Earthshine

Chapter X

"The Bonfire"

…

"…the fire of life will warm and enlighten the world. It is your privilege to breathe the breath of life into the dry bones of many around you." - Tom Mann

…

[Edward]

Bella and I made it back from our meadow somewhat later than expected. It was so very easy to lose track of time with her, especially when we were in the place that always made it feel as if we were the only two people in the world.

It had been a late start even setting out with her today. We had planned on going first thing in the morning, but Charlie had surprised her with an invitation to breakfast. I was disappointed to delay our outing but I knew it was a rare thing for her father to be able to spend a morning with her, so I was ultimately supportive of her going.

I waited patiently in her room, knowing they wouldn't be gone too long. I decided to send Vitalia a text, asking if she'd made it into town. I suppose I legitimately was wondering if she was safe. Given her father's reckless driving, there was no telling if she was actually unharmed. I noticed then that the thought of her getting hurt had actually begun to bother me. I couldn't say that had been the case before.

About thirty minutes later, she assured me. I had to snort though as I read her bear comment. More like the bears would need to be careful of me!

When Bella returned, we wasted no time in heading back out. It was as lovely as ever to walk the forest path with her. We basked in one another's presence upon the soft meadow grass, holding hands and gently embracing there. The sun was not out today, but I hardly missed it. Bella's presence was more than enough on its own.

Oh, if only it could last forever! But whether I left her or chose to stay, that couldn't be. Bella was beautifully mortal and so her life would eventually end — a fact I was determined to preserve.

By the time we finally motivated ourselves to head back, it was almost dark. Bella ran inside to change while I sat inside her truck, watching as the sun disappeared below the horizon completely. The bonfire had probably already started. I hoped Vitalia had been able to find the place.

Checking my phone, I saw no unread messages, so I assumed she had managed alright.

Bella returned wearing her green jacket and a pair of jeans. Something more casual, I supposed. I noticed she liked to dress up when I took her to the meadow.

I drove the short distance to the Outfitter's and around the curve of road that bent around it. I had been able to smell the scent of woodsmoke from miles away and I could now see the thick cloud of smoke rising from the clearing. There were several cars parked around the area and it took me a little time to find a spot I could maneuver Bella's unforgivingly large truck into.

We stepped out and walked the path that wound through the trees. As we drew closer, the music grew significantly louder. I could feel all the vibrations in my hypersensitive nerves.

Bella was holding onto my hand and I noticed her grip was a little tight. She seemed nervous. Social gatherings like this made her uncomfortable. I kissed the top of her head and smiled down at her before we stepped into the clearing and found a less crowded spot on one side of the bonfire.

Bella started to gaze around the gathering. I wasn't sure if she was looking for her school friends or for Jacob Black. I cast my own eyes around and looked for Vitalia. I searched the thoughts as well. She didn't know anyone else here, as far as I was aware, so I wasn't sure where to look.

Let's see if she can keep up, Jacob was thinking at the center of where a group of kids were dancing.

"Dance off, Jake!" Another kid shouted.

"Whoo! Let's go!"

The song changed and, as it did, Vitalia's thoughts reached me.

He's so going down.

I saw her then, stepping forward from the crowd. She started dancing next to Jacob at the very center of the party.

I should've known, I thought as an automatic smile crossed my face.

"Oh, come on." She waved the boy off before executing a fancy show of footwork. That's how we do it in the South! She thought tauntingly.

There was something so fluid about her movements. Her careless personality really came through in her dancing, making it look wildly effortless.

Jacob Black laughed and performed a series of steps of his own, but he wasn't nearly as fluid as her. His friends seemed to notice and jeered at him that it was already over. He ignored them and continued trying to counter Vitalia's movements.

My eyes lingered on the girl and I was reminded of the street painting again — with its lively dancing scene. With its wonderful display of excitement. Here she was again, looking to me as if she were that painting come to life. Vivid movement, bold colors, infectious feeling. Her bright blue eyes were gleaming as luminously as the stars and her face was flushed in the glow of firelight.

People in the crowd were cheering her on and I wondered why I had ever doubted she would be anywhere but at the very center. She had a way of drawing people to her. She was magnetizing.

It was like she was one with the fire, her flames flickering and illuminating the dark.

Just as with the painting, I felt a pull to join in. To jump into the scene and be part of it somehow. But just like then, it would be impossible now. I managed to pull my eyes away and I shifted them to Bella, who was staring at the dancers as well.

I supposed she had been looking for Jacob. Was I imagining it, or had Bella tightened her grip on my arm?

I suddenly felt apprehensive. Would Bella take a liking to Vitalia? Or would she feel more insecure? I fought the regret at setting the ultimatum I did, wanting to stay fair to my darling. I simply couldn't continue a friendship with another girl if Bella felt threatened.

It's like nothing I say even bothers her, Jessica was thinking as I saw Vitalia in her mind. It seemed she'd thrown a few veiled judgements Vitalia's way and none of them seemed to make an impact. I smirked to myself. It served her right.

Mike was thinking his usual thoughts when it came to any girl who was at least mildly attractive. Shallow, selfish thoughts. It aggravated me all the more because Jessica was standing right beside him. As much as I disliked the girl, she certainly deserved better treatment.

Ben Cheney and Angela were of course removed from the drama, standing on the other side roasting S'mores together.

The song ended and an eruption of cheers followed. I returned my eyes to Vitalia and watched her laugh. She patted Jacob on the back and he gave her a little bow. I heard her say she was going to take a break from dancing before she moved away from the group and toward the hood of a car, where she picked up a can of soda and started to drink.

"She's over there." I looked to Bella as I pointed at Vitalia. "Would you like me to introduce you?"

" That's her?" Bella questioned, brows creasing.

I wasn't sure what her tone meant, but I nodded.

"Uhm," Bella wrapped a strand behind her ear. "I'd better say a quick "hey" to Jake first."

"…alright." I nodded, slightly disappointed. "I'll go with you."

She maneuvered us toward where some of the other kids were still dancing. Jacob was sitting on the hood of a car, slapping a hand down on his knee in rhythm with the beat. He looked up when we approached and his face immediately brightened. I returned his smile out of courtesy and Bella released my hand to walk up to him with a little wave.

So glad she's here! He was thinking simply. Wasn't sure she'd end up showing. My buddies might be weird about Cullen, but whatever. Let them be weird.

"Hey, Bella. Glad you two could make it!" He beamed as he gave Bella a playful shove on the shoulder.

Bella smiled. "The party really seems like a success, Jake. Sorry about your dance off though."

He waved a hand. "Ah. It's all good. New girl's got moves. You met her yet?"

"Well actually, that's…one of the reasons we're here. I guess she's a friend of Edward's. Or…something."

"Oh. Okay. Yeah, she mentioned she was waiting on a friend of hers."

As they continued talking, my eyes drifted to the side, to where Vitalia was. She had started talking with another of the reservation boys.

His thoughts were very bold. Bet she'd go out with me. She's only visiting so it doesn't have to be anything serious. I'll make it sound carefree.

"So you have any plans for the weekend? You willing to grab dinner or see a movie on Sunday?"

I watched as Vitalia's expression shifted from openness to something more reserved. She sighed. Ah, here we go. Sorry, man. Not about that right now.

I was curious how she would choose to let him down. Gently? Vaguely? Rudely?

"Sorry, no." She shook her head. "I'm not interested in dating right now."

She chose to go with honesty. Of course. Simple and direct.

"Oh, alright. Well, maybe some other time then."

"Probably not," Vitalia answered honestly again before grabbing her can of soda. "But thank you for the offer anyway! Have a good night."

Her dismissal was so polite, yet also final. There was no room for argument.

My eyes shifted to Bella as she returned to my side. I smiled and was about to ask if she was ready to meet Vitalia when the other girl's thoughts cut me off.

Oh, finally! Eddy's here.

Nevermind. Seemed we were meeting her now regardless.

I heard her approach and made to turn my head in her direction before I paused and creased my brows as a strange image filled her head.

I saw myself lying in a coffin. My eyes were closed and I seemed, for all appearances, properly dead.

I felt a ripple of alarm shoot through me and I wondered if there had been some way she had found out I was a member of the undead. Was that possible? Why else would she be thinking of me that way? What was I even going to say? Why was she acting so normal?

Alright, let's see those eyes, she thought before she came to a stop. "Eddy, hey!"

Bella, who was in my line of sight, frowned as she heard the nickname. I saw a critical gleam enter her eyes before she plastered a little smile onto her face.

I braced myself and hid my panic before shifting my eyes to Vitalia. "Hello. I hope you haven't been waiting too long?"

There, she thought with a widening grin as she held my stare. There's your bright, living eyes. Now maybe I can forget about that stupid dream.

Ah, I thought in some relief. So she'd dreamt of me. I knew that, somewhere in her subconscious, she knew the truth, as all humans did, but thankfully she wasn't giving it much credibility. I felt myself relax.

"Well, a little while," she answered. "But that's okay! I've been having a good time."

Her eyes moved to my right and her grin softened. "Hey there. You must be Bella." She extended a hand. "I'm Vitalia Santi!"

Bella glanced up at me quickly before looking back and nodding politely before shaking the girl's hand. "Yeah, I'm Bella. Bella Swan."

"Cool!" Vitalia's eyes narrowed though as she withdrew her hand. Wait a second… "I feel like I've seen you somewhere. You look familiar." She paused and thought hard before she snapped her fingers and I saw in her head an image of Bella standing next to a booth.

"Oh!" Vitalia exclaimed. "You're the girl from this morning, right? At The In Place?"

My brows rose in surprise. They'd met already?

"Right. Yeah. That was me."

Having learned to accurately discern some of Bella's tones, I guessed she already knew.

"Awesome! I was actually hoping I'd see you here. I overheard that cop telling you to be careful tonight and thought, hey, maybe she'll be at the bonfire. Is he your dad, by the way?"

Haha! Get to solve this mystery after all.

I chuckled under my breath. Vitalia certainly eased the tension.

"Yeah, he is." Bella nodded.

So I was right the first time. Wonder why she calls him Charlie? Probably shouldn't ask that. Might be too personal.

"Well he seems nice. I'd be a little nervous growing up with a cop as a dad though."

"I don't really like doing things that would get me in trouble with the law," Bella answered, "so it doesn't make a difference to me."

I noted she wasn't offering any personal details, like the fact that Charlie did not, in fact, raise her.

"Oh, so you're a responsible sort of person." Vitalia smiled.

"Yes. I think so."

I smiled at Bella. She certainly was. She had always seemed so mature for her age.

As Vitalia stared between Bella and me, her thoughts flowed into my mind. Hm…I kind of expected her and Eddy to be more, I don't know, obvious together. The way he talks about her and stuff. But they're so distant. Like they're almost trying to avoid each other. Weird. Maybe they're just really reserved about their relationship?

I noticed then that Bella had let go of my hand when Vitalia had reached out to introduce herself. Bella and I were able to be a lot closer than we used to be, but I of course always had to be on my guard with her. And Bella, knowing that, was usually careful about her proximity to me. It was observant of Vitalia to pick up on that, though I imagined it was very strange to outsiders.

"Did you guys get some pizza?" Vitalia asked then, pointing at the table on the other side of the fire.

"I already ate," I told her easily. "Bella hasn't though."

Bella glared at me before looking to Vitalia. "I'm not really hungry."

"M'kay." The girl nodded then stuck a hand in the pocket of her jeans and pursed her lips. She was trying to think of what else to say to Bella. I didn't know if there was anything I could do to help her out, but I started trying to think of something.

Maybe I'll ask some things about their history together. She decided before she lifted her eyes to Bella. They were bright with decision. "Sooo how'd you two meet?"

We were both silent a moment as I thought back to that fateful day. To the near-destruction of so many lives. To the destruction of Bella herself. To my narrow escape from becoming the morst horrific of creatures.

"…in Biology class." Bella offered reluctantly, casting a glance my way. "I was his lab partner."

"Yes," I continued. "We started talking and I found myself fascinated by just about everything she had to say."

I was technically referring to our second meeting, but it was far more acceptable in my mind. My behavior had been drastically more commendable. It was also when we'd officially introduced ourselves to one another.

Vitalia nodded. "Well you must be a really special person, Bella. Everyone keeps telling me how rare it is for Eddy to even make friends."

I saw Bella's face flush before she cleaned her throat and shook her head. "I'm not-" she sighed. "Not that special. I mean, obviously he's capable of making friends."

She couldn't seem to keep some bitterness from entering her voice as she mentioned that last part. Her eyes were fully on Vitalia now.

Oof. Yeah. She doesn't like this. Vitalia thought, noticing the bitterness too. Dang, how do I reassure her?

I frowned and glanced at my feet. It shouldn't be on Vitalia to have to prove anything. I had hoped she'd leave a magical impression on Bella the way she'd done with my family, but I was seeing now that it wasn't going to be as simple as that. Bella had gone into this with reservations and those weren't going to just disappear.

Vitalia's energy and liveliness were bouncing right off Bella as if my darling were actively guarding against it. I had hoped Vitalia might inspire her to embrace her life more fully, but Bella seemed unmoved by her.

"I can tell he thinks you are," Vitalia said in a soft voice and a glance up at me. "Special. That counts for something, doesn't it?"

The question was innocent enough, and very sweet, but I could tell it upset Bella to hear it. I saw her visibly bristle.

"No offense, Vitalia, but I'd rather not talk about this. I mean, you really don't know us that well."

"Bella," I said lowly. "She's right."

"It's alright, Eddy." Vitalia answered, nodding at Bella. "It's not my place. I'm still getting to know you guys. I won't bring it up again."

"…thanks." Bella answered.

Darn. I'm messing this up. Vitalia was thinking.

It did seem as if it was going to be a failure.

I still didn't understand why Bella acted so strange about hearing compliments about her worth, especially when they pertained to me. Would she never be able to understand herself from my perspective? Would she never comprehend it?

Bella was a private person though, so it made sense that Vitalia's natural curiosity and uncensored personality might be off-putting.

Maybe I should try again later. Vitalia smiled at the two of us and said she was going to grab another drink from the cooler. "I'm all out," she lifted her soda can.

I didn't like to see her go so soon, but I agreed that it was wise. I watched her walk away before looking at Bella.

After a pause, I sighed. "So you don't like her?"

"I didn't say that," Bella replied. But she notably paused too. Like there was more to it. I waited for her to continue. "But I don't know, Edward…she's outgoing. And beautiful. And fiery. And confident. All things I'm not. I get what attracted you to her."

I closed my eyes, frustrated. "I told you it isn't like that. You might not be some of those things, but you have qualities I love."

"I just wish you wouldn't act like it's impossible for that to change." She shook her head.

"It is," I countered. "Entirely impossible. I'm not like most people, as you're aware."

"Yeah, well, you also aren't that different."

I looked at her then and took her in. I let my devotion to her flood me before asking the very difficult question lingering in the space between us.

"So do you want me to end my friendship with her?"

She released a long breath. "I don't want you to resent me."

"I wouldn't. I offered to do this for you and I stand by it."

Her eyes closed before she gave me a long, desperate look. It tugged at me to see it. I hated to put her in this position. But I was selfish enough to hope that she allowed me this short, unique friendship.

"Can you at least tell me whenever you plan to hang out with her? And, I don't know, maybe try not to spend too much time with her alone? Can you stop sneaking around and lying to me about it?"

They were all fair requests. I was overjoyed that she was willing to give me this. I smiled my most dazzling smile and she blinked, stunned as ever by the sight of it.

"I can do that."

"I need some more time to think about this. It still…bothers me, but for now…this is fine. Can I ask you to stop if it continues to be a problem for me?"

I reached down and grasped her hand, staring into her eyes intently. "Of course you can."

She tried to smile and failed but I drew her to me and gave her a careful embrace. "Thank you, Bella."

I felt her nod and I held her for a little while, enjoying it. After releasing her, she said she was feeling thirsty so I guided her to the coolers, where she grabbed a bottle of lemonade.

Vitalia had already left and I caught sight of her chatting with some kids from the High School. They were comparing the different experiences of being public and home schooled.

Bella and I kept to ourselves for most of this. It was nice to do something a little different with her. I caught a few of the reservation teens sending glares my way, but I did my best to ignore them.

We sat close to the fire and the heat from the flames felt marvelous against my cold skin. Bella even commented on the warmth of my hand as she traced a finger over it.

Throughout the evening, I listened to whatever thoughts Vitalia was having and occasionally viewed her from the eyes of the other teens. She liked dancing and she really liked talking. Seemed she was constantly going back and forth between the two. She had lots of energy but was also perfectly content to just relax with other people. I was glad she was having fun.

Eventually Jacob made his way to us again and sat next to Bella, offering to make her a S'more. She shrugged, indifferent to the treat, but he decided to make her one anyway. He asked if I wanted one too and I politely declined.

They sat there eating their S'mores together and making small talk. Every now and then, Jacob's thoughts would turn affectionate — such as how endearing he found it when Bella had marshmallow stuck to her face. Or how when she attempted to make herself another marshmallow, it caught fire and ended up crispy and black. As much as his crush on Bella irritated me, I was grateful it was at least pure and that he made no attempt to get in between the two of us.

Reluctantly my thoughts strayed to my tentative plan to leave. With me gone, would Bella fall for Jacob? Would he attempt to date her? I glanced at them and the ease in which they interacted. I noted how Bella didn't have to worry about being too close to him. She didn't have to worry about revealing too much about him. She didn't have to worry at all.

And as much as it pained me, I wanted that for her. I wanted her to have a normal life with an ordinary boy. To be able to have children. I wanted her to be able to grow old with someone.

She was never meant to be with me.

"I'll be back soon," I told her softly, wanting to clear my head. I needed to get my thoughts under control or Alice might see something in her visions.

I walked away from her and Jacob, from the bonfire, from the chatter of talking people. I tried to mute all of their thoughts as well.

I sat in the thick of trees, watching the party from an incline. I tried to avoid watching Bella with Jacob, so my eyes traveled until they settled on Vitalia.

Where'd Eddy go? She was wondering as she glanced over to the empty space beside Bella. I saw her look for me a moment before sighing and continuing her conversation.

I continued to watch as she eventually wandered off, chasing after a raccoon that had ventured toward the food table. She held a pizza crust in her hand. Slowly she knelt down and I heard her call to the animal. It sniffed and ventured closer but paused a foot or so away.

"Come on, guy. You want the food or not? It's your only chance. I mean, 'cause no one else is offering."

Cute thing. Wish I could keep one as a pet. Not sure if that would suit a raccoon though. They're so free spirited. She thought.

I watched as the creature crept forward, eyes set on the piece of crust. It moved very slowly until it very swiftly reached out and snatched the crust from Vitalia before scampering away as fast as it could.

Whoa! She laughed. Sneaky thing.

I chuckled at the scene.

The girl stood then reached out and swung herself around the trunk of a tree. She paused there, tapping a hand, before glancing up.

Wonder if I can climb this.

She positioned her foot on a low hanging branch and hoisted herself up. I blinked and felt a subtle nervousness as she continued to scale higher. What if she fell? I imagined the sight of her crumpled body.

I forced myself to relax. Climbing trees was fairly common. I couldn't immediately jump to her rescue each time something remotely dangerous presented itself.

Still, I decided to stand and edge closer, just in case.

Vitalia stopped when she was at the halfway point, then turned to sit on a branch, watching the festivities from her new height.

Totally different perspective from up here, she considered.

She leaned her head back, apparently content to stay where she was for now. I advanced forward, deciding that maybe I should go ahead and talk to her.

Bella didn't want me spending as much time alone with her, but it would only be for a few minutes. Besides, I wanted to inform her that we could continue as friends.

As Vitalia started to hum to the music playing on the stereo, I emerged silently from the surrounding forestry. I reached up and gripped the pair of branches in front of me before calling up to her.

"The view better up there?"

She quickly looked down then grinned as she saw me. "Hey! There you are."

"Here I am."

She patted the branch she sat on. "Wanna join me?"

"Hm…" I thought it over before slowly nodding. Should be fine. "Alright. For a few moments, I can."

Her grin widened before she motioned her hand. "Well come on up!"

I chuckled. "Patience."

Securing a foothold, I easily pulled myself up then took the next step, gliding up gracefully while also purposefully making myself move at a slower pace.

Vitalia's brows rose as I claimed a seat beside her. "Wow, look at you. You climb a lot of trees?"

"Some." I shrugged.

"Well you put me to shame."

"Not my intention," I told her with a little smile before looking down at the bonfire.

We were quiet for a long while before Vitalia broke it, snapping a thin twig off the tree and plucking the pine needles off.

"So…did I completely mess this up? Did Bella say anything?"

She waited for my answer and I heard the dread in her thoughts.

Didn't realize how much he's started to mean to me. I really will hate it if this is the end.

"She did," I started with a nod. "Don't blame yourself for how it went though. You didn't do anything wrong. I went about it the wrong way by waiting so long to tell her."

My eyes shifted over and I was met with her hopeful stare. I smiled. "She still needs time to think it over, but for now she said she's fine with us being friends. She'd rather we limit being alone like this though."

Vitalia's face brightened. "Oh that's great! And totally doable."

What a relief. So nice of Bella. Not sure how'd I'd be feeling if it was my boyfriend, but I'm glad she understands. Vitalia pondered.

She didn't understand. Not really. But I kept that to myself.

"Any chance she'd want to be friends with me too?" The girl added.

I offered a regretful smile then gave my head a shake. "I'm not so sure about that. Maybe eventually, but I don't see it happening anytime soon."

Doubt there'll be enough time before you head home. I thought to myself.

"Ah. That's a shame."

"It is."

There was another silence as we listened to the sound of the music and the cackling of the bonfire. I watched the individual embers float up to the sky, twirling and sparking until they eventually cooled and faded.

"I had a weird dream about you." Vitalia spoke suddenly.

"Oh?" I asked, plucking at a piece of bark. I hid my resistance to discussing this but I saw in her mind the return of the scene of me in the coffin. It was so vivid. I looked almost exactly like that, in reality.

Vampire in a coffin. Couldn't get more typical than that.

"Yeah. I was walking around in a graveyard and saw a tombstone with your name on it. The coffin hadn't been buried yet and, when I opened it, I saw you lying there. You were dead. But I kept waiting for your eyes to open for some reason. I guess I thought they still would."

"Interesting," I answered, making sure my expression remained unchanged before glancing at her.

She held my stare, a little smile forming as she did. "Seeing your eyes helps. I knew it would. They're very lively."

I considered that. I supposed, as cold and lifeless and unchangeable as the rest of me was, my eyes were themselves always changing. They were a reflection of my inner state. Blood red when possessed by the ravenous monster inside, black when I thirsted, and gold when I was sated and more benevolent. I'd never considered that they were perhaps my only living feature.

I smiled at her. "Well I'm glad I was able to put you at ease. Probably best not to get too caught up in dreams."

"Yeah, I know. It was just weird. Haven't had one that felt so real in a long time. But it's probably because I was just talking to you and you were recently discussing the value of my life or whatever. Which, by the way, I took your advice!"

"Did you?" I smirked, pleased that she was changing the subject. Hearing her talk herself out of her own subconscious intuition was unsettling.

And before she answered I saw what she meant. I saw that she had decided not to buy a pack of cigarettes. When she spoke the words, I felt my smirk widened.

"That's a wonderful start, Vitalia."

"Yeah, yeah." She rolled her eyes.

Again I marveled that I had been able to positively influence a human being. Another euphoric thrill shot through me. It was only rare moments like these when I dared to believe that Carlisle might be right and there was some trace of goodness buried inside me.

"Anyway, no reason for me to end up in an early grave like you."

She tapped my arm and laughed and I had to glance down at the bonfire with a shake of my head. She was referring to the dream again, but her words were hauntingly accurate.

"Definitely don't end up like me," I told her sincerely.

There it is again. That mysteriously agonized look. I wonder what he means?

She took a breath and opened her mouth to ask, but seemed to think better of it and closed it. After a moment, she glanced over to the fire too. "Should we head back?"

"Probably a good idea," I agreed.

Vitalia motioned for me to climb down first so I did, climbing down the tree as effortlessly as I'd climbed up. I jumped to the ground from the lowest branch then turned and reflexively offered my hand to Vitalia as she also stood on that branch. It was more out of courtesy then anything.

Wow, such a gentleman, she thought with a smirk.

She reached out and took my hand, but was immediately reminded of her corpse dream as she felt its coldness. She shook off the image though and hopped down, tightening her grip as she did.

I released her almost directly after, not wanting her to dwell on the feel of my skin.

Get a grip, Vi. She scolded herself. He's probably anemic or something. That'd explain the paleness too.

Her explanations were always so reasonable. And they were oddly ones I'd never thought to use myself.

As we moved through the forest, I glanced to the sky as I felt a subtle shift in the wind and temperature. I could smell the rain now, from many miles away, as well as hear the first rumblings of thunder. It was still too far off for humans to notice, but I was sure they'd be able to within the hour.

We rejoined the party and I maneuvered around the fire until I spotted Bella still chatting with Jacob. I smiled down at her then watched as her eyes passed over me to Vitalia.

"Hey, again." Vitalia greeted before taking a seat. She left a space for me to sit between her and Bella.

"…hey," Bella answered, watching as I sat. Her eyes found mine and she creased her brows. "You okay?"

"I am." I offered a smile. "Just needed to get away from the party for a minute. Found this one up in a tree." I pointed at Vitalia.

"Got it." Bella stated before glancing at Jacob.

"You want a S'more, dance partner?" Jacob asked Vitalia.

"Sure." She shrugged. "That sounds pretty good."

I watched as the boy went about making her one, his timing pretty much perfect as the marshmallow came out slightly browned. He assembled the treat then handed it over to Vitalia.

I wondered what it actually tasted like. I had never had one before becoming a vampire. They were invented in the 20's, so about a decade after my life ended as a human. As I watched Vitalia eat it now though, it held no appeal to me. I could smell the richness of the chocolate and the sweetness of the marshmallow, but those scents did not transfer to my appetite.

After she ate and we sat there a little longer in front of the flames, I saw lightning zig zag across the sky. I heard the thunder too, but it was still too far for everyone else.

"Whoa. Did you see that?" Jacob asked. He then smirked. "Looks like our storm's rolling in."

"Ugh. Don't sound so pleased," Bella groaned.

"You don't like storms?" Vitalia peeked around my shoulder.

Bella shook her head. "Thunder and lightning are fine, but not the rain. I hate the rain."

"Ah man, I love it." Vitalia said. "We get a lot of big storms down in Texas and the downpour on our tin roof is one of my very favorite sounds."

Of course Vitalia enjoyed thunderstorms. It was the awe-inspiring danger of them, I imagined.

"I'm from the Southwest. Arizona. We would get some storms. Like 8 inches per year of rain. Only during the monsoon season." Bella told her.

"Oh! Cool. I didn't know you were from there." Vitalia answered. "But that's a pretty big difference. Texas gets like 30 or 40 inches a year."

"And Forks gets over 100, so…perspective, I guess." Jacob deadpanned.

I laughed at his response and at the face Bella made when she heard it.

"Oh wow!" Vitalia exclaimed. "That's so much more than I thought."

"Wettest place in the continental U.S." I informed her.

"Not a lot of thunderstorms though," Jacob added. "Those are kind of rare. Maybe one or two a year."

"Good thing we're all so up to date on our rain facts," Bella stated somewhat sarcastically. I smiled and both Vitalia and Jacob chuckled.

There was an easy silence that followed and I felt a wave of contentment settle over me. This was what I'd been hoping for going into this. Just the opportunity for everyone to enjoy each other's company. I caught Vitalia's eyes as I sent her another sidelong glance. She stared back knowingly.

Things aren't so bad now, she thought. We're all just chillin' and talking.

Another flash of lightning illuminated the sky in an ultraviolet glow and Bella wrapped her arms around herself as the air grew notably chillier. I wished, not for the first time, that I could offer her some warmth.

"Would you like to head home?" I asked.

Bella nodded and I cast a glance between her and Vitalia. My eyes settled on the other girl and I tilted my head. "Do you need a ride?"

"Uhm, maybe," she answered as she looked up at the sky before shifting her eyes past me. "Do you mind, Bella?"

"You're staying at the Forks Motel?" Bella asked. When Vitalia nodded, she continued. "Yeah, that's fine. I mean, it's on the way so, no big deal."

"Cool. Thanks! I like the rain and all but I don't want to get all soaked before going to bed."

Jacob snorted. "Nah, doesn't seem fun." He stood and stretched before tossing the stick in his hand to the side. "I'm gonna start rounding up the guys to get this fire put out." He stooped to offer Bella a side hug and I stiffened in spite of myself. "Take care, Bells." Then he straightened and lifted his hand in a wave to me and Vitalia. "See you guys around."

"See you!" Vitalia beamed and returned the wave.

I nodded. "Have a good night, Jacob."

I watched the boy turn and walk away, whistling to his friends and beginning the process of wrapping up the party.

I stood and turned to help Bella stand before seeing Vitalia rise. The three of us moved past the other teens and down the rough path to where Bella's truck was parked.

When we reached it, Vitalia's eyes widened. "Dang. Who owns the vintage wheels?"

"That would be Bella," I informed her before pulling open the rusty, loud passenger side door. "And before you say anything untoward, she's very fond of the old timer."

Bella rolled her eyes and silently hopped into the middle seat.

"Oh, no worries. Nothing untoward here," Vitalia climbed in after her. "I'm digging it. It has character."

I closed the door behind them and rounded the cab to the driver's side. I could hear Vitalia continue speaking.

"I failed my driving test twice," she informed Bella. "But I'm looking forward to the day I can get a car of my own. I like older cars. My dad has a classic Camaro."

"Honestly, I don't know much about classic cars." Bella answered as I slid into my seat and started the roaring engine. "That's Jake's area of expertise. We got this from his dad."

"That's awesome! Nice gift."

"Yeah, Charlie bought it."

"That was nice of him."

Still don't get why she calls him Charlie.

I hid my smile and began the short drive to the motel. As we drove, a much louder rumble of thunder shook the air and both Vitalia and Bella reacted to it.

Ooh, it's coming!

Vitalia seemed excited for the storm. In her head, I saw some of the plans she and her parents had made for tomorrow. They planned to hole up indoors with movies and games. I smiled. It seemed so pleasant.

"Okay, go around to the back." She told me as I pulled into the parking lot. "208's the room." I found it easily enough and parked in a space while the girl unbuckled.

Vitalia smiled at Bella. "It was really nice meeting you. We should hang again sometime.

Bella managed a small, but reserved, smile in response. "Okay."

"Okay," Vitalia nodded before looking to me with a grin. "Later, Eddy!"

"Later. Keep out of trouble."

The girl only laughed. "No promises!"

He should know better.

I watched her walk away before glancing to Bella and reversing. We drove toward her house and I reached down to take her hand in mine. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," Bella sighed. "I guess she isn't so bad."

"I think she really likes you."

"Maybe. I don't know. Maybe she was just trying to make a good impression."

"Nope." I shook my head then tapped a finger against my forehead. "Allow me to rephrase. I know she really likes you."

Bella huffed. "Right. Silly me for questioning."

"Yes, silly you." I smiled at her good naturedly.

Some of my concerns had been put to rest and it certainly felt like at least some of the weight I'd been carrying had lifted.

Bella walked inside and spoke briefly to Chief Swan before she went upstairs to shower and change into her pajamas. I waited patiently in her room and ran an idea over in my mind.

Perhaps I'd surprise Vitalia in the morning. I didn't know if I'd be welcome to stay for very long, as her family had their plans, but I found myself wanting to experience some of what I'd seen in her mind.

Since Bella was working, I had a large part of the day free. I hoped Bella would be alright with it.