Sorry everyone! I didn't fall off the face of the earth... life just got very crazy for a long while. Things are beginning to settle. Hopefully this was worth the wait. Happy reading, ~raca
Chapter 11: Scary Stories
Monday morning started much like the others. Chief Swan rose to the smell of coffee and was quickly and efficiently out of the house by 6:45. It was already 7:05, and I had yet to see or hear Bella. I climbed the steps hesitantly and knocked gently on her bedroom door. It took three harder knocks before she startled awake on the other side.
"Bella?" I called softly when I heard her jolt out of bed. "It's past seven already."
A flustered and sleepy-eyed Bella threw open her door. "I can't believe I forgot to set my alarm!" She rushed passed me to the bathroom, throwing me a soft smile before slamming the door.
"Don't worry, I won't make us late!" she called as the shower began.
I collected her books from the kitchen table and deposited them in her backpack. I then assembled her typical lunch of a turkey sandwich, apple and yogurt. I was contemplating making her a quick breakfast when Bella appeared in the kitchen doorway. Her wet hair was pulled back in a messy bun, exposing the smooth skin of her delicate neck. Her raised pulse gave her cheeks a beautiful blush. I inhaled hungrily, and my throat was engulfed in flames. I took a brief moment to check my control but knew Bella was safe from the monster. I could never hurt Bella. The fire crept from my throat to deep down within my belly as the desire of one monster was eclipsed by the desire of another.
"I made you lunch," I said softly, trying to mask the exposing emotions that were threatening to escape.
"Oh, thank you, Edward." Bella took my offering and quickly turned. "Let's get going!"
Bella was obviously flustered as we began the drive to school. I wanted to respect her privacy but still found myself speaking.
"So, what time did you get in last night? I noticed the Chief came home alone." I knew exactly what time Bella was dropped off by Jacob. It was exactly 1:09 in the morning when Bella tripped on the porch step and skinned her palm on the rough wooden stoop. It still bothered me that the Chief had gone straight to bed and didn't even seem to care that his daughter was out far too late.
Bella hesitated for a moment. "Did Charlie say anything?"
"No," I responded coldly.
"Not that he should," Bella scoffed. "I am almost 18, and he said I could go to the beach… So really, he knew we'd be out late. That's what you do at a bonfire!"
"You went to the beach?" I asked. I had suspected such. Bella had come home smelling of the sea and smoke, but I was still curious as to what could have detained her so long.
"Yes." Bella turned to me excitedly as we finally pulled into a parking spot. "I really wish you had gone, Edward. There was great food and music and … stories." Her eyes lit up. "Harry, one of the tribe's leaders, came and told some of the Quileute legends." Bella sighed softly. "He is an amazing storyteller."
I raised a brow. "I didn't know you were one for ghost stories."
"Oh, not just ghost stories," Bella smiled. "They have stories for everything—an answer for any question you could imagine." Bella glanced around, leaned towards me and whispered, "But the ghost stories are my favorite."
I groaned internally as she continued. "Harry told some I hadn't heard before. Ones with Dusk'iya, the 'basket woman' who would kidnap children, carry them off in baskets and eat them."
"Every culture has a 'boogeyman,'" I laughed humorlessly.
"Yes, that's what I thought at first. Just a scary story to keep the kids in line, but then Harry spoke of her death and resurrection." Bella eyed me to see if I was listening. She could see she had my full attention, so she continued, "This one time Dusk'iya captured many kids, including an older girl, and took them far up the Quileute River. Dusk'iya put gum over the children's eyes to seal them and prevent them from escaping. Then she built a fire to heat the cooking stones. Dusk'iya danced around the flames, chanting and celebrating the coming meal. The older girl warmed her hands with the cooking stones and slowly melted the gum away from her eyes. She was then able to sneak up on Dusk'iya and push her into the flames. The girl freed the other children, and they ran home, finally safe from Dusk'iya—or so they thought.
"Bayak, the Raven or trickster, came upon the dying fire and Dusk'iya's charred remains. He thought it was wrong that Dusk'iya was destroyed and that now there would be no one to rid the tribes of evil children. So he called down magic, and the Northern icy winds breathed life back into Dusk'iya.
"Dusk'iya rose from the ashes. Her magically restored flesh was now as cold and as hard as ice. Her eyes glowed as red as the flames that had taken her life. The fire still burned inside her, a raging fire she could not extinguish. Dusk'iya was furious and immediately sought out the village of the girl. That night she slaughtered the entire village."
"That is an awful story, Bella." I tried to speak calmly. "Why would you like that legend?"
"I wasn't done yet!" Bella shushed me. "Let me finish. Unbeknownst to Dusk'iya, the hunters had been off in the woods. They returned to find Dusk'iya in the ruined village, still picking over the corpses."
I cringed at Bella's story, mostly because I had seen this kind of slaughter first hand. She did not realize the affect her story was having on me. Bella continued, "Do you know where the Quileutes got their tribal name? It comes from their word for wolf: kwoli. Kwatee, the Transformer, had traveled to this area and found that there were no people here. So he transformed the wolves into people and told them to settle this area. When the hunters saw their murdered families and the destruction that Dusk'iya had done, their natural state took over and they transformed into massive wolves. Dusk'iya didn't stand a chance—even with her new body. She was torn apart and returned to the flames. The chief scattered her ashes to the wind, save for a small pouch full, which he kept tied around his neck." Bella leaned in closer to me. "Harry showed us the pouch last night. Dusk'iya's ashes are still with the tribe today."
I let out a long breath I hadn't realized I had been holding. "You don't seriously believe that story to be true… do you?"
Bella smiled, sat back and laughed easily. "No, not truth, but you should have heard Harry tell it, Edward. I didn't give the story justice. But there, sitting around the fire pit with the waves crashing in the distance, the firelight dancing across his face and the sudden revelation of the pouch, it did seem possible. For those moments, it seemed as if monsters and shape-shifting men could exist." She shook her head in disbelief. "As crazy as that seems, it was nearly believable."
I chuckled darkly and ran a ragged hand through my hair. "Sometimes the delivery is the most important part."
I thought briefly of all the stories I had spun, all the lies that touched the truth just enough to explain the unexplainable but actually led the listener further from reality. I was curious about the pouch, though. I knew the Quileute people had successfully destroyed vampires before. I wondered if this story was more truth than tale. The story of Dusk'iya might have explained how one vampire was created, but since she was destroyed, it did nothing to explain my existence today.
"Did Harry have any other 'monster' stories like Dusk'iya?" I asked carefully.
The school bell rang, and Bella opened the truck door to head to class. "I don't know." She startled slightly when I appeared suddenly at her side. "Seth asked him if Dusk'iya was a 'cold one,' but Harry replied in Quileute, so I don't know that answer. Harry didn't tell any scary stories after that, just the usual ones, like where they came from, the creation of the world—more basic folklore."
I nodded, mostly to myself. Bella and I parted ways and went to our separate classes. She left me with much to consider. I was thankful Harry's story hadn't sparked an unhealthy curiosity in Bella. It was obvious I needed to expand my knowledge of Quileute folklore. I would need the information to be able to hedge any questions Bella may entertain. She was too smart and too observant; if given the right information, I was sure Bella would be able to connect all the dots.
That dark thought followed me throughout my classes. A new fear – the fear of discovery and, ultimately, rejection – clouded my thoughts.
The lunch bell rang, and I found myself not in the crowded cafeteria, but the library. I didn't even bother using the computer for a book search. Forks High School library had a very small history section and an even smaller selection of American history books. I skimmed all nine books and found nothing on Quileute lore or anything that even mentioned the tribe. It appears I will have to take my search elsewhere.
I was headed for the door when a glorious scent stopped me. Bella. I surveyed the area and found her with Angela Webber, heads together, peering intently at a paper. Curiosity got the best of me, and I moved to join them. As I approached, I listened to Angela's mind. Oh, Bella, not more Brontë. Austen was bad enough! I'm really not into 1800's drama… Hm, The Great Gatsby, The Scarlet Letter and To Kill a Mockingbird. Not Bella's usual cup of tea. I wonder what has inspired the historical shift. Angela's mind continued down the list of books, mentally checking which ones she had already read, those she'd like to reread and noting the few she hadn't even heard of. Neither girl heard me walk up or took notice when I seated myself across from them.
"Hiding in the library again, ladies?" I asked quietly. Both girls jumped in their seats. Angela's hand covered her now hammering heart. She took deep breaths to settle herself.
Bella recovered more quickly. "Not hiding. This is our first meeting," she explained, matter-of-fact, and laid down her paper.
"Meeting?" I asked as I peered at the now visible book list. The heading across the top read Book Club—Senior Year Reads.
"Yes, we are re-starting our book club." Angela had finally found her voice.
I smiled without teeth and picked up the book list. "Can anyone join, or is this a girl's-only club?" I teased gently.
"No jocks," Bella said firmly, crossing her arms.
Her retort brought the crooked smile to my face. I pulled open my backpack and retreaved one of my favorite props. With glasses now securely in place, I surrendered the paper and folded my hands on the tabletop.
"No jocks," I agreed. "Are there any other rules? I've read most of that list. Is the club open to suggestions?"
Angela scoffed at my admission. There has to be a hundred books on that list. What guy is that well read? I haven't read half of those books, and I never stop reading!
"I've never seen you wear glasses before," Bella said warily.
"I usually only use them to read, but I don't like to wear them. I think they make me look nerdy," I clarified.
"Oh, not at all, Edward," Angela started to comfort me. She was an honestly kind and sympathetic person. I understood why Bella enjoyed her friendship.
"Alright, four eyes, but there are rules for this club. If you don't respect the rules, we will kick you out," Bella mocked, the twinkle returning to her eyes. Angela's mind went through the faces of people who had left the book club—Mike, Jessica, Ben, even the librarian… Some left from disinterest; others were removed gently but efficiently. These girls took their club seriously. I was intrigued. I motioned for Bella to continue.
"We all must agree on the book selection and on pacing. We meet every Monday during lunch to discuss what we've read, or if nothing is really worth talking about, we'll read. No spoilers. We only read classics. No current or popular reads—ever. No Harry Potter or anything the entire young adult world is obsessed about."
Angela huffed disapprovingly, and Bella added gently, "Even if the popular read is good. You are welcome to enjoy that on your own time. Whatever you binge read is your own business; don't bring it here or expect us to talk about it."
"Binge read?"
Angela laughed softly. "It's a term we made up. Binge reading is when you consume a book as quickly as possible with little care to its content. Most people our age binge all the books they read—they retain just enough info to write the paper or pass the test. Bella and I binge read books that really aren't worth our time. We skim pages, skip parts and consume the book as quickly as possible, only reading enough to get the concept and be able to move on. Because, honestly, there are too many books out there that we are curious about but have neither the desire nor the time to devote to reading. Binge it, and you can finish a book in a weekend, feel satisfied that you know what everyone's talking about and be able to watch the movie without getting completely upset about how 'Hollywood changed everything.' Just, please, keep your vampire books to yourself."
The last comment surprised me, and I did a poor job at covering my repulsed face. Thankfully, Bella's reaction was much more dramatic and captured everyone else's attention. Bella turned bright red, cried out in mock pain and dropped her head in her hands. "I will never, ever tell you what I binge read ever again!"
I smirked, finally recovering. "More scary stories, Bella?"
Bella groaned but raised her head with confidence and determination. "It was October, okay? We had just read Frankenstein and Dracula—two books I thought I'd hate but ended up loving. I got on a monster, more specifically, a vampire kick and gorged myself on a lot of vamp books. There is nothing wrong with that! What I choose to binge is completely up to me, and binging helps to get a theme out of your system. Seriously. That last series I tried, it was awful. I couldn't even finish the first book! I have no desire to return to young adult vampire books ever again. I've had enough to last a lifetime!"
"Too much teenage angst?" I used my hand to help stifle a laugh. The laugh only seemed to fuel Bella's need to defend her reading habits.
"Watch yourself, Cullen." Bella threatened in a commanding voice. I had to smile at her gall. No human—in their right mind—had ever threatened me as many times as Bella had in the last week. Surprisingly, it was enjoyable how Bella challenged me, jested and even made fun of me. It felt authentic, as if she could see past my façade and interact not with the mask, but with me. No one, outside of my family, ever treated me as Bella did. She continued with her rant, unaware of my growing awe.
"As it turned out, all those books helped me get a 5 on the AP English test last May. I wrote a very interesting and persuasive essay using all those books, arguing that the vampire characters personified the taboo desires of the culture. It really is interesting to see how those 'unacceptable' characteristics have changed, evolved, and yet stayed completely the same. I rocked that essay. Binging on those books earned me 3 units of college credit!"
"You believe vampires are just the embodiment of evil?" I hated to admit it, but I was ashamed and, at the same time, insulted. "Dracula was a very intelligent, courteous character and a very clever businessman."
Bella rolled her eyes. "What about the little brood of female vampires?" she challenged. "Dracula might have been gracious and noble to Jonathan Harker while in Transylvania, but the females were succubi just waiting to have their way with the house guest and then eat him."
I internally smiled and recalled three Russian sisters I knew, sisters who shared many characteristics with Stoker's female vampires. They have always denied any involvement with the author or any influence over the text, but the way they scattered and detoured their thoughts about the subject makes me doubt them. I was about to counter Bella, or at least attempt to, when she cut in again.
"It makes it even worse that only the women vampires in Dracula are sexual or even physically appealing. If Dracula had been at least a bit physically appealing or somewhat sexualized, it would be easy to excuse the behavior as a 'vampire thing.' But only the women are erotic, and that behavior was 'inappropriate for women.' Therefore, the story condemns women if they are sexual beings. Classic case of 'it is okay if a man does it, but heaven forbid a woman to even think it!'"
"They are monsters, socially and physically outcast from society. How would you expect them to act?" I really didn't have a good argument, but I was not letting this one go… just yet. "People we label as sub-human will eventually turn into just that."
"Oh, don't tell me you believe they were victims of their situation!" Bella's voice rose a little too high. The librarian shushed her from behind the check-out desk. Bella continued with a whisper, the lowered volume only intensifying her fervor, "It is obvious that they were independent creatures, capable of taking care of themselves. Otherwise, why would Dracula leave them behind? They aren't mentioned anywhere but in the beginning of the text. Or was Dracula such a heartless monster as to leave them to starve alone?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "I think you read too much into the females. They weren't overly sexual, nothing compared to Carmilla, the only famous contemporary female vampire."
Bella threw up her hands and pushed back her chair roughly. "Just a minute," she exclaimed as she disappeared behind a bookcase. She reemerged rather quickly, flipping through a book. She stood at the table for just a moment before quoting: "'The fair girl, with a laugh of ribald coquetry, turned to answer him. (That is Dracula) 'You yourself never loved. You never love!' On this the other women joined, and such a mirthless, hard, soulless laughter rang through the room that it almost made me faint to hear. It seemed like the pleasure of fiends.'"
Bella pushed the book into my hands and returned to her seat. Angela continued to sit in silence. From her thoughts, I knew she was enjoying this; it was nice for someone else to get the brunt of Bella's opinions and to just sit as a spectator. Already, Angela was looking forward to our Book Club meetings; she saw the potential for great debates and was quietly hoping I might read through her next English paper and give her my advice. Bella's expression was challenging. I took an unnecessary moment to turn through a few pages of the text, supposedly refamilarizing myself with book she had graciously provided.
"And so here when it says: 'He is young and strong. There are kisses for us all.' You believe that they are talking about enjoying his flesh and not feasting on his blood?" I tried to phrase my thoughts as politely as possible, but a deep blush still flooded both girls' faces. Bella nodded, and Angela squirmed uncomfortably. "But then why would she go straight for the jugular? Jonathan is supposedly sleeping at this point. Wouldn't they wake him if they had other intentions?"
Bella reddened further. "Then how do you explain what I read?" she questioned.
"If you take that quote to mean a physical or sexual relationship, then you'd have to also take Dracula's rebuttal to mean the same. Dracula answers the fair woman saying: 'Yes, I too can love. You yourselves can tell it from the past. Is it not so? Well, now I promise you that when I am done with him you shall kiss him at your will. Now go! Go! I must awaken him, for there is work to be done.'
"Is Dracula proposing a homoerotic relationship? Or is he simply saying, 'I still need this guy alive to finish helping me move to England. Once he has finished his job, you guys can chow down, but right now, he's off limits.' I think Dracula is just showing that there is a pecking order in this group. The women overstepped their authority, and Dracula is simply—if not violently—reminding them of their place."
Bella still seemed unconvinced. So I continued, "Perhaps the fair vampire's cry was a jab at Dracula saying, 'If you loved me, you'd feed me.' They do go straight into pouty mode with the line 'Are we to have nothing tonight?' but are then satisfied with whatever living thing Dracula had in the bag, which is notably too small to be a grown man. They were thirsty for blood, not hungry for," I cleared my throat, "flesh. This passage is written from Jonathan's perspective, and at this point, he doesn't believe in vampires. Therefore, he gives their conversation a sexual connotation because that is the only one that makes sense, in his mind."
Angela's eyes shifted between the two of us. She couldn't believe that Bella didn't have a response, nor could she believe that I had so quickly flipped Bella's argument on its head.
"I will fully agree with you in that most modern-day works portray vampires in an overly sexual way, but Bram Stoker's Dracula and Polidori's The Vampyre portray gentlemen vampires—a far cry from the blood-drinking corpses of the Slavonic folklore or the seductive and beautiful temptress of Carmilla."
Bella leaned forward. "So just how many vampire books have you binged?"
I laughed honestly. "I don't binge anything; I read every line. Honestly, the only vampire books worth reading are those last three I mentioned. And as for any young adult novels…" I shook my head disapprovingly. "I wouldn't touch that stuff if my life depended on it."
"Hear, hear!" Angela exclaimed and then redirected our conversation, "So, Edward, what book would you vote the club starts with?"
I smiled and pushed the list back across the table. "Whatever you two agree on is fine by me. I ask that we skip passed the Brontë sisters and Austen. Despite their age and continued popularity as 'classics,' I only view those as romantic novels without nudity."
Bella furrowed her brows and opened her mouth to speak, but Angela quickly covered it with her hand. "I can see your point. How about Ulysses? I've never read it."
"I foresee hours of deliberation over that text," I motioned with my eyes to Bella, "but I accept that challenge."
Bella snorted under Angela's hand before removing her muzzle. "I'm sure the school doesn't have three copies, so let's give us two weeks to each get a copy and read the first chapter."
"It is written in parts, with episodes dividing those. Do you mean we read the first episode?" I asked.
"Yes, Mr. Smarty-pants, read episode one," Bella huffed. "The glasses were proof enough of your nerdiness; no need to flaunt your brains."
I smiled mischievously at Bella and deepened my voice, "I would much rather be labeled a nerd than a jock, especially if it means I get to enjoy the fine company of you ladies."
Angela sighed softly, but Bella remained immune to my charms. "Sure, sure." She rolled her eyes and began packing up her backpack. The bell rang, signaling an end to the lunch period. "Let's go, Romeo. Save your swoon-inducing iambic pentameter for Mrs. Davis; I'm sure she's having withdrawals."
I nodded and moved to leave.
"If only it worked on the intended target," I mumbled as I rounded the table. I knew Bella heard; the sideways glance, renewed blush and flittering heart told me such. We fell in pace together and walked silently through the halls. At Mrs. Davis's room, I opened the door and held it for Bella to walk through. She laughed and gave me a curious look but continued into the classroom.
"You're full of all kinds of surprises, Edward," she said as she passed by me.
You have no idea, Bella. No idea.