Hello again, I'm still alive. Just got busy being an adult and having little to no free time to really write. But hopefully, next month will changed that. As always, thanks for being patient and leaving reviews, favorites, and follows. You guys sure know how to make a girl smile! -xoxo, Lovely
Lots of Love for anthea tronchard step, belladu57, & EnchantedNightowl for your reviews! And you folks too for 32 favs & 62 follows!
-The Wilderness
-Paring(s): Edward Cullen/OC
-Rated High T for colorful language, violence, slight triggering elements, and minor adult situations
-Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. The canon characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. I only own the original characters introduced.
Chapter Four:
"I Get It, Dude. I'm a Liability"
(Chapter Song: Closer -Presets Remix- by Kings of Leon)
Sitting in the middle of an uncomfortable hospital bed in the Forks Hospital's ER rooms, dark browns glared at wall in front of her. One of her crossed legs bouncing restlessly as she wished for music or something else to distract her from her surroundings. Such as the constant beeps of heart machines, the sickly coughing heard now and then, and the strong aroma of disinfectant layered over the permanent stench of death.
A slight shiver ran down her spine. She wanted the fuck out of this hellscape.
Because Cyan was on extreme edge, due to her pure disdain towards these places. Her undying hatred didn't stem from the typical fears—like trypanophobia or iatrophobia—people tended to have. No, hospitals brought along dark emotions and memories she greatly wished to forget. But no matter how hard she tried to keep them locked in the back of her mind, the moment she stepped into the houses of various stages of life and death, they came rushing forward with their sick torment.
She leaned forward with a soft groan; a headache blossoming in between her eyes.
"Daddy, hold on! Please hold on, help is coming!" a twelve year old Cyan shouted, desperately trying to keep pressure on the deep wound on his neck. Blood still poured strongly from it, seeping through her white cardigan and staining her trembling small hands.
Tyler, who sat on the gurney beside hers with a snitched cut near his left eye, glanced over when quiet mumbling reached his ears. He found his friend hunched over, eyes squeezed shut, and whispering..in some foreign language he quite didn't know.
"Cyan?" he called, worried. She didn't reply. The whispering becoming faster and starting to unsettle him. Something about those unknown words made his skin crawl. He tried calling her name again, louder this time. "Cyan!" Unfocused, brown eyes snapped open with a gasp then. Once they cleared, she peered warily at him.
"Yeah?" The young man sighed with relief, happy to see her back to semi-normal.
"You good?" he asked with genuine concern, "You looked like you were having a panic attack or something. Should..I call a nurse?"
"Oh.." Running a shaky hand through her hair, Warren exhaled to calm her pounding heart. She then offered him a tight smile. "No. No, I'm good now. Sorry about that..Hospitals just aren't my thing."
That was the understatement of the year. The young woman usually avoided them like the black plague, never voluntarily stepping into one unless dire. Back in the parking, she would've strongly rejected the offered medical assistance and embarrassing ambulance ride. Only her mind was still stuck in a state of 'what the hell did I just witness?' and flustered by all the overwhelming concern.
The awkward trip and subjection to nurses' invasive questions and prodding were an utter annoyance. Her forced-upon x-rays came back negative for a possible concussion and broken bones. The newcomer had to bit her lip to prevent a sarcastic 'Really? You don't say?' from slipping out. But the information helped proved what—more like, who—she saw was indeed real. The actual injuries she sustained were some minor bruises and nasty scrapes on her hands and knees which needed to be sterilized and bandaged.
Crowley returned the gesture with a timid grin. "Yeah, I feel you...I fucking hate needles." She blinked before bursting out laughing; Tyler soon after joining in the contagious activity. His confession was just too pure and unexpected she couldn't stop the action from slipping passed her lips. Because here she was, on the verge of a full blown panic attack from past demons, while her friend was only scared of being pricked.
"God..I wish my fears were that innocent." she mused, feeling a tad melancholic.
As the two teens doubled over with giggles, a flustered and worried Charlie Swan burst into the room. He paused at the unexpected sight. A small relieved smirk graced in lips for a moment. He much rather see his niece in a fit of giggles in an ER room than in a full body cast or worse, dead any day. Finally noticing the older man, Cyan smiled warmly and waved a bandaged hand with unabashed eagerness.
"Cyan, you okay?" he still asked as he made his way towards her. His dark eyes then fell on a smiling Tyler. A stern finger was pointed in the boy's direction, harshly wiping away his happy expression. "You and I are gonna talk."
His niece rolled her eyes, smirking. "I'm alright, Uncle Charlie. Calm down."
"I'm sorry, Cy." Charlie's police authority triggering Tyler into yet another apology in the past half-hour since they'd been there. "I really tried to stop."
"It's okay, dude!" She waved him off nonchalantly; her annoyance at his incessant parroting and usage of her nickname well masked. "I keep telling you it was the ice's fault, not yours. You seriously don't have to apologize anymore."
"No. It sure as hell is not okay." the Chief of Police denied in anger, "You could've been killed. You understand that?"
"Uh, yeah. Hell, I was practically knocking on Death's front door. Thankfully, they didn't answer." was her sardonic reply. Her uncle glared, unamused by her sass. An apologetic smile was given in return. Being on edge tended to make her sarcasm strongly come out.
And the longer she remained there, more unwanted memories sprung forth..
"I'm sorry..but there was nothing we could do. We were too late." she overheard the doctor tell her mother.
Cyan bit her lip hard, getting a mouthful of that familiar metallic taste. The intense stares of pity were making her skin crawl. What a sad sight she knew she had to look like—a young girl with a tear-stained face dressed in a once pretty white sundress now ruined by dark splotches of dried blood. Who stared numbly down at her equally tainted hands. God, how she wanted to run from that place and out into the night, not stopping for anyone or thing.
But fear kept her rooted to the uncomfortable sea-foam green plastic chair.
That person..that monster..her father's murderer was still out there. Possibly waiting for the right moment to finish her off as well.
Watery dark browns shifted warily down towards her bandaged hands.
Darkening crimson liquid now coated her pale fingers and palms. Dripping slowly from them and gathering into a small puddle on the white hospital sheets below.
Her father's blood.
Sucking in a sharp breath to halt the terrified scream bubbling up her throat, she relied on childhood methods to banished the horrific vision. By squeezing her eyes as tight as possible and mentally repeating that it wasn't real. It always worked back then. She greatly hoped it did now too. After a moment, Warren took a cautious peek and was relieved to see the morbid sight gone. Goodness. If this kept up, she'd definitely have to seek out a therapist.
Tuning back into reality then, Charlie was tearing into her poor friend again. "—And you can kiss your license goodbye."
"Charlie, please!" exasperated his niece, tossing her head back.
"I heard the chief's niece was here." The trio turned to see a nicely dressed doctor with perfectly swept blond hair stroll confidently into the room. Cyan stiffen. She knew very well who this man was related to, going by the sudden buzzing in her ears now. If not for her natural intuition, the striking alabaster skin and gilded gaze were a dead giveaway.
"Dr. Cullen." greeted her uncle.
She still inwardly cringed at the reveal. "Seriously, of all the damn people.." The other man kindly acknowledged Swan before skimming over her chart then. She quietly observe him then.
Dr. Cullen appeared remarkably young to have five almost grown children, even if they were fostered. Not that he looked like a teenager himself, but was still a lot younger than her middle-aged uncle. For Christ's sake, the man looked as if he should be playing a doctor on tv, not be an actual one! What with those well sought after facial features and charming smile of his..
It was no wonder people gossiped about the Cullens or the fact they stuck out like a damn sore thumb. Everyone—even if she hadn't seen the mother yet, she assumed as much—in that family were just too unnaturally gorgeous. Seriously, someone so refined didn't seem truly real to her. Especially after what she witnessed his son do and all the previous warning bells his family gave off.
"Cyan, looks like you took quite a spill." he remarked with that calming voice of his, bringing her out of her internal musing. "How do you feel?"
"Peachy." she smiled tightly. He suddenly lifted a slender finger in front of her face, causing her to go a little cross-eyed. The doctor instructed her to focus on it before flashing a pen light in her eyes. Warren quickly looked away, pretending to rub at them. "S-Sorry! My eyes can be a bit sensitive to sudden bright lights.."
Dr. Cullen pulled back, regarding her curiously while putting away his pen. "..That's all right."
She resisted the urge to gulp. "Fuck. Please don't tell me he saw that."
"You might experience some post-traumatic stress or disorientation, but your vitals look good. No signs of any head trauma either. So, I think you'll be just fine." The newcomer sighed in relief. Thank god. She got the official 'all clear' and could finally leave.
Her friend began to apologize profusely again. "I'm so sorry, Cyan. I'm really glad—" The private curtain cut him off, thanks to Charlie. Dark browns rolled, but secretly appreciated his rude actions.
"You know..it's only thanks to your kid Edward that I'm still breathing." Warren blurted out; though that little voice in her head screamed not to. But she had to see his reaction. She needed to know what she saw his son do was well known by the strange, beautiful Brady Bunch. "He knocked me out of the way."
"Edward?" Swan repeated in surprise, glancing at the doctor. "Your boy?"
"Yeah..it was amazing!" she continued in a soft voice, feigning an awestruck daze but watching the doctor subtly. "He was nowhere near me..or at least, I thought so."
"Sounds like you were very lucky." his father said, giving an easy smile that seemed very forced before politely excusing himself.
Bingo. Dr. Cullen indeed knew.
Cyan squealed in delight while stretching her aching, stiff muscles upon exiting the ER patients' room. She couldn't wait to go home and wash off the hospital smell that clung to her clothing and skin now. Push the bizarre events of the day to the recesses of her busy mind until tomorrow.
Just as her happy bubble started inflating again, her uncle unfortunately took an invisible safety pin and popped it with his next words.
"I've gotta go sign some paperwork. You should..uh.." Charlie stated, hesitating. Her body instantly froze as unease slowly built inside. "..You should probably call your mom."
Brown eyes widen with dread. "Please..for all that is holy in the world, say you didn't tell her?" The apologetic expression given in response was enough of an answer. Pinching the bridge of her nose, the young woman groaned loudly. This day just got a hundred times worse. "Oh, joy! I bet she's already planning a flight here now to get me."
The older man tugged nervously at his collar, peering everywhere but towards her. "Yeah.." was all he murmured, just confirming her fears. A colorful expletive slip passed her lips as she fumbled for her phone. Charlie watched her hurry down the hall with concern. He knew their conversation was gonna be a difficult one..but it had been crucial to call Natalia. Cyan was his responsibility while living with him after all. So no matter how strained their relationship was, she deserved to know her—and his late brother's—only child experienced yet again a close encounter with Death.
The Chief of Police could only silently wish his niece good luck..
Natalia picked up on the first ring. "Took you long enough to call. I bet Charles just told you even though I instructed him to tell the moment he saw you." Cyan's mouth curled into a grimace, expecting her mother's lack of compassion. Never in all her years living so far has she witness such an emotion from her without some form of manipulation twisted in. Because Natalia Warren was not a sensible, loving mother. In fact, the young woman would've been incredibly suspicious had she shown any sort of genuine care.
And that bitter reminder made Cyan unable to hold back her sass and unusually bold towards her mother.
"It must of slipped his mind." she replied in a sharp tone, "Seeing as I, you know, almost fucking died and all today."
"Watch how you speak to me, Cyan Skye." snapped the older woman; cold green eyes no doubt narrowing in anger. Said person winced upon hearing her godawful choice for a middle name. She knew how much she despised it too. Only every using it when wanting to get under her skin or lay down some authority.
"Now, there's a delay here at the airport," she then informed, stern voice still in place. "But I should be in Seattle by the morning to take you back home. Inform Charles that you are to be waiting for me there no later than nine am."
"What?!" Cyan exclaimed, startling a nurse walking by. She threw an apologetic smile their way as panic settled into her bones like ice water. Her absolute worst fear was becoming a fast reality. Because the second she was back in her mother's manicured clutches, her dream for a normal life would be forever shattered. "But I've only been here a week—"
"And look what has already happen. I told you it was far too risky to leave my side now more than ever."
"Mother, what happen could have easily occurred back in Boston as well," The sudden defiance startled Warren, but didn't halt her protest. She needed to continue staying in Forks..at least until her eighteenth birthday. "Because black ice exists there too. This was just some freak accident that thankfully ended up better than expected. So, you coming to get me is completely unnecessary."
A tense silence passed between them.
"Hmm..perhaps you're right, sweetie." the eldest Warren voiced her quick agreement then. The young woman blinked, taken aback. But as fast as the surprise came, intense suspicion slammed into her like a rough tidal wave. Because her mother's unlikely statement was a metaphoric 'calm before the storm'.
She was about to disrupt Cyan's fragile peace..and openly enjoy doing so too.
"Well, since you adamant against returning with your dear mother, a new rule must be added to our previous accord."
"Shit! Shit! Shit!" were her daughter's frantic thoughts while aloud queried shakily, "And what..would that be, mother?"
"'Staying out of your life' as you so kindly put it last," Natalia reminded sweetly; that familiar saccharine tone causing Cyan to become physically ill. "Is no longer an option. I will now be checking up on you. And since I'm feeling sympathetic to your recent ordeal, it'll only be every two weeks." The cloying voice disappeared, replaced with an equally familiar frightening and authoritative one.
The one that promise only bad things if her order was not fully met.
"And if anything troubling happens, there will be consequences." Her mother paused, allowing her menacing words to sink in. To imagine the possible horrid outcomes if the young woman was the slightest bit defiant. "Understood, dear?"
"Yes..ma'am." Cyan gritted out, having no other choice. The hand not grasping her cellphone curled into a tight fist; nails digging painfully into her wounds and causing them to bleed again. The pain was welcomed this time. It unfortunately solidify everything being discuss was very much real.
"Good!" There was a pause afterwards. Warren heard a muffled voice on the other end. "Well, I must go. Ezra has kindly informed me—" Ezra was one of her mother's many assistants. Nice guy, but a major kiss ass. "That my business associates have finally arrived for our dinner date."
Dark browns narrowed angrily in realization. "The hag wasn't even at the airport! She fucking planned this from the beginning!"
"So, keep at it with your studies," The young woman could easily imagine the wicked smug grin on the vindictive adult's beautiful face as she spoke her final words. "And be on your best behavior, honey."
The line went dead.
Cyan lowered her phone and stared blankly at the screen for a moment. Natalia yet again gotten what she wanted—the girl was no longer free from her ever watchful gaze.
Yes, she was glad to remain in Forks, but for a very heavy price now. The short sweet taste of absolute freedom and privacy were lost to her.
Frustrated tears stung her eyes as pure fury consumed her. She wanted to scream bloody murder. Violently shatter her phone into a million pieces. Slammed her injured hands against the wall until either they or the wall were broken. And condemn every higher power out there responsible for damning her as Natalia Warren's offspring.
But most of all, wishing once again..she was dead.
"..Damn you, Edward Cullen." she blamed for taking that close possibility from her, only to regret the statement a moment later.
Though odd and often times rude, he didn't deserve that, seeing as the young man was a somewhat decent person. He went out of his way to save her life and risked revealing his secret even though he wasn't obligated.
Sighing dejectedly and feeling once more similar to a caged lark, she headed back the way she came.
The young woman moved kinda on autopilot afterwards, letting her legs just take her in the direction she hoped was towards the waiting room. She wasn't seeing or taking any of her surroundings in either. Too lost in her noisy thoughts and worries, trying to push down the growing anxiety inside.
Which was why her body ended up colliding into what was first believed to be a brick wall. Until strong, cold hands grasped her arms to steady her stance.
She glanced up and was smacked with déjà vu as her dark orbs met unusual golden ones.
Edward peered down at her, once again concerned. "..Are you all right, Cyan?" Only instead of asking him the same, she frowned and replied in a snappy tone.
"I'm fine, Cullen."
He raised a brow slightly at her harshness. "You sure about that?"
"As sure as I am about what I saw you do." Those unnatural golden orbs of his blinked owlishly, stunned by the statement. He recovered fast from his stupor though. Causally leaning against the wall, the young man's arms crossed over his light grey shirt-covered chest and looked down at her with false intrigue. Cyan easily detected the sprinkling of smugness in his gaze as well.
"You make it sound like I did something more than just push you outta harm's way." Oh boy. She sincerely hoped this boy wasn't striving for a future acting career because his performance wasn't convincing.
"Yeah, if you call 'pushing outta harm's way'," her voice flat and unamused, "Really stopping Tyler's van from crushing me with only your hand and leaving a huge ass dent in his car door."
He smirked mockingly. God, she was tempted to slap it off, but refrained from doing so. "I think you may have hit your head and forgot some realistic details because I only pushed you out of the way."
"Bullshit! Dude, you weren't—" Warren almost shouted in exasperation but stopped herself. Taking a deep breath, she leaned forward with a low, menacing hiss. "You weren't even standing next to me before everything happen! You were by your car and across the lot last time I saw you."
"Uh, no." he denied, correcting her 'error' with a laid-back smile on his stupidly handsome face. "I was next to you the whole time. You were showing me the golden onion we won, remember?" Dark browns narrowed angrily. If there was one thing she hated more than her mother and hospitals, it was being played for a ditzy fool. But if this was the game he wanted to play..Fine! She'd throw her ball into his court and entertain him for a bit.
She matched his crossed arms and smile. "Uh-huh. Then how come you weren't also strapped to a gurney or getting a lovely ride to the hospital with me, hero of mine?"
"It's all about who you know." was his sly answer. The young woman scoffed, holding her bandaged hands up in surrender. She was becoming increasingly annoyed the more she spoke to him. There went her earlier assumption of him being someone else to comfortably talk with.
"Whatever. Lie all you want, Eddie." Said person crinkled his nose at the nickname. It was very cute when he did so, she had to admit. Cyan strangely wanted to tease him more.. "Call me crazy even, but I know the truth." The easygoing attitude he adopted since speaking to her slipped free. Seeing she was done with games and wasn't abandoning her resolve, so was he now. He straighten, towering over her a tad with a hard expression.
"Well, nobody's gonna believe you, so—"
"No shit, Sherlock." Warren interjected hotly, "And I wasn't about to spill the beans to anyone anyway. Plus given how you're acting, you want what actually went down under wraps. Shockingly for you..so do I."
Cullen's brows furrowed in confusion. "What?" Pale pink lips parted to response when the sound of a bell chime interrupted. It came from Cyan's phone, alerting her to a brand new text message. Silently hoping it wasn't Mommie Dearest, she was relieved to see Charlie's name instead, asking where she was.
"All you need to know is," she declared, pocketing her cellphone and tired of playing this idiotic volleyball game of he said, she said. "I have enough problems already complicating my life. I damn well don't need to know yours too. So, thanks for saving my life and have a good night."
The young woman then brushed passed Edward, not sparing a backward glance at her stubborn classmate.
Night had long since fallen over the town of Forks. Most people were now well into whatever dreamscape their mind conjured for them that night. But there were the few rebels that fought back; Edward being one of them. Actually, sleep had been lost to him for a century now; the after effects upon contracting vampirism. The action nothing more than a distant memory in the back of his mind. Did he miss it? Only at times, when the nights seemed to drag on too long and left him stuck in his own tormented head. He tried to stay away from those thoughts as much as he could; distracting himself with music, his vast collection of books, or spending time with the members of his coven.
Except tonight was different—the whole day was—all thanks to the new little human that captured everyone's attention lately. Hidden by the darkness and thick trees, golden orbs observed the open second floor window and his recently presented conundrum.
Cyan, oblivious to his presence, was leaning on the ledge. Headphones on, chin resting in her bandaged hand, and a lit cigarette in the other. Staring out into the night with a crestfallen expression.
"How very Romeo and Juliet-esque." he noted bitterly the similarity of the scene. He repeatedly told himself he was only there to make sure she kept her promise of confidentiality. Which was pointless given Alice's visions would immediately alert them anyway.
But resentful and conflicted emotions aside, he still wondered what she was thinking. Something he never thought he'd experience again after developing his gift. It shocked him greatly upon discovering his inability to use his telepathy on her. Having heard Jessica yet again gossip about his family to the new girl, his curiosity peaked at her response to the other girl's shallow warning about going after him romantically.
"Yeah, not touching that with a ten foot pole."
Such an honest reply. Which was entirely new. Practically all the female students at Forks High secretly wished and hoped for him to notice them in anyway, no matter their false reassurances that they wouldn't or didn't care. Even the timid and kind Angela Weber thought about the unlikely possibility now and then. But not Cyan. Her deadpanned words rang true, revealing then she didn't hold back for stating the truth if need be.
Still, he had to read her mind and find any inkling of a lie. Instead, Edward was met with stark silence as he focused on her.
"What in the world?" he thought in bewilderment, concentrating harder. He studied the young woman so hard that she ended up feeling his piercing gaze from across the cafeteria. Dark brown—almost black from far away—colored eyes met his golden ones with such disinterest, it both annoyed and fascinated him even further.
Thus began his invasion of his classmates' minds to find out who she was.
Cyan Warren, the Boston-raised daughter of a fashion mogul. A beguiling seventeen year old with a guarded but insouciant sorta persona. Never once relying on her status and blessed features to easily have her way with the eager, gullible townsfolk. Very down to earth, loved to joke and tease, and could be blatantly veracious at times. Who surprisingly had a fond penchant for studies involving all forms of science; he remembered the tiny pleasant smile that graced her pale lips at seeing their flatworm assignment.
Those were the limited facts passed around about her he received from various thoughts and interactions with her through their minds. All of which had been mixed along with all the rude, vicious, and lustful thoughts that filtered through as well. Cullen frowned deeply. A peculiar desire to protect the young woman plagued him when thinking back on them. The very desire to cause the current mess his family was going through. That created such a strong pull inside him, he barely had control over himself most times. At the moment, it was demanding him to reveal himself from his hiding spot now and find out what was troubling her.
Edward growled, not understanding what was happening to him. He wanted nothing to do with her after all the problems her existence caused. The same going with Warren for himself; evident from their heated conversation in the hospital.
Well, the part that was considered 'Edward' didn't. But 'the vampire' knew exactly what it craved—her blood.
A faint wind stirred raven-haired locks. Cullen greedily inhaled. Mixed with the clotting odor of nicotine, a pleasant aroma filled his nostrils, making him moan in delight. Her blood smelled akin to sea salt caramel. It was utterly irresistible, even more so when coupled with her vanilla perfume.
"Do you like vanilla?" Cyan blurted, cheeks rosy and flustered. "Or do you hate it? The scent and taste, that is?"
A chuckle slipped at the memory, only to instantly be replaced with a grimace. The young woman was singing softly and the lyrics she chose to say aloud appeared to unknowingly mock him.
Driven by the strangle of vein
Showing no mercy, I'd do it again
Open up your eyes
You keep on crying
Baby, I'll bleed you dry..
Back in the classroom..his blood-starved mind was filled to the brim with vicious, violent thoughts. On whether to corner her alone and drain her completely of that cloying essence running through her veins. Or take her right there in class once killing every living witness inside. A shudder ran through him upon remembering. Such dark thoughts hadn't occurred like that since his Beginning Days.
But luckily, he ran before actually acting on his animalistic desires. And after a week of calm persuading, he returned back home with a firm resolve. He wouldn't allow some human girl to ruin everything he and his family worked so hard keep hidden. That he'd be civil but distant with Warren. That was the plan..until the events of that day and his protective instincts dashed it to the damn ground.
Cyan took one last drag before stubbing the cigarette out and retreating back inside, finally ridding herself from his conflicted presence at last. Now long after, her bedroom grew dark and her soft, steady breathing later followed.
Edward decided to retire himself, but not without whispering a tentative farewell.
"Good night..Cyan."
Foreboding and fate were always close together like long-time buddies. Though foreboding was the nicer of the two. It had the decency to give a person warnings before fate came barreling in like a freight train off the rails. But the stupid thing about it was that its' warnings were so elusive that the person never noticed them unless already looking for them. So usually, if the person managed to survive tragedy, they began replaying that day over and over for signs which was Cyan's case. So far this was her list—her slipping on ice, Charlie getting her new tires, the pouring rain that day..and Cullen's sudden return.
She stood the next morning by her truck in the same parking spot as yesterday, rewinding everything in her mind. Brown eyes drifted to the ground, seeing the broken glass from Tyler's taillight then to the dent on her truck. There was no doubt she should have been dead but she was saved by an ace—and that ace was the inscrutable Edward Cullen..who was currently walking with Alice and Jasper across the lot to join the other students going on Mr. Molina's field trip to a greenhouse.
She gritted her teeth in anger at the sight of him. Last night, because of the stress from the previous day and him, she gave into her nicotine craving and dipped into her emergency stash hidden under a loose floorboard. Oh, and how she relished in the bitter taste and gratifying burn in her lungs from the toxic smoke. Now, Warren was desperately jonesing for another since lollipops weren't curving the feeling, putting her in an even worse mood.
"Maybe I show look into nicotine gum or the patches?" she debated, kicking a pebble and watching skid across the asphalt.
"Look at you, huh?" Dark browns lifted to find Mike heading towards her with a big ol' smile. Great. "You're alive!"
"And thankfully in one piece instead of stitched back together too." Warren jested with a smirk, getting the Frankenstein reference.
"Yeah.." He paused, all of a sudden full of nervous energy. "So, I know this is sudden and it's like a month away, but.."
"Oh goody. Yet another prom proposal to turn down." The young woman resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She did that a lot lately when it involved these local hormone-driven boys. Instead, her gaze briefly shifted behind him and widen a bit.
Cullen was watching their exchange.
"Tsk. Nosy prick." she insulted mentally before tuning back in with her bumbling friend.
Newton finally uttered out then, "Do you wanna go to prom with me?"
"Oh..Mike, that's-that's really sweet of you." She gave a small genuine smile, hoping it helped ease the blow since she enjoyed their friendship. He was a nice and funny guy to goof off with when he wasn't fawning over her. "But I'm going to Los Angeles that weekend."
Warren was lying..well, not completely. She indeed planned to go there but only the weekend after the event. It was to see her favorite band playing live and she could not miss it; Prom Night and a possible romance be damned. But in actuality, though prom was considered a crucial part of a teenager's life, it was the one thing she wanted no part of.
"You can't go another weekend?" he asked, somewhat dejected.
"I could..but honestly Prom just isn't my scene." Seeing the crestfallen look on his face, guilt consumed her and Cyan tried quickly to cheer him up. "You..you should ask Jessica instead! I know firsthand she really wants to go with you." That instantly reversed his sullen mood. God, teen boys were far too easy at changing their minds when finding out another or any girl liked them.
"Really?"
"Oh, yeah! Go on and knock 'em dead, tiger!" Giving a grin, he hurried over to said girl to no doubt ask. The newcomer sighed heavily with relief, glad he took the bait and for dodging another bullet. Her biology teacher called for everyone lingering around to get one of the two buses then. Complying, she crossed paths with Edward.
"Blessed with excellent hearing as well, dear Eddie?" she questioned in a low voice while doing so. No average person would have heard her correctly, but he was no such person. He froze at her remark before glaring down at her fiercely. She simply smirked and continued on her merry way.
"Yup. Teasing him is definitely fun."
A soft, blissful sigh exhaled from pink smiling lips. Slender fingers gently caressed red petals of a Gerbera daisy.
"Such a pretty thing you are." complimented the young woman, "And so well taken care of, too!" The trip to the greenhouse was a welcoming breath of fresh air for Cyan. The moment stepping inside and being surrounded by various types of flora, the heavy weight on her shoulder lifted.
She loved and respected nature very much, all thanks to her father. From a young age, he would take her into the wilderness once a month. Taught her about the different plants and animals they came across and when old enough, to then fish and hunt. Back then—hell, even now—she found it to be a dazzling place of untold stories. She longed to know what those tall old oak trees back home had seen in their years. She would then forget her worries and emerge herself completely into this other world.
She chuckled sadly, remembering one time demanding to dress up as Peter Pan during one of their many hiking trips.
"Alright, baby girl." Evan had relented. He then smirked teasingly, "But only if I get to dress as Tinker Bell. Can't be Peter with his trusted fairy at his side." After her father's passing, she firmly kept hold of their tradition, despite her mother's annoyance. Whether it was taking a hiking trail, rock climbing, or camping when Becca at last gave into her pleads on joining her. Anything to keep his memory alive..
While she lost in memory lane, Cullen stood a few feet away, arms crossed and looking pensive as ever. Warren knew he was eavesdropping on her conversation and heard every word despite the distance. She was a smart and clever human. It wouldn't take her long to figure out what he actually was if she started to care. And it was that possibility that worried him, but filled 'the vampire' with overwhelming anticipation. The monster inside wanted him to be closer to her. Talk her ear off and confess all his dark secrets. Court her even!
He growled in disgust, still obstinate about wanting no further association with her.
"Just go talk to her." Edward glanced next to him. Alice stood there with her mate close by her side as usual. "You know you want to."
"No, I don't." he noted briskly, "Especially not from someone who's a danger to our peaceful existence."
The psychic narrowed her eyes. "Liar. Your future is so indecisive at the moment. Even Jazz can sense the longing you try desperately to squash." Jasper nodded, confirming the truth in his mate's words. But not without a disapproving frown on his face. Like Rosalie, he wasn't too happy either about what happen and their secret being exposed. He even plotted to kill Cyan to keep it safe. Thankfully, Edward and Alice intervene with the latter calmly reassuring him to drop the dark thought.
The telepath grimaced. He wanted to stubbornly deny their words, but knew how useless that would be. After all, the two were never wrong when it came to their abilities. Cullen released a heavy sigh and peered over to where the bane of his immortal existence was.
She now stood with Tyler and Angela, laughing at the disgusted expression the boy made after sniffing the compost tea Mr. Molina gave him. Poking him in the shoulder, she playfully dared him to take a sip.
Crowley arched a brow, joking. "What's in it for me?"
Cyan's dark eyes drooped in a flirtatious way and leaned in closer. "How about..a kiss?" she drawled softly, tone heavy with seduction.
A growl started making it way up Edward's throat, but was quickly swallowed down.
Tyler gulped, enraptured and brought to complete silence by the alluring teen. When his mouth finally opened to speak, Weber pulled out a Hershey's Kiss from her coat pocket and dangled it in front of his face with a grin. She and Warren then laughed heartily as their embarrassed friend huffed, leaning against each other as happy tears filled their eyes.
"Hmm, is that jealousy I smell?" teased the empath softly as he and Alice walked away then. He chuckled as a strong wave of aggravation was directed towards him. Their adoptive brother soon stormed after them; Cyan's mirthful laughter lingering in his bustling head.
After awhile, Edward stumbled upon the newcomer who was alone again and momentarily yield to some of his desires.
"What's in Los Angeles?" was the first thing to come to mind. Warren didn't bother looking up. She knew well who was speaking. Instead, continued observing the bright-colored Hibiscuses before her.
"Hmm. So, you do have excellent hearing to go with your super strength, Mr. Nosy." she deadpanned her comment as she cupped a Hawaiian Hibiscus and gently cradled it like the delicate thing it was. It almost seemed like the flower fell into her open palm, eager for her loving touch..
"You didn't answer my question."
"I don't think I'm obligated to give one." A false pout formed on her pink lips then. "Especially since I wasn't greeted with a proper friendly hello."
"..Hi." Edward sighed in defeat after a moment. Her mouth twitched but held back from smirking.
"Jeez, tone the excitement down a notch." Cyan rolled her unamused eyes. "Venice Beach. That's what's in Los Angeles." Whispering a goodbye to the lovely flower, she went to move pass her classmate. But it seemed the Fates or whomever wanted to mess with her some more. As while doing so, her left foot slipped in a puddle and pitched her clumsy body forward. The vampire beside her moved fast, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her up with ease. The quick action resulted in the young woman being pressed against his hard, frigid body again.
Talk about a whole lotta déjà vu lately.
Dark browns lifted and peered into startling golden brown orbs. "His eyes are different again." that little voice noted in awe.
"That they are..but still unbelievably gorgeous." she agreed, fascinated by the becoming wonderfully familiar color. She was tempted to ask how they were such a rare hue, mouth already parted a bit in preparation.
He stared down at her, amused. "Are you always so accident-prone?" Cullen smirked after his curious question. Regrettably, it sounded as if he was mocking her. Big doe eyes harden, filling with irritation. Once again, his mouth ruined whatever curious captivation was held towards him completely.
She scoffed, mildly offended. "Well, excuse me, Cullen. But not everyone was gifted with poise from the Gods!" The young woman then moved out of his hold and sped away. But he persisted, matching her fast pace with ease.
"I'm sorry. That was incredibly rude of me." he sincerely apologized.
"Yeah, no—" Warren began.
"—shit, Sherlock." finished Edward, smiling crookedly.
She turned angrily, about to call him an annoying bipolar smart ass when Jessica came rushing over, all gleeful. No doubt about to tell her the expected news that Mike asked her to prom. Edward took the distraction to slip away then, much to her relief. Cyan was also glad for her friend's interruptions for once..
Which she quickly regretted seconds later. Because there was only so much of Jessica's yapping that she could take in one day. God, Warren needed to get out of this greenhouse altogether. Lying about having a terrible migraine to her friend, she hurriedly escaped towards the buses..but not without being stalked by the recent vexation becoming an unfortunate staple of her new life in Forks.
"What can I do for you now, Eddie boy?"
"Cyan, we shouldn't be friends." he insisted right off.
A tired sigh escaped her then. Goodness, this boy and his ever-changing mood swings. "Shouldn't you have figured that out a little earlier?" she questioned sarcastically, "We've had more on and off-agains than a celebrity couple and we barely know each other!"
"It's not that I don't want to." the vampire tried to explain, appearing frustrated. With who? She wasn't entirely sure. "I just think it's for the best.."
"Again, I could've told you that." she stated in a blank tone, "It would've saved you all this regret and trouble if you just let the van crush me. I accepted my death anyway."
A cold hand stopped her movement. "Wait. You think I regret saving you?" he asked, somewhat appalled.
"Obviously." Warren replied with that deep sadness that he seen compel her before. "I'm a liability to everything you hold dear, dude."
"..You don't know anything." Cullen told firmly.
"I know a lot more than you can even begin to imagine, Edward." She met his gaze; her dark chocolate eyes held such an old maturity during that moment. "And I really wish I didn't.."
The two just stared at each other, trying and failing to figure the other out.
"Hi!" his sister Alice interrupted suddenly, appearing at their side. A kind smile was directed at Cyan. "Are you gonna be riding with us?"
"No," the other woman dismissed, her next words snidely aimed at the auburn-haired boy. "It's probably for the best that I don't."
Edward visibly winced. Finished with the conversation once more, she left, rubbing her aching temples along the way.
A real migraine was starting to form now.
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