Chapter
20: Losing Control
“Damn, Bella, isn’t there a flight earlier?” Jake asked, obviously
frustrated.
“No, Jake, nothing. We have tried everything.” Bella’s voice came through from the cell’s speaker.
“If you change more than one plane?” Jake pushed, willing another answer that was not coming.
“It would take us three days and that is without the delays.” Bella tried explaining.
“So it’s the same?” Jake asked again with a huff.
“Yes. Are you settled? Safe?” Bella asked, changing the subject.
“Yeah, mom, we’re good.” Nessie confirmed.
“Honey, please be careful and we’ll be there soon.” She sighed into the phone.
“Bye, mommy.” Nessie said with a slight cry.
“Bye, Nessie. Jake, you take care of them. Be safe everyone.” Bella said and then the phone went dead.
I heard someone pressing the end call button. In the meantime, I was stretching my arms over my head and yawned.
“Morning.” I said sheepishly.
“Morning, Eshe. You’re up early.” Nessie said with a smile.
“Yeah? Then why are you awake too?” I asked.
“Melanie woke us up. She had to H-U-N-T.” Nessie spelled the last word and after seeing my questioning look she said, “Later.”
“’Kay.” I stood up slowly. Phillip was still asleep on the couch. Jacob was in the kitchen drinking coffee and I could see one of the hats I had left here and a mass of black straight hair under it (I suppose that’s Mel) standing in the balcony enjoying the view.
“Is there any coffee left?” I asked Jake grabbing a cup without really waiting an answer.
“Why do you want coffee? Actually, since when are you drinking coffee?” he snickered as he poured into the cup, about half full.
“Since today. Look, I can handle this much. I seriously need something to wake me up.” I said as I pointed to what he had already poured into my cup.
“Don’t drink too much, it might make you hyper.” He warned me then laughed as Nessie eyed him.
“Whatever.” I poured some sugar in my cup and after a bitter taste of it I decided that more sugar is a must.
“I will be back.” I said, carrying my doctored coffee as I went upstairs taking some sips of my coffee and carefully entering my bedroom. My soft white carpet welcomed my cold toes while I tiptoed towards the closet.
I opened the door slowly, making sure the cracking noise wouldn’t wake up Cole, who was sound asleep in the bed. I picked my favorite red coat, a pair of dark jeans and a cute beige scarf. It may be May, but I remembered how cold it always used to be here. I closed the closet door; Cole was lightly snoring. Although I was still terrified with what he did yesterday, I couldn’t resist; I walked towards him and gave him a light kiss on the cheek before leaving the room.
“You changed clothes.” Jake commented as I entered the room.
“Yup.” I replied with a smile walking back toward the coffee pot.
“Is Cole awake?” He inquired.
“Not yet. I’m going to take a walk. Is Mel dressed warm enough? This kind of weather is not a joke.” I said as I reached for the coffee pot to pour some more into my cup.
“Oh yes, I made sure she won’t become an ice cube.” He chuckled as he put his hand over my cup in an attempt to keep me from pouring more.
I laughed and decided not to fight with him and placed my empty cup in the sink. “Good. I will be outside if you need me.”
I was fighting with the desire to go see all my classmates, especially Anny. She’d be surprised, but I wanted to see her. Her house wasn’t too far away.
“Eshe! Wait!” Cole jogged in my direction.
“Cole! You’ll freeze out here, go get a coat!” I yelled shaking my head at him.
“I am fine. Where are you off to?” he smirked at my obvious concern.
“Just wanted to see an old friend. It won’t take too long.” I replied with a smile.
“Can I come with you?” he asked as he closed the gap between us.
“What? Oh... Um... Eh... yeah, okay, you can come.” I finally agreed. I didn’t want to forgive him so soon, although I seemed to have given in already yesterday on the plane. I was upset with him risking his life so recklessly and I wanted to make him realize the stupidity of his action. But apparently, he had either realized it already, or would never do so... so, whatever.
“You’re not mad anymore?” he took my hand in his cold palm.
“Cole, you’re getting cold! At least wear something warmer.” I pleaded with him.
“I don’t have anything warmer.” He admitted. Yeah that was true.
“Get one of my dad’s jackets. You will find one in the hall closet. I will wait for you. Hurry up, it’s freezing out here!” I said as I pushed him back towards the house.
In a flash, he was back in one of my favorite pieces of clothing my dad had; one that I had chosen for him. An ice blue coat made from the same material as mine was.
“You didn’t answer my question. You’re not mad anymore?” he continued like he had never left my side.
“No, I’m not. But don’t even think doing that ever again!” I said with my most convincing angry voice.
“Only if it’s a real need.” He answered, lowering his eyes for a moment then giving me his winning smile.
I knew there was no point in pushing it further; this was the closest I was going to get to the answer I wanted. We walked in a path only I knew and I had used as a shortcut to Anny’s place.
“Here we are.” I announced and rang the bell. Anny’s mother opened the door.
“Bonjour!” I greeted her.
When she realized who I was; she hugged me and began by telling me I had grown up so beautifully, as she called Anny. My brunette friend gave me a big hug and started babbling out of pure happiness in seeing me until I had to place my hand over her mouth so I could finally I make the introductions. We had a huge communication problem because theoretically Anny could speak English, but she wasn’t that good at it so she spoke to me in French and Cole didn’t get a thing. He just stood there smiling and nodding his head like he understood everything, when in reality...nothing.
“Anny this is Cole, my cousin.” I told her as I pointed over to Cole.
“Cousin?” Cole asked shocked.
“Yes, Cole, cousin.” I hissed. I’m trying to come up with a good lie, please let me concentrate! I wanted to shout at him.
“Cole, this is Anny, one of my best friends and this is her mother.” I continued as I hoped they did not catch his question.
“Come inside, it’s freezing out here.” Anny said and dragged us both inside in the warmth of the house. In the living room, a fireplace was sending waves of heat to the whole house. Anny continued talking and her mother went upstairs to leave us alone to talk.
“So what brings you here? You didn’t tell me you’d visit.” Anny questioned.
“We mixed up the flights!” I said before thinking and Cole gave me a what-the-hell-are-you-saying glare although I had no idea how, or if, he understood my French.
“Flights?” Anny looked confused.
“We were going to Volterra, Italy for vacation with my parents and cousins and we made a mistake with the planes and the time... long story! Anyway the thing is that we ended up in France instead. But we are leaving in three days.” I said a little too quickly without even taking a breath.
“Didn’t they see the mistake at the airport?” she asked, not so convinced.
“No... I guess we were really unlucky... but at least I get to see you!” I reminded her as I shrugged.
She smiled and she had this look when she was thinking something like ‘You’re getting weirder every time I see you...’
She told me all their news and how things were going here since I left. Cole nodded here and there which got me wondering if he really could understand our conversation or was just being polite. I never really asked him if he could speak French.
BUZZ! BUZZ! My disposable cell phone started ringing in my pocket.
“Um... Excuse me for a second.” I said and walked a little further away to have some privacy.
“Eshe?” I heard what sounded like Nessie’s voice through the static.
“Yeah, Ness, is that you?” I replied.
“Yes. We have a problem. Phillip’s getting thirsty.” She continued.
“Then get him to hun-” I stopped suddenly. Oh no. Phillip will prefer to have some human for lunch.
“I’ll get Cole and we’ll be there as soon as we can!” I mumbled quietly and placed my hand on Cole’s shoulders after slipping the cell back in my pocket.
“Sorry, Anny, but we have got to go home immediately. We might have found an earlier flight and the rest of the family is waiting on us.”
Anny asked me to stay a little longer, but after giving up on her sad puppy dog eyes, she wished us a “Good flight” and led us to the door.
At some point, as we ran towards the house, I stopped to think and catch my breath. That’s when Cole asked, “What was that about?”
“What was what about?” I asked trying to play as innocent as possible.
“The ‘we have to leave, we might have found an earlier flight’ excuse.” He asked as he cocked an eyebrow.
“Can’t explain now, just run!” I took off running again, the cold air burning my lungs as I breathed it in. I stormed into the house seeing Jacob, Dawn and Nessie trying to talk to Phillip, who had a really scary, half-crazed look on his face.
Nessie walked towards me and explained that Phillip wanted to have a snack, as I suspected he would.
“Phillip? Listen to me. You’re not going to hurt anyone here. You’re not touching any of these humans!” I told him in my most confident voice.
“Oh, so you want them for yourself! That is it right?” He said and judging from his tone, he did actually believe it!
“What?!” I exclaimed.
“Eshe, I don’t know if we can talk him out of it. He’s almost paranoid from the bloodlust.” Nessie whispered.
“So he has to go around killing humans? That’s what you are suggesting? And especially the ones I spent one year of my life with? We shouldn’t have come here... I was totally wrong... We should have gone back to Sherrill immediately.” I cried as I started pacing around the room trying to figure out what to do.
“No, this has nothing to do with you.” She stated as she put her hand on my shoulder.
“Yeah, it does! Why did I suggest to come here?!” I repeated as I jerked her hand from my shoulder.
“I have an idea.” Jacob said.
“Dawn, can you convince him that he doesn’t want blood?” Jake mused as he patted Nessie with a free hand, trying to comfort her from the hurt I had just caused momentarily.
“What? Such a sudden change in his character is not possible.” She retorted.
“Try. Please, it is worth the try.” Jake pleaded with her.
“Um... Alright.” She turned to face Phillip who was still trapped in Jacob’s strong grip.
“Phillip. Listen up.” Dawn cooed.
“No! Let me go!” he struggled to escape and tried to bite Jacob’s wrist.
“Whoa, Whoa! No biting! Phillip we’re on your side!” Jake tried to immobilize him again, grabbing him with both hands in a bear hug.
“You don’t seem so!” he snapped at him.
“We can’t go on like this. If he bites me I’m D-E-A-D.” Jake said, emphasizing the D-E-A-D.
“Phillip, listen to me!” Dawn insisted using her whole might trying to hypnotize him.
“You’re good, aren’t you?” she said in her calming voice.
He nodded.
“Why don’t you try something different? You want to try hunting like Nessie and Eshe, don’t you?” She was more stating this fact rather than asking him.
He nodded again enthusiastically.
“So you will? Try hunting like Nessie and Eshe?” she repeated.
“Yes.” He said as he started to relax in Jake’s grip and stopped struggling entirely.
“Wow, Dawn, you did it!” I smiled at her.
“Now it’s your turn. Show him how to hunt.” She said as she turned and walked away, obviously drained from the whole incident.
Oh great, I thought.
“How are we supposed to do that?” Nessie asked, confirming my thoughts.
“I think I have an idea. Phillip, come with us.” I looked at him and smiled.
“Jake let go of him.” I asked.
“Are you sure? I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Jake still had him with both hands, even though he had stopped fighting against him.
“Trust me; I know what I’m doing. I want you and Cole to fall back with Melanie. Dawn you’d better join us, we may need your help again.” I continued and watched Dawn let out a sigh but turn to come back with us.
“Sure.” Dawn replied.
I got outside and a thunder flashed above my head, lighting all the dark clouds in the sky.
“Whoa! Talk about mood swings...” I mumbled.
“Yeah...” Dawn agreed.
“Did you do that?” she asked Phillip.
He nodded; still not having sense of reality. For the first time, I noticed his eyes turning a dark blue color like the sky above us.
We ran towards the forest following the same path Nessie and I had last night.
“Do you really have a plan or are we gonna make it up as we go?” Nessie whispered to me.
“More like the second, but I have a good feeling about it.” I shivered as a small gust of wind reached the back of my neck making all the fallen leaves around us spin around rising some inches from the floor.
“It sure is cold all of a sudden, isn’t it?” I said as I started to tremble.
“It has never been this cold back at my home.” Dawn told us as she started to shiver a little as well.
“I am sure about it. I wish I had seen it.” Nessie said with a sad look.
“Ness, I told you we’re gonna go there together one day. I promised Zafrina.” I told her as I briefly grabbed her hand.
She half smiled at me and I knew what she was thinking. The same thought was crossing my mind too. What if we wouldn’t make it? She squeezed my hand slightly before she let it go.
At some point, where there wasn’t even the faintest scent of humans since I didn’t want any accidents; bloodlust is not a joke, I know it firsthand; we stopped.
“Phillip, I need you to focus. What can you hear?” I asked him gently, not to startle him.
“Something’s moving there.” He said as he turned his gaze to the North.
“Good. What is it?” I encouraged him.
“Hmmmm,” he lifted his head and sniffed the air... “a deer? I’m not sure. But it has a pulse.” He said, his eyes raised and then he jolted forward.
Without any further questioning, he ran towards the deer and didn’t let it go until it was completely drained of blood.
“It tastes wrong.” He frowned as he wiped his mouth with his hand.
“No, it’s fine. And you’d better get used to it because it’s the only thing you’re gonna get around here.” I pointed out and then laughed at the sad look on his face.
He groaned instead of responding, but didn’t object. He looked so defeated.
“Dawn, you’d better hunt too.” Nessie suggested.
“No, I’m good thanks.” She said wearily.
“I don’t think so, missy, if you go all crazy, how are we going to stop you? I know convincing Phillip to hunt ‘vegetarian style’ took a lot out of you. Now hunt!” Nessie commanded.
“And it doesn’t taste that wrong. Phillip’s just overreacting.” I added, but I thought of Cole’s blood and how much better it tasted and felt my mouth begin to water.
“I guess trying won’t hurt. But either way, I’d never eat any of your friends, Eshe, really.” She ridiculed but with a smile.
“I know. Actually, maybe we’d all better hunt.” I said trying to rid my thoughts of Cole’s wonderful, sweet blood.
Nessie nodded and I closed my eyes searching for my prey. I spotted a big deer, probably the leader of the pack and took off running. Within moments, I had the deer down; finding the main vein on its neck, I sank my teeth and drank till he was drained and I was satisfied.
“Are you done?” Dawn asked, watching me in amazement.
“I am, but I think that Phillip wouldn’t object in a little more.” I said peeking at his face that had neither the half-crazy nor the hypnotized look anymore. He was completely sane and had his own free will, but still looked hungry.
After he finished, we made our way back quickly. We shouldn’t split up for long. Together we have more of a chance to defend ourselves in case something comes up. I wish I had taken those karate classes back at school, but I usually skipped P.E. class; it was the most ridiculous lesson ever! (At least if you’re not human.) As we entered the living room, we couldn’t hear anything. No sound, no signs of Cole, Jacob, or Melanie. And with our luck, we could only think the worst.
“Silence.” Phillip growled, being himself again.
“They might be outside.”
“Do you really believe this, Dawn?” Phillip stated between clenched teeth.
“Yeah, I actually do. If you’re always a pessimist, Phillip, it’s not my prob-” Dawn cut off as she raised her head and looked up where the sound was coming from.
Their quarrel broke as we heard the most wonderful sound I could have hoped to hear at the moment. Melanie’s giggle coming from upstairs. I pushed myself up the stairs as fast as I could; urgent to see what was going on only to see them all on the carpet of my old room and a white ball of fur purring at Melanie.
It didn’t take me long to realize it was my old kitty! She was the same, all white, blue eyes and this little cut on her left ear.
“Sally!” I squealed at the cat, who came and brushed against my legs purring happily.
She was the only pet I had ever had because animals tended to dislike being around me or my parents. This cat though, was something else. I had no idea how this happened but she was the complete opposite. She seemed to hate humans and as I could see, she was all about vampires; and well yes, shape-shifters too.
“She’s been waiting all this time.” Cole said smiling lovingly at me.
“How do you know?” I asked him questioningly but smiling all the same.
He shrugged.
Oh yeah, I forgot.
I picked Sally up and hugged her tightly. She had grown a bit since the last time I saw her but she was still my cat. Nessie was observing her as if she had never seen one from this close, which was probably actually the case come to think of it.
“Why doesn’t she run off?” she asked sneering at the cat.
“Why should she??” I looked up from the ball of fur that I had now picked up and buried my face in.
“Dunno. That’s what cats usually do. As soon as they sense me, they disappear.” Her look was sad. “Can I touch her?”
“Sure.” I gave her a quick kiss and started to hand her to Nessie.
She hesitantly stretched her arm reaching for Sally, but expected her to run away in any moment. She held her breath waiting for another disappointment, but Sally welcomed Nessie’s hand on her head and purred happily then leapt from my outstretched hands into Nessie’s arms. She gasped in amazement. A smile lit on Nessie’s face and Jake smiled too.
Sally rubbed against Nessie’s chest and purred. I sat next to Cole who kissed my cheek.
“Do you want to go out for a walk?” he whispered softly in my ear.
“Sure.” I sighed, taking in his scent as he grabbed my hand twining our fingers together.
We got up, but nobody seemed to notice. They were focused on my little fur ball who was absorbing all the attention she was given like a sponge. She had always liked being a show-off and the center of attention. Cole released our hands and a warm hand slid around my waist pulling me closer as we reached the bottom of the stairs.
“So, you saved the day once again.” He murmured in my ear smiling.
“Dawn saved the day.” I corrected. “She managed to get Phillip out of here without getting anyone hurt.”
“No, you were,” he insisted.
“Will you stop giving me credit for things I did NOT do?” I said exasperated.
“I give you credit only for what you DID, Eshe, trust me.” He smiled and brushed his lips against my cheek once again causing me to tremble.
“But-” before I could finish, he quickly trailed his lips from my cheek and his lips were pressed on mine. I wound my fingers through his hair, clutching to him never wanting the kiss to end.
“Don’t worry about such stuff. I can judge when to congratulate you for something, my little hero. Sometimes you have to just accept congratulations,” he said breathlessly after breaking the kiss and pulling back just enough to look into my eyes and smile.
“What did you call me?” I asked incredulously.
He played with my hair and mumbled shyly, “My little hero.”
I kissed him once again and we walked outside. I hadn’t realised how much time had passed. The sky was painted violet with orange brushstrokes here and there. It was inspiring.
“Come on, I want to show you something.” I pulled his hand urging him to follow me. I came to a stop only when I reached the edge of the cliff and then sat down letting my legs hang freely above nothingness. The view was even more breathtaking than I remembered it to be. The mountaintops glistened white as the last sunrays brushed the snowy cliffs; the last glaciers spreading gloriously deep in the valley before it bloomed during the Spring.
“It’s amazing.” He said sitting next to me.
“I know.” I answered in a dreamy voice. He pulled me closer to him and I leaned my head on his shoulder.
He ran his fingers across the length of my arm and said, “I love you.”
“I love you too.” I replied without hesitation.
He bent down to kiss my lips and I felt my whole body shivering. It was a pleasant shiver though. We were kissing passionately, his body pressed against mine, my hands pulling his head closer to deepen the kiss. I felt his arms moving down towards my ribcage, my waist then going under my shirt. His touch was pushing me over the edge as he reached the clip of my bra.
“I want you.” He whispered in my ear leaving soft kisses on my neck.
“I... I’m not sure about this.” I told him sitting up and pushing myself away slightly.
“What just happened? I thought you loved me?” he asked looking at me seriously with hurt in his eyes.
“Nothing. I do love you. It’s just... I don’t think I’m ready for this yet.” I whispered looking down, unable to keep his gaze.
He placed his fingers under my chin and raised my face so I was looking directly in his eyes as he fought to hide his feelings were hurt and finally forced a smile.
“It’s okay. You’re right. I took it too far. I am sorry.” He whispered as he kissed the tip of my nose.
“So you’re not mad?” I asked hesitantly.
“How could I be mad with you, Eshe? I love you.” He declared with as much love and emotion as I had ever heard in his voice before.
I smiled at him, glad that he wasn’t angry and lay down, resting my head on his lap. The sky was turning darker and the moon was coming into view.
“You know what?” he suddenly asked.
“Hmmm?” I looked at his face lazily.
There was a big pause, as if he was thinking about it.
“Never mind. It’s getting late. Let’s go back before they send out a search party for us.” He chuckled.
I could sense he wasn’t telling me something, but I didn’t insist. He was always so cryptic about his life. I thought it was weird, keeping HIS life a secret when everyone else’s lives were revealed to him just by being near them. It was so unfair at times.
“I remember last winter...” I started to say.
“What about it?” he inquired sweetly, rubbing circles on cheek with his thumb, then he reached down, grabbing my hand and pulling me to my feet.
“The snow... skiing... everything was so... white! It was like I was in Winterland!” I described excitedly giving him a hug.
“Sounds nice.” He said lost in his thoughts as he hugged me back quickly then we were walking.
I placed my hand on a tree’s bark and trailed a dent that had the shape of a palm as if someone had carved it there. My fingers fit perfectly even to the smallest imperfection on my knuckles. And all of a sudden I started laughing.
“What’s so funny?” he asked with a look like he just landed on Earth. His eyes were taking in every little detail as if he hadn’t seen the place before.
“I just remembered something.” I told him.
“Will you tell me?” he asked stroking cheek again, causing goosebumps again.
“You’re gonna laugh.” I frowned.
“I’m curious.” He said giving me his best encouraging smile.
“See that?”
“Yeah, someone carved a hand on the tree.”
“Nope.” I laughed again.
“What do you mean....nope?” he cocked his head to the side and looked at it more closely.
“It’s my hand!”
“You carved it?” he asked as he inspected it.
“No! That’s the point!”
He looked deeply in my eyes trying to figure out what was in my head. And judging from his look, it was without success.
“My dad was teaching me how to ski.” He raised his eyebrows urging me to go on. “And I fell on the tree.”
“Seriously?” he said trying to hold back his laughter.
“Yeah. And my hand fell right here.” I pointed on the palm.
“You are such a klutz!” he exclaimed and I looked down to hide my cheeks that were blushing violet from embarrassment. “But that’s why I love you.” He said quickly, pulling my face to his giving me a chaste kiss.
He took my hand and we started walking slowly taking in the view.
“I had missed this.” I said, not directing it to anyone, just saying it out loud.
“What?” he answered anyway.
“This... being in a place I love... with people I love... it makes me feel safe.” I sighed.
“You are safe. We won’t be going back.” He said kissing my cheek. “It’s over.”
“I’d like to stay here.”
“When we go to Sherrill, and it’s all officially over, we will leave together. Wherever you want to go, I will go. Here... wherever. I’d even move in the middle of the Sahara desert to be with you.” He grinned from ear to ear.
“You’re so sweet. We could come back here... you’d love it. This was where I imagined to have my first kiss... didn’t work exactly how I wanted though.” I said, remembering my first kiss.
“Would you be happy with a belated first kiss here?” he asked as he stopped us from walking by placing his other hand gently on my shoulder.
“Maybe.” I said teasingly and kissed him. I leaned in to kiss him again when I noticed the tiny red teeth marks on his neck. Proof that I had bitten him two days ago. I flinched as I recalled the thought. “I’m sorry.” I fought back silent sobs.
“For what?” he pulled me closer as if to protect me from myself.
“For...” I pushed myself back from his embrace and looked at his neck.
“You can’t be serious. Why the hell would you be sorry for this?” he asked as he rubbed the spot on his neck.
“You shouldn’t have let me do it. I don’t blame you though. I shouldn’t have let me do it!” I was now shaking from the emotions coming forth.
“It’s alright. This way I know you’re always going to have something of me with you.” He whispered into my ear as he pulled me back to body.
“I didn’t need something like that; you’re going to stay with me after all, aren’t you?” I cried into his chest.
“Of course.” He answered way too fast.
“Are you hiding something from me?” I tried to pull back and look into his eyes.
“No. When have I ever lied to you Eshe?” he responded, not letting me move.
“Well, considering your whole life is a mystery!” I yelled, too harshly, as I pushed away with all my might.
“Eshe...” he choked out.
“No, it’s okay. I shouldn’t have brought it up. I’m fine in the dark!” I said and turned away.
“Please, can we talk about it?” he begged.
“No, Cole, if you don’t want to share something like that with me it’s fine! It’s not like there’s a huge secret you’re hiding from me, right?” I asked peeking over my shoulder.
His expression was confused and hurt.
“I don’t know what to think, Cole, I just don’t know!” I stomped my foot into the ground to make the point more dramatic.
“Please, can you look at me?” he took hold of my hand and spun me around so that I could face him.
“Leave me alone!” I spat as I turned my face so I did not have to look into those smouldering eyes.
“Why? What did I do wrong?” he asked confused.
“You didn’t do anything WRONG!”
“Then?”
“Your story has too many dark and secret parts! I always feel like you are hiding something from me and until you let me in completely, I feel we will never be able to love and trust each other completely.” I barely choked out coherently.
“Like? How many things do you think that could have happened in these six years that I have lived?” he said still trying to get me to look at him.
“Then why are you hiding stuff?” I yelled as I found my voice once again.
“First, stop shouting. They can hear you all the way to Paris. And secondly, I am not hiding anything, there just isn’t anything important enough to mention.” He replied.
“Then tell me something unimportant.” I crossed my arms over my chest waiting but not daring to meet his eyes.
“I don’t like Italian food. Actually, I hate the whole all-too-saucy thing that Italians do with pasta. When I eat at a French restaurant, I want my meat with only a little blood, too much makes me nauseous” he stifled a laugh and continued. “I tried swimming once and I almost drowned. I haven’t done it ever since. I am very good at basketball, but I suck at soccer. I can’t stand hip-hop music and renaissance paintings give me the creeps; there’s something way too odd about them but I still haven’t figured out what it is. Is this enough?” I ignored his furious, almost flaming yet humorous, icy eyes and nodded.
“Yeah. That will do for now.” I managed to get out.
“So... can we finally go back?” he asked, again... trying not to laugh at me.
“Yes.” I murmured.
All the way back, I had such a feeling that made my stomach hurt as if someone was following me. For a second, I thought I saw two brown eyes staring at me but they were gone in a flash. I just pushed the thought away reassuring myself that I had imagined it. Whenever Cole tried to come closer, I started walking faster keeping at least a two-meter distance between us in hopes of keeping the illusion I was upset a little longer...
“Think we should have dinner soon.” Jake said as I walked in. “Shall we vote about the food?” he asked as he nodded in my direction acknowledging our presence.
“How about me cooking steaks and potatoes” I chimed in. “It’s a French recipe my mom used to make.”
“Sure” and “Why not?” were repeated by everyone and I headed towards the kitchen still keeping my distance from Cole.
“Need any help?” Nessie offered giving me and Cole a curious look.
“No, just tell me if you want your steak bloody or not.” I said without even looking at Cole.
“Bloody.” She smirked as she licked her lips.
“Jake?”
“Not so much.” He said, smirking as well and winking at Nessie.
“Dawn?”
“Bloody. I like mine still mooing.” She laughed.
“Mel?”
“Normal.” She chimed in.
“Phillip?”
“Definitely bloody.” He said with an evil grin.
“Cole? Oh yeah, I know how you want it.” I spat at him.
So there is something I do know about you! I thought to myself, turned my back and walked over to the fridge taking the meat out before he could respond.
“No, Jake, nothing. We have tried everything.” Bella’s voice came through from the cell’s speaker.
“If you change more than one plane?” Jake pushed, willing another answer that was not coming.
“It would take us three days and that is without the delays.” Bella tried explaining.
“So it’s the same?” Jake asked again with a huff.
“Yes. Are you settled? Safe?” Bella asked, changing the subject.
“Yeah, mom, we’re good.” Nessie confirmed.
“Honey, please be careful and we’ll be there soon.” She sighed into the phone.
“Bye, mommy.” Nessie said with a slight cry.
“Bye, Nessie. Jake, you take care of them. Be safe everyone.” Bella said and then the phone went dead.
I heard someone pressing the end call button. In the meantime, I was stretching my arms over my head and yawned.
“Morning.” I said sheepishly.
“Morning, Eshe. You’re up early.” Nessie said with a smile.
“Yeah? Then why are you awake too?” I asked.
“Melanie woke us up. She had to H-U-N-T.” Nessie spelled the last word and after seeing my questioning look she said, “Later.”
“’Kay.” I stood up slowly. Phillip was still asleep on the couch. Jacob was in the kitchen drinking coffee and I could see one of the hats I had left here and a mass of black straight hair under it (I suppose that’s Mel) standing in the balcony enjoying the view.
“Is there any coffee left?” I asked Jake grabbing a cup without really waiting an answer.
“Why do you want coffee? Actually, since when are you drinking coffee?” he snickered as he poured into the cup, about half full.
“Since today. Look, I can handle this much. I seriously need something to wake me up.” I said as I pointed to what he had already poured into my cup.
“Don’t drink too much, it might make you hyper.” He warned me then laughed as Nessie eyed him.
“Whatever.” I poured some sugar in my cup and after a bitter taste of it I decided that more sugar is a must.
“I will be back.” I said, carrying my doctored coffee as I went upstairs taking some sips of my coffee and carefully entering my bedroom. My soft white carpet welcomed my cold toes while I tiptoed towards the closet.
I opened the door slowly, making sure the cracking noise wouldn’t wake up Cole, who was sound asleep in the bed. I picked my favorite red coat, a pair of dark jeans and a cute beige scarf. It may be May, but I remembered how cold it always used to be here. I closed the closet door; Cole was lightly snoring. Although I was still terrified with what he did yesterday, I couldn’t resist; I walked towards him and gave him a light kiss on the cheek before leaving the room.
“You changed clothes.” Jake commented as I entered the room.
“Yup.” I replied with a smile walking back toward the coffee pot.
“Is Cole awake?” He inquired.
“Not yet. I’m going to take a walk. Is Mel dressed warm enough? This kind of weather is not a joke.” I said as I reached for the coffee pot to pour some more into my cup.
“Oh yes, I made sure she won’t become an ice cube.” He chuckled as he put his hand over my cup in an attempt to keep me from pouring more.
I laughed and decided not to fight with him and placed my empty cup in the sink. “Good. I will be outside if you need me.”
I was fighting with the desire to go see all my classmates, especially Anny. She’d be surprised, but I wanted to see her. Her house wasn’t too far away.
“Eshe! Wait!” Cole jogged in my direction.
“Cole! You’ll freeze out here, go get a coat!” I yelled shaking my head at him.
“I am fine. Where are you off to?” he smirked at my obvious concern.
“Just wanted to see an old friend. It won’t take too long.” I replied with a smile.
“Can I come with you?” he asked as he closed the gap between us.
“What? Oh... Um... Eh... yeah, okay, you can come.” I finally agreed. I didn’t want to forgive him so soon, although I seemed to have given in already yesterday on the plane. I was upset with him risking his life so recklessly and I wanted to make him realize the stupidity of his action. But apparently, he had either realized it already, or would never do so... so, whatever.
“You’re not mad anymore?” he took my hand in his cold palm.
“Cole, you’re getting cold! At least wear something warmer.” I pleaded with him.
“I don’t have anything warmer.” He admitted. Yeah that was true.
“Get one of my dad’s jackets. You will find one in the hall closet. I will wait for you. Hurry up, it’s freezing out here!” I said as I pushed him back towards the house.
In a flash, he was back in one of my favorite pieces of clothing my dad had; one that I had chosen for him. An ice blue coat made from the same material as mine was.
“You didn’t answer my question. You’re not mad anymore?” he continued like he had never left my side.
“No, I’m not. But don’t even think doing that ever again!” I said with my most convincing angry voice.
“Only if it’s a real need.” He answered, lowering his eyes for a moment then giving me his winning smile.
I knew there was no point in pushing it further; this was the closest I was going to get to the answer I wanted. We walked in a path only I knew and I had used as a shortcut to Anny’s place.
“Here we are.” I announced and rang the bell. Anny’s mother opened the door.
“Bonjour!” I greeted her.
When she realized who I was; she hugged me and began by telling me I had grown up so beautifully, as she called Anny. My brunette friend gave me a big hug and started babbling out of pure happiness in seeing me until I had to place my hand over her mouth so I could finally I make the introductions. We had a huge communication problem because theoretically Anny could speak English, but she wasn’t that good at it so she spoke to me in French and Cole didn’t get a thing. He just stood there smiling and nodding his head like he understood everything, when in reality...nothing.
“Anny this is Cole, my cousin.” I told her as I pointed over to Cole.
“Cousin?” Cole asked shocked.
“Yes, Cole, cousin.” I hissed. I’m trying to come up with a good lie, please let me concentrate! I wanted to shout at him.
“Cole, this is Anny, one of my best friends and this is her mother.” I continued as I hoped they did not catch his question.
“Come inside, it’s freezing out here.” Anny said and dragged us both inside in the warmth of the house. In the living room, a fireplace was sending waves of heat to the whole house. Anny continued talking and her mother went upstairs to leave us alone to talk.
“So what brings you here? You didn’t tell me you’d visit.” Anny questioned.
“We mixed up the flights!” I said before thinking and Cole gave me a what-the-hell-are-you-saying glare although I had no idea how, or if, he understood my French.
“Flights?” Anny looked confused.
“We were going to Volterra, Italy for vacation with my parents and cousins and we made a mistake with the planes and the time... long story! Anyway the thing is that we ended up in France instead. But we are leaving in three days.” I said a little too quickly without even taking a breath.
“Didn’t they see the mistake at the airport?” she asked, not so convinced.
“No... I guess we were really unlucky... but at least I get to see you!” I reminded her as I shrugged.
She smiled and she had this look when she was thinking something like ‘You’re getting weirder every time I see you...’
She told me all their news and how things were going here since I left. Cole nodded here and there which got me wondering if he really could understand our conversation or was just being polite. I never really asked him if he could speak French.
BUZZ! BUZZ! My disposable cell phone started ringing in my pocket.
“Um... Excuse me for a second.” I said and walked a little further away to have some privacy.
“Eshe?” I heard what sounded like Nessie’s voice through the static.
“Yeah, Ness, is that you?” I replied.
“Yes. We have a problem. Phillip’s getting thirsty.” She continued.
“Then get him to hun-” I stopped suddenly. Oh no. Phillip will prefer to have some human for lunch.
“I’ll get Cole and we’ll be there as soon as we can!” I mumbled quietly and placed my hand on Cole’s shoulders after slipping the cell back in my pocket.
“Sorry, Anny, but we have got to go home immediately. We might have found an earlier flight and the rest of the family is waiting on us.”
Anny asked me to stay a little longer, but after giving up on her sad puppy dog eyes, she wished us a “Good flight” and led us to the door.
At some point, as we ran towards the house, I stopped to think and catch my breath. That’s when Cole asked, “What was that about?”
“What was what about?” I asked trying to play as innocent as possible.
“The ‘we have to leave, we might have found an earlier flight’ excuse.” He asked as he cocked an eyebrow.
“Can’t explain now, just run!” I took off running again, the cold air burning my lungs as I breathed it in. I stormed into the house seeing Jacob, Dawn and Nessie trying to talk to Phillip, who had a really scary, half-crazed look on his face.
Nessie walked towards me and explained that Phillip wanted to have a snack, as I suspected he would.
“Phillip? Listen to me. You’re not going to hurt anyone here. You’re not touching any of these humans!” I told him in my most confident voice.
“Oh, so you want them for yourself! That is it right?” He said and judging from his tone, he did actually believe it!
“What?!” I exclaimed.
“Eshe, I don’t know if we can talk him out of it. He’s almost paranoid from the bloodlust.” Nessie whispered.
“So he has to go around killing humans? That’s what you are suggesting? And especially the ones I spent one year of my life with? We shouldn’t have come here... I was totally wrong... We should have gone back to Sherrill immediately.” I cried as I started pacing around the room trying to figure out what to do.
“No, this has nothing to do with you.” She stated as she put her hand on my shoulder.
“Yeah, it does! Why did I suggest to come here?!” I repeated as I jerked her hand from my shoulder.
“I have an idea.” Jacob said.
“Dawn, can you convince him that he doesn’t want blood?” Jake mused as he patted Nessie with a free hand, trying to comfort her from the hurt I had just caused momentarily.
“What? Such a sudden change in his character is not possible.” She retorted.
“Try. Please, it is worth the try.” Jake pleaded with her.
“Um... Alright.” She turned to face Phillip who was still trapped in Jacob’s strong grip.
“Phillip. Listen up.” Dawn cooed.
“No! Let me go!” he struggled to escape and tried to bite Jacob’s wrist.
“Whoa, Whoa! No biting! Phillip we’re on your side!” Jake tried to immobilize him again, grabbing him with both hands in a bear hug.
“You don’t seem so!” he snapped at him.
“We can’t go on like this. If he bites me I’m D-E-A-D.” Jake said, emphasizing the D-E-A-D.
“Phillip, listen to me!” Dawn insisted using her whole might trying to hypnotize him.
“You’re good, aren’t you?” she said in her calming voice.
He nodded.
“Why don’t you try something different? You want to try hunting like Nessie and Eshe, don’t you?” She was more stating this fact rather than asking him.
He nodded again enthusiastically.
“So you will? Try hunting like Nessie and Eshe?” she repeated.
“Yes.” He said as he started to relax in Jake’s grip and stopped struggling entirely.
“Wow, Dawn, you did it!” I smiled at her.
“Now it’s your turn. Show him how to hunt.” She said as she turned and walked away, obviously drained from the whole incident.
Oh great, I thought.
“How are we supposed to do that?” Nessie asked, confirming my thoughts.
“I think I have an idea. Phillip, come with us.” I looked at him and smiled.
“Jake let go of him.” I asked.
“Are you sure? I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Jake still had him with both hands, even though he had stopped fighting against him.
“Trust me; I know what I’m doing. I want you and Cole to fall back with Melanie. Dawn you’d better join us, we may need your help again.” I continued and watched Dawn let out a sigh but turn to come back with us.
“Sure.” Dawn replied.
I got outside and a thunder flashed above my head, lighting all the dark clouds in the sky.
“Whoa! Talk about mood swings...” I mumbled.
“Yeah...” Dawn agreed.
“Did you do that?” she asked Phillip.
He nodded; still not having sense of reality. For the first time, I noticed his eyes turning a dark blue color like the sky above us.
We ran towards the forest following the same path Nessie and I had last night.
“Do you really have a plan or are we gonna make it up as we go?” Nessie whispered to me.
“More like the second, but I have a good feeling about it.” I shivered as a small gust of wind reached the back of my neck making all the fallen leaves around us spin around rising some inches from the floor.
“It sure is cold all of a sudden, isn’t it?” I said as I started to tremble.
“It has never been this cold back at my home.” Dawn told us as she started to shiver a little as well.
“I am sure about it. I wish I had seen it.” Nessie said with a sad look.
“Ness, I told you we’re gonna go there together one day. I promised Zafrina.” I told her as I briefly grabbed her hand.
She half smiled at me and I knew what she was thinking. The same thought was crossing my mind too. What if we wouldn’t make it? She squeezed my hand slightly before she let it go.
At some point, where there wasn’t even the faintest scent of humans since I didn’t want any accidents; bloodlust is not a joke, I know it firsthand; we stopped.
“Phillip, I need you to focus. What can you hear?” I asked him gently, not to startle him.
“Something’s moving there.” He said as he turned his gaze to the North.
“Good. What is it?” I encouraged him.
“Hmmmm,” he lifted his head and sniffed the air... “a deer? I’m not sure. But it has a pulse.” He said, his eyes raised and then he jolted forward.
Without any further questioning, he ran towards the deer and didn’t let it go until it was completely drained of blood.
“It tastes wrong.” He frowned as he wiped his mouth with his hand.
“No, it’s fine. And you’d better get used to it because it’s the only thing you’re gonna get around here.” I pointed out and then laughed at the sad look on his face.
He groaned instead of responding, but didn’t object. He looked so defeated.
“Dawn, you’d better hunt too.” Nessie suggested.
“No, I’m good thanks.” She said wearily.
“I don’t think so, missy, if you go all crazy, how are we going to stop you? I know convincing Phillip to hunt ‘vegetarian style’ took a lot out of you. Now hunt!” Nessie commanded.
“And it doesn’t taste that wrong. Phillip’s just overreacting.” I added, but I thought of Cole’s blood and how much better it tasted and felt my mouth begin to water.
“I guess trying won’t hurt. But either way, I’d never eat any of your friends, Eshe, really.” She ridiculed but with a smile.
“I know. Actually, maybe we’d all better hunt.” I said trying to rid my thoughts of Cole’s wonderful, sweet blood.
Nessie nodded and I closed my eyes searching for my prey. I spotted a big deer, probably the leader of the pack and took off running. Within moments, I had the deer down; finding the main vein on its neck, I sank my teeth and drank till he was drained and I was satisfied.
“Are you done?” Dawn asked, watching me in amazement.
“I am, but I think that Phillip wouldn’t object in a little more.” I said peeking at his face that had neither the half-crazy nor the hypnotized look anymore. He was completely sane and had his own free will, but still looked hungry.
After he finished, we made our way back quickly. We shouldn’t split up for long. Together we have more of a chance to defend ourselves in case something comes up. I wish I had taken those karate classes back at school, but I usually skipped P.E. class; it was the most ridiculous lesson ever! (At least if you’re not human.) As we entered the living room, we couldn’t hear anything. No sound, no signs of Cole, Jacob, or Melanie. And with our luck, we could only think the worst.
“Silence.” Phillip growled, being himself again.
“They might be outside.”
“Do you really believe this, Dawn?” Phillip stated between clenched teeth.
“Yeah, I actually do. If you’re always a pessimist, Phillip, it’s not my prob-” Dawn cut off as she raised her head and looked up where the sound was coming from.
Their quarrel broke as we heard the most wonderful sound I could have hoped to hear at the moment. Melanie’s giggle coming from upstairs. I pushed myself up the stairs as fast as I could; urgent to see what was going on only to see them all on the carpet of my old room and a white ball of fur purring at Melanie.
It didn’t take me long to realize it was my old kitty! She was the same, all white, blue eyes and this little cut on her left ear.
“Sally!” I squealed at the cat, who came and brushed against my legs purring happily.
She was the only pet I had ever had because animals tended to dislike being around me or my parents. This cat though, was something else. I had no idea how this happened but she was the complete opposite. She seemed to hate humans and as I could see, she was all about vampires; and well yes, shape-shifters too.
“She’s been waiting all this time.” Cole said smiling lovingly at me.
“How do you know?” I asked him questioningly but smiling all the same.
He shrugged.
Oh yeah, I forgot.
I picked Sally up and hugged her tightly. She had grown a bit since the last time I saw her but she was still my cat. Nessie was observing her as if she had never seen one from this close, which was probably actually the case come to think of it.
“Why doesn’t she run off?” she asked sneering at the cat.
“Why should she??” I looked up from the ball of fur that I had now picked up and buried my face in.
“Dunno. That’s what cats usually do. As soon as they sense me, they disappear.” Her look was sad. “Can I touch her?”
“Sure.” I gave her a quick kiss and started to hand her to Nessie.
She hesitantly stretched her arm reaching for Sally, but expected her to run away in any moment. She held her breath waiting for another disappointment, but Sally welcomed Nessie’s hand on her head and purred happily then leapt from my outstretched hands into Nessie’s arms. She gasped in amazement. A smile lit on Nessie’s face and Jake smiled too.
Sally rubbed against Nessie’s chest and purred. I sat next to Cole who kissed my cheek.
“Do you want to go out for a walk?” he whispered softly in my ear.
“Sure.” I sighed, taking in his scent as he grabbed my hand twining our fingers together.
We got up, but nobody seemed to notice. They were focused on my little fur ball who was absorbing all the attention she was given like a sponge. She had always liked being a show-off and the center of attention. Cole released our hands and a warm hand slid around my waist pulling me closer as we reached the bottom of the stairs.
“So, you saved the day once again.” He murmured in my ear smiling.
“Dawn saved the day.” I corrected. “She managed to get Phillip out of here without getting anyone hurt.”
“No, you were,” he insisted.
“Will you stop giving me credit for things I did NOT do?” I said exasperated.
“I give you credit only for what you DID, Eshe, trust me.” He smiled and brushed his lips against my cheek once again causing me to tremble.
“But-” before I could finish, he quickly trailed his lips from my cheek and his lips were pressed on mine. I wound my fingers through his hair, clutching to him never wanting the kiss to end.
“Don’t worry about such stuff. I can judge when to congratulate you for something, my little hero. Sometimes you have to just accept congratulations,” he said breathlessly after breaking the kiss and pulling back just enough to look into my eyes and smile.
“What did you call me?” I asked incredulously.
He played with my hair and mumbled shyly, “My little hero.”
I kissed him once again and we walked outside. I hadn’t realised how much time had passed. The sky was painted violet with orange brushstrokes here and there. It was inspiring.
“Come on, I want to show you something.” I pulled his hand urging him to follow me. I came to a stop only when I reached the edge of the cliff and then sat down letting my legs hang freely above nothingness. The view was even more breathtaking than I remembered it to be. The mountaintops glistened white as the last sunrays brushed the snowy cliffs; the last glaciers spreading gloriously deep in the valley before it bloomed during the Spring.
“It’s amazing.” He said sitting next to me.
“I know.” I answered in a dreamy voice. He pulled me closer to him and I leaned my head on his shoulder.
He ran his fingers across the length of my arm and said, “I love you.”
“I love you too.” I replied without hesitation.
He bent down to kiss my lips and I felt my whole body shivering. It was a pleasant shiver though. We were kissing passionately, his body pressed against mine, my hands pulling his head closer to deepen the kiss. I felt his arms moving down towards my ribcage, my waist then going under my shirt. His touch was pushing me over the edge as he reached the clip of my bra.
“I want you.” He whispered in my ear leaving soft kisses on my neck.
“I... I’m not sure about this.” I told him sitting up and pushing myself away slightly.
“What just happened? I thought you loved me?” he asked looking at me seriously with hurt in his eyes.
“Nothing. I do love you. It’s just... I don’t think I’m ready for this yet.” I whispered looking down, unable to keep his gaze.
He placed his fingers under my chin and raised my face so I was looking directly in his eyes as he fought to hide his feelings were hurt and finally forced a smile.
“It’s okay. You’re right. I took it too far. I am sorry.” He whispered as he kissed the tip of my nose.
“So you’re not mad?” I asked hesitantly.
“How could I be mad with you, Eshe? I love you.” He declared with as much love and emotion as I had ever heard in his voice before.
I smiled at him, glad that he wasn’t angry and lay down, resting my head on his lap. The sky was turning darker and the moon was coming into view.
“You know what?” he suddenly asked.
“Hmmm?” I looked at his face lazily.
There was a big pause, as if he was thinking about it.
“Never mind. It’s getting late. Let’s go back before they send out a search party for us.” He chuckled.
I could sense he wasn’t telling me something, but I didn’t insist. He was always so cryptic about his life. I thought it was weird, keeping HIS life a secret when everyone else’s lives were revealed to him just by being near them. It was so unfair at times.
“I remember last winter...” I started to say.
“What about it?” he inquired sweetly, rubbing circles on cheek with his thumb, then he reached down, grabbing my hand and pulling me to my feet.
“The snow... skiing... everything was so... white! It was like I was in Winterland!” I described excitedly giving him a hug.
“Sounds nice.” He said lost in his thoughts as he hugged me back quickly then we were walking.
I placed my hand on a tree’s bark and trailed a dent that had the shape of a palm as if someone had carved it there. My fingers fit perfectly even to the smallest imperfection on my knuckles. And all of a sudden I started laughing.
“What’s so funny?” he asked with a look like he just landed on Earth. His eyes were taking in every little detail as if he hadn’t seen the place before.
“I just remembered something.” I told him.
“Will you tell me?” he asked stroking cheek again, causing goosebumps again.
“You’re gonna laugh.” I frowned.
“I’m curious.” He said giving me his best encouraging smile.
“See that?”
“Yeah, someone carved a hand on the tree.”
“Nope.” I laughed again.
“What do you mean....nope?” he cocked his head to the side and looked at it more closely.
“It’s my hand!”
“You carved it?” he asked as he inspected it.
“No! That’s the point!”
He looked deeply in my eyes trying to figure out what was in my head. And judging from his look, it was without success.
“My dad was teaching me how to ski.” He raised his eyebrows urging me to go on. “And I fell on the tree.”
“Seriously?” he said trying to hold back his laughter.
“Yeah. And my hand fell right here.” I pointed on the palm.
“You are such a klutz!” he exclaimed and I looked down to hide my cheeks that were blushing violet from embarrassment. “But that’s why I love you.” He said quickly, pulling my face to his giving me a chaste kiss.
He took my hand and we started walking slowly taking in the view.
“I had missed this.” I said, not directing it to anyone, just saying it out loud.
“What?” he answered anyway.
“This... being in a place I love... with people I love... it makes me feel safe.” I sighed.
“You are safe. We won’t be going back.” He said kissing my cheek. “It’s over.”
“I’d like to stay here.”
“When we go to Sherrill, and it’s all officially over, we will leave together. Wherever you want to go, I will go. Here... wherever. I’d even move in the middle of the Sahara desert to be with you.” He grinned from ear to ear.
“You’re so sweet. We could come back here... you’d love it. This was where I imagined to have my first kiss... didn’t work exactly how I wanted though.” I said, remembering my first kiss.
“Would you be happy with a belated first kiss here?” he asked as he stopped us from walking by placing his other hand gently on my shoulder.
“Maybe.” I said teasingly and kissed him. I leaned in to kiss him again when I noticed the tiny red teeth marks on his neck. Proof that I had bitten him two days ago. I flinched as I recalled the thought. “I’m sorry.” I fought back silent sobs.
“For what?” he pulled me closer as if to protect me from myself.
“For...” I pushed myself back from his embrace and looked at his neck.
“You can’t be serious. Why the hell would you be sorry for this?” he asked as he rubbed the spot on his neck.
“You shouldn’t have let me do it. I don’t blame you though. I shouldn’t have let me do it!” I was now shaking from the emotions coming forth.
“It’s alright. This way I know you’re always going to have something of me with you.” He whispered into my ear as he pulled me back to body.
“I didn’t need something like that; you’re going to stay with me after all, aren’t you?” I cried into his chest.
“Of course.” He answered way too fast.
“Are you hiding something from me?” I tried to pull back and look into his eyes.
“No. When have I ever lied to you Eshe?” he responded, not letting me move.
“Well, considering your whole life is a mystery!” I yelled, too harshly, as I pushed away with all my might.
“Eshe...” he choked out.
“No, it’s okay. I shouldn’t have brought it up. I’m fine in the dark!” I said and turned away.
“Please, can we talk about it?” he begged.
“No, Cole, if you don’t want to share something like that with me it’s fine! It’s not like there’s a huge secret you’re hiding from me, right?” I asked peeking over my shoulder.
His expression was confused and hurt.
“I don’t know what to think, Cole, I just don’t know!” I stomped my foot into the ground to make the point more dramatic.
“Please, can you look at me?” he took hold of my hand and spun me around so that I could face him.
“Leave me alone!” I spat as I turned my face so I did not have to look into those smouldering eyes.
“Why? What did I do wrong?” he asked confused.
“You didn’t do anything WRONG!”
“Then?”
“Your story has too many dark and secret parts! I always feel like you are hiding something from me and until you let me in completely, I feel we will never be able to love and trust each other completely.” I barely choked out coherently.
“Like? How many things do you think that could have happened in these six years that I have lived?” he said still trying to get me to look at him.
“Then why are you hiding stuff?” I yelled as I found my voice once again.
“First, stop shouting. They can hear you all the way to Paris. And secondly, I am not hiding anything, there just isn’t anything important enough to mention.” He replied.
“Then tell me something unimportant.” I crossed my arms over my chest waiting but not daring to meet his eyes.
“I don’t like Italian food. Actually, I hate the whole all-too-saucy thing that Italians do with pasta. When I eat at a French restaurant, I want my meat with only a little blood, too much makes me nauseous” he stifled a laugh and continued. “I tried swimming once and I almost drowned. I haven’t done it ever since. I am very good at basketball, but I suck at soccer. I can’t stand hip-hop music and renaissance paintings give me the creeps; there’s something way too odd about them but I still haven’t figured out what it is. Is this enough?” I ignored his furious, almost flaming yet humorous, icy eyes and nodded.
“Yeah. That will do for now.” I managed to get out.
“So... can we finally go back?” he asked, again... trying not to laugh at me.
“Yes.” I murmured.
All the way back, I had such a feeling that made my stomach hurt as if someone was following me. For a second, I thought I saw two brown eyes staring at me but they were gone in a flash. I just pushed the thought away reassuring myself that I had imagined it. Whenever Cole tried to come closer, I started walking faster keeping at least a two-meter distance between us in hopes of keeping the illusion I was upset a little longer...
“Think we should have dinner soon.” Jake said as I walked in. “Shall we vote about the food?” he asked as he nodded in my direction acknowledging our presence.
“How about me cooking steaks and potatoes” I chimed in. “It’s a French recipe my mom used to make.”
“Sure” and “Why not?” were repeated by everyone and I headed towards the kitchen still keeping my distance from Cole.
“Need any help?” Nessie offered giving me and Cole a curious look.
“No, just tell me if you want your steak bloody or not.” I said without even looking at Cole.
“Bloody.” She smirked as she licked her lips.
“Jake?”
“Not so much.” He said, smirking as well and winking at Nessie.
“Dawn?”
“Bloody. I like mine still mooing.” She laughed.
“Mel?”
“Normal.” She chimed in.
“Phillip?”
“Definitely bloody.” He said with an evil grin.
“Cole? Oh yeah, I know how you want it.” I spat at him.
So there is something I do know about you! I thought to myself, turned my back and walked over to the fridge taking the meat out before he could respond.
* * * * *
“Do you mind if I join you?” Nessie asked.
“No, of course not. Come.” I motioned to the spot beside me.
I was on the balcony gazing at the dark sky and the moon that was giving everything a soft silvery tone.
“What happened in there?” she said as she nodded her head towards the kitchen.
“Nothing.” I acted like I had no idea what she was referring to.
“Yeah, Eshe, now I am convinced.” She laughed at my false pretence.
I gazed at the dense forest that was spreading in front of the house reluctant to tell her but I finally gave in. “I got angry. Again.”
“Awww. I see.” She replied sweetly.
“It’s pathetic. I feel like a hysterical, selfish bitch. I am attacking Cole when he’s all sweet and lovey-dovey with me and I just go there and ruin the moment. He doesn’t deserve such behaviour, yet I cannot seem to control it. What is wrong with me?” I cried.
“The last month has been hard for you.” Nessie replied, trying to soothe me.
“For you too, but you’re not like that no matter what happened. How often do you fight with Jake?” I questioned my friend.
Her silence could mean only one thing: None.
“I knew it. Ouch!” I kicked the edge of the balcony and stubbed my toe.
“Imprinting is different than a simple crush.” She replied trying not to laugh at my klutziness.
“Do you think it’s just a crush?” I asked as I bent down to rub my toe.
“I don’t know. You tell me.” She asked as she touched my shoulder.
This got me thinking. ‘How can I be mad? I love you, Eshe.’ his words echoed inside my head. What if I wasn’t in love with him? If this is what love feels like, then something’s wrong with me. Why am I always finding something to fight for and hurt the one I supposedly love?
“Sooo?” she questioned.
“I don’t know. I am actually wondering that myself now.” I said too seriously.
“He loves you.”
“I know. It’s me I’m not sure about. I have such a hard time trusting people and have never really allowed such feelings.” I stated honestly.
“Why?” she asked as she motioned for us to sit on the porch swing.
“Because I am always managing to find something to blame him for; even when he is actually being perfect with me, it’s like I want to hurt him before he hurts me.” I explained.
“Couples fight. It’s healthy. Give him some time and you’ll figure him out. I’ve known Jake since day number one. I know all there is to know about him, but don’t use us as comparison as the ideal example, me and Jake. Most people don’t know all these things when they get together. They start finding out more about each other day by passing day.
“You might be right.” I realized.
“You’d better talk to him. Explain to him calmly what you want and your insecurities. You can get through this.” She headed for the door. “Oh. And you love him too, whether you are able to admit it completely to yourself. I could see it from the first moment you laid eyes on each other. There is an undeniable spark between you two. Don’t question your feelings so easily.” She smiled reassuringly and disappeared inside the house.
Thanks Ness. I really needed to talk to someone besides myself about it.
I stretched on my toes, wincing from the soreness that was already healing on the one foot, to reach the window’s ledge and peeked inside. Everyone was there playing with an old version of Monopoly Junior and Melanie seemed to be the winning. Everyone was there but Cole. Nessie noticed me and pointed up. So, he was waiting in my room. I should talk to him before he falls asleep.
I climbed carefully on the side of the house reaching my bedroom’s window and tapped lightly on the glass. A surprised Cole came into view.
“Can I come in?” I whispered knowing he could hear me.
He shrugged and opened it for me saying, “It’s your room, silly.”
“Thanks.” I smiled.
“I thought the door stood on the other side of the room for a reason.” He said trying to sound cold and distant but I could hear the warm tone he always had around me. This must be a good sign, right?
“Maybe. Sorry for before.” I told him as I reached for his hand.
No response. Maybe it’s not a good enough sign...
“I shouldn’t have snapped like that. I was being selfish and immature. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” I explained.
“Could have realised it earlier you know.” He said as he relinquished and twined our fingers together.
“Yeah, I could. And I should. But you know better than anyone that sometimes I speak before I think. You have a pretty good read on me, remember?” I peeked at him and even though he was still holding my hand, he was staring at his shoes. I could see the corners of his lips shaping into a smile and this encouraged me to go on.
“I am trying to make up for it now.” I was nervously squeezing the hem of my coat with the other hand, so I let it drop on the side of the bed before he could notice it. He let go of my hand with a jerk. I grabbed a fluffy green pencil with a feather in the back and started spinning it and trying to make it balance on the tips of my fingers before the uncomfortable silence could overwhelm me.
“There’s gonna be a war.” He stated barely above a whisper.
“What? I’m telling you I wanna make up for what I did and you want a war?” I asked, my temper getting the better of me once again.
“A war. I’m not planning to have a war with you, Eshe. I meant a real war. I’ve been thinking about it over and over again and it is the only logical explanation. All the noise in the background when we call your and Nessie’s parents? Why they want you back in Sherrill the soonest possible? They are going against the Volturi. They are making an army and they don’t want us to know until we are there safely with them.” He said as he finally looked up and I could see the fear and love in his eyes.
“No way.” I shook my head.
“I got a glimpse of the house the first time you called from Florence. It was filled with shape shifters. Lots of them. They were Jacob’s pack. And some vampires who weren’t related to you or Ness. Zafrina was among them.” He continued.
“How do you know about Zafrina?” I asked surprised.
He rolled his eyes. It was obvious, but I still managed to forget about his power over and over again.
“Nahuel was there too.” He sighed.
“Dawn’s brother?”
“Yeah.”
“Why didn’t you tell Nessie and Dawn then?” I wondered.
“The only person I’d trust it to would be Jacob, but with the whole imprint situation, he can’t keep a thing to himself. Boy, he can’t hide much from that girl! And if her parents wanted her to know, they’d have told her. I am not going to be the bearer of any more bad news.” He frowned at the thought.
“But Dawn has to know about her brother!” I exclaimed.
“She’ll want to fight on his side,” he concluded.
“So what?” I asked, not understanding.
“Let’s make it clear. None of you can fight. You’re too young. Not to mention Mel. You have to go to Sherrill. You have to be safe Eshe, I need you to be safe.” He said as he continued to avert my gaze.
“Why do you use you and not we?” he avoided my eyes. “Oh no. You can’t be thinking about it! Are you?” I was really getting angry now.
“They will need as much help as they can if they want to win them.” He stated matter-of-factly.
“You can’t go!” I screamed at him.
“Can’t I? Watch me!” he met my tone.
“Cole, you cannot go!” I cried.
“I don’t have much of a choice.” He was now back to a whisper.
“You can stay with me! I can’t stand to lose you!” the realization of the words struck me and I started to sob uncontrollably.
This shut him up. He closed the gap between us and pulled me to him. I fell into his chest and sobbed holding him as close to me as I could as if he’d dissolve into thin air if I let him go.
“I can’t stay with you. If this doesn’t stop them now, it’s never going to. They’ll come after us again. They have to be stopped now or we will never be able to live in peace. And you’re not going to lose me.” He said wrapping his arms around me and laying a kiss on the top of my head. “I won’t let anything happen to me.”
“How-do-you-kn-know-this?” I asked still sobbing.
“I just do. I’ll get back to you no matter what. My life means nothing now without you. I love you more than my own existence.” He whispered into my ear.
“If-you’re-going-to-fight, I’m-coming-with-you.” I declared as I stomped my foot.
“No, I’m not risking your life. And do you think your parents would ever let you do that?” he warned.
“They-won’t-be-able-to-stop-me. And-it’s-me-risking-it, not-you.” I replied back with as much indignation as I could muster.
“My answer is final. No.” He said as he kissed my neck soothingly.
“If-you-go-I-go.” I insisted feeling a knot in my throat from choking back the tears.
“If you get killed, I am going to beat myself up for this forever. I won’t be able to survive without you.” He finally concluded.
“Is-that-a-yes?” I asked as I jerked my head up and looked at his face.
“No, it’s just justifying why you cannot fight.” He said with a smile.
“You think that I’m not tough enough to fight?” I said trying to look tougher and more composed.
“I never said that. What I meant was...” he was trying to find the right words, “... that you don’t know how to fight. You haven’t been trained to do it.”
That was true. But I wouldn’t give up so easily. “And you have?” I asked more sure about myself.
“I’ve come against some vampires in my life.” He sneered at the thought.
“Then teach me,” I challenged.
“It’s not that easy. You need years of practice.” He was rubbing those soothing circles on my shoulder again, but it was not going to work...not this time.
“I can learn the basics at least. I’m a quick study.” I looked intently into his eyes trying to stay tough and not melt at the continued sensation he was causing as he traced his hands up my arm and was now twirling my hair around his fingers.
“We could try.” He smiled as he was completely aware of what he was doing to me.
“Great! Let’s start!” I said as I regained some focus and pulled myself from his embrace, making my hand a fist and punching the air.
“What now?” he asked as he sat on the edge of the bed, running his fingers through his hair.
“Yeah! We only have two days until the Cullen’s come. Plus this night.” I said, trying to hurry him up before he changed his mind.
“Aren’t you tired?” he snickered.
“No. Unless you are.” I said in my saddest, most pitiful voice.
“I’m fine.” He got up nodding.
“No, of course not. Come.” I motioned to the spot beside me.
I was on the balcony gazing at the dark sky and the moon that was giving everything a soft silvery tone.
“What happened in there?” she said as she nodded her head towards the kitchen.
“Nothing.” I acted like I had no idea what she was referring to.
“Yeah, Eshe, now I am convinced.” She laughed at my false pretence.
I gazed at the dense forest that was spreading in front of the house reluctant to tell her but I finally gave in. “I got angry. Again.”
“Awww. I see.” She replied sweetly.
“It’s pathetic. I feel like a hysterical, selfish bitch. I am attacking Cole when he’s all sweet and lovey-dovey with me and I just go there and ruin the moment. He doesn’t deserve such behaviour, yet I cannot seem to control it. What is wrong with me?” I cried.
“The last month has been hard for you.” Nessie replied, trying to soothe me.
“For you too, but you’re not like that no matter what happened. How often do you fight with Jake?” I questioned my friend.
Her silence could mean only one thing: None.
“I knew it. Ouch!” I kicked the edge of the balcony and stubbed my toe.
“Imprinting is different than a simple crush.” She replied trying not to laugh at my klutziness.
“Do you think it’s just a crush?” I asked as I bent down to rub my toe.
“I don’t know. You tell me.” She asked as she touched my shoulder.
This got me thinking. ‘How can I be mad? I love you, Eshe.’ his words echoed inside my head. What if I wasn’t in love with him? If this is what love feels like, then something’s wrong with me. Why am I always finding something to fight for and hurt the one I supposedly love?
“Sooo?” she questioned.
“I don’t know. I am actually wondering that myself now.” I said too seriously.
“He loves you.”
“I know. It’s me I’m not sure about. I have such a hard time trusting people and have never really allowed such feelings.” I stated honestly.
“Why?” she asked as she motioned for us to sit on the porch swing.
“Because I am always managing to find something to blame him for; even when he is actually being perfect with me, it’s like I want to hurt him before he hurts me.” I explained.
“Couples fight. It’s healthy. Give him some time and you’ll figure him out. I’ve known Jake since day number one. I know all there is to know about him, but don’t use us as comparison as the ideal example, me and Jake. Most people don’t know all these things when they get together. They start finding out more about each other day by passing day.
“You might be right.” I realized.
“You’d better talk to him. Explain to him calmly what you want and your insecurities. You can get through this.” She headed for the door. “Oh. And you love him too, whether you are able to admit it completely to yourself. I could see it from the first moment you laid eyes on each other. There is an undeniable spark between you two. Don’t question your feelings so easily.” She smiled reassuringly and disappeared inside the house.
Thanks Ness. I really needed to talk to someone besides myself about it.
I stretched on my toes, wincing from the soreness that was already healing on the one foot, to reach the window’s ledge and peeked inside. Everyone was there playing with an old version of Monopoly Junior and Melanie seemed to be the winning. Everyone was there but Cole. Nessie noticed me and pointed up. So, he was waiting in my room. I should talk to him before he falls asleep.
I climbed carefully on the side of the house reaching my bedroom’s window and tapped lightly on the glass. A surprised Cole came into view.
“Can I come in?” I whispered knowing he could hear me.
He shrugged and opened it for me saying, “It’s your room, silly.”
“Thanks.” I smiled.
“I thought the door stood on the other side of the room for a reason.” He said trying to sound cold and distant but I could hear the warm tone he always had around me. This must be a good sign, right?
“Maybe. Sorry for before.” I told him as I reached for his hand.
No response. Maybe it’s not a good enough sign...
“I shouldn’t have snapped like that. I was being selfish and immature. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” I explained.
“Could have realised it earlier you know.” He said as he relinquished and twined our fingers together.
“Yeah, I could. And I should. But you know better than anyone that sometimes I speak before I think. You have a pretty good read on me, remember?” I peeked at him and even though he was still holding my hand, he was staring at his shoes. I could see the corners of his lips shaping into a smile and this encouraged me to go on.
“I am trying to make up for it now.” I was nervously squeezing the hem of my coat with the other hand, so I let it drop on the side of the bed before he could notice it. He let go of my hand with a jerk. I grabbed a fluffy green pencil with a feather in the back and started spinning it and trying to make it balance on the tips of my fingers before the uncomfortable silence could overwhelm me.
“There’s gonna be a war.” He stated barely above a whisper.
“What? I’m telling you I wanna make up for what I did and you want a war?” I asked, my temper getting the better of me once again.
“A war. I’m not planning to have a war with you, Eshe. I meant a real war. I’ve been thinking about it over and over again and it is the only logical explanation. All the noise in the background when we call your and Nessie’s parents? Why they want you back in Sherrill the soonest possible? They are going against the Volturi. They are making an army and they don’t want us to know until we are there safely with them.” He said as he finally looked up and I could see the fear and love in his eyes.
“No way.” I shook my head.
“I got a glimpse of the house the first time you called from Florence. It was filled with shape shifters. Lots of them. They were Jacob’s pack. And some vampires who weren’t related to you or Ness. Zafrina was among them.” He continued.
“How do you know about Zafrina?” I asked surprised.
He rolled his eyes. It was obvious, but I still managed to forget about his power over and over again.
“Nahuel was there too.” He sighed.
“Dawn’s brother?”
“Yeah.”
“Why didn’t you tell Nessie and Dawn then?” I wondered.
“The only person I’d trust it to would be Jacob, but with the whole imprint situation, he can’t keep a thing to himself. Boy, he can’t hide much from that girl! And if her parents wanted her to know, they’d have told her. I am not going to be the bearer of any more bad news.” He frowned at the thought.
“But Dawn has to know about her brother!” I exclaimed.
“She’ll want to fight on his side,” he concluded.
“So what?” I asked, not understanding.
“Let’s make it clear. None of you can fight. You’re too young. Not to mention Mel. You have to go to Sherrill. You have to be safe Eshe, I need you to be safe.” He said as he continued to avert my gaze.
“Why do you use you and not we?” he avoided my eyes. “Oh no. You can’t be thinking about it! Are you?” I was really getting angry now.
“They will need as much help as they can if they want to win them.” He stated matter-of-factly.
“You can’t go!” I screamed at him.
“Can’t I? Watch me!” he met my tone.
“Cole, you cannot go!” I cried.
“I don’t have much of a choice.” He was now back to a whisper.
“You can stay with me! I can’t stand to lose you!” the realization of the words struck me and I started to sob uncontrollably.
This shut him up. He closed the gap between us and pulled me to him. I fell into his chest and sobbed holding him as close to me as I could as if he’d dissolve into thin air if I let him go.
“I can’t stay with you. If this doesn’t stop them now, it’s never going to. They’ll come after us again. They have to be stopped now or we will never be able to live in peace. And you’re not going to lose me.” He said wrapping his arms around me and laying a kiss on the top of my head. “I won’t let anything happen to me.”
“How-do-you-kn-know-this?” I asked still sobbing.
“I just do. I’ll get back to you no matter what. My life means nothing now without you. I love you more than my own existence.” He whispered into my ear.
“If-you’re-going-to-fight, I’m-coming-with-you.” I declared as I stomped my foot.
“No, I’m not risking your life. And do you think your parents would ever let you do that?” he warned.
“They-won’t-be-able-to-stop-me. And-it’s-me-risking-it, not-you.” I replied back with as much indignation as I could muster.
“My answer is final. No.” He said as he kissed my neck soothingly.
“If-you-go-I-go.” I insisted feeling a knot in my throat from choking back the tears.
“If you get killed, I am going to beat myself up for this forever. I won’t be able to survive without you.” He finally concluded.
“Is-that-a-yes?” I asked as I jerked my head up and looked at his face.
“No, it’s just justifying why you cannot fight.” He said with a smile.
“You think that I’m not tough enough to fight?” I said trying to look tougher and more composed.
“I never said that. What I meant was...” he was trying to find the right words, “... that you don’t know how to fight. You haven’t been trained to do it.”
That was true. But I wouldn’t give up so easily. “And you have?” I asked more sure about myself.
“I’ve come against some vampires in my life.” He sneered at the thought.
“Then teach me,” I challenged.
“It’s not that easy. You need years of practice.” He was rubbing those soothing circles on my shoulder again, but it was not going to work...not this time.
“I can learn the basics at least. I’m a quick study.” I looked intently into his eyes trying to stay tough and not melt at the continued sensation he was causing as he traced his hands up my arm and was now twirling my hair around his fingers.
“We could try.” He smiled as he was completely aware of what he was doing to me.
“Great! Let’s start!” I said as I regained some focus and pulled myself from his embrace, making my hand a fist and punching the air.
“What now?” he asked as he sat on the edge of the bed, running his fingers through his hair.
“Yeah! We only have two days until the Cullen’s come. Plus this night.” I said, trying to hurry him up before he changed his mind.
“Aren’t you tired?” he snickered.
“No. Unless you are.” I said in my saddest, most pitiful voice.
“I’m fine.” He got up nodding.
* * * * *
We used the window so that the others
wouldn’t notice and start asking questions we did not want to answer and really
soon, we were standing at the back of the house.
“The most basic thing is to know how to kill them. You already know that stakes, silver bullets and garlic aren’t an option,” he reiterated.
“I not stupid, I know that!” I quipped.
“But do you know what does actually kill them?” he cocked an eyebrow and waited for my answer.
Actually, I had no idea. I shook my head.
“Fire,” he simply stated.
“What?” I asked, not sure I understood what he had said.
“You have to burn them. Now, the thing is, how do you get them all the way to the fire, right?”
“I guess.” I stated, still trying to imagine killing a fast, almost invincible vampire with fire.
“You tear them apart.” He explained.
I smirked in disgust. Drinking animal’s blood was one thing, but having to take off someone’s limbs was completely different. I grunted at the thought.
“The best part to rip off first is the head. Before they can react and get away.” He put his hands in the air and mimicked twisting and ripping off a head.
“And I will go like ‘Hi, I have to burn you so excuse me but I need to rip your head off?’” I asked lamely.
He shook his head in annoyance and he disappeared in a flash from my sight. I felt two hands gripping tightly the sides of my head and I yelped in shock. I guess this was better than the “air ripping off of the head”.
“If they do it, you won’t have time to give them permission. You won’t realize a thing.” He said behind me creeping me out. “Now, do you get how serious this is?” he said in a very stern, teacher-like voice.
“Yeah.” I answered out of breath. “Can you let go of my head now?”
“Will you get serious with this now? If you don’t, there’s no point in trying to teach you anything.” He said as he let go of my head and kissed my neck.
“No, I’m sorry. I will concentrate, but only if you don’t do that anymore.” I said pointing to my neck where he had just kissed me.
“Good then.” He chuckled.
He started explaining me the most common battle techniques and I was silently repeating to myself how stupid I was for not taking those karate classes in P.E. At first, after the theory part was finished, I realised how useless I could be in fighting. I had zero skill as Cole was so nicely saying, (he wasn’t actually saying it, but I was convinced he was thinking it all the time). He was managing to sneak behind me and would have killed me countless times if he was someone from the Volturi guard.... (he did actually say that).
But the more I failed; the more stubborn and persistent I became, and I was improving little by little. I even reached his head sometimes! He said that it was really good that I managed to do it so quickly. He showed me some more advanced moves and little tricks that could work on most vampires and I was satisfied to find out that after making such a bad start, my skills were greatly improving and advancing like I’ve been fighting for years.
“Alright, this is the last time and then we need to get back. You’re gonna get sick if you stay in the cold anymore. Or worse, you’re gonna pass out from complete exhaustion. You’re almost stumbling as it is.” He told me as he got in position for one more attack.
“I’m not sleepy.” I tried to object, but my yawn gave me away.
“Yeah, I see.” He chuckled.
I reached over to him tried to get a grip on him to flip him around like he had shown me, but he was faster. He made me fall on the floor, although I knew he was taking it easy on me since this could explain why my falls weren’t hurting as much as they should. He helped me up and kissed me tenderly.
“Come on, you need to rest. You’ve practiced more than enough for today. If half of the things I have shown you stay in your head until tomorrow, I’ll be extremely happy and consider it a success.” He smiled as he scooped me up and headed toward the front of the house.
“Do you really have any doubts about me remembering these tomorrow?” I asked as I leaned into his chest and yawned again.
“I never know what to expect from you, babe. You are a mystery to me.” He joked.
I had this odd feeling of being watched again and lifted my head to look around, searching for those brown eyes that I thought I had seen this afternoon. I thought I caught a glimpse of them but before I could blink twice they weren’t there.
“I think someone’s been stalking us.” I told him.
“I think you’re too tired and are imagining things.” He said as he kissed my cheek.
“No, I am sure I saw it the other time too! Earlier when we were walking back from the cliffs.” I told him, feeling more awake and pulling myself out of his grip back onto my feet.
“Well, you’re going to sleep now and we’ll talk about it in the morning.” He said, lifting me once again and carrying me bridal style.
“You speak like my dad.” I yawned into his chest.
“Maybe I am.” He said kissing my cheek, lingering there a little longer.
We reached the edge of the house below my window and he gently set me back on my feet. We climbed up and into the window. I needed a little more support because I was losing my balance from the tiredness and as soon as I touched the soft mattress I felt all the weights lifting from my body.
“I’m using the sleeping bag tonight.” Cole murmured in my ear and stroked my head.
“No... Stay here...” I said sleepily. I reached blindly for his hand and pulled him to sit next to me.
“Sleep, love, you’re tired.” He rubbed my back and pulled the covers over me. My eyelids were so heavy and I was fighting to keep them open.
“I want you here... Please?” I mumbled half-lost in my dreams.
“Alright.” He gave in and lay next to me as I snuggled closer to him.
“Will you promise you’re not leaving when I fall asleep?” I pleaded putting my arm over his waist and getting as close as humanly possible.
“Of course I won’t.” He whispered. “Now sleep Eshe, I will be here when you wake up.”
“Then why (yawn) did you want (yawn) to sleep downstairs?” I questioned between yawns.
“I supposed it would be more comfortable for you. The bed is not so big.” He explained while kissing my closing eyelids softly.
“I don’t care. When you’re not here I feel you might go away... This might be a dream... I fear I’ll be waking up in a dark, dirty cell in the Volturi’s dungeons all alone.” I sighed at his touch.
“Oh trust me; this couldn’t be any more real.” He continued peppering kisses on my closed eyelids, my nose and then started stroking my hair, but soon I felt him going still and his breathing slowed confirming he was sleeping. I sighed and took in his scent as he gently snored and let darkness prevail. I smiled and yawned once more and that’s where the night ended for me too.
“The most basic thing is to know how to kill them. You already know that stakes, silver bullets and garlic aren’t an option,” he reiterated.
“I not stupid, I know that!” I quipped.
“But do you know what does actually kill them?” he cocked an eyebrow and waited for my answer.
Actually, I had no idea. I shook my head.
“Fire,” he simply stated.
“What?” I asked, not sure I understood what he had said.
“You have to burn them. Now, the thing is, how do you get them all the way to the fire, right?”
“I guess.” I stated, still trying to imagine killing a fast, almost invincible vampire with fire.
“You tear them apart.” He explained.
I smirked in disgust. Drinking animal’s blood was one thing, but having to take off someone’s limbs was completely different. I grunted at the thought.
“The best part to rip off first is the head. Before they can react and get away.” He put his hands in the air and mimicked twisting and ripping off a head.
“And I will go like ‘Hi, I have to burn you so excuse me but I need to rip your head off?’” I asked lamely.
He shook his head in annoyance and he disappeared in a flash from my sight. I felt two hands gripping tightly the sides of my head and I yelped in shock. I guess this was better than the “air ripping off of the head”.
“If they do it, you won’t have time to give them permission. You won’t realize a thing.” He said behind me creeping me out. “Now, do you get how serious this is?” he said in a very stern, teacher-like voice.
“Yeah.” I answered out of breath. “Can you let go of my head now?”
“Will you get serious with this now? If you don’t, there’s no point in trying to teach you anything.” He said as he let go of my head and kissed my neck.
“No, I’m sorry. I will concentrate, but only if you don’t do that anymore.” I said pointing to my neck where he had just kissed me.
“Good then.” He chuckled.
He started explaining me the most common battle techniques and I was silently repeating to myself how stupid I was for not taking those karate classes in P.E. At first, after the theory part was finished, I realised how useless I could be in fighting. I had zero skill as Cole was so nicely saying, (he wasn’t actually saying it, but I was convinced he was thinking it all the time). He was managing to sneak behind me and would have killed me countless times if he was someone from the Volturi guard.... (he did actually say that).
But the more I failed; the more stubborn and persistent I became, and I was improving little by little. I even reached his head sometimes! He said that it was really good that I managed to do it so quickly. He showed me some more advanced moves and little tricks that could work on most vampires and I was satisfied to find out that after making such a bad start, my skills were greatly improving and advancing like I’ve been fighting for years.
“Alright, this is the last time and then we need to get back. You’re gonna get sick if you stay in the cold anymore. Or worse, you’re gonna pass out from complete exhaustion. You’re almost stumbling as it is.” He told me as he got in position for one more attack.
“I’m not sleepy.” I tried to object, but my yawn gave me away.
“Yeah, I see.” He chuckled.
I reached over to him tried to get a grip on him to flip him around like he had shown me, but he was faster. He made me fall on the floor, although I knew he was taking it easy on me since this could explain why my falls weren’t hurting as much as they should. He helped me up and kissed me tenderly.
“Come on, you need to rest. You’ve practiced more than enough for today. If half of the things I have shown you stay in your head until tomorrow, I’ll be extremely happy and consider it a success.” He smiled as he scooped me up and headed toward the front of the house.
“Do you really have any doubts about me remembering these tomorrow?” I asked as I leaned into his chest and yawned again.
“I never know what to expect from you, babe. You are a mystery to me.” He joked.
I had this odd feeling of being watched again and lifted my head to look around, searching for those brown eyes that I thought I had seen this afternoon. I thought I caught a glimpse of them but before I could blink twice they weren’t there.
“I think someone’s been stalking us.” I told him.
“I think you’re too tired and are imagining things.” He said as he kissed my cheek.
“No, I am sure I saw it the other time too! Earlier when we were walking back from the cliffs.” I told him, feeling more awake and pulling myself out of his grip back onto my feet.
“Well, you’re going to sleep now and we’ll talk about it in the morning.” He said, lifting me once again and carrying me bridal style.
“You speak like my dad.” I yawned into his chest.
“Maybe I am.” He said kissing my cheek, lingering there a little longer.
We reached the edge of the house below my window and he gently set me back on my feet. We climbed up and into the window. I needed a little more support because I was losing my balance from the tiredness and as soon as I touched the soft mattress I felt all the weights lifting from my body.
“I’m using the sleeping bag tonight.” Cole murmured in my ear and stroked my head.
“No... Stay here...” I said sleepily. I reached blindly for his hand and pulled him to sit next to me.
“Sleep, love, you’re tired.” He rubbed my back and pulled the covers over me. My eyelids were so heavy and I was fighting to keep them open.
“I want you here... Please?” I mumbled half-lost in my dreams.
“Alright.” He gave in and lay next to me as I snuggled closer to him.
“Will you promise you’re not leaving when I fall asleep?” I pleaded putting my arm over his waist and getting as close as humanly possible.
“Of course I won’t.” He whispered. “Now sleep Eshe, I will be here when you wake up.”
“Then why (yawn) did you want (yawn) to sleep downstairs?” I questioned between yawns.
“I supposed it would be more comfortable for you. The bed is not so big.” He explained while kissing my closing eyelids softly.
“I don’t care. When you’re not here I feel you might go away... This might be a dream... I fear I’ll be waking up in a dark, dirty cell in the Volturi’s dungeons all alone.” I sighed at his touch.
“Oh trust me; this couldn’t be any more real.” He continued peppering kisses on my closed eyelids, my nose and then started stroking my hair, but soon I felt him going still and his breathing slowed confirming he was sleeping. I sighed and took in his scent as he gently snored and let darkness prevail. I smiled and yawned once more and that’s where the night ended for me too.
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