Chapter 10
The Beginning
LeahPOV
Previously
The last thing I heard before the third guard snapped my neck was a blood-curdling scream. An awful pain shot through my body as my vision blurred and then completely disappeared.
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Blinking my hazy eyes open, I inhaled sharply. Unaware of my surroundings I inhaled a grainy substance and started to cough rapidly. Attempting to rid my body of the unidentified material. Sitting up I glanced around, taking in my whereabouts. A vast, arid desert dominated the landscape, trees were non-existent as was water. Sloping sand dunes scattered across as far as the eye could see.
"Hello!?" I wheezed, hoping someone would answer. I waited for a response, dejected when I didn't receive one. Sand billowed around me as I scrambled to my feet.
"Hello?! Anyone there?" I started walking but tripped myself up, standing yet again and brushing the grains of sand off I was appalled at what I wore. A white 19th or 18th century bride's gown clung to my body.
The sleeves were layered making them huge, as was the skirt. The dress had lace trimmings and a beautiful floral-ish pattern on it. I gaped at the ridiculous dress, bunching the skirt in my hands I attempted to continue on my way.
White stockings encased my legs and garters sat mid thigh, the stockings attached to the garters. On my feet I wore white leather 19th century boots. The ones with the small heal and the laces on the front. The heel squelched into the sand making my steps haphazard.
Walking on sand in a ridiculous wedding dress and heeled boots was not an easy task. A brown tumbleweed, living up to its name, tumbled past. It disappeared from sight over a sand dune. A lone cacti stood on top of the hill, it's shadow cast down the dune creating little shade.
The sun beat down on my confused form but did not affect my temperature at all, surprisingly I was content. Although I was completely clueless as to why I dressed as such and why I was stumbling through an arid desert.
After walking for what seemed like hours a hazy outline of building appeared on the horizon. Squinting I held my hand in front of my face. Suddenly the heels of my boots clacked against cobblestone pavement as the desert gave way to a regal looking 19th century. I tripped forward embarrassingly as my legs gave out due to the sudden surface change. Again with the whole olden day theme.
Houses lined either side of the empty street. The houses were large brick structures with chimneys emerging from the tiled roofs. Plumes of light grey smoke drifted from the chimneys up into the air, disappearing into the atmosphere. The wooden doors and rich glass windows were sealed shut and the drapes were pulled across, marking the house as barren.
The lawns were bright green and pristine, the neatly cutgrass shone in the sun. The grass ran into picket fences that backed the sides of the street. Under each fence garden beds stood, their vibrant flowers twitching in the soft breeze. Every single window on every single house housed a protruding flower box; the flowers were fragrant and colourful. They appeared to thrive under the sun.
At the end of the street a huge brick mansion stood, it dwarfed the other houses, making them appear insignificant. The windows were all open and the velvet drapes drawn to the side.
Heading towards it the only sound was the clickity clack of my heels on the grey cobblestone pavement. The monstrosity known as a dress dragged behind me, I re-bunched it in my hands and continued on.
Standing in front of the huge mansion I pause, assessing the house and its reason of being. The house was larger than I had initially anticipated, ivy climbed the brick walls, stretching across the windows and curling around the chimney. The array of colourful flowers bloomed bright in the rich garden beds.
Unhinging the wooden gate latch I pushed it inwards, stepping around it and closing it again. Hesitantly I headed up the path towards the thick mahogany door. A brass doorknocker sat proudly in the middle of the door, the doorknocker was fashioned as a wolfs head, the ring hanging from its open jaw. Opting for the handle I jiggled it, no resistance met me so I twisted the handle and pushed to door open.
Due to the ridiculously amount of lacy material that coated the dress I had to open the door all the way and shove my body through the threshold. The inside was as I'd imagined, a large wooden staircase dominated the hallway. A red rug sat in the middle of the staircase stapled down.
Flower arrangements sat in elegant crystal vases that were spotted on the various end tables. Large ornate crystal chandeliers hung down from the ceiling, white candles sat in the designated holders.
An end table adorned with a mirror and hooks sat on the left side of the door, peering into the mirror I was able to assess myself. A string of pearls were clasped across my neck, in the middle of the polished white pearls a jewel hung, it was a circular ivory diamond that caught the light at certain angles.
My hair was twisted up in an elegant bun of sorts; little diamond clips sat holding my hair do in place. Thin bundles of hair fell loose from the tight bun, framing my face and adding character to the whole ensemble.
Movement caught my eye in the mirror; I turned towards the suspicious happening. Going through large gaping archway, I entered into a sitting room. Armchairs with lovely floral upholstery sat scattered around a rectangular coffee table.
A grand piano was pushed into the corner, sheet music sat undisturbed on the paper holder. An inkpot resided on top of the piano, its pen sitting in it. The velvet drapes fluttered in the wind.
One of the armchairs was occupied by a pipe smoking, newspaper-reading man, "Dad?" I gasped out. He was wearing a sophisticated black suit with pinstripes. The style was old and I would imagine yet again it matched the era.
Lowering the newspaper my father smiled up at me, I was struck immobile as I stared at the familiar face.
"Hello dear, fancy seeing you in these parts!" Dad stood up as I rushed forward, I wrapped my arms around him, pinching myself. Trying to comprehend the reality of the situation.
Tears leaked from my eyes, "Daddy? Is it really you?" I pulled back sniffling, a smile graced my face, his expression mirrored mine.
"Of course it's me, who else would it be?" Dad wiped the tears away with his thumb as his hand cupped my face.
"I've missed you so much, I've been so lost without you!" I held dad's hand as he gestured towards one of the armchairs. Sinking into the pillow my dress puffed up.
Still clasping my hands firmly in his dad sat in the chair he had previously occupied. The newspaper was gone but I didn't pay any mind to it.
"My Leah, my beautiful Leah. Look at you, all grown up and dressed up…you look simply breathtaking my dear." I smiled, biting my lip.
"Where are we? I mean…am I dead?" I glanced up at my dads beaming smile, dread set into my heart, I didn't want to be dead…I couldn't be dead could I?
"No dear, not dead. Far from it actually. This is limbo, or rather a factual reality of it. Nice isn't it?" Dad commented.
"Uh, it's interesting." I felt wind brush past my ear, I glanced up at my father and realise we are no longer sitting in a homely sitting room. Now we are ballroom dancing in a large marble room. White marble floors accommodate us as huge arching columns disappear into nothingness. The ceiling is a black swirling vortex. Table were pushed to the side laden with finger foods and punch bowls.
A phonograph sat in the middle of the room, it was more or less floating, as I could not see a table that held it up, classical piano music drifted from its trumpet. Encasing us in a calm sea of melody.
Never in my life had I ever taken ball room dancing lessons but I seem to be a natural at it, "Dad, what am I doing here?" I questioned him as he spun me around in a sweeping circle. The skirt of my dress pleating as the fabric failed to catch up with the fast spins.
"I guess, you're here to talk to someone." Dad nodded behind me. A large Quileute man stood in a corner patiently waiting. He wears nothing but a leather skort with beads and a knife holder that is stretched across his muscles.
Long raven hair falls across his shoulders. A wolfs head sits proudly on his head, the fur trailing down his back.
"Who is that?" My brow furrows, emphasizing the 'that'.
"That is one of your ancestors, Ephraim Black." Dad responds.
"Wait, what? My ancestor? Isn't he Jacobs?" I shoot a quizzical look at my father.
"He is, but he is also yours. Ephraim's mother was Jane Clearwater. Your great, great grandmother."
"Why is he here? Why not Taha Aki?" I asked stupidly.
"Didn't you ever listen to the stories at the Bon Fires? After Taha Aki killed the vampire's mate he stayed by his third wife's dead body for three days. Showing hostility towards those who tried to disturb her. After those days he left and disappeared into the forest. No one has seen him since."
"So…he could still be alive for all we know?" I scoffed. "I've been praying to an alive man all these years." I shook my head is dismissal.
"Maybe, maybe not. Leah, it's time for me to go." Beethoven's symphony rung through the room, the music urging us to continue our dancing.
"What? Don't leave, not yet." I stopped dancing pulling my dad in for a hug.
"I have to dear, your time is almost up and it is the utmost importance that you speak with Ephraim." Dad pulled back, planting a kiss on my forehead.
"Tell your mother I love her and tell Seth I couldn't be prouder. As for you my dear, I have always been so proud of you, I love you so much my baby girl. From the first minute I held you in my arms I knew you were destined for great things." Dad stepped away from me; walking away he started to disappear, his body fading into the air.
"Daddy? Daddy no! Don't go! Not yet!" I ran forward grabbing at my fathers smiling figure. Tripping over myself I spun around, my father was gone.
"Dad no." I smeared my hands across my face, wiping away the tears. I glanced at Ephraim and saw him retreating through a door. Determination on my mind I stalked towards the door, the music faded as I ran away from the centre of the ballroom. Reaching the door I glimpsed behind me.
The marble room was gone, replaced by a dense forest. Sunlight barely made it through the thick canopy. My dress was also gone, replaced by the clothes I had been previously wearing.
Walking seemed like running through air compared to the previous swimming feeling that the dress created. Ephraim stood on a cliff ledge, over looking a large field. I stood beside him to get a better view.
On the left side of the field a line of black-cloaked figures stood, they seemed like statues as they were impeccably still. On the right side a scattered cluster of russet and pale skinned people stood. They shouted and cursed profanities at the black cloaks. One person was on his knee clutching his chest. Another seemed struck dead staring at the middle of the field.
In the middle-sat two half bound females, clutching at a third females body who seemed to be unresponsive. Three bodies were scattered amongst the snow and a fourth black cloak stood laughing.
"What's happening down there?" I asked, confused as to the circumstances.
"Look closer." Ephraim's' deep voice rung in my ears. Squinting my eyes, I studied the black-cloaked figure that stood at the top of the pyramid. A golden 'A' hung on a thin gold chain around his neck. Middle length brown hair framed his head as a sinister smile was perched on his face.
Glancing at the other side I saw Jacob on his knees clutching his chest, his face was one of despair. Seth stood motionless, staring at the body in the middle of the field. Esme stood next to Seth, holding him in a hug. A heart broken look dominated her angelic features as she whispered words of attempted comfort to my inconsolable brother.
I lay motionless, my neck bent at a weird angle. My eyes were open, the light of life gone from them, staring into nothing. I gulped looking away from the horrid scene before me. Turning around I sat down, overcome with emotion I lay my head in my hands and sobbed.
I was dead.
I would never get to hold my mum again.
I would neve get to belittle Seth as is mandatory of my role as big sister.
I would never get to press my lips against Jacobs smooth ones.
"Why do you despair little wolf?" Ephraim stood in front of me, staring down at my shaking form.
"Why do I despair? Why do I despair?" I asked my voice rising higher with each word. I stood up as anger flared in me.
"Excuse me but can you not see my body down there? I'm dead and you're asking me why I despair?" I shouted at Ephraim.
"You are not dead little wolf." Ephraim said, gosh, really?
"I'm not dead huh? Do you not see that neck? It's snapped therefore I'm dead! I understand you were around during the 1930's or whatever but when someone's neck is snapped they are more than likely dead." I retorted angrily to my ancestor.
"Little wolf, your blindness surprises me." Ephraim guided me towards the edge again, he pointed towards my body.
"What?" I bit out.
"Look closely." Ephraim responded.
Studying my body I was shocked. It was hardly visible but I saw it and I could hear it. The sound of bone sliding against bone as my neck realigned itself. I could see the slight twitching of my skin as my head moved mere fractions.
"I'm not dead?"
"Little wolf, you are half shifter half vampire. You are half alive and yet half dead. One who sits on the precipice of life and death cannot die by such a mere action."
"I'm not dead." I breathed to myself, a smile lighting my features. I grinned towards Ephraim who offered me a small smile.
"Little wolf, do you ever wonder why you phased?" Ephraim tilted his head towards me.
"Of course I do, I wonder every night and day, I wonder in my sleep for Christ's sake. All I do is wonder." I stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"You phased because of your fate. If you had not phased you would have wound up in a deep depression spurred on by the actions of Samuel Uley and Emily Young. Years later you decide to go for a walk by yourself in the woods. Stumbling upon a starving vampire you are attacked and therefore changed. In the stages of being a newborn you come across a small silver/brown wolf draining it on the spot. Snapping its neck for good measure." Ephraim paused, letting the words sink in.
"After you have finished feeding, the wolf transforms in a human, you realise that you have killed your own brother. Knowing that a Bon Fire is taking place you head there with your brothers carcass. People are frantic, as you have been missing for days. On the way there you fail to hear the approaching footsteps and are in evidently murdered by Paul Meraz. Upon hearing the news of both her children's death your mother dies from depression, your father following soon thereafter. " I gape at Ephraim's form.
"There are many paths where you did not phase and consequently you're whole family dies along with you. You phased because it was the right path for you. You phased because destiny choose it."
"So you mean if I hadn't phased that would have happened? I would have murdered my own brother unbeknownst?" I gasped placing a hand over my heart as yet again I sobbed. I'm such a bad person! Who kills their own brother?!
"Yes. That is one of many reasons to why you phased." Ephraim and I were suddenly standing in the middle of the field.
"Wait, one of the reasons?" I questioned, Ephraim started to fade.
"Wait don't go! I have so many questions!" I yelled at the dissipating form of my ancestor.
"And all of them will receive answers little wolf." Ephraim disappeared. I felt like a rubber band was tightened around my body. Blacking out for a second I stumbled forward before standing up again.
Glancing around the field something had changed, I spun searching for Ephraim or my father, both were gone again. Everything was bone silent as I studied the faces, many of them gaping in astonishment. Confused I turned to see if my body was doing something weird.
Alas my body wasn't in Senna's arms, alarmed I stared at her, she seemed to be staring straight back at me. My eyes widened as I realised why, I glanced at my attire, dried blood stained my clothes.
"Oh my god." I gasped reaching for my neck, a smile spread across my features as I felt the last bone click into place.
"I'm alive! Oh holy fuck! I'm alive?" I gasped jumping around; doing a little happy dance I turned towards the Volturi.
"Aro, you can suck my proverbial dick you fuck twit because .ALIVE!" I spun around celebrating doing little fist pumps. I have never been fucking happier!
"Wha…how?" The guard muttered, turning around I easily decapitated him, I didn't want to die again you know.
Chucking the head on the floor, I grinned evilly towards the Volturi.
"So, turns out I'm like immortal...problem?" I asked smirking towards Aro.
"I…we…," coughing Aro straightened up, "obviously there has been a misunderstanding, we must be going now. Other important matters to take care of…yes." With that Aro disappeared taking his group of confused fuck twits with him.
"Aha!" I grinned victoriously, that'll show them.
Strutting towards my back up party I grinned, "I'm alive motherfuckers! Ain't nobody gonna kill Leah Clearwater!" I snapped my fingers sassily and grinned at Seth.
"Ain't nobody got the time!" Seth laughed back, smiling I shot into his arms. Our childhood pun seemed to finally have some use.
"Oh my god…you're actually alive alive?" Seth said, the biggest grin I have ever seen lightened his face.
"Well nuh!" I giggled, kissing his cheek, "by the way, Dad says he loves you and he's unconditionally proud of you!" Seth eyes widened to saucers.
"Dad? What?" Seth stared at me in disbelief. I just grinned at him.
"Leah?" Turning around Jacob stood up, no longer on the floor in pain. I rushed forward and jumped into his arms. Wrapping my legs around his waist I grasped his head in between my hands and kissed him full on, in front of everyone.
Pulling back I said, "the one and only." Kissing him again I felt his arms snake around my waist.
"Holy fuck. You're alive!" Jacob cheered, kissing me yet again. Wrapping my arms around my neck, I stared at my feet.
Jumping back in surprise I stepped away from Jacob.
White Leather 19th century boots with laces up the front adorned my feet.
"Oh."
"My."
"Fucking."
"God."
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You guysh likey likey? ;P
Because I know I do! Mwuhuh! Who loved the whole 'Limbo' thing? And aw! She got to see her daddy! :D
For those of you wanting a visual representation of the dress just follow the link: . /-bfk1my1Q00E/TaTPNUPbDrI/AAAAAAAAaB0/mMI3Tynshu0/s1600/marie%2Bantoinette%2Bwedding%2Bdress%
Word of the week: Divinely
Movie of the week: (I just had to do this!) Anne of Green Gables!
Until next time….
BelatedLove xoxo