I scrambled frantically for the car, to the voice. The toe of my sneaker hooked on something and I crashed onto the damp street. Edward- I instinctively knew it was him- sighed and scooped me effortlessly into a vehicle. It smelled of sweet new leather. My stomach flattened against my spine and yells faded behind us.
"Edward?" I asked quietly.
"Bella." he responded. His distinct voice was sharp and angry. "Those evil, moronic idiots! If only you knew what they were thinking..." he trailed off with a menacing hiss.
"And you do?" I challenged, suprising even myself with my newfound confidence. Edward didn't intimidate me. He hesitated for a long moment. The only sound in the speeding car was my heavy breathing.
"Me?" I whispered. Oh lord if he could read my mind... my cheeks inflamed at the very thought.
"No." Edward told me just as quietly. "Everyone but you."he sounded so frustrated.
"Is there something wrong with my head?" my blush rose and peaked. He laughed suddenly, filling the small space with it's musical sound.
"I don't understand it. I don't understand you." he admitted shamefully. It was my turn to laugh. His shame at any weakness sounded so normal. So human. "Please tell me what you are thinking." he begged. I shook my head slowly. "Please." he whispered again, his voice so appealing it was impossible to resist.
"I know what you are." I blurted. The tires whooshed beneath us. Edward froze.
"Bella?"
"Do not question my sanity! You just confessed you can read minds! I know what you are!" I demanded, my chest heaving. Realizing I was acting like a rabid dog, I took a calming breath and glared into the blackness.
"Say it." he pressed. I shook my head again. No, no, no, it's not possible.
"Out loud Bella." he spoke louder. My voice was soft as I spoke the unspeakable word, the forbidden fruit.
"Vampire."
There was no 'yup I'm a vampire'. Those words would never escape Edward's lips. There was only silent acceptance in both of us.
"The door is unlocked." he told me.
"What?" I thought we were discussing his species...
"In case you run away." he said, sounding vulnerable, reminding me of the beast in Beauty and the Beast when he releases Belle from the castle. I was like Belle, in both name and situation. I was locking myself in the dungeon. And just like Belle, it was all for the one I loved. Edward was the monster, the beast. But I wasn't scared.
"I'm not afraid of you." I resolved. "And," I gestured to the door-handle, "I wouldn't get very far."
"No, you wouldn't." he agreed smugly. "I can't stay away from you anymore Bella. It's so dangerous for you, but I can't make myself do it." he said. I reached out my hand into the darkness. Relief filled me when he took it carefully. The icy coldness of is skin reminded me that he was indeed real. Until now I had believed with nearly blind faith. Edward became real to me that night.
The touch seemed so right, yet too many walls were still unbroken for it to be perfect. I let go slowly. I knew next to nothing about real life vampires, and my blindness had not been mentioned yet.
"Carlisle can look at your eyes. I don't know what can be done, but he is surly better than any human doctor." he offered. Well why not start now? This was not new information, but it really dawned on me now. Not only were the other Cullens in on the secret, but they were a part of it.
"I have so many questions." I told him.
"As do I, but they will have to wait until tomorrow. You are home." he said as the car pulled to a stop.
"How did we get here so fast? It was only minutes ago when-" I stopped when Edward tensed beside me. Apparently he was still angered with the creeper men's thoughts. Call me crazy, but with Edward in my world I couldn't bring myself to any level of fear. I continued, "When we left Port Angeles- Oh! Jessica and Angela!" I exclaimed, remembering my friends were probably waiting for me at the dinner.
"Call them soon." Edward recommended. I nodded and my hand hesitated on the door for a second. Where did he park the car? "Would you like me to walk you to your house?" he asked politely, the perfect gentleman.
"Yes please. I thought you couldn't read my mind."
He chuckled and gently touched my shoulder and guided me to the door.
"I cannot. But I imagine I will grow very skilled at reading your face." he said as I fumbled for the key, my cheeks probably darkened. Renee always called me her open book. My emotions were displayed on my face like a neon sign.
"And hopefully at answering my questions." I hinted.
A smile could be heard in his voice as he took the suggestion easily. "We can talk all you want tomorrow. But for now the human needs to rest." he opened the door for me and I stepped inside. Less than a second later I heard his drivers door open about ten feet away. The engine started and I called softly, not wanting to wake Charlie, but still unsure of the exact power of vampire hearing.
"Do you sleep?" I asked. I was nearly certain a heard a muted 'No.' as Edward sped away.
I stumbled further inside and headed towards the phone. Jess must be getting anxious. She picked up after a single ring.
"Bella! Where are you?" she demanded. One awkward moment, two awkward moment...
"Well Edward Cullen sort of drove me home." I whispered, even though I was sure Charlie was upstairs in bed.
"Edward Who?" she shrieked. I pulled the receiver slightly away from my ear.
"I'll tell you tomorrow okay? It's just..." I pleaded, still feeling awkward.
"Is your dad listening?" she caught on quickly.
"I don't know." it was only eight o'clock so it was entirely possible he was awake. I was unsure of his dating policies, not that the term dating applied to Edward and myself at all.
"Okay." she let it go quickly. "Tell me in trig okay?" she insisted. I wouldn't be let of easy after all.
"Alright." I gave in and we both hung up. I felt my way up the stairs slowly. There was so much to think about; vampires, vision, Edward Cullen. I crawled into be shortly after and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
