So guys, I had an interesting revelation last night. I was thinking about this story (of course) and how during the books I always wondered what would happen if bella ran away and ____ happened. So then, I began writing the story, and I've been changing stuff around and thinking it over and over and changing everything...that I totally forgot my original story line!! So, I was pretty sad when I realized that. I thought about using both this and my original story line, but it wouldn't really work. This story line is probably more interesting, though. So, when I finish this story, remind me to tell you what I was originally on planning to write about! (whenever it is that I do finish this story, lol).
In other news: After yesterdays chapter, the amount of people getting story alerts to this story tripled (yay!), the amount of people favoriting my story tripled (yay!!), and the amount of reviews tripled!! That's right; I had 9 reviews for chapter 9 yesterday. I was pretty excited. So thank you to everyone for all your support, and to all those who reviewed; I'm pretty excited to get to writing this next chapter.
*note: this story takes place after new moon, and 'crosses out' the end of new moon, and all of eclipse and breaking dawn (aka, they dont still come after my story). So any information that you really dont learn until later in the series, can appear anywhere in my story beacuse those books 'won't happen'/'don't happen. I hope that makes sense!-----Thanks to Mikay Cullen for pointing out that Bella doesn't learn about vampire wars till Eclipse.
Happy Reading; Happy Christmas Eve + Merry Christmas!!
Previously: Bella finally became a vampire (yes!!), and Laurent and her on a road trip to Italy. What will happen next??
CHAPTER TEN
Part 1: Jake's POV
"Hey, is Charlie there?" A soft, delicate, bell-like voice called from the phone. Billy and I had been over visiting Charlie, comforting him, when the phone called.
"Sure, one sec." I told her, before passing the phone off to Charlie. In the back of my head, I wondered who it was, but all I could think of was Bella.
"Hello?" Charlie's weathered voice answered .
"Dad, hey dad! It's me, Bella! How's it going?" Charlie gaped. Bella? That was Bella on the phone? But, she didn't sound anything like Bella! Well, somewhat, but her voice was so much more bell-like, musical.
"Bella? Bella, is that really you? What's the matter with your voice" Charlie's excited and slightly confused voice called.
"Yeah dad, it's me. Uhh....my uh...my voice, uh, well my friend's been giving me singing lessons and I've been learning how to use my voice musically at all times. It's really great, I'm having lots of fun. How are you?" Charlie didn't seem to notice her hesitance in talking about the change in her voice. Could Charlie really be that oblivious? Something is going on with her...
"Bella! Where are you? Where did you go? Are you sure you're okay? Are you safe? What have you been doing?" He listed off his questions.
"Hey dad, I'm on a road trip right now, catching up with an old friend from Phoenix. I really am fine; I think I'm finally starting to get over the whole thing with Cullen. My friend...Sarah...and I have just been catching up, you know, and she's been helping me talk through things. I'm happy to be with her."
"Isabella Swan, you cannot just leave like that! You gave me a heart attack...and you're mother....we've been worried sick about you! And the police have been looking all over for you! Just what were you thinking?!" Charlie was beginning to get angry.
"I'm sorry dad, but you have to admit you wouldn't let me go if I told you. You can tell the police to stop looking for me now, though. I'm fine and perfectly safe."
"Bella, I can't know that until I see you. Please Bella, come home." Charlie pleaded.
"Dad, I'm not coming home. I don't care what you say. I'm staying with Sarah, and there's nothing you can stay to stop me. You know I love you, Dad, but this is just something I have to do on my own and you're just going to have to let me."
"Bells, please, Bells, I'm begging you...come home. I'll do anything. You can live with me, or Renee, I'll even move to phoenix if you want to live with me and still live there. Jake misses you too, Bells. He's sorry for not being there for you when you needed him, he really wants you home and home safe." With that, I realized I had to talk to her. I had to hear her voice. I handed out my hand for the phone to Charlie.
"One minute," he mouthed to me. I understood; who knows when he may get to speak to his daughter again.
"Bella, please Bella, at least tell me where you are and how I can reach you."
"Dad, you know I can't tell you that. I have no permanent address, and no phone number, so I can't give you a way to contact me. Also, I can't tell you where I am. I don't want to be found dad, I've already told you that."
"Bella, please, won't you be reasonable about this?"
"No, dad. I've suffered long enough. I'm tired of being taken care of and sheltered. It's time for me to face the real world and learn how to hold my own. You've lived without me long enough, I'm sure you can get by without me. Renee has Phil, and she's been fine without me since I started living with you. You'll all be fine without me, I need my chance to break free and find what makes me happy; what completes my life. Please, dad, I really need you to support me in this."
"Bella, I can't agree to that. You need to finish school, get a job. Have a real life. Please Bella..."
"Dad, I made my decision. I have to go. I love you...."
"Bella, please, wait..."
"Sorry, Dad. I'll try to send you a letter sometime..."
"No, Bella.."
"Bye dad. Tell Renee I love her, and Jake too. See you dad...and don't worry, I'll be safe. I love you lots dad."
"I love you too Bella...but," and with that, the other line disconnected. My heart sank.
Part 2: Bella's POV
Shoot. Shoot, shoot, shoot.
Laurent and I were speeding through the city to a plane runway near Juneau International Airport. I had suggested taking a boat to Italy so he could bring his car, but apparently that would take almost a week of boating (even if we got our own boat and drove at vampire speeds, it would still be almost that long), but we needed to hunt. Which, hunting isn't the easiest thing to do while you're cruising down the atlantic ocean. Even if we drove all the way to the east of the states, it would still be a long boat ride without food, and if there was ever any sun out people from a mile away would be able to see our skin glinting off the sunshine.
I suggested swimming, because conveniently vampires don't need to breathe, but Laurent said it's hard to steer in the exact right direction that way, and that he doesn't find sea creatures' blood the most appetizing.
"Laurent, if we go on an airplane, then won't I be tempted to drink the blood of the passengers?" The thought frightened me. I didn't want to be a killer, and I have yet to be around human blood...I don't know how tempting it will be for me; how hard it will be to resist.
"This is a...a private plane I have. It will suit our needs just fine." Laurent informed me.
"You have your own private plane?" I asked him, surprised. Since when does he have a private plane? Then again, I barely know anything about him. Who knows; maybe he's even richer than the Cullens.
"Well, it's actually a friend's, but he's letting me use it." He told me. I wonder who this friend is?
When we reached the airport, Laurent went to talk to the pilot (apparently, he only ones the plane; he doesn't fly it too). We were at a small airplane base with a few planes around; ranging from small, individual planes, and large personal jet planes. I saw a couple phone booths near the west entrance, and asked if I could make a quick phone call; he agreed. He told me to meet him at the main section of the runway station when I was finished.
At first I wasn't sure if I should call Charlie, because I knew if I talked for too long the police would be able to track the call and find me. Luckily, though, they wouldn't be fast enough to catch me before I leave. And, what kind of a human can catch a vampire, anyways?
"Hey, is Charlie there?" I asked when someone picked up the phone.
"Sure, one sec." A dull, depressed voice responded. It sounded like...Jacob?
"Hello?" Charlie answered, and I could tell he was tired and over worked. I was causing him a lot of stress. Regret swept over me, but I still knew this was the right thing to do; there's no turning back now.
"Dad, hey dad! It's me, Bella! How's it going?" I asked him, excitedly, trying to hide the sadness in my voice. I missed him, alot.
"Bella? Bella, is that really you? What's the matter with your voice" Charlie responded, still excited, but also confused.
Shoot. This was something I hadn't thought of. If Edward was here, he would have reminded me that if I suddenly phoned my dad with my new chime-like voice, he would most likely think that something fishy was going on. Shoot. What do I say to that?
I made up some phony excuse about getting singing lessons from an old friend in Phoenix, and that it was changing my voice drastically, too. He seemed to buy it.
Next he berated me for leaving, and went through a whole interrogation worth of questions. Of course, I was expecting it. I did run away from home without leaving anything more behind me than a note (well, two actually, but I doubt he found the second).
I tried to answer everything as best as I could, but mostly all I did was avoid his questions and lie. What more could I do? It's not like I was about to tell him, "well, Edward and his family are actually all vampires, and after Edward left me, and then Jake too, I realized I really need closure. So I found this guy Laurent, who I know because his buddy James tried to kill me last march break in Phoenix—which is what really went down to get me in the hospital—but yeah, I asked Laurent to bite me and change me into a vampire. I knew there was a high chance of me dying, but that was a risk I took. Luckily, it worked and I'm a vampire now. We're heading to Italy, apparently Laurent has always wanted to go there, and I pretty much offered him my life as a slave or a mate or whatever he wished in exchange for him changing me. But don't worry, I'm safe. Vampires can't die, well, unless they're murdered, but I seem to have a physical shield/force field thing around me, so I should be okay. So yeah dad, that's about it on my end; nothing overly exciting, what about you?"
I wondered what he'd say if I said that. Either he'd think I'm crazy, or he'd pass out, or....or who knows what. Not that I'm allowed to tell him anyways. Laurent has already told me that the one and only rule in the vampire world is that you can't let humans know what you are. It's a pretty obvious rule, actually.
Charlie kept asking me the same questions, and begging me to come home. It hurt, but I had to refuse. This is my life now. I finally was able to say goodbye, and hung up the phone, even though I knew he still wanted to talk.
I don't think I'll ever be able to phone him again; I don't think he'll keep believing the story that singing lessons changed my voice for long. Hopefully, he'll forget what my voice even sounded like when I called him by the time he has a chance to put any puzzle pieces together (like how my voice sounded so much like Esme's, Alice's, and Rosalie's).
--+--
Our plane was huge. One of those big jet planes you expect movie stars to travel in. When I saw it, I just stared at Laurent in shock. He explained to me that his friend helped build that type of plane back when they were first created, and that his friend has plenty laying around for his own use. I still couldn't believe we would be travelling in such a breathtaking, such a beautiful, such an indescribably plane. I really had never dreamed such a beautiful plane existed, not that I ever researched planes before. Still, seeing that there was enough to make me realize that things were looking up. I may have been having a horrible life just a few days ago, but things are different now. This is my time to shine; my time to finally enjoy life again (and what a long life it shall be!).
It was supposed to be a twenty hour plane ride. But, luckily, we had a vampire driving our plane. Even so, for two vampires who never sleep, the time proved to be very long. Luckily, we had our conversation to keep us going.
"Where are we going once we get to Italy?" I asked Laurent. He paused, as if he had to carefully think over his answer. Maybe he had no idea where we were going to go once we got there. I didn't mind if that was the case, though.
"I'd like to visit the center of the country; Volterra. I've always wanted to see the clock tower, and the surrounding area. It's a very old fashioned place, the look of it hasn't changed much since it was first built. I think you'll really like it." Whatever was at Volterra, he seemed to be pretty excited to go there.
"Is it sunny there, or cloudy? And what are the animals like?" I really liked the deer I had when we hunted, although the fox smelled pretty good too. Of course, the burning in my throat still longed for a different type of blood...a type of blood I would never let my body have.
"It can be sunny, but it isn't too bad. It's vampire population is a lot higher than most places, so there is a dark underground passage way for us to travel in. The animals I am unsure of, as I am only recently accustomed to this life. I do know they have wild goats, brown bears, red and roe deer, and the apennine wolf. There should be other animals around as well." Mmm, deer; that has to be my favourite so far. Edward said that it seems we are most like the animal we prefer; Emmett is like a grizzly bear, Edward like a mountain lion. Does this mean I'm like a deer? Soft and timid? I don't want to be like a deer. I'd rather be...a fox. Or something else that's tough, fast...
Wait; didn't Laurent say that there are a lot of vampires in this city? I thought that if there were lots of vampires in one place it would end up in vampire wars, like the ones Jasper was involved in. How can these vampires all live here peacefully? Or is it peaceful?
"Laurent, how can lots of vampires live in one city like that; wouldn't wars break out?" I questioned.
"The majority of these vampires live a very educated and civilized lifestyle. They are able to live together and work together peacefully. They protect their city, and are quite proud of it." Hmm, I'd like to meet these vampires; they sound nice. Laurent seems to think fondly of them too.
"But how can they be peaceful together? Are they golden eyes, like us?"
"No, they've never taken to our...vegetarian lifestyle, but even so, they are surprisingly very good at working together, even though they all desire human blood. I hope we can run into some of them so you can meet them." He turned to me, smiling. Does he anticipating meeting these vampires? I hope not...I don't think I'm ready to meet anyone yet. Then again, I need to get out of my shell and start living.
"Laurent..." I paused, and if I could still blush, I would have.
"Yes Bella?"
"Do...do you...is there any girls you have a special interest in?" Shoot. Why did I ask that? Of course he must. But then, why is he bothering to travel to me? I mean, sure he said he'd take up my offer in being a 'mate for life', but the way he agreed...it made it seem as if he had some sort of inside joke, as if my offer was humorous. Which, I admit, what I had to offer probably was humorous, and pathetic. Yet, he still accepted. Why did he accept, anyways? I guess it's one of those things I'll never really know.
"Well, there's a few, but I'm more of a nomad, you know. I've enjoyed living with the Denalis, they're very nice company. However, I was under the impression you offered to be my, what did you call it, 'mate for life'?" Yeah. He definitely did find my offer humorous. Why did he accept, then?
"Uh, yeah, that's what I offered..." I stuttered; I must sound like a fool. What kind of a person offers that? But, why did he accept?
"It's okay Bella, we can just be good friends, if you prefer." I had to smile. I liked this offer, and I could definitely handle a vampire friend.
"Sure, that sounds good to me, Laurent. It's really great to have you around. Really, thanks for everything." I looked at him, beaming. I don't remember the last time I beamed like that; it must be because everything is finally falling into place. Which reminds me...
I picked up my backpack from the floor in front of me, and I took out the radio Edward had given me for my last birthday. I had brought it hoping to use it to track his smell.
I put my nose towards the stereo, and the scent hit me strongly. There was only one scent that was really strong, and I realized it must be Emmett's scent; he installed it. But, having the scent of any Cullen would bring me closer to Edward.
Being lost in my thoughts, I hadn't realized Laurent was looking at me funny. I suppose most vampires don't go around smelling radios. I put the radio away in bag, before he could catch Emmett's scent on it.
"What's that?" he asked me. I thought about lying, but I know I'm still not the greatest at that. I couldn't tell him the truth, though, just in case he had a problem with me wanting to find the Cullens. I decided to go with the half truth.
"It's...it's a radio the Cullens gave me for my last birthday. It's the only thing I have from them...it helps me remember them." It was all true, although I had acted emotional about it, like I was very sensitive about the object. I knew that would help me pull off the lie better. And, as I presumed, Laurent believed me.
We continued talking back and forth; about our past, our families, our friends, our hopes, dreams, interests, futures. I began to felt really comfortable around him. I felt he was one person I could really trust.
--+--
Hours passed, and I knew it was night time, but it didn't matter; I wasn't tired. This was my first night where I didn't need, couldn't have, any sleep.
My throat still burned slightly, but nothing unbearable. I still had plenty of human blood still in me to keep me going. I tossed in my seat a little, but I really didn't need to. I was plenty comfortable no matter which way I sat.
Laurent seemed plenty relaxed too; and although we didn't speak the whole time, the silence wasn't awkward, just comfortable.
"So, how did you meet James and Victoria?" I asked him.
"I had been wandering around in the forest, just coming and going as I pleased, when one day I saw them. Like me, they were avoiding the sun, planning to go out hunting at night. I quickly learned James was a strong man, and his small coven had been near unbeatable. If James wanted something, he got it. He was powerful, and talented. Anyways, they greeted me into their coven, and we travelled together from place to place. I enjoyed their company, but I felt no real bond to them. That's normal in the vampire world, though. I only really felt an actual connection to someone when your Cullens pointed out the Denalis to me. They've been very hospitable and kind." He seemed to be quite proud of them; he sounded like he looked up to them quite a bit. I didn't like how he said "your Cullens". Clearly, they aren't my Cullens. They aren't my anything anymore.
"What did you do before you met James and Victoria?" I asked him. He already told me what he could about his human life, and his early vampire years, but I wanted to know more.
"Well, I mostly wandered around as a nomad. I would go from coven to coven, but I never really found a place that stuck." That sounds like what I had originally planned when I wanted to become a vampire (after I had said my final goodbyes to Alice, Edward, and the rest of the Cullens). What would Laurent and I be doing?
"Laurent, what do you plan for us to do in Italy?" I asked him.
"I want to have a tour of one of their large, old fashioned buildings. It's near the clock tower, and goes underground. I think you'll like it." He smiled, happily, although there was a gleam in his eye that I couldn't quite understand. Was it greed? That's what it somehow reminded me of. But, I was probably just imagining things. Just like I imagined Edward had loved me...really loved me...
--+--
Nearly 15 hours after we had boarded the jet, we were landing. I smiled at Laurent, and he smiled at me, as he grabbed my hand and escorted me off the plane. I gasped when I saw where we were; the city was breathtaking. I couldn't imagine a place more beautiful.
I slipped on my backpack, and followed Laurent through to a parking lot. Apparently, he had called a friend and had him rent a car for us. I felt honoured. We mounted a shiny red Tesla Roadster, and then sped off into the distance. I couldn't help but smile; it was surprising how quickly speed had grown on me. Just weeks ago, I hated going 80 mph, now even 180 was too slow.
Laurent and I continued talking, and it was fun just to be able to talk about our lives, without a care in the world, just enjoying life. Our laughter was so easygoing; it felt like being with Jake again...before he started avoiding me.
We drove into the heart of Volterra, and I saw the large clock tower Laurent had told me about. It really was the most amazing place I had ever been; it literally seemed to make time stand still.
"Come on, let's go look inside!" Laurent called to me, smiling the biggest smile I had seen yet; I couldn't help but smile back.
"Is it open for tours?" I asked, unsure that they would let just anybody into such a beautiful place. I was also nervous of there being humans around.
"Well, lets just say I have connections." He continued smiling warmly, dragging me along with him. I was glad that it was night time, and there were no humans around. Which reminded me...
"Laurent, won't there be humans in there?" I pondered, hoping so badly there wouldn't be, because I really wanted to see what was behind those walls.
"No. This is a place for people like us—vampires." He motioned to keep walking; I hadn't realized I'd stopped. I briefly wondered why this place was for vampires, but then I remembered Laurent telling me that his city had more vampires than in the normal city.
As we entered a building below the clock tower, I gazed at the details of the building, the fine craftsmanship. I was in awe. I'd never be able to travel like this if I were still human.
"So, am I going to get to meet these friends of yours that you have connections with?" I asked him, almost teasingly. We really seemed to get along well, to mesh. I enjoyed his company.
"Actually, here's one of them coming right now." He told me, smiling widely, and pointing to a figure in the distance. Even in the dim lightening, and with the distance, I could make out his features with my new, sharper eyes.
This man was tall and dark haired. He seemed well put together, with well fitting clothes and well groomed hair. I suppose when Laurent said these vampires were civilized and well educated, this is what me meant.
He came towards us, smiling just as widely as Laurent. I noticed his eyes were a darker crimson color, and although I was used to the golden topaz eyes, they didn't surprise me. James' had been a more shocking red.
"Laurent! It's so wonderful to see you! And this must be Bella!" He grasped Laurent into a side hug, before turning to me and shaking my hand. I expected this, and my shield had not blocked him out, luckily. No need to scare him.
"Yes, Eleazer, this is the girl." Laurent pointed his head to me, and then back to Laurent.
"Well, hello Bella! I've been greatly looking forwards to our meeting; I've heard so much about you!" I smiled at him politely, wondering when Laurent had a chance to tell this man about me.
"Hello, Eleazer, it's nice to meet you too." I replied, looking down at my feet, embarrassed. I didn't like being the center of attention.
"Please, Laurent, Bella, follow me down to my office. We need to have a nice little chat, I believe we have a lot to talk about..." Confused, I followed Laurent and Eleazer down the very long hallway, which seemed to only get longer with every step I took.
yay! another cliff hanger!! :) muah ha ha!
so, how was that guys? I hope you liked it! I wasn't sure if I should add more conversation with Laurent and Bella, or if what I did was good enough :/ I'd love to know your thoughts!
ps; who was expecting that?? :) haha
I'm going to try to update tommorow, but what with it being christmas tommorow and all...I wouldn't expect an update until boxing day, or possibly the day after. I'll really try to do it asap (Although apparently my family wasnt to spend some 'family time' with me....lol)
So, again, I'd love feedback, which, if you have reviewed I do often reply. :) if you have any questions, you can review and ask and ill get back to you, or if you have any constructive criticism, pros/cons, things you liked/didnt like, things you want to see, different POVs you want to hear...what ever it is, just review. Even if you simply enjoyed this chapter (which i hope you did!) pleaseeee press the review button below!! :)