AN: That's two chapters in two weeks. But don't expect that to become the norm, as it was just a holiday present from me to you guys. I hope you enjoy it!
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Deadly Affection – Reimagined
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of it's characters. I just make them do silly stuff.
Chapter 19: Bump in the Road
Bella PoV
The sound of something breaking downstairs was evident enough, though it did nothing to capture Alice's attention. What was going on with her? Did she suddenly want to eat my face right now? In this moment. I thought we were having a moment. Was this really the time to loose control? Like really?
It looked like she was struggling though, her movement was labored. So maybe she was trying to resist the urge, but something made it too tempting? Wait, she reacted somewhat similar the other time I felt this power. So maybe it was me? Right, so there was probably something with this power that attracted vampires. Good to know. Let's not try to get more involved.
''Don't come in!'' I said out loud, not to the one in the room, but the three boys running up the stairs towards us. Please just listen. I don't need four of you trying to get a slice out of me at the same time. Odd. My second sight feels different. It's not orange anymore. And I could see the contours of objects much more clearly now. Huh, was it actually Edward that stopped the other two right outside the door? Nice work.
I met Alice's hands with my own, entwining our fingers. It was sort of flattering in a way, that she found me so hard to resist in this moment. But now was not the time.
She tried her best to let go of my hands, to push them apart so that she could get closer to me, but nothing happened. I could feel how much force she was putting into it, but it felt merely like the breeze on my skin. I did not move. Not unless I wanted to.
''Alice? Are you in there?'' I asked gently, letting go of one hand to caress her cheek. Hers found it's way to my side, and she tried to pull me into her. But I did not move. Her attention turned to my hand, as she feebly tried to get it near her mouth. I did not let her.
''Nnggh... please...'' I heard her groan. It sent chills down my spine for all the wrong reasons.
''Bella? What's going on?'' Edward asked insistently from the other side of the door. If only they weren't here.
''It's okay. I've got it handled.'' I said in response, not even trying to hide my annoyance. I focused once again on Alice, who looked like she was in pain. I felt guilty for doing this to her. This was my doing. So I'd trust her with how this ended up.
''Babe, can you freeze up for just one moment for me?'' I asked her in a whisper, trying to impress on her the importance of it.
''It's... hard... please...'' She responded, but for the moment she did not move. So I forced the power to fall back into me, letting go of it completely. I just hoped it was enough.
''There. Is it easier to resist now?'' I asked her, my voice returning to normal. I was suddenly pulled into her, feeling a dull ache from the force she used. But I also saw her eyes blink several times, as she looked down onto my bare neck. ''It's okay Alice. I trust you.'' I whispered quietly, closing my eyes.
The anticipation of what would come next was sort of thrilling, if slightly scary. I had faith that Alice wouldn't cause irreparable damage, though it still hurt a bit when she pulled away from me at top speed. Two of my fingers that had still been interlaced with hers thrummed with pain for a few seconds as she crashed into the far wall, making a big dent.
This time there was no stopping the three male vampires entering the room. Jasper and Edward being in front, while Emmett held up the rear. The first two focused on Alice, while Emmett came my way just as I flexed my left hand, my fingers having healed again.
''I'm good.'' I said in advance, anticipating his questions. He gave me a quick glance just to make sure, before he sniffed the air.
''What is that smell?'' He huffed, looking around for a source. At first I got alarmed, thinking he might have a similar reaction as Alice, but he didn't seem to find it anything other than irritating. As if he was offended by it or something.
''You need to hunt.'' I heard Jasper say from the other side of the room. I looked around the gentle giant to see Alice nod, before she moved towards the door. A pang of fear struck, as she might have an adverse reaction to the situation that had unfolded. She'd blame herself.
''Alice!'' I yelped, getting her attention before she left. ''Not that this is the ideal way to ask, but would you go on a date with me?'' I asked her, hoping that it would convey that I did not blame her, or fear her for what had transpired. She didn't give me a verbal response, only a pained smile, before she was gone.
That left me in a small room with three male vampires, all of them staring at me. Waiting for answers, no doubt. Edward seemed to focus all his attention on me, as if I would know his questions without him speaking them. I'm no vampire, and I certainly do not know him well enough to guess his thought pattern.
Instead I looked to Emmett, who I knew a lot better. Only concern was clear on his face, probably wondering what had gone down, so he could possibly try to fix it. ''It's okay. I was a little startled when Alice told me... well, you know.'' I started to explain. To their credit, two of them actually looked sheepish, in a way admitting they had been listening. Edward, not so much. If that was because he believed I was still out to get his family in trouble, I do not know. He was still an inconsiderate asshole that liked to put his nose in other peoples business.
''And as a result, it seems I've come into another part of my power. Which unfortunately seems to have the weakness of being irresistible to vampires. At least to Alice. The rest, you all witnessed.'' I finished lazily. I started feeling uncomfortable, being in Alice's room without her. Guess respecting other peoples boundaries hadn't changed in everything else that had gone down.
''What do you boys say to me kicking your asses in Tekken?'' I asked them out loud. Not that I was all that good in that particular game. I had only played it at Audrey's place, with me not owning a PS2 for myself. And I was usually the one getting my ass kicked.
''Hoho, the girl's got spunk. You're on, firebrand!'' Jasper said in response to my challenge. I would have thought it would be Emmett that would have risen up to my taunt, though he still seemed to inspect me. To see if this was a mask, to hide being hurt by this. It was nice to know I judged his character correctly, as a protector. But right now it was kind of annoying. I'd have to speak with him in private later.
''After you, big guy.'' I told him, prodding his ribs with my fingers. Though it didn't cause the reaction a human would have, he tried to mimic it. To humor me. He still looked concerned, but he relented and we all migrated downstairs. Leaving the room that now held some reverence to me, behind. I just hope it doesn't become a blemish on things to come, between me and the little pixie.
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We were met downstairs with Esme holding a plate filled with food. Eggs and bacon, and lots of it, just how I like it. I impulsively jumped in for a hug, making her nearly loose the plate. Good thing she was a vampire.
''We're going to the hospital for a while. Think you kids will manage not to bring the house down while we're gone?'' Esme said with a teasing smile. A chorus of yes' was emitted by the boys as they headed straight for the living room. I just nodded, my mouth already filled with food.
The sound of the gravel being disturbed met my ears around the time I managed to find a seat in the corner of the couch. Emmett wasn't too happy that I was busy stuffing my face instead of playing him, but he got over it.
The first match wasn't even over, before I knew I'd get trounced by all three of them at this game. It was Jasper versus Emmett. They were going to show me how it was done, by their own words. And I knew I'd be horrible, going up against it. But I'll be damned if I wouldn't give it my best shot regardless.
I noticed Edward's mouth curl up into a crooked smile shortly after. Probably listening in on me, I'd bet.As I ate, the question I didn't want to think of crossed my mind. Did everyone know? I wasn't sure if I wanted to know either way. Would it make me understand the actions of the rest of the Cullen's more? Probably. But would it help any?
If perhaps they all knew, could that be a contributing factor to them taking so long to come to a conclusion, that ended up with them having to saving my life from the shifters? Or the fact that Edward was so hung up on the fact that I would try to hurt them. If I indeed was her mate, that probably wouldn't have been much of an issue.
In light of that, I guess I knew the answer. But they had taken me in anyway. Protected me from people that would have tried to force their misguided sense of justice out on others, with deadly consequences. Let me into their homes, and their lives, merely on hope. And the convincing efforts of one short little pixie, undoubtedly.
Emmett hollered in triumph, having beaten Jasper two to one. With a smirk, he took the controller from the loser and tossed it to me. ''You're on Bella-bear.'' Emmett taunted, and I couldn't help but smile at his antics.
He genuinely didn't care that I wasn't Alice's mate. He had gotten to know me, the same as I had gotten to know them. And he had decided that I was worth spending time with. It brought me joy, considering that. But what would happen if one day, Alice's mate did show up? I would like to think that it wouldn't affect anything, but that would be naive in the extreme. Not that dwelling on it would help.
So I focused on the characters I could pick from. Emmett immediately picked Jin, which Audrey had explained to me, was the most overpowered character in the game. Either he felt intimidated by my previous challenge, or he wanted to prove a point. In any case, I wasn't one to choose character based on how powerful they were. I opted to go with the one I felt suited me. So I went with the cyborg, Bryan Fury.
There was something about his calculating brutality that resonated with me. Not that it helped any, as Emmett whopped my ass. Without me being able to even get in a single hit. ''That's complete bullshit! My leg was literally INSIDE your face when you grabbed me!'' I yelled out, the sore loser in me shining through.
''Get schooled, punk!'' Emmett jeered, pointing one of his overgrown fingers at me. I felt my eyes lighting up, and was pleasantly rewarded with him backing off. As the match resumed for the second round, he was a little less brutal with me. I got in a nice combo, though I suspect he let me. There was certainly enough time for him to react.
Still, I was beat again, ending the match. ''Boom! And the crowd goes wild!'' He shouted, tossing his controller to Jasper. His hoarse whispers of his own name, as if it was chanted by a crowd, being uttered as he took a lap around the room, his hands up in the air. What a complete muppet. It was kind of adorable though, even with as mad as I felt.
I huffed and crossed my arms, grumbling to myself. The big oaf noticed, and walked up behind me. ''Aww, come on Bella-bear. It's just a game.'' He said to placate me, his giant cold hands descending on my shoulders.
''I ought to kick your ass in real life.'' I muttered back. Really, it was just a game? What about my pride? What about my self-esteem? Surely he must know what it felt like to lose to filthy cheaters choosing overpowered characters.
His head lowered to where he was right beside me. I refused to look at him, in my anger, but that would prove to be a mistake. ''My wife would take offense to me wrestling naked ladies.'' He whispered. How infuriating. And true. How absolutely embarrassing.
My eyes returned to normal, as my blush proceeded to light up instead. Emmett just chuckled, massaging my shoulders gently. I hadn't realized how tense I had been before now, as I moaned in response. I craned my neck to the side and was rewarded with a loud popping sound, making bright spots appear in my vision.
''So, naked wrestling huh, husband mine?'' I heard Rosalie's voice ring out from behind us. By the sound of it, it was only good-natured teasing, though Emmett did release his grip on me rather quickly.
''Whipped.'' Jasper taunted as she walked up to Emmett. Her hand cupped his cheek and he smirked, finally seeing the mood she was in. She leaned up to his face, faking him out from a kiss, instead going to whisper into his ear. Not that there was anyone that didn't hear it in the entire house.
''But we all know Bella bats for the other team.'' Her silky tones eliciting shivers down my spine, and making alarm bells to go off. Before I could move away, she had replaced Emmett's previous position. Her hands, being a lot smaller, focused the pressure a lot better.
I was nothing more than putty in her hands, as her magic fingers unraveled all the tension the past couple of weeks had built up. ''Isn't that right sweetie?'' Her silky voice right next to my ear, the cold air flowing down my neck. By brain just shut down. I moaned and mumbled an incoherent response, melting into the couch from her ministrations. I think I actually blacked out for a second, as when I came back to my senses, Rosalie was leaning into my side. She had taken my controller, and was creaming Jasper in a Jin mirror match-up.
I sat there dumbfounded for a few minutes, just trying to get to grips with everything. I felt like my body was made of jello, and couldn't find the will to move at all. I was tingly all over, and more than content with just sitting there for the rest of time. If not for the treacherous pulsing between my legs. And the horrifying suspicion that everyone in the room probably knew.
''This is so unfair.'' I grumbled indignantly. It made the firm body next to me shake with quiet laughter, and her eyes to fall on me. She kept clicking the controller without looking at the screen, and still won.
''How so?'' Rosalie asked smugly. I had to turn off my second sight for my brain not to tempt me more. She was just too much for me to handle right now.
''I'm weak to vampires, and it doesn't go the other way around.'' I bemoaned, throwing my hands up as far as I could. Which wasn't very far at all. Rosalie actually chuckled at that, with a knowing smile.
''I think you'll come to see that differently in the future.'' She teased, before looking back to the screen. It was Emmett's turn to fight her next, and again it was a mirror match-up of Jin's. Though this time she didn't have it as easy. Emmett won the first round by a tiny margin.
It made Rosalie sit up and concentrate more on the next one, though how that helped a vampire any, I couldn't tell. The second round went to her by a large margin, to the combined frustration of all the boys. It would seem she was the reigning champion among those present, though I hadn't seen Edward play. Could be that he had gone while I was out.
The final round ended up being a nail-biter, with both of them down to the tiniest bit of health, trying to get in a sneaky low-kick between blocks. The timer almost ran out by the time Rosalie managed to fake him out with a throw, instead of a punch.
I tried my best to clap for her, as the rest of the boys groaned. Then she took the controller from Emmett and handed it to me with a smirk.
''He kicked my ass without being able to land a single hit. No way.'' I said, refusing to accept it from her hands. Edward booed me for some reason, which struck me as vaguely insulting. What had you done to have a say in this, you twat?
''I'll go easy on you pussums.'' Rosalie cooed. Yeah sure, go easy on me. As if that would ever be true when it came to these rascals. And what did that even mean, pussums? ''I won't even pick a good character.'' She added. Not like that would make any bit of difference.
It was the taunting of Emmett that riled me up enough to bother to go through with the face, taking the controller, picking Bryan again. Rosalie picked King, which wasn't that bad, though I never could get over the jaguar mask myself. Just too impersonal.
The first round started off uncharacteristically well for me, as I managed to chip her down to about half her hit-points without taking damage. She just kept trying to grapple me, which I managed to stay away from. At first. And then I learned what she was trying to do.
''What the fuck?'' I asked, gaping as she proceeded to rip my poor character apart. There couldn't possibly be a bone in my poor cyborgs body that wasn't broken by the time she was done. When I finally got to stand back up, I was already close to knocked out. A flying kick later and it was over.
I just stared at Rosalie, who was laughing her ass off. ''That's just cruelty to small animated pixels!'' I said in jest, though I did just drop my controller into her lap and tried to leave before the second round even started.
Emphasis on tried, as when I tried to take a step, my legs just gave up. Emmett had to catch me, which made me blush up again. Gosh darn overpowered vampires. It wasn't fair. His mouth started parting to speak, but I fixed a vengeful glare at him, which shut him up.
Having been helped up, I tried to take smaller steps this time. Stumbling my way to the stairs, I got the first few steps under me, before a figure appeared at my side without a sound. I would have jumped in surprise, if not for my current lack of motor function.
''Can I help you, Edward?'' I asked, my tone probably tinted by the frustration of my situation. He stood beside me with a look of concern, which didn't help things. I don't want to be coddled, or for someone to feel pity for me. Although, in a sense, that was a lie.
''I wanted to ask if you would accompany me to the second floor.'' He replied curtly, his voice clipped as if he was struggling to not speak as he wanted to. It struck me that his concern was probably ingrained in him from when he was young. Growing up in a time, in which society would expect you to act like a gentleman at all times, would probably be hard to unlearn. Not to mention that he probably heard me thinking negatively towards that kind of response.
What does that tell me about Edward though, that he would curb his actions by the thoughts of the recipient. Was it that he didn't want to cause offense, or was it to manipulate? He had struck me as arrogant, and gullible. But he had never actually been mean, in the sense that he hadn't ever caused unjust harm or conflict. He always had good reasons behind his actions.
He was also apparently impatient, as he got tired of waiting for me to make up my mind, and just stood beside me. Calmly waiting for me to keep walking. Without hint of trying to render aid, or annoyance at me lack of moving. I started to clamor my way further, debating with myself how much I valued my pride, with him matching my every step.
It must feel awful, to be limited like that with how you get to voice your opinion. To be so confined that you feel like you don't get to have a say in the matter. But was that due to his upbringing, or his powers? Either way, it couldn't be good for your mental health. I don't want him to feel like he has to walk on eggshells around me.
''Would you mind giving me a hand?'' I asked, feeling my mind clear up some. He held out his arm for me to hold onto without complaint, and without trying to increase my pace any further than I was able. I noted that he didn't seem as soft to the touch as Alice did. His skin was hard and unyielding. Again, my mind takes me places it shouldn't.
''I'm sorry for being a hassle. And please don't hold back on my account.'' He nods curtly, but does not voice anything else. If you're really stuck having to listen to my mind run circles around itself Edward, it's only fair if you get to speak whatever is on your mind back to me. This time he actually turns to look at me, but again, not a word.
It's not until we reach the second floor that he speaks. ''Wait here.'' It's all he says, as he blurs away into the corridor, and into one of the rooms. I only have to wait for a few seconds, holding onto the railing, before he returns.
''You're going to have to start your contact list all over again, seeing as your SIM card didn't make it. You will need to get in touch with your service provider to get a replacement, though you can feel free to use the one already installed in the meantime.'' He said, holding out a phone in his hand.
I stared at him for a few seconds, trying to make out if this was a joke. It must be, right? We've barely even spoken since they learned what I was, and now he was trying to hand me something worth a lot of money. Just wha-...
''Fair point, but this is not a joke. And with regards to the monetary value, don't think much of it. We've literally got dozens of these lying about, as we tend to break them regularly.'' Edward says dismissively, pushing the phone further towards me. Part of me want to dismiss his lack of concern, even if I can understand why it might be an honest indifference on his part. Perhaps it's the blow to my pride that is the main reason for my hesitatio-...
''Think of it as a bribe, for continuing to keep our secret.'' He chuckled, a crooked grin now adorning his face. He's amused. And a lot more obvious about using his powers. Guess I kinda asked for that. ''The irony of the situation is not lost on me.'' Edward tipped the phone up and down, and I begrudgingly accepted it.
''Guess I gotta come up with an excuse for Charlie.'' I huffed. This day was just getting better and better. How to trick a cop into not interrogating his daughter after destroying her phone and being given a new one.
''My advice would be to keep it simple. Now, would you like me to help you up to Alice's room?'' Edward asked, holding out his hand for me to grab onto again. I don't take it, and instead pocket the new phone, while forcing my pride back for a little while.
''No, I'm good. Thanks though. For the help, and the phone.'' I said, feeling out the strength in my legs again. It seemed to be getting better, slowly. Edwards nodded once before he left, heading back into the corridor. I stumbled my way upstairs to Alice's room. And when I got there, I was reluctant to go in.
I almost turned back around, to stumble my way back downstairs to ask if there was a toilet that wasn't just Alice's. But I'd just hurt myself trying, so with a sigh I went in. I hadn't actually realized it earlier when I was here, most of the far wall was all glass. It was only now, that the light had finally started filtering through the trees that I noticed. There was even a small balcony. It would probably serve as a nice personal entrance to vampires.
Going into the bathroom I was enveloped my a heady scent that could only be Alice. It was thick in the air, and made me tingle all over again. It wasn't until I managed to splash some water in my face that I got a grip. I had to be quick about my business, so I wouldn't just pass out right there. Perhaps lying down on the bed after wasn't a much better choice.
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I woke to Alice lying on her side, facing me. Her eyes scanned mine as I woke up, and I noticed they were only slightly dilated now. I also took note of how close she was to me. The fact that my arms were wrapped around her waist might have something to do with that. But I didn't mind. I just smiled.
Not even when the sensation in the rest of my body came back to me, and I felt my leg wrapping over hers did I mind. Or the feeling of her clothes pressing against my flesh. I just wanted to close my eyes and go back to sleep.
''We need to talk.'' Alice said, breaking the silence. But none of us moved. I didn't want to bring up any unpleasantries right now, though I knew we had to.
''I know.'' I relented, untangling my limbs from her. ''What strikes you as the most important topic?'' I asked, trying to feel her out. There were several things that could be on her mind, though I suspect the main one would be the 'wanting desperately to bite me' bit.
''How do you feel?'' She asked, keeping it vague. There was no clear emotions to see in her, which left it somewhat open. Do I go with teasing her about Rosalie's magic fingers reducing me to putty? Or do I stay focused on us right now, on this bed?
''Tired.'' I opted to respond as vague as she had. I wasn't the one holding my feelings in at the moment. Alice was the one that needed to open up.
''Of?'' She answered simply. Okay, now I was just starting to feel annoyed.
''Of you beating around the bush.'' I said, raising my voice slightly. She flinched in surprise, closing her eyes. Wait. ''What's wrong?'' I asked calmly, confused. She should have seen that coming. Right?
''I'm not sure.'' She answered, shifting to lie on her back, looking up to the ceiling. I did the same. Maybe it would help if seemed less personal. Easier to speak frankly that way. ''My visions are gone.'' She whispered. Why did she whisper? I stretched out my senses, trying to find the rest of the Cullen's. Only Rosalie was still in the house, back down in the garage. The rest were out of my range. Was she trying to hide the fact from the rest of them? Why?
''Where is everyone?'' I asked. Had she asked them to leave, or did they leave on their own?
''Rosalie told me they went hunting. She mentioned something about being sore losers?'' Alice responded, and this revealed somewhat how dependent she was on her power. How blind she must feel now.
''She beat them in Tekken.'' I said, to fill her in on the reason behind it. She just hummed in response. Probably wasn't an uncommon occurrence. ''Your hunt went well?'' I asked nonchalantly, as if I didn't know she'd killed one, if not several animals while she had been gone. It was a necessary evil, but it still saddened me.
''It was okay. I found a bear to sate my thirst.'' She responded in kind. I did a double-take, turning to look at her with wide eyes. This little thing fought a bear? And won? Who was I kidding, of course she won. She was a vampire. Still, her fighting a bear must have looked comical. Or brutal. Poor bear.
When the shock wore off, I fell onto my back again. ''Has it ever been gone before?'' I asked in a quiet voice, hoping Rosalie wouldn't hear us.
''Never.'' Was her instantaneous response. Okay. Well that is kind of concerning. On the other hand, it's a blessing, right? This way she can experience what everyone else does with having to choose what to say. And being blind to what the response would be. After a century of knowing, this must be kinda tough though.
''When did it stop?'' I asked her, trying to piece it together. There was certainly one factor that I suspect would have a part to play, namely myself. But it could have disappeared earlier for all I knew.
''I only really noticed it after I left the house. Do you think it's permanent?'' Alice asked rapidly, turning to look at me. I met her gaze slowly, hoping not to rile her up further.
''I don't know. But I suspect it was kind of my fault. Perhaps a reaction to whatever that blue cloak of mine did to you?'' I responded with a question, hoping to reason with her. There was no reason to panic just yet. A chuckle forced its way past my lips, almost making me spit on Alice. The question was evident on her face. ''Just that, if you were a guy, I'd ask if it might just be performance issues.'' I explained. She did not think it was funny, if her deadpan stare was anything to go by.
She looked back up to the roof, quiet for a moment. The mood stilled, and turned somber. ''We should talk about what happened.'' Alice spoke gravely. So visions weren't that important. She wanted to go through with this talk anyway. She's got guts. Not that I didn't know that from before. But sometimes it's nice to be reminded.
''Yes we should. What did it feel like to you, when I lit up?'' I asked her, genuinely curious about how she perceived the ordeal.
''Like nothing I've ever experienced.'' Alice said, before becoming still like a statue. Then slowly, her lips started moving, but she uttered no words. Was she remembering the moment? I thought vampires had perfect memories? Why would she freeze up like this?
''And?'' I prodded, and she came back to reality with a start, gazing at me for a moment before looking to the roof again.
''It wasn't a thirst for your blood, or a scent in the air, though both may have been a factor. I wanted to drink your blood, but not to sate my thirst. It was more like a sensation of... lust. A want to experience you in every way I could. It felt quite... overwhelming.'' Alice said in a low husky whisper, which certainly had an effect on me.
I had to swallow those feelings for now though. It was hard enough to stay on topic as is. ''So not as much a weakness as an inconvenience then. Good to know.'' I responded, having cleared my throat first. The confused look on her face reemerged again. She looked kinda cute like that. ''I thought it might have been a weakness, the cloak making vampires desperate to chew my face off.''
''It's not a joke, Bella!'' Alice protested vehemently, glaring in my direction. I met her gaze with a soft, understanding one. I knew she'd feel this way. But there was no reason to.
''I know Alice. But it only happened when I went blue. So I'll just not do that anymore, and it won't be an issue. It's just growing pains. We can adapt.'' I replied calmly. It seemed to ease her concern, as she settled back to looking at the roof.
''I do have a question I really want to ask you though.'' I said, waiting for a response, though none came at first. Had her powers come back?
''What?'' Alice asked shortly after. So probably no powers. Just expected me to continue without prompt. Or was I overthinking things again? I always do that. I almost wanted to meet her gaze, as she turned to look at me. But I wouldn't have dared ask if I did.
''Why have you been flirting with me, if I'm not your mate?'' The question was met with an uncomfortable silence. She even turned to look away from me, towards the door. A small fear she might run, rather than answer the question crept up in my mind, though there was no movement.
Had this moment been upon me just a few days ago, I'd probably think she had just been stringing me along. But I didn't want to doubt like that anymore. I knew Alice wouldn't do that to me. She was taking an awfully long time to answer however.
''It's... complicated.'' Was her meek response, and it made me want to facepalm. Where had her guts gone? Out the window?
''It probably isn't. Just start at the beginning.'' I coaxed, focusing on resisting the urge to turn to her.
''The beginning. Right.'' She started, before taking an unnecessary breath to calm herself. ''A little over eleven years ago, I started having visions more obtuse than normal. I could rarely make out the shape of a person, though most times it was just darkness. And feelings. Mostly hope and joy, though it varied.'' Alice explained, stuttering uncharacteristically often. From how she described it, I immediately knew that I was the dark spot. She'd said so herself, the first time I understood she could see the future. Had she been waiting for me for this long? I must have been what, six?
''I had Edward help me try to make sense of them, and he identified the surroundings to be from Forks. But he still couldn't help me figure out who it was about, or how the visions were connected to me. They just kept coming, and there was nothing I could do to stop them. The more I tried, the worse my headaches got. I relied heavily on Jasper at first, to ease my feelings. But the more he used his powers to make the feelings go away, the dirtier I felt for allowing it.'' She huffed after explaining that bit, and I felt guilty for having indirectly causing her those problems. I wanted to try to apologize, but she continued before I did.
''Anyway, I ended up having to let it happen. However grumpy it made me at first, I could see only disaster if I tried to interact with you prematurely. After a few months the scenery changed to a desert, and the visions came less frequently. At first I was relieved, before I started missing them. And by then, I had no idea where you were. The first few summers I would start to see you more often again, when you were back in Forks. You really messed me up, you know that?'' Alice joked that last bit, turning to me with a silly grin. I could only blush with embarrassment.
''Anyway, our time in Denali was cut short due to our numbers, so we had to move. I could see Carlisle and Esme thinking about where we should go next, and that Forks was on the short-list. I desperately wanted to go there, hoping I would find you when I did. But I refrained from interfering, fearing affecting the outcome, would change whatever strings of fate wanted to bring us together. I even had to go as far as to... incapacitate Edward, while they made their choice.'' She laughed darkly, and I felt sorry for whatever he had to endure. Then again, he would have probably mucked it up somehow if she hadn't done something.
''We ended up coming here of course, but you were nowhere to be found. You were still surrounded by desert, and seemingly happy for it. Time passed. Years. And then in a flurry of visions, several a day, you were suddenly here.'' Alice ended with a sigh, and a brilliant smile. ''I guess that's a really long-winded way of telling you, I've been waiting for you.''
''… That is complicated.'' I acquiesced, still somewhat shocked. Alice's soothing laughter erupted, seemingly lighting up the room. It took me a few more seconds to compute everything. To know that Alice had waited for me, wanted me, for so many years... It helped strip a way a feeling of inadequacy in me, with their inhuman beauty and insane abilities. ''Then why didn't you speak to me first, instead of Rosalie?'' I asked her, confused about the turn of events that had transpired.
''I didn't know it was you, at first. Or that you were supernatural. That time in the cafeteria, I didn't know who I was looking for. I just knew you were somewhere in the building. It wasn't until I saw a dark spot throwing Rosalie into the wall, that I knew it was you.'' Alice explained, sounding like an apology. It didn't register that I had sounded accusatory in my question.
''And all the interactions since then? Guessing what you were, making the pact with your family, saving my life, up until tonight? All to avoid me running for the hills?'' I asked, though I practically knew it to be true after her lengthy explanation. A simple nod was all I got for an answer.
''But we're linked for some reason. So how do you know we're not mates?'' I pressed, feeling a dangerous tint of hope, though I kept it at bay. It was an attractive thought, to be bound with someone for life. It would answer one of life's many questions. It would negate the fear of being alone. But it meant taking away my choice in who to love. For that, I'd rather choose freedom. Yet, we were linked. Somehow.
''Because of the argument we had, the second day. And the fact that up until this morning, there was still a chance you'd 'run for the hills' as you put it.'' Alice said pensively.
''Then does being mates bring about a compulsion, to never disagree?'' I asked, wanting to know more about it's details. To see if I could find any similarities, or warning signs. I had questioned free will before, in regard to her visions. Doubted it even, yet I clung to it. I desperately want free will to exist. To know that I had agency in the path my life would take. But didn't her visions of me negate that. Or would she have had visions of me until the day I eventually died, if we hadn't ever met?
''From what they've told me, they feel so in sync in how they see the world, that they never come to a disagreement. If it's somehow compulsory, like a subconscious force, it's hard to tell. Circumstantial evidence might hint to it, but there is no conclusive evidence, or consensus among most vampires. The vampires I know that have met their mate, never question the reason.''Alice reasoned conspiratorially, turning to look at me.
''Am I understanding it right, that you disapprove of the concept?'' She asked me with what I think was levity. Again, I met her gaze and smiled which she reciprocated.
''I think I'd enjoy life more, if I knew I could choose for myself.'' I answered her, not saying the words, but sort of saying it all the same. ''So. What do vampires like to do on dates?'' Her smile grew with my question, and the heavy atmosphere in the room seemed to lift.
''Well, for traditional vampire dates, there would mostly be hunting. But seeing how nontraditional we're being.'' She said, winking at me slyly. ''Perhaps going to see a fashion show in France?'' It was accentuated with her sticking a tiny part of her tongue out between her teeth.
I laughed at her silly example, but played along. ''If that's all, then you might have to wait a few more years for me. I'll hit you up when I'm a millionaire, 'kay?'' I joked. We both erupted in jovial laughter which had me struggling to breathe.
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We had ended up with the idea of watching a movie next friday. We had yet to decide what we would watch, but there was time to figure it out later. After that we ended up discussing what kind of music that we liked, and who our favorite artists were. I was kind of surprised that Alice was more into techno and electronica than the rest of her family. The way she described it was that whatever made her want to move her body, and specifically dance, was good. I decided against pointing to the fact that you can dance to almost anything.
It ended up with an exhibition, where Alice put on some upbeat music I hadn't heard before, and started dancing around the room. I didn't dare join her, for fear of embarrassing myself. But the way she swayed her hips gave me the distinct impression she would quite literally dance the pants off of me.
By the time the track ended, the new phone went off in an unfamiliar tune. Charlie called, having gotten the number from Carlisle, and asked if I would be coming home for dinner. It wasn't until then that I noticed the time, being five in the afternoon. I didn't want to impose any further on Esme, though I had no doubt she wouldn't mind. So we ended up leaving, Alice intent on sticking with me for as long as possible. I did get a chance to see Rosalie with engine grease smeared on her perfect face though, as we went to say goodbye. She didn't seem to mind it. She seemed more interested by the fact that me and Alice was holding hands.
I only ever let go of her when I had to switch gears while driving, and even then I felt reluctant. It was nice to be accompanied on the way home, and her singing along to the tunes that I played raised my spirits even higher. Only to crash down when my house came into sight. Pacing outside was the shivering form of one Jacob Black.
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AN: Happy new years people. Remember not to make any resolutions you can't stick to! :P
And as always, feel free to tell me if there was something you disagree with, or that didn't feel right.
Ps. This chapter has been updated after release, as I managed to drop the ball when it came to the phone being destroyed. I apologize for the lack of scrutiny on my part.