the cat was hissing at? What if the owners came to see why their cat was acting mad?
"You're crazy for being outside in the open like that!" whispered a man from across the street.
He was hiding in the shadows, leaning against a house looking very bored. He had both hands in his pockets and his eyes closed, but at the same time he was staring right at me. The wind blew lightly, and I could smell his warm, sunflowery scent. I'd never smelt anything like it before, and I knew that he had to be like me. Without thinking I crawled out of the bushes and ran to him.
He caught me in his arms and shook me a few times.
"Do you want them to see you? Do you want to kill that innocent little girl looking at us right now? Do you want to meet the Volturi?"
"Who?"
His eyes were red, growing blacker as they came in. His dark brows lowered and he stared at me in confusion.
"Didn't your creator tell you anything? How old are you?"
"Creator? I woke up alone, and I don't know. I know nothing about me. Why am I drawn to people and not like I think I should be? I don't crave their company; it's their smell! I'm ridiculously fast, and I glitter in the sunlight. I left Mississippi days ago, yet here I am in St. Louis on foot."
The man sighed and took my arm. He started running, and I had to jump on his back to keep up. He didn't seem to mind, but he had to lean away from sunny patches. We left the neighborhood all together and followed the shadows to bridges and holes in the ground, short tunnels until we stopped next to a man-hole under a new, concrete bridge. He lifted up the cover and lightly pushed me in.
It was filthy inside and dark and damp. The man landed quietly beside me and took my hand again. We walked in silence down the sewer tunnel, but I heard voices echoing around us. We made only one turn, and the source of the voice stared at us silently.
In a large room was a simple sofa and table of candles that gave very little light. In the faint glow I saw two men and a woman, all of them the most beautiful people I'd ever seen. I smiled hoping to ease the mood, but none of them looked happy to see me.
"We don't have room for newcomers, Joseph. We're sorry he's brought you all this way, but I'm afraid you'll have to leave," the woman purred. She flung her long, red hair at me and said no more.
"I know that," Joseph said angrily. He dragged me to the middle of the room, and we sat down. I cringed as I sat a fat rat scurry past me with a dead mouse. "She's leaving when the sun goes down, but unless you'd like Aro or Caius or Marcus poking their noses around here, she needs to be taught a few things. Whoever created her left her alone to fend for herself. She doesn't even know what she is!" The four laughed.
"I'll tell her!" announced the larger of the two unnamed men. He was very muscular and had long, blonde hair. He leaned forward and stared at me, his crimson eyes locking into mine. "You're a vampire, a demon, the devil's child, a killer. Most figure that out after their first hunt!" They all laughed again, but I was still confused.
"Vampire? Hunt? Humans?" I jumped up and stood against the dirty sewer wall. "I can't be. Those don't… I wanted to drink their blood! I am!" I could wrap my head around it. "I've never killed a human."
"You said you left Mississippi days ago though," Joseph said. "Surely you've seen humans since then. You told me you had. You avoided that milkman earlier! How?"
"I was told to stay away from humans." I showed them my letter. "Do all vampires sparkle?"
"Yes," sighed the redhead. She took the letter, glanced at it, laughed, and ripped it to shreds. "The only special thing about you is you're strange ability to resist humans, but I see your eyes. They're blacker than mine! I'd bet three humans that the next one you smell will be your first meal. And speaking of hunting, you don't know how to stay hidden, do you?"
"No," Joseph interjected. "I found her crouching in a bush at a sunny house. She doesn't even know about the Volturi."
"Great. I'll make this simple, kid. Pick any human you want, but make them follow you. When there is no one around, kill it. You'll know how. Make sure the body looks like it was attacked by an animal-"
"Not everyone can be like you, Anastasia," the last, black hair man joked. The blonde beside him doubled up in laughter. Anastasia hissed and curled up, ready to pounce at the man. She quickly straightened up and rolled her eyes.
"My mate, Mario. Just don't make it look like the body was killed by a human… or us. No teeth marks can be left! Burning the body is the best way, as long as someone doesn't catch you. If someone suspects you, kill them! If rumors spread about vampires or signs lead to you, the Volturi will find you and kill you!" She stormed off down the tunnel.
"Aro, Caius, Marcus, Jane, and Alec make up the family," the blonde said. "They're all very old and very powerful, but if something causes them to intervene, they'll send some of their guard. That's the problem. There's too many of them, and they're just as evil as the Volturi themselves. Respect them and do as your told if you're ever unfortunate enough to meet them. They live in Volterra, Italy. They have to keep a close eye on the South because they're always at war. I went through there once and almost became the enemy of three different groups! They say in Texas it's the worst because of the famous quartet: Lucy, Maria, Nettie, and Jasper. Rumor has it they can handle anything, and I believe it! They've taken a lot of land around there and controlling new borns isn't easy. Well, you seem alright for now."
I frowned, but the other vampires didn't seem to notice or care. I slowly waked away and began aimlessly wandering through the tunnel. Could Lucy and Jasper be the ones I'd been seeing? I guessed that all depended on how many vampires were in world. That was an answer I wasn't ready for though, yet. If that was the same Jasper, then we was doing something bad- even for vampires. Overall, these people had given me a lot to think over.
I walked alone for hours but never got tired of standing or moving. Again and again I wondered how I could keep from killing humans; it seemed wrong, but then again, it sounded like that was the only way to live. I felt strange again and gratefully let the vision take over my mind.
I am in a beautiful home, two stories, large rooms. The living room is the biggest, and even though there is many pieces of furniture, there is still plenty of room. Everything is white or a pale tan, the large sofa, the wooden rocking chair, the bookshelves, the brick fireplace, and the tiny bar in the corner. The only dark things in the room were the glass-top coffee table, the small television, and the grand piano across from the bar.
At the piano is a bronze haired boy, young, maybe sixteen, seventeen, eighteen? He's pale like me, but dressed much better. His long, slender fingers played the ivory keys lightly and quickly. The low melody is full of passion and respect. I can't help but sit down on the bench next to him to listen. He stumbles once but ignores it and stares harder at the complicated music in front of him.
I hear light footsteps coming down the staircase, but the boy doesn't look up. He only smiled and laughed to himself. I, however, look up and saw a young woman staring at him, much like I was. Her gentle face is motherly, but the two look nothing alike except for the white skin and topaz eyes. She leans against the rail and waits till the boy is finished. Too soon, he finishes and looks up at her.
"You're improving so much. Is Carlisle close?" she asked as she came down the stairs.
The boy cocks his head and listens for a second and then smiles again.
"Yes. He'll be here in a few minutes."
"Good. We all need to hunt soon."
"Mountain lions! I'm getting tired of elk. It doesn't help keep them alive." The boy's face hardens, and he turns away from the woman.
"Edward, please behave. I know it's not easy, but Carlisle has survived hundreds of years like this, and so will we," the woman says sternly, though I see the difficulty in her eyes.
The doors opens, and a young, pale blonde doctor comes in. He hangs his coat on the rack beside the door and kisses the woman.
"What's wrong, Edward?" he asks as he walks past the boy and into another room.
"I'm just ready to leave," Edward laughs. The woman sighs.
"What about you, Esme?" Carlisle asks reappearing, his doctor coat off and traveling coat on.
"When you are," she replies sweetly.
"Great! Let's go."
The large room fades away, and the dark sewer comes back.
"What's wrong with you?" the blonde vampire asked behind me.
"Can we live off animal blood?" I felt foolish for asking, but Carlisle, Esme, and Edward were, weren't they?
"Ha! Why? We're meant to drink human blood. Why change nature? Listen, Anastasia said it's twilight, and we're leaving now. We can't have you here alone. Actually, we can't have you here at all. There's too many of us here as it is, and a new born would just make things worse. I hope you understand. I'll lead you out, but don't come back."
He took my hand, but he didn't drag me like Joseph had. He stayed with me, making small talk as we weaved through the dark, wet, path. When we reached an overhead man-hole, he opened it for me and helped me out. He handed me a ragged washcloth to dry myself. I did what I could and tried to give it back.
"No, no. You keep it. The rest of us don't mind it. This is the life of our kind, but you don't look like the traveling, running away, killing type. I sure hope you can handle this new life. You seem like a good girl, and surprisingly, I don't want you to change that. My name's Ayden by the way. It was nice meeting you, but we won't meet again. Nothing personal; it's just our way."
And then he was gone! The sun was nearly gone, and the St. Louis city lights were everywhere. I could see an enormous arch over the skyscrapers, and I froze. That was where I'd find my first meal. Anastasia would be proven wrong. I was determined to live like the family I'd just seen. I would prove to Ayden that changing nature could be a good thing. Yet, all I could really think was Where do I go from here?
I had to go to New York. I had to find my way. And it looked like the train station was near the Arch. Maybe I was a vampire. Fate was working against me. Thirsty for human blood, I walked towards the Arch, begging that I wouldn't hurt anyone.
People were everywhere! The scent of their blood was burning my throat, my salvia-or venom, I guess- doubled then tripled in my mouth. Every time one got close I couldn't help breathing in, but it only made things worse. The only thing that kept me going on and leaving the humans alone was the thought of the strange family I saw… and Jasper. I wouldn't allow myself to become a killer like him. I took out the ripped piece of paper I'd managed to save of my letter. Thinking only of New York, I walked on through the crowd, keeping my nose down and fists tight. Closing my eyes and ignoring all the scents in my head, I crossed Main Street. A man accidentally ran into me.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am," he said smiling.
It was my vision all over again, but this was so much stronger. The wind blew his smell towards me, and I couldn't take it anymore. One human life wouldn't stop me from going to New York or make me like the Jasper from my vision. Edward seemed to have a hard time accepting his diet, too, so this one death wouldn't make me much different than the family, right?
I could lead his way, say I'm hurt. He looked like a nice man, so he'd probably help me. When I had him alone in a dark alley, I'd bite him and hold him down. I could almost taste his blood running down my dry throat! No, I'd tempt him. I didn't see a ring on his left hand, and with the right words and touch I could make him take me home. There I could have him. Hiding the body would be harder from there, but I just wanted his blood now!
"That's alright, but can you help me?" My voice sounded so sweet and fake! There was no way he could fall for it. Anyone should be able to see through my pathetic act. "I'm new in town, and I think I'm lost." I batted my eyes a little and smiled. I had no idea where this was coming from! But it was working…
He laughed nervously and pulled out a gold pocket watch. He frowned but looked up at me, willing to do anything I asked. He shrugged and let me lead him away from the crowd.
"My sister and I can't read this map, and we need to get to New York City immediately. She's very shy, so I told her to stay back at the shop. I was lost and came down this way."
His hand was much hotter than mine, and he seemed to notice, too. He wrapped my hand in his and tried to warm it.
"You're so cold! Do you want to take my coat. A young girl like you should roam the city alone like this," he said, his breaths coming short now the more he looked at me.
I kindly took his coat and lead him far from the area. There's a large, dark alley up ahead, and I can't take the smell anymore. I need him. I need his blood, and I'll do anything to get it. I checked to make sure no one is looking, and then I grabbed him and run down the alley with him, one cold hand securing his mouth shut. About halfway down I lost control. I threw him down on the ground and bit his neck. Warm, wonderful blood trickled down his thick neck, and I licked it all. He screamed and tried to fight his way out, but I was much stronger than this weak, pathetic human.
The wound isn't big enough so I bit him again, digging deeper, desperate for more blood. The second wound is much better, and soon the man's screams and kicking stop. I heard his heart falter, and the veins in his wrists, crushed under my iron-clad grip, didn't throb as much as they had in the beginning. After several minutes, both of us are covered in dried blood, but no one complains. He laid dead on the ground, and I was slightly satisfied.
"Maybe Ayden was right. Living on animal blood couldn't be as wonderful as this! Being a vampire wouldn't be such a bad thing if I could have this. I looked down at the dead man at my feet and remembered the vampires' warning about disposing the dead. Looking around the alley, I found a few wet matches, but nothing in the countless boxes could help me erase the evidence. At the end and behind a few old buildings I found a group of hobos huddled around a trashcan fire.
"Excuse me, sirs," I said to the men- I hoped they were all men. I felt ridiculous talking sweetly to the people, but my only other voice was hard and evil sounding. I needed the fire and didn't want to kill again to get it. But the thought of more human blood was tempting. Still, I needed to get rid of the man before I took another life.
"Good Lord, I've died and gone to Heaven, haven't I?" wheezed one man, his crooked, old smile growing wider and wider, his only tooth wiggling when he talked. "Whatever you want, sweet thing, I'll give it to ya!"
I tried to hide my horror. His face said he meant it.
"I just need some fire. Maybe if you could hand me a large torch, and maybe some gasoline or gunpowder if you have any?"
All of the men looked at each other, clearly surprised, but the one who promised anything picked up a large limb from behind him and lit it in the fire. He shuffled towards me, his smile still growing until it covered most of his face. He handed it to me and looked back at his friends, beckoning them to come closer. Another, shorter man, came with a tiny cup and handed it to me.
" Gas," he squeaked. "Please return what's left." Tears formed in his eyes, but he didn't let me see them fall. I nodded and ran away before my dark side came out again.
Back at the body, I threw a little gas over him and dropped the torch. The man immediately burst into flames, and I could no longer take it. I was a monster. I ran back to the trash fire and set the cup on the ground for them then left. I'd heard that the Mississippi River went as far east as Pennsylvania, becoming the Ohio River about halfway there. If I stayed along the river bank, I could stay away from humans, I hoped. I'd hunt what animals I could, and no one would care what killed them. The Volturi wouldn't come after me, and I could be civilized like the family- not Anastasia and the rest of them. I just wished I knew what was in New York City that I needed to get to.
Next Chapter: Figuring Out Visions.
