April Fool's Contest Announcement!

APRIL FOOL’S CONTEST

ME: Knock knock
YOU: Who’s there?
ME: Boo
YOU:  Boo who?
ME:  It’s just a joke; you don’t have to cry about it.

Hey everybody, the ladies’ here at Twilight Fanfic Advocacy have decided to bring to you another contest. This time it’s pretty simple.  Who doesn’t love a good joke? Well unless it’s done to you. And for the first time ever, all ratings accepted.
April first is the day of jokes and pranks. So come up with something that will knock our socks off.  Your choice if it’s innocent, happy, crazy, or just plain old mean or dirty.  The choice is yours.
Rules:
- Entries must be anonymous. Defying this rule will get your one shot booted.
- Please have your one-shot beta’d; if you’re a first time writer (which we highly encourage you to enter this competition), email us if you need help finding a beta. I’m sure we can get you someone.
- Must be 18 or older to enter.
- Word count 2000 – 10000
-No more than two entries per person.  You can co lab but it will count as one.
- One-shots can be posted to your FFn page after the contest is over.
- Any parings accepted
-  All ratings

Please send all entries to   tfasfcontest@gmail.com . In the subject line put April Fool’s Day Contest
Also make sure you put your pen name and email address in the email a well.
 Below is the heading that you’ll need to use:

Title:
Rating
Characters:
Disclaimer:
Summary:

Specifics:
- Entries due March 17 thru April 17.
- Voting starts on April 18 thru the 25
- Winners will be announced on April 27
- There will be one public vote winner and one judges vote winner.
Both winners will receive a banner for their winning entry.
In all fairness, only one TFA Administrator will know who wrote what and will not get to vote.  The rest of the admins won’t know until after we have picked our winner, who wrote what.

Pictures for Valentine's Day Contest

Thanks for joining us for our first Valentine's Day contest!

Each of these picture prompts are actual events that took place on Valentine's day (one picture was enhanced by Illicitwriter-we didn't think you'd mind once you get a look at it!)

So here's how you play...you chose a picture (remember the number of your picture, you will be asked for that with your submission), write a one shot that is anywhere between 2,000 to 10,000 words- any pairing and any genre; we'd prefer it to M rated; have it beta'd; attach our header to it (can be found along with all of the official rules at TFAdvocacy), then send it in to tfadvocacy@yahoo.com with the subject line- Valentine's Day Contest. It must be sent in by February 24, that is the deadline. 

Once we get it, our validation advocate will look it over, then post it to the TFA fanfiction profile.  Readers will read and vote by submitting their reviews for your story.  Remember that it is an anonymous contest so you can't tell them which story to vote for, you can only direct them to the profile!  Don't get caught cheating cause then we have to boot you out of the contest and we never like to do that to anyone, okay?  You may pimp out the contest and tell people that you have an entry tho, please by all means tell people!  You may also use the Mafiaward avi that Illicitwriter made for us as well, please just credit her for that. 

The TFA advocates will vote on a Judges winner and a poll will be added to the TFA profile to determine a Public winner, this will take place from February 27 - March 2nd.  Each winner will get a banner made by What Obsession 17.

If you have any questions then by all means contact any of us at our Facebook Group, our Fanfiction Profile or our email- tfadvocacy@yahoo.com.  We will be more than glad to help!

Now on with the picture prompts...

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9 MAFIAWARD!!!  Now, isn't this way better than the original picture?  Thanks Illicitwriter!

Remember to write your one shot based on one of these pictures, send it to us and we will get it entered!  Good luck from all of us here at TFA!

Auhor of the Month for November- WitchyVampireGirl

Twilight FanFic Advocacy

Interview questions

1. Tell us as much about yourself as you would like to share.

Hmmm… I am in my mid 30’s, married, have 2 kids, a dog and 2 black cats. Some days I want to go on vacation and not tell anyone (hehe). My husband thinks I have an unhealthy obsession with Twilight, but I think he’s jealous. I do have a health phobia of spiders.

2. How and when did you become aware of Twilight?

My sister in law was reading an article on the web about TwiMoms and their fascination with Twilight. About two days later I was at a store, saw the book and decided to see what the fuss was about. I read Twilight in about 2 days, went after work to get New Moon, read that in two days and then had a dilemma- do I buy Eclipse and Breaking Dawn in hard cover, because I NEVER buy hardcover. I thought it over for about 30 minutes and ended up buying both of them. Together it took me about three and half days to read the two. The rest is history….

 
3. When was the first time you came across FanFiction?

I think it was a link from a message board post on IMDB talking about someone who finished writing Midnight Sun and how SM gave it her approval. I was curious and began reading, when I was finished I felt as if a whole new world had been opened to me. I began lurking immediately. That was just over a year ago.

4. Where do get your inspiration for your stories?

Random things. The Mating Connection was based off a dream I had. While Hidden Moon was a dare issued to me by a friend. He Shoots is based off ummmm *whispers* one of my fantasies. Other ideas come to me when I see or read something and want to put a spin or a twist onto it.

5. Do you write for any other fandoms or just Twilight?

Twilight, it is the only story that I know so well and feel so passionate about. There is so much there to explore.

6. What are you favorite character to write?

Hmm.. I would have to say Edward, for right now as he is the only POV that I have written. But I do love making Emmett do or say crazy things in my stories. In one I had Bella paint his toenails neon pink.. I mean.. doesn’t that just scream Emmett?

7. Who would you say is the easiest character to write for you?

Another hard question, honestly, I think they all have their easy parts, if you go cannon. I think Edward, again because I have written him so much. Emmett and Esme are easy, because they are simple characters. I can’t wait to try my hand at a BPOV.

8. Who is your favorite Twilight character?

Easy, Edward… because who wouldn’t want the kind of love and devotion he has for Bella and Alice, because I want a sister just like her!

9. Which character would you identify with the most?

I would have to say Bella, like her, I tend to over think everything and I am a caretaker.

10. How has your experience with the posting sites been? I.e. Fanfiction.net, The Writers Coffee shop, Twilighted or any other sites you may post on.

Amazing! I have met such great people. They have made me laugh, cheer, groan in frustration and get a little hot and bothered. But most of all… the feedback is what keeps me going… its sorta mind boggling!!

11. Do you have any grievances with your experiences?

No, unless my fav stories not updating every night counts. *laughs* Seriously, no, it’s been a great experience.

12. What do you prefer writing - fluff, angst, smut

I have done a bit of everything. I think it depends on the mood that I am in. When I was writing Hidden Moon which was full of angst, I started The Mating Connection which is smut and fluff to give me a break. But I want to try a bit of everything.

13. Do you bring personal experiences into your stories?

Not really, I may draw from a few things from my reality.. but I try to find the characters and stories own reality. When writing I am always asking myself.. what would be the next step for them to take and I find that works for me.

14. What kind of research do you do for your stories if any?

I love to Google pictures to go with the images in my head. I have looked up locations and places to get a feel for them. Whatever the story needs to make it real and as authentic as possible, I’ll do.

15. What is your favorite book and part of the Twilight Saga?

Ohh a hard one. I would have to say there is a two way tie between Twilight and Eclipse. I think it’s because I love how Bella and Edward interact with each other. The growth and progress of their relationship in both of them.

16. What is your least favorite?

I am sure I am gonna get haters for this, but Breaking Dawn. I have too many issues with that story to really enjoy it.

17. Which was the first FanFic story you read?

Gah, is it bad that I don’t remember? I do remember that at first I was obsessed with anything EPOV; New Moon and Eclipse stories especially. The one story that stuck with me was Ithaca is Gorges by Giselle-lx, made me cry.

18. If you write multiple fics, which one has been the most enjoyable for

you to write and why?

I have loved them all… they all hold a special place for me; Hidden Moon was my first, The Mating Connection was my first smutty one and He Shoots, She Scores was my first one shot *shrugs* They are so different, that I loved writing them all.

Please list your links for Fan fiction, TWCW, Twilighted, Facebook, and Blog if it applies to you.

On FanFiction: http://www.fanfiction.net/~witchyvampiregirl

On FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/WitchyVampiregirl

Come check me out!!

We here at Twilight Fanfic Advocacy want to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.  We have enjoyed working with you.

Thanks… I had fun!!

31 Days of Halloween- Day 31

Penname: One of Eddies Girls
Title: Witch Dream
Rated: T
Pairing: Edward / Bella
Word Count: 2848
Picture Prompt: #31
Summary: This Halloween will be the one that changes Edwards's life forever.
He'd had the same recurring dream for as long as he could remember. It was the same on the same day every year. The image just changed slightly over the years, but overall it was the same. When he was a young boy the three witches all stood with long dresses in the middle of the road as he got older the dresses got shorter and the other two witches began to move to under the trees. Until all that was left was the one witch that taunted him the most. She stood in the shadows of the setting sun with her short skirt, long legs, her hip cocked to one side with her hand on it while her other hand held on to the broom that took her away from him at the end of each year. All Hallows eve had become one of Edward's favorite nights because he knew that he'd dream with his witches that night. Little did he know how much thing would change this year.
"I will be waiting for you at the end of the night Edward," her silky voice whispered in his ear.
"Wait! Where? You've never waited for me before. You've never spoken to me before." Edward chased after his mysterious witch before she could jump on her broom and fly away from him.
Another smaller, springy, bouncy, witch came up behind him squealing like a child hocked up on all the sweets in the world. "It's different this year Edward because your read to join us now."
"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, as he watched her skip away from him. Edward was getting frustrated with all the half answers he was getting.
"It just means that you are now old enough to join us prince, your family has been anxious for you to reach age here in the mortal world before you could join us in your rightful place, prince." The tall angry looking blond informed him as she quickly passed him on her way to catch up with the other girls.
Edward awake with a start feeling so lost and confused by the dream he'd just had. This dream was definitely different from any other one he'd had over the years. That was the first time that the witches ever interacted with him in his dreams.
Edward lay in his bed just thinking over his dream for a while. Until he heard the sounds of his two roommates and best friends working about the apartment. He figured it was time he got up himself.
As soon as he made his way into the kitchen he was greeted by Emmett's boisterous voice. "Dude I can't believe the girls are finally going to be able to join us for a fucking Halloween party. I miss my fucking girl."
"What do you mean you miss your girl don't you see her all the time?" Edward questioned his friend.
"No dude, I don't get to see my girl as often as I want. Besides, this is Halloween its kinda one of the nights she usually has to work. She is getting off for this one because her and her sisters have finally finished what they had to do with the big boss. "Emmett tried to explain.
Edward was still quite confused even after the explanation that Emmett tried to provide. Jasper took pity on him and tried to explain a little more clearly. "See the thing is that in what Rosalie, Emmett's girl, Alice my girl and their sister Bella work in they have had to spend the last few years working on this day. This is the first year that they are finally going to get to relax for the holiday. Where we all grew up Halloween is like one of the most exciting times of the year, and it's sucked to have to spend it without our girls the last few years. You understand?"
"Yeah I got you dude. I'm sure it has been complete torture to have to endure one of your favorite holidays without your girl." Edward agreed.
They finished up the rest of their breakfasts and got ready for class. Emmett and Jasper only had one class that day so they would be in charge of getting the apartment ready for the party later.
As the day wore on Edward began to notice a few things that he'd never seen before. The main thing being that he started to notice the way people looked at him. Maybe it was the dream that the witches left him thinking about, but who knew... he sure didn't.
The people were looking at him as if he had the answers to the world's problems in his hands. He also noticed that the women looked at him as if her were a piece of steak left a lion to eat.
He wasn't naive enough to not know he was good looking but the hunger in the women's eyes had never been present before.
Soon his day was over and Edward was able to go home to help Emmett and Jasper with setting up for the party. Walking into the apartment Edward was surprised by the three women that were walking around his living room. Blinking then rubbing his eyes Edward was sure his eyes were playing tricked on him, because right there standing in his line of site were the three witches of his dreams. Only they weren't dressed as witches; the tall blond had on a short sleeveless sundress, the short pixie looking one had black tight capris and a flowing pink blouse. But the one that Edward couldn't take his eyes off of was the brunette with her wavy brown locks. She was wearing a pair of tight jeans and a tight white cami. She looked as if she glowed to him; she was the one that always caught his attention even in the late night dreams, year after year.
Edward was so lost in his thoughts and starring he didn't notice when the smaller of the three women walked up to him; all he noticed was the sudden arms that wrapped around his waist.
"Oh, my God. Edward it's so great to finally meet you. My Jazzy talks about you all the time. It's so nice to finally be able to talk to you in person. Isn't this day just so exciting. I love Halloween and this Halloween will be the best one yet! Finally a year the girls and I can spend it with our guys" Alice yammered excitedly. Edward wondered if she'd even taken a breath in all that time. He couldn't help thinking what a lively person she was and how she contrasted to Jaspers' calm serene demeanor.
"Hello! I take it your Jasper's girl." Edward addressed the small woman still clinging to his waist.
"Oops," she giggled. "Yes, I'm sorry. I'm Alice and these are my two sisters Rosalie and Bella." she pointed first to the blond then to the brunette that held Edwards attention.
Each girl looked up as Alice introduced them, Rosalie just barely acknowledged Edward, giving him a quick wave before going back to what she was doing. Bella looked up blushing a pretty rose color then turning away to work on something Edward couldn't see from where he was standing.
Both Rosalie and Alice noticed the way that Edward's eyes lingered on Bella longer than on either of them. Making them both feel good that the price wouldn't need too much convincing. He and Bella were arranged to marry after all. Looking over at Rosalie, Alice gave her a significant look instructing that they should make their way out of the room.
"Alice can you give me a hand getting the decorations from the car?" Rosalie asked clearly understanding the look.
"I can go with you," Bella volunteered.
"No, sweetie that's okay. Alice and I will get them. Why don't you and Edward finish moving the furniture around." Rosalie instructed.
Bella's eyes widened slightly at the thought of being left alone with the prince. She knew that he knew nothing of what was going tonight. Everyone but Edward knew that, that night would be the day he'd be crowned and take his rightful place as the price of witches and wizards. Edward had been purposely kept in the dark about his true identity so that he'd grow up as a normal child should. They needed him to age until he was twenty-one otherwise he'd be stuck as a child in their world. Bella was afraid that she would give away the secret; she'd always been so bad at keeping secrets- especially one as big and important as that one.
Edward was completely oblivious of what was troubling Bella, all he could think about what how beautiful she was and if she was attached to anyone. Alice had hinted to the fact that they were all getting a chance to be with their men that night. Taking a chance Edward tried to start a conversation with her, "So, how long are you and your sisters going to be here?"
Bella blushed, her pretty pink again before she answered his question. "We are all here for just the night, then we have to go back home."
That news slightly saddened Edward; he was hoping to have time to get to know Bella. Emmett and Jasper always spoke of how their girls lived so far way and they never got to spend any time with them. Feeling deflated because of the information Edward didn't say anything else to her, he let them work in silence just following her lead of where all the furniture needed to be moved.
By the time Emmett and Jasper walked in with Rosalie and Alice most of the furniture had been pushed to one corner of the room. The six of them worked quickly to make the living room look spooky. Streamers cut into the shapes of black and orange pumpkins and white ghosts were taped in a criss cross on the ceiling. White cheese cloth was hung along the walls to resemble spider webs, with a few small spider rings sewn into it. A large plush spider was hanging from the center of the ceiling as well. Emmett had brought home from one of his classes a human skeleton that Jasper propped in a corner close to the refreshment table with a cup in one hand and a plate in the other. Pumpkins with bats carved into them and other Halloween designs sat on the tables with candles glowing inside of them. Rosalie changed out the light bulbs in each of the lamps in the room to black light to give everything a dark luminescent glow. The final touch was a few plastic bloody body part put strategically, in just the right places.
Once, they were finished with all the decorating the couples along with Bella decided it was time to clue Edward in on what was going on. Especially because all of the guest for the party that evening were in on what was about to happen. Many of them excited to finally be able to relax and be themselves. Little did Edward know that every person he'd ever interacted with in his life was there to help him along in his journey, as well as to keep him safe from any harm. The King and Queen had enemies that would love see their demise, so with that in mind they'd come up with a plan on how to keep their son safe. The last of which included having Emmett and Jasper keep an eye on him. Bella, Rosalie and Alice's job was to help awaken his awareness to who and what he is. The limitation to that was that they could only be seen through his dreams.
So Emmett was the first to speak, he told Edward who he really was letting everyone else add their own part of the story to it. As each person spoke all Edward could think about was that it had to be some kind of twisted trick. How could it be that everything he'd believed his whole life was now a lie. Edward made his unhappiness known, he yelled and raged against what they were telling him. When that didn't dissuade them he laughed claiming that it had to be a joke. After about an hour of going back and forth of the group trying to explain and Edward laughing it off, he got fed up and walked out.
"You have to convince him that this is real Bella," Jasper calmly explained.
"Me? Why me?" Bella questioned.
"Simple because he likes you, he will believe what you tell him to be the truth," Rosalie said as she tried to nudge Bella in the direction Edward'd gone.
With a heavy sigh Bella let the pleading looks on all their faces convince her to talk to him.
Walking into his room Edward raged against what he'd been told. He couldn't believe his two best friends would tell him such lies, that they'd play such cruel joke on him and to add insult to injury have the girls say it was true.
As Edward sat fuming and fighting, Bella wondered how she was going to convince him it was the truth. She contemplated all the tricks that she had but none of them sounded convincing enough to try. So with no other option she decided that the sleep spell would be the best thing to do.
Edward found himself unable to keep his eyes open all of a sudden. He made his way to his bed and promptly fell in to a deep sleep.
As soon as she knew he was asleep Bella inserted herself into his subconscious and dreams.
"Prince what we speak is the truth. We have no desire to deceive you," she explained. She was back in her witches outfit standing in the road they always showed him in his dreams. "Follow me and I promise to show you our home."
Edward looked at the hand she'd offered trying to decide whether he should go or not. Coming to the conclusion it wouldn't do any harm he accepted the proffered hand. Almost as soon as their hands touched he found himself transported into another world. This place was full of people dressed similarly to how Bella was dressed. Some with longer dresses and others with shorter ones, but all pretty much in the same classic witch garbs. The men he noticed were dressed in black shirts and black jeans. The older gentlemen looked to be wearing something over their clothes but Edward couldn't decipher what it was exactly.
As they walked hand in hand through the town Edward noticed that everyone bowed down to him. Many calling him prince before doing so, "As you can see Prince Edward. We didn't lie to you, this is where you belong. The only thing that we did was let you grow up in the mortal world so that the last part can come to light."
"And what is this final part?" Edward asked her.
"The only thing that is missing is that after you have been crowned you are to be married." Bella explained.
"Married?" Edward wasn't sure he liked the idea of having to marry someone he didn't know. "And who is it that I am supposed to marry?"
Bella blushed her pretty pink color before she looked at him and shyly saying "Me."
Edward's heart jumped for joy knowing that he would have to spend all eternity with the one woman that had always captivated him. Even when he didn't know she was real.
"Well then in that case, how can I not want this?" Edward stated as he brought Bella close to him, taking a moment to kiss her passionately.
Bella ducked her face against Edwards chest hiding her blush and the reaction Edward's lips against hers caused; she was flushed and breathing heavily.
"Come Bella get us out of here, and let's get me crowned," Edward said as he ushered them back to the road.
"All you need to do is wish us home and wish yourself awake Prince. That is how we can get home faster," she instructed.
Edward wished them back home, and then he walked out of his room to find Bella waiting for him just on the other side of his door. They walked hand in hand into the living room where the rest of their friends were waiting. Edward apologized for over reacting, and then thanked them all for everything they'd done for him over the years.
Soon enough the party was underway, everyone greeted Edward properly. They were all very anxious for the crowing ceremony. Not only was the prince finally joining them, but the King and Queen would also be there. The ceremony was as spectacular as everyone thought it would be. Then soon afterward Edward asked Bella to marry him.
At the end of the night everyone headed back into the witches world. Where they enjoyed years together.
THE END.

31 Days of Halloween- Day 27

31 Days of Halloween
Author: CallieWoahNoah
Title: These Laughing Faces
Rated: M
Pairing: Edward and Bella
Word count: 6,126
Picture prompt: #27
Summary: Bella had never been afraid of clowns, but unexpected circumstances may just change that. Will her cocky neighbour help to solve the mystery or will he continue to torment her?
Disclaimer: The Twilight saga and all recognisable characters are the property of SM.
My alarm beeped insistently at me, calling stubbornly for my attention and despite my attempts, I couldn't ignore it. I crawled across my bed, my body flat against the mattress. I felt like one of those army people, but far more sluggish. Every movement seemed like too much and at ridiculous o'clock in the morning, anything was too much effort.
Eventually, my hand connected with the blaring contraption, switching off the irritating sound and allowing me some peace. I sighed, a heavy, I-can't-be-bothered-with-today sigh. My head slumped back against the pillows as I fought to keep my eyes open.
Needless to say, I was unwilling as I dragged myself out of bed, padding groggily down the stairs and to the kitchen until I found the pot of coffee, allowing it to burn my tongue as I gulped desperately at the burning, heavenly liquid. Caffeine was my saviour.
An hour later, I was showered, dressed and somewhat more alert. Slinging my bag over my shoulder, my keys rattled in my hand as I left my house and locked the front door behind me. I reached my car, sliding into the front seat and switching on the engine. I enjoyed the low growl as I idled in my driveway, pushing my bag onto the passenger seat and buckling up. My Aston Martin was my baby and I had worked so hard for it. It was sometimes inappropriate or impractical, but I wouldn't change it for anything.
My cocky, dishevelled and seemingly edible neighbour was sat on his porch steps with a mug cupped in his hands. I was too far away to truly appreciate his long, thin fingers; the ones that put wicked thoughts in my already perverse mind. I pretended not to see him and tried to convince my traitorous eyes not to glance his way as I pulled out of my driveway smoothly, turning up the radio. I pretended I didn't see his smirk as I passed his house. I definitely didn't see that he was only wearing a pair of sleep pants and no top, because if I had noticed, I would have been inclined to ogle him. Which I didn't do. Nuh-uh.
It's a good job our street is straight or my baby would have been saying hello to a street lamp, or something as equally immobile and destructive.
The tinted windows were a god send because had the glorious specimen of a man known I was appreciating his appearance, with drool threatening to spill from my open mouth, his ego would have inflated further. I'm not sure I could have lived with the smart-ass, teasing comments that would ensue. I had enough of those from him on a normal day. His velvet voice made it feel as though we were having sex, fully clothed and a few feet apart. It was sinful. He was effectively having sex with my ears. On more than one occasion I had been forced to stifle moans, feeling it would have been inappropriate and more than a little awkward.
When he was out of sight, I released a breath and a low whistle before returning my full attention to the road and the route that would take me to work.
I knew I would be one of the first into the office, I always was. I had too much work to do and not enough time to do it and I was slightly addicted to my job. It was more of a hobby than a chore and a necessity. I enjoyed it.
All of the lights were out as I scanned my badge and slipped in through the parking garage doors. My footsteps echoed in the stairwell, my heels connecting audibly with each step. I soon reached my floor, easily finding my way along the corridor and into my office. I cringed as the door slammed behind me, a few sheets of paper floating off the filing cabinet which stood beside it. I dropped my bag to the floor beside my office chair, leaning over to switch on my computer. There was a whir as it kicked into gear and I left it to warm up as I retrieved the papers from the floor and returned them to their rightful place.
Suddenly, there was silence. With a curious glance to my computer and a frustrated sigh at the ready, I crossed the room to it once more. I stood before it, realising the machines had switched themselves off and, huffing in annoyance, I pushed my chair out of the way and knelt on the floor, pressing the "on" button once more. When nothing happened, I reached behind the contraption and pushed at the cables, wiggling them until I was sure they were in correctly.
Peeking my head above the desk, I screeched when I saw the monitor, plain as day. There was a clown staring back at me, unmoving. Not your average children's clown but a carnival one. My heart hammered against my rib cage and I jabbed desperately at various buttons. Wassomeoneplayingaprankonme?
I clambered off the ground, turning my back on the freakish sight as I all but ran to the light switch, illuminating the room.
"Fuck," I muttered, taking deep breaths as I willed my heart to calm down. I crept tentatively back to the computer, giving myself a motivational pep talk the whole way. Closing my eyes, I felt my way in front of the screen, counting down from five to one before opening my eyes and finding the generic company background glaring back at me. My fingers rubbed angrily at my eyes before I slammed a fist on the desk.
"Fuck," I repeated; cursing myself, the world and Halloween.
"Is everything okay?" A quiet voice spoke, making me jump. I laughed at myself a little, earning a concerned frown from my friend.
"Sorry, Alice, it's fine. I guess I'm just tired." I sighed, smiling at her. She stepped further into the room and I saw her hands were occupied with two cups of take out coffee. My smile grew as I approached the offering in her outstretched hand.
"I thought this might cheer you up."
"You have the gift of foresight, then!"
She passed me the cup and I took a small sip, enjoying the warmth spreading through my fingers from the contents.
"Thank you," I hummed, setting it on the desk beside me.
"No problem. So, do you want to talk about it?" She asked, sitting in the plush leather armchair across from me, kicking off her shoes and curling her feet under herself.
"It's nothing, really. I'm just slowly losing my mind." I shrugged with a teasing smile and she rolled her eyes.
"It's okay, Bella, I already know you've lost your mind, you don't have to lie to me."
If I could have reached, I would have smacked her right then. Oh my dearest pixie friend.
"What a relief! Anyway, what are you doing here so early?"
"I thought I'd catch you before the work day began." She explained, tucking some hair behind her ear and revealing the silver ring in the shell of her ear.
"I'm that predictable, huh?" I asked wryly, leaning back in my chair.
"Yes! Maybe one day you will arrive here at a respectable hour." She teased and I shook my head at her.
"You never know, miracles can happen."
"That they can. Now down to business, on today's agenda we are discussing our traditional Halloween film night. Luckily, the big day falls on a Friday this year, which means great things for us!"
"Is that so?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow. "And what great things would these be?"
"Sleepovers and alcoholic beverages?" She grinned smugly.
"I see, you do have a point there. So, my place, tomorrow night, seven o'clock?" I suggested, tapping my chin with my proposition.
"Hell yes, this thing is on. I'll bring the drinks, Rose will bring the food and you have the films. It's a date, babycakes." I became absorbed in Alice's enthusiasm, already scanning through my DVD collection for the perfect films to watch.
"I look forward to it." I told her genuinely.
"Before I go, we have one more thing to discuss."
"What's that?" I inquired, assuming that I wouldn't enjoy the direction this conversation was about to take.
"That neighbour of yours."
"What about him?" I grumbled, frowning. If I didn't know better, I would think Alice had a thing for him. He seemed to be her favourite topic of conversation these days, ever since she caught the end of one of our exchanges one Summer's night as she came to drop off a pair of shoes she had borrowed. Apparently the mere fact that I had failed to mention him to her meant that there was something going on between us and she was determined to find out what.
There really was nothing. Nada. Zilch.
Unless you count the dreams. We're not counting those. Just no.
"He's asked you out, right?" I scoffed at her accusation.
"No, he really hasn't. I don't know why you think there's something we're hiding but I assure you, there are no secrets where he's concerned. We're neighbours and that's that." I told her, knowing that it didn't matter what I said, she still wouldn't believe me.
"I don't believe you." She declared, staring me down.
"What's new?"
"Just you wait and see." She responded mysteriously and I rolled my eyes at that. Who wouldn't?
"He's gay, Alice. Okay?"
"He's not!" She gasped, narrowing her eyes at me. I stared right back, not giving in. This was my last attempt to shut her up and if it didn't work, I was doomed for the rest of eternity. That is no exaggeration, ladies and gentlemen.
"Yes," I cried, "heis." I tried to give her my most believable expression and it seemed to work. Her mouth was agape and she went without blinking for at least a minute. I think she was breathing, but it was hard to tell.
"No..." I knew she wasn't really contesting my statement, simply expressing her surprise.
"It is what it is." I shrugged. "I think I like him better knowing he bats for the other team." I nodded, backing up my declaration with the motion.
"Wait until Rose hears this!" Alice squeaked, slipping her feet back into her shoes and throwing me a wave as she hurried out of the room. I smiled smugly to myself, allowing myself a few moments to bask in my satisfaction. Now thatwas a job well done.
After my conversation with Alice, I had forgotten all about my frightening experience. The more time that passed, the easier it was to convince myself it was all a trick of the light, or even my sleep-deprived mind.
The office was empty once more as I left that evening, even the cleaning crews had finished, leaving the place spotless once again. I switched off my computer, carefully avoiding looking at the black monitor, silently afraid of what I might see and all the while telling myself I was being stupid. I was, it's true.
I reached around in my bag for my car keys as I approached the doors, eventually looking up and releasing a startled cry at the clown that was once again staring back at me. I spun around, thinking it was a reflection, but there was nothing there. No white face and red nose. There was no longer anything in the window either, other than my own wide, brown eyes looking back at me.
My eyes never left the reflective surface as I breathed in and out, trying to calm myself down. I tried to reassure myself but it wasn't really working. Seeing things once, I could put down to tiredness or something along those lines, seeing the same thing a second time and I was starting to worry I was losing my marbles. With one last look at the window, I tore my gaze away and pushed through the doors into the stairwell. My eyes darted around, seeking out any sign of the image, all the while hoping my searches would come up empty.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little jittery as I drove home, my thoughts plagued with the face. The very same face. When I pulled into my driveway, I held back, remaining in the car for several minutes while I built up the courage to enter my dark and deserted house.
Lights. I'd switch on the lights.
That's exactly what I did. As soon as I pushed open the front door, I reached for the light switch and flicked it on. I did this in every last room of the house, the building becoming a beacon in the cloaked night. No doubt the neighbours would give it a curious glance, perhaps judge my environment-killing ways before pulling their curtains closed and going on with their lives.
I occupied myself with cooking dinner, a simple vegetable risotto with a glass of white wine on the side. Pottering about the kitchen and singing along to the music at full volume, it was easy to leave my troubles to fester at the back of my mind. Clowns? Who said anything about those silly old things? Not I.
With my food gently simmering on the stove, I tied up the garbage sack and lifted it from the bin, carrying it outside and keeping it away from my clothes. The paving stones were cold against my bare feet and I must have looked quite the sight hopping from foot to foot and hissing with each step.
The road was illuminated by headlights as I reached the dustbin and a car pulled into the drive next door. Although I couldn't see much in the dark, I knew it would be my cocky, tempting neighbour. My assumptions were confirmed when the smooth voice called out to me, the smirk evident in his tone.
"Good evening, Miss. Swan."
The car door slammed and I could see him approaching me slowly, his hands wedged deep into his pockets. Damn, that man looked good in a suit. Okay, so maybe I couldn't really see him properly, but I could tell he was wearing a suit and I had seen him rocking one in daylight before. I have the image committed to memory.
"Edward." My response was somewhat curt, but I was going to lose my feet soon.
"How kind of you," he murmured, now only a few metres away.
"What is?" I questioned, a frown on my face. God only knew what he was on about.
"To light up the whole street and save the good people the energy costs." He teased, ceasing his approach when there were a few feet between us.
"I'm just doing my bit, out of the goodness of my heart." I answered wryly, stepping from foot to foot, hoping it would warm my feet. He looked down and with his proximity, I saw his smirk become more defined.
"You decided to forgo shoes, I see." I rubbed one foot on top of the other, hoping the friction would create heat.
"They're overrated, right?"
He hummed in response, not sounding all too convinced, but neither was I. My arms wrapped around my torso, trying to hold in the warmth.
"I should let you get in, I don't want you to get sick on my account."
"Thank you, you're ever so kind." There was no hiding the sarcasm in my tone as I edged slowly towards my house, doing a crab-like sidestep.
"There are many ways you can thank me for my generosity." He declared suggestively.
"Wow... I'm sure there are. Why don't you write a list and I'll see what I can do." I answered with faux-enthusiasm, getting further from him.
"I'll do that. Have a nice night, Miss. Swan."
"You too."
My pace quickened for the last few steps and I was finally in my house. My dinner was ready and I switched off the stove, plating it up and taking it through into the front room. I curled up on the sofa, cocooning my feet in a thick blanket and switching on the television.
I relished the heat of the food and the full belly that came with it. I was content to sit and watch some t.v. shows, lying down on the sofa with my head propped on the armrest. Before long my eyelids were becoming heavy and I was fighting sleep. My eyes were half closed as I watched the television and I sighed when the screen started crackling with static, flicking between the show and a black screen. I was too tired to move, so I waited for it to sort itself out, my back arching as I stretched and yawned.
When I was faced once again with the looming face of the carnival clown I jumped, diving for the remote and jamming the off switch. The head disappeared, along with the only source of noise in the house, other than my deep breathing. I clutched a hand to my chest and fought back the tears.
"Fuck, double fuck." I let out on a shaky breath, drawing my knees up to my chest and resting my forehead on them. My body shuddered uncontrollably and I sat rocking on my sofa, the perfect picture of insanity. That's what I was; Insane. Beautifully insane. My hands clutched at the seat as I let my thoughts run riot. All I could see behind my closed lids was the long, thin red lips, rosy cheeks, round, red nose and green hair.
...
"Swan? You here?" I groggily peeled my eyes open and glanced around the room, somewhat bewildered. I hadn't made it to my bed last night, it would seem. "There you are." I looked up and quickly unfurled my body, brushing my hair from my face and staring open-mouthed and ever so attractively at my neighbour.
"What are you doing here?" I demanded, scrambling to my feet, trying not to trip over the blanket.
"Sorry... I just- your lights were still on... all night, in fact. I thought something might have happened..." Edward trailed off and I was surprised to see he appeared sheepish. That was an expression I'd never seen on him before.
"Shit, what time is it?" My eyes darted around the room, failing to find a clock.
"It's just gone half seven." He looked completely bewildered as he supplied that piece of information, and even more confused at the stream of expletives that were rapidly falling from my lips.
"Are you okay?" He asked, a crease in his forehead and one hand raking through his wayward hair.
"No, damn it. NO! I'm so late. Shit." I ran into the kitchen and retrieved my handbag, snatching up the car keys from the counter. I skidded to a stop infront of Edward, who was blocking off the doorway.
"I need to go!" I cried and he stepped to the side, allowing me to dodge past him towards the front door.
"Bella?" He called after me.
"What?" I responded, not even turning to look at him.
"You might want to change... and do something with your hair." He informed me and I took a few steps backwards so I could see myself in the hallway mirror. I groaned, tugging at my outlandish bed-head hairstyle.
"I just want to die a little bit. This is not good." I grumbled to myself, smacking my palm against my forehead.
"Look, I'm sure they can cope with you turning up at a normal time just this once. Just breathe for a second, go and grab a shower and get dressed. You don't want to be turning up to work in a walk of shame state, rumours will fly." I saw him wink at me over my shoulders.
"You're insufferable!" I huffed, but conceded. I didn't waste any time running up the stairs, my fingers fiddling with the buttons on my blouse.
"Do you want some music to accompany that strip tease, Swan?"
"Fuck you, Cullen." I yelled, shutting myself in the bathroom, not caring that I had left Edward Cullen unattended in my house. God,hebetternottouchanything.
Twenty minutes later I was presentable, with my hair tied up in a bun and my favourite cream dress on. I'd applied a touch of mascara and left it at that, deciding I didn't have time to waste. I padded down the stairs with my heels in my hand and made my way into the kitchen in search of a banana and my travel mug. When I smelled coffee I was confused. Upon further inspection, I found my travel mug already filled with coffee and a note beside it.
You can't go wrong with coffee. Take a deep breath and have a good day at work, Swan.
P.s. The beacon is out.
I touched the paper, surprised at the kind gesture from the King of Cocky. It's not the best name, I admit, but it suits him. I hadn't noticed that he turned all of the lights out, but I appreciated it. My "beacon" hadn't been much use after all but tonight Alice and Rose would be here and I could forget about yesterday.
I dashed out of the house with a half eaten banana and my morning caffeine hit, allowing my eyes to linger on the house next door and the empty driveway. Maybe I had underestimated him. I shook my head. Of course not, he was being neighbourly. It was the first time that had happened. It won't happen again.
By 8:15am I was at work and gaining curious glances from my colleagues. Yes, this was the latest I had ever arrived. So shoot me, I had work to do. No rest for the wicked, as they say.
When I entered my office, Alice was perched in my desk chair, one eyebrow raised and her hands tented on the desk. It was a strange thing to find, but I resisted the urge to laugh.
"Where have you been, young lady? I was beginning to think you were sick!"
"No, I'm fine, I was just running a little late today. I guess I fell asleep on the sofa and my alarm was upstairs."
She gave me a funny look before nodding and standing up. She crossed the room and gave me a hug.
"I'm glad you're okay. Happy Halloween and don't forget about tonight, by the way!"
With that parting message she left my office, shutting the door behind her. I had no qualms about approaching my computer and when there was no ominous face staring back, I felt even better and far more relaxed. Nothing was stopping me from pretending yesterday hadn't happened.
My day passed quickly and in what seemed to be no time at all, it was time to leave. I grabbed my jacket and my bag and left along with everyone else, knowing I needed time to set everything up before Rose and Alice were due at mine in two hours.
I flipped Mike Newton off in the most professional manner I could muster when he commented to Eric Yorkie, in a hushed tone, that it must be Halloween if I'm behaving like a regular employee because, and I quote, "that right there is some freaky shit."
As I drove back home, I found myself in an unusually good mood.
Edward pulled into his drive only a few seconds after I did and when he climbed out of his car, I chose to ignore his taunting words. Just to be clear, when I say ignore, I mean I told him politely to suck my dick and walked away. See, proof of my good mood. Normally I would have been far more obnoxious.
After I had drunk another mug of coffee, I set about cleaning my house and tidying away the general clutter that had accumulated. I didn't want the girls thinking I was a complete slob. Ha. They already knew, but there is no need to reinforce that point.
I brushed my hair, wiped my face clean and changed into jeans, an old, much-too-short-for-me black tee and a knitted grey cardigan. With my comfy clothes on, I wandered through to the den and faced my ever-growing DVD collection. After picking out five films I placed them on the coffee table and glanced at the clock. With only five minutes to go, I grabbed plates, glasses and cutlery to waste time and further prepare us for the evening ahead. It was a couple of minutes before seven when the doorbell rang and I opened the door to find both of my best friends grinning on my doorstep.
"B!" Rose pulled me into a hug while Alice shuffled around us both, darting into my home and out of sight.
"Aaaaand she's off!" I giggled, closing the door and leading Rose through to where I assumed we would find the small, ninja-like woman.
"How are you?" Rose asked, nudging my shoulder.
"I'm great, thank you. What about you? It's been too long."
"Brilliant, thanks. Busy, as usual, though. It was hard to fit in that phone call with Alice where she mentioned your hot, fuckable neighbour is gay, but I squeezed it into my schedule."
"Oh great, I bet that made her day." I answered, completely ignoring the main part of her sentence and the not-so-subtle way she incorporated it into the conversation.
"Yeah... I'm sure it did. Now quit dodging the point, woman. I don't think I can believe that the hot hunk of man meat is gay. Seriously? No, he's not. God isn't that cruel, I'm telling you.
"If only, but it's a cruel world."
I'm going to hell. When they find out that I was bending the truth to extreme proportions, they are going to kill me.
I'll be Satan's new best friend for life. Oh, God.
Rose sighed, rubbing my shoulder in sympathy.
"That it is, B."
We finally found Alice in the kitchen with a bottle of wine already uncorked and two glasses filled with the deep red liquid.
Rose began opening up tubs of Chinese food and I set it all on a tray, bringing it through so we could veg infront of the television with everything we needed.
We were stuffing our faces in a ladylike way as we watched the first film and by the end of it, I was not only full, but a little bit tipsy.
By the end of the second film I had finished off the prawn crackers and more wine and found myself needing the toilet. I used the one downstairs, seeing the staircase as an effort my food baby just couldn't handle.
I was halfway out the door, on my way back to the land of horror films, food and booze, when I thought I saw something in the reflection in the mirror. I was turning back to have a look when I heard the front door open and I dismissed my faulty eyesight and poked my head out of the bathroom door.
Alice smiled at me and bounded away, leaving behind Edward. I didn't know how to react to him being in my house again and went for something simple.
"Hi."
What can I say, I've got articulate covered.
"Hey, sorry to intrude, your friend let me in."
I was still stood in the doorway to the bathroom when I heard a faint cackling behind me, I twisted my head and found nothing, telling myself it was just the television I was hearing somehow.
"Not a problem, is everything okay?"
"Yeah, fine. I just came to check you're alright, you seemed a little... different this morning."
The laughter continued and goosebumps prickled my skin, making me wrap my arms protectively around myself.
"Nothing to worry about, it was just one of those days. Thank you for everything this morning, it was nice of you."
"My pleasure. Did the office collapse without you there at seven?" His teasing was lost on me as I saw something out of the corner of my eye and felt a chill hit my body.
"One second, sorry..."
I turned and re-entered the bathroom, the door ajar behind me as I scanned the small space. I took slow steps towards the mirror and screamed when the face of the carnival clown flashed onto its smooth surface, the words "I can see you," written in blood red.
I screamed, scrambling away from the mirror and into Edward, who was stood as still as a statue, staring at the image. He shook himself out of it and tugged me through the doorway and into the next room, my quiet sobs now the only sound.
Edward's arms were wrapped tightly around me and my fingers dug into his arms. My whole body was shaking and I couldn't control the tears that poured.
"Shh, it's okay, I'm here." He rubbed soothing circles on my back, shifting me so we were seated on a sofa in the front room.
I clung to him shamelessly, afraid and frozen in place.
"No, no, no." I chanted, shaking my head, which was pressed into his shoulder. He continued to hold me in his lap, rocking me and soothing me.
Eventually, he pulled back a little, lifting my chin with his finger and meeting my gaze with his own serious stare.
"Please, no." I mumbled, not sure of what I was saying, but knowing I didn't want to be alone right then. I forgot about my friends, tucked safely away a few rooms from this one.
"When I was younger, my mother used to tell me a story every Halloween." His voice was low and his fingers gentle as the stroked my cheek, brushing away the tears. "It was about the clown from the Armazzi brothers' carnival. The clown would hide in the hall of mirrors while it wasn't doing shows and it would scare the people who entered. Every Halloween, the clown would disappear, no longer in the hall of mirrors, and nobody knew where it went. Then there were rumours, people claiming to have seen the clown."
"That's not funny, Edward. This isn't a joke." I cried, shaking my head as I pushed away from him.
"No, Bella, listen." He grabbed my wrists and tightened his hold, refusing to let me move away from him.
"The clown could no longer leave the hall of mirrors, except for around Halloween. He would visit one person each year, scaring them, just as he did to those at the carnival. At the stroke of midnight on Halloween, he is said to appear one last time with a parting message for his victim."
"Why me? It's going to come back, I know it."
"I don't know, Bella. It's a mystery. I always thought it was a tale... I mean, fuck, that was just... that was fucked up. He won't come back though. It's after Halloween, that's it, his time is up for the year."
I couldn't get my head around it and a large part of me didn't believe him. No doubt he was making fun of me and he would go home and have a nice long laugh at my expense.
"I know you don't trust me, Bella. I've never given you any reason to, but I promise I'm telling you the truth. I'm an ass, sure, but after seeing you the past few days, I couldn't lie to you. I knew something was up."
His eyes were pleading with me to believe him, to understand, and the honesty I saw there couldn't be denied. I wrapped my arms around him and curled further into his chest, feeling much safer there than I had anywhere else since the whole fiasco had begun yesterday morning.
Before I could react, his lips gently touched mine. There was a tinge of pink on his cheeks when he pulled away and he apologised, averting his gaze.
"I- I don't mind." I whispered and he sought out my gaze, leaning forward slowly, giving me time to move, to pull away.
I didn't. I shifted myself so my lips could meet his. The kiss was slow and careful, soon progressing, becoming more hungry and frenzied as our tongues and hands explored. I moved to straddle his lap, leaning into his touch and tangling one hand in his hair while the other explored his chest.
From the past forty-eight hours, this seemed like the most surreal moment. Edward Cullen is my hot, unattainable asshole of a neighbour, not my sexy, caring and very attainable neighbour.
My hand paused at the hem of his shirt and when he didn't object, I pushed up the material upwards, exposing his toned and delectable abs. He helped me to lift his tee over his head, tossing it to the side and permitting me to trail my hands all over his skin. My moan was loud and whoresque and it was the exact moan I had been holding in ever since his voice had first caressed my eardrums.
His hands were gripping my ass and in my needy, whorish ways, I began rubbing myself over him, feeling him growing harder beneath me.
"Fuck, Bella." He groaned, raising his hips to meet mine. One of his hands snaked underneath my shirt, finding its way to my breast. His fingers brushed over my pebbled nipple and I gasped, thrusting my chest forwards into his touch. His hand cupped my breast, palming the soft flesh and teasing my sensitive bud.
"Oh God, so good." I whimpered, the pace of my hips quickening in my lust induced haze. I nipped and kissed along his jaw, tasting him. I sucked on the spot behind his ear and he cursed, bucking his hips.
We were both panting and wanting. His hardness felt amazing rubbing against my sensitive core and I could feel the wetness between my legs with the continued grinding.
A throat cleared behind me and I froze, my wide eyes meeting Edward's lust-filled gaze. He let out a frustrated sigh, releasing my breast seemingly reluctantly. I looked over my shoulder to see Alice and Rose watching us, eyebrows raised.
"You're telling me he'sgay?" Alice questioned with disbelief and Rose snorted.
"Oh, fuck." I groaned, turning from them to rest my forehead on Edward's shoulder, hoping I had imagined them.
"What? Who told you I'm gay?" He asked her, utterly confused.
"Oh no." I muttered to myself, wishing the ground would swallow me up.
"Bella did." Alice's tone was smug. She knew she had just dropped me in it. Yes, I am going to hell.
"Oh, you're so going to pay for that, Swan." Edward growled in my ear, subtly tilting his hips into mine.
"To clarify for everyone, I'm as straight as a ruler." He announced to the room.
"I can tell, Mr. Cullen." I whispered to him, taking my revenge and rubbing against him as I moved off him.
"So... back to the films?" Rose asked casually and I nodded.
"Are you coming?" I asked, turning to Edward.
Rose and Alice walked ahead, leaving me with him.
"Sure, sounds good." He pushed himself up off the couch and adjusted himself.
"Do you plan on staring at my crotch all night? Just say if you want a picture." He smirked and my eyes flicked to his.
"Staring at it wouldn't get us anywhere, I had other things in mind." I purred, palming his erection through his jeans.
"Mmhm," He hummed, "Like what?"
"Watching a film. Come on." I answered cheerily, heading back to the den.
The frustrated growl behind me brought a smile to my lips and it grew when I heard his footsteps following me.
Tonight would be interesting, but I promised myself I wouldn't be the first to cave in.
If I'm going to hell, I'm taking Edward down with me.

31 Days of Halloween- Day 26

31 Days of Halloween
Day 26
~By: Random girl and Sara T.~
"Not. Gonna. Happen." I made sure to over-exaggerate each word as I formed my lips around each sound, hoping to get my point across.
"Come on Bella, don't be such a pussy." Rose said with an eye roll. I was a little disappointed that she was so on board with this idea. I thought for sure if anyone would be on my side, it would be little Miss Princess but no, she apparently thought this was a fantastic idea.
"I don't care," I said with a shrug of indifference. "All of you, go ahead! Have the time of your life, but me? No way is my ass going to the graveyard with you idiots on Halloween night to play some witchcraft game." Like I had just said . . . not gonna happen.
It was official – my friends had lost their fucking minds. They were currently trying to talk me into a night of horror, which included a scary movie marathon before capping the night by going to the cemetery at midnight on Halloween night to play with a Ouija board. Yeah, I'm not down for any of that.
"What's wrong?" Is little Bewwa-Wewwa scawed?" Emmett teased while tugging one the end of my hair, obviously trying to annoy me further.
"What? Me? Scared?" I squinted my eyes and scrunched my nose to give him a crazy look as I thought about disputing his accusation. But then I decided there was no point. "Yes, yes I am scared. Call me a pansy, a pussy, a fraidy cat, a fucking CHICKEN . . . whatever you want, but I'm still not going." I said, flipping my hair, hoping if I admitted it, then they would drop the subject and we could agree to do something else . . . like dress up as clowns and hand out candy to small children.
"Jesus, Bella, stop being such a drama queen." Alice sighed, clearly taking over the drama queen role she had just accused me of. "What is it that you think is going to happen? It's not like the dead are going to rise up out of their coffins just because we are using a Ouija board. It's a game; people play it all the time. So get over your irrational fears, 'cause like it or not, you are going with us!" She demanded, I suppose thinking that I would suddenly change my mind just because she said so. Obviously she didn't know me as well as she thought she did.
I was just about to tell her as much, but in a snarkier, bitchier way, of course, when Edward spoke. At first I thought the Heavens had opened up and the Angles were singing me a sonnet, but then I realized it was just his sweet magical voice.
"You don't need to be scared, Bella; I'll be there to protect you from all the zombies and ghosts that might try to attack you." He added a wink and a slight head nod, and once I wiped the drool from my chin I batted my eye lashes and nodded, possibly a little too eagerly back, accepting his invitation as my protector.
Alice laughed breaking me out of my daydream, "Who knew all it would take was a cute guy asking, to get you to change your mind."
I shot her a dirty look, just to let her know I would be telling her off about that little comment later.
Edward flashed his crooked smile at her and I wanted to rip her head off. That was my smile, reserved only for me. He wasn't allowed to use it on anyone else; in fact, I think it should be illegal.
Edward was new to our group. The rest of us – Rose, Alice, Emmett, Jasper and I – have been friends since diapers. It was inevitable really, since we grew up on the same street, had play dates together, and have attended the same school our entire lives. Edward just moved to our street over the summer, and we were all pretty thrilled that he did. Mostly because his parents bought the old Jones place, where Victoria used to reside. Although she grew up alongside us, she was never in our inner circle. She peed her pants until she was ten, and picked her nose on a regular basis, which is how she so affectionately became known as Icky Vicki. So yeah we were pretty happy when a new family bought her house, allowing her parents to buy a house in the city. I was even more excited when I saw the occupants of the house. Edward Cullen. I have had a crush on him since day one, and although I have convinced myself his feelings are mutual, he has yet to act on them. Not because of any deterrent from my end, I can assure you of that. I have dropped several subtle hints, letting him know that I was ready and willing to be his girlfriend at a moment's notice, and although he flirts with me on a daily basis, he has yet to make us official.
So the fact that he willingly offered to protect me from the ghost and goblins lurking in our cemetery . . . was more than enough to convince me to go along with this crazy idea. I have never been one to like the spooky, scary stuff. I even refuse to watch scary movies most of the time, but any chance I may have to be protected by his strong, muscular arms, and bury myself in his broad chest was well worth the price of being scared to death.
Usually on Halloween I go trick-or-treating with my little brother Seth for a while then I trade off with my parents and hand out candy to the local kids while they take over little brother duty. Then after 'lights out', which is eight o'clock in our neighborhood, I meet up with my girls and we go to Tyler's annual Halloween party. But this year is different. My brother, who is now eleven feels that he is too old for trick-or-treating, so he has offered up his services to hand out the candy. My thoughts are, this way he won't get picked on for doing the actual trick-or-treating by his friends, but he will still be able to dress up, with the presumption of scaring the little kids, and he will still get to eat all the candy he wants. Not a bad idea, in my opinion, I mean he did learn a thing or two from me after all.
Also this year there will be no hokey Halloween party at Tyler's. Tyler had gotten caught in his back yard tree house with Tanya, doing not very gentlemanly things to her. His mother's words exactly. So he was grounded for the next two months. No going out, no girls, and obviously no parties.
So this dilemma left my friends and me trying to come up with suitable ideas of how to spend our Halloween night. Emmett had been the one to suggest the scary movie marathon and Rose offered to host it at her house because she didn't have any younger siblings and her parents would be going out for the 'adult Halloween party' hosted by Jasper's parents.
Edward was the one who suggested adding in the grave yard tour at midnight and it had been Alice's great idea to pick up an Ouija board and play it at the cemetery. I was starting to really not like my group of friends anymore.
The bell rang signaling the end of lunch so I gathered my books as I not very enthusiastically nodded, affirming my torture by agreeing to meet at Rose's Halloween night at six to begin our movie marathon.
Halloween night came way too early for my liking. Everyone else was quite eager for our night of horror to begin, but me? I was trying desperately to think of ways to get out of it. Having no such luck I sucked it up, put on my big girl panties, and made sure I was at Rose's house at six o'clock on the dot to begin our movie marathon. The guys had been in charge of the movie picks for the night, and so our night began with 'Nightmare on Elm Street'. There is truly nothing like Freddie Krueger to get you in the Halloween spirit. I made sure to sit right beside Edward on the floor, so that each and every scary part that came on, I could bury my face in his chest. He eventually got the hint that this was going to happen quite regularly so he got himself comfortable and wrapped his arm around me, allowing me easier access to his chest. Yep, this is the good life.
At the end of the first movie I got up to use the bathroom and help Rose make some popcorn. When we returned the guys had already started the second movie which was with Stephen King's 'It'. Let's just say this movie made me glad we didn't use my idea of dressing like clowns. I will honestly never be able to look at them the same way. Ever. Again. While I did not like this movie, not at all, I was pleasantly surprised when Edward reached behind him to grab the blanket off the couch and cover us both with it, and even more thrilled when he nuzzled my hair with his nose and whispered in my ear that he didn't want me getting cold. Was this small action worth watching a clown kill people for two hours? In my humble opinion? Hells yes.
For the finale they guys chose to watch 'Pet Cemetery,' the irony was not lost on me. This movie was just down right gruesome and I couldn't for the life of me figure out why anyone would want to watch this. About half way through I sat up a little to see if the others were enjoying the movie, hoping they weren't so I could suggest finding another. To my dismay Rose and Emmett were nowhere to be found. Obviously they had grown tired of the slaughter and decided to move the party to her room. Alice and Jasper were covered in a blanket much the same as the one Edward and I were sharing, only theirs was covering their entire body, and it was moving quite vigorously. I don't even want to guess at what they were up to.
I softly elbowed Edward and pointed in their direction. He chuckled softly and pulled me back to his nook, wrapping his arm tightly around me.
"This blows." I whispered to him, trying not to disturb Alice and Jasper.
"You want to get some fresh air?" he offered. I hated to move out of the warmth and safety of his embrace, but I needed to get away from the movie for a while so I agreed.
We quickly but quietly made our way outside to sit on the swing on Rose's back porch. The night was cool and crisp making me want to crawl in his lap to cuddle. I of course controlled myself, and did no such thing, but I was definitely thinking it.
"So, how do you like the movies?" He questioned after a few minutes.
"They suck." I decided to be honest. "I'm really not a scary movie kind of girl. I'm more of a Notebook, or Steel Magnolia's kind of person."
He laughed at my confession before speaking again. "Come on, it can't be that bad. And here I thought I was doing a good job of making you feel safe. You're gonna' make me feel bad." He leaned in closer to my face and I could see the fog his breath was creating as he spoke again. 'Tell me what I can do to make the night better for you, Bella."
I could feel my face flushing. There was that damn flirting again. "I do have to admit, you being here does make this all a little easier to handle." I said leaning a little further into him.
"I do want you to enjoy your night." He said before giving me a lopsided smirk. "Just let me know if there is anything I can do to make it better."
"Well, there is always room for improvement." I told him, while trying to mimic his smirk. It looked so damn sexy on him, I could only hope it looked equally as sexy on me.
"Any ideas?" he asked moving even closer to me.
This was it. This was our moment. We were going to kiss and this was going to be the best night of my life. I let my eyes flutter close as I tilted my head slightly to the left. I could feel the warmth radiate from his body as he inched closer.
And then the damn door flew open as Emmett's loud voice cut through the night air. "There you two are! What the hell are you doing out here?"
Edward immediately moved back as I practically jumped out of my skin at the sound of his voice.
"We were just…" Edward began then looked to me to fill in the blank. Thanks for putting me on the spot there buddy I thought as I stumbled over my answer. "We were . . . you know . . . just talking. I needed a break from all the gore, and well he, ya know, offered to…" I trailed off not having a clue as to where I was going with this. "Jesus, Emmett, what's with all the questions? What do you care where we are or what we are doing?" I decided being defensive was my best option here.
"I don't really care." He shrugged, showing that he really didn't, making me feel like a big idiot. "I was just looking for you guys to let you know that everyone is ready to go to the graveyard. So uh….when you're done doing whatever it is that you're doing come find us." He then turned and walked back in the house, dropping the subject.
Edward and I looked at each other both began laughing. "Well that was awkward." He said between chuckles.
"Yeah it kinda was." I agreed whole-heartedly. "I guess we should . . . you know." I pointed my thumb over my shoulder towards the door indicating we should go, I just couldn't actually say the words because I so didn't want to give up my free time with Edward. I wanted to stay out here on this swing with him and give him another opportunity to kiss me. My God, did I want him to kiss me.
"Yeah, we should go." He agreed standing up then holding out his hand to help me up off the swing.
The ride to the cemetery isn't what I would call pleasant in the least. We all piled into Emmett's jeep, so we could ride together, and somehow in the fifteen minute car ride everyone managed to tell a scary story of someone who knew someone who knew someone that was murdered at the very graveyard that we were going to. So needless to say by the time Emmett parked on the street outside the cemetery, I was scared shitless.
We all climbed out the jeep, and although none of them would admit to being scared, they sure did stay close together.
The walk through the grave yard was eerie. It was pitch black, the only light coming from the moon, which was partially coved by the clouds. It was freezing cold, thanks to the constant breeze. Every time the wind would blow causing the trees and bushes to rustle. my skin would crawl. I found myself constantly looking over my shoulder, just to make sure no one was following us. It felt as though we were being followed, though logically I knew that were weren't. My senses, however, were on high alert.
I made sure to stay close to Edward, just in case I needed him to beat down any zombies for me. Once we made it to about the middle of the cemetery Alice deemed it suitable to set up. Rose laid out a blanket while I set out candles, just to provide us with a little more light. Alice set up the Ouija board in the center of the blanket while we all sat in a perfect circle around it.
"Who's going first?" Alice asked looking around the group. As much of a good idea as everyone had thought this was, no one seemed to want to step up and be the first to go. "Come on guys," Alice whined. "Someone has to go first to get the ball rolling."
Everyone was silent for what felt like forever when finally Emmett huffed and sat forward. "Alright you pussies, I'll go first."
Emmett closed his eyes in concentration for a moment before his face lit up and he leaned over the board placing his hand on the planchett and asking in a very deep voice, "Who at our school has genital warts?" There were a few chuckles but we all watched the wooden piece in fascination as it moved around the board landing on the letters BEN.
"You moved it on your own." Jasper accused pointing a finger in Emmett's direction.
"Did not!" Emmett was quick to counter. "If you don't believe me then you try it."
"Fine, I will." Jasper accepted the challenge, moving a little closer to the board. It didn't take him as long to think of his question as he quickly placed his hand on the planchett and asked, "Who in the group watches gay porn?" Again there were a few snickers but we all watched closely as the wooden piece moved over the board spelling out ROSE.
We all turned wide eyed to her, waiting on an explanation "It wasn't by choice!" she quickly let us know. "Emmett made me watch it last week!"
"So it's true?" Alice asked, and then continued before Rose could answer again. "The board knew the correct answer." She said in wonder.
All was quiet once again as the wind whipped sharply around us, creating a ghostly, eerie feeling. "My turn," Alice announced, moving quickly over the board and placing her fingers on the wood piece. "Will I ever get married?" I rolled my eyes at her question. How typical . . .
We all watched silently as the piece floated across the board and landed on NO. "Well obviously this thing is broken," Alice announced, sitting back in her spot. Edward was the only one to chuckle at her disbelief. "I think it's a little more on target than you give it credit for."
Alice arched an eyebrow at him, daring him. "Since you have so much faith in the game, why don't you ask it a question?"
"Fine." Edward shrugged, seeming to think about his next move. "I'll go for an easy one." He said with a full smirk in place. "Will I get to kiss Bella tonight?" He asked just as his fingers landed on the wooden piece, then turned to me and winked. Fuckmesideways,hedidNOTjustsaythat.
It quickly moved across the board to YES. "See?" he said with a shrug of his shoulders, giving me a cocky smirk. "Right as usual."
Have I mentioned that I would love to fuck him? Just saying . . .
"That's a stupid question." Rose quickly said. "The game isn't supposed to answer those types of questions. Here let me try." She lifted up off of Emmett's lap and leaned over the board placing her fingers on the board. Taking a deep breath she asked "When am I going to die?" The planchett moved over the board and every one of us stopped cold.
TONIGHT.
I had to be seeing it wrong.
No one moved. No one spoke. We all sat as still as possible holding our breath. "That's . . ." Rose gulped, "kind of freaky." She turned her stare to Alice. "You ask it the same question." She demanded, and there was no room for argument in her voice.
Alice rose to the board and with shaky hands asked the same question in a low voice. The answer . . . was the same as Rose's.
TONIGHT.
"Guy's, I don't like this." I finally spoke up. "I really think we should go back home." I was pleading and by the look on everyone's face, they agreed with me.
"W-wait." Emmett stuttered out, placing his hand on the wooden piece "I have to know what my answer will be. " He says before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath "When will I die?" We waited in fear to see the answer.
TONIGHT.
"I am so out of here!" I said getting on my knees to stand. This was too much for me to handle. I needed the safety of my home now.
"Just one more," Emmett said, not removing his hand.
"No!" I almost screamed, unable to hide the terror in my voice. "I can't take anymore of this!"
I was already halfway to the car when I heard it . . .
"Will we all die together?" He asked, not listening to my plea. I stopped cold. They all watched with baited breath as the wooden piece moved quickly.
I didn't need to see the board. I could see it on their faces.
YES.
Never taking his hand away he asked another question. "W-when? When tonight will we die?"
I crept towards the board. I had to know.
The planchette quickly moved to the N then moved even faster to the O but oh so slowly moved to the W.
We all gasped loudly as the wind blew, causing all of our candles to blow out. The clouds moved, covering our light from the moon. A twig snapped from the distance, causing goose bumps to cover my body and the hair on the back of my neck to stand on end. I immediately reached for Edward, needing his protection now more than ever.
He was gone.
"EDWARD!" I wailed. "Edward, where are you?"
"Bella, come on!" Alice called out somewhere behind me. I turned to see that they were already in the car.
They were leaving me.
They couldn't . . .
"WAIT!"
I couldn't stop screaming.
I ran after the departing car, but it was futile.
I couldn't run fast enough, couldn't scream loud enough . . .
And then . . .
The car had come to a complete stop.
No, something had stopped the car.
Someone . . .
More than one . . .
In a matter of seconds, just as quickly as they had been inside, Alice, Rosalie, Jasper, and Emmett were out of the car and facing . . .
People?
Three men and a woman, but I wasn't sure because it was so dark.
They surrounded my companions, giving them no possible chance of escaping.
"Leaving so soon?" asked a flawless, smooth, sinister voice that made my blood go cold. Even from where I was standing, I could see my friends violently shaking.
Whoever these people were, they were enjoying the fact that they had their prey trembling. It was obvious by the twisted smiles on their faces.
"You forgot to ask one question," the terrifying voice almost chided.
"Who dies first?"
"Emmett? How about Alice? Perhaps we can start with Bella."
Did they see me?
My legs were shaking so hard that I could barely stand anymore. Before I hit the ground, something solid caught me and covered my mouth before my scream of panic could escape me.
"Bella, shut the fuck up before they hear you!" Edward half whispered, half hissed into my ear. He dragged me into the bushes, not removing his hand.
"You can't make a noise, or they'll find you. Understand?"
I nodded my head, and he slowly took his hand off my mouth.
"They won't see us here," he whispered.
"Edward, I couldn't fi-"
I was cut off by the sudden and unbearable noise that sounded almost nothing like Jasper. He was screaming and it made my skin crawl. Through the bushes, I could only watch.
Everything was happening so quickly and furiously, I saw everything happening in fragments.
Jasper was on the ground, and someone was crouched over him. It looked as if . . .
Was he bitingJasper?
Alice and Rosalie were running.
Emmett was taunting one of the bigger people. Whoever this person was, he seemed to like Emmett's attempted threats.
The man's face was in Jasper's neck, and Jasper's frantic fists were trying in vain to fight him off. It was pointless.
Alice and Rosalie were being chased.
Emmett was throwing punches at his opponent.
Jasper's fists were flying slower and slower.
Alice and Rosalie were overtaken.
Emmett threw another punch, and his arm was grabbed midair and snapped like a twig. I could hear the bone break. Emmett fell to the ground in agony.
Jasper wasn't moving anymore.
Alice was sobbing and Rosalie was begging for her life to the man and woman towering over them. It only added to the sick pleasure these two strangers were getting from Alice and Rosalie's fear.
Emmett was trying to shield himself from the relentless beating he was enduring, curling in on himself to protect his ribs from his opponent's kicks.
Rosalie was pulled off the ground by her hair and dangled in the air by the woman. Rosalie fought in vain to get free.
"Such a pretty face," she cooed to Rosalie, as if she were paying compliments to a lifelong friend.
Rosalie spit in her face. The woman's smile made my skin crawl.
"I can do better," she whispered, spitting in Rosalie's eyes. Rosalie was unceremoniously dropped to the ground, clawing at her eyes and screaming.
The man was looking at Alice with an almost confused look.
"Please," she was whimpering. "Please don't, please, please, please!" She was crying so hard that she could barely be understood.
The man didn't have the patience to try to listen to her. Crouching down, he wrapped his massive hands around her tiny throat, cutting off her air. Her eyes widened to the size of saucers, and she choked and coughed and labored for a breath. Just like Jasper, she fought as hard as she could, but she was no match for him. He slammed her head down when her puny fist made purchase with his face. Her choking sounds became less and less, until she was silent and unmoving.
Another piercing cry to match Rosalie's own suddenly filled the air. Emmett's other arm had been broken. His useless arms hung at his sides, so he tried kicking to defend himself. The man grabbed Emmett's leg and snapped it. Emmett almost fainted from the pain.
He never got the chance.
The man wrapped his hands around Emmett's head and twisted it violently. Emmett's body collapsed to the ground in a heap, his head bent at an unnatural angle.
Rosalie was still yelling and clawing at whatever was in her eyes. The woman stood above her, amused by Rosalie's pain.
"YOU BITCH!" Rosalie shrieked. The woman didn't like that. Bending down, she brought her face to Rosalie's neck. If I had thought Rosalie's screaming was bad before, it was nothing on what I was hearing now.
Emmett's killer was now pressing his face into Emmett's neck the same way, and the man that squeezed the life out of my best friend also had his face buried in Alice neck.
I couldn't take this anymore.
"Edward, please get me out of here." I whispered, not masking the tremble in my voice.
"I haven't had my turn yet," he whispered back so quietly I barely heard him.
I froze. "This isn't funny," I hissed.
"Who said I was trying to be funny?"
Now I turned to look at him, and what I saw paralyzed me.
His eyes were black. It was not just his irises, it was even the whites of his eyes.
Full black.
And he was smiling at me.
"no . . . NO!" I fell out of the bushes, crawling backwards on my hands and knees, frantically trying to get away as Edward matched me step for step, still smiling the whole time.
"What's the rush?" That cocky smile, that smile that had once melted me, was now so sinister that I couldn't even conjure up a time that it had any positive effect on me. "I haven't even gotten to kiss you yet."
"Edward, please . . ." I didn't know what else to do but beg. I knew there was no way I could fight him off or run away. I couldn't stop the tears falling down my face.
It was over . . .
"Shhh, don't cry," he soothed while wiping one of my tears away. His other hand wrapped around the back of my head, gripping my hair and pulling on it slightly to give him better access to my neck.
It was over . . .
"I'll make it quick. You won't suffer long." He pulled on my hair even more, exposing even more of my neck for him.
It was over . . .
"My Bella . . ."
It wa-
As soon as his teeth sank into my skin, every other thought I had vanished. All I could focus on was the excruciating pain coursing through my body.
I could feel it in my feet, because I was kicking him.
I could feel it in my fingertips, because I was punching him and clawing at his back and hair as hard as I could.
I felt it in my throat, because he was relentless and he was draining me and I was screaming so hard that it didn't even sound like me.
I knew I was dying. I felt myself getting weaker. I could barely lift my hands to hit him. My breathing was becoming a struggle. My screams were barely whispers. His grip on my hair was loosening, yet he still continued to drain me.
He pulled away and gently laid my head down on the ground. Edward was still holding me, and he was staring into my wide and unblinking eyes. He leaned down and pressed his lips into mine.
I couldn't move. I could barely breathe. I couldn't focus on the irony of this moment, when I had finally gotten the one thing I had been wanting from him. I knew I was slipping away . . .
"Don't tell me you went and got yourself attached to her," a voice behind Edward's shoulder accused. I knew that voice. It was the voice of a woman . . .
The woman that hurt Rose.
She stood over me. I could only stare. Her mouth and chin were covered in blood.
Rose's blood.
"No," Edward said curtly, moving me from his embrace and quickly standing up to get away from me.
"Awwwww, so fucking sweet," her velvet voice cooed, and it was dripping in sarcasm.
"Fuck you," he spit at her with venom in his voice.
My vision was tunneling. I couldn't see him anymore.
"She certainly was a looker, wasn't she?" Rose's killer teased, as if she knew Edward didn't want to hear it.
"Yeah," Edward said sharply. He sounded like he was close to me again, but I could barely hear anything now.
It's over . . .
"She was."