We joined up with Carlisle and the rest of the family in about five minutes.

"Elizabeth, we won't make you tell us your story right away. But we do want to know why you came to us." Carlisle's voice was soft, but slightly stern.

"I… I was fleeing and…and I saw her…Bella, right?" I nodded. "She seemed so happy, and she was like me. I was scared. I wasn't really sure what I was, but there was someone after me, and Edward and Bella, right?, well, they were so kind and had golden eyes. I, too, have them, but my follower did not. I thought I would be safe if I was just near you guys, but I wasn't. That's why I was waiting for you today."

"Elizabeth? Do you feel like you are still in danger?"

"Yes…and no. I feel safe here…with you. But I still don't know what I am or what I've become. Can you…please explain?"

"Sure, but it won't make much sense until you tell us your story."

"I'll tell you. I need to know what is going on."

Edward put his arms around me and clasped his hands around my waist. Rosalie and Emmet took a seat on the couch. Carlisle and Esme remained standing.

"I was in Italy for fall break. I had camped out in a clearing within one of the forests near a town. I woke up to see a…man glistening in the sun. He was like a statue made of granite. I thought I was still dreaming. That is, until he jumped. A sharp pain was in my neck, and then fire. Embers ran through my veins. I expect that happened for two or three days. I awoke, and the fire was just starting to go out. The marble man was next to me. I could see everything so much more clearly. The man just stared at me. 'You there. Don't move. ' He was talking to me. I was so scared, I didn't know what to do. I started to shudder, and then he gasped. I didn't know at what, but I had looked down, and I wasn't there. I was…invisible. I took my chance and ran. And I was fast! I had never run like that before. I knew I wasn't myself, or just not in the same way. I just wanted to get back home to Washington. But just as I was about to board the plane, the smell of…well…everyone was overwhelming. I felt I should attack, but instead I ran to the forest. I came across a bear, and well, drank. It was then that I realized I couldn't be around humans. I didn't know what I was, but I was scared of myself. I ran again, until I hit water. I just swam, and swam a long way. I arrived here, and was headed back to Washington, but I saw you. I didn't know what to do, so I hid…literally. I stayed invisible until today. Please, you have to help me. "

"Elizabeth, calm down. We will help you. It's sort of a pointless question. But what we do need to know is if your…creator was following you here."

"Yes…"

"Emmet, Edward, Jasper, you run the perimeter of Washington. I'll come with you. Elizabeth, Bella, Alice, Rosalie, and Esme will stay here with you. They will explain to you what we are."

Edward unclasped his arms and was gone in a second. Alice and I sat on either side of Elizabeth.

"Hi. Welcome to the family." Alice sounded excited as she said this.

"Thanks…er…"

"Alice," she corrected. Esme stepped forward. "Elizabeth? Basically we are vampires…but we are vegetarians--if that makes any sense. We don't feed on humans, only animals. Do you want all of the details now?"

"Not really…"