5th chapter

Minna separated herself from the Romanians on their way back to Cullen's. Somewhere in the woods she stopped, her eyes darted up the sky, where some dark clouds gathered. She barely saw the moon above as the first few raindrops poured down on her. It didn't take long until her clothes were soaked completely. She stood still and watched the clouds, a smile on her face as her mind let her relive the day.

Even if she would try to, she couldn't describe how she felt at that moment. As the wind started playing with her hair, she closed her eyes for a moment and sighed deeply. The water on her clothes and skin seemed to fill her up with new life and she was at ease to live in that moment. Minna didn't know how, but she never felt more alive in years.

A silent laugh escaped her mouth as she looked up again. Between two clouds, the moon appeared again. It reminded her of so many other nights, when she sat in a tree and watched the stars. But tonight, was different. She thought about her hunt and usually the guilt would nearly kill her, but tonight she couldn't help but smile. The more she thought about the evening the more relaxed she became and soon she found herself laughing freely. With spread arms, she danced on the muddy ground to the tune of the falling rain, she couldn't contain her pleasure at being wet. Everything felt so right at this very moment. She was all on her own and she was perfectly fine with it. Minna finally realized how good it felt to be alive that night.

The rain slowly stopped and Minna's eyes fixated the moon again. It didn't change, no matter where she was, no matter what happened, no matter how often she declared herself already dead.

But not tonight.

As she was making her way to the Cullen's house slowly, she began to realize, that she finally started to accept who she was. She still didn't fancy being a vampire, she also still believed that she was a pretty bad example of one but she slowly began to adapt to her nature. She couldn't wash away her guilt about the events concerning André and Olga, but maybe tonight she could finally start to move on. She could adapt to her new life and enjoy new possibilities. Maybe everything she needed was someone guiding her, showing her how things could be done and be confident about their actions. Minna might not be old compared to many other of her race, but she suffered enough. She could use her newly gained confidence to explore. Her feelings about other people didn't change, but instead of letting time pass away she could actually enjoy it and discover new things. She could travel and see other countries; she didn't need social skills for something like that. She could do as she pleased.

Minna blinked a few times as she saw the light of the Cullen's house in a short distance, a satisfied smile still on her face.

As soon as Minna got at the porch, she was greeted by Maggie. "Minna, we were worried. You were gone for a whole day", she said and hugged her friend tightly, completely ignoring her wet clothes. "Oh", she said as she pulled back and looked into her eyes. "We wanted to ask you, if you'd join us for a hunt, but it seems you've already fed."

Minna cleared her throat. "Yes, sorry Maggie. But I was literally starving." She chuckled nervously, why she didn't know. Minna didn't want to tell her friends yet, that she was away with the Romanians. No one seemed to like them. "No worries, dear. We know how much you hate hunting." Siobhan appeared next to her and smiled sympathetically. "Where were you? We don't want to go to the same area", Liam asked and smiled in anticipation. Minna returned the smile. "In Seattle, so maybe you go off to Tacoma or some other city", she answered. "Do you have any news when the Volturi will be here?"

Siobhan shook her head. "Not yet. But it can't be long, Carlisle will inform us." – "Nervous?", Liam asked and took the German in a firm embrace. "Who wouldn't be", she answered honestly and she could see that her friends were feeling the same.

After a short while the Irish coven left for a hunt and Minna sat down on the porch, she didn't want to make a mess with her wet clothes inside the house. A few minutes later, Esme opened the door, smiling motherly at the German.

"Why don't you come in, dear?"

Minna sighed and looked at the other woman. "I didn't want to make everything wet inside. I got into a heavy but refreshing rain", she answered. Esme shot her a knowing look. "Come in, we'll find you something dry to wear." Minna couldn't deny her offer. Something about Esme made her feel welcomed. She reminded her of her own mother, a lovely woman who put her family first.

The German followed Esme into the house and up the stairs, where she was led into a huge dressing room. Minna looked all the clothes in awe, she wasn't very interested in fashion, but the sheer amount of clothes overwhelmed her.

"You're taller than Alice, but Rosalie's size should suit you", Esme said more to herself and rummaged through different wardrobes. After a short time, she handed Minna a plain white shirt with a V-neck, black jeans and black ankle-boots. The German took the clothes in gratitude and began to change. Minna may not like people and could be shy sometimes but somehow, she was never bothered to change in front of others.

It didn't take long and Minna looked at herself in the mirror, the size was fitting and she really liked her new outfit. Footsteps let her turn around to the door, where she met an intense glare from Rosalie. Suddenly, Minna felt insecure again, as soon as she wanted to apologize for wearing her clothes, Rosalie got in and opened another wardrobe. Esme, who carefully picked up Minna's clothes, followed her.

Quickly, Rosalie found what she was looking for. She held the jacket in her hand and seemed to be lost in her thoughts for a moment. Finally, she walked to Minna and gave her the jacket. "That will complete it."

Minna didn't know what to say as she carefully stroke over the leather and finally put it on. "You will get it back, as soon as my clothes are dry", Minna said quickly, but Rosalie just smiled. "It's ok, keep it. It suits you." With these words, she left the room. Minna murmured a 'thank you' in complete disbelief. Esme stood next to her, a smile on her face that would resemble a proud mother. "Renesmee changed her for the better", she spoke more to herself, before her attention got back to the German. "I will wash your clothes; they should be done by tomorrow."

Esme left the room at a smart pace and left Minna no time to intervene. It took her minutes to finally come back to life, she took another glance at herself in the mirror. Maybe it was for the new clothes but she couldn't hide a smile. Again, Minna felt like a new part of her life had just begun.