Fatal Affection (yandere Alice Cullen and Yandere Jasper Hale x male oc)

[31]

-Bennetts POV-
As we entered the house, I trailed behind my parents, feeling their voices buzz around me. Dad was incredibly animated, his voice echoing through the hallway as he shrugged off his coat.

"Carlisle Cullen, now there's a man of integrity," he said, his words almost reverent. "Very measured in conversation. Knows when to speak and, more importantly, when to listen. Admirable, honestly. We could use more people like him in our congregation, Melissa."

I watched as Mum nodded, smoothing her skirt, a small smile on her face. "Yes, and Alice and Esme were just delightful. Alice is so well-mannered, and Esme? She has a warmth that's rare these days. You can tell she genuinely cares about people. Not just polite, you know? Really curious." Her smile grew as she thought about them. "They're a wonderful family."

Hearing her talk like this about Alice and her family made me feel good. I'd never seen Mum so taken with people outside our usual circle, and I felt a quiet pride swelling in me for my friends. I stayed silent, letting them talk as I made my way toward the stairs, one hand grazing the wooden bannister.

"Bennett," Dad called over to me, "why don't you go change out of those church clothes."

"Yes, sir," I replied, heading up to my room.

Once inside, I peeled off my dress shirt and folded it neatly, setting it aside on the bed. I pulled on a soft T-shirt and a pair of jeans, sinking into the familiar comfort of my everyday clothes. I lingered by the window momentarily, watching the quiet street below. I still couldn't believe that Alice and Jasper had actually come to church and that I'd met their parents.

I felt closer to them somehow, especially to Alice. In the middle of the crowded church, she had hugged me, something she'd never done before. I could still feel the warmth of her arms around me, and I couldn't help but smile, feeling almost like they were becoming family to me, or at least what I imagined family should feel like.

Pulling myself out of my thoughts, I made my way over to my desk, where my sketchbook sat waiting. Sketching always relaxed me, letting my mind wander as my hands worked automatically. Today, I let the pencil roam freely over the page, sketching out trees that wound around each other, their branches forming a dense canopy. I loved drawing scenes of nature, places that felt like an escape.

But even as I sketched, I couldn't stop my mind from drifting back to Alice and Jasper. I was genuinely happy they'd come, but if I was honest, I was a little disappointed that Jasper hadn't really spoken to me. He'd given me a quick nod before he'd gotten distracted by their younger sister. At least, I think she's their sister. She was lively, and Jasper was focused on keeping her entertained.

But then, a few other things started to creep into my mind, details that felt strange now that I thought about them, like how neither of them ever ate in front of me. They always seemed to have some excuse ready, even last week at dinner with my parents. Alice had barely touched her food, and Jasper had only taken a sip of water. It didn't feel too odd at the time, but now I couldn't help but wonder. And their skin was always cold, like holding onto a stone in winter.

I paused mid-sketch, staring at the lines and shapes I'd put on the page without really looking. Could there be a reason? I mean, I felt more like I was around them than with anyone else. But even so, the questions lingered, small and unsettling, at the back of my mind.

Then, my phone buzzed, snapping me out of my thoughts. I picked it up and felt a wave of excitement as Alice's name appeared on the screen. I opened her message, a grin spreading across my face as I read it.

Alice: Hey, Benny! I just wanted to say it was great seeing you today! You looked so smart in your church clothes :) I can't wait to meet up tomorrow after school!!