Heyyy! ^.^
Okay. A long A/N at the bottom. So yeah…*gulp*
Disclaimer: Twilight, is not something I will own, or do own. However, the tea beside me is purely mine. MINE I say!
I'll try to cut this as much as possible. First of all, usual amazing thanks to everyone who reviewed last chapter, you have no idea how much I appreciate feedback! 339 reviews? Wow. Just wow. And I'd like to say a big thanks to all Anonymous reviewers too, seeing as I can't reply to them, I really, really, really, love every single review I get! And, I'd like to point out, that regardless of how many reviews I receive, I'll update. But please remember, if you review, the updates will be faster and… c'mon, you'll make me happy!
O.O This chapter is dedicated to ALL of you. Sorry, I couldn't just pick some. All of you deserve the credit!
And… no-one guessed the whole business with the chapters: 1, 6, 12 and 18 having something in common, but I don't think anyone will… it's too obvious! So yeah, please review this, even if you hate it, just say. I'll just go off and cry in misery. (sarcasm, don't worry. I've only had one flame for this fic… and I hate to say it, but it had me in fits of laughter.) Some people… they just don't take things seriously these days :p
ENOUGH babble.
Here you all go!
What Happened Last Chapter:
I sighed before muttering in an undertone as chagrin flooded my face.
"Tell me about it."
Edward grinned.
And as I stepped out the car, I mentally prepared my self for facing Jessica, along with Lauren, Mike, and Bella.
This time: well, crud simply didn't cover it.
In fact, I was more inclined to use Jessica's language.
Ah, crap.
***
The Lapse in Time
I mentally groaned as I looked at Jessica, who was still staring, her mouth wide open and eye bulging. Seriously, her eyebrows were so high up on her forehead, I swear they were about to vanish altogether. Though something about her look was odd, more to my left. I turned instinctively, only just having got out of Edward's Volvo.
Only to find my face inches from his.
The rain was still falling thickly, rolling down my cheeks like tears, and glistening like diamonds in his tousled bronze hair, gently soaking me once more. I let out a shallow breath, and mist formed where it left my lips, from the cool February air.
Suddenly, his scent washed over me, as if it had abruptly materialised out of nowhere, I hadn't smelt it so strong before, never so potent. The smell made it impossible for me even to consider movement, intoxicating, it bound me, an irresistible allure. I shook my head slightly, and I saw the corners of his lips twitch.
Yes. I was very thankful he couldn't read my mind.
What would Edward do, if he realised I thought he smelt nice?
With a jolt to my stomach, I realised how close his face was from mine, my heat accelerated, and he lent close to me, smirking now. I'd forgotten he could hear that. His expression annoyed me. What. Was. So. Funny?
His breath tickled my ear as he whispered to me, the velvet voice lost me momentarily; I instantly forgot my irritation, it was deep yet supple as silk. It was perfect.
"Good luck."
He walked away swiftly then, his movements graceful.
And I stood there staring.
Jessica's high pitched squeal brought me back to reality, with a sinking feeling.
"Lucie! Edward freakin' Cullen!"
Right now, I seriously wanted to drown in a puddle.
"Mhmm." I mumbled, suddenly feeling immensely embarrassed, I knew I was blushing severely. I couldn't speak properly. Damn Edward. My annoyance flared up again, I held onto it tightly. Not wanting to relive the over emotions coiled inside me and ready to explode. Ones I wasn't willing to even consider, let alone voice.
Better to be angry at him.
Quickly, I holstered my bag onto my shoulder, and started to walk purposefully towards the school, Jessica tagging along behind me. I could hear her furious mutters from here. Maybe you didn't need mind powers after all?
"So unfair, can't she just …"
I think she caught me staring, she shut her mouth tightly, but then the gleam returned to her eyes, and she smiled vindictively. I carried on walking, not giving her a chance for more meaningless questions.
I had to give it to her, from where she was standing, that (the whole thing with Edward and me in the car) looked like good gossip.
"Lucie, why did Edward drive you to school?" Jessica finally managed to ask, her tone eager.
I decided on the truth again, lying it appeared, was now officially not one of my strong points.
"I don't know." I sighed, scanning the hall for Angela. Please save me from Jessica. I sent a telepathic message to her. Though, to my disappointment, she didn't appear. Proving that I did not have telepathic powers. Darn. Another thing to add to the list…
"You're blushing!" She exclaimed happily, I gritted my teeth together. Edward was going to pay for this. Stupid emotions. Stupid blush. Stupid Edward.
"Maybe I'm ill." A look of confusion swept across her face.
"Why'd you say that? Ill, why?"
Because I'm actually tolerating your meaningless babble! Not running across the room and fetching a large stick.
Okay. I really had to control this temper of mine. Else Lauren and Jessica (not to mention Mike) were going to end up in casualty.
"Because I have no reason to blush around Edward."
"Nuh-uh! You so do, everyone does, he talked to you, hell, he was in the same car as you and he is so damn freakin' hot-" I cut her off before she could describe anymore of Edward's inhumanly beautiful looks. Literally, inhumanly. Anyway, I didn't need a run down. I had after all; just experienced the full blast of them.
"Jessica, he annoys me. A lot." I wasn't lying, I'd just carefully skipped over the blushing part. She huffed her response, and I knew I'd held her off, for now, though her eyebrows remained high on her forehead. I sighed, trying at least to mentally prepare myself for the tedium of today's classes. Physically it was easy; well, it was easier to plant a fake smile on my face and look normal, than ignore my raging thoughts. Which were the opposite of normal.
Jessica was talking now, though I wasn't listening. The window's glass had captured my reflection. My whole face was pale, only the fading blush in my cheeks and colour from my lips distinguished it from the likes of the Cullen's appearance. That and the fact that I wasn't beautiful like them. I'd always considered myself as plain, though, I wasn't exactly plain I supposed, just different. And different was never good.
But again, my attire caught my attention, my stomach twisting uncomfortably.
The scarlet top I was wearing grabbed my eye, and I wished I'd worn a more neutral colour. I stood out. And I hated attention.
"Lucie? Are you even listening?!" Jessica's impatient voice woke me up.
Nope.
I hadn't realised we'd been walking, now half way towards our first class. A thought nagged at my mind, for some reason, it was urgent. Making my stomach twist once more, but this time, with unease.
Where was Angela?
"Yep," I managed to mutter, my mind was spiralling away from Jessica's trivial talk, still focusing on Angela's absence, it wasn't like her to not attend school. I'd seen her past, school was important to her. She wouldn't miss it intentionally. Was she sick?
"Well then, what did I say?" Jessica exclaimed heftily. I was really getting sick of her in my ear, couldn't she see I had more important things to deal with?
Jessica. Go. Away.
It appeared my powers of telepathy still didn't work.
"You and Lauren went to this restaurant, and it was like, absolutely divine.." I trailed off, mimicking her voice perfectly. Who ever said I can't act? We turned a corner then, yet my legs were moving without my permission. Suddenly, everything seemed distant again. It was a worrying feeling, I sat down quickly, I didn't even know what class it was.
One the teacher had began his drawl, it became apparent that I was in History; a class which Jessica and I shared. I could already see her frantically talking to Lauren, her eyebrows did not raise, but furrowed, in a deep set scowl.
Some things just didn't change.
The lesson pasted faster than I expected. It was odd to find my self walking to next class, Physics. Though Angela did not accompany me, and it felt odd without her kind voice by my side. Where was she?
But as I drew closer to Physics, I began to look at the bigger picture. Angela wouldn't be in Physics.
But Edward would.
I didn't know what to think, so naturally, I frowned. And abruptly stopped. Edward was confusing me in the extreme, I wasn't sure where Bella was, but I knew she wouldn't be in Physics, being set differently from Edward and I. That couldn't be good. Though before I could dwell on the matter much longer, a familiar voice sounded behind me.
"Lucie!" I turned to see Angela walking frantically towards me, her hair fell haphazardly, and she was beaming. Evidently: not sick.
I felt my anxiety lift, ever so slightly.
"Hey Angela." I replied warmly, grateful for her presence, my mood had lifted considerably, everything seemed so much simpler with her, "Where were you?" She looked slightly flushed, but didn't reply, or if she didn't I didn't hear her.
Because right then, I saw Mike walk towards me.
He was coming swiftly, from the opposite end of the corridor, still meters away from us, he couldn't hear what we said. I had no clue how far we were from Physics. Suddenly, I felt very grateful for Angela's presence. I looked round for an exit, but found none. And my happy mood, vanished as abruptly as it came.
Stay calm. No punching. I chanted to myself, unable to keep the smile that formed at the thoughts. But instantly changed by expression, grinding my teeth audibly, and refusing to look at Mike's sky blue eyes. His incredibly annoying eyes that constantly seemed to be starting at me.
Hmm, his face and eyes could become very well acquainted with my fist again…
What was with me today?
I could almost taste the apology on the air, hanging thickly around him, and his blue eyes were shining to match the tentative smile planted on his face. The smile I had to try to copy. His stupid, pointless, annoying-
Calm.
"He just doesn't give up, does he?" Angela mused, ever optimistic, quietly by my side. I could tell she was grinning. I felt like gripping her, demanding she endure whatever Mike was about to put me through.
"You mean: he wants a nosebleed. Right here, right now." I muttered darkly under my breath, too quiet for clueless Mike. I was no longer trying to mirror Mike's apology, now I was just scowling. And I couldn't care less.
Angela giggled, but her tone took on a mock sincere and serious note as she continued.
"Come on Lucie, give him a chance, don't be too hard on him. He's just…" She trailed off, unable not to smile at my expression.
"Increasingly annoying?" I offered.
"Persistent."
I just grimaced.
"Oh look, there's Ben!" Squealed Angela happily, and it truck me how carefree she sounded, but before I could think more of the matter, she shot off down the corridor. Hang on? Ben wasn't anywhere in sight…
Well great. I was now alone in the corridor. Angela had left, leaving me, standing alone, with Mike. Ugh. This smelt horribly familiar.
Oh, shoot.
He was only two feet away now, I made sure he didn't try to get any closer. It was odd, the way Mike continued to walk so fast. If he had paler skin; stronger muscles; more handsome, then I might have mistaken him for a vampire. Oh, that and the whole bloodlust bit… Funny how that's always overlooked?
No, even then, Mike could never really be even compared to a vampire, he was too unalike. Too Mike-ish. Too annoying.
Though admittedly, Edward wasn't exactly the least annoying person, was he?
"Hey Lucie?" Mike said, sounding just as annoying as his smile looked. Once again, I scanned the place for an escape. If only I knew where Physics was…
"Hi." I mumbled bluntly. Couldn't this guy take a hint? I then felt a brooding sensation inside me form. Angela had deliberately (I just knew) let me face Mike alone! I was going to get her back later. For certain.
Mike's next words almost came out in a gush.
"Look, I'm sorry about yesterday, but we're cool right?" His eyebrows were raised now and he still had that sickening tentative smile of apology on his face. It could be easily wiped off with a good old punch…
No! Calm.
"Yeah sure. We're cool."
If your idea of cool is that at least one wants to rip the other to shreds? Then yes. We're cool. Extremely so. In fact, we're practically arctic.
"Good! I was worried, with you, well…." Mike trailed off, an odd expression crossing across his face, looking speechless. He looked as if he wasn't looking directly at me, and instead was staring at a pint over my shoulder. I don't know why, but this annoyed me. I retorted callously, my anger slipping ever so slightly. I think I lost my hold on calm.
"Punching you and all?"
The sound of booming laughter made my head whip round. And there, standing directly behind me, was Emmett. A massive grin planted across his face.
"Don't apologise Lucie." He chuckled, grinning at me.
I wasn't going to…
I was going to say something, use Emmett as a distraction to run off to Physics. Which I was seriously late for, but Emmett cut across me, with a sentence that seemed to burst from his lips, as if he'd tried to restrain it.
"I bet Mike likes feisty girls!"
Was it possible for someone to turn five different shades of red?
Mike did.
He managed to mumble something incoherent before stumbling through into a class, if possible, faster than before.
Though at this moment, I really hated Emmett for saying that, which was probably the most embarrassing thing to say, I had to give it to him. He was a lifesaver. I turned slowly and glared at him, he - unlike Edward - cowered slightly, albeit acting, and his eyes glinted in the way one's did when they were in trouble.
I just sighed.
"Aw, c'mon Luce, can't have been that bad!"
"Emmett. Number 1, it was bad. number 2 I'm not Luce, I'm Lucie, and number 3…"
"Long list.." He muttered, and I gave into his expression, just admitting what I'd thought.
"Thanks a lot. You're a lifesaver."
"I do what I can." He replied modestly, raising his fingers in a salute.
I smiled at him, he shadowed my frame, but I didn't feel intimidated, or even remotely afraid around Emmett. He seemed to possess an aura, a happy one. Jasper would know what I meant. Yeah, he was a bit annoying, but he felt like an older brother. I wanted to sigh again. Knowing full well that he wasn't an older brother of mine. And that I'd never have one.
He seemed to notice my expression, because he looked concerned.
"Hey, is everything okay? Luce?"
"Not if you keep calling me that…" I threatened, smiling, though I couldn't feel it. He chuckled again.
"It's either, Luce or Luciana, your pick." Damn, he had me there.
"Fine!" I admitted, "Call me Luce, but I want you to know that I'm holding you officially and personally responsible for ruining my good mood!" He grinned widely.
"Now c'mon, we both know that's a lie."
"Is not."
"Oh, and Mike just lifted your spirits then?"
Ugh. Emmett was too good. And right, if anything, he'd lifted my mood. Mike was the one who'd lowered it.
"I'm going to Physics." I muttered, but my tone was no longer sulky, just amused.
"Third door on the right," Emmett called behind me, I frowned as I abruptly changed my initial track to the left. I was never going to understand the layout of this school. I needed a map.
"See you later Luce!"
I sighed at my new nickname, and braced myself as I entered Physics.
Yup. I sure was late.
The whole class turned round at me, the previous chatter ceased. And I was sure that I was steadily turning the same colour red as my shirt.
"Ah, Miss Raven, finally decided to show up have we?" Trust Mr Banner to sound exactly like Professor Snape, I swear he even had the same nose…
"Sorry sir." I muttered, sitting down quietly, as the rest of the class continued to talk, completely ignoring his lecture on… well, I wasn't entirely sure. I'd already stopped listening, much like the rest of the class.
The atmosphere felt wrong though, almost empty.
It did not take long to realise why. The realisation almost made me feel sick. I had no idea why I was feeling so dependant all of a sudden. So weak.
Edward was not here.
I knew I should have expected it. Of course, he probably felt guilty for driving me to school this morning, but I didn't. In a way, I'd been relying on him being here. Despite the fact that he was sardonic often, making cryptic comments only answered with wry smiles. Edward made everything seem easy. Simpler. In his presence, I felt, well… whole.
I wanted to kick myself.
Edward did not make me feel whole. Edward made Bella feel whole, well, partially… Edward cold only fill half of the gap, the other - I knew - could only be filled with Jacob. I knew though, despite being seemingly selfish, Bella was not. If anything, I was the selfish one. Again, I felt strange emotions, but then, one of the things that used make me dislike Bella rose to my mind.
I'd held it against Bella, the way she'd treated Angela, though remembering her words, she was completely right in her actions. They suddenly all made sense. Once again, Bella's words flowed against my mind.
"it's dangerous in this life, and now you know about it, you're in danger too."
Bella hadn't been selfish, or horrible, or forgetful towards Angela.
She'd been trying to protect her.
I'd already found out Bella was not how she'd first appeared to me. But this small piece of information suddenly made everything else make sense. It showed how good Bella was. I had no right to think about her in such a spiteful demeanour as I had done so in the past.
I could now understand why Edward loved her, it wasn't her looks, (though I'm sure they helped) it was how Bella was, and Jacob was right. She did blame everything on herself. Though she didn't need to. I however, well, I was another matter entirely.
"Miss Raven? How about you answer?"
Oh, shoot. What did Mr Banner just ask? The whole class was looking at me again, as if a spotlight had just appeared where I sat. I stared blankly back at them. This, would be the most useful time to have Edward's gift. Mr Banner was sneering now, probably finally glad he'd managed to find something I didn't know.
"Err-" I mumbled, what had he asked?
"Hmm," He said, his sneer widening, "funny how you seem to be less capable at Physics, when Mr Cullen is not present. Isn't it." Sniggers proceeded this comment; and I really tried not to punch the man.
When was he going to realise, that I wasn't thick?
"No sir," I said coolly, "I just didn't hear the question, could you repeat? I think you were mumbling." I smiled innocently at him, glad that his face had slipped into a scowl, and he had reddened considerably. Mr Banner:1 Me:1.
"Yes. Though I think it is your hearing Miss Raven, not my speech, that has enabled you to not hear the question. I did repeat twice you know." More chuckles came from the class, and in any other situation, I would have been going red in humiliation. But not now. Not with Mr Banner. He'd have to do better than that.
"Are you going to continue questioning my hearing sir? Or can you repeat the question?"
"Certainly. Why was the year 1997 important for science?"
Crud.
His smile confirmed how I felt. I knew he didn't expect me to know the answer, though his expression was the very reason why I racked my head, saying the first thing that came to mind, I wasn't giving up yet.
"Well, The first synthetic human chromosome was constructed by US scientists in 1997. If that's what you mean." I said, and I couldn't help but sound slightly smug. I
knew I was correct, for two reasons, 1; with a quick glance at the board I saw a drawing of a chromosome. And 2; Mr Banner was looking back to his useful flustered self.
"And what exactly," He continued, seemingly forgetting his lecture, though I'm sure the class didn't object, and instead, focusing his entire attention on me. "Does DNA stand for."
Please. I've known this since I was 7 (not meaning to sound boastful, but it was true. I'd heard it used before, and I was curious. True, back then, I had no idea wheat it meant, just the long words associated with it.)
"DeoxyriboNucleic Acid."
I just smiled again, as Mr Banner looked disgusted, the bell rang suddenly, concluding my victory nicely.
Though as I left the class, Angela smiling and chatting happily next to me, I couldn't concentrate on her kind words. My mind wavered back to Edward, Bella and Jacob. There truly was only one way to describe the situation. A mess.
I didn't expect Jacob's feelings for Bella. Sure, I'd suspected he'd loved her, but not so deeply, Bella was to him, everything. I knew about Bella too, I'd lived through her life with Jacob, she loved him and Edward equally. Though she didn't know the feeling was mirrored by Jacob, Bella was oblivious it seemed, to how much both Edward and Jacob cared about her.
"Lucie?"
Angela's voice stirred my thoughts, I looked up, and her expression portrayed those horrible emotions I seemed to get off people these days. Concern, sympathy, and worry.
"I'm fine." I said, trying to sound more cheerful as we carried on walking, to where though, I didn't know.
"I don't think you are Lucie." Angela said calmly, "For one thing, you're paler than usual, you're not talking and-"
I really hated lying, and especially to someone as decent as Angela, but sometimes, lying had to be done, I cut across her then, telling a well practiced lie.
"Sorry, I'm just tired." In all fairness, it wasn't a complete lie, I was tried, though I knew that wasn't the reason for how I was reacting to everything. The reason for the hollow sensation that slowly began to crawl inside me.
Angela said something about needing the bathroom, and I just nodded in response. When she left me however, I didn't know where I was going.
Though that seemed the least of my worries.
I felt a wave of nausea shake me slightly, and I felt the familiar sensation of swaying. I was about to faint, I could tell. It had happened before, the usual horrid sensation of weakness enveloped me. I felt and saw the darkness close in round me, yet I fought it stubbornly, refusing to let it take me.
I felt stuck though, halfway between falling, and standing. Refusing to succumb, yet yearning for sleep, which I'd been seriously deprived of. I was captured. Stuck, in a lapse of time.
The corridor was empty, and I was grateful, I slid to my knees, placing my head between them, and breathing deeply.
I knew something wasn't right. Normally, the general cause for fainting was a sodium deficiency, or dehydration. And although both of those facts fitted my symptoms, I knew that wasn't the reason for how I was feeling. It wasn't scientific at all in fact. It all came back to one thing, too stubborn to remove itself from my mind.
Edward. As soon as I thought about him, I felt dizzy again. I shook off the thought, pushing it away, not wanting to feel so feeble and anaemic.
Once my breathing had slowed, I stood up, though I now knew going to class wasn't an option. I could barely think, let alone write and supposedly learn. Besides, I didn't want to be witnessed fainting, I'd already done that enough already. No need for anymore people to think I should be put in quarantine.
I started walking again, I preferred walking as opposed to sitting it seemed to give me more purpose. Looking up from the grey carpet, I realised I wasn't the only one late to class, or simply not attending it. And I felt dizzy once I saw who was alone in the corridor.
Bella stood from me, seemingly, having known I was there the whole time, staring at me, her brown eyes imperceptible. I knew she'd seen me almost faint. She looked as tierd s I felt, her hair falling messily around her face, though still she seemed beautiful, she walked towards me, and I had to fight against the darkness again.
I. Will. Not. Faint.
I expected her words to be soft, though they weren't. I should have noticed the anger in her eyes; the betrayal shining in them. But I didn't, concentrating hard on my breathing more than her words.
"So Jake came over then?" Her tone was brittle, and I felt confused, my head still pounding.
"How-"
"He told me."
"Oh, well then, yeah…" I said, sounding stronger, far stronger than I felt, forcing myself to stay upright, and not to sway.
"What did you tell him?" Her tone was blunt, confusion swept through me once more, I wanted to sigh in frustration, what did she mean? She carried in response to my silence. "What did you say to him about Edward."
"Oh, he already knows Bella," The moment I said this, her expression changed to horror, I tried to carry on quickly, she'd misunderstood my statement. "No, it's okay, don't worry-"
"Okay?" She choked, now looking close to fainting herself, "How can it be okay? I can't lose him Lucie, and he knows!" Then she focused again, her words - so much stronger than mine at the moment - cut across what I was about to say, her eyes narrowed, and betrayal flashed once more on her face.
"You told him."
"No, no," But I couldn't blame her disbelieving look, my words sounded so faint, they were little better than lies.
"Why? Why did you do that?" The anger was replaced by raw emotion, tears swimming in her eyes. I had to speak now, I had to tell her.
"Bella, he doesn't care, honestly, you don't understand, Jacob lo-"
"Don't understand?" She murmured quietly, "Oh I understand perfectly Lucie." her voice sounded worse without anger, broken and distort, so lost. Bella thought Jacob hated her, not realising he felt the exact opposite.
"No Jacob-" But she was gone, hurrying down the corridor, and out of sight, I finished the sentence that she couldn't hear, as I felt myself crumple. "…Loves you." I whispered, falling then, knowing I couldn't hold out.
The darkness re-formed, yet this time; I didn't fight it. I welcomed it's icy embrace, not wanting to feel anymore, to break any further. I felt my eyelids flutter shut, as if preparing for a dream and my head thud against the floor. Only one wish formed as I fell. Not wanting to hurt anymore
I wished for oblivion.
***
I awoke.
I was standing now, in a forest, the moon cast a pale luminescent light ahead of me. Intrigued, I walked towards it, my skin felt oddly warm against the cool air. My bare shoulders didn't react to the chill, nor could I feel pain through my feet; devoid of footwear.
Hang on. Bare shouldered? No shoes or socks?
Curious, I looked at my attire, and was shocked at what I saw. A silk dress hung around my slender figure, lightly gripping to me, as if tailor made. The same colour as the moon above, and the light in the distance. I shook my head, and I felt my hair cascade down my back in shower. As if it had been held upon my head with heavy pins.
The light in the distance caught my attention again, I found my self gracefully dancing towards it, compelled by it's presence.
Wait. Graceful?
It was Edward, he came swiftly, and was by my side in an instant. I beamed up at him, ready to ask why I was dressed as such. And our (as yet) oh-so-mysterious-location. Though before I could speak, he placed a pale finger against my lips, stopping my questions in an instant. I looked up.
His eyes were darker-a shade off tawny. They seemed to be the most substantial thing about him; the way they captivated my own, making it impossible to look away. That and his liquid voice. Soft as velvet, but now oddly strained and rough. He gazed at me with such certainty, such precision and intention, that I completely forgot my surroundings, they melted behind me. For I was lost in Edward's gaze.
His expression didn't register with my mind, I did not note the urgency or fear saturated in it. Perhaps that was why I was confused by his pained voice, when he spoke directly to me. My head ached slightly, I felt as if I was surrounded by people suddenly, anxious voices buzzed in my head.
"What happened?"
"She's so pale!"
"Get someone, she-" I ignored them, returning my attention back to Edward.
His voice broke my trance, though for once, I did not break eye contact, I couldn't bare to look away from his eyes, terrified, that in the act, he would vanish. And become no more substantial than a dream.
"Lucie…" I could not concentrate onto the sound, he was still talking, yet it was as if we were in a vacuum. The air had ceased, breath did not come to me, yet I was not afraid like normal. Nor could his voice reach me anymore, as I felt my self drift, and experienced the sensation of falling, I gripped thin air and fell, yet did not find pain as I landed. Against something cold and hard.
Confusion swept trough me, as my vision blurred again, I felt a cool sensation at my back, and eventually came to the conclusion that Edward had caught me. Though I also felt a pair of warm hands touching my forehead, and the voices threatened to over come my head once more. Again. I blocked them, concentrating on Edward with all my power. Refusing to let him fade.
His voice had returned, ever so slightly I heard it, and gasped as his words penetrated my mind.
"Lucie, you need to trust me."
I could hear the anxiety again in his voice; and it scared me. Something was off, abnormality lay thick in his words. Again, I felt confused, so I gazed up at him, managing to utter the truth before the darkness engulfed me.
"I always have Edward; I always will."
I could only see the darkness creep back into his eyes though. Something was wrong. Something wasn't right.
"No, she just fell. I don't know why… no, not yet… Yes, quick. I don't think she's breathing."
"I found her here, I don't understand, can't we move her?"
"It's okay Mike, we've got this."
"O-okay, I'll go tell Angela."
Footsteps running down a corridor, murmurs, voices. A pause, then:
"Why didn't you see this Alice?"
"I-I don't know. I just saw her, but it's hazy, is she alright?-"
"It doesn't matter, but no, she's not, quick, get Edward."
The voices weren't making sense. Edward was already beside me, his hair almost black in the moonlight, whilst I could see my own hair against my skin. Silver.
His voice was more distant; merely a faint whisper. Yet it was enough to send me over the edge, me stomach clenching in fear.
"We have to go Lucie, your not safe around us."
His words cut me, sharp, like ice. The cool arms suspending me were no longer pleasant, now they were icy, remote. The involuntary shiver shook me. As the unease built again, my head was screaming protests. Hey could not leave. Something was not right.
"Get him! She's not waking up, Alice? What's going to happen to her?"
"I can't see, it's like a barrier's formed, I can't see her future, it's blurred."
"She's scared, her emotions keep flickering,"
"Same with her future.."
"Just get him, it's been two minutes Alice, she still hasn't drawn breath!"
"It can't be…"
"Look at her Alice!"
Again, I struggled against the thoughts, focusing on Edward before me. Remembering his words.
"Don't…" I could only choke the word, as the air escaped out of my lungs, the look in Edward's eyes was rueful, apology seeping into it. I had to remain conscious. I had to convince him. Them to stay.
For if they left, all word turn to chaos.
"Yes, I-" He grimaced, and the stab of pain hit me again hard, as a pain shot through me, the truth was steadily sinking inside me "we have to. You're not safe Lucie, Alice's vision proved as much. We can't be around you, else…"
His words trailed off again, as my mind swam. I felt myself being lowered to the earth, and I wished I was strong. Wished I could grab onto to Edward and force him to stay. Wished I could prevent the inevitable; that I could prevent being left alone. My dress beneath me as no longer white. A dark colour was seeping into it, though I couldn't see, the light was retreating.
"Lucie. We're leaving."
With that, Edward Cullen turned, leaving me on the earthy floor, and as my eye lids drooped, I saw him, now only a dark form, run off into the distance. And in his place, came another figure, walking towards me.
I knew he was a vampire; only that could be the reason for his graceful movements. Though something was off. Whilst Edward's presence had provided comfort and safety, this figure was emanating the opposite, something twisted. Sinister and dark, the mood was tainted around him. I knew he was not good. And that I was in danger. Alone.
Though as he drew closer, he seemed to radiate light, I could once more see my surroundings, the dark forest, and night sky.
I could also see the colour of my dress.
The once pale luminescent white was now splattered with drops of dark liquid.
The light provided from the hooded figure, showed the colour of it.
Dark scarlet and crimson against white dashed before my vision, the vampire before me leaned closer, drawing back his hood, revealing a pair of very brooding. Bottomless eyes, the eyes of a vampire. Though they were not golden, proving that the person fed off animals. They were something far more disturbing.
His eyes were a deep crimson.
The exact colour, of my blood stained dress.
Blood.
Vampire.
That can't be good.
His voice rasped, dry and hoarse, quiet, yet enough to make my body freeze, and my heart to accelerate in undeniable horror. As he leant his lips closer to my throat, murmuring against the skin there. His breath smelt like corpses, tainted with death.
"Now, you shall join me."
And then, my world went black.
I was wrong before.
Oblivion was hell.
***
Confusing much?
Sorry, sorry, sorry! … All should hopefully be cleared up by next chapter (which will be up much faster if there's more reviews *hint, hint* *wink, wink*) And I think I need to clear a few things up about this chapter, else I'll get a lot of angry reviewers and we simply can't have that!
Number 1). Lucie is NOT a vampire… (yet… Mwhahaha!)
Number 2). That big confusing fainting/ thing? Was a dream. Not. Real. But adds a lot to the plot.
Number 3). Mike still has a healthy nose. (Damn.)
Anyway, if people didn't find this chappy confusing, then well done, gold star! And if you did, don't worry, hopefully this helped. And. I predict that lots of people will complain about Lucie being all weak in this. I know, I know, but don't worry, she'll get stronger, I promise that. Sorry if she seems so pathetic in this.
And… if people were wondering, I've fainted myself a few times, so if the descriptions seem rubbish, then hey, so was my experience! :p Now, this chapter itself, was a bit of a filler for the rest, so if you're thinking: 'there's no action. Geee, this is a boring story!' agghhhhh, well just hang in there, okay? Hoped you liked it anyway, and sorry it took so long to update.. I promise next chappy will be up faster… if you review.. It might even up this weekend. Did you hear me? This weekend, despite my Art Coursework I'm meant to be doing, right now, (erm, and French, History, English essay… I'll just stop there… you don't want to hear about algebra. You'll die. Litterly, you're head will implode. BOOM! *way too much tea today…*) I will update if you guys review! How nice am I?
Okay…. Don't answer that. (Its completely rhetorical.) I am not evil. Despite what you think :p Well at least, not too evil. I think. I hope…
Thanks so much reviewers! You ROCK! I don't believe how great reviews I get, so long and purrrfect! (even my cat mouse approves. And she's hard to please.) OH! And guess what? I'm giving out free Carlisles this chapter! (they were requested..) So yeah, if you review, you get your own personal doctor! So, keep up you're great reputation by just clicking on that little button, you know.. The one that says review this story/chapter. Guess what? If you press it, you can write a review. The review goes to me. I get happy. Send back thanks and answers to questions + almightily cyber treats. Then, I update. Then you get to read more. Then you review again. And voilà, we have the circle of life! (the circle of reviewing.. I mean.)
Okay. I'll just stop talking now.
Lily- who apologises for a lot of babble. Meaningless babble that probably took up your time if you bothered to read it. She is sorry. Maybe it's a curse? Babbleritus? She hopes it's not contagious, unless you babble in reviews, in which case: she sincerely hopes it is contagious!