Twilight Collision

Chapter 7: Guest

Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, own Twilight or any of its characters.

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It's been a week since Bella stayed in our house. I've been trying to avoid her as much as I can but it really didn't do anything to the burning in my throat, what with her scent fixed inside the house.

It was quite fascinating to know that the day after we let her stay, she didn't leave her room until we have left for school. I only found out the reason when I asked Alice about it and I heard the conversation from her mind.

"Bella, why don't you come out? It's already morning"

"Nope, I'm okay. I'll be out when you guys are gone for school." Bella answered without opening the door.

"And that's because...?"

"I don't want all of you to be uncomfortable with me around. The less you see me in the house, the better"

"Hah! As if that's going to make a difference! We can smell you even from outside the house!" Alice laughed

"Still..."

"Fine. But you best be ready when we get back from school because you're coming with me"

The door burst open and Bella's face was inches from Alice's, clearly surprised. I cringed at the same time as Alice flinched in her memory at the smell of Bella's scent.

"Oh Sorry" she smiled apologetically. Alice had to compose herself.

"Ahm, where are we going?"

"Why shopping of course! You can't just stay in those pajamas all day!"

Bella looked down at her pajamas which she had been wearing the day before.

"What's wrong with the Pajamas?"

"Really?" Alice raised her eyebrow.

"But -" She silenced her with her fingers. "No Buts- I'll fetch you later after class" Alice closed the door and went her way.

"Crazy vampire" Bella muttered under her breath from her room and Alice laughed.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her. She has a totally different reaction from what I was expecting but it was clear that they were already comfortable with each other.

"You're going hunting tonight Bro?" Emmett teased as he got in the back of my car between Jasper and Rosalie while Alice saw beside me. We were on our way home from school.

"You could never be too cautious with a human in the house" Jasper said.

"Right. Like it's already not taunting enough, why not put a sign at her back that says "drink me" "Rosalie smirked and I glared at her.

"Rose's just joking" Emmett laughed.

"Oh come on. Just think of it this way." Alice said. "The more that Bella is near, the more Edward will get used to her scent."

"Like being desensitized? Hmmm that could work" Jasper replied and I liked the thought.

As much as I would like to admit it, I wanted to be near her without endangering her life. It could have been triggered by Alice's vision of me and her together. Now, I was no longer just drawn by her blood but by also some deep emotion that was slowly being awakened inside of me.

When we arrived home, I left my car in the garage and went straight to hunting. It took me the whole afternoon and when I came back, I noticed Bella's scent stronger across the river where Esme was doing the renovation.

My curiosity peaked and I made my way towards them and stopped silently a few feet from the site. Bella was sitting cross legged on top of a boulder that was intentionally placed there. She was facing what was now a house or more so like a cottage. What difference could a week make with a vampire doing the construction. Esme was enjoying what she was doing and it showed from her work. From the pile of rubble that it was before, now stood a small cottage. The outside view was already completed and it looked like Esme was already finishing up with the interior. Emmett and Jasper had been helping Esme after classes so it took even lesser time for the cottage to be built.

From where I was standing, I could see Bella's face fascinated by the work in front of her. With her, we didn't have to pretend to be human. I could see Esme inside moving in vampire speed while assembling the bathroom door.

I went back to staring at Bella and a mixture of emotions flooded through me. There was the burning pain and I understood that it will always be there and I would have to get used to it. There's also this fear that I might slip up and hurt her. Then there's this fascination, for the mind that I couldn't read and for the face that shows so much emotions that it's as good as reading her mind. And lastly, that certain feeling that was growing inside me, something that I have never felt in all of my life.

I noticed her stiffen as if sensing someone was watching her and in instinct, she whirled her head to her side and caught me staring. Her eyes lit up at the sight of me and I felt an overwhelming gladness at her reaction.

I wanted to be closer to her. I inhaled deeply letting the smell of the woods mixed with Bella's wash over me.

hmmm... tolerable

I was at her side in an instant and she didn't even flinch.

"It's lovely" She gestured to the house.

"I know" But I wasn't looking at the house. I didn't know why I said that but when she saw me staring, her cheeks turned scarlet. I didn't even mind the burning now.

"Are you sure you want to be here?" I was taken aback by the question.

"Why? Do you want me to go away?" I tried hiding the bitterness in my tone.

"No!" Bella quickly answered then blushed. "I meant, with my blood and all, it must be hard for you..."

I sighed in relief. I stared hard at her eyes and smiled and I saw her expression going momentarily blank. I had to laugh. She was still worried about me instead of herself. How odd.

Carlisle had to explain to Bella how her blood appealed to me more than any other scent but had assured her that I was strong enough to resist doing anything that could harm her. I appreciated my father having faith in my ability, even if I had my doubts but the more I was with Bella, the more I was starting to get a sense of control of the burn. Alice was right. Being near her does help.

"I think I'm getting the hang of it" It took a while before she was able to answer.

"Ahm, that's good" She tried going back to paying attention to the cottage but I can sense that she was already distracted.

I could have stared at her all day but I noticed the forest slowly giving way to darkness.

"Have you eaten?" I asked a little worried. I should check the kitchen if we still had human food stocked.

"Oh..I'm afraid not. What time is it?"

"It's already past seven"

"Wow I totally forgot about the time"

"How long have you been here?"

"The whole day?" She seemed unsure "I went to find Esme to ask if there were some food in the pantry but I got sidetracked here" She explained sheepishly.

"Mom, I'm taking Bella to dinner"