Swan Diaries (crossover between Twilight and The Vampire Diaries)

O N E ∘ Unpleasantville

POV: BELLA SWAN
Friday, October 27 2017

As I ambled down the street of this foreign place, I heard the continuous crunch of leaves under my feet. It was October twenty-seventh, the middle of autumn.

I didn't know how long I walked. My legs never got sore, but it was the otherwise tiredness that came over me that made me wonder.

I saw a massive sign facing the other way and went around to read it.

'The city of Forks welcomes you.'

New sign? When did that get there?

I walked back the way I came, back into the town named Forks.

But where would I go?

I stopped again when I saw a hospital. Hopefully they were stocked, because I was starving.

I snuck inside, heading to the stairwell in search of the wing where most hospitals kept their blood supply.

Before I opened the door to the stairs, I heard a voice directed at me. His voice was clear, smooth, velvety. I could've sworn that I detected a chiming sound in it as well, which was strange.

"Excuse me. Can I help you with anything?"

I turned to see a pale blonde looking at me with kind yet curious eyes. He was beautiful, and looked to be in his early twenties. Old enough to be an intern at the most, yet he seemed confident and all-knowing.

He was average height, wore a crisp white doctor's coat, and had eyes that glowed in the bright and hideous fluorescent hospital lighting. They were golden, like the sun. Maybe colored contacts?

I've never met someone with eyes like his. But what doctor had time to worry about something like that? Maybe they were just for Halloween season? Who the hell knows?

"I'm okay, but thanks." I turned for the door again.

"Are you new around here? It's a pretty small town. I don't remember hearing about a new family arriving. I'm Dr. Cullen." He half-smiled and raised his hand to shake mine.

His hands were freezing, even compared to mine. But it didn't feel that cold in here.

"Isabella. I'm alone, actually. Not sure if it's permanent."

"Wow, living alone so young?"

"I get that a lot," I laughed and slightly nodded. I'm not nearly as young as I look.

"Well, in any case, it's a wonderfully peaceful town. Lots of nice people, good schools."

"I appreciate the insight, thank you." I continued to smile at him, trying my best to make it look genuine. I guess people here were talkative with strangers.

"I'll leave you be. If you ever need anything, please feel free to find me here. Have a nice day." He turned and walked down the hall. I looked after him and noticed something significantly alarming.

I didn't hear his heartbeat.

Was I just distracted by my situation?

No, I don't think any distraction would keep me from hearing something as strong as a heartbeat.

I knew he was different from the second I saw him. But that different? Even I had a heartbeat, and I was a vampire, for crying out loud.

I opened the door and walked up two flights of stairs before finding what I came for. When I reached the door that read 'blood bank,' I couldn't open it.

Why would someone lock this door? In an emergency, what sense would it make to need a key to get inside?

"Dissera portus," I chanted, hearing the click that unlocked it. Going inside, I saw the three tall refrigerators with glass doors.

The blood types were separated. B-positive was my favorite. I opened the middle one and emptied two bags before putting four more in my jacket pockets. Walking out, I left the door ajar behind me.

I thought I had it figured out by now—at least part of my plan. Until I knew where I was, what happened, and why this place seemed so unfamiliar, I'd set up. Blend into this town.

The first step was real estate. I decided to find a house far enough away from civilization but close enough that I could easily get around without getting lost.

It didn't take me long to find the perfect spot. Hopefully, the person who owned this house didn't get a lot of company.

I rang the doorbell, and a man in his mid-twenties answered.

"Can I help you?" He looked me up and down, like the doctor did. It was evidently clear that I wasn't from here.

"Yes," I said, staring intently into his eyes. "You certainly can." Compulsion was undoubtedly my favorite part of being a vampire. Unless they were in possession of an herb called vervain, I could make them do absolutely anything I wanted. "Is anyone else home?"

He gave me a blank stare. "No. I'm the only one who lives here."

"Good. Now, would you be so kind as to invite me in?"

"Of course. Please, come in."

I crossed the threshold and turned to face him again. He closed the door.

"What's your name?" I asked, my eyes still locked on his.

"Aaron Vincent."

"Tell me, Aaron. Do you get many visitors here?"

"No, miss. I'm estranged from my family."

"Wonderful. If anybody asks, say I'm your sister." It could pass. We had the same hair, eye color, and complexion. "I'm going to need your help familiarizing this town. Whatever I need you to do, you'll do it. Understand?"

"I understand." He slightly shook his head when I let go of his gaze, and his voice turned back to normal. "Follow me. I'll show you to the extra bedroom upstairs."