It was rather busy in the café tonight, I kept thinking that it would be a great help to us if we could hire some extra hands in the café. but elma was worried that some thing may happen and that I wouldn't be able to control my self and then hurt some one. I did have excellent control over my thirst but some days were harder than the others and as I washed the growing pile of dishes. I was distracted again it had been three weeks since I had meet Hannah and I couldn't get her out of my mind.
When I had left her standing in her yard at the Cullen's I thought that was it just another customer I had helped home, like many others that come into Elma's shop, but not Hannah she was some thing else.
Elma was a caring woman and she was my mama, though we aren't blood related as mother and son but she was my mother's only sister, my mother Helena passed away not long after giving birth to me.
I was told it was complications from the pregnancy and my father well I knew of him but that was as close as I needed to get, and Elma had to bring me up on her own. I knew it was hard on her but she never not once made me feel unwanted or that I didn't belong in her life, we moved to America not long after I was born but because my child hood wasn't like any normal one it was better that we find a quiet place to live while I grew up elma protected me as much as she could and knowing what I was it was difficult on her sometimes, so I tried hard to help out whenever I could in the shop or the café it was the least I could do for her, but both café and shop were getting busier and busier and taking more and more out of both of us.
Tonight I couldn't shake Hannah from my head all I could think about was wanting to see her again, I wanted to smell the slight hint of lavender that I could smell on her skin and hair when I had first met her, I wanted so much to see her blue eyes that would sparkle as she spoke, this was dangerous for the both of us and I knew I shouldn't get too close but it was hard not to, but as the days passed I hoped I would see her again, but as every day passed I never did and it made me fill with a deep sense of disappointment.
As the tables in the café emptied they filled up just as quickly, and tonight was no different. as I walked out to the cafe to clear up more tables I heard a glass smash. it was loud to my ears but to everyone else it would not have bothered them and as I looked over to the direction of the noise, my breathe caught in my throat.
Hannah, to see her sitting in the corner with blood in her hands, bright red, thick, warm blood it pulled at my emotions. I held my breath as I raced to her side
"Hannah are you ok" I felt my lungs tighten from no air I needed to breathe again as I took in a quick breathe I noticed I couldn't smell it, no burn in my throat, no ache in my stomach that wanted to taste it. I had no thirst, it was if she bleed water, I looked up to see Hannah's deep blue eyes fill with tears,
"I'm so sorry Ambro, I didn't mean to" my heart skipped a beat she remembered my name.
"come to the kitchen we will fix this up" as she stood I grabbed her tiny hand and wrapped it in the apron , just in case it was a delayed reaction and I really didn't want to have to hurt anyone, I listened to her heart beating it was beating fast, probably from shock. This made my heart race even more.
In the kitchen I led her towards the large sink area and turned the cool water on and placed her tiny hand under the flowing water. I hoped there was no glass in it.
" I'm sorry I'm such a klutz, but really its fine" she had pulled her hand out from the water and I watched as the blood flowed down the sink drain as she held it up to me.
"see just a scratch," she was putting on a brave face but I wasn't falling for it.
"are you sure your okay" her blue eyes were still watery
"I'm sorry about the glass, I don't know how it happened" just as she spoke ma was walking in and she stopped when she saw the blood.
"is everything ok Ambro" I knew she was worried about me , but I smiled at her " nothing to worry about , tiny scratch, we will be fixed up in no time" she nodded as if she understood there was no threat of danger here.
" first aid kit in the pantry" and I watched her leave.
" I don't need a plaster really its fine" watching her in pain was driving me stir crazy I wanted to make her feel better I wanted to heal her from the pain she was feeling.
then I had an idea, and I hoped that she would like it "please wait here" I asked her and she nodded and sat at the stool I was pulling out for her to sit on, then I walked into the café and behind the counter, elma was standing there making coffee.
" everything sorted out and ok Ambro" I smiled as I pulled a slice of chocolate cake out and placed it on a plate.
" I'm fine ma, really nothing to worry about, as the only thing getting eaten is this cake" I flashed my dazzling smile
" that's not funny Ambro, go have a break she seemed to be lovely are you" she stopped when she noticed the face I was pulling.
"ma enough please" I picked up the plate and grabbed two forks and went back into the kitchen. She must not have heard me as she was holding her hand as if it was causing her pain I walked next to her and placed the chocolate cake on the table
"I believe chocolate fixes everything" her face was full of surprise at my gesture of kindness I handed her a fork just as her stomach began to grumble.
"enjoy" I smiled as she took mouth full, "are you not having any?" she asked , I pulled out another fork and she laughed and pushed the plate towards me. we sat and talked about her family, her home town base ball and I realized that talking to her was rather enjoyable.
but the cake was now finished and I realized that meant she would leave now this saddened me as I watched her stand.
" thank you Ambro , that did make me feel much better" she was smiling now so I guess I did do something right.
" I guess I better go,- let you get back to work" she hesitated then began to walk out the kitchen.
" Hannah" I can't believe I was doing this, as I watched as she turned around and smiled " yes", her face was making me lose concentration. I was focused on her rosy pink lips I wanted to touch them with my finger, I tried to block the images and I stammered as I spoke
"I was wondering if you weren't busy if we could go out?" why was this so hard to do.
"I'd love that , it's a date" my heart began to race again, I wasn't sure I had heard her right she had said yes and not only yes it was going to be a date "it's a date" I managed to say back to her and watched as she cautiously walked out the café.
I was in so much trouble but it was going to be worth it, I was getting what I had waited so long for, I just had to be patient, as the saying goes all good things come to those who wait, and believe me I have waited, I have waited years for Hannah to come into my life.
HANNAH:
Walking home I was really happy I had enjoyed spending time with Ambro and I could feel that he was enjoying my company too, but I could feel my hand begin to throb then I remembered how I cut it. it wasn't a tiny scratch as I made it out to be but a deep cut. not one that required stitches as I knew what they looked like I have enough of them, but it hurt.
I didn't mean for it to happen I was enjoying my latte at the café and enjoying the view out the window, and across the street looking directly at me I could see him. he was tall, and very well built, with a pale face and deep brown eyes. his hair was short but I could still see the curl in it, I watched as he ran his hand thru it gently. my heart jumped at smile he had on his lips.
he was just as I had dreamed of for many nights and that split quick second I saw his face I could feel the glass breaking in my hand, and when I looked back he was gone. as if he wasn't even there. I had dreamt of him from when I was 16. I woke one night and thought I had seen him standing in my window I wasn't scared even though I knew I should have been, but I felt safe as if he wouldn't hurt me. but I knew it must have just been a dream, as when I looked again he was gone just like today.
it was my imagination, a fantasy! One that I had wanted to be true, it was if I was waiting for him and I knew I wanted to see him again.
As I walked thru the house I could hear soft music a piano, the song was strangely similar to something I had heard as a child.
it was peaceful and light it filled me with a feeling of safety and comfort. Instead of going to my room I followed the music and it lead me to the sitting room at the back of the house. I stood and watched as Edward played on the small piano, with Bella at his side resting her head on his shoulder they looked perfect for each other.
Edward stopped playing and looked up to see me standing in the door way, " its beautiful what is it called?" I watched him turn to Bella and nod "it is called Bellas lullaby I wrote it for her when we meet" I had found this statement rather strange, as the song I remember was from when I was a baby till I was about 10 years of age.
Bella was my age, this wasn't matching. maybe I had lost too much blood and I'm imagining the music, I pinched myself, nothing.
I was still standing in the room with Bella and Edward, "it beautiful Edward you are really talented" , I watched him smile
"you haven't heard Bella play , she is much better than I" she was smiling, there wasn't even the slightest sign of blushing as I would if some had said it too me.
I was never the best with complements and it was something I didn't think I would ever get used to either, but I could feel the fear that was in them. I hadn't realized but it was in all of them. I had at first thought maybe it was nerves moving to a new place but after spending so much time together I would have thought it would have passed by now, shouldn't it?
Maybe I was right maybe they are some ancient vampire clan, and they were just trying to be like everyone else. I mean they were really white, and very beautiful, they all looked the same and they seemed older than what they really were.
very mature for there age I guess would have been a better way to put it. And yet again I began to feel panic coming from Edward but his face was the same it showed no fear he was straining to smile and keep his face free from any negative emotion. he was doing a good job but not enough to fool me, I was a personal lie detector.
but after a moment of thought I decided not to think about it "um… Bella I was wondering if I could borrow a first aid kit, I sliced my hand and I think there may be some glass in it still, as it hurting quiet badly." she stood up and she walked over to me.
"sure Hannah it's in our bathroom" I followed her as we walked up the stairs she walked like an angel gliding in her steps it was breath taking to watch her. I could feel Edward following us, I had spent some time with Bella and Edward as they were always around when I hurt myself. they had to sometimes patch me up, I found it embarrassing like I was a little child but they kept telling me it wasn't a bother.
but I could always feel concern in them, whenever I came to them for help, this time was no different, as I sat on the toilet seat in there bath room I watched as Bella stood in front of the mirror ' not a vampire there's a reflection' I had to stop this. next thing I will be thinking harry potter had moved in too. I could hear Edward hide a chuckle as if I had spoken out loud, I looked at him as he walked in "may I look Hannah" I was used to him playing doctor he was lucky as his adoptive father was a doctor and had shown him how to do first aid.
I held my hand up to him and with glove covered hands he began to get the glass shavings from the cut it wasn't hurting as much as I thought it would. moments later he was done.
" Bella would you cover it up please' I thanked him as he placed the gloves and glass in the bin. Bellas touch was soft and her hand were cold. as if she was playing in the snow.
I didn't flinch as I found it rather soothing, "all done how's it feel" she felt relieved with it cleaned up.
"Bella your hands are freezing" I watched as horror washed over her "may I please have your hand on my cut," she looked at me puzzled " okay Hannah" as she held my hand in her two.
"that's better, instant pain relief" I watched her smile "how did you cut it" I felt embarrassed " I broke a glass in my hand, it was an accident t really" she was still holding my hand when she spoke softly " I used to be a klutz" what did she mean by used to , she was grace full.
"How did you stop?" it was an innocent question but Edward had walked back in to the bath room.
"how's it going in here ladies" I could feel that something wasn't right about the Cullen's family, they were too perfect to be real. were they un dead, I watched as Edward body went slightly stiff as if he had heard what I was thinking. I wanted to test my theory 'Edward are you a vampire' his emotions were going crazy but his face never changed.
"were all done here" Bella was smiling I could feel the love radiate from her, it was the same as when my mother would hold me after I had hurt myself.
this was becoming stranger I stood up and walked out the bathroom "thank you, so much for fixing me yet again, I should head up stairs" I left them in their room as I began walking up the stairs.
I knew there were new people in the house but I tried not to run into them because of my lack of stability around new people. but As I approached the stairs I could feel someone walking down and as I looked up to check where I was walking I was looking into the most beautiful honey colored eyes.
it was him and he was real, I lost my breathe as well as my footing and began to fall backwards. it was just a second but when I realized that I wasn't moving I opened my eyes to see that he was holding me against his firm body. I realized I hadn't fallen and I was standing on the landing "t-hank you" I managed a slight voice to escape my mouth he smiled at me with a slight hint of humor in it.
"you must be little Bella" his voice flowed like music, he was still smiling at me "um I'm h-Hannah" I couldn't breathe and I had to try to other wise I would pass out in his arms and that's not the most attractive thing to do.
"I know I'm Emmett…. are you ok" he whispered it was as if we were in our own world I couldn't tear my eyes away from his. they were golden brown and they held a deep secret in them.
they were so familiar in a way, I felt as if I had found a tiny piece of my puzzle but I knew If I kept looking I was going to drown in them. "I think so " I finally managed to whisper softly. he was still holding me against his body when Bella and Edward walked out to the landing and I could feel the energy radiating thru our two bodies like bolts of lightning when they crash to the ground the charge is so fierce.
but I regretfully slowly stepped away blushing " Emmett I told to keep an eye out for this one" he was laughing as he spoke I began to go red again.
"I'll be seeing you Hannah just don't be hurting your self ok I may not be around to save you again" he whispered softly as he lent into me and walked down the stairs with Edward. the way he spoke my name, It went thru me like a wave of desire. and I hoped I would see him again too. It was strange I had the feeling that I had meet him already, and the feeling was a strong one.
Was he my stranger, his eyes were the same but without knowing the face I had to go on instinct and mine was screaming at me.
You have found him, he is the one.
I could see that Bella was looking above me and she had concern all over her pale face, I followed her gaze to a tall blonde woman.
If Ambro was a god then she was his goddess.
her face was perfect, but also pale. her figure was well proportioned in every way. she would give the most beautiful girl at Jacksonville a complex as she was the women of most men's desire. I was well aware she knew it too.
and I knew she was seething on the inside, I watched as she walked down the flight of stairs and past me and she stopped and looked upon me in disgust. her eyes were burning thru me but I couldn't look away. then she stormed off behind Emmett.
Edward was a witness to the hostility "that's Rosalie, don't worry about her, just ignore her, we all do." I knew he was serious when he spoke.
"come Bella we should go see them" just as he spoke Rosalie was walking out the door. I watched it slam behind her. Emmett was at the bottom of the stairs looking at Edward and shrugging his shoulders as if it didn't bother him.
"she heard there was a huge designer launch sale on, had to leave right away." and they began to walk down the stairs towards Emmett. he was watching me carefully his face was friendly and his smile was as I remembered from the café window.
Bella had turned and smiled "have a good night Hannah " then continued walking down the stair case like she was royalty it just came naturally to her.
As I laid in bed that night I couldn't shake this strange feeling inside me. a song I had heard as a child being played by Edward. a person I had dreamt of was real and he was in this house and he was Edward and Alice's brother. and they all looks so much the same.
they were so secretive, and this fear that was deep inside them. my guesses were usually right about people. I could feel what everyone felt in this house, but they were all leaving I looked at the clock it was 12.30am. I could hear the thunder rolling across the sky, I hated thunder the loud cracks would make me jump a mile high.
I walked over to the window to see every one leaving it was if I was watching a base ball team running onto a field, and there he was looking up at me.
Emmett.
the rain began to fall heavy, and I turned and went back to bed. what would I do if he was my stranger? he was married and Edwards brother I had made such great friends with this family I didn't want to ruin it. but then again This family was becoming stranger and stranger, but it wasn't really bothering me as I too was different.
EMMETT
When I first met Hannah I knew she was the one. she was my soul mate as I held her in my arms as a baby I knew the connection was strong but I never dreamed it would be anything like this.
and as she grew into this beautiful creature I kept my distance, when she was 16 - I sat at her window and watched her sleep. as I stood there I felt complete. but when she woke and saw me at the window I knew I had to stay away.
but here I was again sitting at her window watching her sleep, and it was the same feeling as when I first held her. I felt complete my un beating heart was whole again.
I had spent over 90 years with Rosalie and I did love her but it was nothing like this feeling.
I had waited two lives to feel this, but I couldn't tell her. but I knew she felt the same way. as I held her on the stairs with her body against mine I didn't want to let her go it was the same feeling from when I held her as we danced at the charity ball. I wanted to tell her that I loved her and only her I wanted to smell her beautiful hair, to touch her warm face, to taste her pink lips against mine one more time to see if she would flush pink again in her cheeks.
but I knew I couldn't I had to think of my family, I had to protect her from Rosalie. but for how long? How long can I keep my feelings from her, from me?
But I knew that one night with her was just not enough to tame the monster of desire that was growing inside me.
I touched the glass that was between us and jumped to the ground. I turned and looked at her window, there was now a light on, and I smiled.
"you're never going to be alone, from this moment on."
I whispered into the night and walked away.