Chapter Ten:
"Oh, I Wanna Stop Avoiding the Inevitable"
(Chapter Song: Hiding by Florence + The Machine)
The moon sat high in the starless sky, perfectly illuminating endless stretches of ebbing ocean ahead. Dark waves crashing along the shoreline was a lulling soundtrack stuck on repeat. Eroding away the sand resting there with each fast back-and-forth push from the high tide.
What a beautifully mesmerizing sight freely gifted for any passing eye. And returned in kind..a middle finger wrapped crudely with a cocky smirk. Delivered by none other than Cyan Warren from the empty shores of La Push Beach. And at a quarter 'til midnight, there wasn't much chance someone would stumble upon her giving the finger towards the innocent sea and then pondering her sanity. Not that she gave much of a shit about what people thought at the moment.
Offensive gesture tucked back into the warmth of her coat's pocket, a satisfied huff brimming in smugness shown visibly in the cold evening air.
It was her therapeutic process, so people's judgment be damned. Though it'd been five years since she found herself near there. It was a dangerous creature that held too many 'temptations' for her after all..
Dark browns narrowed bitterly out at its' unsettling vastness. Yet why do I always find myself coming to you when I'm at a lost? She couldn't help but inquire, foolish to believe she'd receive a response. Yet if ears strained hard enough, she almost swore a wispy laugh came from the overlapping waters.
..Fickle bitch. Cyan grimaced, plopping down in the sand roughly. Lighting a cigarette to curb her annoyance since she wasn't in any rush to return home just yet. Charlie wouldn't be back until morning, so there wouldn't be any concern about her short absence. And there shouldn't be any late night call from ol' Mommy Dearest either.
Quietude enveloped then; head momentarily free of all thoughts. Simply staring towards the sea; its' receding waves slowing from their previous excitement. The automatic drag-and-pull motion occasionally puppeteering her hand towards wind-chapped lips. Allowing her mask to slip free and place her fatigue on full display to the night sky. Hours after having her impromptu visitors, she still wasn't running at a hundred percent. But hopefully before Monday came along, she'd be back to moderate levels of normal. Though, not without the presence of a concern observer now. Mike, now holding a bit of insight to her fucked mental state, wouldn't completely fall for her typical damned lie of 'I'm fine' anymore. Oh, and Edward as well; the fortuitous witness to two of her mental breakdowns and then some.
Doomed second player of the Game.
Clammy palm pressed against her aching forehead, the brooding teen groaned. How the hell was she gonna managed to stop this safely? The outcome only ever ended terribly..
A young woman sporting a short trendy bob cut suddenly floated to the forefront of her mind.
..Megara. Fuck, Cyan hadn't thought about her in years; one of the many victims of repressed childhood memories. She'd been a talented young designer who worked closely alongside her mother. A bubbly individual, always smiling brightly with a heart made of gold.
A faint blush colored peachy cheeks then. And my first silly crush..
Boy, was she gifted too. Beautiful lithe hands naturally blessed with creating the most lovely pieces of wearable art she'd ever seen.
Or the cutest. Cyan laughed softly to herself. The waves moving calmly like a pleasant sigh. She made me a pink beret with bear ears for my tenth birthday. It was my favorite thing to wear..until Mother made me get rid of it, calling it a ridiculous monstrosity.
No, what happened to her was the true monstrosity. Tired dark browns squeezed tightly shut, desperately trying to banish the next memory. Using every bit of strength she held to vainly push away the sickening threat of rising nausea.
Meg sat kneeling in the center of the white marble tiled floor, rocking back and forth. Tears smeared down her face, muttering incoherently under her breath with her hands curled protectively beneath her chin.
Oh Gods, her hands..and the smell—
"Ah, fuck!" Cyan leaped up with a pained shout. Her forgotten cigarette laid sadly crumpled at her feet as she peered down at the palm of her left hand. A perfect little circle now found burned between her heart and head lines; new markings to nicely join the bruises there. Forming a tight fist, the night surroundings disappeared behind her lids. Hissing softly while the biting pain flared again, focusing on the feeling alone.
Ignoring the waves crashing rougher before her and their own anguished cry.
..This was wrong.
He should leave. No, needed to leave.
Because the longer he lingered, the more dangerous it became for him.
The treaty line loomed only a few cautious steps ahead of him. A decades old agreement close to breaking as the seconds continued slipping by. The Pack would have not problem spotting him either. He was a pale beacon even amongst the dark trees and night; if their strong sense of smell didn't capture him beforehand. But his feet refused to move, glued to the spot ever since 'Martha' chugged pass.
Edward's original plan that evening was to simply keep watch. Remain an invisible silent support for the troubled young woman at a respectable distance. But that flew out the window when she suddenly appeared outside her home, dressed warmly from head to toe. Thinking for a brief moment she'd somehow spotted or detected by that odd sixth sense she held strictly with him until climbing into the ancient monster she chose willingly to move to and fro in.
So, he followed at a comfortable distance from the treeline in the beginning. Assuming she was going for a late night visit to the police station. But when the designated turn was purposely passed, his feet moved more urgently. Golden eyes trained solely on the spot of faded red flickering in and out between the trees. So intense as his worry steadily mounted it almost very well cost him his life, skidding to a quick halt inches away from certain death; a cloud of rotten damp pine needles and brittle leaves kicked up into the air.
I have to go.
We have to stay.
Edward's eyes narrowed towards the nothingness ahead, refuting. No, we don't.
As fierce as the little hurricane is, argued his Beast, she's no match for the Quileutes should trouble arise.
She's in no danger. He sighed, tired of his other half's usual paranoia. Almost as bad as Jasper, they were.. Chief Swan has been long-time friends with them. They're practically family at this point.
Then why are we here?!
Silence passed for a few tense moments. Because..the true danger may unfortunately be herself.
..Then we should call on them.
He blinked, slightly baffled by their wise suggest. What? But you don't trust them?
She matters far more. He was told, stunned even further by their unabashed honesty. A glint of jealousy brushed through him then, secretly hating how downright they were every time it came to her. Despising himself for continuously remaining a coward all the while..
Slowly sinking into self-loathing, the roar of a familiar engine made him re-breech reality's surface. Pushing quickly aside the abrupt relief and elation which arose. Soundless feet then automatically following once more until replanting into abandoned imprints disturbing the soil directly across the Swan residence. Ever vigilant as his unaware classmate hopped out. Brows furrowing a tad when she made no further move to return to the loving warmth of indoors. Instead, reaching into the over-sized outer pocket to pull something free; his vision obscured a tad by the angle her body stood in. Curious only a second later as his left leg suddenly vibrated; signaling a mute message being received.
Curiosity then sated by five words typed in Helvetica font:
Go home already, you weirdo.
In the porch's dim light ahead, the silhouette of a raised middle finger could be seen.
A genuine smile stretched pale pink lips, replying a once tentative farewell:
Goodnight, Cyan.
Yup, this was a mistake.
Rather than laying in the sand and basking happily under rare sun rays like a cat on a windowsill, Cyan mentally cussed out the thick gray clouds blanketing the sky above. Their abrupt appearance leaving her shivering in the bitter cold despite multiple layers worn under her thick Parka and a warm thermos filled with coffee tucked firmly between her thighs.
The weather, which was suppose to be moderate that day, decided to be a fickle bitch. Turning the air freezing once more and windy beyond compare. But even with the obvious climate change, her small friend group hadn't let it deter them from any fun that could be had at La Push Beach. Yet here she was, back at this cursed location hours later and secretly wishing she hadn't stuck to her stupid promise.
But after everyone agreed to postpone their hangout for the next day for her, what else could Cyan do?
The pensive teen sighed. Maybe I should've taken Mike's offer to bail while everyone was getting ready..
No. This was what her mind needed. And deep down inside where she refused to admit it aloud, it was also to foolishly show her new acquaintances that everything was right in the world with her. And that her odd behavior yesterday—should they all already know—was nothing more than an unfortunate severe phobia towards blood.
So that's why she found herself; sitting uncomfortably on a piece of aged driftwood half-buried in the damp sand with Angela. Wondering if this was possibly divine punishment for her royal fuck up as well.
Hmm, or this is their sick way of helping. Dying from a bad flu as a loophole, ha. She thought with a morbid smirk, directing a harsh glare at her watery nemesis.
"So.." Angela's voice suddenly drawled, bringing her back to the present. She glanced at the smaller girl who rested her head atop her shoulder. Arm looped tightly with hers, nestling close for some semblance of warmth and reassurance. Her gaze forward and focus on the object of her affections failing miserably at surfing the seas as she lamented, "I keep thinking Eric's gonna ask me to the prom. But then..he just doesn't."
"Of course he's not." Cy told in a bland practical tone, quickly explaining before any offensive was taken. "Because much like his buddy Mike, he can be an oblivious idiot even with all his smarts." When it came to matters of the heart—no, correction—opposite sex, those two were painfully similar. They strolled around with blinders on when it came to a girl they infatuated over, easily missing out on someone possibly much more suited for them. However, unlike how she dealt with Mike, Angela herself would have to take the reigns and steer him in the right direction. "Which is why you gotta take control and 'go for the kill' instead."
"..Really?" came her doubtful reply. She nodded with a hum, serious.
"Besides, you're a strong independent woman who don't need to wait for no man!" Sassy fingers snapped in a 'Z' formation for emphasis. Cute tiny giggles burst from the bespectacled girl the, making the corner of Cyan's lips lift. Pleased her silly actions helped rid the sad cloud floating over her friend's head.
Only one of us should be underneath it anyway..
Big puppy dog eyes peered at her once the giggle fit was done, touched. "You really think I'm a strong independent woman?" The sight and question melting her friend's heart in an instant. Eric, you dumbass! How the hell haven't you gone ahead and snatch this adorable girl up?!
Gently booping the insecure girl's nose, she smiled warmly. "Absolutely." Tears began to welled in Angela's eyes then. Not wanting her crying due to kindness nor possibly embarrassing herself in front of Eric and ruining any chance of them going out, Cyan pulled her into a side hug. "And if he's dumb enough to say no, I'll kick his ass for ya."
Teasingly adding she'll even go so far as to ditch her previous plans and be her date for the prom to make him jealous. The other girl snickered behind her hand at the suggestion, already picturing the stunned look on his face if they did. Jessica, who'd been busy watching Mike from the shoreline as he tackled one dangerous-looking wave, decided to cease her amateur cheer leading then and join her once forgotten friends.
She stopped in front of them, raising a confused brow. "What? Walk in where?" When answering prom with matching sly grins, both brows went up as a surprise overtook her cold-flushed face. "You're going to prom together?!"
Annoyed eyes rolled at her behavior that time around. "Relax, Jess. It's our backup plan if Eric rejects Angela. I've offered to be her revenge date." she informed in a casual tone, as if it was the most natural response ever. Which it indeed was..except this was Jessica being told. The same person she highly suspected of spreading the latest rumor that she was actually a closet lesbian.
Not that she was entirely wrong. Usually showing no interest in any of the boys there, it didn't mean she strictly liked women. Nor did she refer to herself as solely bisexual either. She simply liked whoever happen to catch her eye. And while believing it shouldn't be such a 'scandalous' topic, she didn't bother expelling reserved energy correcting any wrongful assumptions though. So, Cyan remained silent as Jessica relaxed with non-too subtle relief.
"Oh..yeah, he'd definitely be stunned then." A laugh which sounded far too forced escaped as she at last took a sit—very noticeably next to the other girl, of course. And sweet oblivious Angela laughed right along with her, agreeing. "Though not just him, I bet practically everyone there would too!"
"Or from jealousy." Cy couldn't help but comment. Honest gaze falling fondly on the timid girl who turned towards her, confused. With an easy smile forming her mouth, gentle fingers tucking some loose hair behind Angela's ear. Blatantly ignoring the incredulous look on Jessica's face. "Because I'd have the honor of walking in with one of the prettiest girls in our grade."
Their astonishment and equal blushes made the smile morph into a smug grin.
"Oh dear, I think the cold's getting to Angie here." A teasing pinch given to said person's redden cheek for emphasis. At her words, Jessica's shock quickly dissipated. Jumping up with the rush suggestion that she and her flustered friend go search for an extra blanket in Tyler's van. Not allowing one moment for the poor girl to properly recover from Cyan's flirtatious remarks as she haul her up by the arm. Dragging Angela—who periodically glanced back at the smirking raven-haired teen—away towards the direction of their collective group of parked cars.
Once alone, the smirk vanished. Finally. She thought in relief, sighing heavy. Though not without feeling a tad bad for her actions just then. But she was unsure how much longer her laid-back appearance could remain before cracking completely.
It sure as hell didn't help the damaging little monster which loved tearing her down when her mother couldn't chose to pop up as well. Berating her from the deep recesses of her mind for using her free time being sociable instead of figuring how to end the deal. That while wasting it, Edward might very well be getting closer to the perhaps inevitable truth; still unaware towards the dangers.
Pulling free the cellphone burning an invisible hole in her pants' pocket since that morning, she reread short exchange sent earlier:
We need to talk. Again. Properly this time.
Alright. Where would you like to go to privately discuss things?
Meet me at La Push, 12pm. Don't be late, Barry.
I..
Sorry, I can't.
What do you mean 'you can't'?
It's..complicated.
There was that dumb word again. "Complicated, he says." Cyan huffed mockingly, "Why the hell wouldn't Cullen wanna come here? This beach's private enough—"
"Because the Cullens aren't allowed in La Push." answered cryptically a deep firm voice from behind; pure authority laced clearly in the tone. When the young woman glanced over her shoulder, its' owner also physically exude the feeling from head to toe, every pore and orifice. A local from the Reservation; beautiful and scarily strong given from the ripping muscles barely hidden under the sleeves of their simple plaid button-up alone. Yet own such warm dark brown eyes which seemed to peer directly into her soul, discovering all her well-concealed secrets with an easy glance.
'I see you.' they silently told.
She sat frozen, unable to look away. Couldn't breathe; words and breath stuck in her throat.
Frighten..but oddly safe?
And the ringing consuming her ears! Like iron bells atop a cathedral, sounding the hour loudly and clear for all around and far.
Hearing gone, only left to feel as her stiff mouth worked and struggled the caught words free to ask.
"..Why?"
"Just be careful of the company you keep, Cyan."
The words played on an irritating endless loop inside her head. Digging more its' mysterious roots further into her overworked brain the closer Martharolled towards their supposedly fearsome destination. That grim smirk the stranger's face held while issuing the warning took control of her vision; the empty winding road through the windshield dangerously unseen.
"..Careful of the company you keep, Cyan."
A sneer tilted the corner of her lips then; a humorless snort following. She was more than aware of the risk she was taking, having encountered death head-on far too many times.
Comes with the territory of being a 'Black Cat' I guess. So heading straight for the lions' den was considered a cakewalk given her previous experiences.
And boy, what a lions' den it was.
Turning the ignition off, she slowly took in the sleek architecture of the Cullen's home. All those glass windows and extremely modern design so incredibly out of place among not only the thick blanket of trees, but the backwoods town itself. It was overall beautiful, she'd give it that. However, in her opinion, the entire place just read as—
Pretentious as fuck.
As she quietly stared at the oddly still house, the contents of her brain remained the opposite. The warning still playing, now joined terrified pleads to the point it was shocking her ears weren't bleeding from the excessive internal noise. 'Turn back', the self-preserving part of her fragile conscience begged. 'It's too dangerous', it discouraged. 'We'll surely die', it cried woefully. All very valid points, the voice in her head gave too..
"..The company you keep, Cyan."
What company was he talking about? She and Edward—the Cullen family, by extension as well—were hardly consider acquainted. So what? They shared a couple possible dodgy secrets. That sure as hell didn't make them bosom buddies nor brother and sister in secretive arms.
"But he knows them." That pesky inner voice noted casually, the ever undying fly on the wall. "And well from what little was said." Yet another valid point.. For people who supposedly just moved to the area not very long ago, there seemed to be some obvious animosity towards that family.
In the span of two years, what on earth could the 'admired' and 'do-gooder' Cullens have done to be banned from La Push entirely? A supposed incident managed to be kept hushed-hush and carefully away from the gossiping ears of Fork's townsfolk?
The very question unfortunately fanned the flames of her curiosity; far too bizarre to ignore.
More reason to get outta here. Keep the conversations strictly to text messages and semi-public spaces. But before she could even begin fancy such tempting reasoning, a choice was made for her instead.
In the essence of the Nevermore Raven, a gentle rapping sounded on her driveside window. Though the familiar buzz had made alert the new presence long before the action was done. Yet Cyan's shoulders still tensed, hunched up to her neck. Head cautiously turning to land wary eyes on whichever Cullen member decided to come and deal with her themselves.
And if Alice truly wished to end her, now would've been the perfect opportunity. She was momentarily vulnerable. Left a lovely target who possessed the most delectable smelling blood the tiny vampire couldn't believe imaginable.
Her freshly golden eyes dimmed to that familiar tawny brown. She foolishly thought Edward was simply overexaggerating as he sometimes was prone to do. But standing this close for the first time, even through a border of glass, the scent was beguiling. Pulsing with a call stronger than what any 'singer' should hold if she was also being lured by it.
Well, there goes that theory.. She briefly thought; this new knowledge a tad troubling. The rusted door between them would surely give away with the ease; much like lined paper torn from a spiral notebook. But Alice remained headstrong and stood patiently. A soft smile nestled on pink glossy lips as the guarded girl finally rolled down the window.
"..Uh, hi." Cyan greeted awkwardly, glancing everywhere but the other girl's eyes. "Look, sorry to show up unannounced like this, but I—"
"You're here to talk to Edward about the Game." Alice finished, still all smiles and odd understanding.
"You'd be correct.." she confirmed, a bit put-off. Nothing the seer was surprised about. She wasn't first and certainly wouldn't be the last who felt uncomfortable around her excessively bubbly persona. But one thing she knew for sure was—
She'll come to love it greatly. The future reminder caused her internal excitement to seep outward. Her already bright smile grew almost unnaturally wider. Swaying gently from side to side as if there was lovely tune being played that only she could hear.
Meanwhile, Cy silently observed the new demeanor..thoroughly creeped the fuck out!
"Alice." The two women turned in the direction of the new voice. Edward, standing at the opposite window, looked towards his adopted sister, unamused. "Go back inside. You're freaking her out."
Raven-haired head shook, falsely reassuring. "Oh, no. She's—"
"No, he's right. I am." Alice agreed, again with sound but startling certainty. Wasting none of their time further, she waved a quick happy goodbye, literally skipping up the steps into the enormous glass house. Leaving the peculiar teens to stare after the manic pixie with short spiky hair.
"Man, Jess wasn't kidding. She's—" An uneasy throat clearing acted as a pause before continuing, "..Something else, heh."
The vampire simply nodded, heedful comment nothing new. "So.." he drawled, breaking the awkwardness beginning to form following his sibling's departure. "You wished to talk?"
Cyan swallowed, hard.
Gods above, I hope this ends well..
"Yeah..I do."
Lovely's Honorable Mentions
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