A/N: Apologies for taking a little longer to update! Coming up with Edward's tracking storyline turned out to be a little more challenging than expected ;) Hope you enjoy it though!
…..
Earthshine
Chapter XXIV
"Tracking"
…
When a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it takes all of its experiences and everything that lives inside itself and transforms into a beautiful creature. What people don't always notice is the metamorphosis - the isolation, the discomfort, even the pain." - Terryca Taylor
…
— PART II —
[Vitalia]
I sat in the corner of the living room, where the desktop computer sat. I was updating my MySpace profile again, switching around my top ten friends list with pursed lips — most of them weren't even what I'd call friends anymore — and I ended up moving my cousins to the top.
It was hard to concentrate though.
I sat back with a sigh and looked out the window. I watched the rain pelt against the glass and wondered what Eddy was up to. Ever since he'd shown up the other night, I hadn't been able to get my mind off him. I kept running over that moment when he tried to kiss me. I knew it wouldn't have meant the same to him, and I didn't want to deal with the pain of that, so I didn't regret stopping him. But…I kept thinking about how I'd wanted it to happen. I kept thinking about the fact that, despite trying not to, I had a little bit of a crush on the boy.
Another thing I couldn't forget about was all the things I'd found out — that he was definitely a mind reader, and that he was something supernatural.
The night he'd left, bonfires were lit on the cliffs near La Push. My parents and I had seen them on our way into town on a grocery run. I'd asked Clive, the convenience store owner, about it and he had nodded grimly.
"It's that Dr. Cullen. They're celebrating him leaving."
"Oh." I'd said, interested. "Why's that?"
"Some tribe superstition. They think that family was cursed or something."
A curse was something I hadn't thought of. It was a pretty good explanation. It was strange though that the tribe thought that way about the Cullens. That they were cursed. Jacob didn't seem to mind being around Eddy at the bonfire.
It kind of also implied that there was some history here between them all. How far back did it go for the tribe to feel superstitious about it? I thought the Cullens hadn't been here very long?
My phone suddenly buzzed and I took it out before smiling as I read the name.
"Hey, stranger!" I greeted with a grin.
"Vi! When are you coming back?" My cousin, Emma's, voice was sweet and friendly as ever.
"Soon! Can't wait to see you. How have you been? How was your summer?"
"It's been good. Yeah, lots of hangouts and bonfires. I've been talking to this guy, Liam. Have to tell you all about him! My brothers really like him too."
"That's always good. They were pretty protective over you with the last couple guys you dated."
"Mhm. Guess they've finally gotten used to the fact that I talk to boys now."
I laughed and moved to the fridge to grab a cold drink. I opened the bottle of juice and took a long sip.
"And how about you? How's your summer been? You meet any guys out there in wild?" Emma asked teasingly.
I laughed again. "My summer's been…pretty different. In a great way. An adventure for sure. I have a lot to tell you."
"But no guys?"
I sighed and thought of Eddy, fond smile forming. "I became really good friends with one. With his whole family, actually."
"Just friends?"
"Yeah, well, it's kind of complicated."
"Of course it is."
I rolled my eyes playfully. "Always more interesting that way, right?"
"Yeah, yeah. But if you're ready to get back into the dating game, I have someone I'd like you to meet."
I winced. "I don't know, Em. The last one you introduced me to wasn't so great."
"Oh, no, no. I won't be making that mistake again. I was trying to find you someone exciting before, but I've been looking around for nice guys now. Turns out he's the son of one of your dad's ranch hands. Did you ever meet him? Matias?"
"I don't think so," I searched my memory with squinted eyes, but I was drawing a blank.
"Ah, well, he's super sweet. And hardworking and respectful. Me and my friends invited him to one of the pool parties we had. I was pretty impressed. Apparently he already knows who you are. He admitted to kind of liking you from afar."
"Oh, really?" I asked.
"Mhm!"
I sighed and my eyes lowered. It would be so different going back. I didn't know if I was ready to date again, and I'd have to take some time to put this Eddy thing behind me.
"Maybe," I told my cousin. "I'll meet him and see how I feel."
"Aww, that'll be good. I feel like it'll be good. You need someone nice."
"Probably."
Eddy had seemed to agree. He'd said I didn't need another Maverick. He said I needed a balance. Maybe someone calm, responsible and sweet would be good. I just hoped Matias wasn't a boring sort of person. I didn't know if he'd hold my interest for very long.
"Anyway, I can't wait to hear all about your adventurous summer and your mysterious guy friend. Love you, Vi!"
"Love you too, Em." I smiled and hung up the phone.
Mysterious guy was right. Should I share all of that? Probably not. Eddy had seemed so secretive about it that it almost felt like a betrayal of trust to say anything.
I'll just have to keep the whole supernatural thing to myself.
I went back to the computer and logged out of MySpace before moving to the front door and walking down the porch steps.
My parents were huddled together by the fire pit and I moved to join them. Dad put an arm around me then extended the plaid blanket he and mom shared. I smiled and draped it over my legs before cuddling up against his side.
I watched the flames dance wildly as they ate up the firewood, the cackling like little firecrackers in the night. The embers twirled and glistened like amber jewels as they drifted up in the wind.
"How you doing, kiddo?" Dad asked as he rubbed a hand down my arm.
"I'm good," I nodded. I smiled up at him before looking to the flames again.
I was reminded of the scary stories he used to tell me and I couldn't help feeling curious about them again.
"Hey, dad?"
"Hm?"
"You remember those stories you used to tell me around the fire? Those ones about the creatures that looked human and came out at night to hunt us? With the cold skin and red eyes?"
I felt him go still next to me. It was his reactions that had always made me wonder if the tales he told were more than just stories. Like he'd had some sort of personal experience. But he laughed it off as usual. "Of course I remember. Used to spook you pretty good! Kept you from sneaking out of the house at night."
I rolled my eyes.
Mom leaned around my dad, brows furrowed in curiosity. "What got you thinking about that?"
I shrugged, playing indifferent. "I don't know, just sitting here and it popped into my head." I looked up at dad then, brow quirked. "Where'd you come up with it?"
"Passed down through the family. It's like an old myth. My dad told me all about it too."
"Is there any more to it?"
"Well," he straightened and leaned forward, clasping both hands out in front of him. He was smirking, but his eyes were sort of haunted looking. They had a dark edge to them as he gazed into the fire, suddenly seeming very far away. "They're blood suckers. Like vampires, I guess. Can't come out in the sun. Their cold skin is like a corpse, because they have no pulse. They're soulless, merciless killers. They lure their victims away like sirens and snatch them up in the night."
"Diego," mom clicked her tongue. "You're going to scare her."
"Oh, I'm fine." My eyes were gleaming as I listened. I was able to appreciate this story in a whole new way. Eddy had more or less confirmed that these things were real. That he'd actually seen one. "So are they, like, the undead?"
"I think that's the idea."
I nodded then tilted my head curiously. With my eyes, though, I I was watching him closely. "So do you think there's any truth to the story? You think something like that could be real?"
His jaw tensed as I asked and his eyes sharpened when he glanced at me. He looked quickly away though with another shrug. "Who knows? Could be. I mean, no harm in taking the warning to heart, right? You ever see something like that, you run in the other direction."
"Let's all hope you don't," mom said to me. "I know how you like your thrills, Vi, but some things are better left alone."
My eyes narrowed at her a little. They were speaking hypothetically, but it kind of sounded like my mom was legitimately warning me off. The way Eddy had.
I was quiet then and looked into the fire again. I couldn't just let this go, no matter what they said. My parents both knew something, so had my grandfather, and Eddy had actually seen something.
Since when had the threat of danger ever stopped me?
No, this was an adventure I didn't intend to pass up on. Maybe one day, when my career as a journalist was set, I'd travel the world and hunt down the truth.
I smiled in determination before settling back in my seat. It was a nice night, not rainy, and I could even see some stars through the clouds.
…
The rest of our time in Forks was spent making preparations for the trip and going on a few, final hunts. I was insanely more careful with a gun now, almost hyerpware of everything I was doing.
Mom finalized her work at the antique store before leaving it behind and I took some final strolls around town, enjoying the scenery and all the autumn decorations people had set up in shop windows.
I said goodbye to Clive and made my way to the coffee place that mom and I liked. The barista knew me by now and I smiled at him before ordering a caramel latte for myself.
I sat with it at my favorite stool near the window, watching the cold breeze dance through the evergreen trees. I noticed Bella's dad walking in, his face completely exhausted looking. I frowned and took a sip of coffee as my eyes followed him over to the counter.
"Hey, Chief." The barista greeted. "How are things at home? Any better?"
I heard the guy sigh deeply before running a hand over his face. "No." He sounded so helpless. "She still won't eat. Won't sleep. Won't hardly move. I don't know what to do."
"You think it's depression?"
"Don't know what else it could be. It's not normal though, whatever it is."
They continued talking and I looked down at my coffee as I tapped my finger against it. I assumed they were talking about Bella. It sounded like she was completely devastated without Edward.
I wished there was something I could do, but again, I felt like I'd only make it worse. I hated that it had ended so baldy for them, but I got a feeling in my gut that if the two of them were reacting this badly — Eddy looked like he was barely hanging on himself — that it was kind of a red flag. Heartbreak, pain, a few days of moping, all perfectly normal reactions, but… this? It sounded like maybe they'd been just a little too attached.
I sound so heartless, I thought as I rested my chin over my hand. I had to admit that there was something exciting about going all in with someone. A ride or die sort of thing. Throwing all caution to the wind. Getting all swept up in the romance.
But when I thought about doing it myself, and after hearing about Bella's painful experience, I was reminded why I didn't like the idea. I didn't want to hurt that way. I'd already gotten burned once. I didn't like the idea of getting consumed that way again.
My stomach twisted when I thought of Bella and of the kiss I'd wanted from Eddy. But I told myself there was nothing to feel guilty about. I couldn't help what I'd felt. And I'd stopped it anyway.
If I was being honest though, my stopping it had less to do with what was right and more to do with sparing myself and Eddy pain. I hadn't thought of Bella in that moment at all.
I wondered if maybe I should have.
I put the thought from my head and refused to dwell on it. What good would it do me now? I grabbed my coffee and walked outside, only giving the Chief a little smile as I walked out.
Poor guy. It had been tough on my parents too when I'd been going through my dark days. They'd tried everything to help me and, in the end, them reconnecting with me had done the trick. They'd gotten me away from everything, taken my mind off things, and opened my eyes to all the excitement life had in store for me.
Maybe Bella would find that too? Find some way to make an adventure out of life again? It would probably take the right person though to help her do it.
I walked through a quiet neighborhood and discovered a small playground in the center of the maze of streets. I grinned, set my coffee down, then rushed across the sloshy earth to the slide. It was slick with rain, so I fell at a nice speed. It instantly lifted my mood.
I made my way to the monkey bars next, moving across hand over hand while lifting my feet. I dropped down, wiped my hands on my jeans, then dashed for the swings.
My favorite, I thought as I started to rock and glide, leaning my head backwards when I gained some speed and grinning widely as the air whooshed past my ears. It felt like I was flying. Like I was limitless! I continued to move higher until I started to feel the chain yank on the bar. Then, after holding my breath, I closed my eyes and jumped, landing with a thud and a laugh. Emma and I used to have so much fun seeing who could jump the farthest. And who could land most gracefully!
I lied on my back, not really caring that I was getting all muddy, and stared up at the gray, drizzly sky. I blinked then shut my eyes again, breathing the clean air into my lungs as I waited for my pounding heart to slow down.
This is a nice way to close my chapter in Forks.
When I got back, I helped my parents pack our things into the Camaro, then tidied up the rental cabin.
"Heading out at first light!" Dad announced as he set the pre-programmable coffee maker. "Time to put this place in our rear view."
"Been fun, hm?" Mom kissed my forehead then drifted off to the bedroom, wanting to get to sleep early. Her and dad would be taking shifts driving.
It was a whopping thirty-five hour driving distance, so, like, a day and a half. But we weren't driving straight through. They planned to make some stops along the way. There were a lot of national parks between us and home.
I went to my room and lied down, not really believing that our time here was actually over. Of all the trips I'd taken with my parents, this one had struck different. I'd stumbled on something mystical! Mysterious. Someone anyway. Every place had its legends, but I'd never actually seen one brought to life.
Forks itself had this whole secretive, lurking feel to it. I knew there was a lot more to discover in the place.
I made up my mind that I would come back someday and try to unearth some of its secrets.
I fell asleep with that plan, excited for what my own future would look like.
When morning came, I tiredly stumbled out of bed, threw on something comfy, poured some coffee into a travel mug, then got in the car. I groggily watched the scenery of Forks speed by the window — the tangle of trees, the jagged coast, and the gloomy sky. I watched as it all started to change the further out we drove, until the scenery flattened and the gloomy sky brightened.
See you around, I thought.
[Edward]
As much as I longed to put immediate distance between myself and Forks, I had to circle back one more time to pick up Victoria's scent from my family's favorite baseball clearing. I drove my car back then left it at my old house. I put my backpack on then moved swiftly on foot.
When I reached the clearing, I had stood there a long moment, remembering. I remembered all of the thunderstorms we had enjoyed out here, playing in time with the cracks of thunder. The competitiveness and the playfulness. The laughter and the outrage! It had been a favorite pastime of ours as a family.
There was no telling when we might all play together again. I'd turned Emmett down so many times after meeting Bella and now I almost regretted it.
I took a breath, then moved to the spot Victoria had occupied. There wasn't much to go on though. The rain had washed most of the scents clean. I considered my options before heading into town and entering the locked school before the faculty started to arrive. There were a few janitors around, but I easily avoided them.
I figured Victoria's scent would be easier to detect here, where she'd gone through the school records to figure out where Bella's mom lived.
I ran my finger over the files quickly and winced at the surge of pain as I leaned toward Bella's. Just seeing her name was enough to tear the gaping wound in my chest wide open.
It was there though — Victoria's scent. From there, I was able to trace her back outside. There were other faint spots here and there and I scrambled around until I found a hint of a trail leading away from Forks. It was easier now that I had been hit with a potent enough dose of her scent to detect it even in the earth that had been rained on.
I followed it for awhile, now detecting other things — markings in trees, little strands of her signature red hair, and some of her unfortunate victims who had been buried in obscure area in the woods and mountain ranges. It was upsetting that many of them would never be discovered — that their families would never know what had become of their missing loved ones.
I mentally noted the locations, deciding that I would phone in a few onominous tips. Closure was always better than cruelly leaving people to hope for the best when the best wasn't going to happen.
Victoria's trail led me to Seattle and it seemed she had lingered around the city for awhile. There were faint scents and also much newer ones, ranging in intensity and giving me an idea of how long she'd spent here. Months, it seemed. She'd been here for months. I'd missed finding her by only a few weeks.
Her trail seemed to lead south and I spent a long time trying to keep track of it. I often found myself going around in circles, trying to get a hang of this whole thing.
It wasn't helped by the fact that I was half-distracted by the constant pain that threatened to swallow me whole. It was sheer force of will that kept me putting one foot in front of the other. I had to live moment by agonizing moment, fighting against the urge to turn and run back to Bella. It was so much more difficult than I'd imagined to keep myself from turning back. There were several moments where I very nearly talked myself into it.
Her words kept echoing back to me though. I don't care, Edward. I don't care! You can have my soul. I don't want it without you — it's yours already! Those horrific words kept me moving. Kept me away from her.
The further south I moved, the sunnier the days became. The sun kept me confined and aimless for hours as I paced around in caves, forests, and abandoned buildings. I consoled myself with the fact that Victoria was probably confined too, but the thought did little to settle my restlessness. The temptation to turn back to Bella was strongest while I was waiting out the sun.
I even thought over the words I might say if I ran back to her. I'd probably have to beg and beg before she even considered it. How could I expect anything else when I'd parted with her so savagely?
I lost Victoria's scent near the Great Salt Lake in Utah. I assumed she'd gone through the water, effectively throwing me off her trail.
I had swam across and paced around the bank for days, trying to pick up her scent again. I assumed she knew I was chasing after her now, as I'd caught her trail doubling back on me a few times.
James had found the hunt to be the most thrilling thing in the world, but I found it maddening. I didn't feel the excitement. Though maybe that's because I'm not finding pleasure in anything right now. Or ever again, most likely.
The Salt Lake was so flat and there were very few places to hide, that I had to spend entire days underwater holding my breath. It was uncomfortable, but the discomfort did provide a fraction of relief. The sensory pressure of the water too. It was a welcome weight. A welcome darkness.
By moonlight, I ran down the bank again, watching the way the piles of salt glistened like snow in the silvery light. I needed to hunt and hoped that I'd find one of the mountain lions that were native to Utah. My path took me to the more rural areas of hill country. There were deep canyons and steep cliffs. I eventually found the signature paw prints I was looking for and took down a mountain lion lurking near a rabbit burrow.
If only tracking Victoria were this easy.
I finished drinking then took down some smaller game before whiping the trickle of blood from the corner of my mouth as I stared at the play of shadows down the deep ridges of the wilderness.
I reached for the phone in my pocket and stared down at it a long moment before ultimately deciding to dial my mother. I'd promised I would check in, after all. I figured it would help ease her mind to know I wasn't too far gone on my own. Not yet anyway.
As much as I wanted to catch up to her, I was almost dreading finding Victoria. After all, once I did, what did I have left to do? Just wander aimlessly for the next eighty or so years? Join up with my family and bring them all down in my misery?
"Edward?! Is that you?"
"It is," I answered. My tone sounded flat.
"Where are you? How's everything going?"
I sighed. "Not well. I was trying to track down that redhead we found with James. Just in case she turns out to be a threat to-" I cut myself off and winced, not quite able to speak her name. "Anyway, I'm in Utah currently. The trail has gone cold."
"I see. Well, I'm sure you'll pick it up again in no time. And be careful! You don't know how dangerous she might be."
"Right. She didn't seem like much of a threat."
"Well, don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it."
"…alright." Honestly though, if Victoria did somehow manage to kill me…how bad would that be? It'd almost be a mercy.
"I love you, Edward. Check in again soon so I know you're alright!"
"I will. Bye, mom."
"Bye."
Esme had sounded so pained. I could hear how much she missed me in her voice. But as worried as she was now, I knew she would only worry more if she could actually see me. If she could see all the joy that had been taken from me.
A sudden movement caught my eye from deep in a ridge below the horizon. I blinked, making sure it wasn't a trick of the light, before I sprang into movement, dashing forward quickly. The flash of red continued moving, miles ahead of me, but I knew it was her. It was Victoria. She had probably been hunting too.
My theory was confirmed as I came across a small campsite of dead hikers. Their bodies were burning on the campfire and Victoria's scent saturated every inch of the place. I moved determinedly, now eager to catch up and throw her on a pire of fire.
She led me out of Utah and further south. I was a little worried she'd take me through Arizona — a place I was sure would only pain me further — but her path shifted and she cut across into Colorado instead.
I was faster than her, but her evasions set me back. She navigated densely populated areas just as the sun would come up, ducking into nooks and crannies and throwing me off. I often found myself bound to certain locations by the sun, losing ground. She was more familiar with her hiding places, it seemed, and could move about more easily during the day.
I did have a bit of an advantage around people though. I was able to trace her through the thoughts around me. A swift glimpse there, a refraction of sparkling light off a windshield there. It was the only way I didn't lose her again.
Some of her thoughts even came to me whenever I stepped within a couple miles radius of her.
Think you can catch me, huh? Going to have to try harder than that!
Several days went by where she had me chasing her around Colorado's cities. I sat in a run-down hotel off the the highway by the end of my third tracking week, watching a half-lit neon sign flash against the window in the early light as I prepared to wait out another torturous day. Groggy thoughts surrounded me from other hotel residents. People preparing to continue road trips or go about their less than legal enterprises.
The place smelled like stale cigarettes and bleach. I had the old television set on and absently watched the weather. Seemed a thunderstorm was on its way and would hit by tonight. It would give me a full day to chase after Victoria, so I hoped to cover a lot of ground.
I glanced to my phone and considered checking in on my family again. I realized I hadn't even asked my mother how they were all doing when we'd last spoken.
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, then phoned the number my mother had texted me for the house phone at their new place in Ithaca.
"Hello?"
It was Carlise. I grimaced, but didn't hang up. "…Carlisle."
"Edward. It's good to hear from you." I could hear the smile in his voice. "How have you been? Are you planning on joining us anytime soon?"
"I don't think so."
"…I understand. Take all the time you need."
I fell quiet and sat back against the headboard on the bed, eyes lifting to the window as the sky grew lighter. "I was actually calling to see how all of you were doing. How are things in New York?" I tried to sound more interested, but there was such a dull tone to my voice.
"They've been good," Carlisle answered. "I just got in from my shift at the hospital. They've hired me on for emergency surgeries. I've also taken on a teaching position at Cornell. Clinical professor. My students are very bright. It's made me realize how much I've missed teaching. Jasper has started going there too." It had been awhile since Carlilse had taught. It suited him though. People naturally wanted to follow him. He had a gentle, but powerful charisma.
"Jasper and Alice just got back from Denali a couple of days ago," he continued. " And Rose and Emmett are still in Europe. Florence right now, I believe. Your mother has taken on a new restoration project. A historical monument north of the city."
His voice was so soothing. I listened to the details of his new life, glad that my family was doing well, at least. That this whole mess I'd started hadn't cost them too much. I ached to see them, but I suppressed the urge. I couldn't put my pain on them. It wouldn't be fair.
"Are you alright, Edward?" Carlisle asked after my lengthy silence. I had hardly even realized he'd stopped speaking.
I blinked and my eyes lowered. "Not really…" I never could lie to him.
"I'm here for you, you know. We all are. If things get too hard, will you let me know? I'll come to you, wherever you are."
I longed for his words to comfort me. I willed the love of my family to be enough to sustain me — to pull me from this dark abyss that was swallowing me. But it seemed I was unreachable. I had fallen too far. Bella had claimed everything, so without her I had nothing.
"I know." I offered. "…I'll try to remember. To let you know, I mean." That was the closest thing to a promise I could give.
"Alright," he sighed. "See you, son."
"See you."
I hung up the phone and limply lowered my hand, eyes staring unseeingly now. I stared for a long time, until the sun started to set and the thunder rolled in. It took some effort to make myself rise from the bed and leave the room again, but I forced myself to.
I ran out into the rain, darting beneath the highway and on into the next city, where I was forced to slow my steps. I could barely detect Victoria's scent in the heavy rain, but it was still traceable.
"How dare you!" A woman's voice shouted and I glanced over to see a tattooed blonde and a young man standing in an alleyway. "You're using against, aren't you?! I watched as she threw something at him and slapped him in the face. "We're done, Jax. Done!"
She stomped off as he stared hard at the ground. His thoughts were a whirlwind of shameful memories as he repeated: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry… Over and over again.
I continued on my way, picking up on more thoughts. Some were cheery and others were as dismal as the couple in the alley. I felt unaffected by all of it. No outward emotion could touch me. No sympathy. I just ghosted my way past these people, forcing my mind to focus on its task.
Victoria's trail finally seemed to veer away from the city and into the mountains, where I was free to chase her at full speed and able to hunt at my leisure. I had gained some ground because of the thunderstorm, at least. I was maybe half a day behind her now.
More days passed as Victoria led me through Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas. I wasn't sure what her plan was, just cutting across the country like this, but I kept on her trail.
Near the end of October, she brought us down into Lousiana and to the sprawling city of New Orleans, where her trail abruptly cut off near the bank of the Mississippi River.
The city light glistened off the water like Christmas lights, and the swell of jazz music swept toward me as the excited thoughts of revelers filled my mind.
I crossed the river and received some curious looks from a group passing by, their thoughts ranging from assuming I was either drunk, careless, or hot-headed.
I ignored them and continued down the street. Based on the sizeable nightlife crowd, I figured it was the weekend.
I had to assume Victoria hadn't gone down the river because her scent was everywhere! As I moved through the city, it was difficult to tell which direction she had gone, because her trail zig-zagged and circled back on itself.
I ran a hand through my hair in frustration.
Now what?
After spending all night sifting through one mind after another, I rented a hotel room in the French Quarter and holed up for the day. It was a lively city, so there wasn't much reprieve from the mental chatter. I continued to search for signs of Victoria, but the effort was fruitless.
For the next two months, I continued my new pattern. When the sun went down, I skirted the city perimeter, just to make sure Victoria hadn't left. Each time it seemed that she hadn't, her trail never veering too close to the edge of the city. I walked around, conducting my mental search.
I'd become a regular sight by now too. The people in the hotel knew me, but also knew not to ask questions. They had their own variety of suspicions, but they never discussed them. Residents recognized me too, casting me curious glances while I was on my daily, routine walk.
A madman, many thought when they saw me. Always walking the same pattern.
"Did you see the sunset over the east side of the river?" Jerry, a street performer asked me as he played his drums.
I gave him a numb smile. "I caught the end of it. Beautiful."
I'd also taken up a regular chess match with an elderly woman near Café Du Monde, mainly to keep my thinking sharp and focused. She cackled at me as I caught her king again. "One of these days, I'll beat you, sonny. Just you wait."
"I'm sure you will."
"See you tomorrow?"
"We'll see." It was always my response to her, as my path might lead me away from the city at any moment.
I continued my route, taking in the now-familiar city and becoming one with its many curiosities.
In mid-December, I stood in the center of town, where a large Christmas tree had been lit. I gazed at the kaleidoscope of light, with its innumerable shapes, and watched it reflect off every surface. Jazz Christmas carols had become the norm on the street corners and revelers had been joined by shoppers, who dashed between shops as they hunted down Christmas gifts.
Deviating from my usual routine, I decided to shop as well, picking out a few gifts for my family. I found myself missing them a lot with the holidays in full swing.
On Christmas Eve, I watched Papa Noël float down the Missisissppi River and inhaled the strong scent of wood smoke as bonfires were lit along the bank. I glanced to my wrist and my thoughts briefly turned to Vitalia. I hadn't thought much of her since leaving Forks, but the smokey scent brought to mind that bonfire night with her, Bella and Jacob. A night where I'd deluded myself into thinking that things could possibly be normal between all of us.
Turning from the festivities, I moved through the bayou, watching the crocodiles scatter as I ghosted past. It was an unexplored area so far, but Victoria's scent was nowhere to be found. I could imagine her lurking beneath the murky swamp though — a ravenous creature waiting to prey on boating tourists.
A sharp hiss sounded then, nearly like a crocodile hiss, but sounding more like my own kind. I crouched low, highly alert, and crept forward through the mossy overgrowth.
I came upon the other vampire near the edge of the water, rolling a pale, drained body into the swamp, where the gators were tentatively swarming.
My stomach twisted in loathing for our kind before I cautiously approached.
He turned, startled, then held up his hands in surrender, crimson eyes gleaming.
"Oh. My apologies. I did not realize this territory belonged to anyone. I'm just passing through." He held himself with uncertainty and I assumed he was younger, like Jasper.
I took a moment to decide how to handle this. Pretend it was my territory and urge him to be on his way? Or say I was just passing through too? It was not at all uncommon for vampires to run into each other in New Orleans — it was a hot spot, of sorts — but he didn't seem to know that.
I stared at him a long moment, reading his mind to analyze what sort of character I was dealing with. My current state of mind seemed to give me a more intimidating presence than usual. His thoughts were anxious and he was trying to determine if he could outrun me if this turned violent.
I gave him a slow, purposeful smirk. "I'll let you go on one condition."
…that sounds ominous. He gave me a nervous look. Should I just make a run for it now?
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." I told him. "Run, I mean."
"How did y-" His eyes widened and he took a step back. He can read my mind?
"It doesn't matter how," I stepped forward. "Now calm down. I just need information. I'm tracking someone and need to know if you've seen her around."
"…what does she look like?"
Almost feel sorry for whoever he's tracking. He thought.
"Redhead. Goes by Victoria."
Redhead? Hm…wonder if that woman over by the boats was one of us. She was unnaturally beautiful. Wish I'd made myself go up and talk to her…
"I came into the city through the sewer tunnels. Saw a redhead up ahead of me and she was lingering by the South Shore Harbor Marina."
The sewer tunnels! Beneath the city. I couldn't believe I'd missed something so obvious.
"Thank you," I told him flatly. I turned to go, but he bravely called out.
"Hey, your eyes…what's up with that color?" Haven't seen that before…
I quirked a brow, but otherwise gave no answer before I turned to run swiftly back into the city. I hoped Victoria was still around. And if not? I needed to find the exact boat she had taken. I needed to figure out where she'd crossed over.
I headed for the Marina, where hundreds of ships bobbed on the rippling water and the scent of cajun seafood and salt hung heavy in the air. It was an early, foggy morning. The old dock boards creaked under my feet and though I could feel the sharp chill from the wind, I was unaffected by it. It billowed through my unruly hair and snapped against my marble skin.
It's Christmas morning, I thought as I absently ran my eyes over the boats. There wouldn't be many people around today to read thoughts from. Probably need to come back tomorrow.
If any boats had been recently stolen, there was a strong chance it was Victoria who was responsible. Her scent was all over the Marina, as it was with the rest of the city.
Just to confirm, I made my way to a storm drain and climbed below. Sure enough, her scent clung strongly here too. I shook my head and gritted my teeth. It was so obvious!
I climbed out near my hotel, then walked inside as the cheerful, Christmas morning thoughts filled my mind. They clashed against the chasm of my misery, an echo of happier times.
I sighed and sat in front of the window, watching as the fog began to clear and all the dazzling lights from the decorations lit the day.
I took out my phone and my mouth parted as I saw that Vitalia had sent a text.
Vitalia: Merry Christmas! Wherever you are. Sorry, I know I shouldn't be reaching out, but I couldn't help it (:
I stared at the text a long time, tempted to respond to it. I was sure that she was having a delightful holiday with her family. They were probably sitting by the fire in front of the tree, unwrapping gifts and playing their board games with cups of cocoa or eggnog. It was a comforting thought and nearly made me smile.
I thought of my own family then. They wouldn't all be together for the holidays, as Rose and Em were still in Europe somewhere, but I was sure they were making the most of it. Jasper had probably tried to surprise Alice, again, and though she might have tried her best to act surprised, his ability allowed him to see right through her. Esme had probably decorated the house beautifully with all the most expensive trinkets and Carlisle was most likely making the most of his time with them all before heading into the hospital. I was sure he was smiling at them all fondly, the love and appreciation shining more brightly than all the lights in the house combined.
I sighed and closed Vitalia's text before dialing my family's house phone. I felt that I should at least call and wish them all a Merry Christmas, but I also wanted to hear from them today of all days.
"Edward!" Alice's musical voice chimed.
"Hey there, Alice. Merry Christmas."
"You too! I'm so glad you called."
"Is that Edward?" Esme called.
"Put it on speaker," Carlisle suggested.
I heard their steps as they gathered around the phone then.
"We miss you," Carlisle told me. "Thank you for calling."
"Of course," I told him.
My thoughts turned to the many pleasant Christmas memories I had with Carlisle, even before we were joined by the rest of our family. When it had been just the two of us, it had been difficult for me to see the point in continuing our human traditions, but Carlisle had always stressed the importance of it. I remembered the first tree he'd bought for us to decorate and how familial that moment had felt — I'd truly felt a son to him and had genuinely enjoyed decorating the tree. To this day, it was mine and Carlisle's task to handle the tree decorating. I wondered to myself who had done it this year. I felt a pang in my chest and winced. I was sure he'd lamented my absence.
They all thanked me for the gifts I'd sent, even Jasper, who was otherwise keeping pretty quiet. I hoped he was doing better. That he'd managed to forgive himself.
They kept me on the phone for hours and I let them all talk, content just to listen. I hated that it did little to improve my mood though. When would it start to get easier? When would the darkness start to lessen? Would it ever? Should it ever?
After saying goodbye to them, I hung up the phone and the sudden silence was deafening. My thoughts turned bleakly to how Bella's Christmas morning might be going. I hoped she was managing to have a good time. It was probably just her and Charlie, sharing a quiet breakfast together and thanking one another politely for the thoughtful gifts — though Bella would do so begrudgingly and with no small amount of embarrassment. She was probably putting a wonderful Christmas dinner together for them both as well. That would probably bring her greater joy than any gifts she had received. She did love doing things for other people.
I sat with the pain of my thoughts of her until early the next morning. I closed my eyes, took a breath, then walked out into the city again, where I found the Marina now much more populated. The thoughts streamed into my mind and I searched them for anything amiss.
I asked around a little and gravitated toward areas where boats seemed to be missing. Finally, I found a couple of cops standing next to an old barge, talking in low voices to a weathered elderly man standing there.
"Found it off the coast of Galveston," they were saying. "But no sign of the person responsible."
Alert now, I crept closer and silently climbed into the boat. Victoria's scent was much stronger here and, leaning toward the front, I caught a stray strand of red hair blowing in the chilly breeze.
What fortune! At last! Without a second thought, I moved further down the docks then dove into the freezing water, ducking underneath and starting the long swim toward Galveston.
My frustrating, routine adventure in New Orleans was now over. It was on to the next stage.
Thought she could outsmart me, I thought with a wild smirk. Nice try.
By the end of the day, I'd arrived at the shore, riding the waves and emerging from the sea at dusk. As the waves crashed and rolled behind me, I scanned the Texas coastline, feet sinking in the sand as the tide rolled over them.
What had brought her here?
She thought she'd outrun me, so I could only assume she had some other purpose for choosing Texas as her next stop.
