Don't worry, kids. My Bella is no pushover. Thanks so much for all of your reviews, they're all so wonderful to read!
Hunting had come to me so naturally that it was almost embarrassing to think of how nervous I had been. Although the taste had been overly tangy, and the consistancy like syrup, it soothed the burn and helped me focus. The burn in my throat had subsided after four deer. Alice had only needed two. I felt the ghost of a blush when she teased me for it. After seeing my abashed expression, she reassured me the unquenchable thirst was because I was a newborn.
We tried to chat on the run home, but soon ran out of things to say, leaving an uncomfortable silence hanging in the air. When we arrived at the house, Alice closed the door and locked it. I sat on the front stairs, rubbing my temples. Without the distraction of hunting, worry and anger overwhelmed me.
Alice was looking at me with concern. I flashed her a weak smile. She rose to her feet and walked over to me, one hand outstretched. A quick flash of fear caused me to turn around, searching for danger.
Alice suddenly grabbed me by the shoulder and spun me towards her, her gaze of dismay locked on my face. I ripped away from her hand and staggered back a few steps, my breathing quick and shallow.
"What was that for?!" I exclaimed. Alice was still frozen in place.
"Oh, Bella! Look at your eyes!"
I stared at her in disbelief for a moment. Then I snorted and turned towards the television. "Yes, Alice. They're freaky. You don't have to remind me."
"Bella, no. Look."
She gently took my hand and led me into the dusty bathroom. I almost giggled, even the toilet paper had dust on it. She then stopped me in front of the mirror. I leaned towards it and rested my hands on the edge of the sink, getting a better veiw of my face. I glanced at my white face, seeing nothing wrong. My gaze met with the woman in the mirror's.
The porcelain cracked, sending millions of shards tinkling to the floor.
My eyes were amber.
I sifted through conversations in my head, settling on one me and Alice had had when I had first woken.
"You said this took months." I breathed, my voice barely audible.
"It's supposed to. It did for all of us. You're special, Bella."
I didn't respond. I was giddy with the fact that I wouldn't have to wait for a year for my eyes to turn golden. On the other hand, something could be wrong with me. I pushed the thought out of my head. Don't be silly, I scolded myself, vampires are physically perfect.
Alice had left. I figured she was probably preparing for him. I cringed, anger flooding my thoughts. What did he want here, anyways? I silently called him every explicit name I could think of, wishing he would just leave me and Alice alone. Or even just me. I could leave. I would be okay on my own.
I walked into the living room and plopped down on a plush, oversized armchair. I pulled my knees up to my chest and sighed. Seeking a distraction, I tried to strike up a conversation.
"Hey, Alice?" I asked quietly, not wanting to startle her. She turned to me from where she was sitting, curled up on the couch, reading a book.
"Hmm?" She mumbled, still looking down.
"Why did you put me… in his room?" The question came out before I could stop it. I cleared my throat and fiddled with a piece of my hair.
"I thought you would be more comfortable?" Her explanation came out as more of a question.
"Oh. I see." I tried to drop it, wishing I had never asked.
She looked perplexed. "Weren't you?" She inquired. I sighed, I might as well make something easier for her.
"It didn't really matter." I lied. She narrowed her eyes and turned back to her book. Oh, well. It had been worth a shot. I leaned against the back of the couch and closed my eyes, reviewing my escape routes.
Two hours, fourteen minutes, and 34 seconds later, Alice closed her book loudly and sprung onto her feet. She turned towards me, her expression irritated.
"Bella." She said. I was suprised, her voice had slightly more volume than was needed.
"Yes?"
"Edward will be here in five minutes."
"Oh!" I pasted a big, glistening smile on my face, expecting my cheeks to ache with the effort.
"So… why do I see you jumping out the back window and running?"
Oops. "Alice!" I feigned disbelief, scrambling for something reassuring to say. "I'm perfectly capable of seeing him!"
"Mhm." She eyed me suspiciously. "Then why did I see that?"
Ugh. "Well, it may have crossed my mind." I allowed, and quickly added, "but I'm fine now." And I was. I truly was fine. A nervous wreck, but fine.
She was silent for a moment as she checked her visions. Her face dropped and she gazed at me with her eyes pleading.
"Please, Bella. Don't leave."
Her lower lip was trembling, and her eyes were wide. I sighed in defeat.
"I won't leave you, Alice." She smiled as her visions showed my promise true.
The low purr of an engine creeped up the driveway. I tensed as Alice danced happily to the door, peeking out the window. I stood up slowly and forced myself to stand a few feet behind her. The wooden stairs on the porch creaked in process at the pressure. I held my breath and Alice nearly exploded with excitement. The doorknob turned swiftly.
I have a few things in mind for what will happen next, but tell me your ideas. How do you want Bella to react to Edward's return? Keep reviewing, my dears!