Chapter 13: Port Angeles
It was a one hour drive to Port Angeles but with the way I was speeding and overtaking the other cars on the highway I was able to make it in half the time- some of the cars honked at me in frustration as I passed them.
I took the exit to Port Angeles and drove through what appeared to be a small town- the sun was setting at this point- turning the sky a darkish blue and the street lights turned on.
I parked in front of a small store then investigated the map and suddenly panicked as I realised I didn't know what clothing store I was looking for.
I rolled my window open as I saw a bystander walk past me on the street, walking his dog.
"Sir, can I ask you something?"
The man turned around as he heard me and smiled politely "Sure"
"Do you happen to know where the nearest clothing store is? Particularly for dresses"
"Dresses?" He asked me as he thought deeply and looked around the street, he seemed a bit confused by my request.
"Yes" I said, feeling a bit embarrassed by my question where I could find a clothing store for women.
He then told me he didn't know for sure but pointed and explained where he thought the nearest clothing store was.
I thanked him for his time and he continued with his day as I drove in the direction he pointed me.
I pulled up to what appeared to be a small clothing store that had a few mannequins posing in front of the store window. With my heart pounding in my chest I walked through the door and rushed through the store hoping to find Bella or one of her friends.
"Can I help you?" A female shop assistant asked as she came to stand at my side.
"Yes. Did you happen to see a girl with her friends come in here today?" I asked her.
"Hmm..we haven't had many customers today unfortunately"
I sighed in frustration.
"Are you looking for her?" She asked.
"Yes she was supposed to go dress shopping with her friends but I can't seem to find her anywhere" I said.
She looked out of the window "I know there's a store down the street. I used to go dress shopping there for prom" she said.
"Can you show me where?" I asked and she walked me to the door pointing me in the right direction. I smiled at her as I thanked her and got back into the car.
The store was just a bit further down the street. I thought I recognised the outside from the movies and the inside looked awfully familiar as well. This had to be the right store.
But again no sight of Bella.
I asked the owner the same question.
"There were three girls just here- one of them was small and had wild curly hair, the other girl had glasses and there was a girl with long, straight brown hair"
I was feeling carefully optimistic that I was headed in the right direction. The description sounded like them.
"Yes. Were they here?" I asked
"Yeah, they just left a few minutes ago"
"Do you know where they were headed?"
He pointed me in the direction where he thought they were headed and I got back into the car again.
I hit the steering wheel in frustration then ran my hand through my hair. I was scared I wouldn't be getting to Bella in time if I kept trailing behind them- my stomach turned at that thought.
I drove slowly on the road where the man said they were headed, carefully scanning the faces of the people who were walking on the porch hoping I would see any of them- To no avail.
I parked my car again and put my head in my hands. I felt lost and felt an intense dread wash over me as the time passed and the sky went black- stars appearing at the horizon and the moon shining bright in the distance, hovering above the city lights.
I didn't know what I would do if I would fail and something would happen to her- but I knew that I would blame myself.
My first thought was that I was going to ask Carlisle to turn me into a vampire and decided on my first victims.
I clenched my fists- grasping the steering wheel tightly. I didn't know any of the thugs that were going to attack her, nor didn't they do anything yet. But I wanted them dead.
I never understood why Edward felt guilty about his vigilante days- his acts made the world a better and safer place. The Cullens hunted innocent animals, but the true animals were out there walking on the streets, hiding their sickening thoughts from the outer world- and these animals weren't innocent. In fact they looked like us. If only they would hunt these people instead it would be a win-win for everyone.
I wasn't a vampire nor did I know if I ever was going to be one but my path was clear.
Scum like this deserved to get rid of- predators hunted by a predator.
Perhaps being a vampire didn't sound so bad in hindsight.
I snapped out of my thoughts when I saw two familiar girls walk across the street. My heartbeat increased as I got out and ran towards them. They turned around, shock and surprise on their faces.
"Adam?" Jessica said "What are you doing here?"
"I'm looking for Bella" I said
They giggled as they looked at each other "Bella isn't with us, she told us to wait at the dining place while she went to the book store" Jessica continued.
"You let her go to the bookstore alone?" I asked with a condescending tone
I didn't mean to snap at them but the stress was getting to me. Perhaps a part of me was judging them harshly- because they let their friend who's a young girl walk the streets alone at night, not thinking a second about the dangerous implications of that situation.
As her friends they should've gone with her, making sure she's safe. I put the blame on Jessica for this.
They swallowed "Is there something wrong?" Angela asked as she frowned, her voice sounded worried and was shaking a bit from the tone in my voice.
"I'm sorry" I said "I just don't think she should walk alone at night.. we all know it can be a dangerous place for women out there"
"We didn't really think about that" Jessica laughed nervously- I glared at her and she dropped her smile.
I sighed. I was over this conversation already.
"How about I give you guys a drive to the restaurant and you tell me where she was headed"
"You would do that?" Angela asked
I nodded "Of course. Like I said the streets aren't safe at this time of the day- I think I saw a few creeps staring before"
They hesitated for a moment "Sure" Angela said as she smiled at me. At least she was nice.
We stopped in front of a small, cozy place that had a black roof with 'Bella Italia' written on it in huge red letters. There were warm orange lights shining on the inside.
A young couple came walking out, the man holding the door for the woman before they locked arms. They were dressed nicely and had a smile on their face- I assumed they were on a date.
"So I'll go find Bella and pick her up, you guys can go inside and order if you want"
They smiled and thanked me for the ride then got inside the restaurant.
I drove down the street, asking another person where I could find a mythical bookstore as I assumed that was where she was going.
They told me there was one nearby but that I should hurry up as it was closing soon. I went to the place they directed me- a small store that had all kinds of crystals and various type of objects and artefacts of different religions and cultures at the store window. I had a gut feeling that she had been here.
I went inside and saw a large, eccentric man stand behind the counter.
"Excuse me" I said as I leaned on the counter and he looked up from the book he was reading "Did you see a girl come in here?"
"I've seen plenty of girls come in here" he said "But the last one had some interesting questions about some books she was looking for"
My interest was piqued immediately
"What did she ask?"
"Yeah. She was asking about some books- about mind reading and time travelling I believe. it seemed she had genuine interest in the subject"
That had to be Bella trying to figure out the mystery about me. I felt guilty. If I had just told her the truth then she wouldn't have to be here.. alone.
"Sir, you don't happen to know where I can get a gun do you?" I asked, with clear desperation in my voice.
"A gun?" He frowned "How old are you?"
"21" I lied
"Do you have identification to prove that?"
I shook my head
He stared at me in disbelief "You don't look 21. They probably won't let you buy one"
I remembered Carlisle had left a purse with a huge amount of money in the storage compartment of the car and got an idea.
"What if I told you I had a lot of money?"
He suddenly looked interested "You do?"
"Yeah, the benefit of having rich parents" I smiled
He breathed through his nose looking behind him before looking back at me, the frown returning to his face.
"What does a kid your age need a gun for?" He asked
"Self defence" I didn't lie. I wasn't planning to kill anyone but I had no idea where all of this was leading me. I'd better be prepared.
"Follow me" he said and lead me to the back of his store.
I looked around as we were standing in a storage with multiple boxes.
"So the whole book store is just a front for gun trade?" I asked. He looked up at me curiously while he searched through some boxes.
"I'd ask if you're a cop but you look a bit young for that too" he said then pulled out a handgun.
"Do you know what this is?" He asked, as he held the gun in his hand, showing it off.
It looked like a standard black handgun, my knowledge about guns expanded far enough to know what it was called.
"Uh.. I don't know anything about guns" I paused "I think it's called a Glock"
Guns were never something that interested me- in fact I opposed the public use of them and had never even used or held one.
He looked at me for a moment and nodded "It's a Glock 19" he explained "Should be easy enough to handle for a newbie like you"
"Right"
"So I suppose you never used a gun either?" He asked and I shook my head.
He quickly explained to me how to hold the gun and aim to prevent recoil and backfire, then demonstrated how to pull the trigger. The process was easy enough to understand.
"Do you want to shoot and try it out?"
As tempting as that sounded I was getting restless and time was running out so I shook my head.
"I don't have any time" I said in a hurried voice "I'm not planning to use it anyway"
"Well it's your funeral" he laughed "So.. the money"
"I'll be back soon" I said and hurried outside to get the purse then got back and paid him a ridiculous amount of money- I hope Carlisle wasn't to kill me after this.
"Do you know if there's an industrial area nearby?" I asked him as I tucked the gun in the back of my pants.
He gave me an suspicious glare "Dude, if I'm helping you kill someone I want nothing to do with that"
"I'm not killing someone" I said as I took a deep breath "The girl I asked you about before, she might be in danger"
He was quiet for a minute then I saw his expression soften.
"Look" he said, taking a deep breath "There's this group of unclean looking thugs that is always hanging around at this place. I've heard they've been harassing women but no one here dares to say anything about it"
"Why don't the cops stop them?"
"Huh" he scoffed "They've been in jail more times than I can count but sometimes the law is a failure kid" he sounded frustrated as he said this. "Part of the reason why I decided to sell guns"
"Is one of them called Lanny?" I asked
He stared at me "What's your business with Lanny?"
"Do you know him?"
"Yeah" he said "He's one of my regular customers"
"Where's the place?" I asked but it sounded as a demand.
He swallowed but then told me where to find them.
"Well next time if you'll ever see Lanny again, you tell him he messed with the wrong person this time"
I walked away and opened the door but then I heard a voice call me.
"Hey kid" the man said as he leaned on his counter.
I turned around to look at him.
"You stay safe alright? These people are not to be messed with" he paused as he looked at me with an sincere look in his eyes "And you do what you have to do"
I nodded and ran back to my car. I got in and hit the gas.
I drifted around a corner to an empty, dark industrial area and drove on the road in high speed when I saw a few guys stand in the distance, cornering around a girl and laughing while having their hands on her, tugging on her and pushing her around- as I got closer I recognised it was Bella.
I accelerated the car, hitting one of them - but hitting the brakes just in time. I hit them hard enough to make them clash with the front of my car and fall back onto the ground.
I got out, pulling the gun out of my pants and aiming it at them.
"Back off" I demanded, aiming my gun at the person who hadn't backed off from my car and still had his hands on her.
They all took a step backwards and pulled up their hands in surrender when they noticed my gun. I saw the fear behind their eyes- perhaps they weren't so tough after all.
Bella stood frozen, staring at me as her eyes glanced over to my gun.
"What the fuck dude" one of them shouted
"Hey chill" another one said
"Get in the car" I said and Bella immediately did as I told, running to my car and closing the door behind her.
Relief washed over me- Bella was safe which was my priority. Now my concern was dealing with these monsters.
"Which one of you is Lanny?" I asked
"I am" a man with neck tattoos and short black hair stepped forward and stood in front of the group- he was the only one who didn't appear to be threatened by my gun. Definitely the leader.
"What's your deal with my gang?"
Burning anger boiled inside of me as I looked at his face- imagining his deeds and what he did to all those innocent women and the thought that Bella was about to be one of his victims.
I pulled down the safety lever and he laughed looking back at his group.
"This high schooler thinks he's about to shoot me" they all laughed with him synchronously like a herd of sheep following its herder.
"I can see how you're shaking. You're too much of a pussy to actually do it" he threatened.
His voice and threat only pissed me off more and I pulled my finger on the trigger- I wanted to kill him- he deserved to die.
I was close to pulling it but suddenly I remembered Bella was still sitting in the car watching all of this unfold. Thinking about her calmed me down and I slowly moved my finger away.
I swallowed "If you ever do something like this again, you're dead" I threatened- knowing in the back of my head that they were dead already. They had just made their own death bed.
I slowly backed away, keeping my gun pointed at them as I got back into the car, slamming the door.
I sat there scanning their faces for a moment then I accelerated making them back up and fly across the street before turning around and driving away.
My heart was pounding fast and I was still overwhelmed with adrenaline as I tried to keep my eyes on the road and my mind to where I was going. I clenched the steering wheel- it took every bit of my self control not to go back and shoot them.
I glanced at Bella next to me, she was breathing heavily and was still in shock from what had happened- her face pale.
I put the gun into the storage compartment and closed it.
"Put on your seatbelt" I said
She fastened her seatbelt, still lost for words. She opened her mouth a few times but nothing came out.
She swallowed "H- how- why do you have a gun" she stammered
"Illegal gun trade" I paused "Um- the bookstore you went to is kind of a front for that purpose" I explained.
"But why" she swallowed again, it sounded as if she was hyperventilating "How did you know I was in danger?"
"I promise I'll explain everything" I said "After I get you some dinner" I smiled at her slightly. Ive never felt more relieved in my life than seeing this girl sit next to me, safe and healthy.
We continued to drive in silence and I pulled up to 'Bella Italia' before turning off the engine. I breathed in and out slowly.
"Are you okay?" She asked
"No" I admitted "All of this is bringing out the worst parts of me"
She looked down at her hands "I've never seen you like that" she said quietly
"I wanted to kill him" I said.
It was quiet for a moment.
"Oh" she said and swallowed.
"Are you okay?" I asked as I looked at her, a worried tone in my voice. She was still shaking and I caressed her hair.
"Yes" she said, her voice weak and shaking slightly.
I leaned in and pressed a kiss on her cheek then saw her face began to get colour again, her cheeks warming up and her breath slowing.
I nestled my head in the crook of her neck, calming down from her warmth.
"I'm so glad you're okay" I breathed
"Thank you" she whispered and caressed her face against mine, running her hand through my hair.
I sat in silence for a moment in the comfort of her warmth and presence.
I pulled back, brushing her hair away from her face.
"Let's get you something to eat okay?" I asked
She glanced at the restaurant and sighed "Jessica and Angela will be worried" she paused "I was supposed to meet them here"
I nodded "I know. I came across them and told them I was going to pick you up. They're probably waiting for us if they haven't left already"
She took deep breath as she locked her eyes with mine "So how did you-"
I got out and walked to her side, opening the door for her. She unlocked her seatbelt then got out and stood by my side. I closed it as we walked together to the restaurant.
Jessica and Angela came walking out just as we arrived.
"Hey guys" Bella said, biting her bottom lip.
"Where have you been?" Jessica asked her eyes glancing from mine to hers.
"I got lost" she said "And then I ran into Adam.."
"Yeah he told us he was going to pick you up but you were gone a long time" Jessica added as she gave us an suspicious look.
"Um, actually, Bella, we already ate while we were waiting- sorry," Angela said as she smiled slightly.
"That's fine. I'm not hungry." she shrugged.
I pressed my lips together "Do you guys mind if I get Bella something to eat and bring her home tonight? We have some things to discuss" I looked at Bella for a moment before looking back at them.
"Sure..no problem" Jessica said as she bit her lip, her eyes glanced over to Bella and a smile appeared on her face
"Are you guys going to be alright?" I asked them
"Yeah, we will be. Right Jessica?" Angela said as she nudged Jessica's side with her elbow.
Jessica smile widened "Yeah totally"
"Where's your car parked?" I asked them
"It's just two streets away from here we'll be fine" Jessica responded her eyes glancing over to see Bella's reaction.
"Okay" Angela said "See you tomorrow guys" she grabbed Jessica's hand pulling her away. They waved at Bella and she waved back at them, then she turned to me after they disappeared around the corner.
She sighed "Honestly.. i'm not hungry"
"Well.. I kind of have a lot to explain to you" I sighed "Have you already eaten something today?"
She shook her head as she looked down "No"
"Then I do think you should eat something" I said, my voice and expression worried.
She played with her hair as she looked down and sighed.
"How about this.. you'll eat and I will show you something cool"
She looked up at me, a sudden interest behind her chocolate brown eyes.
"What will you show me?"
"You'll see" I smiled.
I opened the door of the restaurant for her but stopped and stood frozen as I stared across the street. I saw a silver car drive away from a parking spot and disappear around a corner- perhaps I was getting crazy and was imagining things at this point.
"What's wrong?" Bella asked as she looked up at me
"Nothing..I thought I saw something" I said as I smiled at her. She walked through the door that I held open for her and we got inside of the warm and cozy restaurant- it wasn't as crowded anymore at this time.
A female host with long blonde hair welcomed us.
I smiled at her "A table for two please" I grabbed the purse from my back pocket and handed her a tip "Preferably somewhere secluded.. and romantic" I continued.
I was enjoying having and spending money way too much.
She grabbed the tip from me then looked back into my eyes "Sure" she smiled and led us around a corner, to a diner table with a corner seating and warm lightning- on top of the table were a few burning candles. The whole area was empty.
"How about this?" The woman asked
"That's perfect. Thank you" I said as I smiled at her.
"Your server will be right out" she replied and walked away.
Bella sat down and I sat across from her, leaning my arms on the table.
I now noticed she wasn't wearing a jacket.
"Didn't you take a jacket with you today?" I asked
"Yes" she said as I saw her search the empty bench "Oh. I left it in Jessica's car"
"Aren't you cold wearing that?" I paused, referring to the blue blouse she was wearing "It's Washington state after all"
She shrugged and shivered "a little bit"
Without hesitation I stood up removing my black jacket and wrapping it around her
"T-thank you" she blushed.
I pressed a kiss on top of her head and sat back on my seat. She pulled on my jacket, it was a bit too big and oversized for her. I smiled as I reached my hand across the table to grab hers, brushing my thumb along her fingers.
"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked
"I'm fine" she replied as she smiled at me.
"It's okay if you're not, you just went through something traumatising so it's normal to have a reaction to that"
"I don't think that will happen," she took a deep breath "I've always been very good at repressing unpleasant things."
"You're strong and I admire that about you" I paused "But you don't have to be all the time, it's okay if you want to cry and let out your feelings sometimes- I'm here for you" I said as I smiled warmly at her.
She was quiet for a moment as she looked at our hands together "Can you come sit with me?" She asked.
I shove towards her on the bench and she snuggled against me, leaning her head against my shoulder. I wrapped my arm around her and played with her fingers on top of the table with my other hand.
"I feel safe with you" she confessed, almost whispering.
"I'm glad you do" I said as I looked down at her pressing a kiss against her head, before leaving a trail of kisses along her face. She giggled then suddenly her lips found mine, she moved her hand away from the table to hold my face, kissing me slowly. I forgot everything around me for a moment, completely losing myself in the sensation of her lips- butterflies dancing in my stomach again.
Suddenly I heard someone clear their throat and moved away to see a girl standing at our table- she had short black hair and was biting her lip while trying to look away from us awkwardly. Bella's cheeks flushed and she put her hands in front of her face, burying her head in my chest to hide from the situation.
I laughed awkwardly, biting my lip.
"Sorry about that" I said to the girl.
"It's fine" She smiled warmly.
"My name is Amber, and I'll be your server tonight. What can I get you to drink?"
I poked Bella's side.
"A coke is fine?" she whispered into her hands
"Two cokes please" I smiled at the server
"I'll be right back with that" She smiled and walked away as fast as possible.
Bella sat up, leaning back against the bench while still holding her hands in front of her face.
"She's gone. You can look now" I laughed.
She peeked through her fingers then slowly removed the hands from her face, resting them on the table- her face still red. She bit her bottom lip nervously.
"That was-"
"Awkward" I finished the sentence and she nodded.
"If you're this cute you risk me wanting to kiss you all the time" I said as I smiled at her.
The blush in her cheeks deepened and she tried to look frustrated, letting out an exaggerated sigh "Stop" she said "You're distracting me"
"From what?" I asked as I stared at her and my smile widened
She groaned and leaned her elbow on the table, putting her hand between us so she couldn't look at me.
"We need to talk" she said.
"And we can't talk while you look at me?" I chuckled
"Not if you're staring at me. It's distracting and makes me lose thought again"
"I'm sorry" I bit my lip trying to contain my smile and have a serious expression on my face. I took a deep breath.
It was so easy to get lost in the moment with her.
"What do you want to know?" I asked, my voice serious.
She removed her hand, putting them between her lap.
"How did you know where I was?"
"Your dad told me you were in Port Angeles"
"That's not what I mean Adam. How did you know where I was- exactly. You knew I was in danger somehow"
I swallowed.
"You told me your family are vampires, what is possibly so bad about you that you can't tell me?"
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath then opened them to meet her curious eyes.
"Can I show you something?" I asked
She nodded
I grabbed the menu and handed it to her, she looked at it for a moment before locking eyes with me again.
"Is this your attempt to distract me again?"
I chuckled "No, it's the thing I wanted to show you" I paused licking my lips "My um.. superpower"
She looked intrigued instantly and grabbed the menu from me then sighed.
"What do I do with it?" She asked looking up at me for a second before scanning the menu again.
I shove away from her, back to where I sat previously.
"You decide what you want to order and then when the waitress comes back- don't order"
She frowned at me, a puzzled expression on her face- her brown eyes curious.
"Why?"
"As I said.. you'll see" I smirked.
She stared at me for a moment then decided to play along and look through the menu. I was looking at her intensely.
She took a breath "Alright I have decided" she said before putting the menu back on the table.
She waitress came back with two large glasses of coke and a basket of breadsticks before placing them on the table in front of us.
"Are you ready to order?" She asked looking at both of us.
Bella was staring at me, biting her lip and waiting for the order. I turned back to the waitress and smiled.
"Two mushroom ravioli please" I told her.
She smiled at us and left again.
I looked back at Bella to see she was still staring at me- an unreadable expression on her face. She opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something but closed it again- she licked her lips and swallowed.
"How did you know that's what I wanted to order?" She asked.
"Magic trick" I chuckled and we sat in silence for a moment as she looked at the glass of coke on the table- lost in thought.
"Do you want to know something even scarier?" I asked her.
She nodded as she looked up at me "Yes"
"I know you're very thirsty and should probably drink both of these" I said referring to the glasses of coke.
She took a deep breath "Okay now I'm really confused" she swallowed "I mean looking into the future is one thing- or happening to know where someone is at exactly the right time but you can tell how I'm feeling too?"
I nodded and sighed "Trust me. I wish I didn't either"
"H- how.. what" she swallowed and shook her head.
"Either way, you should drink something" I said.
She grabbed one of the glasses and started drinking it- I wasn't lying she was insanely thirsty and drank the cold soda all at once before putting the empty glass back on the table and wiping her mouth with the sleeve of my jacket, blushing a little as she looked at me.
"See, you were thirsty" I chuckled
"I'm still thristy" she muttered as I pushed the second glass towards her.
"Thanks" she said and started sipping from the glass.
I smiled at her and her cheeks flushed.
"You're not a vampire, so what are you?" She asked, staring at me intensely.
"I'm human"
"You know exactly when things happen and where. Like you can predict the future" She shook her head, still holding onto her glass.
"Have you ever heard of Deja vu?" I asked her.
She nodded "It's a feeling of already having experienced a situation" she explained- recollecting her thoughts for a moment.
"So is that it- you've already been in this situation like a time traveler.. or something"
"Yes and no" I laughed.
It was silent for a moment as she sipped her Coke.
"Before I say anything, I'm curious to hear what your theory is"
"It's stupid" she blushed.
"I doubt that. You're more intuitive and observant than you give yourself credit for"
"I thought maybe you have some kind of superpower, like you can read minds or something"
"Trust me, I wish that was true" I said before pausing briefly "unfortunately reality is a bit more.. lame"
"So, what is reality?"
"What if I told you I'm from another world"
"Like an alien?"
I couldn't help but laugh at her assumption but also knowing she wasn't completely on the wrong track, I was kind of like an alien in her world.
"I'm wrong, aren't I?" She asked, her cheeks flushing.
"Yes, but it's endearing" I smiled at her.
The waitress returned with our food- it looked delicious.
"Thank you" I smiled at her and she told us to enjoy our meal before walking away again.
"You'll eat and I'll explain" I told her as I unfolded my own fork. She did as I said and propped a mushroom into a mouth, chewing on it silently. I started eating as well.
"Imagine there are multiple universes, or dimensions. You live in this one and I come from another."
"How is that possible?"
"I don't know" I said "Either way in this world where I'm from the people from your world are characters in a romance novel called Twilight"
She stared at me in disbelief.
"And you Bella, are the main character in this book. That's why I knew everything that was about to happen"
She stared at her food for a long time, trying to process what I just told her.
"That can't be true" she finally said
"I know, it's an insane thing to believe, I thought this was all a dream myself"
"I mean I couldn't possibly be the main character in anything. I'm too boring"
"You'd find the general consensus is divided on that" I paused "I happen to find you intriguing"
"You said it's a romance novel. What does that mean?"
I closed my eyes and stopped eating- taking a deep breath. I swirled my fork around in my food suddenly feeling nervous.
"Well" I said "This is the part where I screw everything up"
"What do you mean?"
"You're supposed to be here with Edward- finding out he's a vampire"
She stared at me, the shock was visible on her face.
"Edward?"
I nodded.
She looked at her food then back at me "I don't understand"
"Remember the first day we met- when we saw each other in the cafeteria" I continued
I saw a smile appear on her face "I remember"
"Well" I paused "The chapter is called First Sight" I rolled my eyes.
"The chapter of the book about..me?" She asked
I nodded "Either way I wasn't supposed to be there. Edward was"
I licked my lips.
"You were supposed to see him that day and then everything else would develop naturally.. he would avoid you for a few weeks " I rolled my eyes again, shaking my head "But then the next time you would talk to him was that one day at biology when we were studying onion roots"
She wasn't eating anymore. Just staring and listening attentively.
"Before I continue I should add that vampires have gifts and Edward's is that he can read mind- every mind except for yours" I said.
She frowned "Is there a reason for that?"
"Yes.. but it isn't exclusive to his power but no vampire powers effect you"
"Why?" She asked "Is there something wrong with me?"
I chuckled "There's a reason I find you intriguing"
She bit her lip and looked back at her food.
"You should eat" I said, the worry returning in my voice
"I'm not hungry anymore" she said still looking at her food.
"Please?" I pleaded.
She sighed and continued to eat.
"Continue" she said.
I was pleased and continued my story.
"So you remember what happened that day after biology class right?" I asked
She nodded "I almost got crushed by that van" then looked up at me as if she had a sudden realisation.
"So that's how you knew, you read about it" She confirmed
"Yes" I said
"What would happen if you weren't there?" She asked
"Right" I said "So all these times I've saved you.. the van and now here in Port Angeles" I paused "And perhaps saving you from fainting in class if you want to count that one" I laughed "All these times it should have been Edward"
I took a breath, examining her reaction.
"All of those times except for the fainting.. that's something that would happen in-"
"In canon" she said.
I was intrigued.
"Canon?" I asked
"Yeah. Like the book you've read is canon. At least in your world and you've been creating an alternate universe since you arrived here"
"Right" I chuckled "I forgot you read a lot of books"
"But canon never happened" she said "Not for me"
I shook my head "No it didn't" I paused closing my eyes as I ran my hand through my hair "And you have to realise I have no idea what the consequences for that will be- I don't have actual superpowers beyond what I know"
She took another bite of her food, chewing as she looked at me.
"So Edward saved me with his vampire powers I assume" she said and I nodded.
"Yes"
I finished my food and noticed the time- it was closing time soon.
"You should probably finish your food so I can bring you home. I'll tell you the rest in the car"
"You promise?" She pouted
"Yes" I promised "Anything you want to know- I won't hide something from you anymore"
She smiled and happily ate the rest of her food.
I stared at her as she ate and drank the rest of the Coke with a smile on my face. I noticed her blushing.
"What?"
"Nothing I just like watching you eat"
"So first you watch me sleep and now you're watching me eat too"
I laughed "Well the first thing wasn't intentional.. that would be insanely weird and creepy"
She shrugged "I guess"
"You're not phased by it?"
"I am" she said "Because I talk in my sleep"
I stared at her for a moment
"I'm so puzzled by how your brain works sometimes" I paused "But in a fascinating way" I chuckled
Her blush deepened as she ate the rest of her food and when she was finished we thanked the server for the delicious food and I paid. Then we left and entered the pouring rain. I was cold and getting drenched because I was only wearing a T-shirt. I shivered.
"Do you want your jacket back?" Bella asked.
I shook my head "You keep it. I don't want you getting sick"
"I don't want you getting sick either"
"You're more important to me" I smiled at her then her cheeks lightened up and she closed the zipper, pulling the hood over her head. We ran fast to my car and got inside. It was warm and cozy inside of the car, the rain clattering on top of it.
We fastened our seatbelts then I turned on the engine and windshield wipers before I drove back to Forks- heading to Charlie's house.
I glanced at her all cuddled up into my jacket and leaning to stare out of the hazy window.
"You look good in my jacket" I smiled.
She blushed as she looked at me "Thanks"
We drove in silence for a moment, I'd sometimes look at her and smile.
"What?" She asked
"Being with you makes me happy" I muttered
Her smile widened "So do you want to continue the story?"
I nodded "There's something you should know about him"
She looked at me curiously.
"The reason why Edward was initially interested in you is because your mind is the only one he can't read. But on top of that-" I paused a feeling of dread filling my body "You're his blood singer"
"What does that mean?" She asked
"A blood singer is someone whose blood sings to a vampire hence the name. Basically it's someone they can't resist"
"To eat" she whispered and swallowed, I saw the fear return behind her eyes.
"But why?" She asked "If my blood is irresistible to him "Why didn't he.." she trailed off.
"Why didn't he eat you?"
"Yes"
"He wanted to, the first time you met. But I think he developed some infatuation or obsession with you because he couldn't read your mind" I paused "Like you were some kind of mystery to him and that was intriguing, but I don't think he expected to fall in love"
"So why did I-" she stopped talking
"Fall in love with him?"
She nodded, staring out of the window to the pouring rain and trees that passed us.
"Same reason" I said "Initially it was the mystery of what he was but-" I stopped myself in my tracks and paused for a moment "Actually vampires are supposed to be alluring to people, like they're insanely attractive so it lures in prey, so now I'm wondering if that had anything to do with it"
She looked down for a long moment as if she was lost in thought.
"I saw him"
"You saw him?"
"On my first day. He was talking to the receptionist- I think he was saying that he wanted to transfer to a school in Alaska"
If Edward was in Alaska then he couldn't possibly be the one who was following me, or even worse trying to kill me .
Unless he was back without letting anyone know about his arrival- and that could've been nothing but bad news. I was growingly getting worried that I wasn't the only one he'd been stalking and my body burned in anger as I thought about it.
I imagined him standing in her room- watching her sleep while thinking about her blood or worse- something inappropriate.
Suddenly I remembered how I felt with the thugs that attacked Bella and all of it came rushing back to me but focused on Edward Cullen.
"I think I've seen him around. Or his car at least"
"Edward?" She asked
"Yes" I paused "I think a silver car has been following me and even trying to kill me"
I saw Bella was genuinely scared as she was lost in thought "When I saw him his eyes were coal black.. he only looked at me for a second but they were full of hate and I was genuinely scared for my life at that moment"
"Their eyes are black when they haven't been feeding- otherwise they're red or golden" I told her.
I thought about Edward possibly hurting her and draining her of her blood and I grasped the wheel tightly at the images.
"I won't let anything happen to you Bella, I promise"
She smiled slightly, her cheeks colouring a faint pink.
"So how did you end up here?" She asked, her chocolate brown eyes full of curiousity.
"I don't know" I paused for a moment trying my hardest to remember my last memories before the hospital.
"I think I was getting ready for work, or driving to work. And then the next thing I remember I woke up in Carlisle's hospital"
"What did you work as?"
"I was a psychologist"
She paused for a long moment
"How old were you?"
"I was in my 20's"
"How old exactly?"
"26"
"Wow" she said after a moment as she swallowed.
"Is this what you looked like?"
"I don't know. I thought I did but then I don't remember my own face, or those of the people I knew for that matter"
"I'm asking because you look like a teenager"
I nodded "I know, that's how people have been reacting to me"
I paused "Don't you think my soul is too old for you to date?" I joked but my face showed it was a serious question.
She shrugged and looked out of the window "It doesn't matter to me"
I sighed in frustration "Nothing matters to you Bella- I think that's why you're in danger all the time" my voice sounded angrier than I intended.
"Are you angry?" She asked
"No it's just-" I sighed "I'm scared something will happen to you"
It was quiet for a moment, except for the loud rain that was pouring on the highway and clattering on the windows of my car.
"So do.. you think you're too old to be with me" she asked quietly as she looked down at her hands.
"Normally" I said "But with us being from two different worlds and times..it's confusing"
"You're from a different time as well?"
I nodded "I lived in 2023" I paused as I chuckled "It's crazy but I was like 8 or 9 in 2005 and in middle school"
She looked out of the window for a moment then looked back at me "I kind of had a theory about that" she blushed
"Another one?" I smiled at her "Does this one also involve aliens?"
Her blush deepened "No" she said "But I thought maybe you were a time traveler, so that would explain how you knew the future and talk as if you're older"
I chuckled "I mean you're not wrong. I am kind of a time traveler"
"Doesn't that mean I'm technically 9 years older than you?" She asked.
"Well you're born in 1987, so yes. You're technically older than me" I laughed.
"That's weird"
"Also we're both Virgos" I told her
"You're born in September as well?"
I nodded "A few days after your birthday, just years later"
"Hmm" she said "Maybe we're meant to be" her cheeks flushed as she said that.
I felt butterflies and agony at the same time- something I would never thought was possible.
"Maybe" I said quietly.
"So would you date me if I existed in your world, as a 35 year old woman?" She asked, smiling.
"Yes. Without a doubt"
"Maybe you shouldn't be dating such an old woman" she blushed.
I laughed "For one that's not old.. but the reason why I say yes is because it's you"
I saw her smile widen.
I smiled as I paused "Maybe I would even date you as an old woman"
She laughed and scrunched her nose "Ew"
I arrived at her house, and stopped in front of it.
I knew I had to leave her again soon, the worst part of my new life. Nothing hurt more than missing her- it was as if all the agony I felt about being away from home was replaced with this one feeling.
"What else do you know about me?" She asked, snapping me out of my painful thoughts.
"I know everything" I admitted "Everything you told me about your parents, your interests, likes and dislikes. How you never felt like you belonged and how much you hate Forks and the constant rain in Washington, but how much you love the sun and blistering heat of Phoenix and looking out to the open blue sky." I took a deep breath "You miss your old life, your mother above all but despite that you chose to have a life you hate, a life that made you depressed just by thinking about it so that she could be happy because that's how much you love her and the people you care about"
I paused, she wiped her tears away with her sleeve but was still listening attentively.
"She was never there for you the way a mother should been there for her child, but you took care of her nonetheless, to make sure she had food on the table, a roof above her head and gas inside of her car and most importantly that she would never stop being happy" I smiled "But all of that comes with a cost.. your own happiness"
"What else do you know" she sniffled as she looked at me with tearful eyes.
I wiped her tears away "Well on a lighthearted note.. I know how much you love books but how much you hate blood and everything that is cold in wet, in no particular order" I chuckled and she smiled a bit.
"Also your favourite colour is brown but sometimes it's topaz because it's the colour of Edward's eyes.. well not sure how true that one is anymore"
"It's not, topaz isn't my favourite colour at all" she said as she looked down
"It's not?"
"No but it is brown" she said as her cheeks flushed
I smiled widely as I stared at her, resisting myself from kissing her all over.
"What's your favourite colour?" She asked
"Honey pool brown and crimson red"
"Why?" She asked "Those are very specific colours"
"Because those are the colours of your eyes in the sun and cheeks when you blush and I fell in love with them" I smiled
She put her hands in front of her face
"Are you okay?" I laughed
"I don't handle compliments well"
I shook my head "You should've taken drama class" I teased her
"Do you know what I want my future career to be?" She asked
"You want to be a teacher" I said
She sighed, dropping her hands.
"Is there more?"
"Well..again how you're supposed to be with Edward"
"You know from all the things you said and know that's the only thing that doesn't make sense to me" she sighed.
"I'll admit despite knowing everything about you, you have proven to be quite unpredictable" I paused "But I don't know what will happen if you're not.. with Edward" I took a deep breath "Because it's the only way I know you'll be happy"
"I am happy" She whispered.
There was a silence as I stared into her eyes, listening to the drizzling rain.
"And you asked all these things about my life despite knowing all of it already?"
"I wanted to hear you talk about it and pretend I didn't know, so I could get to know you in a natural way"
"Why would you do that?"
"Because they're important to you and I love the way your face glows when you talk about them" I paused "And also because I care about you" I sighed "And that scares me"
What was it about this girl that made every man in this world smitten? Was she just written that way? Or was it because deep inside she had qualities that I admired and I connected with her on a spiritual level.
Part of me was glad that Edward disappeared that day and a small part of me wished he'd never come back. Because if he didn't leave then she would've fallen in love with him as she was supposed to and we wouldn't be as close as we were- I wouldn't have felt the happiness I felt when I looked into her eyes and see her cheeks light up when she laughed. I wouldn't feel warm inside whenever when talked, or feel the way my heart raced when she touched me.. when she kissed me.
But a bigger part of me, the part that loved her wished he would come back because it was incredibly selfish of me to want her for myself when I couldn't give her an ounce of the happiness he could
"You don't know this now but he's everything you ever wished for. You love him, to the point of obsession even"
I paused "And lets face it, I hate to admit it but he's kind of perfect in every way"
"Do you think that maybe you interfered with fate, being here?" She asked
"I know for sure that I did.. Edward is your soulmate" I said, my heart breaking at my own words. "And most importantly" I continued "I don't know if you not being with Edward means you're in danger or I'm risking your happiness" I paused closing my eyes, feeling the tears well up in them "And I can't live with that"
She sighed deeply, unlocked her seatbelt and kneeled on her seat, turning towards me sideways.
"Whatever you think is supposed to happen between me and Edward, It's too late. I already have feelings for someone else" she said quietly as she played with a strand of her hair and looked down.
"Bella.." I opened my eyes to look at her. I was speechless for once "I'm just human, I can't give you what you want" I swallowed "I know you want to be a vampire"
"I want you"'
My heart skipped a beat.
"I don't deserve you.." I said as my heart ached again.
She swallowed, leaning closer to me.
"Will you just shut up and kiss me?" She whispered
I held the side of her face, brushing her cheek softly with my thumb then I leaned in and kissed her lips. Slowly at first- but as my heartbeat increased I pushed my lips deeper on hers, she ran her hand through my hair, pulling me closer.
The intensity of our kiss increased as I kissed her with all the passion I felt for her inside of my body.
By the time I slowly leaned back my warm breath was resting heavily on her lips and looked into her eyes, tucking a loose hair behind her ear.
"I love you"
She was quiet for a moment, her brown eyes searching mine.
"I love you" she whispered and nestled her head in the crook of my neck.
"Why don't we rewrite the stars.." I whispered
"Huh?" She said as she tucked her hair behind her ear, staring intensely into my eyes.
"It's a song that didn't exist yet in 2005" I laughed "I think it describes us perfectly"
She laughed and snuggled up to me again.
I closed my eyes, playing with her hair. I felt stupid I had fallen in love with a fictional character but then she wasn't- she was sitting right there and I could feel her warmth radiating.
I opened my eyes letting out a long sigh.
"Maybe you should go inside" I said "Charlie is probably worried"
"When will I see you again?" She asked, sadness in her voice.
"Tomorrow at school" I said and paused "Are you sure you're going to Seattle this weekend?"
She looked up at me and shrugged "I'm not sure, why?"
"Because there's a place I want to take you"
There was a glimmer of excitement in her eyes "What kind of place?"
"It's a surprise" I smiled "But I was wondering if I could take you this Saturday"
"Is this place in the book?" She asked
I nodded "It's where-" I wanted to say it's where she'd fall in love with Edward but I was over it.
"It's your favourite place" I smiled
"I want to go with you" She said as she bit her lip.
"It's a date then" I smiled widely before kissing her cheek.
She looked back up into my eyes and I stared into her reflection for a moment that felt like forever, I glanced at her lips before looking back into her eyes again.
"Goodnight" I said
"Goodnight" she whispered, breathing heavily.
I held her face and leaned in once more kissing her lips softly then she blushed intensely and reluctantly opened her door to get out.
"One more thing.." I said as I leaned over to her
"Yes?"
"You should barricade your bedroom windows"
She stared at me "Why?"
"Just trust me" I said "I asked your dad once so he probably knows what to do"
She chuckled "Okay I'll see what I can do"
"See you tomorrow"
She waved me goodbye walking up to her door, then glanced back at me once more with a smile on her face before getting inside.
I made sure she was safe inside before driving back home.
I was sure at this point that the Twilight universe wasn't my personal hell because I couldn't imagine even heaven felt better than this. When I got home I crossed out my 5th theory that claimed this was my personal hell.
For the first time that night I didn't have a nightmare but dreamt about Bella instead.