(20) Fool

Normalcy was never in my life if you counted a vampire beloved and immortality that I craved badly. I thought it was everything in my existence! I would die to become a Cullen and yet that I didn't find abnormal! I should have been scared when Edward told me the truth about being a vampire. I should have run away from him that day and never turned back. Returning to my mother and my boring life! My vacant life with Renee and Phil living in the small Florida home with my own bathroom, the highlight of my youth.

I chose the hard road because it's all I ever wanted and now I was suffering for that decision. I never had any regrets in life. I never regretted being with Edward or reciprocating his love. I adored his family even though it was hard to get over the fact that they were dangerous. I never felt danger when I was around them. The feeling was silly for me to think of when I was surrounded by people that loved and cared for one another.

I was terrified now!

Edward was taking too long. I should've noticed the warning signs when he didn't immediately rescue me as Malirosa dragged me away from the store. I saw the void in his eyes my stomach turning, a small part of me wondered if he was pretending. It was an ugly feeling my emotions starting to betray me. I was an idiota just like Malirosa said. I breathed a deep breath of air. I was alone tonight.

Malirosa left quickly after I threw up. I knew she would hightail it out of here. I was glad I didn't want an audience right now. I struggled off the bed and went to the bathroom that was part of the bedroom. I grabbed a large green towel and mopped up the mess. I grabbed her makeshift dinner and threw it in the toilet watching the lumps of meat sink to the bottom. I flushed the toilet three times before the food disappeared and stumbled back to the bedroom.

I carefully layed on the bed and put my hand gingerly beside me. The pills took away my pain but left a tightening in my empty stomach. I was eager to count the stars in the dark sky. It was the only thing I had going for me at this point!

I was up to nine hundred and fifty-two stars when the door creaked open. I went rigid and wondered if I should close my eyes. I left them open and saw Alejandro peer inside the room. He saw my alertness and walked in carrying another tray of food. I gulped.

They didn't need to bite me the food could kill me on its own!

I was paralyzed as I saw Alejandro walk towards me. He balanced the tray on the bed and backed away. I was afraid to look down.

"You need to eat, Bella!" He demanded and his tone authoritative.

"I'm not hungry. I'm in pain." I lied and hoped that would give them a clue that I wasn't eating their disgusting food.

"It's American food. I see our traditional Mexican food disagrees with you." He said smoothly and brushed his hair out of his eye. He was in yet another outfit. This time he wore a white T-shirt with dark blue jeans.

I knew I had to eat or the medicine would keep turning in my stomach. If I wasn't careful I would be sick again! I would lose the powerful anecdote for my hurt hand. I mumbled fine and looked down at the food. It was a two dry pieces of bread no butter or jelly. I immediately picked up the first piece and ate it. I was finishing the second bread when Alejandro cleared his throat. I forgot he was there.

"There now I hope you feel better." He moved closer to me and got down on his knee. "Do you find the very idea of me very upsetting?"

I stared at him. I hoped it was a joke. However, I could see in his expression that he was serious. I swallowed the last piece of bread. It went down like a huge lump. I turned away from him.

"Does it matter what I think? No matter what, I'm going to be forced to do something I don't want to." I whispered and gave up all eye contact.

"I am an old man. I do not take very kindly to being refused. Your lover this man that holds your heart, where is he? Why is he not here? If it were me and my true love was taken from me I would give my life to try to find her!" Alejandro gestured wildly with his hands.

I stared at him with pain lurking behind my eyes. He spoke my fears and I wondered if he was reaching in my subconscious finding my weak points. I kept my face hidden as I heard his hurtful speech. I was taking a true beating first with my body now my mind. The most fragile of all.

I didn't say anything to him. I wanted him to leave just leave me alone. Alone that's all I want. Is that too much to ask for? My stomach stopped tightening and my hand started prickling with pain.

"I need a bandage for my hand." I muttered and looked at the wall behind Alejandro.

"Oh yes, I heard from Palo that you hurt it. I will give Malirosa a bandage to wrap your hand." Alejandro stated and stood up. He turned to leave and I saw a faint shadow behind the doorway. I saw the shadow deepen as if someone moved closer to the door. Hope inflated my chest and I sought some relief. Edward was coming to save me!

The shadow faded and my stomach dropped. Where was he going? Please, Edward save me!

The doorknob turned and swung open.