Eclipsed Secrets

Echoes of the Past

The day began like any other, the sun casting a warm glow over the town of Forks. Althea found herself in the cafeteria, surrounded by the usual chaos of student chatter and laughter. Jasper was beside her, their conversation a comfortable blend of playful banter and shared glances. Yet, beneath the surface, a storm brewed—an unease that neither could shake.

Earlier that morning, Bella Swan had left school, her mind racing with the complexities of her new life and the weight of her feelings for Edward. She exited the school building, unaware of the danger lurking just around the corner. As she crossed the parking lot, she spotted a large blue truck speeding down the road, its driver distracted and oblivious to her presence."Bella, watch out!" a voice shouted, but the warning came too late.Bella turned, her eyes widening as she realized the truck was barreling straight toward her. She stood frozen, shock paralyzing her as the massive vehicle hurtled closer.But then, out of nowhere, Edward appeared. With astonishing speed, he dashed across the parking lot, reaching Bella just in time. In a fluid motion, he grasped her waist and pulled her out of the way, but not before stopping the truck with his bare hand, the metal crumpling under his grip like paper.The world fell silent for a heartbeat, and Bella lay on the ground, stunned, Edward hovering protectively over her. "What the hell were you thinking?" he breathed, his voice low and intense."I—I didn't think," she stammered, still in shock as she processed what had just happened. "You... you saved me."His expression was a mixture of relief and anger, and for a moment, Althea watched from a distance, her heart racing. Then, as the crowd of students began to gather, Edward's fury bubbled to the surface. "Stay away from her!" he shouted, turning to the onlookers.Without another word, he stormed away, leaving Bella sitting on the pavement, confusion and awe mixing in her expression.Althea rushed to Bella's side, concern flooding her. "Are you okay?" she asked, helping her to sit up."I think so," Bella said, blinking rapidly. "What just happened? How did he...?""Let's get you to the nurse," Althea urged, but Bella seemed lost in thought, staring after Edward, who had disappeared into the tree line.Later that day, the mood in the Cullen household was tense. Althea wandered into the living room, seeking a moment of solace. Carlisle was seated on the couch, his gaze focused on a medical journal, but he looked up as she entered."Althea," he greeted, a warm smile lighting his face. "How are you holding up after everything today?"Althea sighed, dropping into the seat beside him. "I'm not sure. It feels like everything is happening so fast. I thought things were starting to settle down, and then... this."Carlisle set aside his journal and turned to her, concern etching his features. "I know it can be overwhelming. Bella's accident shook us all, especially Edward. But you handled the situation well.""Thanks," Althea said, grateful for his support. "I just wish I could understand why Edward reacted the way he did. He saved her, but then he just... ran away."Carlisle nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It's not easy for him to confront his emotions. He has a protective instinct, but sometimes that can manifest as anger—especially when it comes to the people he cares about.""I get that," Althea replied, her voice softening. "I just wish he would let someone in."Carlisle smiled gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're doing well to be there for Bella and Edward. It's important to support each other in times of crisis."Althea appreciated the warmth of his touch, feeling a deep connection with him. In that moment, the bond between them felt more pronounced, like a father-daughter relationship that had quietly formed over the past weeks. "You always know the right thing to say," she admitted, a smile creeping onto her face.Carlisle chuckled softly. "I've had a lot of practice, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate hearing it. I want you to know that you're part of this family, Althea. Your feelings matter."Her heart swelled at his words. "Thank you, Carlisle. I've felt so out of place sometimes, but knowing I have you all... it means a lot."He squeezed her shoulder gently before pulling away, his expression serious. "And remember, if you ever need to talk, I'm here. We're all in this together."

As the days passed after the accident, Bella became the center of attention, her near-miss with tragedy turning her into a topic of fascination. Yet, Althea couldn't shake the feeling that this newfound spotlight would bring complications—not just for Bella but for all of them.In the midst of this chaos, Althea continued to bond with Jasper. He often stayed close by, his steady presence offering her comfort amid the swirling emotions. But as she witnessed Bella and Edward's budding relationship unfold, Althea felt a mixture of admiration and frustration.One afternoon, Althea and Jasper sat beneath a large oak tree on the school grounds, a comfortable silence enveloping them as the sun began to set. "What's on your mind?" Jasper asked, breaking the stillness."I don't know," Althea replied, staring at the horizon. "Just thinking about how quickly everything changes."He turned to her, his expression thoughtful. "Change can be good. You're not alone anymore, Althea.""Yeah, I guess," she said, feeling warmth spread through her at his words. "It just feels strange sometimes."Jasper smiled softly. "You're a part of this family now. We'll figure it out together."As their eyes met, a sense of understanding passed between them, a silent acknowledgment of the journey ahead. For the first time in a long time, Althea felt a glimmer of hope—an opportunity to embrace a future she had once thought impossible. 

And with Jasper by her side, she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

~

A/N how can doing nothing be so tiring?? 😭

leave a comment if you want to and stay safe <3