Twilight: Betrayal

Chapter 12

Alice leaving was a godsend. I found that it was easier to open up to them once her presence faded. They were particularly relieved that I was finally speaking to them without a trace of attitude or hate. I hadn't thought that I would fall for them again so easily. Of course I wouldn't forget what they did to me, but for now, this was enough.

I had continued to lean against the wall and the Cullens remained in their original positions on my sofa. It was a priceless image, absurd almost. They didn't belong in a surrounding like this. They belonged in their glass castle of a house, surrounded by elegant antiques, vases, and portraits. The image of Carlisle's ancient cross that hung in the hallway came to mind and I smiled. I wonder if it's still where I remember it?

I was suddenly curious to see the house again. It had once been my place of refuge. I wondered if it was how I remembered it.

"Bella?"

"Hmm?" I looked up to find the Cullens shooting me quizzical glances. "Sorry, what did you say?" It was rude of me to zone out in the middle of the conversation but as I suspected would happen, Esme gave me an encouraging grin and I relaxed once again.

"What's it like living with a human?" Emmett asked. Jasper leaned forward in his seat, listening intently to my words. Of course, this topic was of great interest to the entire coven. How have I, Isabella Marie Swan, successfully managed to cope with the presence of a human twenty four hours a day and seven days a week?

"It's interesting. To be honest, I don't know." And that was the truth. I hadn't a clue as to why I could handle being around my room mate without wanting to tear him limb from limb. But I tried as best as I could manage to explain myself to them. "I go hunting a lot, I hold my breath, I avoid skin on skin contact." I shrugged.

Carlisle's look of utter shock had me swelling up with pride. "Astounding." He whispered, more to himself than anyone else.

"What do you do during dinner?" Emmett was loaded with what could easily have been millions of questions. I groaned inwardly. I was never one who basked in attention. That is one of the many things that hasn't changed about me since I was turned.

One of his first questions were if I had gained any powers since the change. I gave a simple "No idea." And we moved past the subject.

Naturally, he asked me how I'd come to be a vampire. When I told them the story of how Laurent found me and changed me and told me to give his regards to them, they couldn't believe it. He had attended the wedding and said nothing of this little escapade involving me. But the topics changed rapidly. There were too many questions to be asked and so little time left before they had to take their leave. 

I curled a strand of my hair around my index finger. "Salads. Most nights I'll pretend to eat and hide the evidence. It's not really that hard." I felt compelled to add in that last part. I'm not some miracle that can withstand the temptations of human blood. I craved Key as much as any other vampire did. But I could never hurt him. He was family.

"Why did you take him in? You could have gotten along just fine without a roommate." I shuffled in my spot as Esme asked the question I dreaded the most.

"I was lonely." I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt, picking at worn strings. "I didn't want to create another like me. Like us. It's just better that way." They nodded in understanding, seeing how uncomfortable I was with this line of questioning.

"So, is it my turn?" My voice shook. There was only one topic that my questions revolved around, and by the diminishing looks on their faces, they weren't exactly thrilled either.

Jasper fell back into the couch, readying for the blow that this conversation would take on him. I felt guilty that I was going to hurt him but I had to know. My peace of mind depended on it.