Chapter Four
Knowing
I stopped the truck at the curb next to the house, as Alex's car was in my usual spot. I cut the engine and jumped out, having to run to the porch as it's raining again. Sitting on the porch steps was Alex, texting away on his phone.
"Someone special?" I asked leading down to look over his shoulder. He grinned up at me.
"Maybe," he said as he got up. I wondered if I should perhaps be jealous, but for some reason I was not. Alex was my friend, almost like a brother to me, but never someone I would get involved with in a romantic way. Maybe I was some sort of freak, in more ways than one, as who wouldn't want to be with him?
"She nice?" I asked as I opened the door to let us in. Alex followed me in and we headed into the living room. Alex relaxed on the arm chair while I sat on the sofa.
"Yeah she is, but it's just starting out so who knows where it will go," he replied thoughtfully.
"Well, whoever she is, she better treat you right…and you her. You deserve all the happiness you can get," I said sincerely. "Do I get to know her name?"
"Not just now," Alex said quickly changing the subject. "Now tell me more about these vampires you were talking about, are you for real? Or should I say are they real? Vampires, is that even possible?" he asked animatedly. Once he learned something he wouldn't stop obsessing over it. He probably knew more paranormal things that I did; he researched a lot of things, and always had the answers to everything when I need them.
I as I was considering my answers, it occurred to me that if the Cullen's were vampires, then me knowing was one thing, but Alex, who I loved very much, was another. I could be in danger and I didn't want to drag him into it as well. I always feared that someone I loved got hurt because of what I could do, and I worried that Alex got too involved and ended up dead because of me. As I watched him, I looked into his deep blue eyes.
I couldn't drag him into this; I don't even know if it was all true so there was no point getting him involved. I knew he would never stop researching until he could prove vampires were real and I feared it would get him killed, especially if they were real. If some vampire found out what he knew, then who knows how it could end.
Alex was used to my long silences, but I laughed to cover my next lie. "Stupid ghost was making things up, the kid was a vampire freak - he even called the teacher a vampire. Only the way he said it, the first time, it made it sound as if he really was accusing someone of being a vampire."
I didn't know what made me feel worse; lying to my friend or using a ghost like that to cover the lie. Guilt just seemed to come part of my whole gift, I had to lie to everyone so they don't lock me up in a padded room, but using a ghost like that, to make him sound like a gothic vampire fanatic and a liar, was just not right - but what else could I do?
Alex looked at me sceptically, raising his eyebrow. "Come on, Bell, you were pretty sure on the phone, and you are not the best liar in the world, so what aren't you telling me?"
I knew I couldn't fool him, that's how he found out about all this ghost stuff in the first place but there was just something's that were best not knowing about.
"Honestly, Alex, just drop it - the less you know the better."
That was probably going to make him even more curious but he knew I would tell him if I was in danger, or if it was something he needed to know. We stared each other out for a second then he let his gaze drop in defeat.
"Damn! I really had my hopes up about find out about vampires! Can you imagine? The un-dead walking among us?" Alex sounded disappointed which made me feel even worse for putting such theory into his head.
"Yeah, freaky." I didn't want to get into a long vampire discussion otherwise I wouldn't be able to help comparing the Cullen family to some of the things he said as he no doubt had a lot of things to speculate about vampires.
Thankfully Alex sensed my reluctance so he moved onto my bigger problem. "So, who was this kid? Is he haunting Forks High?"
"Yeah along with three other ghosts floating around Forks!" I sounded like I was complaining, but I was just tired.
"Three? In one day…wow. Who are they?" he asked, sounding like a fascinated kid. I reached over to the coffee table and handed Alex the laptop.
"That's what you can find out while I make a start on dinner," I said. Alex took the laptop, switching it on and while we waited for it to load he asked me, "Got any names?"
I shook my head. "Only one, he should be easy to find. Ryan Alexander, he said his name was. He has been dead for five years and he is about sixteen, maybe seventeen. I figure he went to school locally but I didn't ask anyone about local deaths to find out, it's not really a conversation starter."
Alex snorted. "Yeah, there is no better way to introduce yourself other than, "Hi, my name is Bella, I am new here, so um, any kids from this school die?" that would sure make you a lot of friends. Who were the other two?"
"Well my first visitor was a woman, she had blood on her face and neck, she was dressed smartly, as though she was going to a lawyer or teacher, but she disappeared before I could get to school and she hasn't been back since so we don't have much to go on there. The other ghost was a child, a little boy, maybe five years old, so we could look into local kid deaths. He had his pyjamas on; maybe he was sick, died in his sleep, or in hospital?" I mused. Alex shrugged as he started Googling.
"We will start with the ghostie that loves vampires," Alex said, not even looking up from the screen. I felt guilty all over again so I got up to went through to the kitchen so I could start on dinner before Charlie got back.
I rummaged through the fridge; I pull out the pork chops and lay them on the worktop. As I was digging out a frying pan to cook the chops in, the drawer above my head whooshes open, making the cutlery inside jump.
I turned round, my eyes tight shut, praying the drawer was faulty.
"Vampire freak? You big liar!"
I sighed, getting up after I closed the drawer above my head. I turned round to face my guilty conscience. "Sorry, Ryan, I just didn't know what to say." I tried to look as sorry as possible, but it was not hard because I truly felt bad.
Ryan gave me a contemplating stare. "I guess it's better than lots of people knowing they have vampires living among them," he said, echoing my thoughts exactly. "They know about you, you know, or at least they are close to figuring out what you can do," he added, causing me to drop the frying pan in alarm.
"Bell? You okay?" Alex shouted from the living room.
"Uh, yeah fine, just dropping things, you know me!" I tried to sound casual. I heard Alex laugh; he was used to my clumsiness.
I picked up the pan, and set it on the counter.
"What do you mean they 'know about me'?" I asked Ryan.
They really must be vampires, like Ryan said before - they hear everything. Edward must have heard me talking to the little boy outside the classroom, but how can he know anything from that? For all he knew I was a weirdo, just as people back home labelled me long ago because I talked to myself. Edward couldn't possibly know about the ghosts, unless he could see them too! How much did he know? Did he know that I know, or think I know, about him and his family? Am I in danger?
"I meant your friend through there gave you away, that is how they know that there is something different about you!" Ryan sat over the table.
"Alex? How could he possibly have given me away, he just arrived less than half an hour ago."
"I forgot to tell you earlier those vamps are gifted, or at least some of them are," Ryan replied, not really getting to the point.
"Gifted, how?"
"Mind games, or mind reading I should say. The loner can read minds, I overheard them in the car park, he told the other two what the boy was thinking."
My mind raced so fast, millions of questions tumbled to my tongue but I didn't know which ones to ask or if Ryan would give me any answers if I did ask.
"What did they hear? What was he thinking?" I asked quickly. Oh this was a mess!
"Who?"
This better not be a ghost mind game, I didn't have time for those! I repeated what I wanted to know. "What did you hear the Cullen's say? What was Alex thinking that gave me away?"
"I don't know exactly cause I couldn't hear his thoughts, but loner boy, or Edward as he is commonly known, told the tiny fairy vampire sister of his that the new girl, I assume he meant you, is a mental case."
"What?" I spluttered, turning red.
Ryan laughed. "Ha, the look on your face is priceless! Nope, he didn't really say that, or not is so many words," he grinned. I glared at him and he sighed. "Fine, he said, "There is definitely something strange about the new girl, but it's nothing bad…just weird." And the blond, the one that looks like he has a stick up his backside because he is to tense all the time, asked, "Really? How do you know that, I thought you couldn't read her mind."" Ryan finished and my eyes went wide.
He couldn't read my mind? Wait, why didn't I think about that before. My mind really must be tangled with thoughts to not think of the obvious first.
"So what did Edward say? What was Alex thinking; did they mention that I told him about possible vampires in school?" I really didn't care about my secret, a lot of people know because I have to tell them, but I was worried they knew that I knew about them.
"Edwardo told his blood sucker family, "That boy over there, he knows her, he is remembering times they spent together, strange times. I can see her in his mind, she is talking to the air, but it's as if she has having a conversation, then I can see her in his mind, explaining to him what someone is telling her but I am not quite sure what it all means." or something along those lines. He hasn't put the pieces together yet but they know something is up but don't worry, they don't know that you know about them, you're safe for now," Ryan reassured me.
I leaned back against the counter in relief. Well that was pretty close! I wondered what would happen if they knew, would they kill me. Silence me forever? My mind raced ahead. A part of me wanted to tell them what I knew, if anyone can keep secrets then it's me.
"Thanks for telling me, I know you didn't need to but I appreciate it," I said. I was much more relaxed now. I took some new potatoes out of the vegetable basket and switched on the oven.
"So, how come you haven't crossed over yet? I can help you; whatever is on the other side has to be better than hanging around here." I didn't want to push him for answers; he helped me so I really wanted to help him but I didn't want him to disappear again.
"I like it here," he replied simply but I heard something else behind his answer.
"Are you scared?" I asked just as the kitchen door pushed open wider.
"Who's scared?" Alex made me jump. He looked around the room, realising. "Oh, you have a friend here?"
I nodded. "Yeah, Ryan, the one I told you about. Ryan this is my friend Alex." As if he didn't already know, but I wasn't telling Alex that.
Alex looked around the kitchen again, not sure where to look. "Uh, hi," Alex said awkwardly.
I looked to the kitchen table where Ryan is sitting but he didn't say anything.
"We can help you Ryan, just tell us why you are here," I said again but he just stared at me with a stony face.
"I don't want to be help," he said sternly, all joking from his tone gone. I smiled sadly but didn't push him.
"Okay, well if you ever…uh, want company then I am here." It was the best I could offer; hopefully I could gain his trust so he would open up.
Before Ryan could reply, someone else appeared in the kitchen; the little boy from earlier.
"Hi." I smiled at the boy. He just stared at me as usual.
"Someone else?" asked Alex, his eyes following mine.
"Yeah the little boy," I whispered. "Can you tell me your name?" I asked the boy.
"I want to help, but I can't if I don't know who you are," I said.
The boy looked over to Ryan then disappeared. I sighed in frustration.
"Did he go?" Alex wondered.
"Yeah, he just won't talk to me but I told him before that he can come find me any time." I looked at Ryan. "Do you know him?"
"Yeah but good luck getting anything out of him, he doesn't speak to anyone, I have seen him quite a few times but he won't talk to me. I wanted to help him, too, poor kid looks so sad but he goes away when I push too hard," Ryan replied.
Alex then looked at me pointedly; he liked to be included in the conversation.
"Ryan says he knows him, but every time he tries to talk to him, the little boy vanishes," I told Alex then I turned back to Ryan. "How long has he been here? Do you know of any kid deaths in Forks?"
Ryan shook his head. "Nope, none that I know of. I have lived in Forks my whole life…and death, and I don't think there has been anyone under the age of ten die. Maybe he died in hospital, but you will have to find that out for yourself because I don't know anything about him. He has been here more than five years because I saw him a few years after I died."
"How did you die?" I couldn't help asking but I knew I was pushing it as he disappeared.
"He's gone too," I told Alex. "Did you find anything out?"
I got started on the dinner while Alex told me what he had found out so far.
"I didn't find anything out on the kid, but Ryan was easy to get information on. It's quite sad actually, it's no wonder he has hung around here since. He was only in tenth grade, he was a bright student, high hopes, but he died suddenly in school because of a clot in his brain. He was healthy, had a good future ahead of him but it was snatched away in seconds."
Ryan must have been angry that his life was so short lived. Only hanging around earth would do nothing for him. He wouldn't be able to move on or move forwards - he couldn't do anything except wander around the town because he refuses to move on. It's quite common with a lot of sprits, so it was my job to help them, convince them that it was best just to go because there is nothing on earth for them - they don't belong here.
"I guess with sudden deaths it will always be hard, they thought they had everything but then it's gone, and they become nothing." I flipped the pork chops over. "I will help him, even if he doesn't want my help!"
Charlie came back just in time, I was setting the table as dinner was almost ready. He was delighted to see Alex and they have been catching up all through dinner. I let them talk, while I ate in silence. The day had worn me out more than I realised as I felt really run down. When the guys had wolfed down their dinner, I got up to collect the dishes but Alex snatched them from me. "I'll get them, Bell, you relax."
I tried to protest but he gave me a look so I sat back down. Charlie relaxed in his chair, rubbing his stomach. "You're a great cook, Bells, its great having you back just for the good food!"
I smiled slightly but I was so tired that I couldn't laugh at his joke. I got up to fetch the dessert bowls for the ice cream but the doorbell rang before I could serve anything.
"I'll get it," I called, closing the freezer. I dropped the ice cream on the table and went through the hall to answer the door. I fumbled with the dead bolt and pulled the door open.
At first I barely recognise the visitor, he had grown so much since the last time I had seen him.
"Jacob!" I gushed as I looked him up and down. "Wow, I've not seen you in… forever! Come in." I moved aside to let him past.
"It's good to see you too Bella, how are you…coping?" he asked, bending down to hug me. He was so warm even though it was freezing outside.
"I'm okay, thanks," I said as he let me go. "We have just had dinner but would you like some dessert?"
Jacob gave me his smile. "That would be great, thanks."
I walked to the kitchen and he followed. "Dad, look has dropped by," I smiled as we enter the kitchen. Charlie got up when he saw Jake. "Jacob! Come on in kid…wow, when did you get so big?" Charlie chuckled as he sized Jake up.
"All part of growing up! Sorry I missed you when you came to collect the truck; I just came to see how the thing is running? Broken down yet?" Jake grinned at me.
"Yeah, it runs fine thanks," I said, as Jacob eyed Alex up. "Jake, this is my friend Alex. Alex this is Jacob…I think you have both met before, but maybe not."
Alex nodded to Jacob who nodded back. "Come on; let's eat the ice cream before it melts."
There was casual chit chat among the boys. They seem to have one thing in common; football, so I just sit quietly, not really listening.
Jacob finished his ice cream before the rest of us could even get half way through.
"Hungry kiddo?" Charlie laughed, looking at Jakes almost clean bowl.
Jacob shrugged. "Fast eater I guess."
"Fast? You inhaled that ice cream in one go!" Alex exclaimed, making Charlie snort with laugher. Jacob laughed with them but something about him seemed off. I had known Jacob just as long as I had known Alex. Jacob's dad was Charlie's best friend so we had no choice but to get to know each other when we were young, but I had not seen Jacob in quite a while. He along with Alex, was my best friend, I seemed to get along with guys better than girls. Alex was more of a brother, he knew about my gift but I had never gotten around to telling Jacob.
After dessert, we moved into the living room and the sports channel went on. So much for working out who the other ghosts are. I was too tired anyway, I felt so tired so I lay on the arm chair, not really paying attention to anyone.
Before I knew it, I was getting shook awake. "Bella? Bella, I am going now," Alex whispered in my ear. I opened my eyes. "Kay'. Thanks for coming over, it was really good seeing you. I have missed you." I whispered back.
"And you my little Bell. I will text you through the week, if you need anything just buzz, if you hear anything else then let me know, I want to help you with your friends," he said quietly.
"Okay, I will keep you updated."
"Bye for now, Bella, remember if you need anything…"
"…Don't forget to ask." I finished for him. He smiled then kissed me on my forehead.
"Go to bed, you look exhausted." Alex stood up and stretched. I would normally have walked him out but I was too comfy.
Charlie saw him to the door instead. I laid on the arm chair and after a minute I realised that Jacob had already gone. I looked over to the clock on the mantelpiece. It had just gone nine, I seem to have slept for just over three hours but I still feel tired.
Charlie came back and slumped on the sofa. "Get to bed Bells, school tomorrow."
Normally I would have said no because it was only nine but as I was so tired dragged my butt off the chair and sauntered past him, yawing. "Night dad, love you."
"Night Bells, love you too!"
I went straight to the bathroom to brush my teeth, but by the time I got to my room I just managed to flop on the bed before I passed out. I don't even get undressed as I was asleep before I can even figure out where my pyjamas were.