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A/N: This is an extremely short chapter, please understand that this chapter is only a prologue. The chapters after this will be a lot longer, I swear. So please bear with me. I want to know if people like it or not. Okay? Thanks!
Disclaimer: I don’t own Twilight.
Summary: BxE: You can't stop the future, you can't rewind the past, the only way to hear the story...is to press play.
Inspiration: When I was at this “bodies” museum during my Christmas break, I got this idea. I was doing the audio tour, and the voice of the woman in my headphones was so … eerie. And…I wrote this little A’N and it slowly turned into a story…
Note: The beginning is an excerpt from a book. I do not own it. However, the rest of the story is strictly mine.
This will be Edward’s point of view, for the entire story.
I think everyones human? I am not sure...maybe? Maybe not? Need suggestions on that :). Either PM me, email me, or send it at as a review. It'll be very helpful!
Inspiration #2: All Hail thirteen reasons why. Seriously! It's awesome...the tapes will probably be based on thirteen reasons why. So I'm disclaiming it, as of now!
Bella is a bit OOC…Edward too. Sorry about that xD.
play
Hello, boys and girls. Bella Swanne here. Live and in stereo. No return engagements. No encore. And this time, absolutely no requests. I hope you're ready, because I'm about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you're listening to these tapes, you're one of the reasons why. I'm not saying which tape brings you into the story. But fear not, if you received this lovely little box, your name will pop up...I promise. Now, why would a dead girl lie? Hey! That sounds like a joke. Why would a dead girl lie? Answer: Because she can't stand up. Go ahead. Laugh.
Oh well. I thought it was funny. The rules are pretty simple. There are only two. Rule number one: You listen. Number two: You pass it on. Hopefully, neither one will be easy for you. When you're done listening to all thirteen sides—because there are thirteen sides to every story—rewind the tapes, put them back in the box, and pass them on to whoever follows your little tale. And you, lucky number thirteen, you can take the tapes straight to hell. Depending on your religion, maybe I'll see you there. In case you're tempted to break the rules, understand that I did make a copy of these tapes. Those copies will be released in a very public manner if this package does not make it through all of you.
This was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Do not take me for granted...Again.
You are being watched.I almost forgot. If you're on my list, you should've received a map. Throughout the tapes, I'll be mentioning several spots around our beloved city for you to visit. I can't force you to go there, but if you'd like a little more insight, just head for the stars. Or, if you'd like, just throw the maps away and I'll never know. Or maybe I will I'm not actually sure how this whole dead thing works. Who knows, maybe I'm standing behind you right now. I'm sorry. That wasn't fair.
Not that life ever is fair—and out of all us, I know that the most.
Ready, Mr. Newton?
Mike, honey, you were my very first kiss. My very first hand to hold. But you were nothing more than an average guy: And I don't say that to be mean--I don't. There was just something about you that made me need to be your girlfriend. To this day I don't know exactly what that was. But it was there...and it was amazingly strong.
You don’t know this, but two years ago when I was a freshman and you were a sophomore, I used to follow you around. For sixth period, I worked in the attendance office, so I knew every one of your classes. I even photocopied your schedule, which I’m sure I still have here somewhere. And when they go through my belongings, they’ll probably toss it away thinking a freshman crush has no relevance. But does it?
For me, yes, it does. I went back as far as you to find an introduction to my story. And this really is where it begins.
When you reach the end of these tapes, Mike, I hope you’ll understand your role in all of this. Because it may seem like a small role now, but it matters. In the end, everything matters.
stop
rewind
I think we were around five months into school when I first noticed her. She was sitting on a granite bench, a long, green leaf hanging near her side. She was just reading a book, minding her own business. Her plaid backpack was on the floor by her feet, and she was mouthing the words, while reading silently.
I’d never seen her before; she looked like any other girl in our campus. She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Her head was bent, her eyes moving along the lines of the book. I think she noticed me staring at her, because she lifted her head for the shortest moment, and her gaze met mine.
It’s been a while since I’d encountered a déjà vu, but of all the rare occasions that I do, that would be the most vivid. Her eyes were wide, excited…but behind them, I could feel the sadness. The anguish. Something about her eyes made me need to talk to her.
I haven’t been much of a social person, since what happened last summer…Not that I’ve ever been the type of person that could walk up to someone and introduce myself—even though I’ve had more than enough reasons to do so.
But for some reason, the need to talk to her was strong, I was able to will myself to approach her.
I slowly picked up my bag, my eyes still locked on hers, as I walked towards her…deliberately going slowly.
“Hello.” I said, politely, offering my hand. She stared at it cautiously, before curling her fingers around mine, and shaking it.
“Hi.” Her voice was soft, but calm. Again, a sense of déjà vu tugged at my mind.
“Mind if I sit here?” I asked. Normally, I wouldn’t wait for an answer, but something about her made me need to have some sense of approval from her.
She nodded, her eyes watching my every move.
“So,” I started, conversationally, “I haven’t seen you around campus…my name’s Edward Cullen…what’s yours?” I smiled a genuinely kind smile at her direction.
She blinked, before answering, quietly. “Bella.” Her voice made it sound melodic; a French name obviously. I struggled to keep a steady smile.
“That’s a nice name.” I said, trying to sound nonchalant. “Are you new?”
She smiled back, the smile lighting up her face. “No, actually. I’ve been here for around 3 months now. What grade are you in?” She asked, marking her spot on the book, before setting it beside her and turning to face me.
“Well,” I began, trying to find the right words. “I’m a freshman; 5 months in.”
“Oh.” She said, “I guess that means we’re in the same grade.” Her voice was gradually getting louder, but I could tell that she did not usually talk to people she didn’t know.
“Mm.” I said, flatly. It was weird. She was so similar to her. “So why’d you move from your old school?”
“Issues.” She said simply.
“Oh.” I said, softly.
“I better get to class, see you around?” Bella smiled, opening her bag and slipping the book in.
I nodded, my eyes still following her.
“Bye…Edward.” She said before walking away.
I froze. Her voice made my name sound…strange. As if her, and only her knew how to say it right.
-o-
The day passed by slowly, and I jumped at any chance to see her again. But even when I purposely passed by every freshman class I could think of, just to catch a glimpse of her…I couldn’t find her. By lunchtime, I had already given up hope.
And then, almost as if she had been expecting me to go look for her, she was sitting on that same granite bench. The hair on the left side of her face was tucked securely behind her ear, as she started impassively at the novel she was reading. She was just…sitting there. Her legs crossed, her backpack set neatly by her feet.
Out of pure reflex, I walked towards her. I sat down beside her, our shoulders only a couple inches apart. She didn’t acknowledge my presence. I leaned back, inhaling. A soft, subtle peachy scent radiated off her skin. Then…quietly, almost systematically she marked the page in her book, and closed it. She bent down, her dark hair the only thing I could see. She slipped the book in her bag, and zipped it closed. She straightened herself up, and turned towards me. She smiled. It was small, weak…but it was still something.
“Hi.” I murmured, catching the look in her eyes.
“Hi.” She said back.
“Have you eaten lunch yet? Is that why you’re out here?” I mentally rolled my eyes at the question. When I’m nervous, I almost always say something completely idiotic.
She shook her head, and almost on cue her stomach growled. A blush started from the nape of her neck and reached all the way up to the tip of her eyelashes.
“Sorry.” She said, chuckling softly. There was an edge to the sound. “You know how it is.”
I nodded, smiling. “So, I haven’t eaten either. Do you want to go to the café down the street…or something?” I didn’t know why I was so nervous, why I wanted so badly to have a moment alone with her. I barely knew her after all!
She closed her eyes, and leaned back. Her forehead throbbed. “Sure.” She said, her eyes opening a little.
“Or do you want to stay here for a little while?” I asked. She was obviously thinking about something.
Relief and appreciation flashed on her face. “Just for a little while, I promise.” She muttered.
Exhaling she closed her eyes shut. Her back was pressed tightly against the cement fence behind us. Her face was strained—as if something was invading her mind, and she wasn’t able to push it out. I wanted to help her, to ask her what was wrong…but I couldn’t muster enough courage to do so.
She stayed like that, unmoving, for around 5 minutes. Every now and then, her forehead would crease, and she would close her eyes even tighter. I didn’t know how to react to it, so I didn’t do anything. When she opened her eyes, her eyes were wet. But she wasn’t crying, not because she was sad. But I knew something had happened during those few minutes, I just didn’t know what.
“Okay, let’s go.” She whispered, her voice weak. I nodded, picking up my backpack. She did the same.
We walked towards the café, dodging glances that people were shooting in our direction. Not that this was much of a surprise.
We sat in a small booth near the back of the café. It was quiet, probably on one or two of the other booths were actually occupied. The minute we sat down, she slumped in her seat. She put both arms on the table, and rested her head in between them, breathing deeply. I didn’t say anything.
“Hello Edward.” The waitress, if I remember correctly her name was Samantha, said…a bit too warmly, I might add. “The usual?”
I nodded, and Bella said she would have the same. Her face was weary and it annoyed me that I did not know why.
I couldn’t resist the urge—I’ve never been the type of person that could let things go very easily. “What’s wrong?” I asked, staring at her.
“Nothing.” She said, shaking her head. “I’m just thinking about a couple things.”
“Like what?” I persisted, trying to will her to look at my eyes. I focused them right on her.
And for the first time since we’d sat down, she looked at me. Straight in the eye. “I’m sorry Edward, but we just met. You can’t tell the details of your past to someone you don’t know.” She whispered.
I blinked. No one had ever resisted…she was oblivious to what everyone was so easily persuaded by.
“But I can tell you…” She started. I leaned closer. “That I think there’s something about you that makes me have to talk to you. I’m not sure what it is, and I don’t know why…but I have to.”
I nodded, understanding completely. I didn’t know what it was about her, I didn’t even know her.
“I know what you mean.” I said. I leaned back, until my back was pressed against the booth.
A sudden pain flashed on her face. She leaned back abruptly, closing her eyes tightly. Her fists, as I could see them, were trembling. A bead of sweat rolled down her face. She stayed that way for over 5 minutes, again. I couldn’t do anything to help her, and that bothered me.
When she opened her eyes, they were wet again. Like before. But it still wasn’t because she wanted to cry. It was something else…I something I couldn’t put my finger on.
“I’m sorry.” She apologized. “I didn’t want you to see that.”
“It’s fine…What wro—“ I started.
She looked around quickly before muttering, “I need a rain check. I’m sorry. See you later?” She didn’t wait for an answer.
The food came, but she was already gone.
-o-
That night, I sat on the roof on our mansion. Even after everything that happened last summer, I still cannot resist the urge to climb up here.
I’m not much of the sensitive type, never have been. Not even after what happened to her. But the roof…it means too much for me to just let it go.
It gives me clarity. From up here, I can see how separate from the world I really am. I don’t belong there. I think about stuff too, like how I ought to have a future there, but I just don’t. There’s just nothing I want to do with my life…
But most of all…because I still feel so small when I’m up there—with the rest of the world below me, and the heavens above me…
Just like Aveera.
Tonight, though, I had only one thing on mind.
Bella.
I didn’t know anything about her—other than the things that she had told me. But I knew that she was different.
She wasn’t fake or perky like all the other girls in school. She didn’t smile a lot, she didn’t laugh a lot. She kept to herself for the most part.
But all these things, mixed together, resembled something exactly like Aveera.
And it scared me.
Everything about her scared me.
I had worked so hard these past few months, to push every bit of Aveera, of that summer away from me. For the most part, it worked. But seeing Bella, seeing how she reacted to me…the way she reacted to everything, it shoved Aveera back in my mind. And no matter what I did, she wouldn’t go away.
-o-
The next day passed slowly. Again, I didn’t see her until lunch time. She was sitting on the same granite bench. I realized that that was the only place I would ever find her.
“Hi.” I said, dropping my backpack.
“Hi.” She looked at me swiftly, before turning back to her book.
“How was your day?” I asked.
“Okay.”
She licked her lips, before marking the page she was on, closing the book, and tucking it into her back. “Look, I’m sorry about yesterday.”
I smiled at her, “It’s okay. Something was bothering you, I understand.”
She didn’t smile back.
“About that rain check.” She said, “Can we do it, now?”
I blinked. “Okay.”
We walked towards the café quietly.
When we sat down, she looked me straight in the eye. “I was thinking…I’m not sure why, but I’ve never trusted anyone as much as I trust you. And I know that I don’t know you that well..but there’s something about you that makes me have to trust here. So.” She took a deep breath. “I know something happened during your summer before this year. I just don’t know what.”
I stiffened. “Yeah. Something did happen.”
She smiled a tiny smile, “But I do know that it has something to do with a girl.”
I looked at her sadly. I told her the story about Aveera, about the roof…about the summer. It was hard to get through some parts, even harder to get through other parts, but it felt good to finally be able to tell someone.
When I finished a long story, I asked something that had been on my mind for a while. “What happened yesterday? Why did you seem so…hurt. Like you were going through so much pain?”
She was silent so long, I wondered if she would just ignore me, but then, almost as if she was returning the favor for my earlier confession, she bent her head and said in a low, urgent whisper. “Can you keep a secret?”
It was like we were in a different world. That afternoon in the café was so surreal. I felt like we were both different people, leading different lives than the ones we acted out during the school day, and that that time and only that time, we could trust and confide in each other with no consequences. It was like we were finally being who we were meant to be, but with the knowledge that it wouldn’t last.
I nodded; my eyes riveted on her face. She was leaning forward, her expression filled with an intensity I’d never seen before. If it weren’t for that look, and the way her eyes screamed to be believed, I don’t think I’d have taken her seriously. As it was, reality was pushed farther away from us when she voiced her terrible secret, a trace of fear evident in her voice.
“I’m going to die.”
pause
Sooo like it? Hate it? Review!
Love, AltPunk
Number of pages: 8
Number of words: 2,986
Completed: Yes
Edited: No