Authors Note: I always liked how Bella accepted Edward's vampirism so easily, but that didn't stop me questioning other reactions. So here is the story of another reaction, a different beginning. Please note that Bella isn't as clued up on vampires as she is in Twilight; she suspects something is different about Edward, and vampire is an option, but she's more sceptical about it in this story.
This story picks up from when Bella is shopping in Port Angeles (if you hadn't already guessed from the summary)
Thanks to Thats-So-Alex for proof-reading for me!
Of course, I do not own Twilight; Stephenie Meyer does.
Bella's POV:
I had my suspicions about Edward Cullen. The incident with Tyler's van and Jacob's tribal stories were only half of why I felt so strongly that something was different… strange. I did not believe everything I'd read or been told - that would be extremely silly and gullable of me. But I couldn't help this overwhelming feeling that I wanted him to like me; there was this desire to have him want me, but I felt so insignificant beside him.
But as I excused myself from Angela and Jess's dress shopping to make my way to the bookshop, my mind was filled with Edward Cullen again. I had agreed to this outing to rid my head of Edward Cullen who was lurking behind every thought, but that self promise had failed miserably as the Cullen's had been brought up in conversation once or twice. It was hard to ignore the sudden increased pounding of your heart just by the very mention of a two syllable name!
It was thinking about Edward Cullen that led me down the wrong road, past my destination that I had searched for on an internet direction site. Glancing up and down the dusky street, I noticed a wooden post advertising another book shop which I thanked whoever for, and began in the direction it pointed in. Looking around me for any other people walking about, I saw an older man walking his dog. It looked a strange place to be walking at this time of night, I thought, but quickly erased that when I realised I was the greater idiot of the two.
I hit an alley way, and glancing behind me, walked through. The bricks were mossy and dingy, I noticed, as I picked up pace to make my way through. My coat was wrapped firmly around my body, clinging to me. I felt extremely vulnerable walking through, but I tried to push away a paranoia. I'd find the bookstore soon enough, purchase my findings and then ring Jessica and Angela to pick me up, or meet them if I could. There was no denying I was lost.
And that's when I noticed the four strangers lurking at the other end of this tunnel-like path. I wanted to turn around, to run the other way, paranoia flooding through me, but I pushed my eyes down, making myself as physically small as I possibly could, and continued. It surprised me a little that it was Edward I thought about at this time, finding comfort in the thought of him, despite his indecisive attititude.
"Hey!" One of them called, but I didn't look up from my feet.
I felt the open air attack as I walked out from under the protective confines of the brick shelter, and the men were closer. Not ten metres from me, they were laughing and joking, sneering at my expense. But I said nothing and continued to walk, quicker and quicker.
"Hold up!" Another called a different voice. It's just drunken banter, I told myself, they mean no harm. The words seemed false, even in my mind. Reality dawned as the closed in, and I finally looked up to see their hooded faces.
Each of them wore hooded jumpers and jeans, their faces unseen, three carrying beer cans, and the other holding his arms out towards me for an uninviting embrace. I looked down again and walked past him, finding an unexplainable fascination in my shoes.
"Where you going?" He called, trying to sound seductive but I tried to refrain myself from gagging.
"H..home," I lied, "My dad is waiting for me," I tried to sound menacing, but I knew my words were nothing more than a feeble squeak.
"We'll take you home, won't we boys?" Jeers sounded from around me and I felt a heavy weight land on my shoulders. I turned around quickly, the arm flying off in my haste.
"Play nice now," One added jokingly, as a roar of laughs sounded from the others. I cowered under the noise, suddenly thinking of anything I knew on how to defend myself. Surely a simple punch would suffice, or I could kick him in the groin? Wasn't that a male's weakest point? As he leaned in to me, crushing his lips to mine, I swung my arm round to hit the side of his head, the natural reaction to his actions. He grunted in pain, grabbing my wrist brutally and yanking me forwards.
"Get off her," A growl sounded but I couldn't spin around to see who it was because of the strong grip twisting and burning on my skin. I could, however, guess; Edward Cullen, every inch of perfection at my rescue. My heart picked up pace in relief, or in lust, as I imagined his face. I was right to find comfort in Edward Cullen after all...
"You gonna make me, pretty boy?" One laughed.
"Yes," Another growl rippled from the man I could not see, but the grip on my wrist tightened just as the man was thrown in the air. I was yanked forwards under the force of the throw, but as the grip loosened, I fell forwards on the floor, landing with a cracking of my knee. I moved it instantly, a small pain shooting up it, but I knew that no serious damage had been done; just a bruise.
Another splat was heard and I looked to see my attacker far away from me, a fierce look on his face. My head spun as I stood up quickly, whizzing around.
Edward was standing there, growls shaking his chest heavily, and his eyes narrowed as he eyed the others who reflected away from him. I, too, felt myself put distance between us.
"Nice move, pretty boy," I recognised the voice as the first one who had called over to me. I blinked in horror as Edward took one menacing step towards the man. Edward's arm flew out from his side, hitting the man in his chest and pushing him backwards with the same force as the first. But I couldn't help but watch Edward's muscles flex as if he'd restricted the damage. As if he could do worse.
I'd thought too soon; Edward pounced forwards to the other men. I saw, briefly, the flash of his razor sharp teeth bared as he growled at the other two. They stood, frozen, at Edward's mercy as he growled from deep within his chest, his body vibrating from the energy he was transferring. I couldn't help but think that he was restraining himself, as if he could do worse... much, much worse. I exhaled loudly as I watched as Edward stumbled backwards, overwhelmed by everything.
"Get in the car, Bella," He demanded but I stood in horror, watching the scene of brawling that had been played in front of me. I could not move for shock; shock of my own attack, then shock as I was avenged by Edward Cullen.
A hand on my shoulder directed me to the car, and I let it guide me. The door flung open and I was helped inside, as if I were an incapable child. My movements were mechanical, with no participation from my mind, almost subconcious.
Before I knew it, Edward was sitting beside me in the driver's seat, as the engine roared to life and we flew onto the road. The images out the window were nothing more than a confusing blur.
His breathing was heavy, panting, as was mine before he stopped breathing completely. I glanced sideways at him; his dark, sunken eyes, his rigid jaw and pursed lips. I was scared, just a little. The atmosphere could be torn in two with its jagged edges and his incoherent muttering.
I didn't know what to do, or how to act. I wanted to curl up in a ball, hold myself in. Violation was only one of the many emotions I was feeling; I'd been so close to losing my freedom with the vicious trappings of those disgusting bastards. I was no mind reader, but their intentions had been clear from their malicious looks, comments and the tight grip on my wrist.
Looking sideways at Edward, I took a deep breath; I had to ask.
"Why are you here?" I demanded weakly, my voice shaking. I could feel the ripples in my chest, the tears bordering over the edge. I couldn't be brushed off with some bull shit lie anymore; this was happening too many times, and I needed answers!
"Saving you," His voice was cold but warm also. It was said quietly but still strong.
I let a silence spread through the car before I asked my next question. He would never know how tormented my mind had become in its battle to decipher the clues he was leaving, the subtle hints and the lies that he gave me. I'd had to pry away at them to reveal the truth, and even now, I was not sure. I needed confirmation. I needed truth.
"What are you?"
For the first time, I truly allowed myself to contemplate such drastic options. No longer did I think he was simply strong; he had fought four fully grown men, and thrown two of them across the lot with one seemingly effortless push. He drove without fear, without restrictions. He was not scared, and that usually came with a sense of power. But how much power, how much strength and ability did Edward have?
His changing eyes, his strength, his accurate speed, the myths; it could all be true; it was a possibility.
"You don't want to know," He whispered bitterly.
"I do," My voice was stronger than I gave myself credit for; although I was still shaking inside, my hands rattling under the shock of attack and rescue.
Our eyes caught for just a moment as we glanced at each other simultaneously, and the darkness in his made me creep back into my chair, but I kept my gaze.
"Vampire,"
The words was barely audible, yet the syllable rang loud and clear in my eyes, echoing loudly as if he'd screamed the word at his greatest volume.
My mind was suddenly filled with contrasting emotions; fear yet safety, attraction yet repulsion. I could not help but replay the word over and over with the scene from minutes ago; such incredible effortless strength, such sharp piercing teeth – I feared it was only the beginning of his abilities, his nature.
"Stop the car," I croaked, trying to control my feelings. I reached over to the handle, "Please, stop the car. I need to get out. I need to go home,"
Review, please?
I'd love to hear what you think!
Thanks for reading xx