Ok, so maybe that first night at the castle wasn't the easiest. I woke up earlier than usual the next morning, gasping profusely. I'd never gone this long without blood before, and the effects of extreme thirst were starting to hit me. Garrett told me that my thirst, like ordinary human hunger, wouldn't get worse than this and would die down eventually. But man, like…. when? This was torture, or close to it. I see now why many vampires never fast, opting to be vegetarians instead. If I lived through this- which I planned to- this would be the hardest thing I've ever done.
Well, except for getting through those first few days after Charlie died.
After some time of writhing in agony in my bed, I eventually found the strength to pull myself out from under the covers. Planting my feet down onto the cold, wooden floor, I clenched the edge of my bed with both my hands, staring forward into nothing. This was all my best effort to steady myself. "Ok, Bella; you can do this. The thirst will be gone in a few hours; you can last until then. It'll get easier….. It WILL get easier," I think I was trying to convince myself this was true more than anything. Still, I did feel a little better, or more hopeful now at least anyway. I checked the date on my phone, which still had no reception. "Day three of fasting- alright….."
Setting my phone down, I wrenched myself up off the bed and made myself stretch out my limbs. Then I put on my housecoat and made my way over the window. It was a bright sunny day outside; perfect for a walk in the garden later. Without realizing what my eyes were doing, I found them being drawn back to where I'd seen the figure last night. Of course there was no one there now. I also looked to the spot where the werewolf had been yesterday. He too was nowhere to be seen. Not that I was surprised; I doubt if I'd ever see him again. But that other mysterious man outside my window….. My hand pressed up against the glass. I wonder who he was or what he was doing out there…. You know, besides staring into my bedroom. I couldn't help but be curious whatever happened to him afterwards…..
An unexpected knock at my door made me jump. Thinking it was Garrett come to say "good morning", I didn't hesitate to call back. "Come in!" The door opened and imagine my surprise to find not my guardian but the grumpy receptionist on the other side. He entered, looking as annoyed as usual, carrying a silver tray in his other hand. He scowled at me, setting the tray down on the table near the fireplace with a clunk.
He's not happy to be here, I immediately recognized. For the sake of politeness though, I forced a grin and turned toward him completely, my hands clasped out in front of me. "Good morning, Argus," my voice was its typical chirpiness. He visibly tisked. "What's good about it?" Oh boy, what a charmer. "Where's Garrett?" I asked, sensing Argus was wishing it was him here instead too. "He's doing a round of the castle. Here, your majesty; I've brought you some breakfast," he tacked on a sour smirk.
I gazed down at the tray. It contained a bottle of assorted vitamins and supplements. Slid under the bottle was a little folded note Argus then handed to me. It had some handwriting on it I didn't recognize. Opening it, I read the message aloud for some reason. "Dear Miss Swan. I'm pleased to inform you that your bloodwork has come back fine. You are perfectly healthy and have my consent to continue fasting, with the provision of regular medical supervision. I've assigned you some new supplements for the duration. Do let me know if you experience any drastic physical changes or feel too fatigued. Your humble servant, Dr. Carlisle Cullen."
Argus snorted. "Like those pills will do anything. You're a vampire; there's only one thing for it." "Are these all the supplements Dr. Cullen's prescribed to me?" Ignoring his quip, I picked up the container to examine its contents. "Should be. Didn't double-check the list or anything….." He crossed his arms. I set the bottle back down and smiled at him again. "Thank you, Argus. I'll get dressed, then take these."
With a roll of the eyes, he went back over to the slightly open door. Setting his hand on the doorknob, he couldn't resist flashing me a mocking, satisfied grin- a very malicious one. "Thirsty this morning, are we?" His tone….. Oh, his tone just then. I stared back at him, wide-eyed and silent. How did he know….? Could all regular vampires tell? I couldn't tell when they were thirsty, except for the expressions on their faces.
Chuckling sinisterly to himself and shaking his head, he left, making sure to shut the door tight behind him.