Author's Note: Shorter chapters will continue to go over major points in the book until I get to where things will majorly change.
He stood back, as he always did, leaning against the railing of the staircase. I looked at him in confusion, holding the empty box in my hand.
"New stereo for your truck." he told me, "Emmett is installing it now."
I laughed breathlessly. I felt like I was turning into a puddle of goo every time he spoke directly to me. Was I still standing? I assumed so, since Edward wasn't hovering, trying to help me up.
"Thank you," I said to Jasper, glancing at Rosalie as well. She shrugged at me. He smiled, a crooked smile flashing his teeth.
"Edward's next!" Alice took the empty box from me and shoved a smaller gift into my hands.
As I glanced at Edward, he smiled. "I didn't spend a dime, like I promised." I smiled back. He didn't understand why I didn't want him to spend money on me, but for the most part, he respected it.
I slid my finger under the pretty white wrapping paper and yanked to open it. Immediately, I regretted my careless action. I tried to cover the tiny drop of blood on my finger with my other hand, but I knew they all could smell it anyway. I glanced up at Jasper. He was no longer leaning against the railing but standing straight as a rod, staring at my finger.
"I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, gripping my finger tighter.
I heard a slight laugh and my eyes met his. Their darkness contrasted with his smile, which was full of light. "You're apologizing for bleeding?"
I glanced around me, realizing that everyone was as still as stone. I let out a halfhearted laugh, which seemed to kick everyone into gear. Esme glanced at me briefly before running out of the room, followed by Rosalie and Alice. Carlisle gently grabbed my hand, startling me.
"Sorry," he said. "Let's get that cleaned up." I wanted to say no need, it's just a tiny drop of blood; it could have been a river to my vegetarian family though. As he pulled me from the room, I glanced back at Edward. His eyes were dark as night, and they were fixed on Jasper who stood unfazed by what was happening around him.
Carlisle led me to the kitchen sink. He rinsed my finger and the little bit of blood off my hand, placing a bandage on the tiny cut. He opened the cabinet under the sink, pulled out bleach, and thoroughly cleaned the sink before turning toward me.
He smiled and said, "All better."
I nodded, staring at my feet. "I'm so sorry; I should have been more careful."
He placed his hand on my shoulder. "We knew having a human around would lead to accidents, especially with you. It's no problem. If anything, I think it shows the great amount of control our family has, particularly Jasper. Some worry about him, without cause; perhaps this will prove there is no need. Though, I don't recommend bleeding around here regularly." He joked.
I nodded. "I'll try not to."
He led me back to the living room where everyone had returned. The fire was now blazing and the windows were open, airing out the smell. Edward glanced at me, but didn't say a word. I was worried; Edward tends to blow things up, especially when it comes to my safety.
Emmett's booming laugh broke the tension. "I missed all the fun!"
Roselie hissed at him, "Shut up!"
I laughed, shaking my head. "I'll make sure you are around the next time I bleed," I joked. Edward growled and stormed out of the room. The smile on my face froze.
Alice sighed. "I'll go talk to him. You finish opening your presents." She told me.
I nodded, trying to calm my racing heart. I wasn't sure why, but suddenly the feeling of dread covered me like a heavy blanket. Something was happening; I just didn't know what.