Chapter 7: Alice's Vision
We ran together through the dense greenery. I was such an idiot – I was actually trying to show off. I prayed that she had no hint I was doing this, but I wouldn't put it past her. As much as I was showing off, she ran next to me the entire time. Even when I decided a nice burst of speed would be nice; there she was, running alongside me. We slowed down; I had some questions for her. She knew this too; from the inquisitive feeling of my soul.
We stopped at a spot where the trees thinned, but was still secluded. The morning fog and dew was dense on the greenery, creating a blanket around us. "So, what do you want to know?" she asked kindly.
"Vampires really have a soul?"
"Yes. Vampire souls are the most interesting to read. Humans are so changing that what they have in their souls is usually temporary, or not always as strong. But vampires never change their spirits significantly. For example, Carlisle will always be opposed to violence. Human souls reveal what they are like…now…. but there is not a good chance that they will feel like this in ten years. We, as a race, do not forget and hardly change. We have the gift of time; this lets us stop and think if this is who we really are. So when I read a vampire's spirit, I know that this vampire has been like that for many years." She paused. "There are two kinds of things I read when I look in someone's spirit. I can see what kind of a person they are. Generally kind, vain, protective… I can also see what they are feeling right now."
"That must be useful."
"Extremely. If a coven is aggressive or unwelcoming, I can leave before I have to actually find out." I didn't like the thought of Matia meeting an unfriendly coven.
"So I can read the thoughts…but you can read the feeling behind the thoughts…" I mused. Our talents were so related.
"Yes that's interesting… What have you read inside my mind?"
"I noticed how bubbly and carefree you are. It almost seems as if, when you are in a good mood, it puts me in a good mood." I blurted out. She smiled a kind smile on the outside, but on the inside she seemed to shine.
"What have you noticed about my soul?" I pressed.
"You have one of the most beautiful souls I have ever seen," she said quietly. "A lot of it had to do with the love you have for your family and your constant effort to be good. I have never seen another vampire with a soul like that." Her eyes saddened. "But then, I saw how much pain you had. I saw how you hid it from everyone and how you suffered on the inside. It made me want to help you somehow." I stared into her eyes. Seeing what she had seen, and knowing the reasons for the feelings she saw. "You have no idea how relieved and happy I became when the pain in your spirit began to fade."
"It was because of you," I told her quietly. "Your presence has brightened me in ways I have never experienced." She stared up at me with a mixture of many expressions in her eyes. Relief, wonder, happiness…love? I scanned her thoughts, no words, just feelings. Yes. Definitely love. I pecked her on her warm cheek. She was warmer than any other vampire I knew. "Thank you," I whispered. To my surprise, she stretched up on her toes to peck me on my cheek as well. Her soft lips were even warmer than her cheek.
"My pleasure." For a minute, we stared at each other. She read my spirit, taking her own joy from it, while I read her thoughts. We both stopped reading each other at that moment. We had found what we were looking for. The other's love.
Before I knew it, we were caught in a tight embrace; kissing passionately. It seemed as if we had made the choice at exactly the same time. Matia's arms were locked around my neck; and my arms were wrapped tightly around her waist. I realized that she was standing on her toes to try to reach my lips. I moved us over to a mossy rock so it would be easier for her. Her warm lips moved with mine, and her sweet icy breath caressed my face. My hands moved up to her hair as her fingers knotted in mine. Her hair was so smooth and soft. I could feel the tension between us growing; so I moved to her thoughts. "Mmm… finally." Had she been anticipating this moment as much as I had?
The early morning began to get lighter and lighter. They rest of them would be wondering where we went. Gradually, our lips became less urgent as we both pulled away. We did not move ourselves; we just stood there looking at each other. Slowly, Matia unwound her fingers from my hair and dropped her arms to wrap around my back. I pulled her closer and wound my arms around her waist. She leaned her head against my chest. I felt like the Edward from Alice's vision. Shining with joy.
"I love you," she murmured.
"Not as much as I love you," I whispered. She laughed and kissed me lightly once more on the lips.
