The next morning, I was still no closer to figuring out how I would remain inconspicuous from an entire coven of observant vampires. I could barely face Carlisle alone, the most harmless one of the family, never mind the three gifted ones. But he had caught me off guard and I swore to myself that would never happen again.
"Amani!" My thoughts were interrupted as I heard Sam call through my bedroom door and knock. I climbed out from under my covers and opened to be greeted by a rather sheepish look from her.
"I have a bit of a crisis at work that I really need to go in for. Eli is currently held up in Port Angeles so he won't be able to get back here for another few hours," she rushed, seemingly gauging my face for a reaction. I wasn't sure what reaction she anticipated.
"Okay," I responded. She looked to be expecting more from me so I added "do you need any help?"
"No that's not it, I just meant I would have to leave you alone for a few hours," she explained.
"Oh okay, is that a problem?" I suppose if they thought I was a child then I could see why she would be uncomfortable leaving me alone. But even then, I was 16 and not inept.
"No it's not a problem, if you're okay to be by yourself for a few hours," she trailed off her words, as if awaiting a rebuttal from me.
"I'm good by myself. I was just planning on moping around the house anyways," I shrugged. She watched my face for a moment, before deciding I was being honest. With a nod to herself, she quickly disappeared.
I followed her into the living room, where she darted about, grabbing papers strewn all over and shoving them into a bag.
"Eli will be picking up Iris. There are leftovers in the fridge, but I've left a few bills on the counter if you want to order some takeaway instead," she rattled off as she zipped up her boots and tied her wild hair up in a haphazard ponytail.
It felt like she was saying these things more to reassure herself than me, but I nodded anyways. After hurrying out the door with a quick goodbye, I heard the rumble of her engine leave the driveway.
I stood for a moment, feeling a little relieved to have the house to myself. I'd been cooped up in the house for a while, under the watchful eyes of two strangers. I felt a little invigorated to explore the house a little.
I started with the kitchen and I began opening up all the cabinets and drawers to see what was in there. The fridge was next but it was disappointing. The leftovers didn't look too appetising and the pantry was looking a little empty.
I was struck with the idea to venture out. I could grab some ingredients from the local food shop, cook myself a decent meal and that would hopefully be the first step in my recovery.
With the sudden motivation I had, I quickly changed out of my pyjamas and made myself presentable. It had stopped raining but I suspected it wouldn't remain that way for long. I layered up in plenty of clothes, tucking all my hair under a hat. I slipped on my sturdiest boots and my warmest coat on before grabbing a backpack and shoving the bills on the counter into it.
According to my phone, the nearest grocery shop was a fifteen minute walk from the house, along the main road, but there was the option to cut through the forest and shorten the walk.
I stepped outside, inhaling the cool air. I could smell the rain and the soil and it helped calm my mind. I glanced at the forest, the tall trees reaching into the sky with their green alien arms. I debated for a second before deciding to take the forest route.
I'd been a city girl all my life, growing up away from the sea and mountains and nature. Walking into the trees, it felt like stepping into another world. I could hear the distant cries of birds as well as water gushing in a nearby stream. The ground was soft under my boots and the moss helped absorb the sounds of my footfall, only adding to the alien effect.
I didn't have any signal in the forest, but the path I followed seemed to be a well worn one so I wasn't too worried. Asides from hopping over a few stray logs, it was a pretty easy walk with only a small incline.
Before long, I could hear the sounds of traffic. The trees became sparse and gave way to a large road. On the other side of that road was what I assumed to be the grocery store.
Crossing the road, I entered the store, internally cringing when the bell on the door gave a loud ring and announced me. The few people in the store turned to look at me and openly gawked.
I gave an awkward smile before ducking into one of the aisles. I quietly set about finding my ingredients.
I was quickly frustrated with the lack of food options. That and the locals who did nothing but openly stare at me and whisper to each other, as if I wasn't right in front of them.
The uneasiness in my stomach returned and I quickly regretted coming outisde. I wanted to hide under my covers. I could feel the lump in my throat rise and the corners of my eyes sting with tears.
God, why was I such a crybaby?
I turned into an empty aisle and closed my eyes, taking deep breaths to centre myself. I needed to get out to this store. I wasn't welcome here. I didn't belong here.
I want to go home.
I could only hold back the tears for so long before I broke out into the ugly sobs. These past couple of days, I was never too far from a mental breakdown and it didn't take much to trigger me.
Today's trigger was an offending can of tomatoes.
Taking a deep breath, I quickly turned around to make a hasty exit before I embarrassed myself.
Except I embarrassed myself anyways because I ran into someone's trolley.
"Oh my gosh I'm so sorry!" I rushed out, looking up at the owner of said trolley. My next few words died in my throat as my eyes locked onto a pair of warm amber ones.
"No worries my dear, I'm sorry for standing so close behind you," The matriarch vampire replied in a perfect soothing voice, just like her husband.
I knew I should have said something in response, and that I was being rude by staring stupidly at her, but my eyes couldn't help roam over her face, drawn in by a mix of her vampiric beauty and this natural aura of calm around her.
Her caramel brown waves were perfectly waved, framing a soft oval face. Her lips were painted a soft shade of red and were pulled into a kind, understanding smile.
I could feel the tears in my eyes dry and the turmoil disappear. I let out a breath, blinking and snapping out of my stupor.
"I'm so sorry, I'm so out of it," The words tumbled out of my lips. I had honestly lost my entire train of thought just by looking at her.
"That's okay dear, I'm sorry again for startling you," she smiled again, manoeuvring her trolley away from me. "You should try the non branded ones."
I blinked stupidly at her, not sure what she was referring to. She gestured to the can in my hands and I finally got it.
"I've found that those tomatoes retain the metallic taste of the can," she continued.
Trusting her judgement, I swapped the tin in my hand for the other one, giving her a grateful smile.
"Thanks," I whispered, unable to find my voice.
God, if I was going to go to school with five of them, I had to sort myself out. I could barely handle talking to the gentlest one of them.
Giving her one last smile, I left the aisle and headed into another one to catch my breath. The confrontation with Esme had distracted me from my little breakdown and surprisingly left me a little more level headed. I set about finding the rest of my ingredients, determined to get through this experience without anymore tears.
A few moments later, I found myself at the till, standing patiently as the cashier slowly scanned and bagged my items, staring at me openly. I had almost dropped my change as I hurriedly grabbed my things and made a beeline towards the exit.
With a quick breath, I made my way out.