CHAPTER 10

               I had no idea how long I’d been running. It could’ve been days, weeks – months for all I knew. But I didn’t care. The only thing I cared about was finding the man of my dreams – the man of my visions to be precise. I felt like I already knew him.

               Jasper Whitlock was his name.

               I had no need to stop running and have a rest. The more I ran, the more energized I felt. I didn’t know whether that was normal or not – I couldn’t remember being anything other than what I was now.

               I was a vampire, or so I was told. I had run into several nomads such as myself in my search for Jasper Whitlock. They had informed me about laws, which I didn’t quite understand.

               The Volturi was supposedly a very powerful family – royalty in our world. I was frightened by the stories they had told me, and so I started hunting not as much. I knew I had to find Jasper Whitlock. He needed me just as much as I needed him. And he was looking for me – subconsciously.

               The scent of human blood flooded my nostrils as I stopped in the middle of the road. I had no clue as to where I was, but I knew I had to feed. Venom pooled in my mouth as the luscious scent burned my throat. It was tempting, though I knew I couldn’t stop. I had grown to feel remorse whenever I killed.

               A family of yellow eyes was the cause of my remorse.

               They called themselves ‘The Cullens’.

               The leader was a doctor, of all things. He went by the name of Doctor Carlisle Cullen. In my visions, I could see that he was the only one who had mastered the art of self control. He was a gentle soul, caring even.

               He had a wife too, Esme Cullen. She was beautiful, and her eyes portrayed kindness and sincerity. She was the motherly kind, always caring for the three other yellow eyes that she cared for as her own flesh and blood.

               Edward Cullen, the mind reader. I could see he and I would have fun. I idly wondered how his mind reading ability compared to my premonitions, and if a challenge arose, who would win. Of course, I couldn’t see that – yet. He had to make the decision. He was the silent type, a loner if such people exist. But he seemed eager to master his self control – he looked up to Carlisle Cullen.

               Rosalie was the beautiful one. She was breathtaking, and I couldn’t help but feel awed at her beauty. It had to be a gift. No one could be that perfect – not even a vampire. She was the snooty type, and I wondered whether our personalities would clash. But I loved her as a sister already.

               Emmett Cullen was the mate of Rosalie. He was gigantic, and cuddly, though a prankster too. He was the newest of the Cullens, though he was eager to make the best of his fate. Actually, he seemed more delighted than anyone else to be a vampire. Strength – that was his reasoning.

               I already felt like Jasper and I belonged with the Cullens.

               I had several of visions of them, and I knew Carlisle would welcome us with open arms. The others were going to be skeptic, though I knew in the end I would win. I wanted to belong, not just anywhere, but somewhere I wanted to be – somewhere where Jasper and I could find peace at heart.

               I pushed myself forward, forcing myself to ignore the burning ache in my throat. The Cullens only hunted animals, and I knew if I wanted to belong, I had to hunt animals too. It was less appetizing, but it kept me going, it kept the throbbing burn under control – for a while. But I was a vampire, and I knew I would slip up.

               The sun rose gradually as I ran towards my destination.

               Often, Jasper would disappear, sending me in a state of panic. I knew it meant I was on the wrong path. It frustrated me not being able to see the state where I would find him. The only thing I saw was Jasper, a brutal storm and a diner. But as soon as he disappeared, I would change my course until I found him again.

               My mind was vacant from any thought, as I ran aimlessly towards Jasper. Trees and skies filled my vision, and quickly rain drizzled from the heavens too. It made no difference to me. I could see perfectly whether it was day or night, sunshine or rain.

               I stopped dead in my tracks as I caught sight of a familiar building. It seemed familiar, because I’ve had the same vision of this place for as long as I could remember.

               It seemed more familiar than my own face. Rain splashed against the ground as I slowly made my way through the mud. An ‘OPEN’ sign hung on the door, and without further ado, I entered.

               My eyes wandered around the half crowded diner. I was searching for Jasper Whitlock. A sudden vision told me he would not arrive anytime soon, but I would wait, even if I had to spend the rest of my immortal life waiting.

               A tall slender man, with shaggy brown her and petite green eyes approached me. He raised his eyebrow as he stared me up and down. I knew it was senseless to feel offended. Vampires had such effect on humans. We were breathtaking; it was part of the hunting operation.

               I cleared my throat as the petite eyed man stared awestruck at me. He immediately shifted his gaze to my face, a slight blush creeping onto his cheeks. I smiled as politely as possible at him, all the time not breathing. The place was swarming with people, and I knew it could end tragically.

               “May I help you?” asked the man, furrowing his brow.

               I tilted my head towards the open window, taking in an unnoticed breath of air.

               “I’m looking for someone.” I said, shocked by the sound of my voice.

               The man’s eyes widened in wonder too, a slight gasp fleeing his lips. I cleared my throat once again, bringing my voice down a nudge. I ran my fingers through my short hair, flicking my tongue over my lips.

               “I’m not sure when he’ll be here.” I said, as the man stared blankly at me.

               “Oh…” he said, pulling himself out of his daze. “…well feel free to wait. Can I get you anything?”

               I stared at the man for a few seconds before realizing he was offering me a seat. I took it begrudgingly, as I smiled politely at him. He retrieved a notepad from the front of his apron, removing the lid from his pen. He stared expectantly at me, with a furrowed brow.

               “Oh, I don’t have any money.” I said, shrugging my shoulders.

               Money had no significance to me. As I vampire, blood was more valuable than money. I didn’t need food or water, neither did I need shelter. I had no necessity to buy things; I could take whatever I like. But I knew the man wouldn’t let me wait hear if I didn’t order anything.

               “The water is free, though it seems as if you could use something warm.” he said, turning on his heels.

               “But I…”

               He ignored me and kept on walking towards the front counter. I shook my head as I strained to see Jasper.

               It was the same vision as always – the diner, the brutal storm and him. But I couldn’t see past any of those things, my mind was too set on him – his face, his eyes, and his scars. There was no inkling of a day, or time. The weather was my only key.

               I looked out of the diner’s window, staring at the rustling trees. A storm is definitely on the way, and I hoped Jasper would be there soon.

               “Coffee for the beautiful lady.” said the waiter, as he placed the steaming cup in front of me. It smelled like dirt, and I had no desire to ingest even a drop of it.  

               “I have no money.” I said again, as I gently pushed the cup away from me.

               “It’s on me.” he said, and winked flirtatiously.

               A groan of frustration fled my lips as I watched the petite eyes man walk away. I shook my head in disbelief. Didn’t he know what I was? Did he know I was dangerous? Of course he didn’t, but somehow he must be able to sense the danger which came along with me.

               “Where are you Jasper?” I whispered.

* * * * * * * * *

               “Are you sure your friend is coming?” asked the petite eyed man.

               I looked up at him, a deep sigh fleeing my lips. All the chairs had been placed on the tables, and I could see they were ready to close up. I had been sitting there, staring aimlessly out of the window for the entire day.

               “He’ll be here…” I said, thrusting my face into my hands. “…I hope.”

               He raised his eyebrow as he looked down on me, seeing the shattered hope in my eyes. I was certain he would be here, positive I’d find him at the diner. Of course, the vision could not be a vision at all. For all I knew, it had been a daydream – a hallucination even.

               “Do you have a place to stay?” he asked, wiping the table top.

               “Yes.” I snapped, feeling infuriated by the man’s closeness.

               I at once regretted my hostility, and apologized for my foul behavior, but I was a vampire in spite of everything – we were known for our unpredictability.

               “I’m sorry.” I whispered.

               The man smiled acceptingly at me, throwing the cloth over his shoulder.

               “If you need a place to stay miss, you’re more than welcome to the spare room.”  he said, indicating to the back of the diner.

               “Thank you for the offer, but I’d rather not.” I said, smiling at him.

               He returned the gesture and headed towards the front desk. I took that as my key to leave. Quickly, I got up from the stool and headed towards the door.

               I turned towards the man once more, mumbling a ‘thank you’ before I left. It was oddly strange feeling gratitude towards a human, though I suppose they did serve some purpose in this life.

               I hadn’t taken a breath once since I entered the diner. It was an uncomfortable feeling, though I knew it was saver that way. I couldn’t risk being exposed. I had to find Jasper first.

               “Where are you Jasper Whitlock?” I whispered.

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[A/N: I know the chapter is shorter than always, though I am struggling to write this story. I was thinking of adding more chapters about Alice's life - before the asylum. I would like for all of you to tell me what you think about the idea? Would you read it?

Thanks for all the support, it truly means the world to me :) Add me on Facebook (EXTERNAL LINK)

Carla]

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