Chapter Nine - IDK You Yet
Disclaimer - I don't own anything Twilight related, that all belongs to one Stephanie Meyer
Authors Note - Hello everyone! It's been a very long time since I've updated, just a lot going on with life. But I am still passionate about this story and I'm always thinking of new ideas, so I hope you'll stick with me! This chapter is a bit short, but I'm getting back into the swing of things. I got some lovely reviews and it makes me so happy that you are all enjoying the story so far! Thank you for the reviews, follows and favourites, and I hope everyone is doing okay!
How can you miss someone you've never met?
'Cause I need you now but I don't know you yet
But can you find me soon because I'm in my head?
Yeah, I need you now but I don't know you yet
IDK You Yet - Alexander 23
The week that followed my encounter with Alice felt longer than it was. So vivid in my mind yet had gone by like a blur. Almost every day since that night we had continued to pick away at each other, curious as to the ways we had and had not changed. It became very apparent very quickly that I was the one who was different, while Alice was much the same. It was strangely comforting to me, but something in my veins, the way my chest would tighten as I caught a glimpse of her golden eyes or the way her skin sparkled when hit by the rare rays of the sun, (she huffed with me for several minutes when I compared her shining skin to that of a disco ball), still caused me to be cautious in those first few days.
But it was Friday now, and I couldn't help but edge slightly closer to her as we laughed, perched side by side on a log by the river. Alice had rolled her eyes when I first suggested we use the river as our meeting place, though her warm smile reassured me that she understood my caution, and she was as patient as Alice could be.
"So," I curled my legs beneath myself as Alice turned toward me, "You've told me about the past and the present. What about your future?" she asked.
I let out a laugh, "Shouldn't I be asking you about that?"
Alice rolled her eyes, "I'm serious! I want to know."
I shrugged, "I already told you why I came to Forks, I haven't really thought about anything after that. We can't all lead exciting lives you know." I shot her a look, suppressing a smile. I pulled the sleeves of my sweater over my hands, picking at the fabric. I looked up at Alice, curious, "Do you remember? What is it that you wanted to do when you were my age? I mean things were vastly different so I couldn't even begin to imagine…"
Alice's eyes seemed to look past me for a moment, before snapping back, she smiled casually, "I don't remember anything from before."
I looked at her confused, "From before? Like, before you…" I scanned my eyes around the area, lowering my voice to a whisper, "became a vampire."
Alice laughed loudly at me, "If anyone was around I would know, you don't have to whisper."
I looked at her seriously, whirling my hand around the area to point in all directions, "You can never be too careful okay. I know you're a super skilled scary vampire, but I've read enough horror to know that a hunter could be lurking where you least expect it!" I declared loudly.
I couldn't help but feel slightly giddy (though I kept it to myself). I was the only one to know the Cullen's secret in the rainy town of Forks, and although all but Alice and perhaps Esme probably wanted to eat me, I couldn't help but feel my supernatural instincts increase by ten-fold. My urge to live out my dream of being in a monster-filled world seems to be coming true.
The more rational part of my brain scolded me for having such thoughts, for not taking seriously the situation at hand. I suppose it was easy to forget the true nature of my friend when it was so simple to slip back into the warm security of our friendship, not thinking of how she could snap me in two before I could even blink.
"Well," she said, "I thank you for being so diligent." I could tell she was holding in a laugh. "But yes, from before I was turned."
I pulled the fabric of my sweater harder, "Oh." I wasn't sure how to react.
Alice raised an eyebrow, still smiling, "Don't look so glum, it was a long time ago. Can't miss what you don't remember."
I gave her a small smile, contemplating her words. She wasn't wrong but the thought of forgetting my own past, no matter how painful it could be, was terrifying.
I jumped at the sound of my phone ringing. I dug into the pocket of my coat to grab it, putting it to my ear.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Clara…"
"Bella? Hey! Everything okay?"
Alice's eyes flash in excitement as she leans forward. She mouths 'Bella Swan?'
"Oh- yeah yeah. I was just wondering if you wanted to meet for dinner or something? Schools over so-"
I looked at Alice, knowing she had heard every word. She grins, nodding.
"Yeah sure, that sounds good, I can meet you in like fifteen minutes? The usual?"
"Yeah, that works for me. I'll see you in a bit then?"
"Yeah see you soon!"
Alice squeals as I hang up the phone, "that's exciting."
I laugh standing up, stretching. "It's just Bella, we usually do things like this."
Alice jumps up, "Can I come?"
I stare at her small buzzing form, big smile, and a head full of questions.
Raising an eyebrow I respond, "No." Alice Pouts.
"Don't look at me like that," I say, walking backwards, "You know that's a terrible idea, your family might actually end me.
'They're boring.' She frowns, but I can see the twitch at the corners of her mouth.
'You know, that's not how I would describe them.' I laugh at the sight of her sticking her tongue out, 'I'll text you later, okay?"
"Okay!" It never failed to surprise me when it came to Alice's constant upbeat persona. But as I waved goodbye to her, watching as she disappeared in a blink of an eye, there was a small feeling in my chest, though I wasn't sure what it was. Sadness? Maybe. How can someone who can't even remember who they were before… well before vampires, be so optimistic?
I walked through the woods, making my way to my car, hurrying to meet Bella. I was curious, she hadn't mentioned much of Edward or the Cullens since I had discovered their secret, yet I couldn't help but feel she was suspicious. She knew something was off, and I knew she was right. Clearly, the Cullen's were also aware of this as Bella told me how Edward was actively avoiding her now.
Part of me wanted to tell her, and as I sat opposite her in the small diner, listening as she spoke of a book she was reading, I had to stuff my mouth full of fries just to stop myself. The sensible part of my brain knew it wouldn't be a good idea for her to get involved with the likes of the Cullens, I could barely deal with being involved with one of them.
Full and satisfied, I left Bella, joining Joe in our late-night shift in the shop. The aisle was empty, the evening quickly darkening outside. Joe and I stood at the counter, a bag of sweets open between us, as I quickly scribbled away on a piece of paper.
"Shit, that looks good!" Joe leans over the page, taking in the image. "You know, she would hate this, but she looks a lot like her mom there."
I pull back, taking in the picture of Addy I had quickly sketched. Bored out of our minds, Joe had challenged me to draw our friends how they would look in twenty years. I quirk an eyebrow at him. "I dare you to tell her."
Joe placed a hand on his chest, "Are you mad? I don't want to die."
I snorted. Joe moved the old Addy drawing to the pile of others, then looked me dead in the eye, "Last one…"
I narrowed my eyes, "go on…"
"Marian."
My mouth twisted to hold back a grin, then quickly let my pen fly across the page. It was the one that took the least amount of time, and when I was done, I turned the page and pushed it toward Joe.
He laughed, shocked, giving me a look, "you're awful." He took in the quickly sketched coffin.
"I know and I would feel guilty if she hadn't made me rearrange the storeroom three times."
Joe shrugged his shoulders, "To be honest, with how high her blood pressure must be with the way she runs about with all that stress, you probably aren't wrong."
We laugh. We decided to close up early with no customers in sight, heading toward my car sitting along in its parking space. Joe took his time, flicking through the pile of sketches. Seeing the coffin image on the top of the pile, I whisk it from his grasp.
"I'll have to burn this, otherwise, I reckon Marian would sniff it out and fire me. Or make me rearrange the stockroom again."
"Isn't it crazy?" Joe asked, continuing when he spotted my questioning look. "How we are all going to end up like that one day?" He indicated to the page in my hand.
"Alright Joe, let's not get too depressing."
He laughs again, bumping my shoulder, 'I mean look.' He held up the sketch of him, holding it by his face, "I bet I'm getting grey hairs already."
I rolled my eyes at his dramatics. Then my face drops into a serious expression.
"What?" Joe asks warily.
"Just…" I slowly edge toward him, leaning in close, hand coming toward his head. Joe is wide-eyed, like a deer in headlights, and I had to bite my lip to stop my laughter. Quickly, I reached forward tugging a single hair from his head.
"Ow!" Joe flinches, massaging the paint spot.
"You're right, grey-haired already. Best come up with a new skincare routine before you get wrinkles too, old man."
"I'm not wrinkly!" Joe's face is a mixture of shock and sheer amusement, continuing to massage his head, his face flushed slightly.
"I don't want to think about getting old, I can barely adult as it is," I whined, opening my car door.
"Well, you aren't wrong there," Joe quipped, joining me in the car.
"You shouldn't insult the person giving you a lift home, you know."
"My apologies. Could I make it up to you over a friendly drink?"
I turn the keys, the engine revving to life. "I can't tonight, I'm taking myself to Port Angeles tomorrow, so I can't afford a hangover. But if you're free you could always meet me there tomorrow night? More choice than there is in Forks."
"Sounds like a plan, I'll maybe give the others a text too. We can make a night of it. Also, I'm keeping some of these drawings. I'll let you keep the one of you, Clara. If in twenty years we both look how you imagine, I'll buy you a pack of beer."
I woke up rather early the next morning, dragging myself to the shower in a desperate attempt to wake myself up. After the hectic time I had experienced as of late, I felt a day away from Forks, away from the Cullen's, was well needed. And where better to go than to Port Angeles for a peaceful day of shopping and coffee drinking. I was giddy as well, at the thought of meeting all of my friends for an evening of fun. Despite the short amount of time, I had spent in Forks, and despite all of the, shall we say abnormal things that had taken place, I hadn't felt so content, so settled and welcomed, in such a long time.
After a quick breakfast, I headed to my car, turning the radio on. I could feel the weight of the last week, lift off of my shoulders, the green views of Forks passing me by as I drove closer to my destination. Once had arrived in Port Angeles, it took me a while to find a spot to park. Being a Saturday, the city was bustling and alive, and I felt glad to have a bit of normality.
From what I could tell whilst I was driving, the sky was dull, the sun hidden behind the clouds, but it looked dry at least. I took another good look at the grey above me, my mouth twisting. I jumped from my car, digging through my bag, juggling bits and bobs in my hands as I look for my prize. Victorious, I pull the umbrella from my bag, but in doing so I spill its contents all over the ground.
Embarrassed, I groan, leaning down to pick up my things, muttering to myself as the sounds of other cars and people move around me. Replacing my things, I can't help but notice the gossiping women not far from me. I flush. Are they laughing at me?
I stand quickly, looking once again at the women. My eyebrows furrow.
They weren't looking at me. They were looking behind me.
Giggling, the women hurry away, unashamedly glancing over their shoulders as they go.
Confused, I follow their eyes, turning.
The contents of my bag were once again scattered across the ground beneath my feet, though I didn't notice. All I could see was the stare of the man that's been in the back of my mind for some time now. A stare that gives away none of his intentions.
Jasper Hale is here, standing a meter away from me.
The old sketch I had drawn for Joe last night was clearly incorrect. My death date seems to be today.
