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Chapter 16 - Confessions
Was I wrong?
Had I somehow managed to completely misunderstand?
And had I really just said those words?
I placed my bandaged hand to my temple. My head was pounding as the blood rushed around my head.
Blood.
I suddenly looked back up at Alice.
Alice Cullen – a vampire.
My answer repeated itself in my mind – you're a vampire.
And then she spoke.
"Yes"
Yes.
I'd stepped out of reality. The facts of existence seemed to no longer apply. Instead I was in a fantasy where vampires coexisted with humans. Only it wasn't a fantasy…Alice was sitting next to me, authentic, and absolute…
I swallowed, and started to speak, my voice husky "I think I've always known… subconsciously I mean… if that is at all possible… my poem…"
"Mesmeric Stranger" Alice replied.
"Yes… and my dreams…" I knew I was incoherent, but Alice remained silent, looking at me intently. "You were in so many of them…."
"They were not always dreams Bella" she replied, her voice so soft and gentle.
Not always dreams.
I recalled the kiss. Had that been a dream? I felt my cheeks blush.
Had she watched me sleep? I tried to remember my bedtime attire… boxer shorts and an old t-shirt… I physically cringed. Okay Bella, time to wake up, my subconscious yelled at me. You've just realised Alice is a vampire and all you can think about is what PJs you wore to bed…
I looked back at my hand. My cut was no longer bleeding, but the bandage displayed a claret clot that had dried, ironically in the shape of a V.
"Is this a problem for you Alice" I asked, as her amber eyes darted to my hand.
"It was, to begin with…" her voice trailed off.
"Biology class" I guessed.
"Yes – but Bella, please understand – I don't… we don't… drink human blood".
I nodded, and allowed her time to continue.
"We class ourselves as vegetarians, a family in-joke really… we hunt animals…"
I had never seen Alice so uncertain in speech before.
I moved back a little, placing my bandaged hand under my left arm, to shield it away from her. I didn't want to make things difficult for Alice… but my reaction had the opposite effect as Alice dropped her head slightly, a look of pain etched across her delicate features.
I immediately removed it, mentally scolding myself. Without hesitation, I placed my injured hand under her chin and lifted it slightly.
"I trust you unconditionally, Alice. Please believe me".
Alice nodded a slight smile on her lips. She spoke gently, "Bella, I won't lie to you, when I first met you… my senses… I couldn't concentrate. I was, am and always will be addicted to you; your scent… intoxicated me. I didn't know how to react…"
I placed a finger against Alice's lips. So cold, and full.
"Shhh, Its okay, Alice…" I replied.
Alice sighed.
Was it a sigh of relief?
A sigh of longing?
A sigh of worry?
I had to break the silence; the not knowing was tearing at me inside. And I hated seeing Alice so… worried. I had to lighten the mood somehow, so I said the first thing that entered my mind.
"You seriously dented Jake's truck Al"
Alice laughed. I was relieved. It was so nice to have the sunshine back.
"Jake knows, doesn't he…?" I knew the answer immediately, but waited for Alice's reply.
"Yes"
"He thinks you… would harm me, doesn't he?"
Alice moved closer, and lent her forehead against mine. She had never been this close to me before, not in the waking world…
She spoke, her breath stroked my face.
"I would never hurt you Bella".
And I believed her. Here I was, face to face with a living vampire, and I believed her.
"I'm not afraid of you" I replied, "but I have so many questions…"
"And I promise, I shall answer them all, but first…."
Alice moved back to her seat. Before I realised what was happening, she had darted from the car and was opening my door, holding out her hand to me.
"You really should be on that sprinting team Alice" I replied, taking Alice's hand in mine. It was still cold, yet pure heat radiated through my body, like hot coals in a fire.
Alice laughed.
"You find out I'm a vampire, and that's the first thing you suggest – please, don't ever change Bella".
Please don't ever change.
For a split second that's all I could think about.
Changing.
Becoming a vampire like Alice.
The thought soon vanished as I turned and saw Doctor Cullen and Rosalie standing inside, near the front door. Another female joined them, and smiled at me.
Now I was a little afraid.
Alice gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Your family… they're…"
I couldn't finish. I swallowed hard.
"Yes, we all are Bella – don't be afraid".
I looked at her. "With my guardian angel at my side, why would I be afraid" I answered, smiling.
I was about to enter the Cullen's house.
A house full of vampires.
And I was human.
I suppose I should have been afraid, yet all I felt was complete ease.
'And I've fallen in love with a vampire' was my final thought as I followed Alice to the door.