Disclaimer: ugh, I don't own it, ok?
A/N: so, here is the next chapter. I almost gave up on this whole story because no one has read it, but I just couldn't let it go. To disappoint the like 20 people who have actually read this and want it to continue because of my own selfishness would be too cruel. So, here it is.
Dinner PartyCarlisle and I rode in silence to the Masen household. I knew I wasn't going to enjoy this.
Don't get me wrong, I had nothing against the family personally, it's just, as a vampire, one can't get attached to beings that will die and leave you heartbroken in fifty or so years. It was just the prudent way to exist.
"Try to be nice to the boy, Bella," Carlisle pleaded. "I know you got off to a shaky start, but try to be kind to him." I nodded in affirmation.
It was true; we had gotten off to a shaky start, what with me practically running away from him. However, I had set my mind on being as cordial as possible instead of treating him like I did with the rest of the human race. For some strange reason, I felt he didn't deserve to be treated like dirt. I wanted him to be happy. I could almost feel myself getting attached to this bronze haired young man. And that was very, very stupid. It would only bring me pain.
It only took us ten or so minutes to arrive at the Masen home since we were only a half a mile apart. Carlisle, ever the gentleman, stepped out first and offered me his arm. I smiled and he reciprocated my grin.
"Remember these three things," he whispered in my ear. "First, be nice. Second, try and act human. And third, just seem like you're having a good time. If you looked bored it would break Mrs. Masen's heart." I nodded. We had been over this constantly on the way here; I was pretty sure I had it in my head by now.
He and I walked onto the candlelit terrace and rang the doorbell. A tall man who appeared to be the butler opened the door and directed us to the drawing room. In the room the three Masen's had gathered. Mr. Masen was sitting in a large chair, reading the paper; Mrs. Masen was smiling warmly at us; and young Edward had his eyes downcast out of embarrassment. It made me feel sorry at my behavior that afternoon. He didn't deserve to be ignored, but I had to. It wouldn't be too painful, for the only feeling I had for him was pity. Pity at having to know me. Vampires were a nuisance.
"Dr. Cullen," Mrs. Masen began. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I was simply beside myself with happiness when Miss Cullen accepted my invitation! I do hope you enjoy beef sirloin; our cook made her best batch for us."
"Oh yes, ma'am, we are very fond of all forms of food," Carlisle assured her. I scowled inwardly. We would have to eat human food. Mrs. Masen gently nudged her husband and he looked up from his paper with a quiet grunt.
"Good evening," Mr. Masen said. His wife glared at his use of few words.
"My love, please greet our guests properly," she instructed him. He spoke a few warm words then turned to his son.
"This is my son Edward," he said with a smile on his face. I could tell he was immensely proud of his only child. I smiled warmly at him, hoping he would forget his embarrassment, but he just blushed harder. Poor boy. Mrs. Masen looked at her son with a mixture of shame and pity. I sighed.
"So Mr. Masen," Carlisle started, "what is it you do for a living?" Yes, that's Carlisle, always the savior in an uncomfortable situation.
"I'm a lawyer," Mr. Masen replied. "I work civil disputes and such." Carlisle nodded.
For the next half-hour or so idle conversation made its way around the large room. They asked about Carlisle's work and hobbies, what I did in my spare time, and if we were enjoying Chicago. I of course lied about the latter.
When eight o'clock rolled around, we were ushered into the dining room by Mrs. Masen and a couple of servants. Once seated, the first course came out. Split pea soup. Disgusting.
"So Miss Cullen," Mrs. Masen began, "how do you like your house? It seems so large."
"Indeed," I agreed, "but I rather enjoy its size. Gives me room to wander without having to go outside."
"You don't like to go out-of-doors? I find that rather odd for a girl your age." She paused. "Pray what is your age?"
"Fifteen, ma'am," I answered. That was a lie; I was seventeen when I was changed, but she didn't need to know that. "As for my aversion for Mother Nature, I normally don't mind outside, its just it's very windy a lot of the time in Chicago." She laughed timidly.
"But that house is so large! I can't even fathom how many bedrooms it has!" she cried.
"There are nine, ma'am." Her eyes widened at the number.
"Do you have any servants?" Mr. Masen put in.
"No," Carlisle replied. The young Edward dropped his spoon and quickly apologized. It was rather odd people as wealthy as us didn't have servants, but we had no use for them. We didn't need anything, and if we ever did, I would be able to fetch it ten times as fast as a human would.
"All alone in that big house?" Mrs. Masen exclaimed. "How do you manage?"
"Well Mrs. Masen," I said, "I pride myself on having an excellent sense of self-preservation." Carlisle coughed to hide a laugh and I clapped his back. What an awkward moment.
The next course brought out was the main course. Beef sirloin, joy.
We all ate in silence, probably because of my comment earlier. I would have felt bad, but honestly, I was rather happy. I find that in silence I do my best thinking. I turned to Carlisle and my thoughts took over completely.
He was like a father to me; the father I never really had. He saved my life, and although I loathed what I had become, I wouldn't have it any other way. He was so kind and compassionate, never quick to judge, and probably the most forgiving person I had ever known. Whenever I slipped in my first few years as a vampire, instead of yelling and disowning me, he consoled me and put me back on the right track. The only thing wrong was that he was alone. Sure, he had me, but he deserved more. Someone who could love him passionately and completely. Someone who could help him through every obstacles. I was not someone who could fulfill that.
The dessert was brought out, and I faked being full so that I wouldn't have to eat anymore wretched human food. Carlisle, however, chose to go the difficult route and continue eating. We would have a very interesting night trying to regurgitate all this food.
Once we finished and the servants collected the dishes, we were led back into the parlor.
"Edward, dear," Mrs. Masen said, "play the piano for us." His head snapped up and his eyes were pleading. "Go on, dear." He got up reluctantly and stalked to the beautiful grand piano that dominated the center of the room. He sat down and immediately his fingers flew over the keys. I had to admit he was very good. Not as good as me, but no one was as good as a vampire who had an eternity to become a true virtuoso. The sweet melody filled the air and I closed my eyes and sighed in contentment. As the final notes resonated in the room I smiled warmly.
"Bravo." He smiled at my praise, but he deserved it; he was excellent.
"Well, the food was wonderful and the entertainment superb," Carlisle commented, "but my sister and I really must be going. Thank you Mr. Masen, Mrs. Masen. Good evening." He kissed her hand and she curtsied to me. The two men kissed my hand as well and Carlisle bowed to them. Then we left.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Carlisle and I had quite the night. We spent it outside coughing up split pea soup, beef sirloin, and German chocolate cake. Quite the fun-filled evening. However, the night had been interesting, and dare I say it, fun. I still felt horrible about my behavior towards Edward, but what could I do? What's done was done. I just had to deal with it.
The next two years passed without incident. Carlisle worked, I read, and the city grew. Then, an invitation to a ball changed all of that.
"You are cordially invited by William Jones to a coming out ball for his daughter Lillian Jones The Jones family mansionJuly 17, 1918
Eight o'clock that evening"
Carlisle of course, couldn't turn it down.
Honestly, sometimes I truly hated his compassion.
Please, just kill me now…
Mwahahahahahahhahahaha!! In case you haven't noticed, I like ending chapters with thoughts. Hmm. Oh well.
Next chappie will be the ball. Don't worry Edward will be there. Its getting close to the time where he's changed because I didn't want to have too much of the story without him. His illness will be different with Bella around though, that's all I'll say.
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