Chapter 12 – Graduation

BPOV

Today was graduation day. Looking at my reflection, I was taking in my smile. I was actually happy about today. So much has happened in such little time. Alice spoke to me about what I found out about her and her family and she wasn't upset. Instead, she was happy, "Bella, it's wonderful that you know the truth. It was killing me seeing the two of you in pain. Every afternoon, he would want to know every detail of your day. I'm just so glad you and Edward can be happier now."

On some nights when Edward had to hunt, Alice came over while Charlie was sleeping. We discussed our traveling details we had to make for Dartmouth. More information about the school and my class selections came and she was helping me make choices.

The night before graduation, I barely slept. Edward and I spent most of the night talking. I all but slammed my alarm clocked into the wall as it rang. I didn't want to wake up. Though I was groggy, I was still excited. My heart pounded steadily as I was pulling my hair back. Sighing, my feet slipped into my shoes. A hand rested on my waist, "You look beautiful." Edward's cool breath blew against my ear, making me shiver. I still wasn't used to his touch. My body leaned back against his, "Thank you." His fingers brushed along my neck to my cheek.

My blush was burning my skin. Edward chuckled lightly, "Now you look perfect. You were too pale." I smiled up at him, "You shouldn't talk." He laughed and pushed my toward the door, "I'll see you later." Even though I wasn't going to see him, Edward was going to be at the ceremony.

Charlie and I walked through the crowds of smiling parents and students. A hand rested on my shoulder, "Bella?" I looked back to two people; one I knew of and the other I hadn't seen in a long time; Esme and Emmett Cullen. Charlie was happy to meet the mother of my new best friend. Esme was smiling beautifully, "Yes, we couldn't be prouder of Alice getting into such a wonderful school and that she's not going alone."

Emmett smiled at me and I cringed a bit. He was even more intimidating, now that I knew what he was. Charlie shook his hand, "How is Dartmouth? I'd like a student's insight on the school." Emmett spoke highly of the school and assured Charlie that he would be looking out for me, like he would be looking out for Alice.

Edward and Alice told me that the Cullens were fine with me knowing their family secret. I just couldn't tell anyone else. Who would believe me? Charlie rushed off to find his seat with Billy, leaving me with the Cullens. Esme asked me a few more questions and I answered in a steady voice as best as I could. I was comfortable with Edward and Alice, but the rest of the Cullens were a completely different thing.

"I'm just glad to see him happy," Esme explained. I nodded, "So am I and thank you for caring for him." Esme smiled again, dimpling her cheeks, "We couldn't do anything else but help him. It was terrible." A lump lodged itself in my throat at the thought of what must have happened to him. Emmett patted Esme's arm, "We should get going. They're starting soon." Esme quickly kissed my cheek and my body froze. I huffed out a breath when they disappeared into the crowds.

After the ceremony, Charlie and I went to his favorite restaurant, which was one of the few in town; the Lodge. While eating and talking with Angela, Alice came into the restaurant. I knew she didn't eat, so it was strange to see her here. Angela and Alice hugged and the three of us took pictures for mine and Angela's parents. "Dad?" Charlie glanced up at me and Alice. He smiled, "It's your night, kid. See you later."

Alice and I went to Ms. Elizabeth's house. She drove her brother's monstrous jeep. "Are you going to get your own car for college?" I asked. She smiled, "Maybe I should. A graduation gift to myself. Something fast," she lamented. "You know this is my thirteenth time graduating from high school." My eyes popped at her confession. She only laugh, peals of bells filling the car, "I know, I'm older than I look."

The two of us talked all the way to his house. The trip wasn't long with the way Alice really drives. "Bella, Edward is coming, so I'm going to go." My shoulders slumped as I sat on the couch. She snorted, "You know him; he just wants you to himself." She sighed deeply, shaking her head, "I can't wait for college. At least then, Edward will have to share you because you and I are having classes together."

The two of us laughed together, as Edward appeared in the living room. His lips were smashed together, "You think so, Alice." He crossed the room and took me up into his arms, "I can be very selfish," he cupped my chin, "especially when it comes to my lucky charm."

Stone lips were against mine. Alice groaned loudly, "Whatever, Edward. Bella and I are best friend, so you may want to get used to sharing her with me." I laughed at the ridiculous argument, "Be nice, you guys." She danced out of the room and I watched her. Edward chuckled as he held me against his chest, "She really likes you." I smiled back at him, "I like her too."

Edward walked slowly up to his bedroom. My heart slammed into my chest as we laid down in his bed. Strong arms held me against his chest. His lips lightly brushed mine and the movement was making my blood boil. We stared into each other's eyes. His smile flattered, "Are you thirsty?" I asked, stroking the skin beneath his eyes. "Yes," he admitted, "I should hunt, but I wanted to see you first." I moved out of the bed, away from him, "I'm sorry. Go, I'll be waiting here."

Edward hugged me to his body. This was beyond wonderful. I still cannot believe that I had my Edward back in my life. His hold was a little too tight, but I liked it. When Edward held me, I felt safe. We looked into each other's eyes again and his mouth was on mine in the next moment. Even though he was a vampire now, Edward's lips still showed the same passion they did when he was human.

His lips parted mine and his tongue plunged into my mouth. His tongue was cold, but this was amazing. I clutched at his shoulders and his arms wrapped around my waist, lifting me off my feet from the floor. His movements were so lithe; I didn't feel him move, until I felt the soft mattress pushing into my back.

He moved his lips down to my neck and my breathing accelerated. One of his hands was pressed into my back, holding me to him. My heart was sprinting in my chest as he kissed me. My eyes closed as his lips came back to mine. My hand was locked into his hair. My body betrayed me feeling his cool touch on the inside of my legs. Our eyes stared into each others.

Edward's breathing became harder as he released me. I sat up, seeing him standing in the doorway, clutching at the frame. He was facing away from me, breathing heavily. "Edward?" I asked getting up and walking towards him. His head snapped up. I blinked, feeling a gust of wind and he was out of my sight. I whirled and he was on the other side of the room. His eyes were hard as he looked at me, "I'm sorry, Bell. I had to gain control of myself. My impulses were too damn strong. I had to get away from you. Your heart was racing too fast and your blood," he turned away from me.

I bit my lip, "Sorry, I didn't know." He shook his head, "No, Bell, don't be. It was me. Not just that, but I want you." His fingers pulled through his hair, "It was like there were three voices in my head. One said drink your blood, another said to have you and the last said to get away from you entirely and that's the one I listened to."

He looked at me from underneath his thick, long lashes, "Bella, you have no idea how limited I feel, knowing what we had before. If I were still human, nothing could have stopped us from what we wanted to do, but now," his voice was shaky. I exhaled, "Except your mom coming home and catching us," I added, trying to lighten the mood. He smiled weakly, "Bella, why did this happen to me? I finally meet the girl of my dreams and I become this... this monster."

He looked into the black glass of the window; his hands were like claws on the sill. I wanted to walk over to him, but he was still too tense. Instead, I sat on the edge of the bed and watched him. This wasn't fair. Edward and I were supposed to be together and now, in some ways, we couldn't be. I've thought this myself several times, but I never told him this. It would be unfair for him. This was hard enough already.

Edward took several deep breaths before he turned to look at me again. His eyes were still hard at he sat next to me. I watched him, making sure he was alright, before I moved again. He closed his eyes and took in another deep breath. He winced quietly and he looked at me. I bit my lip, "Edward, please go hunt. I'll be here when you get back." Moving slowly, his hand cupped my face, letting his thumb brush over my lip.

Edward finally stood, smiled his crooked smile and kissed my hair, "You're right." He patted the back of my neck, "I'll be back soon." I smiled at him and watched as he flew out of the room. Being alone in this house didn't bother me alone. The fact that I was till creating memories with Edward here made me feel much better about being here.

Outside, the sun was set, behind the thick grayish blue clouds. I called Charlie and told him I was staying here. "Yea, I kinda what to spend time with Edward, in a way." Charlie responded quickly, "Ok, Bells. Be safe and lock up the house." Charlie has been like a prince through this whole thing. Mom insisted that I come back and live with her, but Charlie wouldn't let me go. He said it would be better for me to stay with him for a while longer. Completely changing everything around me would make things worse.

Getting back into Edward's bed, I looked up at the ceiling, looking at his silly basketball poster he had up there. I could only laugh. Turning over, my mind was thinking about everything that has recently happened. I was a high school graduate and about to leave home to go to college. My mom was so happy about where I was going to school. She and Phil sent flowers to Charlie's house as a graduation gift.

She was already planning ahead and asked if I would spend Thanksgiving or Christmas with her. I hadn't made up my mind on that yet. Maybe I could have both. For Thanksgiving, she and Phil could come to Forks. Thinking about other factors, like Alice and Edward, I wouldn't make up my mind just yet. Soon, my eyes were heavy. Not getting a lot of sleep the night before caught up with me. Pulling the quilt over me, I slept in Edward's bed.

My eyes shot open in the dark. The only light came from the clock displaying, showing a bright green 11pm. Edward was still gone. He must have needed to hunt more than I thought. Sitting up, pushing away my sleep, my feet lightly touched the floor. They felt heavy as I walked down to the kitchen. My throat felt dry. The cool water helped wake me up. Looking around the kitchen, I was getting anxious. Edward was taking a long time.

My heart jumped as I heard the front door open. I smiled realizing he was back. "Edward?" I called out, running into the living room. The lights were off, but I still could see someone standing in the living room. "Edward?" I asked, a bit skeptical. Whoever it was, they weren't moving. My breath picked up. My fingers were lingering on the light switch for the kitchen; do I dare turn up it on?

Whoever this person was, he wasn't Edward. I flipped the switch and saw who it was. This was a stranger. He had pale skin, with short flowing hair, that went down to his cheekbones. Despite his eerie stillness and piercing stare, he was beautiful. His eyes were a vivid crimson. Oh no, he was a vampire that fed on human blood. "Hello," he spoke, flashing his white, sharp teeth. His smile was alluring and deadly.

My breath was caught in my throat, making screaming impossible. "I'm sorry," his voice changed to a soothing tone, "My name is Laurent. I was sent here to retrieve you. We must go. My friends are anxious to meet you," he spoke with a slight French accent. My eyes widened, realizing what he was saying.

It was a futile attempt, but my body turned away to run away, but his stone arm come around my waist and his hand clamped down on my mouth, "This will be over soon," he whispered into my ear. My screams were muffled by his tight palm and he swept me out of the house into the night.

EPOV

While I ran, the cool air was clearing my head. Bella's scent, combined with her body; bad combination. I was tempted twice over by her. If I didn't love her so much, I would have ravaged and drained her. I grimaced as I came across the path of an animal. Not caring what it was, my teeth sank into the tawny fur of a deer. It's blood rushed through me and I ignored the monster's disappointment. The body of my prey rested at my feet.

I inhaled deeply at the clean air, letting it clean away the dying effects of Bella's scent. Of course she would be irresistible to me. My thirst wasn't sated and I wanted a prey with some fight in it. While running, thunder crashed through the air. I looked up confused; I didn't smell any rain. There was another crash and it came from the north.

Heading in that direction, the sounds of my new brothers' laughter rang through the trees. "Come on, Jaz, hit me," Emmett bellowed. Through his mind, I could see Jasper charging him. I stepped out into the clearing. "Edward," Jasper called from the headlock Emmett had him in. Emmett looked up and Jasper kicked him in the face, breaking his hold.

Emmett staggered back, holding the side of his face. Jasper stood, "I win" and sprinted over to me. "Hey, I haven't seen you all day. How's Bella?" I smiled, "She's fine. Excited from graduation. She's at my house. I was just hunting." I'm going to get him good, Emmett strategized will I spoke with Jasper. We heard him charge and the two of us leaped out of the way. Emmett wheeled around, making a beeline towards me. He's mine, Emmett determinedly thought. I leaped again, landing on his shoulders. My hands took his shoulders and pushed him down to the ground, pressing his face into the earth, "Sorry, Em."

I leapt away and he stood, "You're dead." Emmett ran at me again and I stood my ground. Emmett was getting confident and I gripped his neck and threw him across the field. Jasper laughed loudly as Emmett landed into the truck of a tree, knocking it to the ground. "Emmett, he's a newborn. You won't win," Jasper called. Emmett snarled loudly, I'm not taking that. He wasn't going to back down easily. Emmett leaped into the air, coming towards me again.

While wrestling, which was something I haven't done in a while, I lost track of the time. It was fun besting Emmett in every move. "That was fun," I patted Emmett's shoulder, "We've got to do it again." He growled and strode off away from me and Jasper. Jasper was shaking his head, "He prides himself on the being the strongest among us. For now, he's not."

Jasper joined me in hunting. We came across some bears. The beasts towered over me, by more than three feet. Fighting the bear reminded me of fighting Emmett. I wasn't able to get my arms around it, but it still went down fighting.

Jasper and I raced back to the home. My spirits were still lifted because of recent events. Bella knew I was alive and I haven't hurt her. I was able to keep myself in control and she was happy to be with me. While running, there were some fresh trails. The scent was vampire and it was getting stronger as we reached the house. Alice, Jasper was concerned.

Reaching the front door, Jasper flew into the house. I followed and saw the couple in the living room. I remember this scent, Jasper thought. Looking at them, I remembered the man. He was the one who killed my mother. And the woman; she fed on me, leaving me to die. I snarled responsively and Emmett's hand clamped down on my shoulder, Calm down, man. "I think it would be best if you depart now," Carlisle suggested.

The blond man looked to him and smirked, "Fine." The woman was smiling at me, "Edward, is it? You know, you were really delicious. Too bad those two came along." I snarled again, then a cloud of calm come over me, Don't worry, they're leaving. It didn't help. Emmett took my arm and guided me to the stairs.

Alice and Rosalie were on the steps, watching our guests. Alice saw them heading for Canada, far away from Forks. That did soothe me; I didn't want them anywhere near Bella. The man turned to Carlisle, "Thank you for your help. We won't come back this way." Thinking back, through my fuzzy human memories, there was another man with them when they attacked me. Carlisle said those who were nomads usually travelled in pairs, so maybe the other went off on his own.

I hope Laurent is done, the female thought. It wasn't important, they were leaving. The man turned to the woman, "Victoria, let's go." She nodded, "Alright, James." They moved towards the door. James leapt from the porch, but Victoria spun around to face us. Her red hair swirled around her shoulders, "By the way, Edward," she smiled, "How's your human?" She bounded out and they flew into the forest.