A Midnight Kiss ~Twilight Saga FanFiction~

Chapter Ten

As the night went on, a hush fell over everybody. Everyone is quiet and mindful of Billy's neighbors. Seth and Leah had retreated inside to watch TV, while Sue sat close to her husband, Harry, gazing up at the stars. My father and his friends had shifted from their earlier boisterous laughter to a quiet conversation about something I wasn't paying attention to, their words barely rising above the crackling embers of the dying fire. Meanwhile, Bella nestled beside Jacob with a can of cola in her hand, Jake's dark ebony hair now cascading over his face. They spoke in hushed tones with large grins, immersed in their own little world. It was endearing; I wouldn't be surprised if they both had secret crushes on each other. As I sat there, the soft chattering of the group blended into the night, but my mind was elsewhere. Jacob's words echoed in my thoughts, his warning about the Cullens lingering like an unsettling omen. The way he spoke about them — half in hatred, half in fear — made my heart race. But, I still couldn't help but think of Edward. Something about him pulled at me, something deeper than mere attraction. I sound so stupid! I thought to myself, looking beside me down at Pumpkin who was curled up and fast asleep.

I stole glances at Bella and Jacob, lost in their own moment, while my thoughts drifted back to the woods behind them. Just moments before, I glimpsed those glowing red eyes again, watching me from the shadows like a warning beacon. It sent a shiver down my spine, igniting a mix of fear and dread. It felt like the hallucination at the party and my nightmares were blending into reality, was I going crazy? Raising my gaze to the treetops, I searched the shadows for any sign of movement, a hint of what lay beyond the edge of the familiar. I felt a strange pull as if I were teetering on the brink of discovering something no human should know — something that would change everything.

The night air was cool against my skin, and the stars twinkled overhead, but all I could focus on was that haunting gaze. Who — or what — was watching me? Is that woman real? Is there something following me? I felt a thrill of fear as if the darkness held secrets meant only for me. As I turned back to the fire, I realized the flames were twisting and creating an image of Edward: his enigmatic smile that took my breath away, his beautiful hair that was never out of place, and his gorgeous eyes that I could get lost in.

I must be going crazy if I see Edward in a campfire, what's wrong with me?

I glanced around at the cozy gathering, the warmth of the fire flickering against the cool night air, but a sense of restlessness tugged at me. I needed to clear my head, to escape the weight of unanswered questions and lingering fears. I scooped Pumpkin up gently as I stood, feeling the reassuring warmth of her tiny body against my chest. "Hey there, little one," I murmured, stroking her soft fur. She purred contentedly, her small form bringing a smile to my face. Turning to the group, I said my goodbyes. "I think I'm going to head home. It's been a long day," I smiled half-heartedly, forcing cheerfulness into my voice. Bella looked up at me, not seeming to really care that I was leaving. I guess it meant she was just that little bit closer to being alone with Jake. "See you at home, Roxi!" she called, and Jacob gave me a friendly wave, his laughter still echoing in the air. Dad gave me a warm smile, giving me a playful wink. "Drive safe, sweetheart, we'll be home soon,"

With Pumpkin nestled securely in my arms, I walked down the driveway to my truck, the soft crunch of gravel underfoot the only sound breaking the night's silence. The stars twinkled above, but my thoughts were consumed by the mystery of those glowing eyes, Edward, and the pull I felt toward both him and the mysteries surrounding the Cullens. The night was still, but something in the air felt electric as if secrets were waiting just beyond my reach. With a sigh, I climbed into my car, closed the door behind me, and set Pumpkin down next to me, leaving the world outside. As I settled into the driver's seat, Pumpkin curled up into my lap, purring softly as I started the engine. The familiar hum of the car enveloped us, but unease tugged at my thoughts. The streets were dimly lit, shadows stretching and shifting with the flickering streetlights.