Chapter 10: Panic

Ana's POV

"Go." I barely whispered the word and he was gone, leaving me to stare in wonder at what I had just witnessed.

I was still standing in the kitchen in slight shock when the shrill sound of a cellphone rang through the house. I whirled around trying to locate the where the chiming was coming from. I followed the noise to the living room. Sitting there on the back of the couch was Edward's coat. In his flight, he had forgotten it; along with his shoes I noted.

As I neared the jacket the ringing stopped. I felt unsure of what role I was to play. When the ringing started back again I didn't hesitate. I reached into the pocket and pulled out the tiny device, noting with some humor it was an old style flip phone. No fancy smartphone here. The name Alice was flashing across the screen. Without considering the consequences I flipped the device open and held it to my ear. Before I could say a word a rushed voice screeched out the other side.

"Edward have you lost your mind! What were you thinking going over there! Is she dead? Please tell me she isn't dead. I saw a vision of blood everywhere and Ana's lifeless body in your arms, then everything went black! WHAT HAPPENED?" Alice cried through the phone. I was in temporary shock at the picture painted. Alice had a vision; she knew about what happened, but it didn't happen. It could have, but didn't. Was Alice psychic? Was I really that close to death? The thought made me shiver.

"Hello?! Edward what happened!" The voice yelled again bringing me out of my stupor.

"Umm, hi this is Ana. Edward ran out." I said a bit timidly.

Silence.

"I am alive though if that helps." Dumb, dumb, DUMB! What should I say? "I think Edward is okay, he left very quickly though leaving his coat here. I wasn't trying to snoop, but when the phone kept ringing I thought it might be important."

I heard a deep sigh on the other end.

"Are you alright?" Alice asked me. I was somewhat surprised.

"Yeah. I mean I guess I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little shook up… or confused. But overall I'm good. Do you think Edward is okay though? I'm worried about him." I told her the concern seeping through my voice.

"I believe he is alright. I am uncertain if he will be back though." Was the hesitant reply.

I gave a short laugh. "Well I guess I don't blame him. It was too much to think I'd have another good first date. Anyways, since I have some of his stuff would you like me to hold on to it or bring it to you? Or if you aren't comfortable seeing me I could leave it on the porch." I hastily added at the end when met with silence.

"That will not be necessary. Someone will come by tonight to get his things."

"Alright. Anytime before midnight is fine." I gave a small pause before adding, "If you see Edward before I do will you tell him I'm sorry… about tonight."

"Of course." Was the gentle reply.

"Thanks Alice." And with that we hung up.

I placed the phone back where I found it then folded the jacket neatly. When I was done I headed to the kitchen to clean up my mess and take care of cut.

So much for our date.

Edward's POV

I ran.

I ran as fast as I could away from the beautiful tan face full of concern and understanding. Images of her limp lifeless body floated through my mind. I had imagined sinking my teeth into her a thousand different ways. There was no one to stop me, no one who would have known. It would have been fine, just one body. I could have cleaned up my tracks, disposed of her body somewhere in the forest. They would say it was a bear attack, no one would ever guess.

But I couldn't.

I couldn't take that precious life away no matter how I ached for it.

So I ran.

I had made it all the way to my favorite spot deep in the woods before I slowed down. Now far away, the smell of damp forest and wild animals filled my senses cleansing the potent scent of her blood from my nose. I could still imagine it, but it was easier to think here away from her. I could breathe. I stayed in the forest for a while sitting on a dead log, listening to the sounds of nature. After a while my thirst for Ana's blood calmed and my rational thinking took full control.

I thought back to her face and especially her eyes. A mixture of surprise, concern, and… trust filled them. It was only that, that had stopped me from moving towards her. When I had looked into her loving eyes, a shock went through me. I was stunned to see her face me in my wildest form, ready to attack, with only care and love shining in her face. She had seen me at my absolute worst and not only was she not scared, she had understood. She told me to go. It was as if she knew and trusted me to do so. I still felt stunned at her behavior. How could she be so calm?

What if she wasn't? What if I had imagined it and she's freaking out about me? What if she hates me?

I tried to push the thoughts away, but they niggled and wiggled their way into my brain. I was so overwhelmed with the thoughts I failed for the first time in my life to take notice of my surroundings. It was only when a soft hand held my shoulder that I jumped out in surprise.

"Whoa there. I never thought anyone would be able to sneak up on you." Esme told me teasingly. Her voice was calm, but I could hear the thoughts and doubts.

"You know." I said with shame seeping into my voice. I blocked her voice out of my head. I really didn't want to know what happened after I left. It was doomed to be bad.

Esme gave me a nod and a hopeful smile.

"Yes, but I don't understand why you are so upset dear."

"I almost killer her." I spoke low, the pain of everything I felt inside me releasing in an anguished breath. Esme's smile faded and she took my face in her hands and brushed my hair from my eyes. A motherly gesture meant to show her love and calm me. It usually worked. "Not only that but I exposed us." I whispered out in a horrified voice.

"Edward honey, accidents happen. And what's more, you knew eventually you would want her to know. Maybe this wasn't the best way for it to happen, but it's out in the open now between you two."

While I agreed to some extent, I feared Ana's reaction.

"What if she hates me now?" I said voicing my concern.

Esme gave a gentle laugh and I saw in her mind what had happened since I had left. The conversation with Alice. Ana's reaction had been amazingly calm and understanding, just as she had been in the kitchen. I had let my self-doubt take that away. I was still worried about seeing her in person though, but I needed to.

"Why don't we go back to the house? I think Alice may have something to tell you to make you feel better."

I shook my head. "No. I need to go see Ana." I realized as I said this it was well past ten o'clock. I had been gone for hours. I just hoped Ana would hear me out.

"Go to her then." Esme told me with a knowing smile. And so I did.

Anabelle's POV

I was currently sitting in my room watching the movie "Animal House" on my bed when my bedroom door creaked open and Edward's face appeared in the door way. I was surprised, but glad. I glanced at the clock on my bedside table. 11:04 pm. I pulled my ear buds out and set my laptop to the side.

"This is becoming a bad habit of yours Mr. Cullen."

He gave me a confused glance.

"Not knocking." I clarified. "You never know, I could have been doing something naughty." I told him with a teasing tone. He finally grinned.

"I did knock, but I figured you didn't hear it since you were watching a movie." He told me. I gave him a curious look. How did he know I was watching a movie? Was that part of his abilities?

"Right." I said somewhat lamely. He came to sit beside me on the bed.

"Ana we need to talk."

"Okay, but can I finish the movie first? It was just getting to one of the funny scenes." I asked him pleadingly like a five year old wanting to stay up past bedtime. He laughed shaking his head at me.

"Alright."

"Yay!" And so I unplugged my headphones and turned the screen so that we could both watch. I giggled as the innuendo scene with a cucumber came on. Edward gave me a knowing look. As the movie continued I tried not to blush. Lord how had I forgotten about all the nudity in this movie!

When it was finally over we both laughed.

"Okay you can talk to me now." I told him cheerfully. He gave a great sigh and looked at me deeply.

"About earlier," he started and paused. "I suppose I owe you an explanation, although I believe that you may already understand." I held up my hand for him to stop when he went to continue.

"Edward. As much as I would like an explanation, you don't have to give me one. I know what I saw, and I won't lie and say it didn't scare me a little, but you don't owe me anything."

He laughed and shook his head. "That just makes me want to tell you more. The fact that you expect nothing, when you could have much, that tells me so much more than you could ever say."

I really didn't know what to say so I kept quiet.

"Anabelle, I want you to understand just one thing, before I tell you my story." I nodded my understanding. "I would never hurt you. Ever. Earlier tonight I thought that I might, but now I know better."

I gave him a soft smile and reached out to touch his hand. "I know you would never hurt me." He gave me a sad smile.

"I suppose it should get on with it then." He paused and I waited anxiously. "I am going to tell you a story, about me that will hopefully clear up everything, but I am afraid I don't know where to start."

"At the beginning?" I suggested. He nodded.

"Then my story begins on the day I died."

I Know, its super short, but I needed a transition chapter. I promise you're getting a meaty chapter next time! I will have it up soon.. like a few hours probably.

REVIEWS are welcomed, loved, wanted, and needed!