A/N: Here's the second part of chapter 8. Things begin to get very interesting after this chapter, i'm so excited to post up the next chapters! So I'll most likely post the next chapter, called 'Secrets and Lies' tomorrow and either sunday or monday post chapter 10 so you won't have to wait too long for what happens next. This is where the real plot line starts to kick in, it took a while and a lot of fluff but we're getting there. When I started writing this I hadn't really thought much about what the point of the story was, it was just something to occupy my time after I'd finished reading the series. But, as the story unfolded it turned into something so much more, but it took a while to get to that point, hence the fluff...anyway, I hope you guys are enjoying it so far :)
8. Thirst- Part 2
I slowly stood up and walked back on to the trail. I ran to the road as quickly as I could, slowing down to a human pace as I reached the road. Cars were passing by and I could picture myself continuing to run into the street, in between cars. I could almost feel the impact of being hit, the warmth and wetness of my blood as it flooded around me. I could see it all. And for a moment, I was living it. I stepped into the road, about to do it when someone honked at me, scaring me back on to the shoulder of the road. I fell backwards. The car screeched to a halt and pulled to the side of the road.
"Hey are you okay?" I heard the familiar voice say. "Elina? Is that you?" Jeff knelt down beside me.
I stared into the road silently.
"What were you thinking?" He asked.
"I wasn't" I said robotically.
"Let me take you home, alright?" He said, placing his arms under me to carry me.
"No, I don't want to go home." I said, pulling away from him.
"I'll take you wherever you want to go. Just let me get you off the road and somewhere safe."
As Jeff spoke I noticed a familiar figure in the trees across the road. It stood still, like a statue, staring at me. I looked away, trying to act like I didn't see him.
"I'll go anywhere with you." I breathed. I wrapped my arms around Jeff's neck and let him carry me to his car. He placed me gently in the passenger's seat, closed the door and walked over to the other side. I stared out the window and into the woods. I could make out the golden eyes that peered back at me. I placed my fingertips on the cold window, as if to reach out to him, as if to say goodbye.
"Where to?" Jeff asked as he started the car.
"I don't care."
"Do you want to go back to my place, then? I can make you something to eat, if you're hungry."
"Yeah, that would be nice." I said, turning to smile at Jeff. He's such a sweet guy. I don't deserve him.
It was silent for a while as we drove, he didn't play music. It was just silence.
"I think I might go out of state." I said as I stared out of the window at the passing trees, interrupting the silence.
"Where out of state?"
"I don't know... New York maybe, or Chicago."
"Those are big cities."
"Exactly."
"Why are you in such a hurry to leave? There's so much responsibility that comes with moving out. Sure, it seems like a pretty sweet deal but really, it's not."
"I hate it here. I need to get out. There's absolutely nothing here for me."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"Why?" I asked, taking my focus off of the passing trees and turning it on to Jeff.
"Well, I don't know...I guess it's because I really like you. I'd hope that I can be enough to keep you here."
"Jeff, I barely know you."
"I know, but, I can't help the way I feel about you. Ever since I met you, you're all I think about. It's like there's some magnetic pull that's pulling me to you."
Ugh not another one. "Jeff, you're sweet but I'm just not looking for a relationship."
"I'm okay with that. I want to be friends if that's what you want." He said, sincerely. Wow, someone who can actually take it slow. That's refreshing.
"Thanks for understanding. You're a really great guy, Jeff. Being friends is all I can ask of you."
"Okay, friends."
"Yeah" I smiled. He is a good kisser, though. But who knows, if I get too carried away I could...I don't even want to think about what I could do to him. I can't lost control like that, not with Jeff. He deserves so much more than me.
We pulled into the parking lot of an apartment complex and found a parking spot close to the entrance.
"Stay put!" He said, as he rushed out the door and ran over to my side. I laughed as he opened my door for me.
"Why, thank you!" I said, still giggling.
We walked inside and up the stairs to the second floor, stopping at red door number 23. He unlocked the door, swung it open and let me walk in first.
"This is it" He said as he threw his keys on the coffee table.
"Cute place." As said as I did a turnaround of the place. There was a beige sofa in the living room with navy blue pillows and a small TV set atop a large, older looking TV. Behind the couch was a small kitchen with a round table for two and a countertop separating the cooking and eating areas. There was a very short hallway with a door on the left and a door on the right. The wall ending the hallway was filled with pictures, big and small.
"What would you like to eat?" He asked.
"What do you have?"
"Well, I haven't grocery shopped in quite a while...how do pancakes sound?"
"Delicious!" I smiled, venturing over towards the picture filled wall. There were pictures of Jeff with his family, pictures of his graduation and pictures of him with his friends. I smiled to myself as I looked them over.
"Ah you noticed the wall" Jeff said behind me. I turned.
"Yeah, it's great, Jeff. I really like that one." I said, pointing to a picture of Jeff in his graduation cap and gown and his dad holding him in a head lock.
"Ha, yeah that's one of my favourites too. I graduated from pre-med. It was the first time he told me he was proud that I was going to be a doctor." Jeff said with a huge smile on his face.
"You're lucky to have such a great relationship with your dad." I mumbled.
"Yeah, I guess so. He's a bit ticked off with me though."
"Why?"
"When I found you, I was just driving back from telling him I decided to take the semester off. I kind of started a bit of an internship with a doctor in Forks and I really liked it. Med school kind of took away from that and it was just insane, I mean I had no life while I was in school. I pulled out a couple of weeks ago."
"He'll understand, he's probably just shocked right now."
"Yeah..." he said, looking away.
"You did what you had to do. Sometimes you need to just stop and live your life the way you want to. That's why I'm moving out of state. I need for everything to stop for a while."
"What do you need to stop?"
"Hey, those pancakes are probably getting cold and I'm starving." I said, brushing past Jeff. I always manage to walk myself right into a corner by saying too much. I want to tell him everything, just to have someone to talk about it with but I can't. I hate that.
I sat at the table that was already set with plates and the pancakes already piled for each of us. Jeff sat down and stared as I cut into my pancakes. He parted his lips as if to speak, but then lifted his fork to take a bite of his pancakes instead. He looked pensive as he chewed.
"Look, Elina, if I ever push a button or hit a nerve you can just tell me. I won't push you to tell me anything you don't want to." He spoke.
"Jeff, I'm sorry. I don't mean to shut you out or anything, there are just some things about me I can't share – with anyone."
"Okay." He said, taking another bite.
"That's it? You're not mad?"
"Nope. You just have to be honest with me like you just were and I won't push you for answers. I understand there is something you can't tell me."
"Do you realize you're too perfect to be real? You must have girls falling at your feet."
"Not exactly, but I'll take the compliment."
"Oh come on; you don't have to be modest, Jeff." I laughed.
"I'm being serious. Girls just aren't interested."
"Impossible." I shook my head at him.
"I mean, sure at first glance yeah...but I open my mouth and it's like they run for the hills."
"You're a perfect gentleman, I find that hard to believe."
"That's just it, not to toot my own horn, but I am a gentleman. I'm a bit of an old fashioned guy. If I'm going to be with someone, it has to be a commitment. I don't do flings and one night stands and a lot of the girls I attract are into that sort of thing." He explained, pouring more syrup over his pancakes.
"And the others?"
"They weren't the one. It took me a while to find her." He said, glancing up at me.
"Jeff..."
"I know: friends." He laughed.
"If only I met you before." I mumbled.
"It's okay, really. It's not like I'm in love with you right now." He laughed. "I just think you're really cool."
"Yeah, I think you're pretty cool too." I grinned.
"You've barely touched your pancakes." Jeff said, poking at them with his fork.
"I guess I wasn't that hungry after all" I said, staring down at the stack of four pancakes that sat limp in my plate. Jeff pierced the top one with his fork, folded it in half and ate it.
"More for me!" he said with his mouth full. I laughed at him.
"You're something else." I said, taking a sip of orange juice that was next to my plate. As I swallowed my throat ached. Oh no, not here, not right now. My mind was stuck on the uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my throat. Suddenly my senses heightened. I could hear Jeff's heart beat and his blood flow. I stared down at his arm and noticed the faint blue line that ran along it. I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to focus on something else. I could smell him. He smelt so...
"Do you have a bathroom?" I said, scooting out of my chair and in the direction Jeff pointed me in. I slammed the door and locked myself in. There was a window above the toilet seat. I stood on top of it and searched for any nearby woods. I needed to get out before I hurt Jeff. His hear beat got louder. I pushed the window open, stepped on to the roof and jumped. I fumbled and rolled over when I hit the ground but quickly hopped onto my feet and ran towards the woods closest to Jeff's apartment complex.
I spotted a small deer and fed off of her as quickly as I could. It would last me until tonight, but I would need to feed again soon. I should have listened to Jake when he didn't want me to go hunting. Why did I have to be so stupid? If I had just listened to him, I wouldn't have unlocked this thirst.
I climbed up a tree, on to the roof and back through the window. Jeff knocked on the door as soon as I was back inside.
"Hey are you okay in there?" He called through the door.
"Yeah" I called back and opened the door. "Sorry, I felt a little queasy."
"Oh..." He said, staring at me oddly. "Is that...blood?" He said, pointing to my mouth. I tapped my finger on to the corner of my mouth and was mortified to see red painted on my fingertip.
"Oh no" I whispered, rushing to the mirror. I grabbed some toilet paper and held it over my mouth as I licked the remnants of my feeding. I crumpled the tissue and threw it in the toilet.
"I must have bit my lip or something." I said, laughing as if it were a regular occurrence.
"Hm...seems to have stopped bleeding." He said with his hand on my chin, examining my mouth. I smiled, letting out a little laugh. It was awkward having him so close and not kissing him. We're just friends. I had to keep it that way. But could I?
"What?" He asked.
"Nothing, nothing" I giggled.
"Okay" He laughed.
"What time is it?" I asked. Jeff removed his hand from my chin and checked his watch.
"It's almost four. Do you have to be somewhere?" He asked.
"Nope." I said.
"Good." He smiled.
"So, what are we doing tonight?" I asked.
"There's actually this party a buddy of mine is having, he lives down the hall. I told him I'd make an appearance. Would you be willing to come?"
"Sure..." I said, unsure if I'd liked the idea of going to another party. Of course, it would be a different kind of party but it's all the same; a bunch of people crowded into one place, drinking and mingling with people you'd rather not speak to.
"Well, party's not till seven...that gives us three hours."
"I wouldn't mind changing out of my jogging pants." I laughed. "Would you mind going back to my house for a bit? I promise I'll be quick!"
"Let's go"
The drive home seemed quick. It's always like that when you're going somewhere you don't want to be, the journey there is fast, but when you're dying to be somewhere it takes forever to get there. It's funny how the mind plays around with us like that. We were pulling up in my driveway before I knew it. Jeff opened the door for me again and followed me inside. I hurried up the stairs and to my room with Jeff at my heels. He waited for me on my bed as I searched through my walk-in closet for a decent outfit to wear. I pulled out my black, cropped vest, white tank top and dark skinny jeans. I picked out a pair of flats and picked up my light grey, plaid hoodie and stepped out of my closet.
"So?" I asked, doing a 360 spin and flipping my sweater over my shoulder.
"You look great." Jeff smiled.
" 'Kay, let's get out of here!" I said, taking a hold of his hand and running out of my room, down the stairs and out the front door.
"You're always in such a hurry to leave your own house." Jeff laughed.
"I just hate having to be fake all the time. The less time I have to be here, the better." I said as we sped off.
We drove back to Jeff's apartment just in time to get to the party. I wasn't too thrilled about it, but it's better than sitting at home doing nothing and thinking about what I shouldn't be thinking about. This would be a good distraction for me. I took a deep breath as Jeff knocked on his friend's door. I could hear the music booming from inside of the apartment. Jeff's friend opened the door with a beer in his hand. He had brown, shaggy hair and seemed like a bit of a 'ladies' man'.
"Kev, this is Elina. Elina this is my buddy Kevin." Jeff introduced us as we walked in.
"Hey, nice to meet you" He yelled over the music and shook my hand. I smiled at him and nodded.
People were literally chest-to-chest and back-to-back because it was so crowded. Jeff led me through the sweaty crowd and into the less crowded kitchen to get a drink.
"Beer?" Kevin asked.
"Uh, just water, thanks"
"Aw, come on babe! Let loose!" Kevin said, popping the cap off of a beer bottle.
"Really, I don't drink, but thanks."
"Sure" Kevin said, returning to the crowd. I couldn't see him once he was among the bodies in his tiny apartment.
"Don't mind him, he's a bit of a crazy dude but he's a good guy." Jeff said, taking a sip of beer out of a red plastic cup. I smiled and took a sip of water.
"Did you want to dance?" He asked.
"No, I think I'll stay here. You go, though!" I yelled over the bass of the song that was playing.
"I don't want to leave you here"
"Jeff, go have fun with your friends" I said, pushing his shoulder as he slowly walked away from me.
I took a sip of my water and my throat felt a bit scratchy. I coughed to clear it but the feeling persisted. You have got to be kidding me. I gawked at the crowd of bodies before me, a vampire buffet, if you will. Every single one of them would be so easy to take. They were all wasted, it wouldn't be a struggle. I noticed one girl sitting on the floor, laughing hysterically at thin air. She was extremely drunk. I inhaled, smelling her blood and realized I had targeted her. She was weak, I could take her. I licked my lips, but then bit down on my bottom lip once I realized the insanity of my thoughts. I needed to get out of here. All of these people were too tempting. The twinge in my throat got worse, making it harder for me to just walk away. I had to get out now.
I braved the crowd, pushing my way through. I yelled and screamed at people who wouldn't move, pushing them out of the way with ease as my super-human strength surged through me. Jeff noticed me push out of the crowd and called out to me. I finally reached the door and stumbled into the hallway. I closed the door to Kevin's apartment and pressed my hands against the wall, leaning into it as I composed myself. This need for blood is absolutely impossible to deal with. I can't stand it anymore. One day, I won't be able to pull away. A tear streamed down my cheek at the realization of the monster I was becoming. I'll kill someone. Maybe not right now, but eventually. I turned, pressing my back to the wall and slid down. I put my head in my knees and cried. What if the person who happens to be around me when I thirst for blood is someone I love? What if it's Jeff again? He might not be as lucky next time. I can't stay here. I have to get out of Port Angeles and out of Washington as soon as I can.
I heard the apartment door open next to me and lifted my head to see who it was.
"Hey, hey, what happened? Why are you crying?" Jeff knelt down in front of me and wiped the tears from my face.
"I just got claustrophobic" I lied, trying not to breath.
"You're turning white, Elina. Are you – why are you holding your breath like that? You need to breath!"
I felt light headed. Either I faint from holding my breath too long or I run.
"I have to go" I managed to say as I ran. The door to the stairwell flew open and I barrelled down the stairs, pushing through the exit without stopping. I picked up my speed once I was outside and ran into the woods. There were a few deer, two were medium sized and one was quite large. I jumped on to the larger one and bit into its neck. It toppled over, taking me down with it. My teeth were still embedded into its neck and I continued to drain the blood until there was nothing left. I felt better instantly, but it made me wonder how many times I would have to keep doing this throughout the day. The Cullen's seemed to have gone days, even a week or longer without having to hunt and here I was craving it every single day. I can't live like this; having to leave sporadically like that to hunt and then return as if nothing happened. It was another facade I would have to put on and I don't think I can stand that.
I ran back to the apartment complex, unsure of what to tell Jeff. Would he buy it if I told him I felt sick? Jeff was outside by his car when I got back. He ran over to me when he saw me walk through the parking lot.
"Elina! What happened to you?" He asked, placing his hands on my shoulders.
"I'm sorry, I just felt really sick." I said. Jeff wrapped his arms around me and swayed from side to side.
"I just need to know that you're okay. You worry me when you run off like that." He said, releasing me from his hug.
"I know, it just happened so fast. I'm fine though, honestly."
"Want me to take you home?"
"No, no! I'd rather not."
"You can sleep here, if you want. You can have the bed and I'll take the couch." He said as we walked back in, his arm around my shoulders.
"I'd like that. But, the couch is just fine. I'm not going to take your bed."
I felt badly about taking Jeff away from his party, but it was either that or I'd kill one of his friends and reveal what I am in the process. Still, it looked like he was having fun in there. Jeff was fixing the couch so I could sleep on it.
"Hey, you can go back there if you want." I said.
"Nah, I'd rather not."
"Why? You looked like you were having fun."
"Yeah, it was nice to see some old friends but that's just not my scene anymore. I'd rather stay here with you."
"Okay, but if you change your mind I'm fine with it." I smiled.
"I know. I think I'm going to go to sleep anyway. Goodnight" He said, kissing my forehead.
"Night..." I whispered, settling into the couch.
I spent practically every hour of the next few weeks with Jeff. The only time I went back home was to get clothes, and I made sure it was when Ronald and Marie weren't home. Being with Jeff was so easy. I could be myself around him and he understood when I had to disappear for an hour to hunt, although he didn't know that's what I was doing. Other than the obsessive need to hunt every so often, my time with Jeff was pretty perfect. He even took my stitches out for me so that I wouldn't have to go back to the hospital.
He took the 'just friends' thing to heart, and didn't push himself on me like guys usually did. It was refreshing and I found myself really liking him. This is the first relationship I've had with anyone that actually progressed normally. It wasn't rushed or forced. I met him, we got to know each other and now we're great friends. Maybe someday we could be more, but being his friend was all I could really give him and he seemed to understand.
He is undeniably perfect. I don't know what I did to deserve to have him in my life at all. He goes out of his way to make sure I'm comfortable and happy. He keeps saying how nice it is to have me around, but I don't think he realizes how great it feels to me to have him. Even though he doesn't know everything about me, it's so easy to be honest with him. I wished I could stay longer, but after staying with Jeff for two weeks, I figured it was time for me to go home. Marie is probably worried sick and Ronald is most likely scheming to find a way to punish me or something.
Jeff had just gotten home from working at the hospital when I decided to tell him I was leaving tonight. He's been mentoring with a doctor there and really loves it. He's always beaming with joy when he gets home. I hated to have to ruin it by telling him I'd be leaving, but it has to be done.
"Hey Jeff – " I started to say.
"Hey, how's it going? I had the greatest time at the hospital today. I actually got to work on a patient, completely on my own. It was incredible!" He beamed.
"Oh, that's really great. Listen, I have to talk to you."
"Okay"
"I think I'm going to go back home tonight."
"Oh" He said, disappointed.
"I know, I don't want to but my parents are probably freaking out and I should go back, just to make an appearance. You probably want your apartment back anyway."
"Actually, I really loved having someone else here. But, I understand, I'll drive you home." He said, visibly sad that I'd be leaving. "I've gotten so used to having you here, it'll be weird tonight." He said.
"Yeah..." I whispered, rethinking my decision.
"Come on, let's go" Jeff said, picking up his keys. I grabbed a garbage bag full of my clothes and followed him.
The drive to my house was silent. I didn't know what to say to him. We were about to turn into my driveway when Jeff finally spoke.
"So, the hospital is having this big dinner thing with all the doctors on staff and I was invited. It's tomorrow night and I was wondering if you'd maybe want to go with me?" He asked.
"I'd love to go with you." I smiled.
"Great." A smile flashed across Jeff's face, the first one since I'd told him I was leaving. "I'll pick you up around six."
"Okay." I said, stepping out of the car. "Jeff, thank you for everything!" I leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. "Bye!" I waved to him and watched as he drove away.
I walked into my house and it seemed as if no one was home. I heard the door to the kitchen burst open and could hear my father as he stomped towards the foyer where I stood.
"You! Where have you been?" He yelled.
"I'm sorry, I was staying at a friend's house"
"You don't call, you don't leave notes, nothing! How the hell am I supposed to know if you're lying in a ditch somewhere? You get upstairs and don't even think of coming out, do you understand?" He yelled, pointing up the stairs.
"I'm eighteen, Ron, you can't keep me here."
"What did you just call me? I don't care if you're forty-three, I am your father and you'll do as I say!"
"This is exactly why I didn't want to come back. You don't even care. Did you call me at all while I was gone? Did you? Why is it always on me? You were never a father to me. You provided for me but that's about it. So don't even think about pulling the father card on me." I said, tears streamed down my face.
"Elina!" Marie yelled out to me. "Wait! He doesn't know what he's saying, we are just glad you're home." She said, wrapping her arms around me. "Don't leave." She whispered. I hugged Marie and then went upstairs to my room.
I took out a duffle bag and stuffed as many of my clothes as I could into it. I picked out a black and beige dress for the dinner party tomorrow night and placed it on top of the rest of my clothes. I swung the bag over my shoulder, opened my window and threw it out. I stepped out on to the ledge of my house and slid over to a nearby tree, leaped into its branches and climbed down. I picked up my duffle bag and ran out to the front, got in my car and drove away. My car screeched as I turned into the road. So much for a discreet get-away.
I stood in front of the red door, the number 23 in gold plates was in front of me. I hesitated to knock, feeling stupid to even be here. I was about to turn away when I heard my name.
"Elina, what are you doing here? Jeff said you left." Kevin said as he closed the door to his apartment.
"Yeah, I did but things didn't really work out back home."
"Oh...well he's not here but I can let you in if you want, I've got his spare key." He said, jangling a bunch of keys in his hand.
"Thanks." I said as he unlocked the door and pushed it open for me. "Do you know when he'll be back?"
"Not really. He should be back soon, he's never out too late." Kevin laughed. "See ya!"
I dropped my bag on the floor and sat down on the sofa. I turned on the TV and flipped through the channels, but nothing interesting was on. I checked the time; it was a little after 11PM. I curled up on the sofa, ready to fall asleep when I heard the door knob jiggle on the door. I shot up off the couch in an instant. Jeff walked in, not noticing I was there.
"Hi" I said. Jeff turned around in shock.
"Whoa, hey. What are you doing here?" He said, walking over to hug me.
"Things didn't really go well at home. I hope you don't mind." I said, kicking my duffle bag.
"No not at all. Actually, I just went out because I felt too alone here without you. It was weird. I missed you." He said, hugging me again. I smiled. "What happened with your parents?" he asked.
"I walked in and my dad started yelling at me. It was exactly why I didn't want to go back. He tries to pull the whole father act and I just couldn't handle it. I just felt so trapped the second I walked through the door. So...here I am."
"Well, I'm glad you're back."
"Yeah, I feel like I should be paying half of your rent or something, I'm here so much."
"I wouldn't accept that if you tried. I don't mind having you here. Besides, you've bought groceries for me these past couple of weeks, without you I probably would've starved." He laughed.
"You really shouldn't skip out on grocery shopping. I don't know how you survived all this time without proper food." I laughed, but it was interrupted with a yawn.
"You should get to sleep." He said, walking towards his room. "Goodnight!"
I fall back on to the couch, pulled a blanket over me and was asleep in seconds. This was the most comfortable couch I've ever had the pleasure of sleeping on. And another plus side to staying here was that I didn't have any nightmares while I was here. This was a 'you know who' free zone. It felt nice; my little escape. And I had Jeff to escape with. This couldn't get any better and nothing can ruin this for me.
I woke up before Jeff did and decided I'd make him breakfast. I went to the kitchen, whipped up some eggs and had them ready before Jeff was awake. I smiled to myself as I tiptoed to his room. The door creaked as I opened it and I hoped he didn't hear it. I scurried over to the side of the bed he wasn't sleeping on, climbed in beside him and propped myself up on top of his shoulder, my nose near his ear.
"Good morning." I whispered. Jeff moaned, rolled over and pulled me on top of him.
"Hey" He said in a morning voice. "Were you there all night?"
"No" I laughed. "I wanted to surprise you."
"Good surprise" He smiled.
"I made breakfast, so get your bum out of bed!" I said and rolled out of the bed. Jeff hopped out of bed and ran after me into the kitchen. The laughter was non-stop with him. Jeff and I ate breakfast together in silence. He kept looking at me and smiled, and I returned that smile.
"That was delicious" He said, pushing his plate away from him.
"It was just eggs" I laughed.
"Well they were the best eggs I've ever had." He rubbed his stomach.
"Well, I have an appointment for my hair so I better go."
"An appointment? It's just dinner."
"I want to make a good impression on your doctor friends."
Jeff laughed. "Okay, well when will you be back?
"I'll be back soon, don't worry" I said as I grabbed a sweater and headed out the door.
I went to see Lorenzo for my hair. He curled it so beautifully. This time it was a bit of a messy, wavy curl that was just perfect for tonight. It took a bit longer than expected and it was already four o'clock when I got back to the apartment. Jeff was inside, watching TV. I plopped down next to him and he put his arm around me. He was watching court TV.
"I can't believe you're watching this. It's not even real." I laughed. He turned the TV off.
"I don't have to watch that anymore." He said, staring at me. "You look beautiful."
"Thanks" I blushed.
"Do you mind going a bit early to dinner? I wanted to talk to the doctor mentoring me about my internship for after med school. I really want to intern at the same hospital."
"Yeah, that's fine. I'll go get changed right now." I hopped off the couch, pulled out my dress and hurried to the bathroom to slip it on. It was a boat necked, sleeveless, silk dress with a black sash and black and beige pattern. The bottom was black and it lightened to a beige at the top. It was a beautiful dress, one of my favourites. It was slinky and revealing like the ones Marie would pick out. I slipped on a pair of black, round-toed heels and stepped out of the bathroom.
"What do you think? Is this too formal?" I asked. Jeff turned around.
"Wow. You look great. Every guy there is going to be jealous." He smiled. I laughed at him.
"You look pretty good too." I said. Jeff wore black slacks and a grey knit sweater over a button up shirt, so that the collar would stick out at the neckline.
"Shall we?" He asked, putting his arm out.
"We shall!" I slipped my arm into his and we were out the door.
We arrived at Bella Italia restaurant forty-five minutes early so that Jeff could speak to his mentor. I walked in and was completely oblivious to my surroundings. When Jeff excused himself to talk to his mentor I hadn't even thought to look at who he was going to talk to. I just stared out the window and waited for Jeff when I felt an icy tap on my shoulder. I turned and was amazed to see the light-skinned beauty in a red dress standing before me.
"Esme! I can't believe it's you!" I said, hugging her.
"I'm so glad to see you. I've missed you." She said.
"I know, I've missed you too. How is everyone?"
"Everyone is great. How are you, dear?"
"I'm doing pretty well, actually. Are you here by yourself?" I asked, not noticing any other Cullens in the restaurant.
"Oh no, Carlisle is here talking to an intern of his." Esme explained. I couldn't believe it. I should've known that Carlisle was Jeff's mentor.
"Jeff?"
"Yes, that's the one. Do you know him?"
"Yes, I'm actually his date tonight. Are you here for the hospital dinner?"
"Yes, don't tell me you're here for that too?"
"I am." I laughed.
"Oh how lovely! Carlisle!" Esme called out, guiding me towards Carlisle and Jeff. "Look who's going to join us for dinner."
"Elina, it's nice to see you." Carlisle smiled.
"You know each other?" Jeff asked.
"Yes, she's an old friend of our son's." I tensed as Carlisle said that. "We're just going to wrap this up, we'll be at dinner in a moment." Carlisle said to Esme and I. Esme led me to the table and sat down next to me.
"You look lovely." She leaned over and said quietly.
"Oh, thank you. So do you." I smiled.
"Alice will be so delighted to hear that I've run into you tonight."
"How is she?"
"She's well."
Carlisle and Jeff sat down before I could ask about anyone else.
"What are we talking about?" Carlisle asked.
"Oh, I was just telling Elina how glad Alice will be to hear that we bumped into her tonight."
"Yes, she most definitely will." Carlisle said.
I stared at Carlisle, knowing that this would be my only chance to talk to him about my thirst problem. I fidgeted, debating whether to ask him to leave the table or not.
"Nervous?" Jeff whispered in my ear.
"Sort of" I lied. "Carlisle, could I speak to you for a moment?" I blurted out. He nodded and followed me towards the washrooms.
"What's the matter, Elina?" He asked.
"I have a problem only you can solve. I can't deal with this thirst anymore, I don't know how to control it." I explained, my voice trembled as I tried to speak quietly.
"How often do you hunt?" He asked.
"All the time. Nothing satisfies it. Before I know it, my throat begins to ache. You don't know how many times I've come so close to killing..."
"You aren't feeding enough when you hunt, so it only lasts a short period of time."
"There isn't much to hunt here. Elk and deer barely satisfy me. Ever since I had human blood, this thirst has gotten worse. I can't live like this."
Carlisle glanced to the entrance and noticed some of his colleagues walk in.
"We'll discuss this later." He said, walking over to greet them. I sighed and went back to the table.
"Is everything okay?" Jeff asked.
"Yeah, everything is fine." I lied.
Sitting with Carlisle and Esme at dinner felt awkward. They were the only two at the table who knew my secret and something about that made me feel uneasy. Esme was very sweet and spoke to me throughout dinner about how she was thinking of remodelling some rooms in the house and didn't touch the food she was given, for obvious reasons. She and Carlisle claimed they had promised to have dinner with their family and therefore could only be there for company. It sounds a bit fishy when you analyze it, but coming out of Carlisle's mouth it sounded completely logical and like nothing but the truth.
Carlisle sat in front of me in silence, glancing at me every so often with very strong expressions. I wanted to know what he was thinking. Was there something he knew that I didn't? Something about Edward? I brushed it off, but every time I looked up he was looking at me as if he wanted to tell me something but couldn't. I took a sip of wine and looked at Jeff, who held my hand on the table as he laughed and joked with colleagues of his. As I swallowed the wine, the horrible feeling in my throat arose. I should've hunted before dinner, I knew this would happen. How could I be so stupid? I looked up at Carlisle and he seemed to notice my discomfort.
I heard glass break further down the table. One of the doctors had accidentally tipped over his wine glass, pieces were shattered on the table. And that's when I saw it. The bright red stream that ran down his hand. I held my breath, struggling not to climb over the table and sink my teeth into that poor man's hand. I looked up at Carlisle in desperation. Carlisle looked at Esme, who gripped her hands around my wrist to keep me from attacking that man. Restraining myself, coupled with the pain in my throat, hurt so badly a tear began to stream down my face. I needed to breathe, I couldn't hold it anymore. I gasped, smelling the blood. My eyes targeted the balding man sitting two seats over, across from me. Esme gripped my wrist tighter and I tried to look away, to focus on something else but I couldn't. I pushed the chair back from underneath me, about to lunge for his neck.