Chapter Four - Eat You Alive
Disclaimer - I don't own anything Twilight-related, that all belong's to one Stephanie Meyer.
Authors Note: Hello, hello! Thank you for all of the favourites and follows! I'm glad people are interested in following along with this journey as I am enjoying writing it! This chapter was actually supposed to continue on, but it was getting quite long so I'm saving the rest for the next chapter. Things are starting to pick up now, so I hope you all enjoy!
FourHorses - Thank you so much for another review and I am glad you're enjoying the story! I just wanted to respond to try and clear up any confusion! So for Clara, she hasn't seen the Cullens for around seven years, so her memory of them has somewhat faded, much like with her father. In terms of the dream, she couldn't really remember much after waking up, so she hasn't put two and two together yet about who the man was. I do expand on it a bit in this chapter so I hope it clears it up somewhat! But I appreciate you pointing it out, and I will go back and reread the earlier chapters to see if I need to change some things to avoid confusion. :)
I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays! Happy reading.
He said to me
Child, I'm afraid for your soul
These things that you're after, they can't be controlled
This beast that you're after will eat you alive
And spit out your bones
Eat You Alive, The Oh Hellos
The snow that fell on Monday was a tease for what was to come. I squealed with childish glee when I opened my curtains on Tuesday morning, a layer of snow and ice covering the landscape, the greens and browns of the surrounding forests mixing with a beautiful white fluff.
I lifted my watch from the bedside table, checking the time. 08:00, far too early to be awake on my day off, but my body was like clockwork. My mom was already gone when I walked down the stairs, blanket wrapped around my pyjama covered body. The cold from outside lingered in the air, sending a chill through me. I got myself comfortable on the sofa, a creamy coffee clutched in my hand as the TV played quietly in the background.
I had a day of free time and I wasn't sure what to do with myself. Perhaps a day of some classic horror was in the cards. I just needed the right company.
Pulling out my phone, I scrolled through the contacts, putting it to my ear as the number rang.
"Hello?" a pained groan came from the other end, causing me to let out a surprised laugh.
"Addy? Are you okay?"
Another groan, "Clara? What time is it?"
"Uh… sometime after eight."
"Good God, why are you ringing me so early? Did someone die?"
"By the sounds of it, you did." I licked my bottom lip, "Wait. Are you hungover?" I exclaimed.
The moan that came from the other end was all the answer I needed.
"Ow! Don't shout." I could hear Addy shuffling around on the other end. "My brother and I ended up in Port Angeles last night, and I had like seven cocktails. Not good."
"Oh my God, I'm hurting for you." I laughed.
"Thanks, I'll take all the pity you can give." She paused, a noise of frustration leaving her. She pulled the phone from her ear, yet I could still hear the shout that left her, "Aaron! Where's the Asprin!"
I giggled again, "How are you planning to do this again, tomorrow night?"
"If I just keep drinking, it'll keep the pain away."
"I'm pretty sure that's how alcoholism starts."
"Well, I am twenty-three. I've got to start sometime."
I hummed, "I can't remember the last time I had a cocktail."
"Well, you're in for a treat then. There will be many tomorrow night, courtesy of yours truly."
"Oh, do you have a secret double life as a bartender?" I teased.
She scoffed, "No, I just have far too much free time." I could hear her gulping down water on the other end. "Why did you call me anyway?" her confusion quickly turned to panic, "I didn't have work today right?"
I laughed again, "No. I was actually calling to see if you wanted to come over and watch some movies, but I see that that is maybe not the best idea, considering your current state."
"Aww!" Addy whined, "A movie day sounds so cute! Why didn't you ask me last night before I made many bad decisions?"
"I should have used my crystal ball to see into the future, to stop you before it was too late."
We chatted for a short while longer before Addy declared she needed to go back to sleep, otherwise, her vision may never stop spinning. I made myself a quick breakfast of bacon, eggs and pancakes, and poured some fresh apple juice. I was just settling in to watch 1982's The Thing, when my phone buzzed. Taking a sip from my drink, I looked at the phone, it was a text from my mom. I set my glass down as I read it.
Clara just wanted to let you know that Bella was in an accident involving a van this morning. She's at the hospital at the moment, seems to be okay, but is getting a few tests just to be sure. I'll call you in a bit to let you know what's happening.
I reread the words a few times and then in an instant, I was up the stairs and into my room, throwing on my clothes from the day before. I couldn't wait until my mom rang me, and so I was in my car on the way to Forks hospital, driving as quickly as humanly possible in the icy conditions, I was now cursing. I was shocked as I pulled up into the parking lot; it seemed as though half of Forks was here.
After spending a few minutes trying to find a parking spot, I rushed into the building, almost running into a crowd of teenagers. "Sorry," I said quickly, moving past them.
I had never been to Forks hospital before, I hadn't had the need, so I didn't even know where to start looking. I tried asking one of the nurses but she simply said I would have to wait with everyone else. Well, I was definitely not going to do that. I Ioitered a few moments until I was sure the woman wouldn't notice me slip by, and then I moved, peaking behind any curtains that I passed.
Where was my mother? And Charlie? More importantly where was Bella, and how did she manage to get into an accident with a Van. Did she fall in front of it? That would be a Bella thing to do.
I knew I was walking aimlessly around the halls, I felt like Addy, my patience dwindling quickly.
I rounded a corner, and time seemed to freeze. The hallway was practically empty apart from two figures standing at the far end. They were deep in conversation. From what I could see, the first was a man, who couldn't have been that much older than I was, and was a doctor from the look of his clothing. He was incredibly pale and movie-star handsome, looking down at the second figure with concern in his eyes. It was the other person my eyes seemed to linger on, even from the side, her distant features sent a chill down my spine. The whole thing only lasted a few seconds, but it felt like hours.
I flung myself back the way I had come from, back pressed against the wall, hoping they hadn't noticed me. There is just no way, no way…
Rosalie Hale.
I had to have been imagining things. Rosalie Hale. In Forks, Washington.
No, no, no, no, no.
Black eyes. Deep dark pits of pure horror, the thought of which had me breathing heavily.
PANIC
I pushed away from the wall, and my feet were moving. Where was I going? Away.
Away from her. From danger.
What danger? It was just a woman. A woman with the same perfect golden hair, and perfect features.
I'm going insane. I had to be.
I stopped at the end of the hall, bracing my head against the cool wall. My mind was racing.
Breathe Clara. Breathe. In and out, in and out.
I didn't know how long I had been standing there for, contemplating why I had such a strong reaction over nothing. I jumped, spinning as a cool hand rested on my back. It was the blonde man who had been talking to her.
He looked at me with concern, gold eyes staring into my blue ones. "Are you alright?" He asked, voice gentle, analysing my face. "You're very pale."
I would have laughed at the irony if I wasn't about to lose my mind. He looked very tired I noticed; circles under his eyes.
He continued, moving a hand toward me again, slowly, "Perhaps you should sit-"
"I'm fine." I managed to get out, moving away from him quickly. "Excuse me." I squeaked, turning away from his very confused look, hurrying back through the hallways, around the nurses and curtains, toward the exit. Air. I needed air.
"Clara!" I jumped again, nearly bowling over my much shorter mother.
"Mom. Hi!" I said almost too cheery. Why was I breathing so heavy? It sounded like I just ran a marathon.
"Are you okay?" She looked at me with the same confusion as the man had.
"Yep, I'm great." I was not great. I was confused as to why I was acting this way.
She wasn't convinced, "What are you doing here?"
Why was I here? Oh right. "I came to see Bella. I couldn't find her though."
"I was just with her, she's okay, just needs to see Doctor Cullen, before she can leave-"
"Cullen?" I blinked, mind going blank.
My mom's eyebrows furrowed, "Yes, Clara." She stared at me, as I continued looking blankly ahead, trying to keep the screaming inside my head from leaving my mouth. "What has gotten into you?"
"Nothing!" My voice was a pitch higher than normal. "Just worried about Bella!"
My mom opened her mouth to say something, but her reply was cut off by an approaching nurse, muttering to her quietly. My mom sighed, nodding. I felt a shot of sadness shoot through me, and I felt bad. She looked so tired.
Sighing she looked up at me again, a question clear in her eyes, but it went unsaid. "Bella shouldn't be much longer, why don't you go wait with Charlie? He's been pacing about the waiting room since he got here, I'm surprised there isn't a hole in the ground."
The last thing I wanted was to stay in this building, but I couldn't say no to my mom at that moment. Besides, maybe if I act as though everything is fine, it will be.
Doubt it.
I made my way to the waiting room, taking deep breaths, trying to calm myself. I found Charlie pacing just as my mom had said and I didn't know how I had missed him when I had entered the building. Perhaps it was due to the distraction of nearly barreling into a bunch of teenagers, all of which I noted, were still there. Must be the friends Bella had mentioned.
Charlie's face relaxed a little when he saw me walking toward him, "Clara."
"Hi, Charlie, how you holding up?"
"Feel like I'm about to lose it," Same "Have you seen Sally?"
I nodded, "Yeah, I just saw her," I indicated behind myself, not daring to turn around, "she said Bella is absolutely fine, just waiting for Doctor-" I stuttered, clearing my throat before continuing, "Doctor Cullen to give her the all-clear."
"Oh good, that's good. I trust your mom. And Doctor Cullen. Probably the only two people whose word I'd trust." He didn't relax, his stance still stiff, but he had stopped pacing.
I bit my lip for a moment, daring to glance over my shoulder. There were no golden eyes staring at me, so I turned back toward him.
"I haven't heard anything about these Cullen's. Who are they?" I tried to sound calm ane collected, as though I didn't really care about the answer.
"They moved to Forks about two years ago. Good people, I never had any trouble from the kids, and we're lucky to have Doctor Cullen here with us, does a lot for this community. People in this town go on about them, silly gossip." He shook his head, almost looking offended on their behalf.
"What sort of gossip?" I pried, biting my lip.
"I don't know, I never go out of my way to listen to that sort of nonsense. I know Bella said the kids don't really seem to fit in at school, mostly keep to themselves."
"They go to school with Bella?" I felt confusion wash over me. Did Doctor Cullen and his wife adopt even more children? Wasn't five enough? Or was this a different family with the Cullen name?
What is happening?
"Yeah, one of the kids, Edward, he was brought in with Bella-"
"Edward?"
Charlie looked at me through furrowed brows, "Are you alright Clara? You're looking a bit… sweaty." he indicated awkwardly toward me.
I wiped a hand over my forehead, feeling the layer of cold sweat that lay there. I felt my cheeks heat in embarrassment. "Yeah. It's just really warm in here."
He looked as though he was about to continue when something caught his eye over my shoulder. I turned following his gaze, landing on a thoroughly flustered looking Bella. Glancing quickly around the room I realised this whole situation was probably Bella's version of a nightmare.
Charlie rushed toward her, and she immediately began reassuring him. Noticing everyone's attention snapping on to her I could see Bella's cheeks reddening. I managed to get her attention with a small hand wave, indicating behind me toward the exit, and she gave me a look of relief, ushering Charlie forward.
I turned to exit the doors, taking a deep breath of fresh air, filling my lungs. I waited for Bella and Charlie to follow me, before turning to Bella.
"Do you have a knack for getting into bother?" I asked.
She grumbled in reply. She looked irritated, turning her eyes to me, "How did you even know I was here?"
"My mom text me, she thought I would want to know. What happened, anyway?" I asked curiously.
"This guy I go to school with, Tyler, he spun out on the ice, the van almost hit me."
"The kid shouldn't have access to a car, he could have killed Bella."
"Dad, stop."
"Wow." My eyebrows raised. "Well aren't you lucky."
Charlie climbed into the cruiser, watching Bella as though she might break at any moment.
"You okay?" I asked after a moment, watching her closely.
"God, yes I'm fine, I haven't broken anything." She snapped slightly, clearly, she had been asked that question one too many times. She looked exhausted and embarrassed.
"I didn't mean physically. You seem annoyed. Is it that Tyler kid? Do you think he was secretly trying to murder you?" I joked lightly, though Bella didn't laugh.
She paused for a moment at my words, biting her lip, contemplating her words. I could almost see a battle happening inside her head.
I continued, "You can tell me anything Bella."
She ran her hand through her hair, and I noticed her subtle glance toward the hospital. She let out a breath, "I think I should get home." She nodded, "I'm a bit tired."
I continued watching her for a few beats before smiling at her softly, "Okay Bella. I'll text you later, yeah?"
Bella chewed on her lip, looking as though she wanted to burst out with something. She nodded, turning toward the car door.
Before she could open it I spoke once again, "Bella?" I called as she paused, "The Edward guy that came into the hospital with you, was that the one you told me about, the biology one?"
She seemed to pale a little at the mention of his name. "Yeah, Edward Cullen. He stopped- well he pulled me out of the way of the van." She stuttered out. "It all happened really fast."
"Oh okay." I nodded. I didn't know what to say. "Well, I'll see you later Bella. I'm glad you're okay."
"Yeah." She got into the car, and I watched, giving a small wave as Charlie pulled out of the parking lot.
My smile dropped. Shooting a nervous look toward the hospital I walked quickly to my car, getting in and locking the doors.
Okay… okay. Let's think for a minute. I stared out of the front window, holding the steering wheel so tight my knuckles grew white.
What did any of this mean, why was I freaking out.
A memory came over me. Seven years ago, mouth full of braces, baking brownies in my aunt's kitchen with Alice Cullen. Sixteen, and full of crazy conspiracies about werewolves and mermaids and Vampires.
I shook my head, starting the engine. I needed to get away from here. I drove far quicker than I should have considering the icy conditions. Once I was inside my house, I made sure every door was locked, every window closed.
It wasn't until I sat in a rather-too-hot bath that I realised how crazy I had reacted. I glanced at a woman who may have been someone I went to school with seven years ago, whom I was more than certain I never spoke one word to. The name of a family uttered, one that I hadn't heard for a long time, outside of my own thoughts.
And I ran away as though there was a monster out to get my throat.
I buried my face into my hands, cringing with embarrassment. I was not sixteen anymore. I promised myself I would give up the foolish notion that the Cullens had a secret, a monstrous one, that envolved fangs and coffins, a strange coping mechanism for the mess that was my life.
It was the shock. It had to be. The mysterious circumstances surrounding their sudden departure from Alberta, Canada. The cutting off of my best friend, and a very strange exchange with a set of twins. The Cullens ticked all my boxes, a mystery-thriller novel in the making, one that I wanted to read, and consume, analysing every twist and turn until the truth came to light at the climax of the story.
But this isn't a novel. These are real people, with real lives. And sure, there was no denying the Cullen's were weird. However, speaking from my own experience, I should know that just because someone has a reputation for being strange (like I did), doesn't mean that there is a dark secret to uncover.
And that is what I had fully committed to a few months after they had left Alberta, gone from my life forever. Apparently forever wasn't permanent. And if this really was the same Cullen family, then there were definitely some things that didn't make sense.
I pushed some of the bubbles around the tub, biting my lip. There was no harm in analysing the situation at hand, just for my own sanity. I couldn't spend the rest of my time in Forks running around like a scared animal.
Okay, let's break this down.
According to Charlie, Doctor Cullen and his family moved to Forks two years ago. From where I wasn't sure.
My whirling mind screamed that said doctor was the blond man who had touched me with his cold hands. The gold eyes were a giveaway. God, what was his name again? Something beginning with C I think?
So the doctor moved to Forks along with his wife… who was his wife? I tapped the side of the tub, eyes narrowing in concentration. Wait, wait, WAIT.
Oh, I'm so stupid! How did I not realise? It had to be Esme! The woman who I talked to while Addy dealt with a frozen yoghurt problem.
Obviously, dummy. Gold-eyes, 'quite the family', a doctor for a husband? Tick, tick and tick.
God, how did they both look so young? Note to self, ask Esme for skincare tips.
Okay so, if the man I spotted at the hospital, WAS, in fact, daddy Cullen, then perhaps that woman was Rosalie. Granted I didn't get a good look at her, and my memories of them were quite fuzzy for the most part. Apart from those eyes. A shiver ran through me again, and I sank deeper into the hot water.
Why would Rosalie still be living with her adoptive parents? Was she visiting? Surely Emmett and her, (who I vaguely remembered being a thing) would have moved away somewhere, together? Or maybe things between them ended, and she had nowhere to go?
But then what about Emmett? He was their son too? I wrinkled my nose slightly. God their relationship was so weird.
Speaking of adopted children, how many did they have? It simply wasn't possible for the Cullen kids I went to school with to be the same ones that Bella was currently attending Forks High School with.
But then…
Edward. Bella's biology Edward; asshole, weirdo, Edward Cullen. The boy who skipped school all because one Isabella Swan sat next to him.
He had been in the hospital too apparently, though I hadn't seen him, thank God. Bella had said he pulled her out of the way-
My forehead wrinkled, almost like a sign that I was thinking. Running over the conversation again, Bella had said something else.
'Edward Cullen. He stopped-'
Stopped what? The van? No, don't be stupid Clara. And yet… Bella definitely seemed as though she was holding something back. Put a pin in that.
What was Edward even doing in high school though? Charlie had referred to all of the adoptees as kids, implying they had not yet hit adulthood. The Edward Cullen I knew would definitely no longer be a kid, much less a teenager.
None of them would be, not Edward, or Emmett. Not scary Rosalie or Alice-
Alice.
For a moment my head cleared of all my musings, forgetting the weirdness of the situation. If this really was the same family, would that mean Alice would be here? My heart filled with warmth, butterflies in my stomach. Could I see her? Would I want to see her? Would she want to see me?
I was overcome with emotion, sad and scared, the fear of rejection running through me, the fear of getting my hopes up only to be let down once more. I tried so hard in the months following the Cullen's disappearance, to forget about her, to block out the happiness and comfort she had brought me as my teenage mind tried to deal with the fact that I would soon lose my father. That's why I never spoke about her to my parents, why I brushed off my aunt and uncle when they queried where they had gone. I wanted to pretend she didn't exist. It was easy enough when the small town's attention fixated on the next big drama, and soon the Cullen's were never spoken about, ghosts in the wind.
I leaned my head over the back of the bathtub, letting out a tired frustrated breath. Forks was supposed to help clear my head. My head was officially not cleared.
I paused, mulling everything over.
Oh, I'd forgotten about Jasper. Handsome, blonde, Jasper who had constantly looked as though he was screaming on the inside, who had saved me from his evil twin. Christ, he had nice hair-
Wait.
I sat up straight, eyes widening. I thrust myself out of the tub, almost slipping on the floor, as a large wave of water followed me over the side. I hastily wrapped the towel hanging over the rail around my body, glad that my mother wasn't home as I was certain I would have flashed her. Wet footprints followed me into my room, as I scrambled through my bag, pulling out my sketchbook.
I sat on the end of my bed, not caring about the wet patch that was slowly building beneath me. I flicked through the pages, stopping on the one unfinished drawing. I stared at my dream man for a few beats, beforr setting it down beside me and rushing across to my desk. I reached for a pencil, not caring as the pencil holder fell over, the contents spilling out. Retaking my spot on the bed, I grasped the pad again, searching my memory for that face. The pencil moved with a quick, sure movement as I filled in the missing features, fixing the drawing. A minute later I threw the pencil away, barely noticing the clatter as it fell to the ground. I stared at the finished sketch, small water droplets marring the page as they fell from my hair, as it curtained my face.
Well, shit.
I had dreamt of Jasper Hale. There was no doubt in my mind. The drawing was finally complete, perfect.
Why am I such a weirdo?
How did I not notice before? Granted I couldn't really remember the dream after I had awoken, just a vague fuzzy image of someone. But still, now that I knew, it had been so obvious this whole time.
Why am I such an idiot? An oblivious idiot.
Why was it so important that I realised who this was? Why did I even dream about Jasper Hale after so many years?
Golden eyes. My most vivid memory of Jasper were those curious mesmerising eyes.
And that same day, before the dream I had met Esme Cullen. Perhaps something triggered in my brain, though I was still confused. How did I not put two and two together sooner?
How did I not realise?
Or maybe I did? Maybe somewhere deep in the back of my mind, I knew. It was like the dream was telling me to wake up, notice what's right in front of you. Maybe I didn't want to notice. I had spent so long blocking certain things from my memory that perhaps I unconsciously ignored the signs.
My head was giving me a warning. They were here. He was here.
Or maybe, I was going insane and was having a weird fantasy of Jasper Hale. That works too.
The longer I stared at the drawing the more I began to feel like a creep. I cringed in embarrassment once more, feeling as though I was creating another story about this mysterious family. I was going to get myself into bother again.
And yet... a small thrill of excitement ran through me. I hadn't dug deep into a mystery for so long. I just had to know what the answers were to all my questions, even if they were normal and logical.
A few hours later, I sat at my desk, fully clothed, hair dry. In front of me on the desk was the drawing and a piece of paper. I scanned my eyes over the words:
To do list:
- Find out daddy Cullen's name
- Quiz Bella on the Cullen children
- How are they still in High School if it's the same ones?
- Alice.
- See what Addy knows, (Also find out where she lives for tomorrow night)
- Ask Bella about the van incident, and biology Ed
- Buy a new cross
- Does mom have garlic?
-THE CULLENS AREN'T VAMPIRES CLARA
- Or are they…?
- Is Rosalie a demon?
- Question my sanity
- WHY DID I DREAM ABOUT JASPER HALE?
I tapped my fingers on the page, knowing if my mother walked in she would freak out at my insane ramblings. I was waiting for her to come home, so I could question her about dear old Doctor Cullen. Unfortunately, disappointment was my only friend that evening.
My phone buzzed and I hurried to answer it, "Mom. When are you coming home?"
"Well, hello to you too, Clara-bell.I was just calling to tell you that I won't be home till late. Some girls from work invited me for some drinks, so I'm going to get dinner out tonight. Is that okay?"
I wanted to say no, you need to come home, but she sounded so hopeful, and the tired look on her face flashed through my mind. "Yeah, sure mom." I tried to sound as cheerful as possible.
"Okay great! There are some leftovers in the fridge from last night if you don't feel like cooking." She paused, before continuing hesitantly, "Are you feeling okay? You seemed a bit off earlier in the hospital."
I sighed, "Yeah mom, sorry. Just got really nervous with all the people and was worried about Bella. I didn't mean to worry you."
"Well, okay, if you're sure. I'll talk to you later okay?"
"Wait, mom!" I rushed out, "Can I ask something?"
"Of course, sweetheart." She answered, curious.
"I was just wondering," I tried to sound casual, "you know Doctor Cullen right?"
"Carlise? Yeah, I mentioned him before didn't I?"
Carlise. Name beginning with C. Tick.
"Uh, yeah, I think so. What does he look like?"
"Uh…" I could hear the confusion in my mom's voice, and I waited with growing anticipation, "Well... I suppose most people would say he's very handsome. Blonde hair...-"
"What colour are his eyes?" I prompted.
"… he has a very strange eye's, almost like a yellowy-brown colour I suppose? Why? Did you see him today?" Her voice turned almost suggestive and I could practically see the smirk growing on her face.
"Yeah, I think so." I nodded, even though she couldn't see me.
I was right! Cold handsome doctor man, was Mr Cullen.
"Well, don't get your hopes up," she laughed, "he's very married, and as loyal as they come."
"Ew mom, stop. I was just curious."
"Uh-huh," she continued laughing, "As much as I would love to gush with you over Carlise Cullen, the girls are waiting."
"Ugh, just go. Enjoy your fancy dinner and drinks."
I spent the rest of the evening unsettled and pacing, my eyes constantly flickering to my unopened lore books that sat in my bookshelf.
No. I would not start that. Not without definite proof, it was them. And how would I get that?
I needed to see them. I would not be satisfied until I did.
And I knew just how to go about it.
