Marcus and I agreed that he would be starting next Monday after a few more questions and conversation. I did run a background check on him just in case but, I was pleasantly surprised that he had a degree in Botany and had worked in several places throughout Europe. I had skimmed through the list to see if I could find the castle he had referred to but I was disappointed.

Hm, it looks like I'll need to do a little digging.

I stopped pruning a small shrub at the thought. I didn't know what had gotten into me. I wasn't one to pry into the personal lives of other people but Marcus… He was a mystery waiting to be solved and I was a critical elemental in this puzzle. I had no idea why that was but I should just let it be. But how could I ignore that I was possibly connected to him through my dreams? They were just dreams after all and I was probably jumping to conclusions...

"Why can't I just mind my own business?" I moaned, setting the clippers down on the table.

It had been a slow day after the interview and I was left at the mercy of my raging thoughts because Angela wasn't there. I sighed, closing the shop momentarily to retrieve my sketch book and some coloring pencils. While I was at it, I decided to order some pizza for lunch since it was already midday. I absentmindedly looked over my sketches, placing the drawing pad on the counter. I wasn't an artist by any means but I found that I enjoyed drawing out anything that caught my attention.

I flipped to the page with the dream garden and I squinted, trying to imagine the place with life but having some trouble. I decided to use tracing paper to avoid ruining my original sketch and in no time had an exact copy of the place. I then carefully started giving color and filling in the bare limbs of the tree with green leaves and hanging purple flowers. I also added the flowers Marcus had mentioned around the fountain and colored in some running water for the effects.

I stared at the beautiful and colorful scene that was so different than the one from my dreams. The reds, whites and purples made the image pop and come to life. The roses were complemented by the lovely globe shaped Amaranths and the small white Stephanotis flowers but the center of attention was the gorgeous Wisteria tree that stood proudly nearby. Its flowers hung in groups from its curved branches towards the ground, making it look like a green and violet curtain. It really did look peaceful and it felt so familiar. Looking at it, I felt a sharp tug on my heart and a wave of profound sorrow suddenly sweep over me. I gasped as an image flickered in my mind.

I blinked, the feeling ebbing away just as quickly as it had come and I was left standing in confusion. I shouldn't have any memories of the place yet, it was crystal clear in my mind. Though, I just knew the memory itself was from a long, long time ago. Also, the sorrow...

"Was I feeling what he felt?" I wondered aloud, still baffled.

Did I see through his eyes for a few seconds? I gnawed on my lip at the thought. These things that were happening were not normal. The dreams, the feelings and the memory just now. It almost seemed… supernatural. I stood straighter, my thoughts jumping back to how perfect his features seemed, how cold he felt and, how his eyes changed color. I needed to get to the bottom of this but I had to wait 2 days before I saw Marcus again. I wanted to observe him up close and maybe find out more about him. Maybe I could ask Angela what she thought?

I sighed, remembering last night while I put my things away and retrieved my food when it arrived. I had snapped at her and I felt horrible about it. I rolled my shoulders, trying to soothe my aching muscles as I continued to ponder whether I should call her and apologize. I finally picked up the phone and dialed her number, waiting as it rang.

"Bella? Are you ok?" Angela asked, clearly alarmed that I was calling her.

"Yeah, yeah." I dismissed, wondering why she sounded so worried. "Um, can I come over? I can cook something for both of us if you'd like."

I frowned at my tone of uncertainty and there was silence for a few seconds before she answered.

"Really?"

I smacked myself as I heard her hopeful reply. Was I so far gone that me asking to come over is a pleasant surprise? Everything had been different before… I shoved those thoughts viciously away.

"Yeah." I said, struggling to swallow the lump. "See you later?"

"Sure, Bella." She paused, before softly continuing. "I'm happy you're coming over."

Bless her heart. I choked back some tears and hung up after saying goodbye. I needed to bring something over for her. After everything she had done for me, it's the least I could do. I put my hands on my waist and eyed the clock. I still had 5 more hours until closing time and the flower arrangement that I wanted to give Angie would only take a few minutes… I frowned and looked around the store and through the panes of glass. I could almost imagine the tumbleweeds rolling across the asphalt so I decided to close shop early. It was Friday anyways so it really didn't matter.

I flipped the sign to closed but I hesitated when I saw a flash of white from the corner of my eye. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck raise and my heartbeat quicken as I searched the woods that were nearby. What the hell? I shook my head and took a shaky breath. It was probably my imagination. I wrapped up Angela's purple Hyacinth and yellow Agrimony bouquet and then locked the store behind me, walking briskly to my home.

I took everything I needed and breathed in, preparing myself mentally as I stepped out from the trailer a while later and walked towards the edge of the parking lot where a solitary truck had been parked for more than a year. I swallowed thickly, as I took in my red Chevy's sorry state. It looked much worse than when my parents' had bought it from Billy. The paint was falling off, letting the metal frame be exposed the humid weather and causing it to rust. It had a mountain of fallen leaves in the truck bed and vines growing up the tires.

I almost turned back and retreated to my personal haven but I stood my ground. I wasn't going to move the trailer just to go to Angela's house. Sure, maybe for groceries and the laundromat but the thing would be too big for her driveway. For the second time today, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand, making me feel like someone or something was watching me.

The sudden pang of fear I felt was enough incentive for me to jump in, slamming the door shut in the process. I cursed as I tried to start the engine and it didn't roar to life like I wanted. I tried again, remembering to double clutch it and I let out a small yelp when it lurched forward, stuttering as it went before it shut off. I wanted to bang my head against the steering wheel. Damn stick shift. I probably looked like an idiot.

I finally got it to start and went as fast it would let me, concerned at the how wobbly the ride felt and the wheezing coming from the engine. But, my fear subsided as I inched farther and farther away from the shop. I started to relax as I breathed in the familiar tobacco and peppermint scent. I had missed this.

I drove through town and avoided taking the main road. I didn't want to pass by where my house used to be and stopped at the gas station, filled up the tank and bought a few snacks before heading to Angie's. I rounded the corner and as her house came in view, Angela opened the door with a look of shock on her face.

I couldn't help but laugh lightly knowing she had heard me coming from at least a block away. I waved to Angela who was smiling at me and at that moment, I felt like the old Bella. The girl who was still 18, living a relatively carefree and that hung out with her friends on a regular basis. I had to admit to myself that it felt pretty great.

Author's notes: And so, the plot thickens. Bella is just too observant for her own good and she is smart enough to connect everything together. She'll find out the big secret soon… As for the mysterious streak of white, well, let's just say that Marcus isn't the only vampire in town and it's not one of the Cullens.

Flower meanings:

Hyacinth, purple: I am sorry / Please forgive me

Agrimony: Thankfulness / Gratitude