1. First Sight.
I was concentrating; I was only playing to quit her relentless whining. How could she be bored? She was an immortal, an endless stone, never shifting, never changing. If she was bored now then she had a long way to go.
Stop dragging down the mood bro…
Jasper nudged at my mind, and I tried to lighten my atmosphere for him. His extra sense was sometimes a little disconcerting. Though as I thought so were mine and Alice's. I smiled a little and turned my full attention back to the game that was underway in front of me.
Besides… my mind drifted again as it so easily could this would help pass the endless time space that filled the nights. Only to travel again to a hell-like repetition of high-school. I had been too many times, and holding many graduate degrees in the subjects I was studying, and so nothing would really surprise me. Not that anything would if I was learning for the first time, I could 'hear' the eternal droning before the teachers said anything.
Black knight from G1 to F3, White Bishop from C8 to G4...
Alice was systematically going through every possible move and foreseeing what would be the outcome through her and mine decisions, then I was simply picking her visions out of her mind with my telepathic power. In less than a minute I flicked my king over and walked away. It wasn't often that I lost, seeing that not only I had the power to see the moves she was about to make, but also the moves I was likely to make, without consciously knowing it. So I had two advantages for the price of one. Not that it prevented Alice making impulse decisions, and trying to distract me into making a rash decision in return, it didn't always work but when it did I got frustrated. Frustration was my enemy, seeping through me like the venom in my veins, I became ruled by it until I either lost or walked it off. For my anger's sake I hoped I could walk it off.
I walked past Esme, who was sitting beside Rosalie. Rosalie was sitting at my piano, and I was trying not to grind my teeth over that fact. She played well, but as she often reminded me, her place was under the hood of a super car, and while I could fix most car problems she was the real grease-monkey. I almost laughed at the thought of her allowing the slightest spot of grease getting onto her. How anyone could be so vain I couldn't comprehend. Even with my insight. She seemed to pass on her love for good looks into this life, and seeing as good looks goes with this life, well, they at least would have thought she would be happy. No, I know the truth; I know her deepest secrets, her darkest thoughts, her jealousies, what she wants, what she yearns for. I know the truth. And I wish I didn't.
I increased my speed to fly up the stairs; I knew if I stomped up, portraying my anger and sent a vibration through to collapse the monumental house of cards that my brothers, Jasper and Emmett, were building I would have to run as far as maybe the Canadian border before they would allow me to come home. I almost laughed at the thought of a good run. Maybe I could deliberately try and 'accidentally' collapse it.
"I wouldn't if I was you Edward." Alice sang, as she skipped over to a computer, brushing the keyboard as the screen lit up, having already cleared away the oak chess board to the cupboard.
What are you up to Edward? Esme asked, sternly, her mind had a similar tenor to her voice, and I knew she was taking her motherly responsibility to heart once again. I frowned, and then jumped the rest of the stairs as Alice told them all. I heard Emmett's over-confident laugh boom up from below.
As if he could get away from us, he may be fucking fast but there are two of us.
Scowling and rolling my eyes, the annoying pixie had seen my decision finalise, I continued along the corridor and up another flight of stairs, ignoring Carlisle's hum as he worked in his office. If I sent the vibration from here and jumped from the window I could get a decent head-start, and still make a decent clearing of the Sol Duc River. I slumped onto the black leather sofa pressing the play button. Clair de Lune played quietly as I picked up one of Carlisle's medical books. It was childish to think of destroying something like that, and I was beyond that.
I read a chapter on the brains functioning, and then another and before long I was engrossed.
Edward!
Alice was screaming at me trying to grab my attention, and she flitted upstairs quite naturally, but as soon as she was in my room she gripped my shoulders with unnecessary harshness. The look of concentration on her face was undeniable as she focused on specific thoughts.
A girl, human, brown hair and eyes, nothing unusual; I'd seen a lot of girls in my one hundred years, and then she changed, she was lying on a wooden floor, writing in agony. We both knew what that meant; there was a lot of blood. The vision ended with a pair of blood red eyes staring back at both of us.
She's connected to you Edward.
I frowned, shaking my head, knowing that Alice wouldn't speak aloud with the rest of the family in ear-shot. We silently communicated. How? I was asking.
I don't know how or why Edward, but your essence was washed all over that vision, how could you not feel it?
I shrugged; maybe I couldn't feel my essence because I am my essence. I thought things through, quickly, shrugging again.
"Why are you so tense Alice? What happened?" Jasper asked tersely. He stood in the doorway, flicking his mid-length honey-blond locks to one side. His scars made him a formidable looking opponent, and his determined mouth-set made him even harsher.
"It's nothing Jazz, I over-reacted." Alice smiled, releasing my shoulders, and I knew immediately that this was the wrong thing to say.
"Fine." Jasper snapped, twirling on the spot in an instantaneous movement.
"Jasper!" I called, "Wait."
He had already gone. It had been almost two weeks since our last hunting trip, not a hugely difficult time-span for us all, all but Jasper. Coming to us the latest he has the most trouble, and finds that he is terrified that whenever Alice and I converse privately, that it might be about him, that he may not be up to the challenge. He took this very personally. I however felt he needn't do that. Why should you dance with death? Some of us just may not be as strong as others.
Alice and Jasper are together on a level that Emmett and Rosalie have never grasped, and I doubt they ever will. Alice and Jasper tend to understand each other's moods and thoughts as though they too could read minds; Emmett and Rosalie tend to only understand each other's physically needs. Yet they all seem to love each other to a degree that I have never found with another being. Something that has not gone unnoticed among my family; problems within problems starting with how I was only 17 when I was changed.
Whereas Alice and Jasper have never been particularly physical, something we can be grateful for as when they are Jasper tends to influence us all, Rosalie and Emmett are. The couple is loud and they are proud. There's no end to the sexual innuendos and public groping, it's enough to make any man sick. Emmett is always trying to 'surprise' me with female pictures and trying to make me say I feel something, but of course… I don't. Needless to say I was endlessly berated for that fact. I ignored them, I knew my control was better than theirs, and therefore I knew that waiting was worth it.
As Alice silently followed Jasper, I tried to figure out my own problem. How could an average girl such as that hold any attraction for me? I frowned as Clair de Lune played its last few notes; out of frustration mostly. I kept tabs on Alice's mind, as she looked for further things connected to this girl.
We had moved to Forks two years ago, partly for Rosalie, partly for the proximity to Carlisle and Esme's friends in Alaska. We had been situated in Alaska, with another family of our kind, when people started to notice us, that we stood out too much. It was then that our family split off in a new direction, away from curious eyes. It was then that we moved to Forks. Here rain is in the up, and sunny days are few and far between. Rain is good, sun is bad. Nothing to it. Since we can go out a lot here, Rosalie is happy, she wants to lead a normal life as possible, she would give anything to be normal, even Emmett.
Then something I decided or the girl made Alice's vision become more detailed. Alice became dazed in Jasper's arms as she was taken into the world of the future. I rushed to them, shushing Alice before she said too much; I didn't want the whole family knowing of this yet. I wanted to know what she saw first.
It was a dark room, the only thing that is clear is the wooden floor, the type of thing that is in the school gym. She was surrounded by her blood but that didn't matter to her. Alice and I both saw as she flung her arms and legs that her wrist had been bitten, but it was not a clean bite, Alice's confusion echoed mine.
"My hand is burning!" the girl screamed suddenly, her eyes flinging open. Alice and I watched grimly as I entered the frame.
"I know, Bella my love, I'm so sorry, I'm sorry I couldn't help."
'My love'? I frowned. I would never condemn someone I loved to this fate, much less in the school gym. The vision faded and I took Alice's hand, telling Jasper to stay and took my sister to the first person I would tell in my time of need. The one who could help ease my confusion.
"Come in." Carlisle said, we both went in, and our adoptive father placed the leather-bound volume back on the shelf. We explained the visions and Carlisle stood from his chair.
"Bella… could be short for Isabella?" he pondered aloud for Alice as she nodded, confused by this train of thought. I concentrated on his mind and I didn't like where they were leading him.
"No." I groaned this couldn't be; Bella, my Bella, was Chief Swan's daughter! I suddenly caught myself. 'My Bella'? She wasn't mine, she was nothing to do with me, and she didn't even know me. She would hate me. Who wouldn't?
"Edward." Alice whispered, as she was caught in the dreamy trance again. It was of me and this girl, together, all of school, going public with our decision.
"No." I growled and left, slamming the door. I would never do that to my family, not for a girl. I jumped from the window, ignoring Emmett's cussing as he watched his card-replica of the Taj Mahal slowly collapse. At least he had the sense not to follow me; I would not take kindly to that decision.
I cleared the river in one bound and ran through the forest, clearing the path ahead of me from any and all living creatures. I was thinking about what Alice had seen, what I should do. For everyone's sake; mine, my families and this girl's.
When the time came I headed back to the house, speeding up to make up for the time I had wasted assuring I had made the right decision. I could continue going to school like normal, but I would have nothing to do with Bella… the girl. I would act like she didn't exist, exactly like I did with everyone else.
Racing back through the forest was easy, a lot less tense. I could run freely, and leaping over the river was almost a nice experience as I felt my foot find purchase on the solid soil, and then my leg muscles contract as I bent down, and expand to lift myself, bending myself back. Flinging myself upwards instead of forwards, for if I made a wall in Esme's house she wouldn't let me leave the house until I fixed it.
I jumped up then, through the open window I had left open to my room earlier. I looked around, and then decided to take a shower. It wasn't that it was necessary. My stone skin pores do not emit any oils and therefore I never get dirty in that sense. However after a run it's nice to clean off any dirt, and feel the warmth of the water against our frigid skin. I dried off and dressed. Taking longer than normal, calming myself for the day ahead.
I was sitting, waiting for my family in the Volvo when they came out; they were expecting me of course. They slipped in without a word, but with plenty of thoughts.
Rosalie caught her reflection twice as she slipped in besides Emmett and Jasper once in the side mirror and once in the window, she was now in the back rearranging her hair. Emmett and Jasper had arranged a wrestling match and Emmett was concentrating on how he could win if things went too far Jasper's way. Jasper however was thinking most like the creature that we were the aching thirst that controlled our senses, the dull throbbing in our throats that were the constant reminder of how dangerous we were. Yet we insisted on pushing our limits, to know them, and to fear them.
Alice was the worse as she came in to the front seat. I always tried to block my siblings' minds but it's rather like trying hard not to think of something you've just been told not to think about. That thought instantly pops into your head and refuses to remove itself however hard you push. Right now, that girl was on her mind.
I pressed onto the accelerator harder than I should have and the wheels span against the drive. Rosalie raised her eyebrows and Emmett snickered. Jasper had an impassive look; he was trying not to give the 'psychological mumbo jumbo' as Emmett called it for me. I didn't mind, it wasn't like he would ever guess I was about to call a human 'my love' in the near future.
I growled as I thought about it again, I had said I wouldn't, and here I was thinking about it. I accelerated onto the highway, taking only a couple of minutes to reach the turning off onto the school.
A lot of people were here but our space was still free, no one would park there of course. I didn't see a different car here as I checked, knowing I shouldn't but not being able to help myself. So either she hadn't arrived yet or had gotten a lift. I flicked through some stressed teenage minds and saw that no one seen her. I frowned as I parked, watching the others as they got out. I heard the rumble of an engine coming along the road as I stepped out into the light drizzle.
Walking towards Spanish I realized that Ms Cope, a red-haired, oddly dressed woman was having her first encounter with the newcomer.
"I'm Isabella Swan"
"Of course."
Oh, of course, why didn't I see the link! They look quite alike. She thought, while fluttering through papers. Oh, I really need to organize these stupid papers, right here we are.
"I have your schedule right here, and a map of the school."
The receptionist showed the girl her classes and how to get there, I saw the girl's face twice, and both times her eyes were dulled, as was her skin, her hair fell flat over her shoulders, and overall she looked very plain. I just couldn't fathom it.
I entered the room late, but the teacher didn't pick up on it. My Spanish was superior to hers, and she knew this and so didn't like to call on me. I could sit in this lesson and drift in my thoughts, something I didn't want or need.
I felt myself watching as the girl went through her lessons as I went through mine. Catching myself every so often, I was just trying to find out what was so appealing to me about her. Maybe if I could find that, I could quench it.
I walked to the cafeteria with my brothers and sisters. Picking up a tray and picking out a cola. I wouldn't drink it. Of course not, but then I went further up the line to get a bagel and an apple. If I ate this food I would chew and swallow, then later, away from these children I would have to throw the jumbled food up, out of my venom swelled stomach. Grimacing slightly I paid and walked to our usual table.
Jasper was seated with Alice; Rosalie was sitting next to Emmett. I sat in the remaining seat and looked at the wall. Jasper was rather uncomfortable. He would have to hunt tonight, whether he wanted to or not. Alice could see this also.
I had seen the new girl's face 427 times now, the male population was quite taken to her and I couldn't really see why. They were happy to sit and stare, after having sat and whispered to their neighbor. She was a commodity, a new play-thing. They would get over it.
I looked up suddenly as I saw a rather annoying girl named Jessica Stanley walk Bella into the cafeteria. It was then that I forgot all my promises to myself and my family, even to this girl; Isabella Swan. She was the most beautiful person I could ever remember seeing.
I hadn't been prepared for this through the thoughts of the human's, and I shouldn't have been surprised either. I watched as she tagged at the end of the line, listening to the Stanley girl. Her lush brown hair toppling over her shoulders, surrounding her pale clear face; it wasn't as pale as ours, no. However it was just right, a perfect snowy scene for those chocolate eyes, which held so much depth and emotion. I yearned to walk over there and introduce myself, to look more closely at her. To place my hands on her waist, her curves were subtle, yet defined, even through the ugly jumper she was wearing.
Suddenly Jasper kicked my chair and I turned back to see them all staring at me. Mostly horror, but only Alice had a smug look.
"What are you doing Edward?" Rosalie drawled, rolling her eyes, as though she never understood my weird eccentric behavior. I just shook my head, turning back to them all, but still listening as Bella walked over to a table with the Stanley girl and all of her friends. I tried not to frown too much.
Bella has been staring for quite a while now, can I turn and wave, we're going to be great friends I know we are, so please?
She whined in my head to the point of squeakiness I couldn't ignore. I shook my head vehemently.
"Don't you dare." I hissed.
Outraged she stood and stalked out, ignoring Jasper's hand. I let her go. I wasn't ready to leave yet.
Of course she wants to know who they are, what are we not good enough for her? Stupid Cullen's.
I looked up to the Stanley girl, who giggled like an immature brat, and then flickered my eyes to Bella. I dropped my eyes immediately, though I knew she would do the same also. I was glad to hear no giggling from her at least.
"That's Edward and Emmett Cullen, and Rosalie and Jasper Hale. The one who left was Alice Cullen; they all live together with Dr. Cullen and his wife." She whispered under her breath from halfway across the room.
There that should be weird even in Phoenix.
I sighed, picked up my bagel, listening for Bella's reaction.
"The Stanley girl is giving the new one the gossip on the weird Cullen's."
"Ha!" Emmett laughed quietly, "What does she think?"
I frowned, I hadn't actually tried listening to Bella's mind yet, I reached out. I slid from the Stanley girl to Mike Newton. I couldn't get a read on her. Frowning I shrugged for my families benefit.
"The usual."
"Of course she does what else would she think?" Rosalie murmured, catching her reflection in the bottom of a metallic tray that someone picked up.
"They are… very nice-looking." Bella said, and I clung to the words. She had a sweet, soft voice.
Well… duh! The Stanley girl interrupted my thinking.
"Yes!" she giggled again, "They're all together though – Emmett and Rosalie, and Jasper and Alice, I mean. And they live together."
Does she not get this yet? The Stanley girl thought viciously, mentally rolling her eyes. Bella seemed to think for a short time and then move on.
"Which ones are the Cullens? They don't seem related…"
"Oh, they're not. Dr. Cullen is really young, in his twenties or early thirties. They're all adopted. They Hales are brother and sister, twins – the blondes – and they're foster children."
Well I thought, at least the Stanley girl was getting the story right.
"They look a little old for foster children." Bella stated, and oh how right she was. I almost laughed.
"They are now." The Stanley girl replied, impatience flooding her mind. "Jasper and Rosalie are both eighteen, but they've been with Mrs. Cullen since they were eight. She's their aunt or something like that."
"That's really kind of nice – for them to take care of all those kids like that, when they're so young and everything." Bella replied. I tried getting a read on her thoughts again. Normally once I've heard a person's physical tone their mental one is fairly easy to pick up, and the fact that I couldn't was irritating me. Was something wrong? Was the fact I could possibly fall in love with Bella affect my mind-reading? I frowned. When someone like us goes through a change I know it's an immense difference but I didn't think it could change us in such a strange way. Besides I was fine with everyone else.
"I guess so," Jessica admitted aloud, They're so stuck up though! "I think that Mrs. Cullen can't have any kids though,"
As soon as the Stanley girl said that my anger flared up, she knew nothing about us or our family and making assumptions about Esme, one of the sweetest kindest people was just inexcusable. It was times like this I wish I could have walked over there and told Jessica exactly why Esme can't have children, and what would have happened if any of her little fantasies about me and her being in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship came true.
If I squeezed her tightly I would crush her bones, if I grazed her neck with my teeth I would severe several arteries and then, when her blood was spilt, I would either leave her in a hospital, or I would be overcome by the blood.
However my self-control bettered me and I stayed sitting, waiting for the silent Bella to reply.
"Have they always lived in Forks?"
Her tone was a confused one, only slightly, the Stanley girl didn't register it, maybe Bella was trying to figure out if she'd seen us before. But she wouldn't have. We were with Tanya before here, Tanya was a good host. Politely rejecting her advances seemed like the only thing I could do, but now I would have to reject this stunning creature, I didn't know if I would have the self-control. I would have to, she couldn't be involved with creatures like me.
"No." Jessica replied. Jeez, isn't that obvious? "They moved down two years ago from somewhere in Alaska."
The expression on Bella's face next was an odd one, I couldn't quite understand it. Relief? Was she relieved that she didn't forget about us? I needed to understand her better I thought as I looked at my tray.
I looked up and met her gaze, she turned away but I didn't, I wanted at least a little peak into her secrets.
"Which is the one with the reddish brown hair?" she asked her friend, and I felt elated that she asked about me separately, even if it was because I was staring without even the politeness to turn away when caught.
Oh good luck! You're not even pretty! You'd have better luck with say… spotty Eric!
"That's Edward. He's gorgeous, of course, but don't waste your time. He doesn't date. Apparently none of the girls here are good-looking enough for him."
Turning away I hid a grin at how stupid humans were, she was wrong to ask me on a date and she was wrong about me disliking Bella.
Then a small girl walked past, closer than she should have and put her hand in her hair, separating it with her fingers and puffing it up. Jasper froze as the fragile human went within inches of him. Sending her scent his way as though he couldn't already taste it on the back of tongue, scorching his throat; he was imagining getting up and following her, leading her out of the hall, watching her pulse as she realized how close he was. How her blood filled her cheeks when he reached for her neck.
"Let's leave." I said forcefully, standing, as did the others as soon as they saw Jasper's eyes open to reveal the dancing pupils of the hunt-awaiting-soul. Walking to Biology II alone I was left to ponder that gorgeous girl.
I sat in the Biology lab, having the only table to myself, so I could spread my books. Humans were ignorant to us, they didn't recognize their fear as fear. They understood only that we were different and that they were uncomfortable around us. Not that we should be feared. That uncomfortable feeling is exactly kept my biology seat empty, our seat at the lunch table empty, it's what stopped people from approaching us once we made it known we were unapproachable.
Now however, the new girl, Bella was walking this way with a shy girl by the name of Angela. They walked in silence, I could only tell that Bella was there through Angela.
Oh I wish I could say something interesting, I would probably just bore her. I deal so much better with little kids.
Angela had a nice mind, an honest view that often could be counted on, not like the Stanley girl's. Then I watched as they walked in. Bella was going to have to sit by me. The only spare seat in the room, and so I started stacking my books, props as they were for I already knew their contents, into a pile.
Angela turned immediately left heading for her seat while Bella headed for the teacher's desk. After two steps she was in front of the heater, and her scent hit me. I growled, too low for any human ear to hear. Tensing I was ready to pounce. The flames that were engulfing my throat, twisting my stomach, were in control. The venom swelled in my stomach, rinsed through my mouth, I ran my tongue over my teeth and pressing against my cheeks. It was so sweet. I needed it, I was compelled to take her blood, to saturate my thirst. It was warm, sweet, sweeter than anything I had ever smelt. I balled my fists, trying to stop the monster inside from taking complete control. I was hesitating, a centimeter off of my seat. Anyone who looked would think I was still sitting, but I was ready to take her life. She looked over and in that second I remembered why I was here, I was repulsed by the reflection of my face in her wide innocent eyes. The monster; the evil soulless being that craved her life more than it had craved anything ever before. She looked away, blood pooling in her cheeks, tempting, so very tempting.
No!
I forced myself back down, making the stool whine in protest of my strength. As I sat, tensing my very being into a statue, someone smacked there book onto the table behind me, upwind from the demon in the form of Bella Swan. She couldn't be human I decided, for no human could be so tempting, nor so beautiful and no human has ever kept their thoughts hidden from me.
Therefore it was a test, a test from the devil himself to see my endurance. I thought of Carlisle then as my fresh air was running out and the teacher was finishing signing the slip, ready to send the demon to the only available space. Carlisle would manage this hour, and if he could, then so could I.
Carlisle had made the choice to live like this and seen it through, I would see this hour through, there was always a choice I decided as Bella Swan stumbled over to the table, distilling the air and immobilizing me yet again. I could kill half the children in this room in less than 3 seconds, a fist to the skull, a broken neck, maybe a foot through the heart, I could kill multiple times. There would be no witnesses to this terrible crime; I could be alone with Bella Swan in 6 seconds, clamping a hand over her mouth to stop the soft scream that was escaping her lips.
Then, I would move her head aside gently, no need to be rough with my prey and I would bite, feeling the pulse quicken, then slow as the warmth spreads over my lips and across my tongue quenching the thirst that hurt me.
Carlisle… Esme…
I couldn't do this to them. I thought wildly. The demon would not win! I couldn't hurt Esme in such a way, seeing her hurt, feeling Carlisle's disappointment. She suddenly let her hair cascade over one shoulder, creating a screen between us and sending a concentrated air of her perfume to me as I breathed in. Was she trying to die? It took all my strength to remain seated. If I could wait through the hour I could introduce myself, ask to take her to her next class, then lead her to the car-park, she wouldn't refuse me, I could persuade her. No one would notice two dark raincoats disappearing into the forest. Then as she moved Mike Newton two spaces behind registered it, he would realize if I left with her and I cursed.
I took another gut-wrenching breath and then realized why should I? I didn't have to breathe, and so I stopped. The unpleasant feeling was not as bad as I imagined, and could have been far worse, for if I had been breathing I would have been having trouble staying sitting.
It was a lot easier now to think without Bella Swan in my head. It was true that I could remember her scent, and it was still loitering on the back of my tongue, yet it was not as strong, and for that I was grateful even if it meant being without the sense we relied upon most.
Where had Alice been through all of this? Had she not seen me massacre 20 school children and one teacher? Giving in to the monsters we were. Was she so wrapped up in Jasper that she had missed that it was actually me that failed and she missed it.
I was glaring at her when she looked at me again, she flinched away, flicking her hair. I kept my careful non-breathing composed and didn't have a problem.
As soon as the bell rang I stood, much faster than I should have and left before I could ask her to follow; before I had the chance to ensue any of the hundreds of fantasies that I had planned out during that hour.
It was easier once the air was clean, to think clearly and sensibly. I walked to my car at an annoyingly slow human rate as it was class cross-over and people were slowly walking to their next lesson. I opened my car door and slipped in.
Turning some music on and gripping my hair I drew in a deep lungful of air and turned the ignition and rolled down the windows, letting in the fresh forest air.
Suddenly I became concerned about Alice, why hadn't she prevented me? Or helped me clean away the evidence? Either way where was she to help me at my one time of need in my hundred years. I focused for my siblings, ignoring Rosalie and her Spanish lesson, and Emmett as he was vaguely aware of my absence; I passed over Jasper and came to Alice.
I was correct, she was watching Jasper with a closeness that was past stalking. Every detail was assessed and categorized. 'Risk', 'Consequence' 'No Consequence'. It was no wonder that I slipped through the gaps.
I slammed my fist into my leg, knowing that if I hit anything else I could possibly total the car. Then, I sat back, and turned the music up slightly. It would help calm me down; either that or I would just sit until the end of school. Either way I wasn't going back to lesson. I was too angry for that now. However I knew what I had to do.
When it was near the end of the school day I got out of the car I walked across the lot faster than I should have, but no one was around. I entered the Front Office to see Ms Cope rearranging her precariously piled papers she had rummaged through this morning.
"Oh! Hello Edward." Must have been in my own little world, didn't see him come in.
"Hello Ms Cope, I was wondering if you could help me with something." I said slowly as I leant on a spare bit of desk, blowing a concentrated form of my scent her way. As I'd guessed, she blinked dazed.
Oh, dear. These Cullens, there is something about them. They should go to some private school I'm sure.
"Yes Edward, what is it?" she coughed, subconsciously leaning away from me.
"I was just wondering if I could change my Biology II class for a different subject, you see I've studied this material." I said, opening my eyes a little wider, keeping my lips level, and adding just the right of innocence.
I knew it. Why did they ever come to a school like this after having such an extensive schooling elsewhere? Oh gosh, I really... He's too young!
"Really Edward?" she stuttered, trying to keep her voice level and authoritative. "Well, there's nothing really available."
The door opened, but the person didn't acknowledge me and this was my priority, so I decided to try and persuade her.
"Are you sure?" I asked, flashing my eyes at her. I wish I had hunted recently, this would have worked so much better if my eyes were gold not black. "I wouldn't be any trouble. I couldn't even take the time to do some independent study."
Too young. She sang to herself as she placed her hands on some papers.
"No Edward, I'm sorry there's really no other option, Physics is full, and independent study means you would fall behind and wouldn't graduate."
The door opened again and the wind swirled some papers, I froze. I half turned to see her, her hair half covering her face as she timidly moved it away to receive my glare. I turned back to see Ms Cope trying to catch some papers. It would be so easy to wrench her head clean from her shoulders, she was elderly, was one elderly woman an even trade for 20 other children?
I forced myself from the room, Carlisle, Carlisle, Carlisle. I thought all the way. Trying not to feel her warmth as I passed within inches of her body on the way through the door.
I stormed across the parking lot, and slammed myself into the driving seat.
"Edward?" Jasper asked, trying to force calm over my red hazed vision.
"Stop it!" I snapped, throwing the car out of the space in reverse and accelerating to seventy out of the school onto the highway.
"You're leaving?" Alice whispered.
"Am I?" I snapped part of the steering wheel off and I threw it into the foot well. She couldn't see the past, she didn't know what had almost occurred, but now as I thought about it I realized Bella Swan will be home alone, with no innocent children to be sacrificed. Charlie Swan worked at the station that was his family until late.
Alice gasped;
Bella Swan was standing in the kitchen, she seemed to be preparing food. I leant casually against the counter, and then sauntered forward. Breathing in her scent, brushing back her hair, she looked surprised and dropped the knife. She didn't seem to notice, this was good, and then I attacked, I bit her neck, but I was too quick, her blood ran down my shirt and hers, it flowed freely.
I was dragged out of the vision as another piece of the steering wheel snapped off.
"Sorry." Alice whimpered. I shook my head, grabbing my hair with one hand, and then dragging the half-wheel round in a turn just outside the drive. The others slipped out but Alice remained.
"Please Alice." I begged.
"I know Edward." She reasoned. "You will do the right thing, Charlie Swan has been full of life since she has been returning. He lost everything when she left."
I nodded slightly, still unsure of the consequences this would have on my conscience.
She got out of the car and I drove to the hospital.
Carlisle.
I thought of nothing else as I walked into the hospital, I got to Carlisle's office and he let me right in. I explained the situation.
My son, I'm so proud of you. He place a hand on my shoulder. Take my car, it has a full tank of gas, go where you need, but try to keep in touch, Esme will only worry, and you know I will also.
I nodded and went to his black Audi. The keys in my hand and I was on my way to a cold sunless place. I knew the people there and they would keep me safe. For now my family was safe.