I would like to give a big thank you hug to Rinda Roo for proofreading this for me and pointing out and helping correct all my little errors even though she is just beginning to recover from surgery! You are the bomb! Thank you.
Please be patient with the story as there are completely new characters that need time to develop and old characters that have to be given time to relive their history. I think you will enjoy the fruits of that patience.
Thank you for taking time to read this story and please leave reviews, I would love to know what you like and dislike, how you think the story is going.
The plot and characters of this story were developed due to extreem impatience while waiting for the fabulous Stephenie Meyer to publish yet another of her wonderful Twilight series books. Most of the characters in this story belong to her and her alone, I have introduced a few new people and played with the time frame but it is all still based on her work.
Pride
The hotel I was booked at was a five star establishment. The cabbie whistled as he walked through the door with me and handed off my broken carry-on to the bellhop. "Enjoy your stay here missy." He shook his head as he looked around at the crystal chandeliers hanging from the soaring domed ceilings.
I gave my name to the front desk clerk who quickly typed it into her computer and handed me a slide card key and an envelope with the hotels' crest on it. She handed another identical card to the bellhop and turned to answer the phone. Not one word was spoken to me during the entire exchange. Hmm that was strange. Normally conversation flows easily. I guess maybe she is preoccupied.
I followed the bellhop trying to make small talk in the elevator. "How old is this hotel?"
"It was established in 1912, during the gold rush; however it was no where near a fine establishment in those days." He informed me dryly. I was surprised he actually knew this information. The employees here must be very well trained. "The grandfather of the current owner bought this land after black Tuesday to try to help rebuild the community. Over five hundred men from this area were given jobs in the building of this hotel. The founding of this hotel helped greatly in fending off the great depression in Seattle."
"Wow, what an interesting history. Thank you." With that, the elevator doors opened and I followed him out into a long brightly lit corridor. The walls were lined with a raw silk textured wallpaper of light cream. The burgundy carpet was the perfect contrast to the walls and picked up the color from bouquets of cream and burgundy roses arranged in vases at every intersecting corridor.
"Here you are Ms. VanBorg room 651." He opened the door with a flourish and stepped aside as I walked in. He followed me inside and set my bag down on a special sling bench inside the closet. "If you have any questions or needs please ring the front desk and we will be happy to assist you in any way possible."
"Thank you again for your help, and for the history lesson." I handed him a tip and smiled my friendliest smile at him as he walked out the door.
I set about unpacking my few things. I only filled one small dresser drawer. After unpacking, I decided to check out the bathroom. Surely, there must be something special in this room. Except for the fabric and the professional service, this room appeared no different than the hundreds of budget rooms I had stayed in over the years with my dad, as he took me cross-country for all of my orchestra camps and performances.
Walking into the bathroom my jaw dropped to the floor. The tub was as big as some back yard Jacuzzis. There were jet blowers everywhere. A complimentary array of bath products lined the counter including scented oils for the bath water. I browsed the selection and decided I must have a bath when I found gardenia extract oil. Gardenias had always been my favorite flower. My mother had had a gardenia bush in our front yard and had made her own potpourri filling the house with the amazing scent year after year.
I eagerly ran the water, added the oil according to the instructions, and went to the other room for my night things. When I came back to the tub, I turned on the jets and stepped into pure bliss. All the stress I had been unknowingly carrying with me melted away as I relaxed cleared my mind and enjoyed the hot water surrounding and massaging every sore muscle.
After my amazingly calming bath, I wrapped in my robe and went to lie down on the super soft bed with four feather pillows and a down filled duvet. A courtesy call from the front desk awoke me at ten the following morning. "Good morning Ms.Van Borg this is your scheduled wake up call. I hope you had a restful night."
"Yes, I did. Thank you."
"A delivery has arrived for you. Is it convenient to have it sent up now or would you like us to hold it till a later time?" The professional voice asked.
"Now would be perfect thank you."
"Very well; I hope you have a wonderful day."
"Good bye." Well no words wasted in that conversation. I guess I am just not a five star kind of woman. I like to talk to people to much.
The doorbell chimed quietly and I went to answer it. A different bellhopwaited patiently with a long rectangular black box, a smaller rectangular silver box, and a very small oval shaped cream box in his arms. I stepped aside letting him into my room to set down his burden. After setting them on the edge of the bed he walked quickly back to the door. I reached for my jeans from yesterday to pull out a tip when he smiled and shut the door. That is probably a good thing; these tips are eating through my pocket money pretty quickly. I thought wryly remembering how difficult it was to save up enough money for this trip.
The University of Seattle was paying for this hotel, had paid for my flight here, and was providing proper black tie apparel for tonight. Which I assumed was in the boxes awaiting me on the bed. Other than that, they were paying for a car service to take me to campus today and another car service to drive me the two and a half hour drive to Forks tomorrow. However, the true payment was in pride. I was the youngest guest performer in the history of the school. They were letting me perform three of my original compositions. The first, which I would be dedicating to Mrs. Phillips, was a Violin/Bass duet. The other two were complete orchestral sonnets.
The biggest pay offby far was that this concert was being broadcast on over twenty different pubic radio stations, and being recorded for specials on Public broadcasting television stations. By midnight tonight, if all went well, my name would be the topic of conversation in colleges all over America, and hopefully a few abroad. Scholarships were necessary for me if I wanted to attend anything but a junior college. This celebrity status was not only a major boost to my self-esteem it was my ticket into the college of my dreams hopefully.
A glance at the clock told me I had been day dreaming again. A dangerous habit I was prone to when stressed or overly excited. I guess I qualified as both right now. Time was running short. My driver would be here in half an hour.
It was time to get dressed. The boxes stacked so neatly on my bed were calling to me. Curiosity began running rampant. Ever since the shopping spree with Granny a couple of years ago, the idea of new clothes gave me a thrill. I rarely bought anything new, but I still enjoyed window-shopping all the new styles. I breathed deeply trying to calm the childish excitement that was building in me as I opened the biggest box. I knew this would be a gown of some description but was still as giddy as a girl on prom night to try it on. Well I did not really know that for sure, but I could imagine what I would feel like on prom night. Hopefully later this year I would be allowed to experience that first hand.
The dress was wrapped in multiple layers of black and silver tissue paper. Gently folding open the layers I saw a gorgeous sophisticated black satin Greek cut gown. The front was cut just high enough to be considered conservative but with the billowy layers of the neckline, a hint of sensuality was added to the dress. Dad would never let me wear it if he were here. For the first time I was glad he had to cancel his plans to chaperone me on this trip. 'You are a fabulous young woman, I know I can trust you on your own for a few days' had been his parting words. How they had filled me with pride to know he trusted me so implicitly. I slipped out of my nightclothes and pulled the dress over my head. I spun in front of the mirror to see it from every angle. "WOW!" Next, I grabbed the shoebox. Inside were low healed black satin strap closed toed dress shoes. I was so relieved they had listened to me when I explained I do not wear high heels. I had bought a pair of low heals to practice walking in as soon as I knew I was coming, so I was pretty sure I would not fall and break my neck tonight, or worse my violin.
Gazing at my image in the mirror it was hard to believe I was looking at myself. Well, if I did not look at the mop of reddish bed head sticking out medusa style from my face. I will definitely have to do something about that! Lastly, I reached for the small circular box. My nerves jumped at the thought of what might be in such a tiny box. I wondered if the return of this specific package would be expected. Gently opening the lid I kept my eyes closed, trying to prolong the surprise. When my eyes opened, a shocked gasp escaped my lungs. Inside were the most elegant gray and white pearl necklace and earrings I had ever seen. I lifted the board they were securely fastened to out of the box so I could unhook them and put them on. I about dropped them in shock when I saw the layer underneath had a matching set of hair clips!
I rushed to my dresser and grabbed my hairbrush, ripping through the knots as I dashed back to the mirror. Once my hair was brushed as straight as wavy hair can be without hours of straightening irons, I gathered it up in a ponytail at the base of my neck. Making sure to leave the one true curl that framed the right side of my face hanging down. There was really only one thing I liked about my hair, and that was the single Shirley Temple curl when left down while the rest of my hair was pulled back. I carefully worked my hair into a loose figure eight at the back of my head and applied the matching hair clips. They held firmly enough I would not have to fear them falling out on stage, although I may have to re-do my hair a few times before stage time. Next, I put on the earrings and finally the delicate necklace, while facing away from the mirror. Closing my eyes, I turned to face the 'magic mirror'.
Another person stared at me from the mirror now. A much older person. No one would believe I was the same blue jeaned sneaker loving 16-year-old girl who had walked into this room last night. In fact, I bet I could walk into the hotel bar and order a drink without getting carded. With the right makeup, I could even pass for 25. A thrill of excitement surged through me as I contemplated trying the bar idea out. Of course, I knew myself well enough to know I would never do that. But still it would be fun.
The phone rang startling me out of my thoughts. "Hello?"
"Hi, I am calling with Seattle Limo Service, my name is Mike. Your car is waiting downstairs when you are ready." A friendly older voice informed me.
"Oh, thank you. I will be right down" I replied and glanced one more time at the figure in the mirror before grabbing my violin case and very carefully walking down the hall to the elevator. As the elevator doors opened, I looked around trying to find "Mike." A man I guessed to be about Granny's age was leaning up against the reception desk trying to make small talk to the same young woman who greeted me yesterday. He did not seem to be having any success. As I walked toward him smiling his eyes ran appreciatively over me. Not in a creepy sort of way but in a kind of sweet paternal way.
"Ms. VanBorg I presume." He said as he did a playfully grand sweep of his arm taking his hat off of his balding head as he bowed.
Laughter a little to loud for the environment erupted as I covered my mouth trying to quiet myself. Shame flashing in my eyes as the receptionist shot me a reprimanding look.
"Your chariot awaits you." He teased as he hooked his elbow through mine and attempted to take my violin from my other hand as he led me out the door.
"Um if you don't mind I would like to carry that, Thanks. It's priceless to me." I told him slightly chagrined.
"Your wish is my command fair lady"
Dad would love this guy. He cracked me up. The concert hall was only about a ten-minute drive from the hotel but by the time the limo got there, I had tears streaming down my cheeks from laughing so hard. I was thankful I had not put on makeup before leaving the hotel or I would be a mess.
The familiar calm settled over me though, the moment I entered the concert hall. This was my kingdom. This was where all my dreams came true. Where I became the princess, every little girl dreamed of being. Where every woman in the room would be wishing she were me. In this room, I quit being a slightly awkward teenager and became a queen. More importantly, this was the room where I found myself. The part of me that was only visible when I lost sight of the rest of the world and immersed myself in the intoxicating flow of music. When colors were no longer seen, fragrances no longer smelled, and time no longer existed as everything surrounding me came to me through waves of music. I would be caressed by the notes as they led me away from this world into my perfect place. In my perfect place, there were only three in the audience. My mom, my Granny, and my God. All the music I would ever play, all the compositions I would ever create would be done for the pleasure of these three. The three who would love me no matter how badly I may screw up, the three who made me who I am and let me become who I may be. I could tell myself this was about dresses and scholarships but in truth, this was for them. Just as every effort I had put forth in my life since I was nine years old had been for them.
As I walked toward the stage, I was no longer just Lenai. I was Lenai, daughter of Annica VanBorg, granddaughter of Isabella Swan, and beloved of the Heavenly Father. Tonight my music would flow. The gift given to me by these would be given back to them.
I pushed through the curtain to makeup. I did not say a word to anyone for three hours as all preparations were made around me. Thankfully, someone had informed everyone of my muteness before any performance.
The musicians took their places on stage, warm ups and tuning ensued. I said a silent prayer as I tuned my violin and prepared to create my music. A half hour session was all that was needed to prepare this orchestra. We were given another half hour break before we needed to be back up on stage. I sat in my chair as everyone else filed off stage. As I had done since I was nine years old I picked up my 3/4 size violin and played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. The face of Mrs. Phillips filled my mind, tears streaming down her face as she saw me playing this little song so many years ago. I hoped she would be in the audience tonight.
The first person back on stage had to be Alex's younger brother. He and his brother looked too much alike for it to be anyone else. As he stepped behind the timpani drum I smiled lightly, thinking of how proud he would make his brother tonight. I wondered if he even knew how much his brother loved him. I hoped so.
Everyone was in their seats and the lights eased down. As the curtain rose, everything surrounding me slipped away. The conductor greeted the audience then launched us into our first song. I flowed through the music submerging myself so deeply I could feel the notes on my skin. As the first piece came to a close, I heard the conductor introduce me as, the highly esteemed guest performer. I stood to a roaring applaud and glided to center stage. My selected bass player followed a few seconds behind me and sat in her seat.
"The following composition is called 'Amazed by Grace'. I started composing this five years ago at the urging of a very talented musician and teacher, Abigail Phillips. "Mrs. Phillips this is for you."
Not a sound was heard in the music hall as I took my seat. Kim my bass player started with a slow deep mournful strumming. As my part cut in and joined with, hers to set a contrast of light to darkness and the battle that ensues between the two. I lost myself in my music, in my worship.
The next hour was euphoric for me as I repeatedly dove deeply under and into the sea of notes surrounding me loosing all bindings to this physical Earth as my soul soared where only angels dreamed.
The curtain closed around us. I was awakened to the real world once again. Every face on the stage was turned in my direction. Looks of awe etched on every one of them. Most of the musicians on stage were at least ten years older than me, and had been playing their entire lives. A burning blush consumed me as I realized at once that not all thoughts toward me at this moment were pleasant. I hated causing any negative feelings in anyone. My music was a gift I shared, it broke my heart when it made others feel jealousy or somehow overshadowed. That was a price I often paid though, and tonight was no different. I stood and approached the curtain as it was raised again. A deafening applause engulfed me. Surprised I heard one single loud shrilling whistle cut through all the clapping. Searching to find the source of the inappropriate but very uplifting sound my eyes met with Alex. His fingers in the corners of his mouth blowing for all he was worth. For a moment I wondered if he even recognized me or if he was really just taken with my music so deeply, then he winked and waved. I bowed to the crowd, turned, and bowed just to Alex returning the wink. It was all I could give him, after all, I would never see him again, but I would remember his kindness for a long time to come. The curtain closed around me again, and I headed off the stage.
My wonderful chauffeur was waiting for me in the wings. In his hands, he held a bouquet of gardenias and green fronds, tucked under his arm carefully was also my violin case. He smiled as I reached first for the case and kneeled on the floor to retrieve the leather cloth I kept in it for wiping down my violin after playing. After my violin and bow were properly cleaned and stored, I stood and looked at him questioningly.
A playful glint lit his old eyes as he looked down into the bouquet. "An old friend of mine found me sneaking a listen out in the entry hall and assumed correctly that I was giving you a ride after the concert. She asked me to give these to you."
I took the flowers and read the handwritten note stuck delicately between the blossoms. "It was beautiful Lenai! Thank you, you have given me more than you will ever know! Love always, Abigail"
"You know Mrs. Phillips?" I was shocked. The phrase it's a small world came to mind.
"We've been friends since high school." He chuckled.
Suddenly I realized he must know my Granny Bell too. "Did you know Isabella Swan as well?"
A sad and confused look came over his face. "Why do you ask about her?" For a moment, I was not sure if he would answer me but obviously, he knew Granny. "I knew her briefly, she was an amazing girl." A reflective look came into his eyes and I could tell there was difficult emotion raging within him.
"Will you take me for a cup of coffee? I will tell you why I asked." I had to know why the haunted look came to his eyes when I mentioned Granny. I also felt he needed to hear my part of her story as badly as I wanted to hear his. Granny had never been open about her past, and lately I had become very curious.
Please let me know what you think about it!!