Chapter 26: Home Style Brunette

The drive home was somewhat quiet. Tanya had no interest in driving. She sat in the passenger seat staring out the window. Her thoughts replaying her past encounters with the Volturi. She was afraid and I couldn't blame her for that. I listened as she went through a number of reasons why they would be in the states and paying attention to us in particular. None of the reasons seemed plausible, but I said nothing.

Back home, Tanya went straight into her craft room. She turned the music up and started making her jewelry singing along.

"I don't understand why you are letting them get to you. We've done nothing wrong." I said slouched in the doorway.

"They hate our choices. They don't like us being different. I think they're waiting for us to make a mistake, like going into the city and exposing our secret." She shouted over the music with her back still facing me. I watched her momentarily as her desk lamp cast a faint glisten to the side of her face.

"Expose our secret, that's ludicrous." I chortled.

I decided to call Carlisle and tell him about our encounter in the city. Maybe he would have a suggestions or comforting word.

"I wasn't going to tell you," he said, "but considering what happened I guess I have no choice."

"What do you mean?"

"I never really told you the whole story about how you were changed." He said regretfully.

Carlisle told me how the Volturi had come looking for him. They wanted his services in Italy, something to do with blood transfusion. He declined, but worried that they would destroy him because he said no.

"I was leaving that day. I was heading to Alaska when I came across your scent. I followed it up to your house and found you and your parents. I can honestly say I felt like I had a human heart for just a little while when I saw your father lying in his bed. If that had been me." He said softly into the phone. "I knew if it had been my wife and son I would have wanted someone to try to save them. So I carried your mother first and then you."

"I remember that, kind of. I remember feeling like I was running or flying. That was you?" I asked.

"Yes, I was taking you back into town and hoping not to run into the Volturi. Your mother kept whispering your name over and over and then would wake briefly, begging me to save you. I just couldn't leave. It was like my heart was breaking into pieces. I felt the pain your father would have if he would have survived and I felt responsible for your family tragedy."

"So you stayed to save us, risking your own life. You should have told me." I said surprised.

"Well, I didn't change you for this reason, Edward, but it did work out somewhat nice. When we were traveling to Denali. I'm sure you remember following behind me as I led. Well, your scent I'm sure masked mine so they couldn't find me if they were looking. But honestly, I did not change you for that reason."

Tanya had wondered out of her cave, I mean craft room, and listened to our conversation.

"So what does that have to do with us?" I held the phone out slightly so she could hear too.

"If they are watching you, they may try to use you to get to me, especially since they have confirmed that you are indeed acting as my son. You and Tanya need to be careful. Stick together or consider coming here. No matter what, do not risk your own lives for me, do you understand?" he said firmly just like a father.

"I understand." But I was only echoing his words for his satisfaction. He had to know I would protect him in the end.

Tanya was relieved that it was not about her. I reminded her that we were still not out of the woods. We agreed to finish this semester and move on. I guess feeling the stress of the situation, she leaned into my chest, wrapping her arms tightly around me. I held her for awhile leaning against the kitchen wall. We were vulnerable and knew it.

It didn't take long for us to get back in the same routine. She was attending her frat parties and growing apart from me as I focused on my classes.

It was Monday on the sixth week of classes. Tanya was home completing another series of jewelry with no classes for the day. I, on the other hand, had a full schedule. My first three classes were complete and I was heading to my fourth when I accidentally bumped into a brunet crossing my path. Had I not had my nose in my book as I walked I would have seen her coming. Unfortunately, she too had her nose in her book. We collided slamming our books to the ground.

"I'm so sorry." I said grabbing both books.

"Oh, it's you." She said with a warm smile.

I immediately recognized the kind face. She was the drunk girl I had helped home from the party.

"Hi. How are you?" I asked glad to see her again.

"Oh you know, studying like crazy. I haven't gone to any other parties since. That was a really bad idea, I'm not a drinker." She smiled widely. "I'm Sarah Gellar by the way." She extended her soft hand out to mine.

"Edward Cullen." I said as my hand shook hers. She was so warm. She didn't even pay attention to my chilly temperature. "Can I walk you to class?" my eyes now froze to hers. She reminded me of Jenny so much. She was nice, smart, and friendly. She had a more home-style kind of personality, the opposite of Tanya. I loved her little snorts when she laughed and her sense of humor.

I walked her across campus talking and laughing like we were old friends. I enjoyed her company. I felt comfortable around her, like we were great friends. With Jenny I was too bashful to ever talk to her. With Tanya I was just along for the ride. But Sarah, I felt like I was home again, human.

She was a medical student too, but several years ahead. It reminded me that I would be unable to finish what I had started. This semester would be my last. After the trip into the city I was pushing my luck to be here now.

"We should get together and study." She said halfway through her classroom door. I nodded agreeing before backing away. Inside I could smell the faint whiff of blood. She didn't register that sweet smell in the slightest, so lucky to be human.

I dashed back across campus just in time for my next class. But I couldn't stop thinking about our walk, or her.