What I've Been Living For

Chapter Eleven: A Fresh Start

"Now I've gone for too long
Living like I'm not alive
So I'm going to start over tonight
Beginning with you and I”      - Paramore , Miracle

Bella's POV

We stood there, staring at each other while we held each other's hand. The only noise in the room was our quiet breathing and the steady rhythm of our heart. It was strange, but I liked the way our hearts sound together. It was like a peaceful melody or lullaby.

Eventually, I broke eye contact with him and released my hand.

"So..." I began.

Honestly, I had no idea how to begin this conversation. What do I say? What do I do? As if he could sense my hesitation, he finally spoke.

"So, Bella. That's a pretty name" His deep voice broke the silence.

I could feel my cheeks heat up in a blush. Gosh, Bella get a grip! Its not like you haven't been complimented before.

"Actually, my full name is Isabella but I like to be called Bella. So, yeah thanks still"

 I felt completely embarrassed. What was going on with me? The comfortable warm feeling I had just moments before soon evaporated into a nervous anxiety a person would get on their first date. I couldn't figure out what it was, but I wanted Caleb to get a good impression of me, like I wanted his approval.

"Well, either name matches you. Both are beautiful like you"

Major Blush. I could feel my cheeks heat up to the maximum. How is it, that the simplest words from him, could make me blush uncontrollably? I was actually starting to miss the old, aggressive Caleb. At least, he didn't make me blush.

"You sure do blush a lot" he commented.

"Yeah, well trust me. It's involuntary" I  mumbled.

He chuckled slightly and in that quick second, I was able to observe a different side of him. This wasn't the "tear you apart, angry Caleb" or "Confused and staring intently Caleb". It was a softer side, where his deep brown eyes lightened in color and the air around him seemed to be full of happiness and peace. I felt my breath catch in my throat. The moment, though it was short, was incredible to watch and I found myself wanting to see more of it.

"So, Bella" He began. His light-hearted mood soon replaced into a serious one.

"How are you a half-vampire?" He asked serious, looking me straight in the eye. His gaze was guarded but behind it was a slight hint of curiosity.

I shrugged my shoulders and sighed lightly.

"Honestly, I wish I knew. I was bit and when I woke up, I was like this" I explained gesturing to myself.

"So you don't have a clue?" He asked

"Nope" I replied

"Well then. I guess the next question is what happened to you and  why are you dressed that way?" He questioned, as he slowly walked passed me to sit on the edge of the bed.

I sighed loudly and rubbed my fingers through my hair as I took in my appearance. Ouch! I did look pretty bad. I could feel my stomach clench, in the idea of telling him what happened to me. Do I tell him everything or do I leave my life of Forks out of it?

"It's a long story and I don't think..." I began but he soon interrupted me.

"I know you probably don't want to tell me and you have a right to keep your privacy to yourself. But if you're going to stay, I need to know what happened to you. I need to know that I can trust you, especially since Sophia's here" He finished, leaving me completely speechless.