2. The Monster
I seized Bella from the kitchen, pulling her into my side and practically dragging her to her truck. As I opened the passenger door I became momentarily stunned. She didn't argue about this. Maybe she would be on her best behavior after all? I didn't question her new aplomb attitude; instead, I helped her up into her seat and then shut the door, making my way hastily to the driver's side where I slid in with smooth grace.
I kept my pace contemptuous, or the best I could. But I was limited with her trucks internal speed limit. Normally I would be extremely aggravated, but not this evening. Everything was going well. The engine growled in anger when I broke the fifty mile per hour speed limit.
"Take it easy," she rounded on me.
I hid my smile, thinking back to what I really wanted to give her for her birthday. "You know what you would love? A nice little Audi coupe. Very quiet, lots of power…"
"There's nothing wrong with my truck." She didn't know how wrong that statement was. But this was no time for arguments. "And speaking of expensive nonessentials," she continued, apathetic, "if you know what's good for you, you didn't spend any money on my birthday presents," she sniffed.
"Not a dime," I replied with the merest flicker of a smile.
She gave a little nod, satisfied. "Good."
Regardless of what her stipulations met for me, the rest of the family wasn't hearing any of that. They all spent money and loved every second of it. Even Emmett. Of course, Rosalie was a different matter. Hopefully, though, she wouldn't get angry at them. Would she? "Can you do me a favor?" I asked softly, keeping my voice low, human.
She shifted in her seat to face me. "That depends on what it is," her tiny eyebrows crinkled together to give her a slightly perplexed look.
I sighed, brining her scent deep into my lungs, letting it have its way with me for a very long second before I let out a gust of air. "Bella, the last real birthday any of us had was Emmett in 1935. Cut us a little slack, and don't be too difficult tonight. They're all very excited."
She glanced at me suspiciously as her lips came together firmly as if she was thinking of retorting but then thought better of it. "Fine, I'll behave."
That was a relief, but, I could still tell she was apprehensive. "I probably should warn you."
"Please do," she answered serenely. Okay – maybe those weren't the wisest choice of words. I realized that as soon as they left my lips.
"When I say they're all excited…I do mean all of them." I knew Rosalie wasn't on her favorites list, but she was still going to be there and Bella needed to know beforehand. It's better she didn't get any more surprises than she needed.
Comprehension dawned on her face before she said in an anguished tone, "Everyone? I thought Emmett and Rosalie were in Africa."
"Emmett wanted to be here," I explained, purposefully leaving Rosalie out.
"But…Rosalie," she shrieked in defiance.
And of course, she noticed.
I wanted to ease the terror that seemed to always accompany her when Rosalie was around. "I know Bella, Don't worry, she'll be on her best behavior." I hope, I added internally.
I could read her eyes as she was thinking. As each second passed they became wider and wider until they were practically popping out in terror. The stress this was causing her left an empty feeling my stomach so I changed the subject, trying to direct our conversation in another direction. "So, if you won't let me get you the Audi, isn't there anything that you'd like for your birthday?" I asked while watching as her face grew whiter and whiter until she grasped my words. Maybe conversation wasn't the best avenue for this trip to my house. Again, I was kicking myself for the idiotic question.
"You know what I want," she answered quietly.
My lips turned down at the corners. I caught a glance of her and I could not bring myself to argue. "Not tonight, Bella. Please."
Her voice was low when she responded. "Well, maybe Alice will give me what I want," she amended darkly.
Okay – she was going a little too far with this. Now I was white, white with rage. I knew Alice wanted to change her in which I had vehemently refused every time she brought it up. We had this argument before when Bella wasn't around. She would stay human, the end, no questions. This didn't stop Alice's thoughts from protruding into my mind, letting me know her secret longings for a sister…a sister named Bella. My stomach turned over in pain at the thought. My body vibrated while a deep growl exited my lips. It was purely out of reaction of the horrible image this thought produced in me. I immediately felt guilty. "This isn't going to be your last birthday, Bella," I promised.
"That's not fair!" Bella's voice rose furiously.
My teeth were clenched so tight I was sure if I were to speak my words would be muffled. Metal might have melted beneath my inhuman glare. Honestly, I was surprised the windshield withstood it.
As we drove down my drive way you could see little orange lights grow brighter and larger as we passed them. I took several deep breaths. Every particle I inhaled was laced with the delicious smell of Bella's fragrance. My anger flooded out of me at the sound of Bella's anguish. She moaned loudly in expressive pain. When I turned to her, she was disgusted with the party decorations. She really did hate celebrating her birthday. My scowl vanished, but the conversation wasn't forgotten. I just hoped she didn't bring up the subject in front of my family. Some of them might agree with Bella and she didn't need any more fuel to feed her fire. "This is a party, try to be a good sport," I reminded her.
"Sure," she grumbled, not even looking in my direction. Her frown was not as frightening as my own.
Bella's here! Many thoughts chimed in, bringing me back to tonight's events.
I parked the truck in the driveway and opened the door, letting the fresh air fill my lungs again. It was healing to breathe the fresh oxygen, though her scent was something I couldn't ever deny. It meant she was still alive. Moving swiftly, I made my way to her door, swung it opened and reached out to grab her up. I stopped halfway. I wanted it to still be her decision. She didn't flinch or hesitate as she grabbed my hand eagerly. "I have a question," she said, looking into my eyes with slight amusement.
Surprised at her change of attitude, I didn't respond. Instead, I waited silently for her rebuttal. She glanced down at her camera, playing with it in her hands. She turned her gaze to me, an ominous smile spreading across her face. "If I develop this film, will you show up in the picture?"
I could hear everyone's laughter from inside the house at her question. My bellowing chuckle came at the same time. She hopped out of the truck keeping my hand as we ascended the stairs and walked over the threshold of my house. Who would have thought only moments ago she was begging me to take her life….
We continued into the living room that was now decorated from floor to ceiling in pink flowers. My whole family was waiting patiently for us there. When we came into view, everyone except Rosalie shouted, "Happy Birthday Bella!"
I don't even know why I'm here. Rosalie sneered. Of course, always the optimistic.
I watched Bella's eyes circle the room, taking in the lavish decorations and the cake. Her heart drummed madly at the sight of it all. I pulled her into an embrace, wrapping my arms lightly around her waist. Her warmth rushed me and I brought my nose to her hair, breathing in the complexity of her scent before I kissed her lightly on her head, taking in another deep gulp of her scent before pulling away.
Disgusting, Rosalie thought. Or delicious if you wanted a snack. I shot her a glare. Her upper lip went up to expose her teeth. Her thoughts were always a continuous nasty remark. I had learned to ignore her long ago.
Bella and I walked further into the room. Esme brought her into a tight embrace kissing her on her forehead. She looks lovely today!
Esme's thoughts were never rude or mean. She always had something kind to say about Bella, either in her thoughts or out loud. Carlisle put his arm around Bella and whispered in her ear, "Sorry about this, Bella. We couldn't rein in Alice." Of course we could all hear every word he spoke to her.
It's her birthday; it is a day of celebration...of course they couldn't rein me in! Alice thought indignantly.
Emmett was doing a quick survey in his head. Same height, same color blush, and no wrinkles, just as human as ever… "You haven't changed at all," he quaked with suppressed mirth, "I expected a perceptible difference, but here you are, red-faced just like always."
Bella looked extremely embarrassed and her blush deepened. "Thanks a lot, Emmett."
I better put the CD player in her car before she realizes we bought her one. Alice warned me what would happen if I didn't… Emmett thought before winking in my direction. "I have to step out for a second," he nodded toward Alice and turned back to Bella. "Don't do anything funny while I'm gone." Make sure she doesn't trip until I'm there to see it, Emmett directed his thoughts my direction. I fully intended for Bella to never trip in the first place. I just shook my head back and forth.
"I'll try," Bella replied sarcastically.
Okay, enough… time for presents! Alice left Jaspers side and skipped toward Bella, a large smile prominent on her face.
She smells awfully good today, I better keep my distance, Jasper thought. I was grateful for him always making sure Bella was safe, even from himself. He directed a smile in her direction to ease any tension his space might cause her.
"Time to open presents," Alice ordered. She grabbed Bella by the elbow, taking her from my arms. Instantly the cold returned reminding me of how my life was before her: dismal and gray. Bella had a slight smile on her face. Maybe she was having a good time after all?
"Alice, I know I told you I didn't want anything…"
"But I didn't listen," Alice interrupted. She held out her gift with a smug smile. "Open it," she demanded. She grabbed Bella's camera and placed the silver box in its place. She'll like it if she actually opens it, I can't tell…she must still be deciding, Alice mused mentally. Excitement rolled off her. You didn't have to have Jasper's abilities to feel it.
I watched as many expressions flitted across Bella's face. When her indecision faded she ripped the paper off.
She'll love it! Alice realized when Bella began tearing the paper. I knew it!
When Bella finally got a good look at what was underneath all the wrapping paper her expression became mystified. She turned the box around in her hands, shaking it slightly. She gave up on figuring out the picture on the box and opened it. She stared into the empty box, "Um…thanks," Bella said, puzzled by the now open but empty box.
Ha-ha, what an idiot, she doesn't even know what it is. Rosalie thought smugly and wasn't able to stop herself from letting a smile peak through her constant sneer.
Silly Bella, Alice thought.
Doesn't she know anything about electronics? Does she even know what a TV is? Jasper thought and then a bellowing laugh came out of his lips. He couldn't hold back the suspense any longer. "It's a stereo for your truck," he explained after no one else bothered to let her in on what it was. "Emmett's installing it right now so that you don't return it." That was Jasper – to the point, no edging around the facts.
Bella had a blank stare across her face until she finally understood, like a small light popping on above her head. "Thanks, Jasper, Rosalie," she smiled widely at both of them, to my complete surprise. She looked in the direction of the garage and said, "Thanks, Emmett!"
She didn't even know it was a radio at first, hilarious! Emmett laughed loudly. Bella heard him and laughed too. I was pleased to see things going so well. Alice wasn't though, she thought about this all day and 'predicted' this would be the outcome before she ever saw it.
Okay, okay, it is my turn. I've been waiting forever for this! Alice thought while bringing her the next gift. "Open mine and Edward's next." It was more of a demand than an offer.
I was instantly nervous, my stomach twisting around. I didn't spend any money on her and I hoped my gift was adequate enough after I saw her graciously accept an expensive gift. Bella turned and glared at me. "You promised," she hissed. Or maybe all of her leniency was gone.
I was about to respond when Emmett charged through the room, I hope I haven't missed anything. "Just in time!"
I turned back to Bella and finally got my sentence out. "I didn't spend a dime," I assured her, hoping this would appease her. I reached out slowly, brushing a strand of her hair from her magnificent face. My fingers lightly touched her jaw and a zing of electricity ran through me. Her heart skipped a few beats. Jasper gasped quietly but his thoughts remained civil. Bella turned to Alice and inhaled deeply.
"Give it to me," she exhaled, like she was finally going to hear her prison sentence.
This is so much fun. Rosalie is going to have to let me visit more often! Emmett thought and began chuckling under his breath.
Bella reached out for the package slowly, carefully, like it was a snake. She turned to me while opening it and rolled her eyes. She had her finger under the tape. Alice turned to me as her finger jerked across the tape. Blood! – Jasper! And that was the beginning of the end. Everything was suddenly in slow motion. I heard her skin being sliced open and the instant thirst deep in me awakened the sleeping monster. He roared and rejoiced when the aroma of fresh human blood hit me.
"Shoot," Bella whispered, absolutely oblivious. She brought her finger to her eye, as a tiny droplet of blood came out of the cut.
She didn't see him coming, but I did. I turned to Jasper whose thoughts had gone wild. I must have her! He roared in his head as he charged after her, deciding what part of her would taste the best.
My beast couldn't fight the love that was deeply rooted inside me and all I could think about was how to save Bella from him. Just like with the van I rushed over to her, shoving her out of the way. She fell spectacularly through the air and landed onto the cake, breaking the glass dishes. I heard more tearing of skin and a rush of blood surged from her arm. I didn't need to see it to know this. I could smell it. The monster growled. But all I could think was, I broke her, over and over, shrieking it in my head.
Pandemonium hit. Jasper was struggling against me fiercely while growling. He began snapping at me and Emmett grasped him while holding his own breath. His bite would not kill me, but it would be painful. The scent hit the rest of my family and Bella was suddenly the only human in a sea of thirsty vampires. Most of them were able to keep their calm by holding their breath. Not Jasper. And not me. I wanted to fight him – to kill him. Anything to stop him.
Jasper was thrashing around under me, trying to fight me to get to his prey. He was running on instincts alone. As was always with Jasper, I felt the twin thirsts, but suddenly it was more than that. Jasper felt everyone's thirst and I heard their thirst. The fragrance emitting from Bella was not only doubled, it was radiating off of everyone's thoughts and feelings effecting Jasper and I more than ever. I had dealt with the taste of Bella on my tongue before and I wanted it more than ever in this moment. I had a sudden great urge to swing around and seize her by the throat. If it wasn't for my protecting her, I would be feeding from her myself. Looking around I saw everyone's thirsty expression. How would I protect her from all of them? Carlisle would help, I hoped. Instantly, I felt bad for doubting him.
My jaw was set; I refused to let her become my prey. The monsters inside me were clawing and breaking my bones now. My mouth was dry and frozen. I needed the warmth of her blood in my mouth but I continued to struggle with Jasper. Carlisle took charge, as I knew he could. "Emmett, Rose, get Jasper outside," he ordered.
Emmett nodded. "Come on Jasper."
I knew this was going to happen one day, Rosalie thought smugly while pushing against Jasper's chest. I ignored her.
Pebble sized droplets of blood were now trickling down Bella's arm. I leaned over her, facing away. I looked at my remaining family and I growled threateningly letting them know that there was to be no more harm to come to her. A wave of terror hit while grief and worry drowned out the thirst when I realized how much I had actually injured her. The scent was stronger than I thought. My stomach gave a jolt of uneasiness. I was trying to master myself while acting the hero. Dread and panic burst through me.
I heard a howl of fury out in the woods.
At the sight of Bella lying on the floor like a wounded animal, I inhaled several gulps of air. Each breath was tearing at my lungs so I quickly held my breath. My panic at the fact that I hurt Bella finally erupted through my stomach like poisonous gas.
Her eyes were wide with terror.
I can't take it anymore. "I'm so sorry, Bella," Esme said while backing out of the door. Everyone had exited now except Alice, Carlisle and I.
"Let me by, Edward," Carlisle demanded with a kind and fatherly look.
His thoughts were relatively calm. He barely noticed her blood. It was so easy for him. Once I realized it was safe I nodded and moved for him to get to her. I knew he would fix her. Agony crashed into me as the thought I broke her kept reverberating through my head. I was dissolving in misery. The room had fallen silent. Carlisle knelt down slowly and examined her arm. I looked away; disgusted with myself.
My brain was still in limbo; in between thirst and horror. Copious amounts of blood were still spilling from her arm. Alice was still in the room holding her breath. She grabbed a towel and brought it over to Carlisle, doing more then I could at the moment. "Here, Carlisle," she said softly.
This is bad, so much glass. "Too much glass in the wound," Carlisle replied to Alice while shaking his head. There was a horrible plummeting in my stomach. I watched as Carlisle ripped part of the table cloth and wrapped it around Bella's arm stopping the flow of blood. I watched her eyes and she began to turn green. Bella was going to be sick. It was silly, but I had an instant flashback to last year's biology blood typing incident.
She will need a lot of stitches, Carlisle thought, bringing me back to the present. This is going to take a lot of cleaning. "Bella," Carlisle said softly, "Do you want me to drive you to the hospital, or would you like me to take care of it here?"
"Here, please," Bella whispered.
"I'll go get your bag," Alice said.
"Let's take her to the kitchen table." Carlisle looked at me, Can you handle it? He was being absolutely serious. I could handle it – I would handle it.
I bent down to bring her into my arms. She warmed them and even under all the stress of the situation her heart still gave a little squeeze. This was wrong. Everything was so wrong. Carlisle continued to keep pressure on her arm as I brought her over to the table. I kept her in my arms. I never wanted to let her go. She was so feeble laying there bleeding.
Oh my, she looks like she is going to be sick, Carlisle thought and added aloud, "How are you doing Bella?"
Both of us looked at her, waiting for something horrible to happen. I didn't know if things could get any worse. "I'm fine," said Bella, her voice still quavering.
Her eyes didn't leave mine. There were so many emotions going through me at this moment that I'm sure it looked like someone had just hit me across my face with something very heavy. Alice walked into the room, quickly holding her breath when she caught scent of Bella's blood in the air. She walked forward and placed Carlisle's black bag on the table. I finally placed Bella in a chair softly, not wanting to hurt her anymore than I already had. Bella continued to study my face. "Just go Edward," she sighed.
Leave her? Never! Maybe she is worried about me? Of course she is always worried about someone else, anyone else but herself. Selfless should be her middle name. "I can handle it," I told her even though I knew that I was horribly powerless in this moment.
It was a lie though. My muscles were tight and my stomach had a hollow yearning for her blood. The venom was flowing so freely in my mouth I was constantly swallowing it. I kept my teeth clenched. She looked me over and read the lie in my facial expression. "You don't need to be the hero. Carlisle can fix me up without your help. Get some fresh air," she insisted.
Yes, Edward, go. I can handle this. Carlisle thought impatiently. He saw me as a threat still.
Alice's thoughts chimed in right along with them. Edward, this has to be incredibly hard for you. Go outside and get some fresh air. I need you to check on Jasper, anyway.
I was Bella's hero, though. I had always been her guardian vampire. No…no, this was wrong. So, very, very wrong. My body didn't budge. I refused to leave her. "I'll stay."
"Why are you so masochistic?" Bella grumbled.
"Edward, you may as well go find Jasper before he gets too far. I'm sure he's upset with himself, and I'll doubt he will listen to anyone but you now," Carlisle insisted.
Bella was looking at me and nodded. "Yes, go find Jasper."
"You might as well do something useful," Alice added.
They were practically kicking me out. I looked at them while my eyes became narrower and narrower.
I'll be right behind you. Go, please, for me. Alice begged.
I looked at all of them, gave a tight nod and strode from the room. When I exited the house the fresh air ripped through my lungs. It was not the release I was waiting for. No matter how much of the balmy night's air I breathed in I could still smell the seductive and sinister taste of Bella's blood.
I found the closest tree and kicked it in a great temper. The tree shook and trembled under my blow before falling and bringing down two more trees. The small release of anger wasn't enough and I began running; using my nose to help me track the one person who I would release my anger on now.
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Disclaimer:All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Stephenie Meyer. Lolafalana is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of New Moon. No copyright infringement is intended.