Previously:

Victoria tore the girl's jacket from her body, discarding the remnants after grabbing hold of her phone. Glancing at the display, she saw it said "Mom." Victoria cackled, the sound echoing through the still night air. "Sorry, little girl, no more talks with Mommy for you." She crushed the phone in her hand, the pieces crumbling under her grip, and dropped the fragments without once slowing her pace.

Chapter 9: The Screaming Banshee

Renee paced back and forth in her living room, her concern growing as each hour ticked by. Bella hadn't answered her phone last night despite her calling five times. It just wasn't like her. Bella was usually good about keeping in touch, especially on a day like her birthday.

She lifted her phone and rang Bella again, the rhythmic beeping only heightening her unease. She waited, but there was still no answer. Nothing. She quickly dialed Bella's roommate Stacy's number again, the one Bella had given her for emergencies, but Stacy wasn't picking up either.

Last night, Renee had been a little concerned but had rationalized it away, thinking Bella might have gone out to celebrate and maybe left her phone behind or something. She tried to convince herself that her daughter was just enjoying her birthday. But now, as the sun climbed higher and there was still no word, her worry was starting to turn into outright fear.

Renee's eyes darted around the room, searching for some sort of solution. The family photos on the wall, the cozy furniture—none of it offered her any solace. She didn't know what else to do, so she dialed Charlie's direct number at work.

"Chief Swan," came the familiar, gruff voice on the other end.

"Charlie. It's Renee," she answered, her voice trembling slightly. She hadn't talked to Charlie since Bella's graduation, when he had come to see their daughter's big day. The memory felt distant now, overshadowed by her current worry.

"Renee… Hi… What's wrong?" Charlie's voice softened, a note of concern creeping in. He must have heard something in her tone.

"I can't get ahold of Bella. I was hoping that she'd talked with you?" Renee's heart pounded as she spoke, praying she was blowing this out of proportion. She knew she acted rashly sometimes, but this felt different—and she was starting to get truly scared.

"Yes, I talked with her yesterday around 6:00 p.m. her time to wish her a happy birthday. She seemed fine." Charlie's response was measured, his attempt to reassure her only partially successful.

"Well, I called later that night… many times, and she's not picking up. I tried just now and still no answer. I also called her roommate and can't get any answer from her either. I'm worried, Charlie. It isn't like Bella to ignore my calls, especially on a big day like her birthday." Renee's voice cracked with the weight of her worry.

Renee heard Charlie speaking confidently but with care for her feelings. "Renee, you need to understand that Bella is 20 years old now. She's an adult, even if we still think of her as our little girl. She has her own life now, and considering it was her birthday, she probably went out with her friends and had a party or something. I don't like to think about it, but she's probably sleeping one off right now and doesn't want to pick up the phone. Let's give her a little time to call you back before you start worrying yourself sick. Okay?"

Charlie sounded so sure of himself, and what he said made sense. Renee tried to let his words soothe her, but still, something felt wrong in her gut. "Okay, I guess, but please try calling her throughout the day."

"I will, and please, Renee, when you do get ahold of her, call and let me know. Same if you don't hear from her by tomorrow. I want to be kept in the loop. Okay?"

Renee nodded to Charlie's words, then realized he couldn't see her. She cleared her throat and responded, "Okay. I will. Thank you, Charlie." The weight of the conversation hung heavy in the air as she ended the call.

She put the phone down and took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. She walked over to the mantle, where a collection of family photos was displayed. Her eyes lingered on a picture of Bella at her high school graduation, beaming with pride and excitement for the future. She touched the frame gently, her fingers tracing the outline of her daughter's face. "Please be okay, Bella," she whispered, her voice barely audible in the stillness of the room.

Charlie hung up the phone and leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. He was confident that he was right, that Bella had just been out enjoying her birthday and would call her mother back soon. But the doubt started to nag at the back of his mind too. Just in case he was wrong, he needed to be prepared to start making the appropriate calls. He couldn't afford to ignore any possibility, no matter how remote it seemed.

Quickly, he dialed Bella's number, his fingers tapping impatiently as he waited for the call to connect. The phone rang once, twice, three times. Each unanswered ring only furthered his concern. When it finally went to voicemail, he asked her to call him back as soon as she got his message. He told himself that if they didn't hear from her by tomorrow, he would start making those calls.

He stood up, the familiar weight of his badge and gun pressing against his hip, a reminder of the responsibilities he carried. Stepping out of his office, which he always kept open, he called out, "Denise, can you get me the number for the Boston Police Department? I might need it."

Victoria smiled as she watched James dig. Every couple of hours, she commanded him to make the hole just a little bit deeper. He was a good 15 feet down now, his clothes filthy. The sight of his once-pristine attire now caked in dirt pleased her greatly.

She just wished that bitch would stop her incessant screaming. While she initially enjoyed the sound, the constant noise was beginning to grate on her nerves. Night had fallen once again, casting long shadows across the scene, and the girl was only one day into her transformation. Glancing at her writhing form on the ground, Victoria saw no visible changes yet, but it was still early.

Victoria looked forward to the moment when she would finally be able to rip the girl's head off and silence that wailing once and for all. She reached into her pocket, pulling out her lighter, flicking it on and off, watching the flame dance as it cast a warm glow on her face. The flickering light highlighted her anticipation, casting an eerie glow on her twisted smile. Once she held the girl's head, she planned to burn the body while making sure the head watched. She doubted the girl would be able to comprehend what was happening, but she always got a thrill seeing the fire reflect in the eyes of her victims.

Sgt. Gregory was just sitting down for lunch when his phone rang. He heaved a sigh, setting his sandwich down and picking up the receiver. "Gregory," he answered, his voice tinged with mild irritation at the interruption.

He heard a man's voice on the other end. "Sgt. Gregory, my name is Charles Swan. I'm the Police Chief out of Forks, Washington."

Gregory sat up, his curiosity piqued. "Yes, Chief? How can I help you?"

"It's about my daughter. Her name is Isabella Swan. She disappeared two days ago in Boston, and my ex-wife is very worried. I'm starting to get worried too. It's not like Bella at all. I was hoping you could keep an eye out for anything regarding her. I know it's early for a missing person report, but she's my only child. Anything you could do would be appreciated."

Gregory nodded, understanding the concern in the man's voice. He had a teenage daughter himself and could empathize with the fear and anxiety a father must be feeling. "I understand, Chief. Please give me all the details you can regarding your daughter and her last known whereabouts, and I'll put some feelers out. Hopefully, I can get some leads."

Charlie began, even though he was quite worried, he tried to be professional. "She goes by the name Bella. She's a sophomore at Boston University and just turned 20 on the 13th. She's approximately 5'4" with long brunette hair and brown eyes. I spoke with her earlier on the 13th, and everything seemed fine. I talked with her roommate, and she has not seen or heard from Bella either. Her roommate said Bella went out to celebrate alone at a bar called Callihan's in Boston that night, but it seems she never returned to her dorm room. I have your email address, and I will send you a picture of Bella. Maybe the bartender who worked at Callihan's would remember her."

Gregory jotted down all the information. "Alright, I've got all that. Yes, please send the picture. I know Callihan's; it's a popular spot for college students. Now, I've got to say, and I know you won't like hearing it, but the most likely scenario is your daughter met a man at the bar and is otherwise engaged with him right now. You say it was her birthday; does she have a boyfriend?"

"Yes, but her roommate says Bella broke up with him the night before her birthday," Charlie replied. He had spoken at length with David yesterday and was confident that the boy had nothing to do with Bella's disappearance.

Gregory added that to his notes. "That could be another factor for her taking off. A broken heart is a common cause for someone needing some time alone. I'll put some feelers out and contact Callihan's to see if anyone remembers any incident involving someone who matches your daughter's description. But, Chief, I wouldn't be truly concerned just yet. College students are known to do impulsive things like going off without telling anyone."

Charlie sighed, "I know. I tend to agree with you, but I can't just do nothing. Thank you for your help."

"It's my pleasure, Chief. And if your daughter contacts you, please let me know immediately."

"I will. Thank you again, Sergeant."

Another two days had passed, and the girl's screams had not once abated. Victoria stood over her, a smile playing on her lips as she took in the sight of the tortured girl, whose body contorted in countless ways, desperately trying to find a position where it didn't feel like she was in the fiery pits of hell. The agony etched across the girl's now much paler face was currently the only positive aspect of the past few days. James had remained unusually quiet, digging and otherwise stewing behind her. His uncharacteristic behavior was putting her slightly on edge. To add to her issues, the changes in the girl had begun the previous night, as her body underwent the process of perfecting itself. The once exposed bone from her broken leg had healed, and to Victoria's consternation, the changes overall had been significant.

Victoria reluctantly had to admit to herself that the girl was now beyond beautiful, even for a vampire. Her features had become more refined, her skin flawless and luminescent. She had even gained several inches in height and probably now equaled her height, if not even a little taller. These unexpected developments irked Victoria deeply. She had noticed James eyeing the girl a little too longingly on more than one occasion over the past day. A flicker of jealousy had ignited within her, and she had already decided that after she ripped the girl's head off, she would disfigure her before throwing her into that pit. Maybe she'd pluck out an eyeball. James needed to see that she was the only one for him. The thought of disfiguring the girl brought a twisted smile to her face.

Fuck… She chided herself for not thinking of it sooner: she should have had James fuck her in front of the screaming banshee to show that he was hers and certainly not the pitiful creature twisting in front of her. The image of James roughly taking her from behind while the girl screamed in agony played out vividly in her mind. Oh well, maybe next time.

James stood behind Vicky, watching the torment Bella was enduring. The girl's screams were piercing, echoing through the forest, yet all James felt was a deep, bitter regret. He wished he had never met her. When he first caught her scent, he had, of course, been interested. He had first seen her as she exited the subway station, and he had followed her, his intention merely to have a quick meal. Oh, did her blood smell wonderful. But then… something unexpected happened.

As soon as he started talking with her after saving her from that nasty fall, he had become enraptured. Bella's innocence, her warmth, and the way she looked at him had stirred something within him. He wasn't sure if he had ever felt it before, at least never in his life as a vampire. Their time together had been unexpectedly enjoyable. It had to have been for him to have downed that disgusting drink. His intention had been to give Bella the night of her life, a birthday present she would remember fondly to the end of her days. But then, to her misfortune and his, Vicky had found him.

James had hoped to never run into that crazy bitch again, but eternity was a long time, and he had only gotten a two-year reprieve from her madness. He knew he had to leave her after all that bullshit with those wolf creatures. Why she demanded they keep antagonizing them, he had no idea. He had lost his friend Laurent in that debacle. After that, he knew he had to get away, and he thought he had.

He cringed, hearing a particularly loud wail from Bella. Her transformation was almost over, and he dreaded what would come next. As he glanced at her, writhing on the ground, he couldn't help but wish it was Vicky's head destined for the pit. In a fair fight, he knew he would be able to destroy her. But with her sixth sense, she had never been defeated once in her long life. The idea of finally being free of her sadism sent a longing through him that he couldn't deny.

He allowed himself a moment to savor the fantasy. In his mind's eye, he saw Vicky's calculating eyes widen in terror, her smirk vanishing as her sixth sense failed her. He imagined the raw satisfaction of overpowering her, wrenching her head from her body with a savage twist. He saw himself holding her severed head high by her flaming red hair, relishing in the horror on her face before tossing it behind him, hearing it land with a sickening thud at the bottom of the deep pit she had forced him to dig.

His mind wandered further, to a scene where Bella would awaken, free from the torment of her transformation. She would be different—hardened, stronger, and when their eyes met again she would know that he had saved her. Her gratitude would be fierce, primal. The thought of Bella ripping off his clothes while he tore hers, their bodies colliding in a desperate, urgent need. He smiled, at the image of Bella riding him hard and fast...

Looking at Bella, James was struck by the profound changes in her. The already attractive human girl had transformed into maybe the most beautiful vampire he had ever seen. Her features were now ethereal, her skin luminescent, and he couldn't help but notice her body, which had more than perfected itself. He bet she would give even Heidi a run for her money and probably win, given the perpetual sneer on Heidi's face when she wasn't seducing her victims.

The last few hours of Bella's transformation had passed, and as Bella's final minutes before the inevitable ticked closer, James started to feel a little off. He wasn't sure what it was, but the air around him felt different, charged maybe? Almost like it was waiting for something to happen. Bella's screams were relentless as she contorted in pain, her body writhing on the ground. He stood behind Vicky, who sat enthralled, watching her handiwork and probably thinking of all she would do to Bella once the transformation was complete.

James listened to Bella's heartbeat, which was so fast he thought it might fly out of her chest. What was weird, though, was as her heart beat, it felt like the surrounding forest was in tune with it. He started to look around and saw trees swaying slightly back and forth even though there was no wind. They moved almost as if they were alive, responding to some unseen force.

A sense of unease settled over him. What was happening? He looked down suddenly, thinking something had brushed by his leg. An animal, maybe? But when he looked down, nothing was there.

James was starting to get concerned. "Vicky, something's wrong," he spoke behind her, his voice tinged with unease. But she ignored him, her eyes riveted to Bella, who was now on her knees, screaming to the heavens in the last throes of the change.

Suddenly, a massive crack echoed through the forest, drawing James's attention. He spun to his right just in time to see the top half of a massive pine tree toppling to the ground with a thunderous crash. The forest seemed possessed, reacting violently to Bella's transformation.

"This isn't right, Vicky. We should leave now… or… or just end her," James pressed, his voice rising in urgency.

James walked over to Vicky and put his hand on her shoulder to get her attention, but she shook it off, her head turning to look at him. Madness blazed in her eyes. "No, it's almost over. I'll have my head." The gleam in her eyes was deranged. James knew there was no talking her out of anything when she became this way.

James stepped back, deciding whether he should run. As he backed away from Vicky and Bella, he felt some sort of resistance as he moved. He looked down and saw small dirt particles and debris on the ground all slowly moving towards Bella as if she were some sort of giant magnet. The air felt even heavier, and a bolt of lightning thundered in the sky seemingly directly above them, even though it was a beautiful night without a cloud in sight.

That was it. He knew he had to leave. Bella was screaming, her head arched back, and her heartbeat was so fast it sounded almost like one continuous noise. He knew this was it. James screamed to Vicky so he could be heard over Bella's screams. "I'm leaving. You need to come with me. Now!"

Victoria couldn't believe it. How had the man she once loved turned into such a coward? She had half a mind to end him too after dealing with the girl. It was over. The girl's time had come, and James just wouldn't shut up. She turned her head to yell at him, her voice dripping with venom, "Will you shut the..."

Her words died in her throat as something unimaginable happened. James's leg seemed to disintegrate… explode… she didn't know what to call it. His leg turned into hundreds of small chunks and goo that flew backward, leaving him standing there on one leg with a shocked look on his face.

She saw him look down at his missing leg, his eyes wide with disbelief. He looked back up at her, confusion etched across his face. But before he could utter a single word, his body was sliced in half from his right shoulder to his left hip. It was as if an invisible blade had cleaved him in two. His mouth opened, but no sound came out as his top half slid off his lower half and both halves crumpled to the ground in a grotesque heap.

"Nooooo!" Victoria screamed. James had been right. Rage surged through her as she turned to the girl. The girl had to die now. She was still on her knees, screaming to the heavens, and Victoria knew the transformation was at its end. Vengeance drove her forward as she rushed towards the girl, intent on ending her once and for all. Her mind was solely focused on the thought of silencing those screams forever.

As she neared, she heard the girl's heartbeat suddenly stop, and the girl's blood-red eyes snapped open. But with them, fire erupted from the girl's body, completely engulfing her and, to Victoria's dismay, continued exploding outward, incinerating everything and everyone in its path.

Well, damn! Vicky certainly didn't anticipate that! I hope you all enjoyed Bella's transformation. Since Bella had no idea what was happening to her, I felt she should be quite vocal, not like the sleeping beauty Bella we see in some stories (including mine). The story with vampire Bella picks up quickly. Don't worry; she doesn't have a particularly hard newborn year and she will love Bella version 2.0. Now comes the fun of her trying to figure out what she has become. Neither James nor Victoria told her, and she had no idea the supernatural world existed at all. She will have to figure everything out on her own and make her own rules as she goes. Reviews or comments are welcome. Did you guys enjoy "The Screaming Banshee?"