Chapter 1--New Moon(Twilight) -Fully Edited-

Well... this is chapter 1...

PREFACE

“NO!” SOMEONE SCREAMED. “EDWARD, LOOK AT me!”

I wasn’t listening to whoever it was. I smiled the faintest smile, and placed my right foot in the direction of the sunlight.

She slammed into me as hard as she could. She would have fall if my arms hadn’t reached out and caught her in time. She took a short breath and snapped her head up, panting and puffing for air.

I opened my eyes slowly. I was surprised to see Bella—the real Bella—standing there, still in my grip.

“Amazing,” I mused. “Carlisle was right,” We do have a soul. And we could go to heaven. And if it wasn’t heaven, Bella wouldn’t be here.

“Edward,” Bella urged. “You’ve got to get back into the shadows. You have to move!”

Nothing mattered to me now. I was in my happy place with Bella. Us, and only us. Nobody else could distract us. Only Bella and I are in our happy place. We were finally together again.

A hint of unease shot me like an arrow. Something bad would happen. I panicked. The Volturi was about to get us and sentence the both of us to death. Jane had come to torture Bella.

I shoved Bella carefully behind me.

“Greetings, gentlemen,” I said as the enemies came into view.

1. PARTY

SEPTEMBER THIRTEENTH. BELLA’S BIRTHDAY. Bella had been begging Alice and me not to make a fuss out of it. Well, she was late, as we prepared all the birthday presents for her. She had emphasized on the “no presents” part, but we seemed to be ignoring her.

People seem to enjoy their birthdays. Having parties, presents, growing up and all that, but Bella seemed to hate her birthday. Birthdays were meant to be celebrated, not ignored.

I waited for her as her car came into view. Alice stood beside me, searching the future for the outcome of Bella’s wonderful birthday party. At the same time, I wondered what she was thinking—it was very frustrating—I haven’t been able to read her thoughts at all. It was good sometimes, as she said. Sometimes, she had private thoughts she didn’t want me to know. I had to endure that.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea holding a birthday party for Bella, Alice,” I complained.

She will absolutely love her birthday more than she could say after I tell her about her magnificent birthday party, Alice thought. Don’t ruin it for Bella.

“Alice, do you seriously think celebrating her birthday would make her feel happy?” I whispered as Bella walked out of her car.

Umm . . . yes I do, Alice retorted. Bella need a party. Who knows if it’s her last party?

I glared at Alice. This would not be Bella’s last birthday.

You know what she wanted for her birthday present, Alice continued. The one and only present she wanted. And she was quite excited about it. Oh, here she comes!

“Happy birthday, Bella,” Alice chimed.

“Shh!” She hissed. What exactly was so frustrating with getting older? It makes no difference for us. I mean, I would still love her even if she turned eighty. Carlisle and Esme had an age difference of three years. She must be afraid that I would leave her when she turned eighty. So Bella.

Aww . . . she won’t like it. Alice’s thoughts floated in my mind again. She didn’t like her party. And her presents. And I would make her love her birthday. I don’t care whatever it takes.

“Do you want to open your presents now or later?” Alice asked excitedly.

I waited for Bella’s response.

“No presents,” she mumbled.

Dang. “Okay . . . later, then. Did you like the scrapbook your mom sent you? And the camera from Charlie?” Huh? Oh yeah. Alice would have seen the presents from Bella’s parents.

“Yeah. They’re great.” She didn’t make it sound like it was great. She was just unhappy that she was one year older than me, I guess.

“I think it’s a nice idea. You’re only a senior once. Might as well document the experience.” Yeah, and the book will be full of my brother’s pictures. I glared at her. Oops, sorry.

I held my hands out to hold Bella’s hand. She took it eagerly. The phrase ‘Do I dazzle you?’ appeared in my mind. I squeezed her warm fingers gently. Her heart beat like a humming bird’s wings. I smiled.

“So, as discussed, I am not allowed to wish you a happy birthday, is that correct?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Just checking.” Why is she so stubborn about this? “You might have changed your mind. Most people seem to enjoy things like birthdays and gifts.” I could almost imagine the immediate “Most people, except for me!” in her head.

Alice laughed suddenly. “Of course you’ll enjoy it. Everyone’s supposed to be nice to you today and give you your way, Bella. What’s the worse that could happen?” Yeah, and you will get a shock at how perfect your party is, Bella. And don’t disappoint me, Edward, my all-so-nice brother.

“Getting older.” Darn. I knew she would say that.

“Eighteen isn’t very old,” Alice insisted. “Don’t women usually wait till they’re twenty-nine to get upset over birthdays?”

And she would say “it’s older than Edward”.

“It’s older than Edward.” See, I was right. It was about me. If it wasn’t because of my existence in her life, she would be happily together with Mike Newton now.

“Technically,” Alice said lightly. “Just by one little year, though.” Oh, I almost forgot. The party. “What time will you be at the house?”

Did she need to be so straight-forwarded? Couldn’t she say something like “Do you want a party?” or “Do you think it’s a good thing to have your birthday party at our house”?

“I didn’t know I had plans to be there.”

That’s not fair! I’ve already planned and bought everything for your party! Alice screamed in her thoughts.

“Oh be fair, Bella!” she complained. “You aren’t going to ruin all our fun like that, are you?”

“I thought my birthday was about what I want.”

Yeah right, and you will miss the best part— I tuned Alice out of my mind. And I made a snap decision.

“I’ll get her from Charlie’s right after school.”

Thanks, Edward. I love you so much!!

“I have to work,” Bella protested.

I bet Alice had taken care of that as well.

“You don’t, actually,” Alice argued. “I already spoke to Mrs. Newton about it—”

I wasn’t paying attention to their argument. In fact, I was looking at her rusty Chevy. I remembered my brother’s discussion with Alice about a new stereo for her truck. Should I give her a—

“You’ve already seen the movie,” Alice accused. Humph, Romeo and Juliet… You’ve watched it a million times with Edward.

“But not the nineteen-sixties version. Mr. Berty said it was the best,” Bella insisted.

“This can be easy, or this can be hard, Bella, but one way or the other—” I guess I had to interrupt their argument. “Relax, Alice. If Bella wants to watch a movie, then she can. It’s her birthday.”

“So there,” Bella pleaded.

“I’ll bring her around seven,” I said to prevent further arguments. “That will give you more time to set up.”

For once, you’re right. Thanks again, Edward. I owe you one. “Sounds good. See you tonight, Bella! It’ll be fun, you’ll see.” She grinned.

“Edward, please—”

“Let’s discuss it later. We’re going to be late for our class.”

Nobody cared to look at us. We’re used to it already, as humans—except Bella, of course—have a survival instinct to keep as far away from us as possible. Bella was being stupid. How could she be with a vampire that desired her blood and her love at the same time?

I thought Bella was thinking about the same thing as well. Her friends seemed to stay away from her ever since Bella started to hang out with Alice and I. Only some loyal friends like Angela Weber and Mike Newton stayed with the three of us.

Time passed much more slowly than usual. It seemed forever for it to be the end of the school day. The party seemed ages away. I walked Bella to her truck as usual. She was reluctant to go in the passenger door which I opened for her. Alice needed to make a run home to set up everything.

“It’s my birthday, don’t I get to drive?” Bella grumbled.

Her words were ironic. She was the one who wanted everybody to pretend it wasn’t her birthday.

“I’m pretending it’s not your birthday, just as you wished.”

“If it’s not my birthday, then I don’t have to go to your house tonight,” she reminded.

What?! How did she manage to think about that?

“Alright.” She got me. I shoved her to the driver’s side. “Happy birthday.”

Maybe I should give her a slight hint of what her presents are. Of course I would not give away what is my present. It’s the most special one of all, I would say. Hmm . . . How do I start?

“Your radio has horrible reception,” I complained purposely.

She frowned. “You want a good stereo? Drive your own car.”

Great. She didn’t get what I meant.

She looked glum today. She should be happy. It’s her birthday, after all.

“You should be in a good mood, today of all days,”I whispered.

“And what if I don’t want to be in a good mood?”

I was already in a good mood. A very good mood, in fact. So good that I could say . . .

“Too bad,” I shrugged.

I bet she felt light-headed again when I planted my lips against hers. Her lips are soft, smooth and gentle. I couldn’t resist stopping, until she wrapped her arms around my neck like an anaconda. She’s just so human. Letting go was a hard choice to do before I make a wrong step. She was trying her best to cross the line again.

“Be good, please,” I said as I gasped for air. I kissed her for the briefest instant and pulled away.

“Do you think I’ll ever get better at this?” she questioned. “That my heart might someday stop trying to jump out of my chest whenever you touch me?”

“I really hope not.” I rather stop kissing her for the rest of her life than letting her heart stop beating.

“Let’s go watch the Capulets and the Montagues hack each other up, alright?” Oh, I forgot. Romeo and Juliet.

“Your wish, my command.” It’s her birthday, after all.

I fast-forwarded the opening impatiently. I wondered what Alice had planned for Bella. It must be exciting. Or else. Alice would never know what I would do if she ruined Bella’s day.

Romeo’s voice boomed from the television set.

I was slightly disgusted by Romeo. He was a total failure in love, and in life. He loved so many people and committed mistakes over and over again. He killed an innocent. That’s what matters.

“You know, I’ve never had much patience with Romeo,” I commented.

“What’s wrong with Romeo?” Bella asked, frustrated by my dislike of Romeo. I guessed she like Romeo by the way she speaks.

“Well, first of all, he’s in love with this Rosaline—don’t you think it makes him seem a little fickle? And then, a few minutes after their wedding, he kills Juliet’s cousin. That’s not very brilliant. Mistake after mistake. Could he have destroyed his own happiness any more thoroughly?” At least I wasn’t as stupid as him.

“Do you want me to watch this alone?” She was obviously angry with my ‘compliments’ for Romeo.

I prefer watching her to watching Romeo and Juliet for the one millionth time.

“No, I’ll mostly be watching you, anyway.” Bella looks so sweet. Wait a minute, did she just blush?

“Will you cry?” I asked suspiciously.

“Probably,” she shrugged. “If I’m paying attention.” She’s just so emotional.

“I won’t distract you then,” I said as I laid my lips on her sweet-smelling hair.

I kept whispering Romeo’s lines into her ears—I knew she loved it—“Your voice sounds irresistible and velvety. I love it,” she once complimented, quite a long time ago.

Bella really cried when Romeo killed himself. She must have really concentrated on the movie.

“I’ll admit, I do sort of envy him here,” I couldn’t ignore the fact that Juliet loved Romeo so much. Only death—no, not even death—could separate them.

“She’s very pretty,” Bella said. What was she thinking? She knew she’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met. She shouldn’t have complained. I felt a little disgusted by her thoughts.

“I don’t envy the girl—just the ease of the suicide,” I clarified. Humans just seem to die so easily. “You humans have it so easy! All you have to do is throw down one tiny vial of plant extracts…” And they would die after drinking down the medicine. What an easy way to die. It’s different for our kind. We need to think hard of a way to die. Even so, we might not even die the way we wanted. The only easy way is to provoke the Volturi—the royal family of our kind.

“What?” She exclaimed.

“It’s something I had to think about once, and I knew from Carlisle’s experiences that it wouldn’t be simple. I’m not sure how many ways Carlisle tried to kill himself in the beginning…after her realized what he’d become…” Nothing happened. He never died—he’s clearly still strong, alive, and as young as ever. He tried almost everything, from banging his head on the wall—which never worked, drowning himself in water—totally useless, to starving himself—that doesn’t work either.

“And he’s clearly in excellent health,” I continued.

“What are you talking about? What do you mean, this something you had to think about once?” she asked skeptically.

That kept me talking.

“Last spring . . . when you were . . . nearly killed . . .” I shuddered. “Of course I was trying to focus on finding you alive, but part of my mind was making contingency plans. Like I said, it’s not as easy for me as it is for a human.”

In case she did die, I would follow along as soon as possible. Who knows why am I so irrevocably and irresistibly in love with her? For love that is all eternity…

And that James…Thank heavens we got to him on time. That sadistic vampire was gotten rid of, finally. If he was still alive, Bella and I would be on a world tour now. Fortunately, that never happened.

“Contingency plans?”

“Well, I wasn’t going to live without you,” That was obvious, isn’t it? I couldn’t live a single second longer without Bella. I would be soulless. Oh, I am soulless, already. Vampires don’t have souls. Sometimes, that’s arguable. “But I wasn’t sure how to do it—I knew Emmett and Jasper would never help…so I was thinking maybe I would go to Italy and do something to provoke the Volturi.” Maybe I’ll kill some people or throw a car down a ten storey building, or smash a house with my bare hands…

Bella looked furious.

“What is a Volturi?” she demanded.

“The Volturi are a family,” I explained. “A very old, very powerful family of our kind. They are the closest thing our world has to a royal family, I suppose. Carlisle lived with them briefly in his early years, in Italy, before he settled in America—do you remember the story?”

“Of course I remember.”

I’d shown Bella the pictures in Carlisle’s room. Carlisle left me to explain the whole story to Bella. Of course, Bella was so interested in it. Bella was interested in everything concerned to me; or vampires. Carlisle realized that he could be a vegetarian one day. He was so thirsty that one day, he simply attacked the deer passing by without thinking at all.

He studied at the night school, and planned his future by day. He swam to France—we don’t need air while swimming—and studied at some universities in Europe. He became a doctor, regardless. Carlisle was somehow immune to human blood. He discovered the Volturi while studying in Italy. Night time patrons of the arts—they called themselves. I think the Volturi are still there in Volterra, Italy, even after all these years.

Carlisle found me, when the Spanish influenza hit. My mother nearly died, and I was suffering. Somehow my mother found out that Carlisle was a vampire, and asked him to save me. She died after that. Carlisle bit me and I turned into a vampire in three days. After so many long years of searching, I finally found the angel of my dreams—Bella. I’ll die without her.

“Anyway, you don’t irritate the Volturi,” I said, thinking about how I would follow after Bella if she died. “Not unless you want to die—or whatever it is we do.”

Bella held my face very tightly in her hands. She used all her might. “You must never, never, never think of anything like that again! No matter what might ever happen to me, you are not allowed to hurt yourself!” she shrieked in horror.

“I’ll never put you in danger again, so it’s a moot point.” I shrugged.

“Put me in danger?! I thought we’d established that all the bad luck is my fault?” Oh, right. She’s a danger magnet. I totally forgot about that. Bella invites trouble. Her expression was severe. “How dare you even think like that?”

If I was her and she was me, she would have done the same. She should have thought about that before saying those words. “What would you so, if the situation were reversed?” I asked.

“That’s not the same thing.”

She will do the same. I bet that’s what she would do. She did a poor effort trying to hide her thoughts. I chuckled lightly.

“What if something did happen to you? Would you want me to go off myself?” I asked.

What if something happened to me? Nonsense. I was far cleverer to do things that would put me in danger. But…then…if…Bella…did go and…kill herself…then…I would not…I heaved a deep breath.

I had to give up. “I guess I see your point…a little. But what would I do without you?”

“Whatever you were doing before I came along and complicated you existence.” And life would be so boring. Study, study, study. All I could do is to repeat high school over and over again. That wasn’t fun. I prefer moping around to studying high school again and again for eternity.

“You make that sound so easy.” It’s not easy, actually. If I could forget Bella so easily, I would be getting crazy trying to pull her back into my mind. Anyhow, our kind was easily distracted.

“It should be. I’m not really that interesting.”

Bella degraded herself. She was the best thing in my life. Being with her was the best part, watching her sleep was the best night, and…I loved that.

“Moot point,” I reminded her.

Finally back from work. I wonder how Bella is doing. Isn’t Edward supposed to be here today? It’s Bella’s birthday after all. They’re supposed to be having fun instead of making Bella stare at the TV alone. Bella doesn’t even watch ESPN.

Charlie’s back. I shifted my weight away from Bella. She noticed me moving away from her to a more polite position.

Hey, Bella shouldn’t be enjoying her birthday like this! She should be having fun at a bar or restaurant or something. Don’t people love to celebrate birthdays? Hopefully they has plans at night...I’ll screw Edward up if he doesn’t give Bella the best birthday ever.

“Charlie?” She asked.

I smiled. Her guess was correct. Charlie’s stupid thoughts almost made me laugh.

Hey, Edward’s here after all. Not bad. He remembers Bella’s birthday. I think I’ll only have cold pizza for dinner today.

“Hey, kids,” he grinned. “I thought you’d like a break from cooking and washing dishes for your birthday.”

“Sure, thanks dad,” Bella said as she took a piece of pizza from the box and took a bite out of it.

I didn’t take the pizza. It tasted worse than dirt. What’s the point of eating it if I don’t even like it at all? Humans should know what they’re eating. Disgusting food.

Does he ever eat anything? It’s so weird that he refused to eat all the pizzas I offered. Maybe he’s on diet. After all, pizzas are quite oily sometimes. It’s better if I don’t know.

I should probably acknowledge Charlie about Bella’s birthday party. It was more appropriate if I told him first.

“Do you mind if I borrow Bella for the evening?” I asked after they finished their dinner.

Humph. Leaving me again. On second thought, maybe they should go. There’s a match tonight. I don’t think the kids like to watch that and end Bella’s birthday just like that.

“That’s fine—the mariners are playing the Sox tonight, so I won’t be any kind of company…” Remember to use your birthday present. Don’t ignore it. “Here.”

Charlie scooped up the camera for Bella’s birthday and threw it to her. Bella was as butter-fingered as ever. The camera slipped out of her hand. I caught it just in time to prevent wasting Charlie’s money.

Wow. How did he do that? “Nice save. If they’re doing something fun at the Cullen’s’ tonight, Bella, you should take some pictures. You know how your mother gets—she’ll be wanting to see the pictures faster than you can take them.” That was merely an excuse to get rid of us.

Hurry up and get going. The game’s starting soon.

“Good idea, Charlie,” I said, returning the camera to Bella. She turned the camera towards me, and snapped a picture of me. I smiled her favorite crooked smile.

“It works!” she exclaimed. I muffled a laugh.

Or else what? I bought you a defective camera? No way will I do that. Hey, I miss Alice! I must ask them to send my regards to her.

“That’s good. Hey, say hi to Alice for me. She hasn’t been over in a while.” His mouth pulled down at one corner. I miss Alice. I like—

I tuned Charlie out of my mind in alarm. I didn’t want to know what he’s thinking at that moment.

“It’s been three days, Dad. I’ll tell her.”

Charlie’s heart beat faster than usual. People would misunderstand that Charlie likes Alice.

“Okay. You kids have fun tonight.” Goodbye, kids, he thought as he walked towards the TV. Hey! The game started! No fair!

I grinned widely. Now it’s time for the party everybody’s awaiting for.

I dragged Bella out of the kitchen and to the truck. Once again, I tried to make her go in the passenger door. She didn’t argue. She must be very nervous now.

I tried to push her old Chevy to its limits. We were running late. The fastest I could go was only 55 miles. I prefer my Volvo. It could go 100 miles per hour. My car was much faster than this. Her Chevy could go to a museum by now. I swear I would get her a Ferrari after she had gotten rid of that rusty antique.

“Take it easy,” she warned.

“You know what you would love? A nice little Audi coupe. Very quiet, lots of power…” I would be willing to buy that for her, if she wanted it. I knew she would argue.

“There’s nothing wrong with my truck. And speaking of expensive nonessentials, if you know what’s good for you, you didn’t spend any money on birthday presents.”

I didn’t spend a lot of money, I only used one dollar to buy an empty compact disc. It’s free, in fact, if you don’t consider the price of the compact disc. It’s just a compact disc in a jewel case with a few songs enclosed in it. Nothing costly.

“Not a dime,” I said virtuously.

“Good.”

“Can you do me a favor?” I asked with a severe tone. Have a happy birthday and don’t make a fuss out of it.

“That depends on what it is.”

I miss birthday parties. Don’t ruin this one. “Bella, the last real birthday any of us had was Emmett in 1935. Cut us a little slack and don’t be difficult tonight. They’re all very excited.” Especially Alice.

After a big round of consideration, Bella finally made her choice.

“Fine, I’ll behave.” She made a face at me.

I remembered about the fact Alice told me that Jasper was awaiting the party very dreadfully too. And Rosalie was back here, with Emmett. Well, they actually didn’t go to Africa to study . . . Em was about to die of boredom. “I probably should warn you,” I said calmly.

“Please do,” she was anxious to know the sentence.

“When I say they’re all excited . . . I do mean all of them.” Even Jasper and Rosalie. She seemed to be happy to celebrate another birthday party after waiting for nearly seventy years.

“Everyone?” Bella choked in disbelief. “I thought Emmett and Rosalie were in Africa.” Oh come on, Africa’s so hot and sunny. Who would go there? It’s just a lie for the people to think they went on their studies.

“Emmett wanted to be here.”

“But… Rosalie?” She’s afraid of rejection by Rosalie. Rosalie hadn’t been much of a good sport.

“I know, Bella. Don’t worry. She’ll be on her best behavior,” I assured her.

She didn’t answer. I think she was worrying that Rosalie would reject her from the family. I hadn’t exactly told Bella what happened to Rosalie in her human life… It’s better not to tell. Bella will feel bad for Rosalie, and Rosalie would dislike her even more.

I tried not to make her think of Rosalie. I changed the subject back to her old truck.

“So, if you won’t let me get you the Audi, isn’t there anything that you’d like for your birthday?” I asked to grab her attention.

“You know what I want,” she whispered. Uh oh. Bad topic change. I should’ve asked her if she loved her birthday instead.

Bella had always wanted to be a vampire. I hated that wish. Vampires are soulless, inhumane creatures who suck the daylight out of people. What’s so good about that? Maybe I should fulfill that wish, but not now. Maybe later.

“Not tonight, Bella. Please.” Some birthday present she wanted. Why is she so eager to turn into a vampire? We kill people. Not us, we kill animals, but the newborns couldn’t control themselves. Newborn vampires hunt humans for human blood. They have terrible self-control. Vampires don’t go to heaven. Heaven doesn’t belong to vampires. Vampires couldn’t go to hell, either. They stay forever to witness the cruel world…Well, I couldn’t see the point of being a vampire.

“Well, maybe Alice will give me what I want.”

I growled menacingly at her words. Having Alice to turn her would be strictly disallowed.

“This isn’t going to be your last birthday, Bella,” I vowed.

“That’s not fair!” she exclaimed.

That’s even more unfair for me! I don’t want her to be a vampire! Not unless she’s seriously ill or going to die or something.

I clenched my teeth. That is fair if she never asked for being changed into a vampire. She would be squirming in pain for three days, become a newborn vampire, enjoy her killing spree and forget all about me! I would never allow that to happen. So, no, no and no. I would never, ever, think about that anymore. Never.

Bella sensed my anger and kept the silence. We reached my house eventually. Bella moaned when she saw the decorations. I tried to calm myself from the argument just now. In fact, I tend to forget the argument. For now, I should concentrate on the party.

“This is a party. Try to be a good sport,” I advised.

“Sure,” she said in a low voice.

I held my hand out and waited for her to accept it. She never did.

“I have a question,” she asked suddenly.

I waited for her to continue.

“If I develop this film, will you show up in the picture?” she asked with a very curious expression on her face.

I nearly boomed into laughter. Of course I would show up. I’m not a ghost!

I burst into laughter when I processed her words again. It was just too hilarious. Of course I would show up. I’m not transparent! It’s just that I would look paler than ever. She never thinks. The picture in Carlisle’s office is enough to prove that we could show up in pictures.

My whole family was awaiting us in the living room. They greeted Bella one by one when she walked in. I swear I saw her blush.

Alice had done a great job. She covered the entire house with different types of flowers, candles and bowls filled with roses. This is what happens when you have too much money in your pockets and an over-creative sister.

A table was set up beside my grand piano, holding a pink birthday cake, roses, a whole stack of plates and a small pile of silver-wrapped presents from all of us. Bella would hate this.

I wrapped an arm around her waist to soothe her. I leaned down and kissed her in front of everybody. She couldn’t stop. Something reminded her that there were people here and she pulled away. She blushed embarrassingly.

Happy birthday, my dear Bella, Esme thought as she hugged Bella tightly. I hope you’ll enjoy the party. . .

You will absolutely adore our presents. Carlisle put his arms around Bella’s shoulders. “Sorry about this, Bella. We couldn’t rein Alice in.” Carlisle was the most considerate one.

Bella turned around to inspect the family. Rosalie’s face was indifferent. She barely looked at Bella. Alice had warned her not to mess up Bella’s party.

Lucky girl to have a birthday party . . . the last party we ever had was with Emmett. . . And I don’t even remember when my last birthday . . . was . . . in the 1900s . . . my memories were so blur now . . .

Rosalie heaved a long sigh that was quite low-pitched. I doubt Bella heard that.

Emmett grinned widely at Bella, showing her all his teeth. He looked hideous. Yeah! Finally another birthday party is going on, eh! Happy birthday, lucky girl! You looked the same, Bella. Same as when you’re seventeen! Still so soft and nice-smelling!

“You haven’t changed at all,” Emmett said, disappointed. “I expected a perceptible difference, but here you are, red-faced just like always.” You do look the same, blushing as usual. Nothing much has changed since we left school.

I choked back a laugh. Emmett had been thinking nonsense lately. The dreadful quietness at home must be nearly boring him to death already.

“Thanks a lot, Emmett.”

Rosalie gave Emmett a slight jab in the gut. Oh, right, the stereo . . . Okay, okay . . . fine. I’ll go install it now. “I have to step out for a second,” Emmett winked at Alice. “Don’t do anything funny while I’m gone.”

“I’ll try,” Alice teased.

Alice let go of Jasper and skipped away from the staircase. A bright grin hung on her face. The reflected light made her teeth sparkle. Jasper stayed at the foot of the stairs with a smile on his face. He tried not to do anything funny.

I won’t hurt her. I won’t hurt her. It’ll be fine. I’m not thirsty. I’m not thirsty . . . Jasper chanted to himself. I stiffened a look at him. Ok. I know. I won’t hurt her. I’m not that good at self-control, you know. I need some more time to practice on that. I relaxed, but still kept an eye on him.

Bella, Bella, Bella! Yay! Present time! “Time to open presents,” Alice chimed. She’s trying to make it sound serious. She dragged Bella across the living room to the cake by the piano along with the shiny packages full of presents from my family. I’ll see what your response is when you open the stereo.

She took up the present from Emmett, Rosalie and Jasper.

“Alice, I know I told you I didn’t want anything—”

“But I didn’t listen,” she interrupted. You didn’t say I have to listen. You only told me not to give you present. “Open it.”

Alice snatched Bella’s camera from her hands and replaced it with a big square silver box. The stereo. We stood aside and watched in amazement, waiting for Bella’s awesome response towards the present.

Emmett . . . Hurry up and come in! Alice worried.

Bella tore the wrapping paper open—it was empty—and took a good look at the empty car stereo box. Rosalie snickered.

You are so stupid not to know what’s written on the box, Rosalie smiled happily; apparently amused by the way Bella accepted her present.

“Umm . . .” Bella said in confusion. “Thanks.”

Jasper laughed at Bella. “It’s a stereo for your truck,” he explained, amused by the look on Bella’s face, too. “Emmett’s installing it right now so that you can’t return it.”

“Thanks, Jasper, Rosalie,” Let’s see if she remembers me! “Thanks Emmett!” Bella shouted. Hey, she didn’t forget about me after all!

Bella should have figured out that I tried to tell her what her present was. I knew it because she smiled at me and blinked quite a few times before turning back.

Emmett laughed, and so did I.

“Open mine and Edward’s next,” Alice said. She was excited because she gave me the suggestion to make the compact disc. After all, it was just a gift. Open it. Open it. Open it! Alice chimed.

Bella glared at me. “You promised.” Oh . . . Umm . . . Actually . . .

“Just in time!” Emmett’s voice boomed as he bounded through the door. Thanks to Emmett, I didn’t have to answer that question immediately. I couldn’t think of anything to say.

“I didn’t spend a dime,” I admitted. I noticed a loose strand of hair on her face and brushed it off lightly.

“Give it to me,” she sighed.

Edward put a lot of love and affection plus care in that gift. Appreciate it. Emmett chuckled in delight.

She took the package reluctantly, rolling her eyes while she tried to jerk the tape on the wrapping paper.

She was careless.

“Shoot,” she muttered. A single drop of blood oozed out from the cut in her finger.

Oh no, Alice thought.

Is that human blood? Her scent is delicious! Wait, wait, wait. Control yourself, Rosalie tried to calm down.

Her blood smells better than . . . never mind. Think clearly, Emmett. You sweared not to bite anybody. Emmett cleared his mind of the thoughts.

Blood. Hmm. Did Bella cut herself? Carlisle was as calm as ever.

I miss that smell . . . It’s so good . . . Esme wandered into her thoughts.

I saw in Alice’s mind that Jasper attacked Bella. It could happen at any time now.

Is that blood? It smells so good . . . As a matter of fact, it’s so good that I couldn’t resist . . . Jasper inhaled a deep breath of the scent and took a big stride towards Bella.

“No!” I roared.

It all happened so quickly then.

I jumped towards Bella, trying to protect her as I flung her behind me. Jasper was unconscious of what he’s doing, and growled to claim his prey. A deep rumbling sound ripped from his throat.

As clumsy as usual, Bella tripped, scattering the cake and the presents, the flowers and the plates, all onto the floor as she pulled the table down along with her. D****t. Bella crashed into the shattered crystals. More blood oozed out from her right arm.

Jasper was in a total frenzy now. He was excited as the blood flowed out from Bella’s arm. Irresistible.

He slammed into me like a boulder. He snarled at me, trying to get past me to Bella.

Get away, Edward, Jasper snarled at me. He snapped at Bella. She breathed heavily.

Emmett tried to grab Jasper. He turned to look at Bella and saw the fresh blood still streaming out of her arm. The floor was covered in red.

Jasper continued struggling to get free. Only then did everyone smell Bella’s blood. All of them stared at her with eyes glistened. Blood! All of them thought.

I tried to sigh heavily and wanted to persuade them to stop, but as I inhale, I caught her scent as well. I cringed. That was the sweetest blood I’ve ever smelled in my entire life.

The blood continued pulsing out of her arm, and Bella was still struggling to get out of the pile of mess. None of us could resist that sweet, warm blood. Not Jasper, Alice, Rosalie, Emmett, Esme and . . . even me, could stop thinking about the bright red blood . . . Her blood attracted me too much that I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I was ready to attack.

She looked up—with her eyes widened in fear—into the fevered eyes of the suddenly ravenous vampires thirsting for blood.

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