|: Cigarettes and Candy :| Carlisle... - Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Declan's POV.
"I'm so proud of you, Dec. I told you that it would be easy for you to make friends." Adam said for the fifth time.
I chewed my lip. "Yeah, Adam you were right. Can I call you back later?" I asked.
"Of course, is something wrong?" He questioned, his voice filled with concern.
"No everything is fine. I just need to call someone else and I don't want to forget about it." I explained, it's a lie.
He hummed. "Okay, but try not to call me at four AM this time."
I laughed and silently thanked him for making me smile even when I feel this angry. "I guess we will see. Bye dork." I hung up on his laughter.
I stood up from the foot of my bed and took a deep breath. Well, as deep as a breath I could take with a binder on. The longer I listened to Bella's sobs the more frustrated and enraged I felt. I can't take it anymore, I need to know what happened.
So, I'll do what any winged and pissed off teenager would do, sneak out. I'll wait until later and say I'm going to bed early because I'm tired from all the traveling. I'll lock my door and leap from my window, then I will hunt down that Volvo and it's owner.
I did my homework and ate dinner with Bella and Charlie, took a shower and sat in the living room with Charlie for about forty five minutes.
I stood from the chair with a sigh, "I'm going to bed."
Charlie raised his eyebrows at me, "already?"
"Long day. I'll see you in the morning." I patted his shoulder and made my way to the staircase,
"Declan?" He said.
I turned back to him, trying to feign drowsiness. "Hmm?"
"If you ever need to uh, skip school for a day or two, I'm okay with that." He explained, now it was my turn to raise my eyebrows. "It's just, you've been through a lot lately and I understand if you need to take a", he paused, trying to find his words. "Mental health day?"
"Yeah, that's good. I'd appreciate that actually." I nodded. "I'll make sure to let you know when those days come."
I watched him nod and I turned back to the stairs. When I reached the top I quickly climbed the ladder to my bedroom and pulled it up after me, lastly I secured the locks. I paced around my room gathering things I'd take with me like money, bandaids, my keys, cigs, and a lighter.
I found my fanny pack, which say what you want they are practical and can be cute. I like looking like embarrassing dad sometimes I can't help it. I took the old lollipop in it and stuffed it in my pants pocket along with my cellphone and switchblade.
I pulled off my hoodie and grabbed my athletic tape and walked over to me mirror. I tugged off my tight binder and tossed it onto my bed for later. I carefully took strips of the tape and attached them to my chest before pulling the skin to the side, giving my chest a flatter appearance without a binder. Perfect for flying.
I can't wear my clothes and have my wings out at the same time. Unless I want to tear my clothes up, and I refuse to rip up a binder. Those are expensive.
I quickly did the same to the other side and examined my work in the mirror. Not perfect. A bit lopsided but good enough for flying around looking for someone.
I found a tee shirt and rolled it up to slid it into my fanny pack just incase. Looking around my room once more, I made sure I packed everything I might need. Deciding I was good to go I quietly went over to my window and pried it open.
It's too small for my wings to fit through so I'll need to either hit the ground below or release my wings before I crash onto the dirt. I placed my feet on the windowsill and pulled myself out. I crouched on the outside of my window for a moment before leaping off.
I inhaled sharply and my wings loudly unfurled from their safe place and I pumped harshly a few times to straighten myself out as I soared forwards. I twisted and turned around a few trees before I made my way above them.
I finally released my breath when I was safely above the forest and could see some lights in the distance. That's where I'll head first, maybe Edward's there. Maybe the Cullen's house is in that direction?
I'd rather listen in then actually talk to someone, that's what I'm hoping for at least. I want to learn what I need to know by eavesdropping. It would be awkward for me to show up in front of who knows how many Cullen's shirtless, wings out, and wearing a purple fanny pack.
If anyone sees me they're going to beat me up, I thought amusedly.
The lights turned out to be a super market and I flapped my wings a few times to gain speed as I circled the parking lot looking for that Volvo. Admitting defeat and accepting that he's not here, I came to a quick stop at the top of the building, I stayed crouched but I let my wings flex and stretch.
It's been a while since I'd last flown, especially the distance I might need to go tonight. The worst thing that could happen is I pass out, but then someone might find me and who knows what could happen to me.
I took a few deep breaths of the cold fresh air and embraced the feeling of my hearts strong beat. It's pumping my heated blood so quickly I can almost feel it moving in the veins. My blood is growing hotter by the minute, adjusting to the cold temperatures to keep me warm and alive.
Straightening up. I took off in a sprint off the side of the building and starting soaring again. I decided to head north where I know the hospital and the police department are. I pushed myself to fly as fast as I could and I did a large lap around the hospital before I chose a nice tree to take a seat in.
I started to steady my breathing when I saw it, that damned Volvo. Same license plate and all. I silently praised myself before settling myself into the tree branches. I tried to keep myself as hidden as possible, I can't even see into the hospital so he shouldn't be able to see me.
I closed my eyes and let my ears start focusing on all the sounds around me. Crickets, elevators, heart monitors, and finally I heard Edward Cullen's voice.
"I'm sorry but I don't know what else to do." His voice was hopeless and that alone made my anger lessen. What is he going through?
"It's okay, Edward. I understand." This was a different voice, a voice that just has these old vibes. The accent was a mixture between a few that I couldn't even think of. Who is that?
"I'm going to the Denali's, it's the only way." Edwards sad voice told the other man.
Denali? Isn't that in Alaska? Why does Edward need to go to Alaska? What's he gonna do make a snow fort?
"If that's what you want, at least tell Esme yourself. Give her a chance to see you before you go." That voice explained.
Who's Esme? Is she another Cullen?
I heard a sigh, "I'll stop home and tell her myself."
"Take my car and don't make a spectacle of yourself." The voice paused. "Drive safely."
With that I heard a door being opened from and another sigh from Edward. Is a vampire just going to walk around a hospital like there's not blood everywhere? Why is that other guy even there? Is he a vampire too?
What the hell is going on in Forks? I don't understand. Is this a vampire hotspot or something? What does Forks have to offer a large group of vampires?
I leaped off the trees branch and soared to the roof. My stop was more harsh then I had planned resulting in a ugly sound. I winced as I remembered that security cameras exist. I should've thought of that before.
I ran and leaped off the building just in time to hear a woman say, "what in the world was that?"
Maybe everyone will think I'm the mothman. I love the mothman, I'd be his friend. Most people are septics, I doubt they'd believe a anyone who says they saw a winged person. I wouldn't have believed it.
I flew back to Charlie's as fast as I could and I landed on the grass at the forests edge. I sat as still as I could and just listened making sure everyone was asleep. When I recognized Charlie's snoring and Bella's smooth deep breaths I decided it'd be easier to sneak in through the back door.
Unzipping my fanny pack, I pulled out my tee shirt and my cigs. I folded my wings and let them back into my back. I tugged on my shirt and walked to the back porch, taking a seat in the steps I took out a single cigarette. I peacefully smoked and wondered what Edward could need or do while in Alaska.
I didn't get my answer as to what happened between Bella and him I just gained more questions about their family.
Who is the man at the hospital? Who is Esme? What's in Alaska? How did they know I'm from New York? Do they know I'm not human? What's the problem Edward is running away from?
I sighed in annoyance while I put out my cigarette and stood up. I got my keys out of my fanny pack and the old lollipop. I let myself in and unwrapped the candy, throwing the wrapper in the trash can when I passed it.
On the stairs, I paused. I locked the attic door. I'm such a dumbass! I can't get in my room because I didn't want anyone to go up there and see I was gone.
Taking a deep, calming breath I made my way back outside. I took off my tee shirt and let my wings out again. I carefully climbed a tree and leaped off a semi high branch. Soaring towards my open window I quietly cursed. I shouldn't have left it open, I'm letting the cold in.
I reached my window and grabbed on and placed my feet on the windowsill. I pulled my wings into my back for the second time and slipped through my small window.
I unclipped my fanny pack and laid down on my bed, face buried in a pillow. I suddenly feel exhausted now that the adrenaline has worn off. I don't think I'll be able to call Adam back tonight, I'll just call him after school tomorrow.
I kicked off my shoes and released my wings for the last time tonight. I fought my pile of blankets until I had them somewhat over me and then I tugged off my jeans.
I closed my eyes and listened to the sounds of the gentle breeze against the leaves outside and deepened my breathing. Tomorrow I'll ask again what happened and I'll ask Jasper more questions about his family. Until then I'm going to enjoy the few hours of sleep I can get.
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I followed Jasper to his table when I noticed that Edward wasn't there. I'm not surprised, he said he was going to Denali so of course he's not here. Bella must be relived, she still wouldn't talk about what happened when we were driving here. Nows my time to ask everyone else.
"There you two are!" Alice clapped.
I sat down next to Alice and she wrapped an arm around my shoulder.
"I believe there was something you wanted to talk to us about?" She asked. How does she know these things?
"Uh, yeah there is." I gave Alice a confused look. "It's about Edward."
I saw Rosalie tense up and lose her gentle smile as her jaw clenched. How did Edward explain to his family that he needed to leave? Do they even know the reason why he left?
"Yesterday, Bella was really upset because of something he did." I watched Rosalie grow more annoyed at the mention of Bella's name.
"She wouldn't tell me what happened or what he did, it's driving my crazy. Do any of you know what happened?" I questioned, my voice sounding small and the worry I felt came to the surface.
Emmett answered quickly, "Yeah-"
"Emmett! No." Rosalie interrupted.
He looked between me and her a few times, "Esme said we should just tell him. He already knows."
"Emmett!-"
"I already know what?" I raised my eyebrows and slumped my shoulders under everyone's intense stare.
"The vampire thing?" I whispered. "Because, yeah, I already know that. But what does that have to do with Bella?"
All eye turned to me, their stares hard and sharp like freezing rain. I probably shouldn't have said that. Well, it's too late now. God, I hope they don't kill me.
"You weren't supposed to say that here!" Alice hissed, amusement clear in her voice.
"Ha, I'm sorry." I chucked. "I guess I could've waited until we weren't in school."
Rosalie stared, "how do you know that? Alice told us that you did but how?"
"No." I refused. "I won't tell you guys anything until I know what's going on with Edward and Bella."
"Okay. I'll tell you I'm art class. It'll be easier without everyone talking over each other." Alice promised.
I nodded and stood. I grabbed my backpack and slung it over my shoulder as Alice stood by my side. I took a quick glance at Bella and noticed her looking back at this table. Is she upset that Edward isn't here?
"I know you're not human," I began. "Because I'm not human either."
With that I turned and started walking away with Alice linking our arms much like she did yesterday,
"I know that, and I won't tell anyone what you are. I'll let you do tell everyone when you are ready." She told me, a soft and kind smile on her lips.
I smiled back at her. "Thank you Alice, really thank you for trusting me.
"Of course I trust you." She said as we walked out the cafeteria doors. "I would know if you were dangerous."
I pulled my coat tighter around me, "how?"
She smiled knowingly and nudged my shoulder with her smaller one. "I can see the future." She whispered.
My feet froze and I stood still on the sidewalk. How did I not think of that? It's so obvious! She has been controlling all of this hasn't she? She told Jasper to befriend me, she told him to get me to sit with them. She probably knows that I stalked her brother last night.
The only words I could force out were, "holy shit."
Alice giggled and pulled me forwards, back in the direction of the art room. "I know, I know. We aren't dangerous or a threat either. You don't need to be afraid of us."
"I'm not afraid, I'm just confused." I admitted, looking at her face for any signs of annoyance. "I have lots of questions, but I don't want to pry."
She brushed her hair away from her happy eyes. "Don't worry, we'll talk during art. I don't think I'll be able to answer all your questions myself."
I waited as patiently as possible for it to be the right time for me to ask questions. When the students in our art class started talking amongst themselves and turned to the girl sitting next to me.
"So?" I questioned, "Edward?"
"It's Bella's blood." Alice said bluntly. "It smells significantly better then other humans to him. He doesn't want to hurt her, so he left."
"Why did he go all the way to Alaska then? Couldn't he just not go to school?" I started sketching the trees I could see out the classroom window.
"He doesn't think he should even be in the same state as her, he will be back eventually. I've seen it." She assured.
"There's something more isn't there? This is bigger then Bella's blood." I guessed.
She nodded. "Edward doesn't believe me but, " she paused and looked at me her face full of pity. "I've seen them together. I've seen Bella become one of us."
I stiffened, that can't happen. How would that even happen? How is any of this happening?
I looked at her, I could feel my eyes burning with tears I refused to let fall. "What?"
"I'm sorry, but I need to be honest. I've seen her dying or becoming one of us." She said with that same expression of pity.
This can't be happening. How could Bella end up being turned? Will Edward attack her then somehow stop before she dies? The room is growing smaller and smaller and I couldn't get the image of Bella's corpse out of my mind.
"How? When would she die? How would that happen?" I panicked.
"Shh shh, Declan," Alice comforted. "Deep breaths."
I listened and watched her inhale slowly before I copied her. Together we took a dozen deep breaths with slow exhales. I felt better but the fear for Bella's future still loomed over my mind.
"What else can you tell me? Please don't hold back." I pleaded, my voice cracking.
She shook her head. "I apologize again, Declan. It's not good for me to tell you more yet. I need you to trust me on this."
"Am I supposed to let it go?" I hissed. "You just told me someone who is like family to me is going to die. How am I supposed to go on like this." I gestured to my panicked self.
"Don't you trust me?" She asked. She doesn't look like she's worried for my answer. She already knows my answer.
"Yes. I do, but this isn't about trust. This is about keeping Bella safe." I said sternly.
She leaned closer to me. "She is safe. No one will let anything happen to her. Just trust me.
The bell rang and neither of us moved, i was too busy looked between her eyes. I nodded and stood up letting out a hard sigh and collecting my things.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Alice." I promised. "Please, if you see anything I need to know, call me. If it's really serious you can come over if you want, I'm sure you know where I live."
"I assure you, if I have news I'll call you right away." She smiled that same kind smile from before.
"Anyone can come over actually. I don't care I'm awake late and I get lonely so if anyone needs to talk to me, send them my way. The only rules is don't wake up anyone and don't move my stuff." I explained with amusement in my voice.
We stood on the sidewalk, ready to turn our separate ways. As I looked at her I couldn't help but wonder why I trusted this girl so much. She's practically a stranger. What is it in me that trusts these Cullen's so strongly. I don't even know them.
"See you later, Alice." I turned and starting walking away.
"Oh," I heard her sigh. "Carlisle is going to love you." She said in a sing song voice.
When I turned back around to question her, she was gone. Who is Carlisle? Why would he like me? Not that I'm not likable but what does Alice know?
I took my time walking to Bella's truck, how was I supposed to face her knowing what I know now. She's going to die or be changed. That's it? Is it to late for her future to change?
When I got there, she wasn't in the talking mood. Is this about Edward again? I asked her how her day was and she, of course, told me it was fine. Which I'm sure it was, but that doesn't explain the sour look on her face.
I headed up to my bedroom when we got home to work on my homework and make a much needed call to Renee. I procrastinated the call. Even though I love talking to Renee I cannot bring myself to press the call button.
Forget talking to Bella, how am I supposed to talk to a her mother? A mother that might loose her child. I can't warn anyone, that would be giving away too many secrets.
I don't know what would happen to the Cullens if their secret was exposed. They would kill me without question, but what should happen to them? Would they be killed or arrested or something? Probably but which one?
I paced my room and debated calling Adam first. I could tell him a very untrue but similar situation and get his advice. I could ask him about secrets, and when it's okay to break promises.
I decided that what I'd do, Adam never lets me down and I always feel so much better after hearing his voice. I sat back down on my bed, pushing my books and pens to the side. I clicked his contact and listen to the dial tone.
Someday, I'll tell him everything. All about vampires and wings and the Cullen's. I'll tell him everything. I don't care. He's going to be in my life forever and I can't keep everything a secret forever. However right now, that's how it needs to be. No matter how much I hate it, I have to keep lying to the person I love most.