Dicslaimer: I still don't own Twilight. All the credit goes to Stephenie Meyer.

Hello again. I'm back! Today is my day off and I'm devoting it to fanfiction. I haven't spent any time on here in the past two weeks and now I'm back. The flu really seems to be going around...so I'd advise you to get those flu shots and be careful around others who are sick. And yeah, don't cry or whine or attempt to smack your doctor. Believe me, I've had enough of that in the past week.

In any case, enjoy the second chapter:

Chapter 2- Risen and Fallen

A day had passed since the mysterious girl showed up. She was now laying down on Edward's bed while the owner of the bed, and Carlisle, watched over her.

The others went hunting after the rain cleared up. They weren't due back until the next day.

"I just don't understand it...," Edward said.

"Neither do I," Carlisle said.

"How is she breathing Carlisle? She's a vampire!"

"I know. I can't exactly explain why she's breathing. She seems to be alive, but a vampire as well. If you listen carefully, you hear her heartbeat, which is impossible for a vampire."

"Who is she then? Where did she come from? Why is she here? And, most of all, why is she acting like a human?," Edward asked.

"Because I feel like it," a voice answered.

The two vampires turned their heads to the bed where they saw the girl awake, beneath the covers.

The girl sneezed.

"It's a wonder I don't have pneumonia; you know?"

Carlisle and Edward just looked perplexed.

The girl sat up and propped herself against the headboard of the bed.

"Who are you...?," Edward asked.

"Karen McDonaugh, of course. Who else would I be? Or did you not read the ID card?"

"We read the card. But, what we don't know is why you are breathing when you're a vampire," Carlisle said.

"Who said I'm a vampire?," Karen said.

"Well...you have to...," Edward trailed off.

"Ha! Just kidding. I am a vampire. Just not your average one, per say. But first, I think I should know who it is that I'm telling this to. Now, if you'd be so kind as to tell me your names?"

"I'm Carlisle Cullen and this is my son Edward," Carlisle spoke.

"Nice to meet you! Thanks for the save, by the way. One downside to my gift is getting sick. Believe me, you guys are lucky to be full vampires," Karen smirked.

"So...you're not a full vampire then? A half vampire?," Carlisle asked.

"That's right! I was changed at age 22; 200 years ago. I have the enhanced senses of a vampire, and the speed. Other than that, I'm basically human. I still have a heartbeat, yes, and a blood pressure. My blood, however, is venom infused. I still have to breathe, eat and sleep to survive. Oh...and I can feel thirsty. Just to let you know, I don't eat humans. I alternate between animals and regular food. Did you get all that?," Karen explained.

"Um...that's...interesting," Carlisle said.

"Very," Edward agreed.

"I know. Now...where is that black bag I had with me?," Karen asked looking around.

"Here," Edward handed it to her in a flash.

"Thanks," Karen smiled.

She rummaged through the bag until she pulled out a bottle of pills and a bottle of water.

"What are you taking?," Edward inquired.

"It's a dose of antibiotics. I feel the flu coming on. I'm just lucky that it wasn't something worse," Karen said.

She popped open the bottle and downed a pill and some water.

"How are you feeling? I never got to ask," Carlisle smiled.

"Warm. Actually, I'm great. Thank you so much for saving me, Carlisle. I owe you one," Karen winked.

"You owe me nothing. You needed help and so I gave it. Think nothing of it," Carlisle grinned.

"Of course I owe you. I probably gave you quite the scare," Karen said.

"Not at all."

"Are you okay though? You do seem warmer than you should be," Edward said.

"Me? I'm fine," Karen said.

Carlisle got up silently and sped off suddenly. Within 5 seconds, he was back with a thermometer in hand.

"Open," Carlisle instructed.

Karen did as she was told, and opened her mouth.

In about a minute and a half, Carlisle pulled the thermometer out of her mouth and read it.

"101.3. You need sleep," Carlisle said.

"I guess you're right. Maybe I should get some sleep," Karen moaned and rubbed the back of her head.

"Yes, you should. We'll leave you to sleep and we'll talk in the morning," Carlisle said.

"Sounds great. Thank you once again. And you too, Edward," Karen laid down and pulled up the covers.

"You're very welcome. Goodnight," Edward smiled.

"Goodnight," Karen smiled in return.

Thanks for reading! Now...just push that button and leave me a review! I promise that the story gets a lot better next chapter! :)