31-35

151Chapter 31

It has been a week since the bombshell.

After Alex told me about his ability, I turned around and went back to my room. I had a hard time getting back to sleep that night.

Edward was gone when I came downstairs at around 10 am. I guess he realized that he was the last person that I wanted to talk to.

I didn't know what to say to Alex the next morning. I wanted to talk to him but I didn't know what to say. I think Alex knew so he kept his distance.

When he saw me, he would turn around and leave the room. All week he's been avoiding me.

I understood why he was doing this but part of me missed our constant fights. Well the fights were mostly one-sided. I was the one that did all the yelling.

I walk downstairs to get some food. I stop in my tracks when I see Alex reading a book.

I pause. Should I talk to him? It has been a week since we last spoke. Before I could change my mind, I quietly walk towards him.

"What are you reading?" His head flies up and looks at me.

"Oh, hi." I give him a small smile. I peer over to see that he is reading.

"The Picture of Dorian Grey. I didn't know that you liked to read classic literature. Let alone read at all."

Alex let out a small laugh. "I don't read much but I do enjoy it from time to time." I walk around the couch and sit beside him. "For some reason I feel that I resemble this book."

"How so?"

"Dorian sells his soul to make sure that his painting ages but not him. He remains youthful while his portrait grows uglier and vicious. Fanatical with his portrait, he is driven into murder and deception. Once I became immortal, I let all restraint go. I feel like I sold my soul when I chose to join the Volturi. My past made sure that I remained a murderer and I deceived everyone. Dorian stabs his painting which leads to his downfall in the end. I don't have a portrait that I could stab to end me, but I feel that by changing my diet it has given me a sense of redemption. If that makes sense."

I pause for a moment in thought. "You don't talk much about your past." Alex closes the book and sighs.

"It's a past that I try to forget. Easier said than done. There was a time where I enjoyed being with them. I was young and felt like preying on the weak was my purpose in life. I would deceive women just so I could taste their blood. Memories constantly flood back to me. I'm honestly jealous of you."

"How so?"

"You can fall asleep. I wish I could fall asleep so I could have a break from my painful memories." I remained silent. This was the most that he has spoke about his past with me.

"You've been avoiding me for a week." Alex looks at me and nods.

"Yes. I didn't know how you would react so I tried to distance myself. To give you time to think."

"How long were you with them?" Alex sighs and stands up.

"About 150 years." My eyes widened.

"That long."

"Unfortunately yes."

"I remember you saying that you never met Carlisle before." Alex shook his head.

"No, he had already left by the time I became part of them. Carlisle left them around 1783. I joined the Volturi 23 years after he left. I wasn't actually born yet when he left them."

I look at Alex. How old was he? "When were you born?" Alex gave me a crooked smile.

"I was born in 1784. I was actually born in Salem, Massachusetts ironically. I grew up on a farm just outside of the town."

"So, that would make you?" Alex grinned at me wider.

"Appearance wise, I am around 19. But I am actually 222 years old." My eyes widened at that.

"Holy crap. We have an old man living in our house," I blurted out.

Alex let out a loud laugh. I started to smile some.

"How did you become one of them? If you don't mind me asking." Alex gave me a small smile.

"I guess, you were going to find out eventually. I was born in America, but I was turned in the United Kingdom. I was studying philosophy at the University of Cambridge. My family had some difficulty with me going to a school so far away but they knew it was where I wanted to be at. I grew up on a farm but I excelled in philosophy and mathematics. I wanted to go somewhere that would enhance my knowledge, so I traveled to Cambridge and stayed there."

I listened to Alex as he told me his story. Alex eyes glazed over as he looked at the woods behind our house. He was probably remembering everything.

"It was 1803, I was 19 years old at the time. It was late at night. I don't really remember where I was going. The memory has gotten a little fussy over time. I do remember being grabbed though. Someone grabbed me and pulled me into an alley where they bit me. I don't even know who changed me. I was supposed to be their meal but they got distracted and left me there. The pain was unbearable. All I remember was waking up 3 days later in the alley. I don't know how I managed to remain unseen but no one found me. I'm grateful for that. It was only when I woke up thirsty did everything start to click into place."

Silence soon found its way to us. Alex just looked into the distance. I kept quiet, waiting for him to continue.

"I was on my own for about 3 or 4 years. I spent that time traveling and hunting. After I disappeared, everyone assumed I was dead. My family assumed that I was dead also. It was about a year after I was turned that I figured out I had my ability. I was hunting in France and told a girl not to run or scream and she did what I told her to do. I used it to my advantage. I would tell people what to do before I killed them. I was hunting in Spain when Demetri found me. He was on an assignment and was heading back to Volterra. He suggested that I come with him so I did."

"I bet Aro was pleased to meet you." Alex glanced at me.

"Thrilled actually. He found someone very powerful and wanted to use it for himself. I was an important figure on his guard."

"I was told that you were friends with Eleazer." Alex nodded.

"Yes. He was on the guard with me for a short time. He left the Volturi about 6 years after I joined. He fell in love with Carmen and Aro let him go. The two of us were really good friends during that time."

"I'm assuming that your story is different. I couldn't see Aro just letting you go." Alex's eyes grew darker.

"No, Aro didn't let me go. I escaped luckily. You don't just leave the Volturi. Especially if you have a gift that he can use to his advantage."

"How did you escape Alex?" He sighed.

"I started to see cracks in their power over time. I always remained loyal but there was an incident where I was forced to kill a child. I never killed children, only men or women. The look in the child's eyes haunts me to this day. After that day, it was like my eyes opened. I knew that I had to escape from the prison that I was in. It took me 30 years to escape. Chelsea keeps us all tied to Aro, but I figured out that over time it wears off or weakens. So for 30 years I went on as much missions as I possibly could without putting attention on myself. I let Chelsea use her power on me to make it seem that I wasn't trying to leave. I did weaken it though. I was able to get her to use half of her power on me and made her forget about it. Sometimes I even told her that she came to see me earlier in the day so she assumed that I was still tied to everyone."

Alex paused before continuing. "Aro figured it out though. I got careless and I was caught telling Chelsea to forget about using her power on me. Aro was furious. He tried to get Demetri and Felix to restrain me so that Chelsea could actually use her power on me. He even brought Corin in so that she could make me content and happy."

I just stared at him as I took everything he was saying in. "What happened next?"

Alex gave me a little smirk. "I was able to get out of their grasp by biting off Felix's hand. I then ran to Alec and told him to use his powers on everyone so that I could leave. I even told them that they wouldn't come after me and that I was free to leave the Volturi. Of course it worked, but I know they aren't happy about it. I was a high ranking guard for Aro, Caius, and Marcus."

"Where did you go after you left?"

"I traveled around a lot. I started to feed off of animals once I left the Volturi. After killing that child, I couldn't look at human blood the same way as I used to. I mostly stayed in Asia. Wanted to get as much distance from Italy as possible. I later heard that Eleazer was living in Denali. He was feeding off of animals too so I decided to pay him a visit. They were kind to me despite what I used to do. I joined them just last year." I nodded at him.

"Well I'm glad your with us. Even though I don't like you very much." Alex chuckled and gave me his signature smirk. A thought entered my mind. This was probably stupid but I was curious. I look at Alex and stand up. "I have a question. Have you ever used your power while you have been with us?"

Alex looked alarmed. "No, of course I haven't. I would never use it on any of you. I rarely ever use it anymore. This power reminds me of my time with them and I try to forget about my past. I only use it when necessary." I nod and walk closer to him.

"I have a request." Alex looked at me questionably. "Will you use it on me?" Alex looked alarmed.

"No, absolutely not." He looked me dead in the eyes. "I would never use it on you."

"Please, I'm just curious. Edward can't read my mind and Aro can't either. I just want to know if that applies to you too. Please, if I wasn't sure then I wouldn't be asking you." Alex sighed and ran his hand through his hair.

"Fine." He sighed and looked down thinking. I could see that something clicked in his head because he raised his head and smirked at me. "Are you sure?"

His smirk had me on edge but my curiosity got the better of me. "Yes."

"Ok. Kiss me." Ok that shocked me. I didn't think he would do that. I walked closer to him and I raised my head once I reached him. Alex's smirk stayed as he lowered his head towards me. Just as our lips started to touch, I paused. Alex looked confused as I smirked at him.

"You've got to do better than that red eyes." He looked completely dumbfounded. I just laughed and walked away from him.

Maybe Alex wasn't so bad after all.

Living in Ithaca, New York was starting to grow on me. It still wasn't home but it was nice to be with my family. We tried to make the most out of it but there were times when we all missed Forks.

One of the things that Ithaca had in common with Forks was snow. Ithaca had a lot of snow.

I always enjoyed the snow and liked to walk around in it. Growing up, I would run around in the snow while Emmett or Jasper chased me. I enjoyed walking in the snow surrounded by trees usually.

However, this was the one time that I was not enjoying the snow.

"You have got to be kidding me. Are you serious right now?" I stare incredulously at the former red-eyed idiot.

He looked at me innocently. Innocent my butt.

"What? I was just trying to have some fun." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"You call dumping a big pile of snow on top of me and then splashing me with ice cold water fun?"

He looked to be deep in thought. "Yes I believe it was a lot of fun," he responds while flashing me a small.

I let out a huff before heading inside to take a nice hot shower.

It took some effort to take the wet clothes off. They clung on to me and were heavy and cold. I stayed in the hot water for as long as possible.

Once I was done, I got dressed in a sweatshirt and sweatpants. I walk downstairs while brushing out my wet hair.

"Feel better?" I glance at Alice. I send her a smile.

"Yes, much better actually." She smiles back at me.

"Good. You missed Rosalie yelling at Alex by the way." Alice grins while I stare at her wide eyed.

"Really?"

"Yes. She saw him dumping cold water on you and accused him of trying to give you hypothermia," Alice says while laughing.

I start to laugh with her. "Where is she now."

"Emmett took her out hunting because he was afraid that she was about tear Alex's hand off."

I smiled at how protective Rosalie was of me. I sometimes hated it but at the moment I loved it. I always knew that with her I would have back up against the maniac.

I was in my own thoughts when Alice said something that brought me back to reality.

"Edward called last night." I looked at her with my eyes widened.

It has been almost a month since I've seen him. He came to the house in January and we were now in the beginning of February.

I was so hurt by his betrayal that I haven't talked about him to anybody.

"Oh. What did he want." Part of me was still angry at him. However, another part of me missed him terribly.

"He wanted to see how we were doing. More specifically he asked about you. He wants to talk to you Sophie."

I sighed and looked away from Alice. "I don't know Alice."

"Sophie, I know how hurt and angry you were with him. Trust me, we were all angry. Well, Esme and Carlisle were more disappointed than angry. He feels terrible."

I scoffed. "As he should." Alice sighed but chose to ignore my comment.

"Sophie, you should talk to him. I know you miss him."

"I do miss him Alice. It doesn't feel like we are an actual family when he is not here. I want to talk to him, but I don't know what to say to him."

"Why don't you just call him and listen to what he has to say. You don't have to say anything. Just listen. Here, you can use my phone." I sigh and take Alice's phone. I look at her before I dial Edward's phone.

He answered on the third ring. "Alice, I don't understand why you keep calling me. She doesn't want to talk to me. I can't really blame her though." I was silent for a moment. Just listening to him.

I took a breath before I answered him. "Edward, it's Sophie." Silence soon entered the conversation. Neither one of us said a word.

"Sophie?"

"Hi." I trailed off. What else should I say?

"I didn't think you would call me. Let alone speak to me."

"Yeah, neither did I." I paused for a minute. "Why did you push me away?"

Edward sighed. "This is going to sound bad but I don't really know why. I tried to detach myself from everything that reminded me of her. I thought it would help me to get over her. I would always pick up a phone so I could talk to you. Though when I did the thought that I couldn't read your thoughts reminded me that the two of you have so much in common. So I always put the phone back down. Sophie, I can't begin to explain how sorry I am. I never meant to hurt you."

I took a moment to collect my thoughts before I spoke to him. "I know you didn't mean to hurt me. But the fact is you pushed me away. I would have always stood by you. I forgive you but I need some time. I just need some time to think things over."

"Ok. I understand Sophie. Take as much time as you need."

"Ok. Bye Edward."

"Bye Sophie." I then hung up the phone and handed it back to Alice. Alice gave me a small smile.

"Better?" I nodded my head.

"A little. I'm glad that I talked to him. I just need some time to myself to think."

"Take as long as you need," replied Alice.

I am about to leave to go back to my room when Alex walks in. He is clutching his phone in his hand. Alex looks at me with a confused look.

"Alex? What's wrong?"

"I'm not really sure. Irina just called me. She said that Laurents gone. He just left and she doesn't know where he is at."

Oh no. I was in my own bubble for so long that I completely forgot about some parts that happen in New Moon.

Laurent is gone. Which means that he is going after Bella.The fact that Laurent left Denali bothered me. I knew he left to go kill Bella. He thought he was "saving" her from Victoria.

He was a selfish jerk. I wasn't even sure if he completely cared about Irina. I knew for a fact that she cared for him deeply.

"Sophie, I just don't understand why he would leave. He changed his whole diet so we could be together." I was currently on the phone with Irina trying to ease her worries.

"Irina, I'm sure he has a good explanation for leaving. I'm sure he went to go do something and he will come back." Lies. That's all I did now. I keep lying to everyone so I don't spill my secret.

I don't know how they will react. I try to go along with the plot but it's hard to keep things to myself.

"I guess. I've searched for him but he is nowhere to be found."

"Just calm down. Everything will be fine." Everything was not fine. I knew he was either on his way to find Bella or he was already dead.

"I hope so. I don't know what to do if anything bad happens to him."

I sigh as I looked at the wall. "Nothing will happen to him. Maybe he wants to talk to Carlisle or something and just decided to tell you about it later. We will keep an eye out for him and if we see him we will let you know." I could feel her smile through the phone.

"Thank you Sophie. You really are the best. I don't know what I would do without you." My heart sank at her words. I hate that I have to lie to her.

"Anytime Irina. I will check in on you later. Bye."

"Ok, bye Sophie." I ended the phone call and let out a long sigh. Irina is going to be so upset when she finds out that Laurent is dead.

It is at this moment that I want to go to Forks and see Bella. I want to make sure that she is ok. Jacob will probably be a werewolf by now.

I just want to see her but I am stuck in Ithaca. How would I explain to everyone why I needed to go to Forks.

"Why the long face? You look miserable."

I turn around to look at Alex. "What, are you spying on me now?" He let out a chuckle before walking over to me.

"No. I was just watching you. It's not my fault that you aren't very observant."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "I believe staring at me without my knowledge might be considered as spying."

The maniac just shrugged his shoulders. "Whatever you say gorgeous." My eyes widened.

"Don't say that." Alex grinned at me.

"Why not? It is true. You really are beautiful."

"Stop flirting with me. I will never in a million years fall in love with you. You just annoy me to no end."

Alex smiled. "We'll see." I just huffed at him. His face suddenly turned more serious. "Was that Irina?"

I nodded my head. "Yeah, she's really worried."

Alex furrowed his eyebrows. "I just find it weird that he would just leave. He seemed to be a nice guy." At that moment I wanted to spill everything. Laurent was not a nice guy.

I ran my hand through my hair. I didn't realize that it was the hand with the scar on it or that my sleeve slid down. It was only when I noticed Alex staring at my hand that I realized what had happened.

I instantly lowered my arm and used my other hand to cover the bite mark.

I didn't say anything as Alex gently removed my hand so he could see my scar.

"James correct?"

"Yes. Did anyone tell you about what happened?"

"Not in full detail. I know that Laurent used to be in James coven and that James had a mate."

"Yes. Her name is Victoria. She managed to escape. She wasn't anywhere near the ballet studio when James was "playing" with me and Bella."

"Tell me, please." I looked at him and sighed.

"Me and my family went to play baseball. Bella was with us. James, Laurent, and Victoria heard my family playing so they decided see what was going on. To meet new vampires. They caught me and Bella's scent which drove James to play a game of cat and mouse I guess. Alice and Jasper took me and Bella to Arizona to hide. They thought we would be safe there. James figured out where we were though. Victoria helped him. He tricked Bella into meeting him at her old ballet studio. I followed her there, to try and protect her I guess."

"She was just the bait though."

"Yes. I think he knew that I would follow her. He wanted me mainly. He came to an assumption that killing me would hurt my family more. I can't really remember how many times I was thrown into the mirrors. Edward was able to stop him though. Though, not before he bit my arm."

Alex traced his finger over the bite mark. "Laurent wasn't part of James attack though correct?"

"Correct. He came to warn us about him and then left for Denali. That's when he came to you all. He wanted to try your diet."

"Do you think he left to go back to his original diet?" Yes but more importantly he was going to try and kill Bella.

"I do yes but I wonder if he stayed in contact with Victoria." So that's not really lying.

"Why do you think that?"

"Laurent was with Victoria and James for a long time. Yes he left them but sometimes you don't break contact. He probably got in touch with her somehow and went to console her. Losing her mate probably made Victoria very upset and angry. I think he knew everyone would object so he left without a word." Now most of that was a lie.

Alex didn't say anything for awhile. He looked deep in thought. It felt like a lifetime before he finally spoke. "It's pretty painful isn't it."

"Excruciating actually. I felt like my arm was on fire. Edward was able get the venom out."

"Do you wish he didn't?" I furrowed my eyebrows in thought.

"I'm not sure. Yes, it would have been easier to just let me turn. Part of me does want to become one of you but another part doesn't. I want to see the world and live my life before that happens. I want to be able to live with my family forever. I don't want to pretend that Esme is my granddaughter."

Alex looked deep in thought. "I can understand that. " He then got a glint in his eye. "If you ever need someone to turn you then just tell me to bite you. It would be very interesting for you to be like me."

"Like you? You mean being an egotistical idiot? No thank you."

Alex chuckled. I looked at him for a minute. He annoys me but part of me enjoys his presence.

"I know that I haven't known you for long but I can tell you don't really like it here."

"It's not that. I do enjoy being here but it's not Forks. I traveled a lot as a kid but out of all the places we've lived, Forks has been my favorite. We were so happy there and I hate that we left in the way we did."

"Because of that human." My eyebrows shot up.

"Alex. You don't even know her."

"And I don't need to. From what I heard she put your life at risk and risks exposing your family. You went to that ballet studio to protect her. You almost got killed from a decision that she made. I think it's better that you all left. I also got to meet you so I can't say I'm not angry that you left Forks. I'm glad you did. I can see that your not glad though."

"One, you are a complete jerk. Two, no I'm not glad. What happened at Bella's party was terrible and Edward broke her heart. We could have figured something out but he pretty much erased himself out of her life. She's probably really hurting from this. I just want to go to Forks to check on her to make sure she's ok."

"But your not."

"No I'm not going to Forks. I've been clearly told that I'm not allowed to go. I have to stay with my family. No matter what I want to do."

"I think I may have a solution." I look at Alex confused.

"A solution to what?"

"Your homesick. I think getting away from Ithaca for awhile will do you some good."

"Alex, where would I go? I can't very well go to Forks."

Alex nodded his head. "No you won't be going to Forks. I was thinking that we could go to Denali for a little bit. I think seeing everyone would do you some good and I know Irina would really love for you to be there. I can tell she misses you and she could really use you for emotional support. I've missed them too. I think visiting them would do us some good."

"We?"

"Yes we. I've already talked to everyone and they believe it's a good idea. They want you to go. So what do you say? Would you like to go with me to Denali? Do you think you could handle being alone with me for our trip?" Alex gives me his signature smirk. I stare at him before putting on a smile.

"Yes. I think I can handle being alone with you for a little while. Just because it means I will get to see everyone in Alaska. But try anything and I will make sure that Kate uses her power on you when we get there."

"Sounds good to me." I smile at Alex before standing up.

Well, it looks like I have some packing to do.

am so glad that you are here!" Irina was waiting at the door for us to arrive. She immediately ran at an inhuman speed to engulf me in a hug.

I laugh in delight. "I've missed you too Irina."

True to his word, Alex was a complete gentleman. I was worried when he insisted that we drive to Alaska instead of flying. It was an excuse to spend more time alone with me. It wasn't bad though. Alex was actually starting to grow on me. I would never admit that to him though.

We drove to Denali in my car. I have a car, I just don't drive it much. Alex was surprised to learn that I had black toyota camry. It was a simple car but I loved it.

Alex grabbed our bags and followed us inside the house. I barely stepped into the house when Tanya scooped me up into a hug. I was so happy to see them.

"I know that we only saw you five months ago, but it feels like we haven't seen you in years," commented Tanya.

"I think we can all agree that we are happy that you and Alex are paying us a visit." I smiled at Eleazer.

"I'm glad that we are here too. I think getting away for a little while will do me some good."

Irina gives me a wide smile. "I'm glad because there is so much we can do."

I smile and follow Alex to my old room. Nothing about it has changed. Same lavender walls and purple comforter on the queen sized bed. It was nice to see something that is so familiar.

"Well. I think that will do it." I turn to see that Alex placed all of my bags on my bed. He turns to me and gives me a small smile. "I will leave you alone so that you can unpack."

I give him a smile. "When did you start to become a gentleman?"

Alex released a chuckle. "I've always been a gentleman. You just aren't very observant." He gives me one last smile before leaving my room.

I turn around to start unpacking and I can't help but to feel at peace.

XXXX

Weeks have flown by while we have been in Denali.

I've continued my schooling per Carlisle's request. Carmen has been a big help in that department.

I couldn't help but to thank Alex for this. Even though I am away from my family, I'm surrounded by more people who love me also.

"So what do you want to do today?" I look up from the book I'm reading to see Irina entering my room. I send her a smile.

"I'm not sure. What is there to do? There's literally a foot of snow outside the house. We can't really drive anywhere and there isn't a town for miles."

Irina gave me a smirk. "Who said we were going into town. You do know there are other ways to travel than by a car."

"So basically you running while I cling on to you like a backpack."

"Exactly! Come on. We want to take you somewhere. It will be worth it I promise." I stare at her before sighing.

"Your just as bad as Alice you know. But ok." Irina squealed in glee.

"Yay! Dress warm. It's still snowing outside." She leaves my room and I stand up to get changed.

I dress in layers before putting on my snow boots and snow jacket. I head outside to see everyone already ready. All of them had a jacket on, even though they didn't need one.

"Ready?" I look at Tanya.

"Yes, I'm ready. Where are we going?"

Alex gives me a smirk before saying, "you'll see." He then comes at me inhumanly fast and slings me onto his back.

"Hey! I agreed to come so Irina could carry me. Not you!" Alex lets out a laugh.

"Come on. I will be careful. Besides, I'm your only option. Everyone else have already left." I look up to see that everyone had already left.

"Traitors," I mutter under my breath. Alex gives me a chuckle.

"Hold on tight." He then runs out of the house to wherever we were going. I tightened my arms around him at how fast we were going.

I've experienced this before, but I never got used to it. It amazed me how much the world looked different when you were running so fast. All too soon Alex had stopped running.

I got off his back before looking at my surroundings. I couldn't help but to let out a gasp.

We were at the top of a mountain. You could see the whole mountain range around us. The snowy ice caps made the scene look like a fairytale wonderland.

"Wow. You can see all of Denali. I can never get used to this. All of you can go to impossible heights. It's amazing."

"We thought that you would enjoy this. You are probably going back to New York soon so we wanted to show you this before you left." I looked over at Eleazer.

"We are leaving already? I feel like we just got here." Everyone laughed.

"Sophie, we've been here for almost a month. We can stay for another week or two before going back to New York if you want to." I smile at Alex.

"Yeah, that sounds good."

"Great! We will meet you back at the house. Me and Irina will pick up some food for you." I nodded and smiled at Kate.

"Thank you." Everyone left soon after that. I turn to look at the view around me. "It's so beautiful up here."

"I thought you would like it. You get a new perspective of the mountain range from this viewpoint." Alex pauses and looks at me. "I can tell that you've had a good time."

I smile. "Yes, I've really enjoyed this. You were right, being away from Ithaca has really helped me. Irina seems to be doing better also." It was true. I could tell that Irina was still upset and worried but us being here was a good distraction for her.

I tear my eyes from the view to look at Alex. It was at that moment did I realize how close we stood next to each other.

"I'm glad you agreed to come with me. Seeing Eleazer again has been good. He's always been a good friend to me and being back here reminds me of all the times he's helped me. All of them helped me when I almost had some slip ups. I've only been on this diet for fifty years. I can never repay them enough for the kindness they have shown me." I smiled at him.

"They really are wonderful people." I look into Alex's eyes as he stares into mine. I got lost in his golden eyes.

It was at that moment when everything faded around us. The mountain range had slipped from my mind. The only thing I could see was him standing in front of me.

We both leaned into each other. Alex paused for a second before putting his lips on mine. His hands were holding my face while his fingers got tangled in my hair.

I used my hands to grip the front of his jacket. The only thing that mattered at that moment was him.

All too soon Alex broke the kiss. That was when everything came back to reality. I look at him some more before smiling.

"It's about time that you kissed me," states Alex. I couldn't help but to release a laugh.

"If you say anything to anyone, I will just deny it." Alex put on a crooked smile.

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Alex scoops me up in his arms. I take one last look at the view before he heads back to the house.

I think everyone knew or guessed what had happened between us because all of them kept giving me knowing smiles.

Kate even squealed when we walked into the house. I just acted as if nothing had happened. Even though I had a blush in my cheeks.

We all laughed and talked before I headed up to my room to sleep. Alex of course followed me like a lost puppy.

"Just because we had a moment does not mean that I am in love with you." Alex playfully rolled his eyes.

"Just admit that you love me. You know that you do." I smirk and lean in towards him.

"Not tonight red eyes." Alex cracks a grin before kissing my forehead.

"Goodnight Sophie." I give him a smile and get changed for bed.

You would expect that I would have nice peaceful dreams from the kiss that I shared with Alex. But no, I was not having pleasant dreams.

I woke up with a start. I jerked awake from the nightmare that I just had.

For the first time since we left Forks, I dreamt of Bella. I witnessed her jumping off of that cliff into the rough waters below. I jumped in after her to try and take her back to shore.

We were both consumed by water that Bella closed her eyes. I managed to grab her arm before looking up into blood red eyes.

Victoria grabbed my arm and bit my neck. My blood surrounded me as I helplessly watched as she killed Bella in front of me. I woke up just as I lost consciousness.

I couldn't help but to breathe heavily. My door was soon thrown open. I looked up with a start only to see that it was Alex. He hurriedly came over to me.

"Are you ok? Your heartbeat was going crazy." I sigh and tried to reassure him.

"I'm ok. Just a nightmare." Alex looked into my eyes for awhile.

"Ok. Just call me if you need anything." He kisses my forehead before leaving my room.

It was at that moment that I knew I needed to do something. Bella was going to jump off of that cliff soon.

I needed to head back to Forks. Soon. I just needed to find a way on how to leave alone. I would soon be leaving to go back to Forks to see Bella.

Ten days have gone by since I've had that nightmare. It seems that I'm being told to go back to Forks. I've had that same nightmare ten nights in a row.

I needed to do something and fast.

"Are you ok?" I look into the concerned eyes of Irina. I try to reassure her.

"I'm ok."

"More nightmares?"

"Yes. I'll be fine though." Irina gives me a small smile and squeezes my hand.

I turn my head towards Alex who just walked into the room.

"Irina, you need to go hunting. You haven't fed in almost fifteen days."

"Alex I'm fine. You go on ahead, I'll stay with Sophie." That's when a thought popped into my head.

"No, all of you need to go hunt. I can tell that you need to." It was true. All of their eyes were no longer golden.

"Sophie, I don't feel comfortable leaving you alone," replies Alex.

"Alex I will be ok. I've stayed home alone before when my family needed to hunt. It's just a couple of nightmares nothing more." I could tell that Alex was still on the fence about leaving me alone. "Alex, go. I will be here when you get back. I promise." My heart sank. I was lying through my teeth to him.

Alex finally exhaled. "Ok. We will only be gone an hour or two. We will be back before you know it." Alex gave me a smile before leaving the house with everyone.

I calmly walked to my room and sat on my bed for ten minutes. I needed to wait to make sure they were far away enough for me to leave.

After the ten minutes were up I raced to my closet and grabbed a bag that I quietly packed last night. I had everything ready to go, I just needed to find a way to leave without them knowing. The fact that they left to go hunting worked out perfectly

I ran down the stairs and into the garage where my car was. I couldn't help but to feel my heart aching. I was leaving everyone behind.

I unlocked my car and threw my bag into the front seat. I jumped into the driver's seat and waited as the garage door lifted up.

I paused as I put the key into the ignition. I was leaving everyone behind. My family who was back in New York, my extended family here in Denali, and I was leaving Alex behind.

I didn't even know what me and Alex were. We shared a kiss but that didn't mean we were exactly dating yet. I couldn't get Alex out of my head.

Part of me wanted to stay behind to see what could happen between us. But I had to shake those thoughts out of my head. I needed to save Bella and stop her from jumping off of that cliff.

With one last breath I turned on my car. "I'm sorry Alex." With that I put the car into drive and raced out of Denali. I was heading to Forks, I just hope that I'm not too late.

XXXX

Driving from Denali to Forks takes a long time. I have to drive into Canada before getting to Washington State. I was glad that I brought my passport with me.

I just hoped that my family didn't know where I was going just yet. I had no idea if Alice saw me in Forks. I couldn't let my worries get to me though. I just needed to get to Forks.

It took me about three days before I arrived back in Forks. I probably should have flown but I was afraid that my family would see my credit card purchase. I couldn't take that chance.

I knew my family would be worried. I don't even know how Alex was feeling. I knew I would be in deep trouble once I saw my family again. Whenever that would be.

Being back in Forks felt weird. Nothing has changed but it feels like a lifetime sense we were last here.

I first went to our house. I got out to really look at it. I haven't been here in six months. I opened our door and walked inside. Everything looked so empty.

There were sheets around everything. I stopped for a second and looked around me. I quickly went to my bedroom and looked at it for the first time in six months.

There was a sheet over my bed. Some of the books that I left behind were in the same spot. Seeing how our house looked made me feel guilty. It looked like an empty shell and I felt guilty that we left.

I quickly shook my head. I couldn't think about this right now. I had to find Bella.

I raced back to my car and drove off. Leaving my house behind me. I first went to Bella's house to see if she was there. I paused once her house came into view. Her truck wasn't there. Crap. Where could she be? Then a thought clicked into my head. La Push.

I turned around and headed in the direction of the reservation. I hope the wolves didn't kill me once I got on their land.

I wasn't technically breaking the treaty. I was a human after all.

I was just entering their land and headed in the direction of the beach. I didn't know where Jacob lived. I guess I would just have to drive until I found something. I was just rounding a curve where you can see the beach and the cliffs. That's when something caught me eye. I slowed down and looked to my left.

There on the side of the road was Bella's truck. Oh no. She was going to jump off that cliff.

I quickly parked my car beside hers and ran into the woods. I didn't even know where I was going. I just headed in the direction where I believed the cliffs would be at. I just hope to get there before a wolf caught up to me.

After what felt like an eternity, I saw a break in the trees. I ran closer to the light before I was out of the woods.

I panted from exhaustion and looked up ahead of me. There standing at the edge of the cliff was Bella.

"Bella!" I shouted her name and started to walk towards her.

Bella spun around and her eyes widened at the sight of me. "Sophie?"

"Hi." Bella shook her head.

"Your not real. Your just an image just like he is." Edward. She has been seeing his image all this time.

"Bella I am real. It's Sophie. I left Alaska to check up on you. Please get away from the edge." I cautiously walked closer to her. Bella took a step back. Inching closer to the edge.

I had to do something before she chose to jump into the water. "Bella, look at me. Do I look like an image to you? Touch my hand. It's me."

Bella looked at me confused before touching my outstretched hand. Her eyes widened before looking into my eyes.

"Sophie? It's really you?" I smiled and nodded at her.

Bella stepped away for the edge of the cliff and hugged me. I breathed a sigh of relief. I hugged her back.

"Sophie, what...how are you here?"

"I'll explain later. Let's just get you back home to Charlie." She nodded her head and got out of my embrace.

That's when everything went wrong. Bella stumbled backwards out of my reach. Her eyes widened as she fell off the cliff backwards.

"No! Bella!" I ran to the edge and looked into the water below me. Crap we were high up. I couldn't see her. All I saw was the water below me. I knew Jacob would get to her but I wanted to help. I had to help in case Victoria was in the water.

So I did something stupid. I jumped off of the cliff to try and rescue Bella.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Sophie will be meeting the wolves in the next chapter. What do you think will happen? Until next time!