Chapter 12: A Cruel Heart

A story by Yellow Smoke

All right's belong to their rightfull owners.

Year 1956

Willow had begun to hate Wenatchee River. Just looking at it made her feel a certain amount of resentment, as it's water passed by her slowly, teasing her. Because while the water was free to float down the river, Willow was trapped inside that god damn house, forced to watch as each tiny drop of water moved past her.

Truthfully, Willow was sick of everything that had happened. It was Wednesday, and it was now officially over a week since Willow had arrived. A part of her questioned her choice of trusting Dr. Cullen, as Willow wasn't sure whenever she liked it at their house. It wasn't as though any of them had tried to harm her, or make her feel unwelcome, but Willow felt trapped. She was like a caged animal, who watched as people were allowed to come and go, while she sat behind the metal bars, screaming for freedom.

It had been clear to all of them she was bored by now, as Esme had tried to entertain her in all kinds of ways. She had given her books to read, paper to draw on and offered her to play games or take a walk. But Willow couldn't find any peace inside herself to draw or read, and while Esme was kind, Willow couldn't be near her for too long. The small infant cries were simply too hardbreak, and in a way that abandoned child reminded Willow of herself, alone and unwanted. That was at least what Willow imagined, as she had no idea why that infant was dead, but it was alone like her. Crying for comfort it wouldn't receive.

But those cries tortured Willow throughout the day, until she couldn't take it anymore. On top of that Willow was rather sure Esme had been named her prison guard, as the woman never seemed to leave the house. Carlisle went to the hospital, and all of their kids went to school, or at least Willow thought so, but Esme was always there. She wasn't even sure how they got grocery, but their fridge was always full, and it was just another mystery for her list. Although Willow didn't want the answer to it.

But just like all the other days Willow lost her patience around three, as the small infant continued to cry. For some reason that little baby was able to wail louder than any of the other ghosts, and no matter where Willow went, it was able to get through to her.

And so Willow stood up from her bed, taking a deep breath as she tried to calm herself just a bit. So little happened in her life these days, that a small trip to Carlisle office had become the most daring thing to do, and she felt how her heart began to beat just slightly faster. There was a part of her that didn't want to go, mostly because she didn't want to face the blonde doctor, whose eyes held so much pity she couldn't take it.

But she wanted the cries to stop, and the pill was her only option, which forced Willow to move towards her bedroom door. Just like she forced herself to grab the cold golden handle and twist it, slowly opening the silent door as she stepped into the hallway.

She tried to be as silent as possible as she moved across the wooden floor, just a room down the hall, where Carlisle door was open as always. It was as though he was trying to invite her inside, desperate to talk with her, and to gain knowledge. But Willow didn't have much time to think of it, as the infant's cries grew in volume the closer she got to his open office door, and she quickly realized why.

Inside his office Esme was seated beside the blonde doctor, as they side by side were reading in a pair of comfortable chairs, and represented the very image of a healthy marriage. Both of them were reading what Willow would guess were rather intellectual books, not that she really cared, but it annoyed her they looked so perfect and happy. She even began to wonder if it were a coincidence both of them were wearing blue, or everything had to match in this household? Just like Willow wondered if it were a coincidence she was wearing blue herself, and for a second she wanted to rip the dress to pieces.

"Willow dear, come inside," Carlisle said with a smile, as he noted Willow stood hesitant by the door, as she wasn't sure just what to do. Usually it was just Carlisle, but with two vampires at once it almost felt like ambush, and Willow was close to blushing as she suddenly felt shy.

"It's so nice to see you," Esme agreed, and Willow knew what she wanted to say. It was nice seeing Willow outside of her room. The beautiful curvy woman even sent her a bright smile, showing her perfect teeth, as both closed their books to give her their full attention. Somewhere inside her mind Willow noted none of them used a bookmark, wondering if vampires had some kind of perfect memory.

"Carlisle… Esme…" Willow greeted, unsure what else to say. But just then a loud wail could be heard, and Willow couldn't help but stare at the elderly woman behind Esme, and the small bundle in her arms. All while Carlisle's father stood a few steps away, staring with a strange look Willow couldn't explain, but he remained silent. A part of her couldn't help but wonder if the small child was in pain, which for a moment made her feel rather sorry for the small thing, as she herself hadn't thought too nicely about it these last few days.

"Are you alright Willow?" a voice cut through her thoughts, and Willow turned her head, only to realize Carlisle and Esme was staring at her. Carlisle seemed so concerned he had risen from his comfortable chair, while his kind face had transformed itself and looked worried. It was obvious they knew she was seeing something, and Esme stared past her own shoulder, although she never saw anything.

"I am fine…" Willow muttered, as she looked away, and her eye immediately landed on the small white pill on his desk, beside a glass of water. Willow just wanted to grabb it and run, but she controlled herself and turned her head to look at Carlisle, as if to ask permission, and with a sigh he noted.

It was all Willow needed to grab the pill, and quickly swallow it before anyone could protest, or Carlisle changed his mind. She knew what her fast hectic movements made them think about her, but she didn't care as she took a sip of water, knowing the pill would give her some much needed peace. Willow wasn't an addict, and she would argue with anyone who claimed she was, but no one would ever understand the pressure she was under. There was not a single individual on this earth who would be able to fathom what it was like. How it was to see dead people, and hear all the screams, while some begged and others cried.

Willow wasn't addicted to the pill, but she was addicted to the silence.

"Why don't you take a seat?" Carlisle offered, as Willow had been given a few seconds of silence, and he pointed toward his own vacanted chair, while Esme remained seated in hers, looking hopefully at Willow.

A part of Willow knew he would ask her at some point to have a chat, as Willow hadn't spoken with him since last Saturday, which had turned into an argument. He had since then allowed her some peace, and Willow hadn't said a word to him since, as she each day took her pill and left. Carlisle had of course greeted her each day, but she had refused to answer, until today, as she had been stupid enough to greet both of them. Obviously Carlisle must have taken this as an invitation to speak further, and Willow wasn't sure she would like to talk about any of it.

"I… I really don't want to…" Willow managed to say shyly, as she had been caught off guard, and began to suspect this actually was a planned ambush against her. Esme had been nothing but kind to her, but Willow knew she would side with her husband in any argument, and would do everything to fix the relationship between Willow and Carlisle, mostly because that was what Carlisle wanted.

"Please," Carlisle begged, and his eyes began to remind Willow of a broken puppy, crushed by her words. Truth to be told he was probably angry at himself, as he was the one who had caused this… although he was only trying to fix everything. "I really want to speak with you, it's only for a few minutes," he tried to convince her, as he composed himself slightly, but his begging golden eyes had already won Willow over.

It probably had something to with the way he asked her, or rather begged, as no one ever begged Willow to do anything. Her mom, teachers and Frank had always given commands and ordered her around, and Willow's legs suddenly felt weak as someone actually asked her. Not to mention Carlisle looked as though all of this pained him, and Willow had felt that pain so many times herself, and now she was the one who was causing it.

And so to Carlisle and Esme's surprise, Willow silently walked over to his vacant chair, and got seated on the very edge, ready to leave the room at any point. But the relief that washed over Carlisle's face made Willow feel as though her small sacrifice was worth it.

She was pretty sure they wouldn't agree on anything, but she could try to be slightly nicer.

And it would be better to talk with Carlisle now, as the pill had begun to work, and the cries slowly began to fade. She could feel how her neck and shoulder began to calm down, and she would be able to listen and control her temper.

"Willow, I want you to know that it's very important for me you are happy at our home," Carlisle began softly, as he leaned against his desk, and created some distance, knowing Willow would need the space between them. "And in that regard, i would like to ask if there is anything i can do for you to be happy? Is there anything you need?" he asked her kindly, although Willow thought it was a stupid question. But he seemed genuine, as though he actually wanted Willow to be happy, and an indescribable feeling washed through her.

Each time they showed their genuine care for her, Willow couldn't help but think of her own mom, and all the times she had wished for her mom to say the exact same words. Or do the exact same thing.

"You know what i want…" Willow said softly, slightly crushed from the thought of her failure of a mother. And Carlisle knew what she wanted, as she had made that very clear on several occasions, just like she had made it clear she wanted more than one pill per day. She wasn't about to start an argument, but he had asked her himself.

"It's only a quick fix dear," Carlisle sighed, and gave her a sad smile, as though he actually understood what she was going through. "If only you would tell me what you see, i might be able to help you, all it takes is for you to trust me and be open minded," he tried to convince her, but knew his arguments were wasted.

It was obvious to everyone Willow didn't trust anyone, mostly due to her childhood, and recent events in her life, and Carlisle couldn't blame her. It was truly a rather natural reaction, but he still begged God for her trust each day, knowing he would be able to help her, if only she allowed it.

"We only want what is best for you," Esme added kindly, once more a sentence her mother hadn't said to her, and if she had, she would never have meant it like Esme did.

It tore at Willow's heart, and she remained silent for several seconds, unsure how to respond. She wasn't even sure she could, and so she stared with empty eyes at them, until Carlisle nodded to himself, knowing now wasn't the time. Instead he once more spoke to her, his voice kind as always.

"I won't force you dear, but don't hesitate to come to me when you are ready," he told her with a kind smile, knowing he couldn't do more, unless he wanted their fragile relationship to break for good. "But if there is anything we can do for you to settle in, you can always tell us, my door is open," he ended, and Willow nodded, unsure what would make her settle in their house.

A part of her wanted to ask if she was supposed to settle in their home? She still wasn't sure what they actually planned to do with her, and if she ever would see another human being again, but she didn't dare ask them. Mostly because she feared the answer.

"We can get you all of your school books if you want, so you can continue your education?" Esme offered sweetly, as she without a doubt knew just how bored and restless Willow was.

"Education is important," Carlisle agreed, and smiled in approval to his wife. They had after all always valued education highly. "And i am sure we can help you if you are struggling in any subject," he added, although Willow once more remained silent.

To be honest education had never meant much to Willow, her mother was uneducated, and Willow had never thought she would get further than high school. At this point, she wasn't even sure she would get out of this house and see another human being again, and if so, an education would be rather pointless. It was probably a way for her to kill time, in what would be a pointless life, and so Willow wasn't sure what to answer.

But as she looked at Carlisle and Esme she realized they were expecting an answer.

"I will think about it…" she muttered, and stared at her hands, suddenly deep in thought, as she got up from the chair. "Can i leave now?" she then asked, before Esme and Carlisle talked to her for the rest of the day, and although they looked disappointed, Carlisle nodded.

"Of course dear, my door is always open," Carlisle smiled, and Willow gave them both a small timid smile, before she walked toward the said door. Her intention was to leave, and go back to her room, and the silence it would give her.

But just before she reached the door, another question appeared in her mind, and it was too important for her to be left unsaid. Truthfully she had wanted to ask for days, but due to Carlisle and her disagreement she hadn't been able to ask. Now was however a good moment, as some kind of peace had been created, at least for a short while.

"Carlisle?" Willow asked hesitantly, as she turned around and looked at him. The doctor looked surprised, but nevertheless gave her a soft smile, inviting her back into their office.

"Yes dear?" he asked her kindly, as he remained standing, while Esme looked curious as well.

"Have…" Willow began, unsure just how to ask. To her it was a rather sensitive subject, and although the thought had crossed her mind several times, she hadn't dared to ask, before now. "Do you… do you know if Frank has informed my mother of what happened?" Willow asked carefully, as she tried to keep her voice somewhere calm, while she held the tears back.

She had been wondering for several days, whenever her mom even knew of what happened that fateful day, or she simply thought Willow was living a happy life in Leavenworth. The pained expressions on the couples faces however told Willow they knew something, but had hoped she wouldn't ask them… but in a way, that answered all of her questions.

"Well…" Carlisle said, and for once the composed man seemed to struggle, as he tried to find the right words. "From what i have been told, yes Willow, your mother has been informed," he told her softly, while his eyes begged Willow to stop, as he didn't want to crush her heart. But at the same time he didn't want to deny her the truth.

"Has she…" Willow began, unsure how to form her own words, but she needed to know. Despite the fact her heart broke just slightly by each answer. "Do you know if there has been any kind of reaction, has she said anything?" Willow asked, although she feared the answer, or rather she knew what the answer was going to be.

Because what she truly wanted to ask was if her mother had traveled to Leavenworth. What Willow wanted to know was whether her mother cared enough to search for her, and to leave her husband for the daughter that was her own flesh and blood. But as Willow looked at their golden eyes she knew that they knew what she actually was asking, and their pained expressions told her everything she needed to know.

"No Willow… there hasn't been any reactions to my knowledge," Carlisle answered sadly, while Esme seemed to be looking away, as though she was trying to hide her tears. "I am sorry dear," he apologized, but Willow just shook her head, knowing it wasn't his fault.

"I was just curious," Willow muttered, before she turned around on her heel and left his office. She didn't want them to see the tears that streamed down her face, although they could hear her unsteady breathing just fine, as she tried to keep herself from sobbing.

But a part of Willow knew she shouldn't have been surprised.

Of course her mother hadn't come to Leavenworth, and Willow already knew that. Nevertheless it hurt her deeply, as her mother once more had toren her heart apart by doing nothing. Willow's mother had never abused her, but her coldness and uncaring feelings toward Willow would always hurt far deeper than any fist, and Willow was once more left out in the cold.

A part of her knew her mother had buried her the day she sent her off on that train, to this godforsaken place. Not literally, as Willow was alive, but she had chosen to forget about Willow, as though she never existed. It wouldn't surprise Willow if her mother had felt nothing, as Frank told her of the events in Leavenworth, her cold heart forever frozen toward Willow.

And it hurt, it hurt Willow far deeper than she could explain, and she stood in the hallway, unsure what to do with herself. A part of her wanted to collapse on the floor, and simply stay where she was, while she tried to kill her own heart. But she knew Carlisle and Esme would be there immediately, and Willow didn't want to see their pitiful eyes once more.

If only Willow could be cold and heartless like her mother, she wouldn't have to go through any of this, and she could be happy just like Jane Quinn. Willow would break her own heart if she was given the chance, and crush it, before she threw the remains into the river.

Yet she couldn't, and Willow was left with her sorrows and pain, knowing her mother didn't care about her. Not that she could claim it was news, as her mother never had cared about her, but she could no longer ignore the facts, as her mother had made it clear once and for all.

Willow stared at the hallway, unsure what to do, as she brushed a hand through her honey brown curls in frustration. There was really nowhere in this house Willow wanted to be, as every spot would remind her of her unfortunate life. Because every room would be an empty room, to remind Willow she came into this life surrounded by loneliness, and she would leave it like that.

But just as Willow was about to give up, and sob on the floor where she was, knowing Carlisle and Esme would find her, she heard it.

It was a distant tiny sound, from the far end of the house.

And it was the sound of a piano, as the first tune was played, followed by the second and third. By the fourth tune it turned into a song Willow had heard before, and as though it had hypnotised her, Willow found her feet moving towards it. She wasn't running, nor did she feel as though she was walking, but somehow she moved down the hallway.

All while tears continued to run down her face, but the well known melody seemed to make all of her sorrows disappear, and its melancholic tones made her forget. It actually made her feel as though someone understood her sadness, and she was drawn to it, as it slowly mended her broken heart.

A part of Willow knew it was a quick fix, and her heart would break once the music stopped, but she nevertheless allowed herself to heal for a while. Just like the tears in her eyes disappeared, and her breathing once more became even.

And so Willow reached the end of the hallway in the opposite end of the house. But while the east end of the house was filled with bedrooms, the hallways in the west end transformed into a large open room Willow hadn't seen before. She had of course seen the large windows from the outside, which allowed light to shine through the room from all sides, but she had never seen the west side of the second floor, too scared to explore on her own.

But the room was beautiful, with it's red wooden floor, and large white couch, which like everything else in this house looked like something from the future, with it's organic shapes. The most impressive thing in the room however, was the grand black piano in the middle of the room. Willow didn't know much about pianos, but she could only imagine it was expensive, as it's black color shone, as though it had been polished. Not a smudge could be seen on it, although Willow didn't look at it for a long, as she stared at Edward, who was playing.

To Willow it was mesmerizing, to watch as his fingers moved across the piano keys, hitting each note just right, before he moved onto the next. His pale fingers were long and slender, and to Willow it seemed as though they were born to play music, as Edward beautifully continued the song.

And he looked beautiful, as he played stoically, while he looked out of the window, watching the river just like Willow so often did. She noticed several sheets of papers were scattered around him, both on the floor as well as on the piano, but it only made the scene in front of her even more beautiful.

Willow began to wonder if he had composed this piece himself, as the sheets seemed to be handwritten, and not printed, but she didn't want to ask. In general she didn't want to disturb him, as she was afraid he would stop, and so instead she quietly walked over to the nearest couch to sit down. It was the one who was closest to the piano, and Edward's golden eyes stared at her for a second, before he ignored her once more.

Edward however wasn't alone, as Willow noticed all of his ghosts behind him. She had to admit his mother looked positively happy, as her pale face for once seemed to be gloving, and for a moment Willow could swear she didn't look sick, although the nightgown told a different story. But she looked at her son with such devotion and love Willow almost felt jealous, although there was no reason to be jealous of a dead person.

The rest of his ghosts had chosen for once to remain silent, and Willow wondered if they were enjoying the music as well, although their bloody appearances suggested something else. It wasn't as though Willow could hear them anyway, and so she settled on the couch, her knees pressed against her chest as she somehow tried to keep herself together.

Edward didn't say anything for a while, and neither did Willow, far too deep in her own thoughts, while she tried to enjoy the music. She wondered if Edward had sensed she liked it, as he continued to play the same song, never once looking at her, but it was fine with Willow.

Strangely enough they hadn't spoken since they had chatted on the porch by the river. It had been the highlight of Willow's stay so far, but she hadn't been brave enough to seek his company the day after, and Willow knew it wouldn't be comfortable to be near him without the pill. It would ruin everything, as the ghosts would remind her just what kind of monster he was, and Willow prefered to forget that.

Because Edward was actually a nice man, who had treated her with kindness, and Willow liked him. So far he was the closest she had been to a friend, and she wasn't about to ruin that friendship because of some ghosts. She knew their warnings were serious, but Willow was so desperate for some kind of social interaction she was willing to ignore it.

A part of her wondered if Edward wanted her to leave, as he never invited her to listen, but he didn't seem to care, as he continued to play.

And after what felt like a decade he suddenly looked at her, curiously, while his fingers continued to play.

"Are you sad about your mother?" he asked her softly, almost too low for the human ear, but Willow heard him anyway. She wasn't entirely sure just how he seemed to know she was sad, and how he knew it was about her mother, but she could only assume he was good at guessing. Not to mention Willow's eyes were red and puffy from crying.

"Is it that obvious?" Willow asked, while a dry laugh escaped her lips, although it almost sounded like a sob, as she pushed her knees tighter to her chest. Once more trying to keep the fragile pieces of herself together. "I mean… it's not like i am supposed to be surprised by now, i knew she wouldn't come to Leavenworth," Willow began to ramble, and didn't care whenever Edward was able to follow her thoughts or not. "But a part of me sort of hope that she… that…" Willow stuttered, unable to say the words, as they hurt too much to say out loud.

"That she loved you enough to come," Edward finished for her, and seemed to understand just fine, far too fine really, but Willow didn't care. She did notice his lips were pulled into a thin line, and his eyes seemed hurt, if not angry, as though he was angry on her behalf.

"I think that's all I ever wanted…" Willow muttered sadly, and looked at her hands. "For her to love me enough to come to my school, to kiss my forehead at home and to keep me with her in New York," she whispered, as her voice broke slightly.

"You miss her?" Edward asked surprised, as he himself found it impossible to imagine such an uncaring person could be missed. Truth to be told Jane Quinn didn't deserve to be missed, but nevertheless Willow nodded her head, while she stared at her hands.

"I miss the ideal of her…" she tried to explain, and she knew it didn't make sense. Her mother had always fed her, and made sure she had a roof over her head, but their relationship had been complicated. Willow had fond memories of her as a very young child, memories of her as she hugged Willow close, and read to her before bedtime. But everything had been shattered when Willow was four, and began to see ghosts, or at the very least tell her mother about them. Willow had never understood what happened, but her mother had changed, just like she had. "Although she never managed to live up to those ideals," Willow added sadly, as today had given Willow another proof of just how little Jane Quinn cared.

"You deserved so much better than her," Edward told her softly, almost caringly, as Willow lifted her head and looked into his golden eyes. And from his eyes she could tell that he meant every word he said.

But did Willow deserve better… it truly was a hard question to answer, and one she had asked herself several times.

"It's hard to love someone who is different…" Willow muttered, recalling how her mother had loved her when she thought she was normal. "A part of me can't help but think if she is going to have another child, you know, to start over," she added, and the thought had both made her feel joy and jealousy over the last few weeks, not to mention a sense of fear.

Her mother somehow deserved a new chance, although Willow couldn't explain why, but she did. And Willow fully believed that Richard was a good husband, who would treat her mother well, and Willow couldn't blame them for wanting a child. She knew her mother was capable of being a good mother, which made her heart ache even more, as she hadn't been a good mother to Willow. But it didn't mean Jane Quinn couldn't love a new child, although a part of Willow feared for it's fate, should the child turn out like her.

"If she had a child it would just be another ordinary child. You were the extraordinary one," Edward tried to convince her, and Willow couldn't help the small dry laugh that escaped her lips in disbelief.

"I am the opposite of extraordinary," Willow tried to convince him, all while Edward continued to play the piano, as he shook his head. Both of them knew it wasn't possible to convince the other part, and so Edward allowed it to rest, and said instead.

"No matter what your mother didn't do right by you, and I hope she realizes it one day," he told her honestly, and Willow could agree to that. "Not everyone is lucky when it comes to their parents, but don't let it define you," he then advised her, and Willow tried to take his advice to heart, but it was hard.

How could one not be defined by the woman who had raised her for sixteen years? Willow wasn't sure it was possible, but as she stared at Edward she wondered if he was defined by his own parents, or he actually had managed to follow his own advice?

"Where you… where you lucky? with your birth parents?" Willow asked him carefully, unsure whenever their friendship was stable enough for such a question. Although Edward had asked about her parents without hesitation.

And Edward seemed to think for a moment, as his fingers paused over the keys, while the room turned silent. Willow managed to wonder if she had gone too far, before he once more continued his song.

"Yes and no…" he finally answered softly, and Willow raised an eyebrow at him, clearly not satisfied with his answer, just like his mother seemed to be listening as well.

"It's either one or the other," Willow protested, and wasn't going to accept such a vague answer. Edward sent her a small smile, as though he was teasing her, before his face got serious once more, while his hands continued to play, note by note.

"Yes, as in I was very lucky with my mom," he answered, and he almost sounded slightly guilty, as though it wasn't fair Willow had been given such a horrible mom, while he himself had been blessed with an angel. "Her name was Elisabeth Masen, and she was probably the most extraordinary mom a child could ask for. So yes i was lucky," he smiled, clearly having fond memories of his childhood, which made Willow envious for just a few seconds.

But for the first time she actually had a name for the ghost, who always seemed to love Edward, despite what all the other ghosts said about him, and her name had to be Elisabeth Masen. Willow was sure of it, as they seemed far too alike to be anything but mother and son, and she smiled fondly at her son as he spoke of her. All while Willow began to wonder whenever she was haunting him, or simply wished to be a part of his life.

"And what about the no?" Willow asked instead, as his music brought her out of her thoughts, and Willow realized he hadn't answered his question yet.

"It's a no, as in I wasn't as lucky with my father," Edward told her honestly, although he didn't look at her this time, but stared at the forest ahead.

"But you knew him?" Willow pressed, as she herself had no memory of her father, and knew very little about him. All she had was his name, Cross, which she hated above anything else. Her mother had always refused to tell her anything about her father, and she could only assume he was a horrible person, as no loving father would have left their daughter behind, or at least Willow thought so.

"Yes… he was there, he and my mother were married," Edward smiled, mostly because of the mention of his mother. "I suppose it wasn't as though he treated me badly, but he wasn't there," he continued. "He was a successful lawyer in our town, and his success brought me a lot of chances in life, but it also took my father away on business trips, doing god knows what," he spat, and Willow began to wonder if his father had been unfaithful to his mother, and Edward knew. It would explain his sudden anger, but Willow didn't dare to ask. "In the end we just didn't have a relationship," he ended, and Willow noticed Elizabeth seemed slightly saddened as well.

"Is he alive?" Willow asked carefully. She knew his mother wasn't alive, but she had never seen Edward's father, unless it was one of Edwards' bloody victims. Willow wasn't really sure if every dead person actually haunted someone, and so he could also have passed on to the next world, wherever that was.

"No…" Edward answered, slightly surprised Willow would ask. "He and my mother died during the Spanish Influenza. My father died during the first wave, while my mother and myself contracted it later, and she passed away as well," he told her, while his face remained stoic, as though he didn't want to show the hurt he felt himself, and Willow nodded…

Until a small detail caught her ear.

"Wait…" she said, and sat up straight as she stared at him, sceptically. "The Spanish Influenza.. isn't that many years ago?" Willow asked, unsure of herself. She had never been good at years, and had little care for modern history, but she was pretty sure the Spanish Influenza hadn't occurred last year.

"It was in 1918," Edward answered her, although a smile seemed to appear on his face, as though this was amusing. "Carlisle was a vampire who worked at the hospital when my mother and I were admitted…" he trailed off, as he sensed Willow's confusion. She truly hadn't been told anything about vampires, including their immortality, and she had simply concluded they aged like any other person. Never once had she thought about how young all of them seemed, and how strange it was for such a young doctor to adopt five children. Although she had thought some about it, she had never thought immortality was the answer.

"But you are like…" Willow tried to say, but she wasn't sure just what she was supposed to say, as she stared confused at the young man before her. The young man who couldn't be much older than her.

"I am fifty-five years old Willow." Edward laughed, and clearly found this far more amusing that Willow did.

But Willow was lost for words, as she stared at him, while her brain tried to convince her it wasn't possible. How could a person look like he was seventeen, when he in reality was far older than her… Willow could be his child if this was true, and he was older than her mother.

"Is this another case like your mind reading ability?" Willow asked him slowly, unsure just what to believe, although it made better sense than the mindreading thing, as some books actually spoke of vampires' immortality. Willow just hadn't thought of it.

But it was enough for Edward to stop playing, as she stared at her with a slightly annoyed expression, as Willow still refused to believe he could read another person's mind.

"I was born in 1901 on the 20th June in Illinois Chicago. And at the age of seventeen years Carlisle transformed me into a vampire, as my dying mother asked for me to be saved, and so I became immortal," he told her shortly, without too much details, and it was done with a sigh. To Willow it almost sounded as though her disbelief annoyed him slightly, but how could he blame her? Willow had never met anyone who was immortal before, and she had no reason to believe him. She had no reason to trust anyone in this house.

"I don't… i don't believe that's possible," Willow finally said, and long forgotten was her sorrow and sadness, as she was far too surprised by what Edward had told her.

But she meant it, although she doubted her own words as she said them, because maybe it was possible. Maybe these people actually were immortal. But how could she be sure, when she didn't trust them?

"Carlisle is over three hundred years old you know, and Esme was born in 1895. Ask them yourself if you don't believe me," Edward said, and shook his head as he began to laugh at her, while Willow became even more confused. Although this conversation seemed to make Edward happy.

But to Willow it made it all even more surreal, as she had a hard time imagine anyone being three hundred years old. If that was true Carlisle should have been ashes by now, and Esme should have looked far older than she was. But at the same time the couple didn't act like any couple Willow had met before, not to mention Carlisle did act far too formal, at least for the time he was in.

"What's so funny?" Willow asked slightly annoyed, as she glared at Edward, but he simply shook his head, as though Willow wouldn't understand. But she continued to glare at him, until he sighed, and said.

"It's just strange, you do believe we are vampires, yet you have been here for over a week and know nothing about us. But when i try to tell you a fact, you don't believe me…" he said with a small smile, and Willow wondered how anyone whose eyes seemed so alive could be dead, it simply wasn't possible.

"Are you referring to your mind reading, which you can't prove?" Willow asked him sceptical, with a raised teasing eyebrow, once more reminding him of their last conversation. Which hadn't gone too well for Edward, as Willow refused to believe him. To her nothing was possible, unless it could be proven.

"That is true whenever you believe it or not," he told her as a matter of fact, although nothing was going to convince Willow otherwise.

Edward hadn't continued to play since their small discussion started, and Willow couldn't help but notice how his stoic expression had disappeared, and he seemed alive. Far too alive to be immortal and a vampire, but Willow didn't want to say it, afraid it might ruin the good atmosphere.

"But can you actually prove your immortality?" Willow asked him instead with a victorious smile, knowing she would take him down like she did the last time. There was simply no way Edward could prove he was immortal, unless he killed himself, but Willow was pretty sure he wouldn't go that far.

But to her surprise Edward gave her a smile, as he walked over to her on the couch, and sat down beside her, slowly reaching his hand out to her.

"Feel my hand," he told her softly, with seriousness in his eyes, as Willow slowly stretched her own hand out, and grabbed his. He never grabbed hers, but simply allowed her to feel his hand, while he remained still. To Willow he almost looked like a statue, and felt like one, and if it weren't for his warm golden eyes, she would have thought he was a statue.

"It's cold," Willow noted, unsure what else to say, but she had noticed their cold skin before. "And hard," she added, as his hand actually felt like marble. She allowed her thumb to brush over his fingers, while her eyes studied the hand in hers, unsure what she was supposed to say.

"Yes," Edward agreed, and gently took her hand in his. "Now feel my pulse," he told her, as he placed two fingers upon his own wrist. Strangely enough he grabbed her free hand with his own free hand, and placed his cold fingers upon her puls.

And Willow could feel her own puls against his cold fingers, as blood bumped through her veins. What however shocked her was she couldn't find Edwards, and frustrated she pressed harder on his wrist, but nothing happened.

"I can't find it," Willow muttered concerned, although she didn't have much time to think, as Edward leaned closer, and grabbed her hand once more, placing it on his own chest. Willow could feel his chest through his thin shirt, but her brows knitted themselves together, as she couldn't feel his heartbeat.

And so she stared confused into his golden eyes, while he gave her a soft, almost pained smile.

"That's because it isn't there," he told her softly and slowly, making sure she heard each word, as he placed his own hand on top of hers on his chest. "My heart stopped beating when I was transformed… truly i am dead, but still alive… which makes me immortal." he whispered, while Willow stared at him, unsure what to think. "I don't age, and I have looked like this for thirty eight years," he informed her, and lowered her hand from his chest, although he continued to hold it in his own hand, which to Willow felt slightly strange. But she allowed it.

Willow wasn't terrified, but surprised was a better term for what she felt. Truth to be told she hadn't expected them to be immortal for some odd reason, just like she couldn't imagine them drinking blood, despite all their victims telling her otherwise. A part of her was trying to deny they were vampires, mostly because she had started to like some of them, or rather one of them.

"That's something else…" Willow said slowly, unsure what else to say, as he had given her proof, but was it enough to convince her?

"But do you believe me now?" Edward asked her curious, if not slightly desperate, while Willow was silent for a few seconds.

"I will have to think about it…" she finally said, while Edward groaned in annoyance, and shook his head.

"You are one peculiar human Willow Cross," he laughed.

And once more Willow's heart had been repaired, at least for a little while.

So i am sorry the update took some time, but here it is! Some chapters just write themselves, while others takes a bit of time.

Now i would just like to state, while i have the chance, that Willow isn't Edwards singer, which means the whole "I really want to eat you" thing isn't really going to be there, as it was between Bella and Edward. It worked in their relationship, but i just don't feel like it's needed between Willow and Edward. Just like he isn't fighting to stay away from Willow and giving her a normal life, as there really is no normal life for her anyway. Just a heads up.

Now a guest commented on fanfictionnet, and since i can't respond directly to a guest, i would like to take the oppertunity now. The question was if this was a story about Willow's pill addiction, and not about ghosts (i get no offense was meant, and none was taken, but i find the question important to answer) and the answer is no. It's not about her addiction, but with that being said the pills have an important role. So the Cullen's are obviously going to try and help Willow control this without the pills, but if i didn't include a pill in her life at this point, she simply woudln't be able to interact with Edward, and it sort of needs to happen. Not to mention Willow is scared, and she isn't addicted to the pill through her body per say, but her mind is addicted to the silence it gives her. So the pills are going to be there for a while, but as i can be seen, Carlisle is working on it.
Also, he knows more than any of you do (small teaser!)
But thank you for the question, i think it was a good and important question.

Now i hopes you enjoyed the chapter, please leave a comment with your thoughts!