The Decanter

Magic Carpet ride- must have a genie in it

A/N: Originally written for Breath of Twilights Countdown to Halloween 2011

http: / / www. fanfiction. Net /s/ 7348457/14/ Countdown_to_ 2012_ Farewell_ to_2011

Just remove all the spaces..

The October air coiled around Bella as she walked down South Forks Street. She had spent more time than she should have at the library- that was the simple answer for her being alone on a cold dark night; however the truth was that she didn't want to go home. She knew better than to leave after dark. She knew that without having the Forks Police Chief as her father.

Charlie, her father, had been gone more often lately and had become more secretive lately. But when he suddenly fled from the house three days ago on an apparent emergency call or case without rhyme or reason, Bella had freaked. Charlie hasn't been back since.

Sure there was probably a good reason, as this was completely unorthodox behavior for Charlie, Bella reasoned. Charlie usually worked a shift and then came home, maybe sneered a compliment at her mundane cooking as he tiredly shoved the food in his mouth, or he would almost lift his eyes to notice her presence.

Those were the good days.

Bella didn't mind her father's behavior anymore. She did when she first came to Forks, she thought they would have an amazing relationship where they would make up for lost time, but that had not been the case. She rationalized that he Charlie was a private man that was giving her space, and didn't want to intrude on any female stuff. But she soon realized that he was aloof if not indifferent of her presence here.

Being the caring, doting daughter, even in his indifference, she called the police but Mr. Clearwater said that they hadn't seen him and stated that they were going to call to ask why he had missed his last two shifts. Charlie had never missed a shift.

All of it was curious.

With October coming to a close, Bella knew she was going to need to figure out what bills needed to be paid, including the mortgage and check to see if there was any money left in the jar for groceries. They were running low on food and she didn't fancy eating the freezer burnt fish.

A chill shook her body uncontrollably as she twisted around, to look down the street behind her.

It was uncommonly clear of life and the simple fact of knowing that she utterly alone terrified her. She even noticed that the apartments that sat above South Forks Street's mom and pop stores all seemed to be dark, as if they were unoccupied. Normally people could be seen at their windows stealing a smoke, but not tonight.

As Bella turned forward she stumbled over her feet, catching herself on streetlight post before she fell. She probably would have run into it as she was not one to watch where she was going.

With a deep breath of frigid air, Bella straightened her spine and picked up her pace. Garbage and debris followed her movements and soon she began to scramble more quickly toward home.

The streetlights above her flickered several times, before they darkened and plunged into blackness.

"What the fuck!" She squealed, anxiety mounting. She started to run, the wind whipping her hair and slapping her face.

Light blue, green, and purple iridescent mists seemed to circle her, pulling at her hair, at her clothes. Bella's feet tangled in themselves and the next thing she knew she was falling to the ground without anything to brace herself on. Bella's head bounced off the thick concrete, her hands scrapping on the sidewalk as her hair blanketed over her face.

Bella could feel the chill encompass her as the wind stilled as the night- and her mind faded to black.


When Bella moved over the crisp fresh sheets, she instantly regretted it. Her head throbbed in pain and in protest. Her hand instantly moved to where she felt the sting. Her fingers lighted touched the bump on her forehead as she tried to recall the night.

There wasn't much to recall…

She could remember the empty streets, the streetlights going out all at once and even the unseasonal amount of wind. But there was something else pricking at her memory.

But what was it?

A face possibly?

Colors... Yes, there were colors within the darkness. They circled her and tripped her. But that was impossible! How could that possibly be true?

With a groan, Bella opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings for the first time.

She sat in the middle of the bed with soft eggplant sateen sheets. Not her sheets. The room was painted grey with one wall anchored in the same eggplant color. Not her bed. The bed posts were thick iron, with a slight curvature moving up to the ceiling. The tops of the bedposts held yards of whimsical black silk that draped over each post and then flowed down to the floor.

Where was she?

A thick, large chest of drawers was darkly stained and held an ornately carved mirror. Bella could see the edge of her silhouette so she moved to the right, so she could see her face.

Her eyes were lined with dark circles, as if she had two black eyes.

"Oh, shit." She gasped. Bella moved across the bed, drawn to the mirror for a closer look.

Carefully she moved over the wood floors, trying not to make them squeak. She had no idea where she was and did not want to attract unwanted attention from whoever was keeping her.

Her image in the mirror wasn't as bad as she expected. She seemed to have a purple bruise on the lump on her forehead and her eyes were darker than usual, but thankfully she was okay.

With a turn of her head, Bella moved for the bedroom door and then lightly grasped the door handle, testing it, feeling how it turned. It didn't seem to squeak so she carefully pulled down on it while pulling it toward her. The door opened with a click, but there wasn't any light emanating from the hall. Bella poked her head through the empty space, but didn't see much else but a thick runner of dark red carpet lining the dark wood floors. There were no windows, only several doors, all of them shut.

What could be behind them? Bella wondered.

Fear raced through her, sweating her brow. What if she wasn't the only female here? What if she was trapped here? She needed a window, a gauge to see where she could be. She should have looked behind the curtains in her bedroom… but it was too late now. Now she needed to figure it out where she was, and why, then find a way out.

"You fell."

Bella startled as she looked to where the voice was coming from. A woman appeared within the shadowed corner of the hall. The petite woman seemed to appear from nowhere. Her hands were lifted into a comforting, non- threatening gesture. Her dress seemed to be vintage, vibrant mauve with cupped shoulders and a flowing skirt.

"Where am I?"

The woman quirked her brow, but there was something more about her, something oddly familiar… was it her dark eyes?

Bella recalled a dream, her mind painfully drifting back to the night before.




But there was a face… a man?

Bella strained to remember, lightly touching her head with her fingertips as her body swayed.

"Maybe you should rest?"

The woman seemed to glide right up to Bella, her hand careful to guide Bella in the direction of the bedroom she had just exited, but didn't touch her.

"Where am I?"

Bella's feet moved against her will, eyes fluttering as her equilibrium faltered.

"Shh, You're very tired. Rest now."

The woman was right. She felt very tired. With a few more steps into the room, Bella heard the lock and click of the bedroom door. Twisting around, she saw the faint footprints under the door, until they seemed to dissipate into the darkness.


Bella moved towards the bed, falling forward, asleep before her head even hit the pillow.


Light filtered through the windows, shining over Bella's face. Disoriented she slowly sat up, glaring at the offending light for a moment.

"Oh you woke up!"

Bella's head spun toward the voice, her eyes landing on the same small woman from the night before. Her dress was different, a silky blue. It seemed oddly familiar… like the one she had seen yesterday…Could it be?


"You have been quite the sleeper, even though you didn't have a concussion."

"W-where… um… am I?"

The woman smiled, eyes flickering from gold to black. "I bet you're hungry? I would be if I were you."

With narrowed eyes, Bella asked her question again, this time not stuttering, but again the woman fluttered around the room, drawing back the curtains to lay across the iron hooks bolted into the wall.

"There are clothes in the closet. You should eat, Bella. You will need your strength. Tomorrow is Halloween, after all!" The woman nodded to the nightstand where a silver domed platter sat with a thick glass of orange juice and two small white pills.

Bella couldn't recall when or when the food came, or even if it was there before she noticed the woman.

"Can you tell me your name at least?"

The woman stopped walking toward the door and turned her head, watching Bella thoughtfully for a moment. It was as if the woman was thinking of a name for herself. "I guess you could call me… Alice?" She nodded. "Yes. That would do." With a smirk and a nod the door closed behind Alice and then the door was locked.


Bella ate the soft boiled egg, two pieces of bacon, the buttered toast she was presented with and drank her juice. The pills seemed to be aspirin and although she didn't want to take them, her pounding head insisted.

After showering in the adjoining bathroom, Bella dressed in the jeans and blue shirt provided for her in the closet.

Bella pulled a chair up to the window, sitting in it with her feet tucked under her legs; she searched for any familiar form within the dense forest. The same lush, fragrant forest that was deep within the Hoh National Rain Forest. If that was the case, she was in deep trouble. Without a compass or GPS going into the forest unprepared was fatal. She was as good as dead. Many people ventured in for a walk and never made it out. Whether they were lost or they were eaten by the local wildlife, no one would ever know for sure.

And no one knew she was out here to look for her, either.

Bella shivered at the thought.

She would need her wits about her, obviously. She needed to find out where she was taken and try figure out a way to get some help.


With the door locked. The windows foreshadowing death within the dense forest, and with nothing else to do, Bella tried to recall the past few days.

She had gone to the library each day over the past few days, but nothing was odd about that. With Charlie being missing she didn't care to be in the empty house by herself.

But looking back, Charlie seemed… off… lately, not his normal self. Before he had gone missing Charlie seemed to be working more, with longer hours, but she hadn't seen his cruiser around the town when he was supposedly working. Was he truly working, or was there something else going on that she didn't know about?

With a sigh, she decided she could never truly know.

But when Charlie was home and more so when Bella was around him, he seemed to look tired. His eyes were dark and devoid of emotion. And when she talked to him, he answered brusquely and then quickly excused himself to his room or to the living room.

Had she done something to upset or offend him?

She often wondered, but then she would dismiss his behavior to the stresses of his job and being a new, single father after years living alone must be taking its toll on him.

Maybe he would be happy she was missing?

Maybe… he wouldn't know she was even missing… because he's missing, himself?

Bella gasped in horror. Did the people who took her…. did they take her dad as well?

Swallowing the fear Bella suddenly felt, she shook her head.

Flicking a fly away from her face, Bella decided she wasn't going to go there. She wasn't going to dwell on the unknown. She wasn't a burden. She was cared for just as she cared for Charlie.

This place was doing something to her.

Messing with her mind.

It had to be.

He would be back. There was probably a note left and she just missed it.

Yes. She made a mental note to look under the table and couch for his note, check the answering machine.

He was probably just fishing in La Push.

Yes, that made sense.

Bella flicked at the fly again. It moved around her face, bothersome. But just as she watched the bugger land and braced herself to catch it, it seemed to disappear as did her previous musings.

Hmm? Maybe her eyes were playing tricks on her, too? Maybe she was losing it.

She needed to get out of this weird house.

Bella got up and walked to the door, trying to turn the handle to see if it was truly locked and it was. With a push of her shoulder she tried to see if it would give, but it didn't. Pulling hard on the door didn't seem to work either, the ornate wood was too thick and the lock was on the outside of the door.

She was screwed.

Moving back to the window, looking out into the forest, her eyes glazed over, recalling that Angela had called her just yesterday.

Angela insisted that Bella meet her at the new antique store that Mrs. Webber and Mrs. Cheney owned for their Grand Opening. Bella walked down the street with purpose. She was excited to have something to do, and was hopeful she would be found useful if they needed someone to work the afternoon. The money would only help her situation.

Besides, the library would still be there waiting for her afterward, she mused.

Maybe she could ask if they had seen Charlie.

Bella had walked into the small and cluttered store, noticing the smell of mothballs and old paint as she slowly made her way around. SinceAngela wasn't at the store yet,shecarefully took in the various items around the store, her hands lightly caressing the old picture frames, the old vases, and trinkets.

The store was lovely. It was a perfect balanceof old and fun items, antique toys and porcelain dolls with blink-able eyes. Those would be creepy elsewhere, but here they seemed to fit.

But one doll seemed different. The doll had black choppy hair and gold glassy eyes. Her clothes were vintage blue silk and beautifully made to represent the 1910's or 1920's.

Someone loved this doll, put a lot of care and work into her.

Bella could see herself loving the doll.

The bell on the door chimed and Bella put the doll back down carefully.

"She's pretty isn't she?" Mrs. Weber cooed, looking to where Bella's attention was gathered before she pulled her daughter's friend into her arms for a swift hug. Bella tried to pull away from her, but she grasped Bella by her shoulders, eyeing her carefully. Mrs. Weber could see the strain under Bella's eyes but she knew there wasn't much she could do to appease her, or her worries.

"She is quite unique." Bella smiled, shifting to the side so Mrs. Weber would release her from her grasp. Mrs. Webber dropped her hands before reaching for the doll.

"Yes, she is! My research says she's handmadeby a virtually unknown artist- a Mary-Alice Brandon from Mississippi, who diedyoung in the early 1920's, so they say. But that is not the most interesting thing about this story;" she smiled ruefully, "this doll was made while Mary-Alice Brandon resided within an Asylum."Mrs. Webber got a dubious look on her face while Bella eyed the doll more carefully, noticing that the stitching was immaculate.

"How could she have had such liberties where she was?"

Mrs. Webber beamed, obviously enjoying talking the peculiar topic, "Well, apparently she was given… liberties that others were not afforded. She was deemed a fortune teller of sorts, maybe she was into voodoo or witchcraft? I don't know... But what I do know is that doll was her exact replica. Creepy right?"

Bella nodded her head. Very creepy. But beautiful.

"People back then were very sensitive to superstitions and even though Mary-Alice was institutionalized due to such fears, people feared upsetting her even more. She spent a long amount of time on that doll, that's for sure. Mary-Alice was said to have died shortly after the doll was completed, and they say that it now houses her soul. Creepy. Anyhow, care was takenwiththe doll just in case the rumors were true andit waspasseddown throughout the Brandon family."

"How did you get it?"

"That's the curious part. Neither Mrs. Cheney or I procured the doll; it seems to have just… appeared."Mrs. Webber winked. "Among other things…"Her eyes drifted warily to a darker part of the store before finding Bella again. She gave a small, tight lipped smile.

Bella thought the story was odd coming from the local preachers' wife.

"But enough about the doll. Come, I have something I think you would like to see, Bella. It too, is a mystery."

Mrs. Webber pulled on Bella's arm and they walked together through the store into the far back corner. "When I saw this, I thought of you." Mrs. Webber stopped in front of a tiny metal bottle.

"Here we are." Mrs. Webber picked it up. "This decanter just appearedin front of me," she laughed lightly, "I swear. It's that, or I am getting old. Anyway, I know you're father's family has been in Forks for generations and so with a little research…" Mrs. Webber suddenly looked uncomfortable, as if she was hiding something, "Anyway, I figured you should have it."

There were names written on the metal bottle, one of which Bella had heard and seen before, but instead of musing about it, Bella shook the bottle and listened to see if there was any liquid within the decanter, but could hear nothing. With a sigh Bella opened the iron screw lid.

Amazingly… nothing happened.

She lifted the decanter to her nose andinhaled butit just smelled metallic.

The doorbell dinged when the door opened, but it whoever entered was out of Bella's view.

Bella shivered, feeling as if the weatherhad suddenlyshifted colder. She wanted to check the windows to see if there would be rain, as she would surely be caught in it if there was.

Mrs. Webber smiled at the person behindBella, greeting whoever it was with her usual fluttering of fingers and kind hello. She moved around Bella, motioning for the person to follow her towards the opposite side of the store.

A knock at the door broke Bella from her memories. The lock clicked and the door opened silently. Bella couldn't hear any footsteps, but Alice's voice caused Bella to flinch.

The Mary-Alice doll flashed in Bella's head for a second, as she slowly turned around.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"I asked if you would like a tour of the house. You must be stir-crazy by now. I would be." Alice smiled brightly but there was something off about it. Her dark eyes gave her away and Bella seemed to think that maybe all was not as it seemed.

"Sure." Anything was better than being in this room.

Bella followed Alice out into the hall, taking in the thick wood railing, the deep, dark wood floors lined with carpet.

"Go ahead and get out with it, Bella."

With a gasp Bella stopped and watched Alice. How could she? She couldn't be…

Alice hooked her arm with Bella's, pulling her forward. Bella shuddered at the chill of Alice's touch, but didn't want to seem rude.

"Oh, it's um, really nothing! I was just recalling my day yesterday and I remembered seeing a doll at the antique store. There seemed to be a doll there that oddly resembles you."

Alice nodded thoughtfully with a smirk.

"That's very fascinating, Bella. What else did you see there?"

Confusion graced Bella's features, wanting to know if it could have been one of Alice's ancestor's dolls, because it would be ridiculous to believe… something else. Bella's head was starting to spin.

"Um, I saw many things: frames, mirrors, dolls, bottles and jars…"

"Hmm. Interesting." Mock enthusiasm laced her tone as she reached to open another door. "Here we are."

The doors opened to reveal a lush library.

Alice released Bella's arm and Bella lurked in the doorway, torn between wanting to see inside and not wanting to be locked inside another room.

"This is the library. You will see that there is an extensive collection of first edition pieces, historical journals, as well as various pieces of art. You are welcome to take a look if you would like."

Bella nodded and again she was pulled away, down the hall and down a spiral staircase. "There is a kitchen, dining room, den, various suites, and of course the sitting room. You have free reign to explore as you wish. Dinner is at seven. Don't be late."

Alice turned then, looking behind her. "Oh, and Bella?"

Bella twisted, raising a curious brow, "Yes?"

"Open that decanter, will you?" Alice smiled eerily. "And I am glad you love my doll. But you really shouldn't have touched it."

Alice smiled and winked playfully before turning away and moments later her form disappeared into the darkness of the hall leaving Bella gaping like a fish.


Not wanting to be trapped within one of the rooms, Bella quickly retrieved the decanter from her purse and then situated herself at the kitchen table. Looking closely at the flask, Bella reread the engraved words, her finger feeling each letter sentimentally. She wondered what had really happened to the people with the names etched on the metal, romancing the idea of a tragic love story.

She vaguely remembered… something about the names…

Had she had access to a computer she would have Googled the names to see what possibilities they possessed.

With a sigh, she placed the decanter and lid on the table. Looking out the window, Bella remembered…

"Welcome to my store!" Mrs. Webber beamed, "What can I do for you?"

"I am looking for a painting and series of drawings by a local artisan from the early 1910's to 1920's." With a peaked interest Bella turned around, seeing the back of a man with bronze hair. She took in his frame, knowing he was not from town. He was immaculately dressed, butwearingan expensive pea coat.

Bella giggled, thinking pea coats were rather outdated, especially here in Forks.

"Hmm, I have several pieces you may want to see that I can show you, since you know what you're looking for better than I would." Wink. "But if you don't findwhat you're looking for, you could always leave your information and I will do my best to search for them."

The man nodded,hishead turning to the side in Bella's direction. She could swear she saw his black eye look at her from the corner of his sneer. She blushed, quickly looking away and putting the decanter safely in her pocket.

Then the man spoke, "I can give you some general information if that would help?"

Mrs. Webber nodded before she clutched up her pen and pad of paper.

The man continued, "The artisan was quite amazing. I know that she lived here in Forks with her father until she married. I have heard that some of her pieces were either destroyed or donated after her death, and seeing how she lived close by, I thought I would check here first to see if any of the work had been sold or donated locally."

Mrs. Webber smiled brightly. "How about you write the name of the artisan and I will ask around and see what I can come with. I love a good mystery."

The man agreed before he was directed to, and browsed through the artwork. He must have found some as he made his purchases and silently left the small store. It was only then that Bella felt comfortable to breathe again.

"You must like your solitude, Bella."

Bella startled, looking up at Alice as she walked into the kitchen.

"You always seem lost in that head of yours."

"Oh! Yes. I guess so… lately." Bella put the lid on the decanter and put it back in her pocket. "When will I be able to go back home?" Bella bit at her lip. "There's a good chance that Charlie would be home from any fishing trip he could be on and I would need to be there." Not really, but she didn't want Alice to know that.

"Of course." Alice scoffed and winked.

"Well, will you take me home now? I'd like to go home."

Alice's eyes flared darkly for a moment, before she smiled. "Perhaps you should stay for dinner. There is a lot to discuss and I am sure you would be interested in what would be said."

Bella glared at Alice. Her patience had been tested and tried. "I want to go home. Right. Now."

Alice laughed at Bella. "You don't know how ironic that statement really is." Alice grabbed the counter, her laughter buckling her over. "Oh, wow. Not much really changes, does it Bella?"

Bella didn't know what to with such a comment say so she didn't say anything. She just glared at Alice.

"I will see you at dinner, Bella. Until then, please make yourself at home."

With that, Alice fluttered through the kitchen and out the door.


Bella moved throughout the eerie house. She could see no framed pictures of any of the residents, so she decided to go into the library in search of a computer and phone.

The door opened silently, even though it was very heavy, Bella tentatively stepped forward. She could see the walls were lined with thick shelves and old, heavy books.

A fly flew across her line of sight. Annoyed, Bella followed it, determined to catch it.

After several moments and careful watching of any movement Bella found the fly cleaning its little arms, by rubbing them together. Her eyes watched him, barely noticing the book labeled "Journal" until the fly crawled up the binding.

With a swoop of her palm, she knew she had it. She felt the fly wiggle in her hand. Very slowly, she opened her hand, only to see the fly before it disappeared into a little blue mist. The iridescent blue disappeared right before her eyes.

"What the fuck was that!" Bella screeched. She quickly braced herself against the first solid piece of furniture she came to and sat there on the edge, breathing deeply.

She was losing it.

Alice chose that moment to intrude. Her timing seemed prophetic.

"Dinner is in a half hour."

"I don't smell dinner."

"You have been preoccupied." She smirked.

All of the sudden a wave of aromatic air passed by Bella, teasing her senses, and upsetting her stomach, causing it to growl.

"How about you do a little reading before dinner?" Bella nodded. "Good. It's settled then!" Alice walked out of the room, shutting the door behind her, but without locking it.


The journal was messing with her head. It seemed to call to her.

Bella frowned, trying to find a book that would keep her interest. But it was a lost cause.

After several minutes of rebellion she finally picked up the journal and moved to the desk and sat in the chair and read:

September 14th, 1918

I rememberthesweet words of his proposal. "Isabel, my heart, my soul, my life belongs to you. Would you honor me by being my wife?"

He was always one for theatrics! Of course, I accepted politely, telling him it was my greatest wish, to belong to him.

My father's wishes meant nothing to me, as long as I could follow my heart.

We exchanged rings and vows yesterday on my eighteenth birthday.

It was a quiet ceremony with a few close friends.

Myring was a beautiful golden Topaz, much resembling his eyes. His was asimplegold band. He said he didn't need for anything more; that he just needed me.

My dress wasn't fancy, but it was lovely,made by his young cousin, shipped to us, and must say that I simplyadoredit.

Light and airy, with wildflowers in hand, I walked down the aisle as Isabel Swan. It was possibly the most amazing feeling with the exception of walking hand on arm with him as Mrs. Edward Cullen.

I watch out the window for him in my library, another gift from my Edward, and I wish there was more I could give to him. I know what he desires though, and tonight- if the fates allow- I shall try to give it to him.

A child. Our child.

~Isabel Marie Cullen

Bella's eyes clouded with tears, reading the passages, before she came across the entry which clenched her heart.

October 31st, 1918

Edward said tonight was the night that he would be home.

It has been weeks since he had last been home and though I can understand his business is important, I can't help but wish he was here with me now.

Sittinghere writing is passing the time inadequately. I just want him home.

Edward has worked so fervently to provide for us, but Father had sent along a letter a while ago, angry that I had given myself away to a man he did not approve of.

My father could not be soothed with the knowledge that I am with Edward's precious child. Unfortunately, he is more upset with such news and demands vengeance.

Father's words were painfully clear that my virtue was soiled.

I have been renounced as his daughter, yet he still wants to destroy my Edward for the sin he's put upon me. I had written Father, pleading that he would forgive my heart but it seems that his temper cannot be soothed.

So, I wrote Edward, telling him of Fathers intentions and he has finally agreed that his presence at home and our safety is more important than everything else.

I fear I cannot hold off Father's temper or call for much longer.

I fear he is aware of Edward's immediate return.

My heart is in such pain.

But alas, I hear the door and as the servants are retired for the night, so I must see to it myself.

~Isabel Marie Cullen

Bella let out a shaking breath. It was as if she was reading of herself within this diary. Déjà vu. Isabel's father and her own father seemed so alike, yet so different. But she knew that was impossible.

Bella didn't recall until now, that over her years, she had heard many variations of what happened to the woman writing in the diary. Many had said she was sent away after a scandalous marriage, other variations alluded that she had committed suicide after her new husband abandoned her, but the worst was that she murdered on her Honeymoon night by her wicked husband.

Bella didn't know what the truth was; just that she was named for Isabel Marie Swan.

It was her mother's idea. Her mother had taken to the Swan family gossip with fantastical amusement, wanting to name her daughter for the woman whom she had always been enchanted and mystified with.

But whatever the story, Bella knew that the timing seemed odd, if not frightening. Isabel and Edward's honeymoon night, Halloween night, and the night they went missing or were murdered, was exactly 90 years later, tonight.


Alice came for Bella and sat her at a highly decorated table set for three.

Intricate lace table clothes draped over the thick mahogany wood. Hand painted china and silver place settings sat before her.

She was hardly dressed for such a dinner.

"Relax Bella, you are fine. It is just dinner. We are not used to… hosting… so welike to make an excellent first impression."

Bella nodded. This was really awkward. "Why do you keep saying 'we' like that?"

Alice sat down across from Bella, leaving the seat at the head of the table empty, ignoring Bella.

"You're expecting another person?"

"That was not a question, but… yes." Alice said snarked, holding out her hand for moments before Bella remembered to hand Alice her plate. Alice opened the domes and Bella took in a deep breath of their aromas. With a click of Alice's tongue, Bella looked up to see her plate full of pasta and she placed it down in front of her.

"Good evening."

Bella looked up, seeing a man standing in the doorway. His dark eyes seemed to pierce Bella.

Bronze hair. Her mind tickled with the memory of bronze hair.

She had seen it before.

In the antique shop.

On the street.

Within the bluish green mist.


"Yes. Me."

Bella looked across the table for explanation where Alice was sitting, but all that remained where she was the residue of blue mist.


Bella looked back at Edward, his smile slightly off, his eyes dark and pleading, but familiar.

The same eyes as Alice.

The same eyes within the mist.

The same eyes as Charlie's, the few times he was kind to her.

"Please, indulge me." His voice seemed to command her compliance and Bella found herself nodding. She remembered Edward, now. He was there… countless times.

He was her imaginary friend as child.

He was there within the shadows, the fringes of her life.

"Let me introduce myself. My name is Edward Anthony Cullen. Welcome home, Isabel."

Then Bella fainted.


Bella opened her eyes with a flutter. It was dark and she was in a different room since the sheets were a different color and the room seemed to radiate a rusty hue. She let her eyes wander around her, taking in the similar, thick, intricate woodwork of the furniture. Upon the nightstand sat her flask, opened.

Her eyes drifted to the lush curtains, covering the window which seemed to be on the opposite wall than in the bedroom she had previously slept in, and she bit back the want to rush to look through it, seeing what would be out the front of the house.

"I am glad you're finally awake." His smooth voice almost purred. A cool hand touched her lightly, causing her to shiver.

"Please sit up. Let me feed you, Love."

Bella's stomach rolled. She didn't understand his adoration.

"Why am I here?" She asked, without turning over toward him.

"Shall I tell you while you eat?"

Bella nodded, reluctantly turning and sitting up. Edward adjusted the pillows behind her.

Edward handed Bella a piece of buttered bread, Bella's favorite, and she quietly thanked him before taking a bite into her mouth.

"As you read in the journal and your clever mind has figured out, I am Edward Cullen, wedded to Isabel Marie Cullen. You're incarnate."

Bella's throat closed, refusing to swallow the soft bread. Edward passed her a glass of water, which she tentatively brought to her mouth and sipped.


" Isabel." Bella whispered. Still not sure what if this man was delusional, but wanted to put that out there.

"-Isabel," Edward sighed, frustrated, "was murdered on our honeymoon. Isabel's father had found out that we were already wed behind his back and when you had refused to leave with him, he stabbed you in the heart. I came home to the most horrific scene…"

Edward's pale face became even more distraught. "But you had already perished."

Bella put her piece of bread down, intently listening as Edward continued.

"The maid woke during the assault and stated it was your father who had slain you. I went after your father, but he had alluded me, until finally he took his own life. Unable to live without my heart, I sought my cousin's help. She had been institutionalized and once I finally got her free, we worked together to find a way for you and I to be together. But ultimately, it's up to you."

"What is?"

"If you wish to give me your heart, your soul... again. You have to wish for me, as I have spent generations wishing for you. Waiting for you."


"We need to consummate our marriage, Bella. Give yourself to me."

"No, I mean… the how? How were you always there?"

Edward ran a hand through his hair, before pointing to the flask.

"It was always there. In your house. Opened. Your father, Charlie, found it though and donated it to the antique shop."

"But he's missing… he couldn't have-"

"He isn't missing. He's hiding out. And he did donate it- me- fully knowing what he was doing."

Bella shook her head in disbelief.

"He knows the stories, Bella. He knows who you are. He has always known, I think. He knows about me. But he didn't want to believe it, so much so that he did not want to be around your mother or… you. I am sorry if that hurts, but it's the truth. When Renee died he didn't want to take you in. But he had no choice."

"Which is why I felt no love from him-"

"Only when I was there, did you feel love... but it was not really from him. You perceived it to be him, but it was always me."

"What are you?"

"Now? A man, but really a sylph, a genie, a demon, or a ghost… the synonyms is endless. Until I have you. Until you wish."

"Until I wish."

"For me," he whispered. His eyes were earnest. She saw love there, but also so much pain.

"And Alice?"

Edward smiled. "I can personify anyone… anything, Bella, a long lost cousin or even a bothersome fly."

Bella laughed, taking a large bite. This felt comfortable, if even a little disheartening. She felt sad about her father, but was finally happy to know the truth. She felt like she did as a child.


It must be him. He seemed to know what she needed, how to calm her.

"I would have liked Alice, I think. We would have been great friends."

Edward agreed with a smile. "She was quite amazing."

"You know, I saw you in the mist when I fell on the street."

Edward's face buckled in pain. "I am sorry about that… I couldn't let you go home again and watch you cry yourself to sleep."

Bella frowned but nodded, a tear dropping down her cheek. She had spent so many nights crying herself to sleep. Sometimes it was because of Charlie, sometimes because she missed her mother, but mostly because she was so alone.

A clock started to chime somewhere within the house. All the dinner items that Bella had been picking at were swiftly removed as the clock continued to chime.

"You know what that means?"

"The clock? A new hour generally."

Edward smiled, "Yes. It's midnight. But more specifically it's officially October 31st."

"The honeymoon night."

His stare was intense, Bella moved tentatively closer to Edward. He watched her carefully, afraid to hope, afraid that he would scare her off.

"We have tonight to be together. If you wish for more, there could be more… everything."

"I don't… know what to do. Um, what to say."

"What do you want to say?"

"I want not to be alone anymore. I want to feel love like the one Isabel felt."

"Is that what you wish for?"

"I want to. I wish for you, but I wish you could feel it too… you know, from me."

Edward's mouth was on hers, his lips cold but firm. Bella didn't care. She felt comforted instantly, as if all the stars had aligned for this moment. She opened her mouth to him and he took it, invading her with his tongues, tasting her with everything he had.

He had waited for this for so long, needed her for so long.

"Bella," Edward groaned when she turned her head. He kissed down her neck as she fumbled with her shirt. She didn't want to let this moment escape.

"What are you doing?"

Bella lifted up her shirt, ignoring him for a moment. When she saw he wasn't undressing she let out an exasperated sigh.

"I wish to make love to you, Edward, to consummate our relationship." Then she remembered what Isabel had wrote, "Edward, it is my greatest wish, to belong to you."

With a sharp intake of breath and tears in his eyes he stared at his Isabel, his Bella. She was just as demanding as she had been two hundred years ago. Had he not been so insistent to go away to work, perhaps she would not have died. His child would not have died.

"Don't," Bella sobbed, wiping his tears, "We are together now."


"Yes, I wish for you, mind, body, and soul, forever."

Edward growled, ripping his clothes from his body.

Bella moaned, seeing his lithe muscles move under his skin as his arms flanked her shoulders, his eyes dark and full of lust and love.

Bella peeked below, seeing his erection.

"Let me take off my clothes?"

Edward nodded rigidly. His body shifted so she could have space to disrobe. Bella slowly lied down with just her lacy bra and pants. Her hands went to the buckle of her jeans, starting to unbutton them.

"Can I?"

Bella could help feel shy. She had never been so nervous or been this exposed.

"Yes," she flushed red, the color tinting her breasts.

Edward sat on his heels, his hands slowly moving over her jeans as he watched her carefully. He didn't want to spook her.

"Let me take care of you, love."

Bella bit her lip and gave a slight sigh, relaxing into the pillow.

Edward moved the zipper down, taking his time, making it the only noise in the room other than her soft breath and fluttering heart. Pulling her pants down her creamy legs was a moment he couldn't even fathom having. He had dreamed of her like this, needing her, feeling her.

His fingers hooked into the lace panties, pulling them down as well.

She was beautiful. He told her so, earning a bright smile as her eyes widened. His mouth kissed her, causing Bella to shudder as his fingers spread her apart. He needed to taste her, consume her.


Edward smiled wickedly. Swiping her again with his tongue, but his fingers were jealous. He carefully pushed one inside her, filling her as she arched her back. She felt the slight pain of its intrusion, but as he licked her clit and started to pump his finger again she relaxed, reveling in the moment.

Her body started to tingle. It was something so obscure, something she had never felt, and when she grabbed at his hair trying to pull away from him, he held her still. He eased her first orgasm out as he put in a second and third finger, stretching her.

"Oh! Shit! Oh, Edward!" She squealed, excited, as her body started to shake. But Edward continued to pump inside of her. She needed this. She needed to be ready to take him inside her.

With her eyes clenched shut, she body stilled, but he could feel her womb throbbing as his fingers felt her wetness.

It was time.

He positioned himself on top of her, his arms braced over head, holding onto the headboard.

"Take me in your hand, Isabella."

Bella blushed as her shaking hand grasped his erection. Never had she touched one, or really seen one before tonight.

"Line me up with you."

She did what he said, feeling the coolness of the head of his cock poking at her entrance.

"Pull me inside, Love."

Bella pulled him toward her, feeling his body moving past her lips and finally inside of her. She held her breath and closed her eyes, feeling him stretch her.

"Relax, Love. Just feel us together. We can do this."

She nodded her head, trying to relax, but as he stopped moving inside her, her eyes shot open. He was watching her.

"This is it."

Bella agreed. "I want this. I want you. I wish you would make love to me."

Edward's shoulders buckled for a moment, a sob exiting his body as he pulled back and pushed inside her. There was a pinch of pain, but Edward started to move back and forth, making Bella quickly forget the pain.

"You are amazing, my Bella. So beautiful. I am so happy to have waited for you, love."

Bella wrapped her arms around Edward, pulling him on top of her. Edward slowed his pace, looking deeply into her eyes, watching her reactions.

When she smiled at him, he smiled back."I need you, Edward. Always."

"I need you, Bella. Forever."

She arched her back so Edward started to move more quickly, his thrusts erratic as well as hard. He needed this. He couldn't be gentle any longer, he had waited too long and his body demanded this.

Demanded her submission as well as her love.

But when Bella cried out as her inner muscles clutched his cock and throbbed, he couldn't take it anymore. He came fiercely, biting her neck as his cock felt the warmth of their orgasms mixing together.

Hot and cold.

She felt it then. Felt the burn deep inside. She grabbed at his shoulders, holding him to her. She didn't know what might happen. Would he disappear? Would he dissipate into mist?

Would she be alone again?

"Don't leave me." She sobbed into his shoulder. She could already feel that he was pulling away.

"I don't want to." He said.

"I wish you to stay! Will that work? You said you had today! What does that mean? We only have today?"

Edward smiled at Bella kindly. He didn't know. All he knew was what Alice had said. What would happen tomorrow was up to the fates.

"I don't know, Love. Please don't cry. If I can stay, I will."

Bella nodded, pulling him to her. She felt him twitch inside her, but she refused to let him go. He would remain in her arms, inside her as long as possible.

"Sleep, Love."

Bella was scared to fall asleep but she was too tired to keep her eyes open.


The sun sent a silhouette of light into the room which found Bella's face. With annoyance, Bella groaned and turned over, her hand falling onto a muscular chest.

With a start, Bella sat up, her eyes falling on to the exquisite man lying under the covers. His eyebrows were drawn together, dreaming.

"Wake up, Edward!" She cooed in his ear, playing with his hair as she moved it out of his face. Carefully she laid her hand on his chest, feeling the calm beat of his heart and she couldn't help the tears from falling.

"Edward, my love, please wake. It's November 1st. We did it. We can finally be together."

Edward moaned as he twisted, his arms moving to hold onto Bella and clutching her to him. "Mmm. Let's stay in bed then and make love again. I don't think I'll ever have enough of you."

It seemed like a plan to Bella. She reached under the blanket, grasping him in her hand and smiled as his eyes shot open.

"Well, Mr. Cullen. I think that is an amazing idea." With a kiss she moved on top of him, put him inside her gently and made love to him.

They had their life back, after all… but most importantly, their love.

A/N: Due to some lovelies wanting more, I've decided to continue it a few more chapters…

Next up: Chapter 2: The Doll