Chapter 8 :Holiday

"Oh my god," I groaned miserably, as the alarm clock buzzed from across the room. I usually didn't need to use it, because I always woke up before the noisy contraption, but given my late hours last night, it was necessary.

Rubbing my eyes, which were already starting to droop, I shivered as the memory of my most recent dream played inside my mind. The dreams, up until now, had consisted of me being alone in the forest, searching for what I loved most. However, my recent night terrors had been quite different all together.

Walking into a clearing, the light was splashed across my face, filling me with a sense of warmth. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, relishing the contentment I felt swimming through my veins.

A twig suddenly snapped, forcing me to open my eyes and scan the bright meadow, cautiously. I relaxed as a familiar person stepped into my view. Ary—pale skin glowing under the sun—appeared with a solemn expression. Her mouth was turned down and her eyes glistened with concern.

As I stared at her, confused, another twig snapped, and I forced myself to look in the direction of the sound. My mouth fell open and quivered as another familiar person joined us in the clearing. "Alice?"

There was an explosion of light as little Alice Cullen walked into the middle of the meadow. She wore a blank expression and her eyes were fixed on me.

My lips begin to quiver as I gawked at my best friend. "Alice?" I called out again, my voice sounding hollow and empty, even in a dream. My voice again, my voice sounding hollow and empty, even in a dream. My voice echoed in desperation as I stared at her while she glittering, in all her glory.

"Bella." Alice's voice retained its rich texture and glorious sound, making me rejoice and cringe at the resurfacing memories. "You've replaced me?"

Her question stabbed deep inside me, causing me to double over in pain. However, the excruciating pain was nothing compared to the agony behind her eyes. Alice's brow was wrinkled, and her mouth open, as if she were suffering, and her eyes burned into mine.

I recoiled from her question, like I had been slapped. "No!" I stared up at her from my hunched position, still attempting to control the agony. "I could never replace you!"

Her face brightened with hope and she took a step closer to me, her movements gracefully cautious. I smiled and straightened myself, wanting nothing more than to hug my best friend.

A loud growl cut my musing short, as Ary moved to stand in front of me, her form blurring before my eyes. "Ary, what's happening?" I could no longer see. The sun was blinding me, forcing my eyes closed, as I made an attempt to see what was happening.

All at once, a strange sound filled my ears—an abnormal ripping noise— and a loud snarl filled the remaining silence. A shadow fell on me, eclipsing the sun and providing me a small bit of vision. The monstrosity before me was gigantic, at least seven feet in height, and was covered in fur. I opened my mouth, ready to scream, when the creature began to speak clear and audibly.

"Stay where you are, Cullen!" The gigantic beast roared and took a step forward, flexing its paws menacingly. The fur, darkened by the shadows, became white as snow as it stepped further into the sunlight. Alice, whose wild eyes and open mouth had been frozen solid, suddenly bared her teeth and crouched low, hissing loudly.

Her defensive reaction caused the beast to laugh uncontrollably. "Do you think you can hinder me?"

Shaking with terror, I lurched forward. "Please, don't fight. I love you both!" I recoiled as the words sunk in. Did I know the creature?

Before I could think anymore, the monster let out an ear splitting roar, forcing me to cover my ears and scream. I had never heard such a sound before; it was near deafening. I tried to stop the fight, crying out to Alice, but my voice was insignificant against the growling and hissing.

"I won't allow you to hurt her anymore!" the creature shouted while coiling into a crouch, much similar to Alice's. What was happening? I thought about throwing myself between them, to stop this mindless fighting; however the white animal beat me to the punch. Before I could act on my idea, there was a huge white blur, moving across the clearing towards Alice Cullen. Alice appeared to tense up, preparing herself for the attack, and all I could do was scream.

I sighed and stared at the developing light outside my window, and rubbed my eyes again. It was going to be a very long day. I glanced at the alarm clock, which was still buzzing annoyingly, and groaned. It's time to start the day. As I shut off the noisy machine, I exhaled as my room became more illuminated, by the sun. "Okay Bella, you can do this."

The pep talk did very little to rise my spirits. True, I found out about the McRaes, but I still felt hollow and empty. I turned and gazed at my rocking chair, visualizing the one who used to greet me, every morning, from that perch. As the pain arose, I shuddered and pulled my mind to the present.

As I reached for a towel, so I could start my morning ritual, I heard a familiar pair of footsteps coming towards my door. I grumbled softly, knowing what was coming, as the owner of the feet stopped outside my door. Seconds later, after what I assumed was deliberations, there was a gentle knock at my door.

"Hey Bells, you awake?" Charlie called through the door, his wariness still evident in his voice.

I was already used to Charlie's cautious attitude now. Since my rescue in the woods, I had been treated like a mental patient. I didn't mind because technically I was one.

"Yeah, Dad," I called as I moved to the door, preparing myself for whatever he wanted to say.

Charlie sighed as I opened the door. Was that relief I saw on his face? "You all right, Bells?" he asked seriously and narrowed his eyes. Despite the intensity of the subject, my shy father let his gaze wander all around my room; anywhere expect in my eyes. "I—uh—heard you again."

"Yeah," I murmured and lowered my eyes. "I'm sorry, Dad; I don't know when these nightmares are going to stop." I silently cursed my infernal 'sleep talking.' If only I could just keep my mouth shut when I slept, then I wouldn't be having this conversation.

"You don't need to apologize, Bella," Charlie grumbled as he finally looked me in the eye. "Just let me know if there's anything you need. You know, if you ever change your mind about…"

"No, Dad," I said and shook my head. The last thing I wanted was to leave this place—I needed to be here, to remember him and the rest of the Cullens. "I won't change my mind. This is my home, this is where I want to be." I looked at his skeptical face and sighed softly. "Here with you."

"Thanks Bells," he said and his face brightened up a bit. "But I don't want you to hurt yourself on account of me."

"Dad," I said firmly while staring him straight in the eyes. "I am doing this for me." Charlie opened his mouth, looking like he was going to contest my decision again, but slowly shut it and nodded. He smiled softly, turned, and disappeared down the stairs.

I breathed a sigh of relief after closing my door, and rubbed my forehead. I felt terrible—I wanted to tell him so much but I just couldn't. It wasn't just the Cullens' secret that muted me, this was how things were with my father; we kept to ourselves.

Glancing back to the clock, I rushed to the bathroom. While I showered, I let my mind idle and soon I was thinking about my most recent dream. Is it true? Am I truly replacing the Cullens with this new family?

Unfortunately, as I thought about Edward and his family, the festering hole began to burn. If I'm replacing them, then why am I still in pain?

I dressed quickly, keeping my mind clear as best I could, and made sure all my homework was intact. I didn't want to fall behind again, and I zipped up my backpack and headed downstairs. Hoping against the odds that Charlie had gone to work, I reached the kitchen, relieved that he had.

There was a note attached to the fridge.

Bells, heading into work early. We're out of coffee, would you mind picking some up from the store? Thanks

I looked around for a grocery list, but quickly remembered who I was living with, and sighed. I scribbled down a list of bare essentials, grabbed the money, and my backpack.

When I arrived, I noticed a big group of my friends standing around outside, around a huge tree. I also noticed a third car parked next to the McRaes vehicles. The vehicle was silver, with a logo that I knew—

Mercedes. Carlisle had driven one much similar to this. Like the BMW SUV and the Audi, this one was being ogled by a group of male students. Sighing, I made my way towards the main building and was almost to the door when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Jessica standing behind me.

"Oh," I said, attempting to shroud my displeasure. "Hi, Jess."

"Hi, Bella." Her voice was sharp and she was glaring at me. "So what did you do yesterday? I saw you leave with that new girl."

"Yeah, Aryana." I was a little upset that Jessica didn't have the courtesy to remember her name. "She needed some help on homework, so I tutored her."

"Bella, can I ask you something?" Her voice was demanding and it made me uncomfortable.

Oh no, here we go. "S-Sure Jess," I said, stammering a little. "What's up?"

"Bella are we friends?" She leaned back and cocked her head to the side.

I swallowed as I felt my face flush. "Of course we are Jess," I said, trying to sound sincere.

"Really? Because you don't act like it." Her voice increased. "I'm sorry, but ever since, they left," she paused, I was sure my horrified face caused it, "you act like none of us even exist. It's not just me, but Eric, Mike, Angela, Ben…everyone has noticed it." Her volume had grown even louder now. I looked around and saw other people beginning to stare. "Bella, if you don't want to be friends with us, then do us a favor and tell us!"

"Jess that's not what this is about." My voice sounded small as I began to plead. "It's not that I don't want to hang out with you."

"Oh, it isn't?" Her voice became arrogant, reminding me of Lauren. "Then, please, tell me what it is." I paused, not sure what to say. "I'm waiting,

Bella Swan."

"My goodness, will you stop it?" Like a wave of church bells, releasing the patrons into the streets, a beautiful voice cut through the air with vicious grace. Jess and I both turned to see Melena standing a few feet from us. The sweet girl I had previously met, had disappeared and a harsh looking woman had taken her place. Melena's eyes were fierce and her jaw was tight. Her onyx eyes bore viciously into Jessica Stanley.

"Excuse me?" Jess' voice demanded as she faced Melena. Although she was attempting to be confident, I could see Jess trembling as Melena's eyes poured over her.

"Bella, this is not Jessica Stanley, is it?" Melena voice was full of distaste and revulsion.

Jessica answered before I could speak. "Yes, I'm Jessica," she said, her voice losing none of its haughtiness.

"You can't be," Melena said, shaking her head. "Just the other day, Bella was telling my family and I about a sweet girl named Jessica Stanley. She said that this girl was one of the nicest and most understanding girls at Forks High School. I cannot even fathom that you can be this girl."

I had to keep myself from laughing. I never expected Melena could be so devious. She was purposely attempting to embarrass Jessica, although she didn't have to try very hard. I had never told Melena or any of the McRaes such things about Jessica.

"Bella said that about me?" Jessica stuttered and began to turn bright pink.

"Yes," Melena continued, eyeing the little girl intently, "she said she regarded you as one of her best friends. I am appalled that you would speak to her in such a manner."

Jessica glanced around; she noticed, as I did, that we now had an audience. Her face became red with embarrassment. "Bella," she said, softly. "I'm really very sorry." Without waiting for my reaction, Jessica

turned and fled indoors.

Returning my eyes to my savior, I watched her stare down every spectator.

"I don't know if you are truly wonderful or truly terrible, Melena," I said as I approached her.

Melena gave me wicked smile and bared her teeth. "I don't know why you don't just tell that Jessica girl to go away," she said, her voice full of displeasure. "She's not a very good person."

"She's been a good friend in the past." I sighed.

"That may be true," she said softly. "However, this is the present. Oh, by the way, who is Lauren Mallory?" A groan escaped me and Melena chuckled. "Someone you like, I take it?"

"She doesn't like me," I said, grimacing. "It was all a misunderstanding, but the bottom line is, she would be happier if I was not in Forks."

"Well," Melena said secretively, "she has made a huge mistake."

"What do you mean?" I narrowed my eyes, curiously.

"Lauren is in one of Aryana's classes." Melena's smile grew mischievous. "She was saying some terrible things about you, so Ary turned and glared "She was saying some terrible things about you, so Ary turned and glared at her. I'm sure you've seen her, when her eyes turn yellow, she can be quite scary. I think Lauren is officially terrified of Aryana."

I groaned once again. "Oh no, darn it, Ary!"

Melena cocked her head to the side, confused. "Does her course of action not please you? Believe me, the words the human said were very inappropriate. I heard them."

I gave a half hearted smile. "I'm honored that Ary was sticking up for me, Melena, but Lauren's going to get worse." I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed. As the warning bell began to ring, I convinced myself not think about it.

"Looks like it's time for studies," Melena said, sweetly. "Try not to worry about the Lauren situation and I will see you at lunch."

As I arrived in English, Skye smiled jubilantly and embraced me. "Good morning Bella," she said, enthusiastic and expectant. "How did you sleep?"

"Not too bad," I lied, but who wanted to hear about my bizarre nightmare?

I glanced over at Eric who bent over and kissed me on the cheek. My face immediately heated up and flushed violently. "Nice to see you too, Eric," I stuttered while trying to maintain my composure.

"Okay everyone," Mr. Marks announced as he entered the classroom. "I hope everyone has read the assigned reading. Today we are going to discuss what the author is intending to convey."

I groaned. Another lecture and discussion on love, this was going to be miserable. I had read the assigned chapters, but was not planning on participating. I tried to hide my face, but noticed a slip of paper on my desk. I opened it and puzzled over the elegant script.

Are you bored, mi Bella?

I turned and looked at Eric, confused. He smiled and made a writing motion, then pointed at the paper. I might as well humor him.

No, I'm just really tired. I didn't get much sleep last night.

I assumed as much. You seem to be carrying a full set of luggage under your eyes.

You have no idea.

Well, I am a great listener, if you would like to talk about it. However, I don't think we'll get much time with the rest of the family around. They all want to converse with you. How does a little adventure sound to you?

You'll have to be a little bit more specific.

Well, everyone deserves a holiday, my dear. Why not come for a drive with me? I was planning on returning home for a few hours, care to join me?

I weighed my options: if I stayed then I would more than likely have to face Jessica again, but being around Eric might force more memories of Ed—.

I folded up the note and put it in my book. Why not do something unexpected for once, Bella? I nodded to Eric and his grin widened.

When the bell rang, my heart was pounding so loud that I could hear it in my ears. My face was flushed and I was on the verge of sweating. I was nervous. I remembered the first time I had been alone with Edward, the meadow. He had been terrified that he would hurt me and angry that I had not told Charlie where I was going.

Exiting the classroom, Eric turned to me with a curious grin. "Are you ready?" he asked nonchalantly. I couldn't tell what emotion was hiding behind his eyes. Was it confusion or fear? Whatever it was, it vanished as I smiled at him.

"Let's do this," I said and nodded. "Should you tell the others?"

He shook his head while relieving me of my backpack. "They already know. I had made the suggestion on the way to school." He quickly started laughing. "Of course, Aryana said if I hurt you, she's going to rip me apart and hide my appendages on every continent." Although he chuckled at Ary's warning, I tensed up. Why would she threaten him like that? Was he really dangerous?

As the worry rushed through me, Eric guided me to the parking lot and pulled out a silver keychain. He clicked a small button and the car next to Ary's black Audi unlocked. I shook my head. I should have known it would belong to one of them.

"Nice car," I muttered as he opened the door for me.

He shrugged. "It gets me from place to place."

One thing I noticed about Erickson McRae was that he was a safe driver. Unlike his sister, he obeyed all traffic signs, speed limits, and stop lights. I relaxed into the smooth seats as the soothing sounds of Mozart filled the car. I quickly asked for the music to be switched off.

"A penny for your thoughts, mi Bella," he said, without taking his eyes off the road.

"I was just thinking about how different you and Ary drive." I looked at his pale skin and marveled at its perfection.

"Yes," he said, laughing. "Ary loves driving and running fast while I like to take my time." His voice was alluringly seductive. We continued talking about school and the past; he told me stories about the places that they had traveled to and the exquisite sites they had seen. Finally we stopped and I looked around. We were parked in front of his home.

"So, what were you planning on doing?" I asked curiously while my eyes poured over the McRaes' home.

It was the first time I had seen it in the daylight, so I was busy examining every detail. In the trees around the house, I noticed large indentations in the foliage. It looked like something big had bent the trees back.

"Well." Eric's soothing silken tone drew my attention back quickly. "I was thinking of going for a nice hike in the woods." He leaned his head forward and his eyes smoldered as he stared at me. "Would you like to join me?"

Without really thinking, I nodded. "Wonderful! Follow me."

Eric swiftly opened the door for me and, as soon as I was ready, we were headed towards the wilderness that surrounded their home. As we entered the foliage I turned and stared at the giant hole made from something pushing the trees out of the way. I gawked at the immense size of the opening—seven or eight feet high and four feet wide.

We moved at a slow pace, due to my lack of sleep, talking about school and the novel we had to read. It turned out that Eric shared my disdain for all things romance.

"It's silly really," he sighed and helped me over a fallen tree trunk. "There are so many other pieces of literature we could cover that are more rewarding than two people finding each other."

I nodded rapidly. "I understand studying one, but what's the use of studying more? What about the other genres?" I gritted my teeth as I fell in line next to Eric. "What's the point?"

"Are you all right?" Eric asked with a rise in his voice. I turned to him and noticed his eyebrows were raised higher.

"I just don't understand," I said and sighed heavily. He chuckled softly but quickly fell silent. I felt uncomfortable and awkward as I moved next to Eric. Finally, the lack of sleep caught up with me, forcing me to sit down.

Eric stopped while I lowered myself to the forest floor. "So, Eric," I said, trying to fill the silence, "tell me about you."

In a fluid motion, Eric settled next to me on the ground. "Well, what would you like to know? I'm an open book."

"Well, how old are you?" I asked.

"I'm about to celebrate my 122nd birthday on Halloween," he said with a dazzling smile. "I think we're going to have a party to which, of course, you

are invited."

I smiled and wondered what a birthday party with vampires would be like. I instantly locked up as the memory of my disastrous birthday celebration came to mind. I gripped my stomach and attempted to continue the conversation. "Can you tell me about your human life?" I asked while trying to mask my pain.

He nodded his head. "All right," he said happily. "My story begins in 1885, the year of my birth. My full name is Erickson Austin Wolfgang Chapman. I was born to an extremely wealthy family in New York City." He leaned against a fallen tree truck behind us, and continued. "My father was not what you would call a proper man. Excess was his chosen lifestyle, and it was his wish that I live the same way," he sneered softly.

"Well, did you?" I asked curiously while staring at him anxiously.

Eric chuckled hard. "I didn't get a chance, mi Bella. I was changed shortly after I turned twenty, thank god. You see, I was in charge of my family's business, which I had grown tired of. It was actually a dream come true."

My brow furrowed as he spoke of becoming a vampire and all the adventures he'd had. Edward and the others had pain associated with changing, yet Erickson McRae found it to be liberating. "So, you don't regret becoming a vampire?"

"Of course not," Eric said with surprise. "Not only are my family and I blessed with financial gain—thanks to me, by the way—but we travel to the most exotic destinations in the world. I can travel and not worry about food or where to sleep."

I narrowed my eyes. "What do you mean 'financial gain'?"

He leaned forward, eyes gleaming with excitement. "My job at my human family's business was not only to oversee the company, but to manage the finances. It's the same with the McRaes. You see Bella, each part of our family had a bit of money stashed away. It was merely a bit of simply accounting to change the thousands we had to, well, ah … much more."

My eyes widened as he explained the intricacies of the McRaes financial situation. Like the Cullens, the McRaes were millionaires with many hidden sources of money. Eric explained that, since they move around a lot, they needed many different locations for their money.

I sighed and opened my mouth, ready to inquire once again about their knowledge of the Cullens, when something unexpected happened. The light, shrouded up until now, broke through and splashed across Eric's glorious face. His skin immediately erupted in a beautiful iridescence, even his liquid topaz eyes glistened.

My breath caught in my throat, as images of Edward in the meadow came flooding back to me—and so did the pain. I sucked in a deep breath, the pain tearing at my insides like liquid fire. A small cry exited my lips as the pain engulfed me. Despite the burning within, there was a sense of cold flooded my skin. I opened my eyes to see Eric's arms tightly encircling me. Blood rushed to my face as the embarrassment swallowed me. Oh my god, why? Why can't I control myself?

"It's all right, Bella." Eric's soothing voice seemed to calm the ache. The pain began to retreat to the familiar numb sensation.

I began to tremble heavily. "Oh my god. I'm so sorry, Eric." I tried to stand but my head was spinning causing me to fall. I was caught before I hit the earth, Eric's strong arms holding me.

I heard him chuckle a little. "Not so fast, Bella. Maybe you should sit down for a bit. I don't want you to hurt yourself."

"I'm fine," I grumbled.

"I may not be a doctor," he said, seriously, "but I definitely think you should listen to me." I continued to struggle against him, trying to get to my feet. "Bella, please don't make me restrain you." I was hardly listening, it all sounded like idle threats anyway. "All right, you asked for it."

A half second was all it took Eric to pull me to his chest, in a vice-like grip, and tighten his hold. I immediately gave in, knowing my odds in struggling with a vampire. I took a deep breath, which was a mistake. With that inhalation, I breathed in the heavenly aroma that accompanied Eric's presence. The intoxicating scent overwhelmed my senses and forced my head to spin even more.

"Eric." My voice sounded foreign to me. "Could you, at least, hold your breath? You're making my head spin."

"Oh." I heard him laugh. "Sorry, Bella, I forget that I can overwhelm you."

"In more ways than you know." Did I just say that out loud? Oh God!

A deep rumbling of his chest told me he did. "Oh, really? In what other ways, Bella?"

I shook my head. "I'm not saying anything to someone who's holding me hostage." Wow, I must be on something. I would normally not say these things.

Eric chuckled again but softly released his hold. When I blinked, he was standing above me, offering me a hand. I smiled and let him lift me off the ground, before moving to stand behind me. Eric very softly nestled his chin between my shoulder and my neck, making a noise that sounded like purring, and whispered in my ear. "Now, are you going to tell me?" His voice sent a shiver through me, causing goose bumps to rise on my arms.

"I don't think it will help anything," I murmured sadly and moved away from him. Even if Eric did have feelings for me, which I highly doubted, I was in no shape to return them; I was broken. I turned around and found that he was smiling curiously.

"I think it might," he said softly and continued to stare at me, his liquid topaz eyes boring into me. "Give it a try, Bella."

I shook my head. "I don't think I can, Eric."

With a sigh, Eric shrugged his shoulders and moved closer to me, his every step making my heart beat faster. "Would it help if I went first?" I shrugged. "It's no secret that I desire your company," he said as he stopped a few feet from me. His eyes stared hungrily into mine with a burning intensity. "I hope you don't mind me using the usual cliché, but I've never felt like this before—with a human, anyway." He narrowed his eyes, took another step towards me, and looked at his feet. "Of course, if you don't feel the same way, then I'll understand."

My breath caught in my throat again, forcing me to cough a little. Eric's expression was almost enough to make me faint. I had never been stared at like that before. Even Edward, who desired my company and my blood, had never looked at me in such a manner. Eric's gaze was filled with need, lust, and curiosity. "Eric, I—"

"Yes?" he said with an alluring tone.

Breathe Bella…just breathe! I started inhaling deeply, so I wouldn't faint and attempted to speak. "I'm not the prime candidate for company, right now."

"And why is that?" he asked and cocked his head to the side.

"W-Well," I stuttered a bit, "I'm broken, Eric. I'm damaged goods."

"Hmm," he said as he appeared to think it over. Before I could continue though, he moved forward and seized my chin with two fingers. He slowly leaned towards me, the smell of his breath intoxicating my senses. "Then let me fix you."

Before I could protest, Eric's lips crushed into mine, filling my mouth with his sweet taste. My breathing sped up and without thinking, I reached up and intertwined my hands in his hair. I pulled him towards me hungrily, not sure what had possessed me to do such a thing, but not caring enough to stop. The pain returned with full force, making me groan in agony, but still not letting go of him. I closed my eyes and before I knew it, I was falling backwards.

"Bella!" Eric's cry awoke me from my stupor. I had fainted…again. The red flush returned to my face, as I hid my head in my hands. The pain, still present, forced me to double over and I cried out while the tears poured from my eyes. Eric's arms wrapped on either side of me, which increased my embarrassment, and held me close. "It's all right, Bella," he murmured softly.

"I'm so sorry Eric," I sobbed as the pain surged through my insides. "TThis is w-what I m-meant by b-broken."

Once again, Eric placed his chin between my shoulder and my neck, breathing softly. "It's nothing I can't handle," he whispered softly in my ear.

He took a deep breath and an elegant sound came from his lips, he was singing, not humming like Edward had, but actually singing words. The lyrics were Italian, and beautifully sung. "Mi mancherai, se te ne vai."

I sighed as I listened to the beautiful words, wincing slightly as the painful memories resurfaced. I remembered when Edward would hum my lullaby, helping me to sleep. I could recall every night he spent, laying next to me in the dark, keeping me safe. "Ora per sempre non so come vivere." Eric softly stroked my hair, his cold hand sending a chill through me.

The song went on, filling me with warmth and soothing the ache within me. When he finally stopped, I took a deep breath and opened my eyes. Eric, having moved from behind me, now stood a few feet from me, his hand extended to me. I smiled and lifted myself up and joined him.

"So," he said as he stared into my eyes with adoration. "Are you going to faint every time I kiss you?"

I laughed softly. "I hope not," I muttered before raising my eyes to him. "Are you going to kiss me much?"

"I hope so," he said and the hungry look in his eyes returned. Though my heart still belonged to another, it pounded at the sight of Eric's gaze and I wondered, could I truly love any one else again? Before I could think anymore, Eric turned his eyes down to his watch and sighed. "Well, it's time to meet up with the others." In a quick motion, he lifted me into his arms and was moving through the forest—at vampire speed.

Why does everyone like to pick me up? I grumbled internally as Eric approached the house. As we slowed down, I spied Ary's black Audi and the BMW SUV parked next to Eric's sparkling car. A rumble ran through Eric's chest, causing me to look up at him. His face was hard and his eyes were narrowed, as he stared straight ahead.

We stopped a few yards from the house, right at the start of the trees. Eric lowered me to the ground and took hold of my hand before stalking towards the house. We had just reached the cars when I spied Ary sitting on the porch, a menacing glare on her face. Eric came to a stop and maneuvered himself in front of me. "Hello, Aryana," Eric said politely and bowed at the waist.

"I'm impressed, Eric," Ary sneered as she appraised my appearance. "She's not crying."

A vicious snarl ripped through him and he released my hand, crouching low in front of me. "Aryana…don't," Eric growled.

Ary sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Bella, you should get home. I have to discuss a few things with my brother." My brow furrowed as I looked at Ary and then Eric, who was still crouched defensively. "Eric will take you home. I'll see you tomorrow," she said and smiled at me.

The drive home was eerily quiet and tense. Every now and then, I'd casually glance at Eric—he looked very angry. I sighed and faced forward, quickly becoming shocked at our surroundings. I calmed down as we turned into the school parking lot. That's right, I left my truck here. Eric opened the door for me, still looking angry, and pulled my backpack out of the backseat. "Bella, I—."

"I'm sorry, Eric," I blurted out the apology in a rush, not thinking. He was in trouble for something and it had to be my fault. I wasn't sure how or why, but I knew it was.

Eric's eyes widened. "What are you apologizing for?" I opened my mouth but he quickly spoke again. "This has nothing to do with you. It had to do with my sister being the ultimate buzz kill!" He growled angrily and tightened his hands into fists. I watched him curiously, not sure what he meant. Before I could try to speak again, he sighed and smiled at me. "I'll see you tomorrow, mi Bella." He leaned forward and kissed me softly on the lips, forcing my head to spin again, and pulled away.

My heart and breathing continued to accelerate as I watched Eric drive off. I sighed and closed my eyes, dwelling on thoughts of Erickson McRae and nothing else.

Author's Note: 2/8/14 It's interesting going back and re-reading this. It allows me to see how my writing and storytelling ability has grown since first writing this.