This whole chapter will be an Abigail's point of view. It all flashback, it will show what she did to deceive Edward, how she became a vampire, and how she ended up in New Orleans. (Beside the fact that I am completely in love with that city. You should all go there and have a great time. Star's orders. That's me)

Chapter 5 – Abigail's Past Life

December 8, 1915

Christmas was just a few weeks away and I still hadn't found the perfect present got Edward. I had been saving all year because I wanted to get him something special. I just had no idea what it would be.

I walk along the sidewalk in downtown Chicago and looked in the store windows. Hopefully something would catch my eye. I was waiting for that something that just screamed, "Edward would love me! Buy me now!"

It was late afternoon now and the clouds had rolled in. Snowflakes began to fall lightly and I turned my face up to sky in order to fell the flakes on my face.

The wind picked up and a few strands of my multi toned hair blew around my face. It would never stay in the tight braid I put it in each morning. I wished I could cut it but my father refused to let me. When it was done it fell to my hips and it was brutally heavy.

I looked back down and just at the corner was the most beautiful man I had ever seen. He was tall and well muscled with shoulder length black hair that was tied back elegantly with a leather strap. His clothing hinted at obvious wealth, but he carried himself with the confidence of a great warrior.

When he turned to look at me, I felt my jaw fall open. His eyes were the oddest color, a burgundy shade. He cocked his head to the side for a moment and then began to approach me slowly.

"I mean you no harm, fair one," he said.

I could help but stare at his strange eyes. I know many would say he must be some sort of devil with those red eyes, but I myself didn't believe it. I felt no fear for this man and he possessed the face of an angel. "I didn't think you did, sir."

"My name is Alexsandr, what is yours may I ask?

"Abigail Masen."

"I beautiful name for the most beautiful of women."

I could help but blush at his complement. Many had told me that I was pretty but none were as beautiful as Alexsandr. "You are far to kind."

"Nonsense, if anything beautiful is far too weak a term." He turned me to face the glass of the store and placed his hands on my shoulders. "Look at yourself and see what it is that I see. Skin as clear and lovely a new fallen snow, eyes like the sea just before a storm comes in, and hair like I have never seen before. You are a sight to behold."

I smiled at what this man described. Feelings I had never felt before seem to flow through me. I wanted this man to be the one. It was odd. I had only known him for all of five minutes. I tried to think logical but it wasn't working.

"May I inquire as to what it is that a woman such as yourself is doing walking the city streets by yourself?"

"I am looking for a present for my younger brother, Edward. I want to get him something special but I do not yet know what."

"Maybe I could be of assistance."

He wanted to help me, spend time with me. Pure joy seemed to radiate through me. "I would very much like that."

"I am in town on very important business and it occupies much of my time. Perhaps, one week from today you will do me the honor of allowing me to accompany you on your hunt."

"That sounds perfect."

"Till next week then." He ran one finger down my cheekbone. I shivered slightly at the touch. His hands were very cold. But it was winter and he had no gloves on. "Do be safe going home, Abigail. I would hate for any harm to come to you."

"I will," I said. I watched him walk away and turn the corner. I took a glance up at the sky and realized it was getting quite late. With a smile and a bounce in my step, I made my way home.

I knew I couldn't tell anyone about Alexsandr. With his odd eyes and imposing presence I knew my father would not approve. I considered whether or not I should tell Edward. I decided not to. I did not want to force him to lie to our parents; it would be unfair to him.

I would keep Alexandr a secret. My own personal, beautiful secret.

December 15, 1915

I awoke that morning to another cloudy day. I had hope for a beautiful sunny day to go along with the beautiful man I would be spending the day with. Oh well, at least I would still have him to look at.

I washed myself and twisted my hair into its usual tight braid. I wished I could do something more elegant with it, but the mass was never very cooperative. I dressed myself in my favorite green dress and dashed down stairs.

I wasn't paying attention and in my haste I crashed right into Edward, sending us both crashing to the floor in a tangle of limbs.

"Hey Abby, what's the rush?" he asked.

Edward always read me so well. "I'm just excited about going shopping," I lied.

He raised one eyebrow at me in question. I guess he figured out that I wasn't going to tell him anything, because he frowned and changed the subject.

"It's really cold out today. You should wear that heavy gray jacket mom got you last year."

"All right. Thank you, Edward."

He nodded at me and headed upstairs to his room. I grabbed my gray jacket off out of the closet and headed out the door. As I walked to the location we had met at, I began to question things. Maybe I was too early. Maybe he changed his mind. Maybe he got busy and forgot.

All my thoughts vanished when I came around the corner and saw him leaning against the brick wall. He had one long leg bent with his foot against the wall and his arms crossed over his sculpted chest. I thought it was a very beautiful and seductive stance, but apparently I was the only one. Everyone else on the street was giving him a wide berth without even looking at him. I brushed the peculiarity off and walked to him.

When he saw me, he flashed me a smile that simply took my breath away.

"Good morning, Abigail," he said.

"Good morning."

"So shall we find this all important present for your brother?"

I smiled in answer and we began to walk.

We spent the day talking while we looked in the various shops. He was engaging and charming. I learned that his currently resided in Italy. When I asked his what is business in Chicago was he became evasive and I decided not to push it. For every minute that past I found myself falling more and more in love with Alexsandr.

It was mid-afternoon when I spotted it, the perfect gift for Edward. There in the front window of a music store stood a gorgeous baby grand piano. I immediately entered the store with Alexandr close behind. The piano was made of a beautiful cherry wood that had been sanded and glossed to the most beautiful shine. I could just picture Edward sitting on the bench and see his fingers gliding over the ivory keys.

"May I help you with anything?"

I looked over at an older man that obviously was the store clerk. "Yes, I wish to purchase this piano as a gift for my brother."

"A lovely choice miss, I'm sure he will love it."

I made the purchase and made arrangements for the piano to be delivered two days before Christmas. Edward had plans to visit with our aunt that day and would be out of the house. I could put the piano in the spare room downstairs and lock the door so that Edward wouldn't see it until Christmas day.

I was deliriously happy as we left the store but my joy was short lived.

"I need to speak to you about something important, Abigail," Alexandr said.

I was apprehensive but followed him to the park were we took a seat on one of the benches. He turned to face me and I saw that his face looked almost as if he were in pain.

"Abigail," he started. "I have to go back to Italy tonight."

It felt like my whole body was frozen in that instant. He was leaving. I felt a pain in my chest and realized that this was what it must feel like to have your heart broken. I looked down at the ground to hide my pain.

Alexandr lifted my chin and forced me to look into his odd eyes. "I will come back for you. Don't doubt that, please. No one has every made me fell the way that you do. I know I have only known you for a short time, but I love you, Abigail. I love you more than I should and I will be back for you just as soon as I can."

I believed him. There was just so much conviction in his eyes. "I love you, too."

He smiled at me and wiped away the tears on my cheeks that I didn't even realize were there. "Until, we meet again, my beautiful angel."

He kissed me then. It felt like electricity running through me. I was so tender yet so passionate and I knew I would never be able to kiss another man again.

He pulled away and just looked at me for a moment. He pressed his forehead to mine and whispered something that sounded like "for eternity," then he stood up and was gone.

December 25, 1915

It had been ten days since Alexandr left and I was still waiting. But I would not let that get me down today. Today, for the first time since he left, I was actually happy. I was Christmas and I couldn't wait to show Edward his present.

I made my way down the hall just as Edward was leaving his room. We looked at each other and smiled, then ran into our parents' room to wake them.

Before long we were gathered around the tree opening our gifts. I had gotten a new dress for my mother, a set of pearl encrusted hair combs from my father, and a beautiful heart shaped diamond on a delicate gold chain necklace from Edward. I would wear it always I vowed to myself.

I hugged Edward tightly and started to drag him out of the room. "I have to show you your present now," I said excitedly.

As I opened the door, Edward eyes got so huge I thought they might roll out of his head. "Abby…"

"Do you like it?"

"It's beautiful, thank you so much."

"I'm glad you like it, Eddy."

He turned to look at me with his large green eyes. "I don't just like it, I love it. I could never have asked for a better sister."

"And I couldn't have asked for a better brother."

He sat down at the piano and ran his fingers over the keys. "I know you're keeping something from me, Abby."

I went to say I was sorry but he cut me off.

"I know you'll tell me when you're ready. Just know that no matter what it is, I will always be here for you."

"And I will always be here for you."

January 16, 1916

I was going to turn in early tonight. I went up to my room and began to remove my shoes when I noticed something in my window. I opened the window and found an envelope wedged between the glass and the wood.

Sitting on the chair by the window, I opened the letter and found a note inside.

My sweet Abigail,

Oh, how I have missed you. I need to see you. There are things about me I need to tell you, important things. I have kept many secrets from you and wish to tell you the truth of everything. If you want to know meet me tonight at the park at 9 o'clock. Just know that if you come, there is no turning back. What I have to say will change everything. Nothing in your world would ever be the same. If you chose not to come, I understand and I would hold nothing against you. No matter what, I love you and that will never change.

All my love,

The man you know as Alexsandr

The man you know as Alexsandr. What did that mean? What secrets could he be keeping? I decided I didn't care. I loved him and nothing was going to change that. I put my shoes on and walked down the hall. I knocked on Edward's door.

"Come in," he said.

I entered and shut the door behind me. "Edward, I have to go out for a few hours. I don't have time to answer your questions right now, but I swear as soon as I get back I will tell you everything. Will you cover for me?"

"You promise to explain later."

I nodded.

"All right. Be careful."

"I will. Thank you. Eddy."

He nodded at me and I left his room. My parents when in the kitchen, so I grabbed my jacket and quietly snuck out door.

Even though I would be early, I still walked to the park as fast as I was able. As I walked down the city streets, I decided to take a short cut. I entered and alley and it wasn't long before I realized that it was a mistake.

I heard the foot steps behind me and without even looking back I increased my pace. I hoped that they just happened to be going the same way, but something in my gut indicated I was wrong.

All of a sudden another man came out of a doorway and cut me off. I turned to go back but the man that had been following me was right there. What really scared me was that neither man said a word.

Then the man that had come out of the doorway threw me back against the alley wall. When my head collided with the brick, I screamed. I guess they didn't like at as one of them pulled out a knife. Unimaginable pain ripped through me as the skin of my abdomen yield to the cold metal. Again…and again…and again.

Then I heard something that sounded like a wild cat growled and the stabbing stopped. I slid down the wall to the ground and my eyes closed. I heard what sounded like a fight going on around me, but I didn't much care anymore. The pain was starting to fade and I was getting cold. I think I was dying.

The just a suddenly as it started, the fighting stopped. I felt myself being pulled into someone's arms.

"Abigail! Abigail! Damn it Abigail, look at me, please!"

I knew that voice. I would know that voice anywhere. "Alexsandr?" I whispered.

I felt the sobs shaking his body. "I will not lose you, do you here me? I can save you. Will you stay with me?"

"I would stay with you if I could."

"You can Abigail. This will hurt, but you will be with me when it's over."

I nodded. "Okay, but I just have one question first." I could feel myself fading, but I just had to know.

"What is it Abigail?"

"What is your name?"

"Demetri."

Okay, so it got a little more detailed then I intended, so I decided to stop there for tonight. Plus, I just love cliffhangers. Did I surprise you? Did I, did I? Anyways, I will get the next chapter posted tomorrow and it will also be a flashback. If I don't tell Abigail's whole story, then nothing will make sense later. And as usual, please review. Pretty please with a cherry on top.