How could there be this many people in the whole world? The sheer number of people in the city alone was staggering. I could barely wrap my mind around it. In theory I knew roughly the population. But, seeing the number on paper is different than seeing and smelling thousands of individuals around you. Especially if you happen to be a little girl raised in a teeny town most people have never heard of.
Jacob led us unerringly through the crowded streets. Noises and smells assaulted me from everywhere. The smell of cheese and onion mixing with the perfume of their human scents. The babble of foreign voices speaking a foreign language and the slap of sandals hitting the road. He seemed to know what he was looking for. Following signs or smells my own was unable to sift out.
A few twists and turns brought us to the destination, food, of course. Steering me inside, he claimed a table, and snatched up the menu a scowl on his face. He looked angry but I could tell he was only thinking, the turn of his thoughts upsetting him. I understood all too well. After everything that had befallen us, it was difficult not to dwell. When the waiter came Jacob pointed to a picture on the menu and held up two fingers. My eyebrows shot up when the food came and he pushed a plate towards me. Did he actually think I was going to shovel down this unappealing mush?
Apparently so as he motioned with a jerk of his head, mouth full of food. I wrinkled my nose, some parts did look edible, and I was fairly famished, so I did choke down a few bites. The warm full feeling in my stomach was so nice that I ended up taking a few more bites. Before I knew it the plate was empty and Jacob was appraising me with his dark eyes. I smiled sheepishly, the shape feeling strange on my lips. It felt like forever ago since I last smiled, and the pleasure on Jacob's face as he viewed it helped it feel more natural.
"What do we do now?" My trilling voice shook him from his thoughts and he frowned anew. I'm not a huge fan of speaking aloud and usually opt for showing them. I feel I convey more. But, as he is sitting across from me at a table, it was easiest this way.
"Honestly Ness… I'm not sure." He never could keep the truth from me. Fear was quickly becoming a good friend, it took root in me now. Where we're we to go now? More than anything I wished I could be safe, at home, in bed, in our little cottage. Like I would never be again. The sorrow welled up inside me, clogging my throat, and burning my eyes. Grief was a heavy taste on my tongue, nothing in the world felt right anymore. All more than I could bear now.
"Nessie! Oh god Nessie, please don't cry!" Jake's voice cracked as the silent tears rain a river down my cheeks. Dropping to his knees, he yanked me from my chair, and crushed me to his warm chest. The staff was kind enough to leave us be. Though I could feel their eyes on us. As we were their only patrons momentarily.
"Hush my darling, I'm here. Your Jacob has got you." The familiar husky cadence was soothing. It wasn't long before my eyelids were fluttering with exhaustion and I quieted with a deep sigh.
When I wake up I find myself bundled in blankets in some standard hotel room. A quick survey of the room found Jacob starring out the window. Wrapped in warmth I hop off the bed and join him, watching the streets below, my hand seeking his for reassurance and comfort.
"Go back to bed little one." Jacob didn't spare me a glance, eyes riveted on the streets below. I know he's looking for them. Friend or foe.
Springing up lightly I clung to his back, resting my hand on his cheek. I showed him my dream and his eyes softened.
"I'm sorry Nessie girl. I wish I could take those dreams away from you." I know he would if he could.
"I've been thinking of where to start the search and all. Some form of library or bookstore or something. Maybe some old legends crop up somewhere." Playing back the memory I colored it with my agreement. With a game plan it made going back to sleep much easier.
Unfortunately finding a bookstore was a tad tougher. Thank god for a sensitive nose. The musty smell of books draws a book lover like a mouth to a flame. I had loved Grandpa Carlisle's office, wall to wall of books. I had loved running my fingers over the leather bindings and smelling the rich woody smell of the shelving. It had been one of my favorite places. One I would never likely see again.
The shop owner blessedly spoke a smattering of English and took us where we wanted. We found plenty of books on Vampires, but nothing on them producing children biologically. It seemed like a flop. I did, however, buy a book on Vampire legends. Learning the history would help us out. We returned to the hotel for lunch and I perused my new find. Submerging myself into these dusty old paragraphs absorbed my mind wholly. Giving me a breather from the guilt and sadness that seem to color everything I feel now.
"Nothing in the book about half blooded beings?" Jacob asked and I shook my head sadly. There were many interesting stories, and understanding the world as I did, very likely stories as well. Skimming my fingers across his cheek I showed him the single story that had even brushed on a pregnant woman.
A woman had been found entertaining a dark visitor every night. Bruises marred her body and her stomach was gently rounded. The townspeople had cut the baby out, killing both her and the child. Since I know only Vampire teeth can cut a Vampire embryonic sac, I doubt the validity of this story.
Jacob fully agrees. So our first finding is a dud. At least it may mean something is out there. I have to hope for that. My parents fought for me to live and I would find that way. I had too, to make everything worth it.