Questions rained down on me- How old are you? What are you? You can cry? Your heart beats? How are you here?
After Jasper and I had our reunion, Alice called a family meeting, so everyone could be up-to-date on the day's events. Currently everyone in the household was sitting in the living rooms, with Jasper, Alice, and me at the center of attention. All of the people I had met that day were all giving me smiles with varying degrees of enthusiasm. I could tell that some of the family was still cautious about me, well… mostly Rosalie.
I was sitting on the main couch between my brother and his mate, Alice, who were both holding one of my hands. In all of my years, I had never felt so happy and complete. My brother was here, alive! And he had a glorious family, and a beautiful wife who already seemed to adore me.
I could tell from everyone's expression that they were waiting for me to speak and tell my story of how I found them. Suddenly I felt very nervous about sharing my past, because it wasn't the best story. Jasper squeezed my hand and a sense of calm and ease seeped into my body, causing me to feel more confident.
"I'm assuming you all have heard my brother's story," I said softly, "About how he was in the war?"
Everyone nodded and looked captivated by me speaking, which made me tense for only a second before I began.
"I was born in 1848," I began, "five years after Jasper was born. My parents were expecting another dashing boy like Jasper, but they had me, a girl. To say the least, they were not very pleased. During my childhood, my parents despised me, while they adored Jasper. My parents would make me do the most horrible chores, and beat me when things were not done properly, which was most of the time. I grew up, honestly believing that I was useless and no one loved me."
I heard Esme gasp sometime during my speech, and Jasper growl next to me, but I continued on.
"The only reason I survived through my childhood was thanks to my big brother, Jasper. He was everything I needed in life- a friend, a brother, a parent, and most importantly, a protector. He would stand in the way when my mom tried to hit me with her rolling pin, or when my dad would try to smack me. I was nothing to my parents, but Jasper treated me like I was everything, and that is how survived.
"Then the dreaded war came about, which caused Jasper to leave home. Don't get me wrong, I was proud of him- Oh, so proud, but I was frightened of the idea of living in the house alone with my parents. While Jasper was away at war, my parents became very… depressed."
I paused to take a breath and was taken aback by the stricken faces of my brother's new family. They all looked so horrified at my up-bringing. Turning to Jasper, I continued.
"Jazz, you have no idea how bad it got when you left. Momma would sit in the kitchen all day long, staring out the window. She wouldn't feed me, so I would have to go to friends houses for food. Papa became an alcoholic and…and…he would touch me… when Momma was gone…it was terrible."
I didn't realize I was shaking with sobs until Alice pulled me into her arms. Deep rumbling echoed through the house, and I realized that the members of the family were all growling. I peeked through my hair to see Rosalie and Esme's horrified expressions.
I coughed lightly and sat back against the seat, holding onto Alice and Jasper for support. The growling subsided a little, and I found the strength to continue.
"After months and months of Jasper not being around, I too became very depressed in life, but everything changed one cold night in 1864. I don't remember the exact date, but I know it was early January. I was lying in my bed when someone knocked on the door. Momma was in the kitchen and Papa was drinking in living room. They both yelled at me to get the door, though I was the farthest away, nonetheless, I went to fetch the door. I wasn't expecting anything important, just one of my father's friends, but I was so, so wrong.
"They were the three most dazzling people I had ever seen in my life- two men and the one woman. The two men entered my house, both going opposite directions, but the woman stayed with me. Soon I heard screams from both my mother and father, but the woman seemed unfazed when she told me to come with her. I knew in that moment that she was going to kill me, but I wasn't scared. All I wished was that it would end quickly- I didn't want her to drag it out."
I glanced at Jasper and noticed his pained expression, and I instantly felt responsible. I squeezed his hand reassuringly, to which he whispered, "I should have been there."
I shook my head sadly and continued, "The woman took me to the outskirts of town and into the supposedly haunted house that was there. The entire time we walked she explained to me what she was. She told me that her name was Amelia and that she was the first of her kind, along with her three brothers, Aro, Cauis, and Marcus."
When I paused I could practically feel the emotions change in the room. Everyone was paying close attention to my story, but they were now on high- alert. Did they know Amelia? Did they know her brothers?
I thought I heard Edward mutter, "Something like that." But I shook it off and continued on with the ending of my story.
"She explained to me that she had been watching me for the past several years, waiting for the appropriate age to change me. She told me that I would be different from everyone of our kind, even different to herself, because I was special.
"You were chosen by me," she had said, "and you will change the life of the vampire existence."
"I honestly didn't know what she meant by that, for I was still expecting to be killed. Amelia brought me into the basement of the house and…bit me. She kept apologizing for the pain, but told me it would be worth it in the end. I don't remember much of my change, but I know that she stayed with me the entire three days, always holding my hand. When I finally woke up though- I was alone. The only thing I found was a note and another pair of clothes. Amelia told me that it was now time I fend for myself. She told me I had to search for you," I said, turning to Jasper. "She wrote that I had to search for you! So I did. I set out running and have been looking for you for that last 146 years."
I fell silent as my story ended and waited for what seemed like a life-time. Everyone was silent and staring as they processed everything that I had said. The first to speak was Carlisle, though he looked the most confused out of the family.
"How exactly are you different, my dear," Carlisle tried to sound soothing. "We all witnessed your heart beat and can see that you can cry, but what else is different? When you walked through the door I was positive you were just another vampire, but now… I'm not quite sure what you are. You remind me of Nessie in a sense."
Nessie, I thought, who is Nessie? What is Nessie?
"Nessie, or more formerly, Renesmee," Edward said, "is Bella and my daughter. She was conceived and born while Bella was still human. Our daughter is very special compared to other vampires, because she is neither a full vampire nor full human. She has traits of both groups though, so in just we call her a hybrid."
I processed what Edward had said and then became horrified at myself for speaking so rudely out loud. What is Nessie, I though sarcastically, how rude can you get!
Edward chuckled, "I'm so sorry, Hayley, we are the rude ones. I'm assuming Alice forgot to mention our group's specific talents. I can read the thoughts from the minds around me."
"I can see the future," Alice chirped beside me, "Bella can block physical and mental attacks, Jasper can feel and manipulate the emotions around him, and sweet, sweet Nessie can show you her thoughts through physical contact."
I was slightly taken aback by the amount of talents presented in this coven, but I was slowly beginning to realize that I shouldn't set expectations on anything- just take it as it is. Snapping back to the present I turned to Carlisle, trying to formulate a reasonable answer.
"I don't fully know the extent of my…talents and differences, but from what I learned I am very similar to Renesmee. I can survive like a normal human, but also as a vampire. If I have enough strength, I can actually control my heart to a point where it will stop beating, causing me to become very pale, similar to you all. In order for me to be in perfect health, I do need both blood and human food in my diet. I can sleep, cry, and feel pain like a human, but I can be much more durable because I found I can heal myself. I also, like Edward, can read the thoughts around me… but occasionally I can send thoughts as well."
I realized I had been babbling and abruptly stopped, glancing around at each member of the family. They all seemed to be absorbing my information like hungry sponges, especially Carlisle. From the way he spoke, I could only assume he was much older than me in vampire years. The entire coven actually seemed to be a bit older than me, which I found interesting.
"What is your diet," Carlisle blurted out, not seeming to have control over his questions.
"I actually prefer human food," I smiled shyly, "but when I can't get any, I usually hunt deer. I never liked the idea of killing another human, especially when I was so similar to them."
I noticed that everyone seemed slightly amazed at my diet, which caused me to stir uncomfortably. Did they have something against me eating animals?
Edward surprised me by laughing, "No, not at all Hayley. We also eat animals, which is why our eyes are golden. It's just surprising that a rouge vampire would pick up the same diet, without any assistance."
Smiling to myself, I nodded slightly and stifled the yawn I felt approaching, but of course, I didn't go unnoticed.
"Oh dear," Esme said, standing up, "you must be exhausted. Let me get something made for you so you can sleep."
"Oh no," I said quickly, "I can go to the nearest motel. It's no problem! I wouldn't want to cause trouble for you all…"
My thought went blank as I realized everyone was giving me expressions ranging from horrification (Alice and Esme) to amusement (Emmett).
"Sweetheart," Esme began, reaching for my hand, "it would be absolutely no problem at all. We would all be honored if you would stay with us."
"She can have Edward's old room!" Alice chimed in, grabbing my other hand.
"I really wouldn't want to impose," I murmured to no one unparticular.
"You're a part of this family now," Alice whispered as Esme took off to make my bed.
As soon as Alice spoke the word family, I lost it. I began crying uncontrollably into her shoulder as she tried to calm me. Seconds later I felt Jasper wrap his arms around the two of us, trying to also calm me.
I hadn't slept in a house for years, let alone a bed I could call my own. This was all so strange to me- people actually wanting to take care of me. The last person to ever take care of me was Jasper, and now, here I stood, wrapped in his arms.
Waves of calm feelings seemed to seep through my body and I found I could breathe more evenly. The entire family was standing and watching me with expressions of love. I felt close to tears again, but was distracted as little Renesmee ran over and hugged my leg fiercely.
"Goodnight, Aunt Hayley," she said in a sweet voice. "I love you."
Tears pricked at my eyes and I knew that if I spoke, my emotions would betray me, so I only nodded and hugged her back gently. Edward and Bella walked over and each gave me a swift hug, murmuring words of encouragement.
"We'll see you all in the morning," Edward called out before closing the front door behind him.
Emmett and Rosalie came over next to say goodnight, which completely shocked me. During the entire day, I barley heard them utter a word to me.
"Goodnight, little sister," Emmett called out, pulling me into a huge bear hug. He set me back on my feet after spinning me around three times and a smack to the back of the head from Rosalie.
"Goodnight sweetie," Rosalie whispered as she hugged me and kissed my cheek lightly.
I stared after them in confusion and wonderment as they made their up to what I assumed was their room. While I was distracted with confusing thoughts, Carlisle pulled me into a gentle hug, which was followed closely by Esme.
"I have the bed all made for you, sweetheart," Esme smiled. "Once we get time, I will decorate your room accordingly, but for now it should do. Please let us know if there is anything else you need."
"Thank you," I whispered graciously. They were acting like the parents I always dreamed of, even after only knowing me for a few hours.
Once Esme and Carlisle left for their room, Alice and Jasper walked me to what was now my room. Glancing around, I noticed a wall of glass, bare walls, and books everywhere. In the middle of the room, pushed against the wall was a huge bed with light gray blankets and sheets. It was perfect.
Not even worrying about my smelly clothes, dirt covered hair, or nasty skin, I climbed into the bed, relishing in the soft feel of the fabrics. Alice pulled the covers up to my chin, brushed back my lanky, dirty-blonde hair, and kissed my cheek.
"Goodnight, Hayley" she whispered and winked, "I will see you in the morning to help you get ready."
With that, Alice danced out of my rooming, closing the door, leaving Jasper and I alone. I squirmed in the bed, trying to get comfortable, as Jasper walked over and sat beside me. Instantly I wiggled over to him, feeling a sense of calm and exhaustion take over my body. My brother began running his fingers through my hair, which caused my eyes to slowly shut.
"Goodnight Jazz," I whispered, "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too, kiddo," Jasper murmured. "Now go to sleep, you sound exhausted. I'm not going anywhere. I love you."
"Love you…" I whispered hazily before falling into a deep sleep.
Hello! So before I wrote a little back story on this story you are reading, I wanted to give you time to actually read a couple chapters of what I've written.
This is actually a story I wrote two years ago, based off a dream I had a while ago. I started writing what I remembered from the dream and ended up with this story, which I quite enjoy.
This is set a few years after Breaking Dawn, but Nessie is still young (I liked the idea of keeping her as a young little girl). I also loved the idea of having the entire family being really close, especially cause Hayley had such a horrible upbringing, the Cullens feel the need to care for her.
I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed writing it! I will try to update regularly. I have quite a few chapters written, but I haven't written any more to this in two years, so I'll be updating as I write
