Chapter 4: Truths
Beep. Beep. Beep.
As I shut my alarm clock off I couldn't wait to get to school. This was only for one reason-Edward Cullen. It was going to be a day full of cryptic hints about his secret and I couldn't wait to see his reactions. Last night when Charlie came home he brought his friend Billy Black, and his son Jacob, the one Jessica was talking about. They only stayed for dinner and Jacob seemed nice, he was comfortable to talk to.
* * * * * *
The day went by on a rather slow note. When I went to lunch I immediately looked towards the Cullen/Hale table and was met with Edward Cullen's beautiful topaz eyes. I blushed and went on line to buy lunch with Angela.
"Bella?' Angela asked.
"Yeah?"
"I heard about your fight with Jessica..." She trailed off.
"Oh?"
"I just wanted to say I agree with you." She smiled timidly.
"Thanks! I just don't get everyone these days. I mean does anyone have morals anymore?"
"Yeah, I think the same thing too sometimes."
I spent the lunch period chatting with Angela and felt Jessica's eyes on me the whole time.
"Bella?" Jessica called from down the table.
I groaned, "Yes?"
"I thought you should know your forgiven." She smiled sweetly.
"Forgiven?" I repeated incredulously.
"Yeah, yanno when you yelled at me yesterday for no reason."
"Excuse me? 'No reason?!' You know darn well there was a reason and I know you view that subject differently than me, and that's fine, I was going to keep my opinions to myself, but when you said to me that my having morals was stupid is over the line. I don't want to start any drama, Jess, but obviously you do thinking you could get a rise out of me to try and make me look stupid in front of everyone. I'm saying we just drop it and not approach this subject every again. You can waste your time picking fights like a five year old with other people who might care what you think."
Silence...I looked at the varying emotions on everyone's faces....Angela was shocked, but wore a slight smile, and everyone else looked confused, or shocked switching from looking at Jessica and me. Jessica tried to look composed but couldn't close her mouth that was hanging open. I snuck a quick glance at Edward's table and saw him watching me with a slight smile-he must of been listening.
"Jessica, can we just forget this whole thing and be civil?" I asked.
After a good couple of seconds she cautiously nodded.
"Good!" I exclaimed as I threw out my lunch and left the lunchroom. I made my way to Biology and texted Ryan telling him the "whore situation" was taken care of. As the bell rang surprise, surprise! The super-speed vampire was the first in the room.
"Bella," he nodded with a small smile.
"Edward," I smirked.
"Quite the talk with Jessica at lunch." He chuckled.
Here's my chance! "How did you hear? What do you have super-hearing?" I replied which immediately ceased his chuckling as I started laughing. I quieted once I heard someone calling my name. Mike.
I groaned and whispered to Edward, "Is he walking away?"
He shook his head no with a murderous expression. His eyes flashed with...jealously? Is he jealous? No, don't get your hopes up.
I turned to Mike impatiently. "Bella, are you going to the upcoming dance?"
"Uh...no..." I said cautiously. His face lit up and I swear Edward growled. Could he really like me?
"Well, um, do you...maybe...wanna go to...the dance...with me?" He squeaked.
I felt so bad, and I couldn't say flat out no. "I can't...I...uh...I'm busy that weekend. Sorry." I shrugged.
"Where are you going?"
"Uhh...Jacksonville."
"You can't go another weekend?" He demanded.
Was that another growl? "No. Sorry."
"Oh...okay." He said and got up.
I blew out a breath I was holding.
"What's in Jacksonville?" A musical voice beside me asked.
I turned to face Edward, and decided to tell him the truth. I suck at lying anyway.
"That's where Renee-my mom, and Phil are right now...but," I dropped to a whisper, "I'm not really going. I just felt bad if I said flat out no to him, even if I do want to strangle him sometimes. I think I'll just go to Seattle that day."
He chuckled, "I feel the same."
"You would feel bad saying no to going to the dance with him?" I asked innocently.
"Wha-No! I meant the last part about strangling him." He stammered.
I laughed. "I know I was just messing with you."
"Oh..."
"You take evrything too seriously, Edward." I smirked ignored the thrill it felt to say his name.
"I'll try not to anymore." He retorted dryly.
I felt my phone vibrate and read my text from Ryan while being aware that Edward was reading it over my shoulder.
From: Ryan AKA Mr. MW
That's grrr-eat! Guess what?!!!!
-Womanizer
I chuckled.
To: Ryan AKA Mr. MW
You went a day without a girl! Hah.
What? Oh & whats with "womanizer" I
thought it was Mr. MW! It suits you better :P
-Lil' Miss C
From: Ryan AKA Mr. MW
Haha. (heavy sarcasm) OH! Well...becuz of the....
situation we have...well...we're going on our annual...
ROADTRIP!!!!!!!
-Mr. MW (HAPPY?)
I frowned.
To: Ryan AKA Mr. MW
I can't go! 1-your roadtrip would be picking me up in lil' ol' Forks
2- hello? Overprotective Chief of Police father!
-B
From: Ryan AKA Mr. MW
YOUR COMING! It could be our last one, and we're picking you up!
It's tomorrow and we're on the road already...
-Mr. MW
My eyes practically bugged out of my sockets when I read the last text.
To: Ryan AKA Mr. MW
WHAT?!
-B
From: Ryan AKA Mr. MW
Sorry. well...we're picking you up at your school
2morrow, so be ready! oh yeah, just tell your pops!
BYE! ;D
-Mr. MW
I couldn't believe it. The only thing Ryan and the rest think about is our impending death and all the things they are determined to do before they die.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*Flashback*--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was 8 o'clock at night while Ryan, and the rest of the group along with me were reminiscing our time with Megan sitting at our "spot." We would all just meet behind the pharmacy store located in the local plaza in the parking lot where no cars come by at night. The wind suddenly shifted and the air became chilly. I looked towards my right and saw the same vampire who threatened me two days ago. He winked at me as he walked over towards us.
"Hello, I'm James. Do you mind if I join you guys?" he asked politely. After a few sceptical glances he asked what we were talking about.
"Our friend Megan was just killed two days ago, and we're just reliving our memories." Kelsey replied somberly.
"Oh. I met her once." He chuckled darkly.
"You did?" Dyan questioned confused.
"Yes, she had the lovliest facial expressions." He smiled so maliciously it sent a shiver down everyone's spine.
"What are you talking about?" Demanded an irritated Ryan.
"Why, I mean she died at my hands. Ahh, I remember it so well. When I cornered her and she attempted to scream...but my teeth were already at her neck and I bit down. Her blood tasted heavenly...almost as good as I believe Bella over here would."
"What are you?!" Dylan yelled.
Dan screamed, outraged, "You killed Megan?! I'll-"
"Kill me?" James finished. "I'd like to see you try, but I'm afraid you should all be concerned with your own well being. You see I'm a vampire and I cannot allow this secret to be revealed. Your friend, Bella over there," he pointed to me, "witnessed me feeding so she will have to go...and soon. I figured I could have some fun toying with all of you. Just remember, one by one....you'll all be sucked dry..." and with that he was gone.
-----------------------------------------------------------(End of Flashback)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After that day most of my friends turned on me. Dylan, and Danny hated that I had to try and "save the day" which resulted in all of us losing our lives. Ryan was just upset I didn't tell him. Dan hated me for not getting to Megan on time, and Kelsey hated me for being a "menace." Dyan, Danny, Ryan, and Kelsey got over it, and just came to accept the truth. Dan isn't that upset with me, but I don't think he completely forgives me. Knowing Ryan I bet he probably kidnapped Dan to come on the trip.
"Who was it that you were messaging, if you don't mind my questioning?" Edward asked innocently.
"My best friend from Phoenix. Apparently him, his other friends, and me are going to go on our 'annual road trip.'"
"How long have you all been doing this road trip?"
"We went once, and that was last year. I didn't think we'd do it again, especially because Megan di-oh...sorry. I got ahead of myself."
"No, no. I want to know. Who's Megan?"
"She was my best friend..."
"Was?" He inquired curiously.
"She," I swallowed, "died." No need to tell him how.
HIs eyes softened. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay. It's just since...it happened things have been...not...normal..." I trailed off as he lifted an eyebrow at me. "What?"
He sighed, "You drive me to the point of insanity when you edit like that."
"Edit?"
"Your thoughts. I'm so accustom to reading people fairly well, and your this mystery I'm dying to figure out." He said with such intensity I felt myself blushing.
"Well, you'll have to wait." I said coyly. "Plus, you're very mysterious yourself as I'm fairly sure you're aware of."
"Am I?" he smiled.
"Yes, you are."
"Hmm...so why don't you give me your take on like in Phoenix. Certainly it's a large change for you, I assume." He speaks like he's from the 1900's...he probably is...haha.
"Yes, it is. I don't know how you stand the rain. "I shuddered and he chuckled.
"You get accustomed to it."
"Where did you live before you moved here?"
He became very guarded. "Are you trying to move the conversation away from yourself?"
"Aren't you doing the samething right now?" I smirked.
"You're doing it again."
"So are you." I teased. "You're not the only perceptive one."
"Yes, you are more perceptive than I give you credit for." He then mumbled under his breath, "Unfortunately."
"Unfortuately?"
He sighed, "Bella, we really shouldn't-"
"-be friends?" I finished. "Trust me, Edward. I get that your dangerous."
"I don't think you do."
"Once again, trust me on this."
"If you were smart, you would stay away from me."
"Are you calling me stupid?" I smirked.
"No, of course not. I just mean you would be better off if you stayed away from me."
"I think it should be the other way around."
"Excuse me?"
"Did you ever think it would be better if you stayed away from me?" I questioned.
"What-"
"It doesn't really matter anymore because I'm not going anywhere, for now."
* * * * * * * * * *
Eric was waitng by my truck when school ended, and asked me to the dance. Once again I declined while spotting Edward laughing at my annoyed face across the lot. I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow at him. Suddenly he didn't find anything so funny anymore. I felt a surge of boldess smiled, and winked at him. I was too embarassed to watch his reaction so I climbed into my truck and left the school as fast as possible.
While debating what to make for dinner to butter up Charlie into agreeing for me to go on the road trip the phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Is this Swan?"
"Speaking." I replied confused.
", this is Officer Daniels from Salem Police Department in Oregon. There has been an accident I was told to inform you on."
My heart stopped. "Oh?"
"It seems Ryan Derintalas, Dylan Guenn, Daniel Keran, Gregory Lorina, and Daniel Fousiello were in a car accident this evening in Salem. I'm sorry to tell you that only Mr. Derintalas survived the crash. The others had no blood left in the bodies, and it's assumed they bled to death."
"I-uh-th-thanks." And I hung up.
Dan's dead.
Dylan's dead.
Danny's dead.
Greg's dead.
Megan's dead.
They're all dead.
Only Ryan, Kelsey, and I are left. I'm assuming...
We only have so much time left.
I couldn't stand it. I had to get out. I was numb. I got into my truck, and drove, my eyes were blurry and with tears as I saw headlights behind me. Not being able to take another minute of it I pulled over and let it all out. Too busy sobbing over what happened, and what was to come I didn't realize someone tore open the door on my truck, and was cradling me as I cried on their shoulder. One breath told me that sweet aroma surrounding me was Edward.
"Shh, shh, it's alright, it's alright." He soothed. This only made me sob harder. Things were not alright. Why did vampires have to exist?! After what felt like hours I calmed down, but didn't remove my face from the crook of Edward's neck.
"Bella?"
"They're gone." I choked. "Oh, God...It's all my fault. Why? I was so stupid! They're dead! All because of me! Me! I'm practically their murderer!"
"Bella!" He shook my shoulders as I clenched his shirt between my fists. "Whatever it was, it wasn;t your fault, and you're NOT a murderer."
I shook my head no.
"Tell me, Bella." He pleaded. I looked up at his face. "Please."
I couldn't resist so with one deep breath I launched into the story. "It was in Phoenix. My friend, Megan, was supposed to come over at five, but it was six thirty, so I knew something was wrong. I walked down the street," I choked on a sob, "and heard her...screaming...I was too late...he killed her..."
"Who? What happened?"
"He...he...was one of your kind." I felt him freeze beneath me.
"When you say 'your kind'...."
"He was a vampire." He was still frozen. "Edward?"
"You know?" He whispered brokenly. I nodded against his chest. "How long?"
"I had my suspicions at first, but the accident with the van confirmed it."
"Your not...afraid?"
"No." I looked him in the eye, "If you were going to hurt me you would have done it already. Plus, I trust you."
"You shouldn't. I don't want to hurt you, but I still could."
"I don't think you could. Plus, it's not like I don't have it coming..." I sobbed again.
"That wasn't the whole story was it?"
"No," I frowned.
"Tell me," he begged.
I put my nose in the crook of his necks and inhaled. "When I got to her I didn't recognize her at first. I saw him sucking her blood, and he heard me approach, and he...he..." I started sobbing again.
"Shh, Bella. Calm down, I won't let anything hurt you, shh."
"He," I sniffled, "told me that he would be back for me. After he left I recognize the corpse on the ground as my best friend."
"Oh, Bella." He smoothed my hair. "How long ago was this?"
"Two weeks before I moved to Forks." I let out a shuddering breath. "There's more."
"Go on," he encouraged in a soft voice.
"He-he...visited me and my friends one night..."
"What happened?"
"He threatened them too," I sobbed, "all because of me."
"Bella, it's not your fault." He stated in a harsh tone, "you were just trying to help."
"They died. All of them except Ryan, and Kelsey. On their way up here." I whispered clenching his shirt again.
"You just found out?"
I nodded.
"Oh, Bella. I'm so sorry." He crooned as he rubbed soothing circles on my back to calm my shaking.
"Thank you." I said quietly.
"For what?" He whispered.
"Just being here with me. Being you." I yawned and mumbled incoherently as I felt sleep taking me over. "I think I lov..."
And unconsciousness overtook me.
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Hope you liked it!
Just to let you know the flash back from the last chapter were she saw James first it was her friend Megan that died, and all her friend's are dead except Ryan, and Kelsey.
Kelsey wasn't in the car-she's staying at her cousin's house for awhile if you missed that in the last chapter.
Ryan survived the "crash."
Yes, the crash was just a cover up for Jame's feeding.
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