*Annabell's POV

    "...What was that?" I woke up to an amused, distant but familiar voice I hadn't heard in a while and was a little worried about encountering its owner.

     "Rosalie?" I asked hesitantly, wondering about the purpose of her visit. Sitting up, Jasper was immediately by my side, helping me into a comfortable sitting position.

     "Is it ok if I leave you two alone?" Asked me Jasper. I took a hold of his hand and nodding I sent a small smile towards Rosalie. Jasper said that she'd come around and if he trusts her enough to leave me alone with her, then I have no reason to doubt the intention she came with. "Call me if anything." Jasper squeezed my hand reassuringly and left us to talk among ourselves.

    "Hey, umm... I guess it's been a while." Started Rosalie nervously, while still standing close by the door.

    "Please, take a seat." I motioned to an armchair nearby, in hope to make this conversation less awkward and smiling at her as she moved closer. "Thank you. Jasper told me that you saw the attack and brought me to the hospital. It must not have been an easy task, for I know that my blood is very tempting to most of your kind." I was also grateful that Carlisle was a doctor, for had I been treated by a human one, I feared the consequences of them seeing my rapid healing.

    "I'm glad you seem to be doing well. I was happy that Jasper finally found his mate in you. But when I saw Alice push you..." Rosalie trailed off for a moment before continuing, with evident puzzlement in her voice. "When you were lying there in a pool of blood I thought you'd have to be turned right away if he was to not lose you. Not that I'd choose this life, but Jasper said that you can't be turned... that you're not an ordinary human?" Now I understood her confusion. There was too much evidence before her to try and lie. I also sensed that she was a good friend to Jasper and hoped I could be one to her too.

    "That's right..." I started slowly. "I cannot become a vampire. If anyone but my mate bites me, I will die, for I happen to be immortal in my own way." Giving her enough time to process but not to reply, I went on. "Jasper wants to protect me and I agree it's best to keep a secret who I am, but I feel that I can trust you and you deserve to know the truth." Taking a deep breath I continued. "I am deeply sorry about your brother. Though he was after my own life-" That guy was a monster craving my blood and had no reserves in coming after it but he was also a brother and son to the Cullens.

    "No." Interrupted me Rosalie with a strange urgency. "Don't apologize. It's said to speak only well of those who had passed... but I knew Edward for who he was and I cannot blame you for his death nor Jazz for ending his life to protect yours." Her voice was firm and I knew she was honest.

    "That's where you are mistaken." I countered carefully. Expecting the worst reaction with my next words. "Jasper is protecting me. That's why he told you that he's the one who killed Edward. When in truth it was me, who put him to ashes." I knew she was shocked as silence spread between us for a few long moments and since she still seemed to be at a loss for words I continued. "You were the one to take me to the hospital. How did you find my blood, Rosalie?" I inquired softly.

    "I-I admit that it was far more tempting than any other I smelled before." She finally spoke again, obviously ashamed of the fact. Bu I didn't expect much different answer.

    "You see, that is probably the reason I am currently the last Gifted around. You could say that I am a witch." I chuckled.

    "A witch?" Gave Rosalie an uncertain laugh. "Your blood did make my throat burn and Emmett was really annoyed with himself for giving Jasper a hard time with his bloodlust in the class when you were injured..." I bit down a gasp of surprise and worry for he did not speak a word of this and I could hear Peter's words again. "But a witch?" Rosalie's disbelief was obvious, yet she didn't outright dismiss it. She couldn't.

    "Yes." I said simply and felt it better to show then attempt to convince her with more words. Reaching my hand before me, I called upon a spark of my power and made a small flame appear in my palm.

    "Oh my god!" Exclaimed Rose, making me laugh as I closed my palm, resting it in my lap again. "Of course." She joined me laughing then. "There was no way Jasper's mate would be a plain highschool girl. I'm honestly happy he found you." I felt warmth spread in my chest and rise to my cheeks.

    "Thank you Rose." I smiled at her. "I was afraid that you'd hate me." I confessed.

    I could hear Rosalie sigh in a somewhat defeated manner. "I've known Edward for a little bit over a century, from which the first half I found him mostly annoying with his talent of mindreading, giving all around him little to no privacy. And the other half I think I almost despised him for his poor self control and the constant trouble it caused for our family. Then again, maybe I just wasn't a good sister to him either..."

    She paused for a moment, but it was obvious that she didn't finish yet. "With Alice also gone from the house it's a little more empty... Even though she proved to be someone I don't even know. However, the fact that I don't need to constantly keep my thoughts in check to keep anything private is pretty refreshing. And I guess I don't need to worry about having to move, out of the blue either, because he'd murder someone in the schoolyard again." A gasp escaped me. "What's wrong Ann? Something hurts?" She asked, worried.

    "No, no. It's just... the first time he attacked me, was by the school too. I suppose it was his usual hunting spot..." I pondered.

    "Right... Carlisle said that he came after you more than once. Oh, that rainy day. I was glad Jasper made it to you in time. I'm so sorry Annabell, I could have guessed it was Edward back then. And I should have told Jasper about Alice right away too. That I didn't, did not help me to find out anything new. It only put you in more danger."

     I gave her a small smile. "Don't worry about it anymore. I survived." And one of my pursuers was nothing but a speck of ashes already. Just to be able to move around more so I can deal with the others too, should they come... "If only those damn bones grew back together a little faster. I freaking hate this cast." Slightly pouting I couldn't keep from complaining. Knocking on the hard crust around my leg with my knuckles in annoyance. "Jasper has to help me all the time. I wish I didn't have to bother him with every little thing." I huffed softly, frowning.

    Rosalie giggled. "Something tells me that he very much enjoys doing so." And I blushed.

    We spent most of the afternoon talking about guys and music and parted with a promise that after the check up I'll visit her and she'll play the piano for me.

*

    "So I was right." I commented to myself, thinking out loud. I did think it was around this time of year. I grinned to myself, wondering what to get him.

    "About what?" Appeared Jasper behind me, embracing me.

    "Jay!" I gasped but leaned against him, relishing the comfort and safety of his strong arms around me. "That... is a surprise." I giggled at my attempt to sound mysterious.

    "I thought you didn't like them?" He replied teasingly, resting his chin on my shoulder.

    "Not for myself... Were you eavesdropping?" I could feel the heat in my cheeks rise, wondering how much of my conversation with Rosalie he heard.

    "No angel." He chuckled. "Even though you make me really curious now." He said, kissing my cheek. "I just came back from Peter and saw Rose leaving. Is everything ok?" The hint of worry in his voice was warming.

    "Absolutely." I turned to meet his lips in a soft and loving kiss.

* * *

    I felt that we're closer with Jasper, everyday. But every night, the same dream kept haunting me. 

    Falling asleep, usually in Jasper's arms, I felt loved and protected. Then I find myself in a sunlit meadow with horses and the same loving embrace from behind. After few moments where we just enjoy the serenity of our surroundings and each other's company, his soothing presence starts to fade while I can hear a female's giggles. The moment I turn around to search for the man I love, everything turns into darkness. No matter how many times I call for him, the only response I get is the female, laughing in the distance. 

    Every time I run through the dark emptiness, when suddenly I am embraced again. Strong arms curl around my waist, pressing me to the hard body behind me. "Come and be mine, little one." Says a quiet but lustful and unfamiliar male voice by my ear before I feel cold lips on my neck.

   "No! Let go of me, you're not my mate! Don't you touch me! " Screaming while struggling to break free of their hold I somehow manage to get away from them, to stumble into the welcoming warmth I was searching for, before.