chapter 7 snowballs and bloodsuckers

It was particularly cold that day. Why, Bella wasn't quite sure. But the night before had frosted the ground with even more snow then that week, making the day perfect for a snowball fight. She had woken up that morning to a sweet text from Carrie. After a hot shower and a warm breakfast, she dressed in thick layers and walked over to Mike's house. She had gotten the lay out of much of the town rather quickly, despite her utter lack of directional ability. Also, Mike's house was not too hard to find. It was down just past the general market and the last home before the woods, making for one hell of a back yard. She decided to walk there, as taking her truck would simply waist much needed gas. It was a little difficult to make her way through the thick bank of snow, but she managed. It reminded her faintly of crunching watermelon. Her mind went back to her life in Arizona...

She spent the first half of summer with her friends and mother, and the second half up in Forks. So during the hot days in Phoenix, she spent most of her time sitting beneath cooling fans in her bathing suit, eating watermelon and talking with Maria. What an insane little creature. Maria was the kind of girl who would throw a wrench in everything just to see what it would do. Loud and somewhat obnoxious at first, Bella had grown used to Maria's wild stories and yammering voice. So much so that it felt so odd to not hear it. She would have called Maria as much as she called Carrie, but Maria was not a real "phone savvy" person. Ironic, considering how much she liked to talk. But if you weren't in front of her face, she couldn't seem to start a conversation. It was just the way she was. Besides, Bella knew she'd be busy. This year was her last as a high school student. She was probably jumping through hoops just to graduate; she hadn't been the best student over the last three years, so she had to make up a good amount of work this last one. Bella wondered what she was doing now...

When she finally did get to Mike's house, she was glad that she was the first one there. It gave her a chance to warm herself and drink some home made hot chocolate, topped off with a generous amount of whipped cream. As she nursed the liquid, she and Mike got a better chance to know one another. He was quite funny, but not so much in the over-zealous way that Maria was. His humor relied more in wit and one liners then over exuberant antics. Almost in the way Carrie held her own charm. She laughed quite a bit that morning. She was just finishing up her hot cocoa when Jessica walked in, unravelling her scarf.

"Hey!" she said from the hallway. She walked in to find Bella and Mike on the couch. Bella noticed something in her face. It was an odd look that she spared the Arizona native. However, it left just as soon as it arrived, and her charming smile returned. "Am I interrupting?" She walked over and sat close to Mike, probably more then she should have, and laid her head along his shoulder.

"Not much," said Mike. "Just getting to know each other. So are the others on their way?"

"Yup," said Jessica, sitting up. "They should be getting here pretty soon."

Bella shifted in her seat. "Oh... I invited someone, too. But I don't think she'll come to be honest."

Jessica turned her gaze to her, a bit surprised. "Really? Who?" She paused and then turned her mouth to a frown. "Don't tell me you invited Creepo..."

"Please stop calling her that," said Bella, hands in her lap. "I just... I saw her getting picked on in the hall and... well, maybe some compassion could do her good."

"Who are you guys talking about?" Mike asked, clearly out of the loop.

"Edythe Cullen," said Jessica, folding her arms.

"What?" Mike turned his face to Bella. "You know that girl's trouble, right Bella?"

"Apparently not," his girlfriend said.

"She might not be that bad," the brunette suggested.

"The entire town begs to differ," said Mike with a grunt. "She's a total nut case. Do you know that she hangs out at the old saw mill? The girl's a total freak."

Bella sighed. "Well like I said, she might not even come. She probably won't..." She glanced out of the window, but the clouds were heavy. There was still a slim chance of her arriving...

Very slim.

Soon, everyone had shown. After a new round of hot chocolate (they soon ran out of whipped cream), they headed out of the house, adorned in scarves, boots, and snow mitts, and chose sides. It soon resulted into boys against girls, as there was nearly an even number of each. The girls had an advantage of one player. And considering Bella's throwing arm, it wasn't much of an advantage. They all took to the thin part of the woods that was their battle field for the day. The trees watched in amusement as they bickered over which plot would be whose land, and where the safety was. However, as Jessica informed her, most of this was merely formality – in the heat of the fight, they almost always forgot the rules and simply focused on pelting each other mercilessly. So, once everyone had their territories set up, they all barricaded themselves and created their ammo. Once that was finished, the war began. Snowballs flew back and forth through the air like bullets. Many of them disappeared in the already white frosted trees. Bella became an easy target, as she didn't quite have the speed to duck quick enough. Thankfully, she was able to hide behind a tree, while whimsically throwing clumps of snow blindly out from the side. Things were going well, the laughter fluent from everyone present, including Bella herself. That is, until Tyler noticed something from the thick of the trees. He tapped Eric and pointed, the game stopping for a moment. Confused, Bella turned to see two eyes peering at the group from afar.

There, standing beside the bark of a tall redwood, was Edythe Cullen. She had a strange look on her bony face, almost as though she was unsure about joining. Her features portrayed that of a sense of longing to join the others, but her body kept her back, her hands clinging to the bark. Bella glanced at the others, particularly Jessica and Mike. While Mike stared in disbelief, Jessica was busy glaring at Bella. She felt herself cringe inside, but turned back to Edythe. A long, awkward moment ensued. Slowly, Bella left her spot and moved up to her. She stared at her, her nails digging slightly into the flesh of the tree. Bella felt her heart bang in her throat. She had never tried to touch Edythe up till now, probably in the fear that she might bite off her hand. However, she swallowed her uneasiness and moved her hand forward, taking her elbow. Edythe's eyes kept to hers, her jaw tightening. However, she did not pull away. She turned and lead her to the others, a few backing up as she entered into the group. Bella cleared her throat as they all keep their distance from one another.

"Um... Edythe this is Jessica... Mike, Eric, Angela..." She introduced each one of her friends by name, and vise versa. "Anyway... I did invite her." She smiled at the newcomer, very happy that she came, despite the tension she brought along with her. She bent down and made her a snow ball, putting it in her gloved hand. She stared at it as though it were some foreign object. She then looked back up at Bella, expectantly. She figured that she didn't know who to hit, and it was clear that no one would dare move to strike Edythe. So, she supposed she'd have to take the initiative. She scooped up a small mound of snow and flung it lightly at her arm. She looked at it and looked up, though her expression didn't change. She bent down and shoved a bit more into her palms. She hit her again. She huffed a bit this time, but still didn't retaliate. With a bit of a smile, she began to hit her over and over with blobs of powdery white, until finally, she did throw the snowball she had made her. For the first time, she was able to dodge the oncoming ball. Unfortunately for Jessica, who was standing behind her, she wasn't so quick. The white hit her square in the face, sticking to her skin like whipped cream. Bella's smile faded, in fear that she would be even more upset now as she wiped the snow from her eyes. However, her furious gaze was not directed at Bella and Edythe, but rather Mike, as he was the one who was laughing at her expense. To try and shut him up, she picked up her own snow and threw it at him, which wound up hitting Tyler. What happened next was a strange and almost cartoon-like chain of events. Tyler aimed for Jessica, who still was throwing at Mike, who was throwing randomly, which struck Angela and Edythe, who were both throwing at Bella. As though someone had hit the play button, the scene was back to the playful, laughing game that they were all enjoying prior to Edythe's arrival. While Bella hid behind her tree, she let her eyes fall to Edythe's face. With her guard finally down, a beautiful smile came to her lips. There were even flashes of her fangs, though she was glad no one was paying that much attention to her anymore.

Finally, the sun became scarce above their war, and both sides (not that they really existed at this point) had thrown up their white flag, so to speak. After warming up a bit inside, they all split off from one another, heading home. Because it was dark, Bella coaxed Edythe into walking her home. After all, Charlie wouldn't be off for a few more hours, and all the others were getting a ride or driving back. Besides, she wanted a chance to talk to her after this. She was proud of her break out from her anti-social norm, after all. She smiled as they crunched along the snow.

"I'm glad you came," she said, breath steaming from her mouth. Edythe shrugged, but Bella knew that she was glad too. It was apparent by the smile she wore that day. "So what made you decide to go?" Edythe thought for a moment, looking off to the side.

"No one's ever invited me anywhere," she admitted finally. She kicked a little snow off the top of the side walk. "I... figured I might as well go." Bella's smile became warmer, but she said nothing to the comment. They walked in silence for a little while longer. "So... do you do stuff like that that often?"

"Sometimes," said Bella. "I've never been in a snowball fight before, but I go with them places." She nudged her. "You should come too. It'll be fun." A glimmer of a half smile came to her face.

"We'll see," she said, looking up to the dusk ridden sky. Once the street lamps came on, she felt it safe enough to take off her hood. She ruffled her hair and sighed. It was then that Bella noticed that her breath did not make steam as hers did. She stared at her mouth in wonder.

"Hey..." She looked to her. "Are you dead?" She stopped in her steps, and she did as well. It was the question that she had always been meaning to ask, but it never found its way out. She didn't seem upset or offended. Instead, she truly took the question into consideration. She then took off her glove and put her finger to the inside of her mouth. Edythe pricked it with her sharp fang, then held it up to her to show her a small leak of red blood.

"I don't think I am," she concluded, sucking on the tip of her finger. They began to walk again. "I mean... I bleed and sleep and get hungry..." She frowned. "It's just... different then what I remember as a human. I can't really explain how." She rubbed her hands together, putting the glove back on. "Almost like... my body and soul aren't really connected."

"Hm..." Bella tried to imagine what it that would be like, but her mind ran a bit of a blank. They walked for the rest of the time without speaking to one another. Finally, they arrived at her home. Charlie's car was not there, nor were any of the porch lights on. Edythe looked out towards the town. "When is your dad coming home?"

"Probably in an hour or so," said Bella. "Maybe longer." She walked up to her porch and opened the door. She paused and looked to her. "Do you want to come in?" She once more took her time in answering. She nodded and walked up to the porch. However, she didn't follow her inside. She paused and stared at her. "...You ok?"

"You have to say it." Bella merely blinked at her. "You have to say that I can come in."

"Why?" She gave no answer. "Alright fine. You can come in." After that, she crossed the borderline in her doorframe and looked around her house. As she did, she shut and locked the door behind her. Edythe wandered her way into the kitchen, peering out the back window.

"It's a nice night," she remarked. She turned to look at her. "Do you want to come back outside with me?" She found the question strange. They had just been outside for the entire day. But she agreed and the two went into the back yard, which – like Mike's house – doubled as the edge of the dense forest. As she walked, she stripped herself of her jacket and gloves, closing her eyes. She then stood in one place, staying as still as the trees around her.

"Won't you get cold?" she asked, rubbing her own hands close together. She shook her head.

"I hate wearing my jacket," she said, her eyes opening. She looked up to the canopy above them, as of staring at something magnificent. "I forgot what the sun feels like..." Bella stared at her for a moment before walking to her side. She looked over to her.

"How long have you been like this?" she asked softly. She turned her eyes back to the trees.

"A while," she admitted. "Almost a century, actually..."

Bella followed her gaze, watching the leaves glisten with ice in the twilight. "Why did you come to the high school?" Again, the question was one that she had wanted to ask, but never really got around to it. A low chortle came from her chest. She turned to look at her, an ironic grin on her face.

"I wanted to feel normal."

Bella couldn't help but laugh at that, and she actually joined in. However, her laughter suddenly cut short, her smile dropping from her face almost immediately. Like a cat sensing danger, her back went stiff, her eyes narrowing as she gazed through the dark. Bella looked around as well, now alert that something was wrong. What it was, she wasn't sure.

"What is it?" she asked quietly. Edythe was about to answer, when someone interrupted her.

"Good evening, Ms. Cullen."

The two turned to see a man leaning against the tree, staring at the two of them. He had black hair that hung around his face, which was a gray, ashy color. At one point, he might have been black, but his pigments had seemed to drain from his skin. His eyes were sharp and dark, like Edythe's, and his face was curling and snide. He put his fingertips to his chest.

"Nomads," Edythe sneered, the hair on the back of her neck standing up.

"It's such a pleasure to finally meet one of you. Your clan is infamous, of course." He bowed his head a bit, keeping his eyes glued to Edythe's face. His voice had a faint French twinge to it. "My name is Laurent." His eyes then slid over to Bella. The girl felt her body freeze over as he smiled, fangs immodestly in view. "Ah... didn't mean to interrupt a meal."

"Perhaps she can be a good little hostess and share...?" Bella's head whipped around, her eyes landing on another vampire. This one was female, her voice quite similar to that of a snake's. Her bushy hair was a vibrant red, her eyes as piercing as a hawk's. She slithered from the trees, her fingers playing with a couple pieces of bark.

"Now now, Victoria," Laurent chided playfully. "It's rude to feed without being asked. Isn't that right, James?"

Bella could feel her body curl within her as a low grunt sounded behind the two of them. The third vampire – James – was perhaps the most intimidating of the three. He wasn't as coy as the others, and remained silent, shadows over his eyes almost to the point of making them invisible. His greasy hair sat behind his head in a pony tail, and from beneath a ripped, jean jacket, sat lean, burly arms. Bella could tell by the growling that he was the main hunter of the group. He stood only a few feet away, causing Bella to back up, trembling slightly. Her heal came down on something and she fell into the snow. Victoria found the act to be quite enjoyable and she let out a slight shriek of laughter, her red hair bouncing against her neck and shoulders. Bella got back up and looked to Edythe. Her eyes were on Laurent, though something told Bella that she kept most of her senses on James.

"You know this territory is claimed by my clan," said Edythe, authority in her voice. "Nomads are warned to stay away from here."

"Ah," said Laurent slyly. "Forgive us, we must have forgotten."

"Well now you remember, do you not?" Edythe said in a dangerous tone. Victoria gave a faint hiss under her breath, sensing Edythe's threat. "I know myself and my clan would appreciate it if you left." Laurent clicked his tongue.

"Come now, we just got here," he said, his hands raised up. "Surely you can – "

"No," said Edythe shortly. "Forgive me, but my clan doesn't make a habit of entertaining your kind."

Laurent's face twisted in a slight scowl. He seemed offended by the phrase used to describe him and the other two. "What rude hosts," he commented darkly. His eyes once more drifted to Bella. "Then perhaps you'll give us a parting gift? We won't kill her... But we are a bit parched. Long journey, you see..." He stopped, however, when Edythe's hand gripped Bella's arm a bit tightly.

"That is out of the question," she growled. Victoria snickered.

"Possessive of your food?" she simpered playfully. "How selfish."

Edythe shot her a look. "I guess you can say that. Rather, I don't like sharing with brutal, filthy creatures like yourself."

Laurent became even more heated. "Are you suggesting you're better then us?" he snapped.

"Oh no," said Edythe cockily. "Not at all. I'm telling you flat out. Myself and my clan refuse to stoop to your low level of beast-hood. The fact that our two ways of life can even be compared is a complete insult. You and yours are nothing but weak willed animals who lack no inner strength to even try and preserve your former, human selves. You're disgusting and repugnant. Just your stench is enough to send the lowest demons of hell cringing at your arrival."

In a sudden flash, James was right in front of her, hand on Edythe's throat. Just as quickly, Edythe did the same to James' throat. They strangled each other with one hand, their nails digging into one another's skin. However, neither waned or even flinched. Victoria snorted at Edythe's comments, while Laurent stood up straight, glowering at the other vampire. "Victoria, James... Come along." He turned on his heal and left, Victoria close behind. James leaned in close to Edythe, his lips pointedly revealing his sharpened fangs.

"Watch yourself... Cullen."

With that rough warning, the two let each other go, and the three disappeared, leaving Bella and Edythe alone. Bella looked to her, terror in her eyes. "Are... are they going to do something? Edythe...?"

However, Edythe didn't answer. She just stared at the spot they left in, lips closed tightly around her teeth. Her head turned a bit and she picked up her jacket and gloves. "You're father's on his way," she said, turning from her. She paused. "Bella... is there a cross necklace anywhere in your house?"

Bella thought for a moment. "I... think so. In my mother's old jewelry box."

"Wear it. Don't take it off for anything. Understand?" Bella nodded. With that, Edythe left as well. The girl then scurried into her house, afraid of being left alone after such a scene.