Everything around me was out of focus, blurry. From the color pallet alone and judging by how thick and large some of the green and brown blobs of color were, I knew it was a heavily wooded area.
Something caught my attention, I'd be at a loss if I had to explain what; but when I turned I saw two figures, though as blurry as the woods that surrounded them, I could tell from their stature that they were male.
They were standing a few feet from each other not moving, and not talking. No, they were talking, I could hear them, the humming of their voices so fast and quiet I couldn't decipher a single word, was I too far away to hear what was said? Or were they simply talking too fast?
Suddenly something like a mirage weaved in front of my vision, I was slowly being pulled back, further and further from the two males. My vision was suddenly consumed with smokey black, glancing around I could see nothing but inky tendrils writhing in the dark.
A growl behind me captured my attention, and upon turning around I was greeted by two glowing crimson orbs, though not unlike Jasper's, they were narrowed in slanted mirth. As the dark tendrils suddenly shot forwards circling me completely, making any option of escape impossible, I watched as those eyes widened in what I can only describe as insane sadistic glee.
My eyes snapped open, though I had to squint from the sudden bright light. There was a hand on my shoulder and a silhouette standing above me, upon further inspection I realized it was Rosalie. The bright light I saw wasn't that of the sky but of the overhead lights, glancing at the window I saw it was dark outside.
How long have we been here? How long was I asleep for? Rosalie pulled her hand away when I moved to sit up, I saw we weren't alone, Carlisle was standing on the other side of the bed smiling warmly at me.
" Sorry it took longer than expected, but we can go now," Carlisle said, his long white coat draped neatly over one arm.
Nodding I scooted to the side of the bed, I glanced down when I felt a strange pressure on my leg, oh, right, I already forgot about the bandages. Getting to my feet I had to grab the bedpost as I started to sway slightly, feeling light-headed and drowsy.
Was I just tired? I'm usually able to wake up quickly and abruptly when the occasion calls for it, having been chased time and again when I lived in the alleyways. I was pulled from my thoughts when I felt myself leaving the floor, being placed onto someone's hip. Glancing up I saw the concerned face of Carlisle as he pressed his hand onto my forehead.
" You're burning up," Carlisle muttered, turning to look at Rosalie.
After another one of their silent communications, Carlisle was walking out of the room with me firmly on his hip and Rosalie not too far behind. Placing my head on his shoulder I sighed at how nice the cool felt that seeped through his shirt, combined with the rhythmic steps I fell into a sort of daze.
I've been sick a few times before, each time was very inconvenient of course, but never have I felt so, drained. What changed? Have I become so lax that my body dropped most of its internal defenses? That wouldn't do. It also doesn't make sense, for my body to become as vulnerable as it seems to be would take at least months with living with these people, and it's only been, it's only been... I can't seem to recall.
Why can't I remember? This illness or virus must be affecting my brain, which is not good, not good at all. The thud of a door shutting jostled me from my thoughts and I saw that we were in a car, I was now being cradled by Carlisle as Rosalie got into the driver's side. When did we get outside? When did we walk out of the exit doors?
My mind was running significantly slower, wait, I've said, or rather, thought, this before already, didn't I? I can't remember if I did or not. Maybe more rest will do me some good, hopefully.
With that thought in mind, I shifted until I found a comfortable enough position on Carlisle's lap, before placing my head against his cool chest. I couldn't help but sigh yet again at the pleasant temperature that seeped into my too warm for comfort flesh.
Shutting my eyes in hopes of sleeping these sudden changes off, I was interrupted by the image of those crimson eyes, staring at me. A tremor shook through my frame as I opened my eyes, seeing only Rosalie driving, the dark interior of the car, besides the glowing buttons, and again, Carlisle's concerned face.
" Are you alright, son?" He asked gently, wrapping his arm carefully around my waist.
" Yes, I'm fine," I replied.
Besides this apparent illness, I was fine. Why did the image of that creature have this effect on me? Could it possibly be related to or even be the cause of this illness?
Shutting my eyes again, I was faced with the same image, followed by that same tremor, I didn't open my eyes this time, however. Instead, I observed the creature. It, staring just as intently back.
I could feel perspiration forming on my body as my face felt more heated, followed by a slight trembling in my lower lip, but why? Suddenly, as I watched the image of those eyes angle themselves into a position that gave the appearance it was smiling, something akin to ice-cold water pouring down my back had me involuntarily sitting as straight as a pole, making my eyes reflexively spring open.
" Clearly, you're not fine," Rosalie exclaimed as she glanced over at me.
As Carlisle put his hand on my back, rubbing small circles. I felt that ice-y flow being replaced by a soothing cool.
" Can you tell me what's wrong?" Carlisle asked softly, still repeating that circular motion.
Thinking it over, I could only reply with, " I would, but I don't know what it is, or why it's happening now." Looking up I saw Carlisle's eyebrows soften from their once furrowed position.
" Can you try anyway? Any little detail no matter how unimportant it may seem could help," He continued encouragingly
" It was just a dream, but, it started with two figures, I think males. They were talking fast, so fast it sounded like the wings of a hummingbird. Then, everything started going dark as I felt a sharp tugging downward before I heard a growl. When I turned around I saw crimson eyes watching me, they were nothing like Jasper's. Its eyes were cold and cruel." I explained.
Glancing up I saw Carlisle staring at me with a hardened expression like he was concentrating, thinking.
" What happened next?" Rosalie asked. Glancing over I saw Rosalie's scowl was not as strong as it was before, instead, it was almost like a blank mask.
" Next these inky dark tendrils started surrounding me, preventing any means of escape. That's when Rosalie woke me, so I didn't see how it ended. But now it seems whenever I close my eyes I only see its cruel ones staring back at me." I finished.
It was silent for many moments before Carlisle spoke.
" It sounds like you were having a nightmare, it's a good thing Rosalie woke you up when she did," Carlisle said smiling softly.
For some reason that didn't sound like the whole truth. Leaning back against Carlisle's chest, I was debating whether or not I should try and go back to sleep. Before I could decide a final verdict, Carlisle's voice drifts into my drowsy ears.
" How about this, if you can't fall asleep by the time we get home, I'll see if Esme wouldn't mind reading you a story, how about that?" He asked.
For some reason, that idea sounded very appealing at the moment, but I didn't want to impose or burden anyone. So I shook my head.
" That won't be necessary, I'll fall asleep regardless if I have nightmares or not. A person can only stay awake for so long before the body forces them to rest." I muttered.
" Seeing as how you're already sick, doing that would only worsen your condition, so I'm going to have to insist on my earlier suggestion," Carlisle answered, amusement clear in his tone.
" Very well," I replied.
The rest of the car ride was spent in silence, minus the occasional checkup from Carlisle. It didn't seem to take nearly as long to get home as it did when driving to Carlisle's work. Wait, home? When did I start thinking about that place as home? Before I could try and answer that though I felt myself being shifted.
I realized we were already inside, I was being carried to the living room. Upon entry I saw Jasper, Alice, Emmett, and Edward sitting on the couch, the tv wasn't on. Where was-
" Oh, sweetheart! Are you alright, I already have a cup of hot chocolate in the microwave." Esme fussed, unintentionally answering my question.
Though the gesture was nice, how did she know I was ill? Before I could ask my question I was answered.
" Carlisle sent us a text saying you weren't feeling too well," Edward said, slightly smiling at me.
Nodding I looked around the room, specifically towards Emmett who had moved to stand by the window, peeking behind the drawn curtains. I wanted to ask about the creature, about what it was and where it had gone, had come from.
At the moment, however, I found I could care less. The room would tilt ever so slightly with each turn and sway of my head, making a dull throb start in the base of my skull.
" Well, let's get you to bed, Esme will bring your food and drink up when it's done," Carlisle explained, walking toward the stairs
Nodding I again laid my head on his shoulder, enjoying the cool that seeped from his clothes, I really needed to ask about their odd temperature or lack thereof. For now, though, I would relish in the comfort it provided.