Even with the feeling of being burned alive – sleep found me. Although I was terrorized with dark and twisted dreams. I had a cluster of several dreams, as one would come to an end, another would begin. But they all seemed to have one thing in common – there was a bear that would show up and attack me. I did everything I possibly could to get away from it; without success. At some point I began to realize that I was dreaming; which of course jostled me awake.
Back to torture. The flames burned hotter every second. I fought back the urge to scream and was able to stay relatively quiet most of the time, but there were a few moments that I couldn't hold back my sobs. The fire was coating the inside of my body – every square inch of it. There was no relief. With each beat of my heart the intensity of the pain flared. My other injuries felt like they had disappeared – but I'm sure it's just because I'm suffering from something much worse.
No one would explain what was going on to me. That was driving me crazy. All I could do was lie here and burn – the least someone could do would be to fill me in on what was happening to me right now. But I did have one thing I was thankful for. The man who rescued me would visit often, although he always had a look of pity and guilt on his face. Someone with such a beautiful face shouldn't sour it with such expressions. All I wanted to do was reach out and touch his hand – but I couldn't do that. The more I moved, the more I hurt. So, for my own well-being, I decided to not move around as much as possible.
I found out that his name was Emmett, it would be a name I'd never forget. I had risked his life saving me. I had so many questions. Like, how was he able to get the both of us out of that forest alive? Why wasn't he just as hurt as I was? I hoped that I would be able to ask him these questions, but I was having doubts that I would survive this agony. I've thought of probably one hundred ways to end my life – just to escape this torture. Of course, I'd never do it, but for some reason thinking about it helps calm me down and focus on something other than the flames biting at my skin.
I wasn't sure how long I've been lying here; quietly burning, but for some reason I had more visitors in my room then normal. Usually it was just Emmett, and the older gentleman – possibly his father. Although they looked nothing alike. I suppose the other thing similar was their eyes. Emmett's eyes had been such a strange copper-ash but now it was a light, smooth gold. I didn't know why it changed, that was one more question I had for him.
Today, Emmett was joined by a dark, spiky haired girl and an incredibly handsome bronze haired boy. I found myself stealing peaks at the bronze haired boy. He was a boyish charm that sent my heart racing. Was it possible for someone to be too beautiful.
"Good morning, Bella, I'd like you to meet my siblings. This is Alice," Emmett nodded to the pixie-like girl. "And this is Edward." He nodded to the dazzling man next to him.
It was hard to tell who was the most gorgeous, Emmett or his brother.
"G-good morning," I forced through my teeth. I had my jaw clenched tightly shut – hoping to avoid screaming and yelling. My voice sounded so strained – it almost didn't even sound like me.
Emmett winced slightly as he took his usual seat next to my bed. "It won't be much longer." He said with a solid nod. There was an unwavering emotion clouding his eyes. I couldn't tell what it was, but I knew that he was feeling strongly.
I wondered for a moment – what did he mean, that it wouldn't be much longer? I hoped that he meant my suffering would be over soon. I really wasn't such how much more of this I could endure.
His sister, Alice seemed to be bouncing up and down in place as she went to the other side of my bed to take a seat. "I hope you like the outfit I dressed you in today. It just looks so lovely against your skin." She said, gesturing to the light blue dress I was wearing. It was satin and very elegant, much more than I would ever consider wearing. It looked expensive. I always seemed to wake up in a different outfit, but I never knew who was changing my clothes.
I guess while I was stuck here, Alice has been treating me like her own, real-life barbie. Although this did relieve me, I was hoping that it wasn't Emmett that was undressing me while I slept. I don't think I could live through the embarrassment.
"It's v-very nice." I stuttered slightly as I spoke. It was very more painful when I moved my lips. It just felt like a sting, but it was enough to make speech difficult for me. No matter what, I would continue to communicate. It was the only thing keeping me sane at the moment.
"You don't have to push yourself to speak, if it's uncomfortable for you," Emmett's brother spoke up – he had just the slightest look of disinterest on his face, but his expression quickly changed into confusion. He peered intently down at me, his eyes searching and searching – but finding nothing but more questions. "This is impossible." He muttered under his breath, barely above the sound of a whisper.
"What is it, Edward?" Emmett asked shifting his head to glance at his brother. His body seemed tense as he watched between Edward and I. I wondered what was causing the sour look coming to his face. "Is something wrong... with her?"
What did he mean by that?
"Yes - I mean, no, but something isn't quite..." Edward appeared to lose focus on what he was saying for a minute. His words weren't coming out quite so smoothly. "For some reason, I can't read her mind."
Read my mind? Was he suggesting that he could read the minds of others? I wonder what was wrong with me? Why couldn't he read my mind?
Edward stared at me openly; his topaz eyes sucked me in. I felt completely trapped by them. Like a predator stalking his prey. I noticed his every move to inch closer to me. My heart sprang in my chest as I watched him approach. I wasn't sure if I was blushing – everything felt so hot right now.
"Give her some space Edward." Emmett said with a serious expression coming to his face.
"Relax Em, she isn't going to be quite so fragile anymore." Alice said with a smirk between her two brothers.
"Neither one of you understand... you didn't see that camp... you didn't see what this girl had to go through. There is no doubt that she is already the strongest one here." Emmett replied quietly.
Alice and Edward exchanged looks, before turning their sights on me with pity. I was growing to hate that look. It made me feel... weird.
"I still think it's really strange that you can't get a read on her, why do you think that is?" Alice said abruptly changing the topic of discussion.
"I wish I knew," Edward said watching me closely. "Maybe I'll have better luck once she has completely made it through the transition."
"W-w-what are you talking about – t-transition?" I spoke up. As badly as it felt to speak, this question driving me insane. I had to know what was happening to me. I knew the bear had taken a bite out of my shoulder, but that didn't explain the bewildering pain that I was going through now.
"I promise that we will explain everything. Please be patient for now." Emmett said smiling slightly – but the smile didn't reach his eyes. He still was watching me – appearing ready for me to break and fall to pieces like glass.
But as Emmett lightly placed his hand over mine, I felt a sudden burst of heat fly to my cheeks. It felt like a horde of bees were stinging my skin – making it red and painful to the touch.
Just as quickly as he had placed it there – the faster he pulled it away, leaving me feel empty. It was nice to have that brief bit of contact. It feels like I've had no human connection for days... since my parents were alive. I owed Emmett my life, it's a shame I can't repay him. He doesn't even want to comfort me with a simple touch.
The door to my room opened swiftly – revealing one more person I've never had the chance to meet. She was breath-taking. Envy chewed at me instantly. Any girl would have this reaction to this blonde beauty. She was everything that I wish I was. She strode into the room, graceful and intimidating. However, she only offered me a kind smile.
Emmett inched away from me and began to gravitate towards this girl. His expression was full of reluctance only for the briefest second. The blonde didn't seem to notice, or at least she was pretending. She took a hold of Emmett's huge arm and clung to it closely.
"How is she doing?" Even her voice was perfect. It made me sick to my stomach.
"Well Rose, to be honest she hasn't moved or talked very much. But Emmett has been keeping her company. I think she is going to be just fine." Alice said with a bright smile.
Of course, the beautiful girl was named after a beautiful flower.
"I'm sure she is relieved to get through this part, but I hope you all realize that after this, it just is going to get harder." Rose said glancing to each of them. "She is going to need each and every one of us."
They all nodded in unison; all sharing a look of determination and pity. I ignored the growing tension in the room. It felt like everyone was on edge – waiting for some kind of invisible attack. My eyes found Alice – her expression had gone completely blank and her body appeared frozen. Everyone was watching her closely.
Another man came barreling into the room, not bothering to introduce himself, or even look in my direction. He went straight to Alice. He watched her with concern as he stuck a single arm around her waist; in an attempt to keep her steady. I wasn't sure what was happening with Alice – but after looking around the room – this apparently has happened to her before. The only one that seemed concern about this; was the man that just came in the room.
Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Edward's body tense. His golden eyes flickered to mine and away with startling speed. A frown slowly came to his face at the same time – Alice was coming out of the trance she was in.
For once a bubbly smile wasn't on her face. Unlike Edward – who looked towards me, she looked between Emmett and Rose. She eyed with sadness.
"What is it Alice, what did you see?" The man asked that was still holding onto her tightly.
"Oh, nothing too important." She replied, quickly moving her head away from Emmett and Rose. Instead, she looked at Edward with hope entering her eyes.
Edward watched his sister intently; an emotion was dancing behind his somber expression. I couldn't tell what the emotion was – he was trying extremely hard not to reveal anything. It was frustrating. I could tell something happened to make him respond that way.
"Not all of your visions are certain." Edward said barely above a whisper.
Emmett snorted, folding his arms across his chest. "Alice has never been wrong with anything she predicted."
"Well don't leave us in suspense, tell us what the vison was." Rose said raising a single, delicate brow. I could hear an edge to her tone, perhaps her personality was a bit on the harsh side. She was quick to get annoyed or impatient. She struck me as someone who was very opinionated – and not to accepting to other's opinions. There was nothing wrong with that, she was just different.
"That isn't my business to share." Alice said matter-of-factly. I could tell that Alice wasn't intimidated by Rose, or her strong opinions. Alice had her own morals and wasn't afraid to stand her ground. Regardless of her small stature, she was brave and confident. I really admired that about Alice. I could see the two of us being friends someday. Assuming my injuries don't kill me.
"Well, that's not fair, Edward got to know what the vision was." Emmett pouted. His tone was light and playful, it really put me at ease. Especially when Emmett laughed. It was almost contagious, when he laughed, it made me want to laugh as well. He was a gentle giant, full of light hearted humor and fierce loyalty to those he cares for. It was clear, after spending these few days with him – he was the kind of man that you wanted in your life. But I could see, how Rose hung on him... that he wasn't available. As if I would ever have a chance with him anyway. He was gorgeous, kind and completely out of my league.
"If it was up to me, Edward would be just as in the dark about my visions as the rest of you. I can't stop him reading my thoughts." Alice shrugged her shoulders, before looking to Edward. "But if anyone had to know about this... I'm glad it's you."
Edward shook his head slowly, not making eye contact with anyone. I could tell that he was still tense and uncomfortable, with whatever he had seen from Alice's vision. I wanted to ask him, but it wasn't my place.
Suddenly there was a feeling of overwhelming pain burst through me, the burning was slowly retreating from my legs and arms. The flames of hell all seemed to move into my chest. My heart was beating so fast it was painful. I tried to catch my breath, but all I could do was scream. The pain has never been this bad. I didn't know it would have been possible for it to her worse. But at this point all I wanted was a gun – to end this suffering right now. It was driving me insane. My arms and legs thrashed against the bed; which seemed to startle everyone in the room.
Emmett was at my side in a second, taking my hand. "This is it Bella, it's almost over." He said calmly.
To my surprise Edward also came over to the other side of me, he lightly gathered my other hand. This was the first time that Edward ever touched me, I was used to Emmett's contact, but Edward's was just as wonderful. But I couldn't even enjoy any of it. The fire burned deep inside my chest. It didn't falter.
"You can do this Bella, just hang on a little longer." Edward spoke gently.
I held onto both – Emmett and Edward's words. It was the only thing that helped me through the pain. So, when it was finally over, I let out a sigh of relief.
Everyone was tense as they watched me, everyone was quiet. It was a little unsettling. Rose was the first to clear her throat, she moved in between Emmett and I – practically ripping his hand out of mine. She touched my shoulder with a worried expression.
"Are you alright?" She asked softly.
"Yes, I feel okay... but" I cautiously moved my hand over my heart – instantly noticing that it was no longer beating.
"But what? What's wrong?" Emmett asked, leaning over Rose to scan over my body. "You look... good." I heard something catch in his throat and quickly a look of disinterest came to his face – when Rose turned her sights on him.
"It's just... my heart isn't beating... I think I'm dead." I muttered as I looked down at my ghostly pale arms. I've always been on the pale side but never like this.
Emmett threw his head back and laughed his booming laugh. I had missed hearing it. The first two days I got here was full of his laughter and jokes, I knew he was just trying to lighten my suffering. It really did help. I at least didn't feel so alone.
"Emmett, now is not the time." Edward sighed, shaking his head back and forth. But like Emmett, he had a smirk on his face as he looked at me. "We have a lot to explain."
A thought came to me and suddenly I was springing up out of the bed. It felt like I was leaning to walk for the first time, the movements were so jarring and unrefined. Was it possible that I was never more uncoordinated than I was before?
When I moved, everyone else moved as well – blocking me from the only exit. I noticed that they all had a look of determination on their faces. As if they were ready to tackle me and throw me back down into this bed.
"Not so fast, you need time to acclimate to your new body." The one boy said. It was the first time he ever spoke to me. He had been the one to go to Alice's side. It was clear that they were in a relationship. He had a presence about him that was striking and threatening. He stood rigidly, straight and particular. He reminded me of some kind of war general. The wounds and scars on his body was frightening.
Without thinking I backed away from him until my back was touching the opposite wall.
"You're scaring her Jasper," Edward said narrowing his eyes slightly. "Take it down a notch."
Edward's words didn't seem to affect him. Jasper continued to stare me down as if he was ready to attack. It wasn't until Alice lightly touched him on the shoulder – that he relaxed, ever so slightly.
"It's going to be alright Bella, before you go anyway, please let us explain what has happened to you." Rose said moving now to my side. Her expression was kind, but guarded.
"I have to get back to the campsite, please take me back... I never got the chance... to say goodbye." I begged, looking to each of them.
"See, she wasn't reacting from thirst, she just wants to... see her family one last time." Edward spoke quietly, flashing a glare towards Jasper.
Jasper appeared unapologetic. "She is a newborn; we can't let out guard down for a second. She could lose control any second."
"What do you mean by newborn?" I muttered, slowly allowing myself to move from the wall. Rose linked her arm with me, walking next to me. She watched me intently. But every so often she would glance towards Emmett with suspicion.
Emmett didn't take his eyes off me, neither did Edward. It was starting to feel smothering.
"Let's start from the beginning. This might take a while, so let's go to a more comfortable room." Alice suggested with a tinkling giggle. She strode from the room like a ballerina, so graceful and beautiful.
Her intimidating boyfriend followed after her closely, but I could still feel his untrusting gaze. Maybe it would take a while for him to warm up to me.
Rose didn't let go of my arm. Emmett and Edward walked in front of Rose and I, as if they were our body guards. It was all a very strange and unnatural feeling.
I took a second to scan the room as we walked. Everything was so crystal clear, it was as if I was looking through a pair of foggy glasses before, but now I could see everything. I could see every strand of hair, every particle of dust, it was incredible.
These new changes were confusing and a bit scary, but these people have saved me, they sheltered me for a few days now, apparently, they have treated my wounds as well. I owed these people my life. I shouldn't fear them. I should be thanking them.
We all ended up in a large, luxurious living room. It was in a sleek, modern style. There were matching leather arm chairs and a large sectional couch that sat right in front of a grand fireplace. The fire was crackling and leaving off a soft warmth to the room – I found it comforting. I was careful when I took a seat on the couch, I was afraid to get anything dirty or knock something over. There were several glass decorations around the room, knowing me – I'd trip and break something. A decoration or a leg.
Rose sat down next to me, keeping one of my hands. Jasper kept Alice at a distance. She sat in one of the armchairs and he stood directly behind her. He looked away from everyone and remained completely silent and calm.
Emmett sat in front of me, on the floor. He watched my every move with curiosity and concern. "Are you sure, that you aren't thirsty?" He asked for the second time since leaving the room.
I thought about it, which caused a mild burn in the back of my throat. I lightly rubbed my neck, but pushed the discomfort away. "I'm alright, I'd rather hear what's going on."
Edward took a seat on the other side of me, appearing to be focusing extremely hard. His eyes danced with confusion and frustration. I could feel him inching closer and closer. His eyes searched mine, I could see he had questions. But I wasn't willing to give him any answers until my questions were answered first.
Although, if he keeps looking at me like that... I was going to lose my train of thought. He was so distracting, it wasn't fair.
"So strange," Edward sighed – finally ending the brief silence. "I wish I knew what you were thinking." His annoyance with this was almost comical.
"I'd be more than happy to tell you, after I get some of my questions answered." I gave him a shy smile.
"Alright, prepare yourself, this is going to be a lot to take in. Some of this might sound insane, but I promise you, everyone in this room will never lie to you." Rose said with a serious expression on her beautiful face.
The way she was talking was beginning to make me nervous. I could feel my anxiety growing, but suddenly I felt a wave of tranquility brush over me. It felt like a gentle tidal wave hit against my body, filling me with peace and acceptance. I wasn't sure why I was feeling this way. But everyone in the room seemed to be feeling the same thing. Everyone began to relax a little and I took note of a few thankful glances towards Jasper.
"I'm ready," I said nodding to Rose. I would have to assume that she wanted to explain this all to me. She hasn't let go of my hand yet and she seems the most concerned of what I was going to think of all of this. I was surprised to hear Emmett speak up.
"Well Bella, we are vampires." He blurted out quickly.
Jasper and Edward exchanged irritated sighs, while Alice giggled. Rose just remained tense.
"I knew he was going to make this awkward." I heard Jasper mutter under his breath. Edward heard Jasper's words and nodded in agreement.
"Vampires," I repeated – unable to stop myself from scoffing at the notion. "So where are the coffins?"
"He is being serious Bella," Rose said squeezing my hand. The look on her face was intense. "We really are vampires. You are too."
"That's impossible. Vampires don't exist." I said shaking my head.
I was beginning to question the sanity of this family.
"Go on, show her." Emmett said nodding to Edward.
Edward glanced at me only for a moment before moving from his place, leaning against the back wall of the living room, to a full-on sprint. My eyes were barely able to keep up with him. There was no doubt in my mind that this kind of speed with inhuman.
When he stopped, he was directly in front of me – his topaz eyes peered through me. I felt a stirring in my chest, but it was a dull feeling. Not like it used to be.
That was another thing that was bothering me. There was absolutely no denying that I no longer had a heartbeat. I was essentially dead. But here I was still able to move and talk. I was undead? Was that the right word for it? Was that what they were trying to explain?
"I really am dead." I clarified, looking at each of them.
"Yes, and no. The human - Bella - is dead. But the new and improved vampire Bella is alive and well." Emmett said with a grin.
"Em- come on, take this seriously." Rose scolded him. When she turned back to me, she offered me a smile. "Do you understand what we are telling you?"
I paused, carefully planning my next words wisely. "So... when the bears attacked my camp... attacked me... I was saved... by Emmett. But not saved in the traditional way."
"That's right, your injuries were so bad... the only chance you had to carry on... was being turned into a vampire. The transformation healed all your wounds, no matter how severe they were." Edward spoke steadily, not giving away even the slightest hint of what he was feeling in this moment. It was like he turned into a brick wall.
While Emmett on the other hand looked troubled. "I hope that someday you could forgive me... for putting you though all that. I know that I didn't have the right to make that choice for you..." This was the first time that he looked away from me.
"Why would I be upset – you saved my life... well I mean not so much... you... kind of... gave me a new life. I don't think I would like to remember much of my old life. It's... too painful right now. So, thank you for saving me."
"Don't be fast to thank him. He may have given you something, but he also took away something from you as well." Rose said with a hard look.
"Do we really need to go into that now? This is already a lot for Bella to take in. Don't you think we should ease into the harsh things? She has only just finished transition." Edward slipped back into the conversation.
"No, we need to get all the facts out. Nothing about this life is easy, it's best if she understands that sooner than later." Rose said with an edge to her tone. She wasn't coming off mean, but stern. I could see no one was going to speak out against her. I assume this would have been a waste of time. It seemed that arguing with Rose was often times impossible. That's just my guess.
When no one opposed her, she turned to me with a sharpness in her gaze, but her hand – that was still in mine remained soft. "As a vampire, we can no longer age. We will remain the current age we are, forever."
"Well, that's not horrible. Most people don't find aging to be something to look forward to. I think... I can handle that." I said slightly shrugging my shoulders.
"I'm not finished," she said hesitantly. "Also... you will not be able to have children. Which is probably the most heart-breaking part of this entire thing. Motherhood will forever be out of your grasp."
There was a small part of me that was distressed by this idea, but I didn't want to let it show. I was worried that it might make Emmett feel bad. I didn't want him thinking that I would blame him for this. He saved my life. The price of saving me was the ability to have children. If that's all... I guess if I really wanted a child, I could adopt. It wasn't life-shattering.
I nodded slowly, reading Rose's expression quietly. She appeared more bothered by this then I was. Perhaps motherhood was something she had really been looking forward to. But now she couldn't. I wondered for a moment; did she really want a child that bad? Or did she just want something – she knew she could never have?
My long silence must have caused some concern. I could see Edward's eyes on me – burning with curiosity and concern. Emmett mirrored Edward's expression, but guilt and shame were also among the sea of emotions sweeping over his face.
"If you need a second, we can give you some time to think about that. We can give you some privacy." Rose said, now rubbing my shoulder. She truly appeared worried.
"No, the last thing I want... is to be alone right now." I sighed, resting my head in my hands as I tried to recenter myself. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster. I didn't know what I was feeling. I didn't know what I wanted. I just knew that I needed a second.
I've never given much thought to how I would die. But as it turns out, surviving may have been worse than death itself. I still wasn't sure how much of this I was believing. Even with proof staring at me, I couldn't bring myself to believe completely. I still had hope there was some way out of this. Or that this all was just a nightmare. I would wake up soon. Rene would be waiting for me down in the kitchen – with another failed attempt at breakfast. The smoke detectors would be going off and Phil would be standing up on a kitchen chair, fanning the smoke away from the detector. He would been snickered, and poking fun at my mother for her unique cooking methods. They would greet me – and see me off for school.
I could see the image in my mind so perfectly. It was painful – I would never see them again. It was just me left behind now, orphaned. And now, I'm being told that I wouldn't be able to have kids of my own. I wasn't ready for that thought to sink in completely, so I turned back to Rose.
"Let's hear the rest of the awful things wrong with me now." I kept my expression neutral. I didn't want anyone to know how hard this was.
Rose flinched with a look of pity. "I wish that I could tell you that it gets easier. But that would be a lie. Thirst is something that will consume your life for a while. It's honestly incredible that you aren't going insane."
"Thirst," I muttered. My throat was burning right now, but it was easy to ignore. It was not nearly as painful as the fiery hell that I had gone through for these past few days. "There is a burning sensation, but nothing too bad."
"If a human was nearby, it would be a different story." Jasper said with his arms crossed. "But I'll admit, for a newborn you are pretty tame."
"I know this is already a lot to process, but I think it would be a good time to hunt." Edward spoke up, moving towards me. He put his hand out for me, which I shyly took.
"I think I'll tag along." Emmett said clearing his throat.
Edward and Emmett exchanged tense glances, but neither one commented any further. Alice seemed to notice and pounced up to her feet. "Don't you think you should stay behind with Rose; I think Bella would prefer to not feel like she is being smothered.
Emmett shot Alice a look. "It is my duty to be there for her. It's my fault this happened to her. Maybe Edward should stay behind."
So that was that. Edward stayed behind, but I could see that this was bothering him. I could tell that he wanted to come. But I couldn't understand why that was. The only thing I could figure, was that he was interested in whatever was going on in my mind. He couldn't read my mind and that bothered him. Perhaps he is hoping that I fill in the blanks for him.
Emmett on the other hand, feels that I am his responsibility. He doesn't really want to come with me, he just thinks he is obligated. Of course, that's as far as it goes. It would be foolish of me to think any differently.
What do you all think so far? Leave a review if you are enjoying this story so far! Happy New Year everyone!
