18.
I stare blankly out the window as the rain continues to fall.
The possibilities that would explain the damp floor bounce around in my head like a rubber ball. They range from funny to worrisome … to terrifying. Perhaps I had a bout of sleepwalking and opened it while dreaming. Or maybe there's a leak in the window.
But then I remember the sensation of being watched, of not being alone, and I shudder.
Maybe it wasn't all in my head, after all.
I throw off the covers still wrapped around my waist and stand. But before I can shuffle to the bathroom to shower away the uneasy feeling that's settled over me, I'm stopped dead in my tracks by the sight of a sunflower on my bedside table.
With trembling hands, I reach for the bright bloom. The bouncing ball of thoughts turns into a cascade of marbles in my head, rolling and tumbling every which way faster than I can keep up with them.
I pick up the flower and bring it to my nose, inhaling its earthy scent and finally accept what I refused to believe last night.
I wasn't alone.
Edward was here.
In our apartment.
He was so close to me I could sense him.
"Oh, god." I fall to my knees and sob in relief.
I should be terror-stricken that there was a vampire in my home last night, but knowing it was Edward brings me a sense of peace.
He's out there somewhere, and he hasn't forgotten me … us. Hope floods my veins. I feel euphoric. Maybe this is his way of telling me he's trying to find his way back to me.
The pounding on my door is so loud, I worry the neighbors will call the police.
"I'm coming!" I shout as I slip my robe on and wrap a towel around my head.
Spying Alice and Jasper through the peephole, I unlatch the locks and open the door. "Hey, come—"
"Are you okay?" Her eyes wide, Alice frantically looks me over.
Jasper's eyes turn black before he pushes past us and into the apartment.
I'm caught off guard by their sudden and bizarre arrival. "I'm fine. What—"
Alice slams the door behind her as she steps into my apartment. "I saw something and I got worried. We came right over."
"What did you see?"
She waves off my question. "It's not important. I just wanted to make sure you were all right."
"If it was important enough to rush over here to check on me, it's important enough to share." I cross my arms over my chest and narrow my eyes at her. "Tell me, Alice."
She sighs before opening her mouth. But she's cut off by Jasper reemerging into the living room.
"There was a vampire here." It's not a question, and I don't deny it.
I tighten my folded arms.
He stares at me for a long moment before demanding, "Pack a bag. You're coming home with us."
"No."