Disclaimer: Stephenie's sandbox. I'm just playing with her toys.
The day had been enlightening. I'd learned about Dr. Cullen and his family of gentle predators, how they'd lived as civilians among the people of Forks before everything changed. Carlisle and Charlie were well acquainted. I imagined the doctor's expertise had earned him a meritorious reputation, especially with a police chief who abhorred helplessly watching those in pain.
Although..
"I'll take the messiest car accident over a bloodless corpse any day." The memory of my father's discordant observation made my stomach turn.
"We were to meet up at the police station, if one lost the other. Charlie wanted me to hang around Forks until the first snowfall, and then move on." It was dangerous for a human to loiter for any length of time.
Dr. Cullen had inquired about my year and I'd omitted entire chapters from my story. But I knew he wouldn't prod. As for the state of the world - "Our royal vampire coven made a serious lapse in judgement. We are doing all we can to counteract their resolution."
What pink elephant in the room?
"I'm afraid I must leave tonight, Miss Swan, but our home is your home. Edward will be your guardian until-"
"Edward?" I interrupted. "I thought he left." Earlier, the one who'd made tomato soup for me failed to present himself. Carlisle had discovered a mahogany tray abandoned by the foot of the door, supporting my meal.
"I suspect he went hunting. I'll talk to him before I go."
"Just Edward and I are staying here?"
The father figure chuckled. "My paradox enthusiasts are spread across the globe. If your worries concern that of prudence, I assure you Edward is an upright gentleman. As far as virtue, he's unswerving."
I was only wondering whether the others would pop by the house. My countenance waved a white flag at my childish mortification. "No worries!"
Content with that, Carlisle rose from his chair, extending a pallid hand to shake mine. "It has been a pleasure meeting you, Isabella. And I'll promise this - the earth WILL improve for man."
"Please," I smiled. "Call me Bella."
I had taken showers where I could. But a carefree soak in a steamy tub full of bubbles..
"YAY!" I exclaimed upon hitting the bathroom lights, gaping with astonishment at the resplendence before me - a perfectly elegant toilet(!) next to a free standing sink, a fog glass shower toward the left kiddie cornered a fog glass closet and - over a marble floor, the most inviting vintage bathtub. A wide, deep base augmented the white porcelain with brass claws. I was all too happy to slide across the tiles and start the faucet.
I left the tub unplugged for the moment as I peeked inside the closet, hoping to find some bath products.
"DOUBLE YAY!"
Shampoo, shaving gel, tooth paste, body wash, fresh loofahs, deodorant; everything I could possibly need or want was available. Hanging on a rack were plush white robes with matching slippers. A mini skyscraper of Egyptian cotton towels and wash cloths pervaded the remaining space.
I felt like a little princess; Sara Crewe about to get arrested over Miss Minchin's false accusation.
Seizing hold of some shampoo and conditioner, I quickly washed my hair over the hot water before covering the drain, letting a little bubble bath goo to the bottom. I scrubbed my face and teeth as I waited for the tub to fill.
It was beginning to hit me. Easing into the tonic, a bubble which had burst so many times began to reshape around my presence.
These vampires were noble. I could rest my head tonight without wondering if I'd wake up to find my life force percolating into someone's appetite. And most importantly, I was in Forks, the very place I'd wished to arrive at. I would head for the police station at dawn. Carlisle had given me easy directions.
An hour fled before the water began to cool and I was barely awake to notice. I pulled the plug. The room on the left wing contained a bed, I had been told. A warm bed with satin sheets and buoyant pillows.
I fell asleep upon contact.
"MOM!" There was a vulgar taste in the back of my throat. Charlie held my horrified frame in a strong embrace, unfisting one of his hands so he could shield my view."I'll take the messiest car accident over a bloodless corpse any day," he dryly managed under his breath.
I was beginning to hyperventilate. The next sentence sounded louder, meant to be heard. "Go outside, Bells. Let me take care of your mother." I stumbled off just in time to fall to my knees and violently hurl.
^_^ check out the song I composed for this story, found at reverbnation under the band entitled ALumInum VoyagE
