Chapter 12-

Explanations

Before I even opened my eyes I knew I had some serious explaining to do. In all honesty, I was a little pissed that my ordeal hadn't distorted my memory. It seemed like that was too much to ask for; I could remember everything perfectly, from breaking my mum's vase to my out of body experience. I could even remember Edward and his stupid decision to try and help me. His frantic dash to my side, even his scared and hysterical voice pleading with me to stop. He had risked his life to help me, and then he'd just accepted that he was going to die. That was annoying me, but was really bothering me was why he'd done it. Why had he tried to help me?

As much as I hated the idea of having to answer millions of questions, I needed a million answers. Sighing inwardly, I forced myself into full consciousness.

I pulled my eyelids apart, wincing when they resisted. I had to blink several times to help clear my vision. Eventually I was able to take in my surroundings. I was lying in an extremely comfortable bed situated in a large gold and red bedroom. One of the walls was covered in shelves full of books and CD's. The opposite wall was all glass, allowing the orange glow from the sunset to shine through. As amazing as the view was, it was not enough to distract me from the fact that I was currently laying in a bed in the Cullen's' house.

I pushed the heels of my hands into my eyes in frustration. This whole situation was just getting out of control. How had I gone from hating vampires to being saved by one, and more than once, at that? Then there's the fact that I found myself fascinated by Edward and wanting him to notice me. I actually wanted to be around them, maybe even be friends with them. My head was chaotic. As I lay there trying to push all the confusing thoughts out of my head, a gentle knock sounded at the door.

"Come in." My voice was low, starchy and sore, but the message must have gotten across because seconds later the door opened and in stepped Edward.

The light streaming through the glass wall seemed to make him shine. I blinked several times, shaking my head slightly. Clearly my brain was still recovering, I mean people don't sparkle.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay," I said, finally opening my eyes. He had crossed the room and was next to the bed. Now that he wasn't standing in the sunlight, I could see his features properly. They were just as perfect as the last time I had seen him. Actually the last time I'd seen him, he was looking at me with terror and desperation. Guilt rose in me when I thought about his face displaying such emotions. I never wanted him to look at me that way again. I preferred it when he was smiling at me.

"Good evening," he said softly, taking a seat on a chair next to the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Like someone flash fried my brain," I replied in my raw voice. I looked at the angry marks that covered my arms. They were going to bruise. "Wow, I'm going to need to brew a discolouration potion."

"Carlisle will treat them when you're up," he murmured his eyes never leaving my face. "What are you thinking?"

"I'm sorry?" I asked a little confused by his question.

"Nothing," he mumbled embarrassedly, looking at the floor. Eventually he met my eyes. "You can go back to sleep if you want to."

The idea of more sleep was amazing. My entire body felt drained of all energy. I could literally curl up into a ball, snuggle into this matrass and sleep for even longer. However, my brain was too wired to allow that. I needed to know what had happened to me and why Edward had tried to help. There were too many unanswered questions for me to be able to relax. "No, thank you. I would feel really lazy if I did."

I pushed myself up onto my elbows, ignoring the way the room started spinning. The duvet fell from my shoulders, revealing a silky red pyjama top. I knew I hadn't been wearing this top yesterday. In fact, I was pretty sure I didn't even own a red top like this. Repulsion ran through me when it hit me that someone had changed me.

"Did you undress me?" I asked in horror. Please tell me that he didn't see me naked!

"What?! No, of course not, I wouldn't." He replied his voice appalled by the idea. I watched amused as he squirmed slightly. "Alice changed your clothing. You were soaked from the rain."

"Oh, okay then." Relief poured into my voice. At least I don't have to worry about him seeing my bruised and battered body. A slightly awkward silence settled between us. A lot had happened in the last few days, and neither of us knew quite what to say to break the tension. An uncomfortable feeling in my bladder brought me back to the present.

"May I use the bathroom?"

"Sure, it's just through that door over there," Edward said, pointing to the white door on the other side of the room.

"Why do you need an en suite bathroom?" I asked before I could stop myself. However, my question didn't seem to bother him, he just smiled at me in amusement.

"I don't. When Esme was designing the house she had to add bathrooms otherwise it would have looked suspicious. Also, with the scale of the house it seemed logical to have en suites.

"Uh huh," I said pulling back the duvet and placing my feet on the cream carpet. That small movement was enough to make the room spin once again.

"Do you need help?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

"No thanks," I said very quickly. He had already done enough for me.

When I stood up from the bed, my legs practically gave way. I fell sideways into Edward. Once again, he caught me effortlessly, his arms wrapping around my waist. At his touch my whole body seemed to spark and hum; like an electrical pulse. I shivered at the feeling.

"You shouldn't be walking around, Bella," he scolded, steadying me on my feet. Once I had regained my balance, he slowly removed his arms from around me. The second they were gone I wanted them back.

"Edward, I haven't peed in days I'm guessing. I need to use the bathroom." I winced at my choice of words as Edward held onto my arm and escorted me to the bathroom leading off his room.

"I can manage from here," I said, grabbing hold of the door frame. There was no way I was going to let him see me pee. It was bad enough knowing that he would hear everything that would be going on.

After using the toilet, I grabbed hold of the sink with both hands, finding support. While washing my hands I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. In summary I looked like hell. My skin was pasty white and my eyes were bloodshot, not to mention I had a neat row of butterfly stitches on the side of my head. I felt gratitude and shame rise within me. After the way I had treated them they still found it within themselves to help me. Even after I had tried to roast their son in front of their eyes.

Sick of the sight of my reflection I turned from the mirror and swayed out of the bathroom. Thankfully Edward wasn't in the room to see me struggling. I guess he had gone down stairs and that meant I should go too? I guess it was time to face the music.

Dressed in full-length, silky pyjamas, I swayed out of the room and into a modern decorated hall. Everything was so pristine; it was hard to believe that anyone lived here. After wobbling down a few halls I found the white marble staircase.

I put one foot on the top step while holding onto the banister for dear life. My legs were violently shaking. I attempted to move my other foot onto the same stair and practically fell. Of course being in a house of vampires I didn't make it to the floor. Before I knew it I had been hoisted bridal style into Edward arms and he was looking down at me with a look of amusement and anxiety.

"Seriously, Bella? You couldn't wait for me to come back?"

"I'm fine, Edward. I can walk," I struggled in his arms, trying to get him to put me down. No such avail.

"I'm not taking that risk," his grip on me tightened slightly.

"So help me, Edward, I will turn you into a bat if you don't put me down this instant," he stopped at the top of the stairs, raising an eyebrow.

"A bat?" he questioned with amusement.

"Yes, a bat." I tried to sound convincing but instead he just rolled his eyes.

"Fine, but please take it slow." He set my feet on the floor before letting go of me with one hand. His other hand kept a secure hold on the top of my arm.

"I promise."

With Edward's hand steadying me, I gripped the banister and slowly descended the stairs. My legs were still trembling, but there was no way I was letting him carry around. It took us long minutes to descend the staircase; I was beyond grateful when my feet finally touched the cream carpet again.

The staircase led straight into a very large white and cream living room. Edward continued to support me until I was seated on one of the large white sofas.

"Where's your family? I know they want to talk to me." I said snuggling into the sofa. It was unbelievably comfortable.

"They're just hanging back. They didn't want to overwhelm or scare you," Edward explained. I snorted. I could tell that wasn't the complete truth. They were scared of me.

"You mean they wanted to make sure I wouldn't attack them." Shame swirled around my body. I can't believe that my behaviour had led to a whole coven of vampire's avoiding me. Sensing my embarrassment Edward carried on the conversation.

"Do you think you can stay there for a few seconds while I get my family?"

"I'm not promising anything." I smirked as he just rolled his eyes.

He disappeared in a blink.

I looked around my surroundings still not believing where I was. Not believing how I had ended up here in the first place. I can't believe this was happening to me. If we didn't find a way to stop me Spiking, then eventually I would die or be killed. I was only seventeen, and I was already thinking about my possible upcoming death. I couldn't help as my eyes swam with tears. I was going to die.

"Bella?" my name being called brought me back from my thoughts. Edward was sitting directly next to me, staring into my eyes.

"Sorry," I said breathlessly as I met his gaze.

"You okay?" he asked softly, brushing a tear from my eye. I shivered and warmed at his touch. He had done so much for me. I swallowed a lump in my throat before smiling and nodding gently.

"Okay," he caressed my cheek slightly before removing his hand from my face and taking my hand that rested in my lap.

It was then I noticed the others in the room. The rest of the Cullen's were sitting in the other seats, all of them looking at Edward and me.

I blushed, avoiding all their gazes.

"How are you feeling, Isabella?" Thankful for the distraction, I turned to Carlisle an answered his question.

"I'm okay I guess. I'm really tired, but I should expect that."

"You don't feel sick or dizzy?"

"A little dizzy at times, but nothing major."

Once again, an awkward silence fell over the room. I can't say I was surprised. I mean, what do you say to a witch who set fire to a forest, nearly killed your brother and has been sleeping in your house ever since?

"What day is it?" I asked after failing to work out how long I had been out for.

"It's Sunday. You have been out just over 27 hours."

"Only a day? That's not too bad I guess." I mumbled to myself. Being vampires, the Cullen's heard every word.

I looked around at the room's occupants. Their faces all looked curious, but I could detect subtle hints of fear and anger from Rosalie and Jasper.

"Thank you," I said, trying to break some of the tension, "for stitching up my head."

"You are more than welcome, Bella." Carlisle said smiling at me. Everyone else remained silent. This was getting silly. Looks like I needed to be the first one to start the inevitable conversation.

"I guess you have a lot of questions?"

"Your guess is correct, but you don't have to tell us anything you don't want to." Edward tried to reassure me, but I could practically feel the curiosity in the room.

"It's okay. I don't mind answering a few questions," I sighed. Time to grow up a little.

"What's going on, Bella?" Alice was the first one to break the silence.

"I have never seen anything like that before," Carlisle added.

"No, I don't think you would have," I said quietly. I was still a little apprehensive about revealing aspects of my life to them, even though Edward had saved my life at least three times now.

"We don't understand, Bella," Esme explained.

"You're going to have to break it down for us," Rosalie said. For once, her voice was not hostile. I could still detect the sarcasm, but there were elements of fear and anxiety in her voice.

Fear? Was she scared of me? Not that I could blame her. Right now, even I was scared of me. I had no idea what I was cable of at the moment.

I took a deep breath before finally giving in.

"Okay. When my kind turns ten years old we experience a massive surge of power. It's basically when we gain our magic. We call it the Spiking. To a child it's an overwhelming feeling and it's painful. It's a lot of power to gain all at once. That's why we are sent to magical boarding schools, where our magic can be contained and we can learn to control it. As we get older our powers grow in proportion with us. So we only Spike once, one massive surge of power and then the magic grows steadily with you as get older."

I looked around the group of vampires. Every single one of them was focused on me, listening to every word that came out of my mouth. I bit the inside of my cheek before continuing. This was difficult to explain to a member of my own kind, let alone a group of vampires who barely knew the first thing about witches. I just hoped they were following what I was saying.

"However, there are a few amongst us that Spike a second time. It's not common, and if it happens, the family tries to keep it secret."

"Why?" Jasper asked, his curiosity winning out over his anger.

"There's not a witch or a wizard alive that has Spiked a second time and is still in control of their magic. They go crazy with power and become extremely dangerous. Most of them end up dead within six months of their second Spiking." That seemed to shut everyone up.

Eventually the piece fell into place, but only Alice had the guts to affirm it. "So that's what's happening to you?"

"Since my arrival in Forks, my magic has definitely gotten stronger and I'm finding it very hard to control. It started as just small incidents like bursting lemonade bottles, but as you have seen it is now a lot worse. Yesterday I was having problems controlling my powers, to the extent that I practically destroyed my house. I decided to get out before I did some serious damage, but my magic got worse and the end result was what you saw in the field. Last night, I think I started Spiking but you interrupted before the process could really get started."

"So that will happen again?" Edward asked. His voice and face were full of nothing but concern. I gripped his hand a little tighter, not sure if I was offering him support or if I was the one in need of support.

"Unfortunately," I nodded, confirming his words. A shudder ran through me as I thought about having to go through this again. I just hoped it was years from now.

"Is there anything you can do to stop it?" Emmett questioned.

"I don't know yet. We're still trying to find out as much as we can." I gulped trying to stop any tears from growing in my eyes. "I really hope there is something we can do."

"I'm sure there is, Bella," Esme said. I loved that she had confidence in something that was almost impossible.

"I don't feel evil yet, so nothing to worry about." I added to try and break the tension. It worked I guess as everyone gave a small chuckle, except Edward.

"Do you know when it might happen?" he asked in desperation.

"What you saw last night was just a warm up. When my power hits it zenith it will be a lot bigger and stronger." I said the last part looking directly at Edward. "It's too much power for one person to handle."

He knew what I was trying to say. There would be no way he would be able to reach me next time, I would be too powerful for him and no amount of begging and pleading would bring me back. He was part of a family that cared about him; they would die if something happened to him. His actions yesterday were stupid and rash. I'd so very nearly killed him. That couldn't happen again.

"Where are Charlie and Renee?" Alice asked, effectively bursting the bubble Edward and I had created. "We tried to get in contact with them. I even went to your house but there was nobody in."

"I don't know where they are exactly but I do know where they've gone." I think that made sense, it did in my head.

"Okay and where have they gone?" Emmett asked laughing slightly.

"They've gone looking for Zephyr." I had told them a great deal already, nothing else at this point could hurt.

"Who is that?"

"He's a friend of Charlie's. He knows stuff, a lot of stuff about magic and Spiking. It's a long story. He's our only hope of finding a way to stop me Spiking again."

"So your parents are out of town? How long for?" Esme's attention peeked.

"They said just the weekend, but I have a feeling they'll be gone longer. It's never that easy to find Zephyr. I mean, he's not exactly on Twitter." I was a little resentful that he would take so much effort to find.

"Yay!" Alice shouted, jumping up and down in her seat. I eyed her suspiciously. Did I miss something? She does that a lot. I wonder why?

However, Esme's next comment was enough to force Alice's weird behaviour from my mind completely.

"Right, you're staying here," she spoke with certainty.

"What?!" Rosalie screeched. It was the first time I'd seen her show any anger since I woke up. Her bright blue hair had started to fall from its clip. As much as it thrilled me a little to see her so agitated I couldn't help but agree with the sentiment. What was Esme thinking?

"Absolutely not. Esme, I appreciate the gesture but honestly I can't stay here."

"This is not up for discussion, Bella. You're sick, you're parents are not here and you can't exactly go to hospital for your illness. Carlisle may not know much about magic but he knows a lot about medicine."

She had me there. Clearly I was in no state to be by myself right now.

"You are staying here and I will hear no more about it." Esme's vicious eyes turned to Rosalie. She gave a small nod but remained silent.

After Rosalie nodded, everyone else agreed. So I think it's safe to say that Esme wore the trousers in this house.

"Good. So now that's all sorted, are you hungry, Bella?"

"Very," I admitted as my stomach rumbled loudly.

"Come on, let's get you something to eat," Edward said, standing up from the sofa and pulling me with him.

"You can cook?" There was no malice in my voice, just genuine shock.

"Yes, I can cook," he laughed as we walked slowly into the kitchen.

"You're just full of surprises, aren't you?"

It hadn't escaped my attention that I still hadn't been able to ask Edward about his part in yesterday's episode. There was no way I was letting him get away with this. For some reason, I needed answers.

"Oh Bella, you have no idea." He smirked at me, completely taking my breath away.

I was in serious trouble right now.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight of any of the characters or locations from the series.

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Next week... Part 2 of explanations.

xxx Red as a Rose xxx

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