Saving Grace, Chap. 4
Summary: The final chapter of Grace's story…maybe. Court hearing, school starting, and more romance. Author's note: Dr. Morris is Alistair; it is one of the most common British surnames and since we don't know his *actual* last name, I made one up. Do with it what you will.
The next week is a blur for Grace. Between catching up on the assignments she's missed from Esme, shopping for a suitable, Alice-approved outfit for the hearing, and apologizing to the family for her behavior, she is SO ready for the new year to begin. It is the night before her court hearing, and before conjuring Alistair, she sets about preparing her outfit for the next day, locating the necessary paperwork, and practicing her story. It was decided that she would tell the Judge that she is planning to seek a novel, experimental treatment that uses animal venom to heal people, and that she will remain with the Cullen's indefinitely. Alistair will be speaking in a medical parameter, as will Carlisle. Esme and Alice are on hand to show the court her living arrangement, and all the financial documents, and each Cullen child's faux adoption paperwork had been submitted and approved.
Now, she was excited to see Alistair. Ever since that evening in the forest, when he'd kissed her, her body had craved his touch, and her thoughts had spun around her head so much that even Edward was ready to conjure him. It had been Edward who'd ratted her out to Carlisle; though not intentionally, he had just been mopey and complaining about her thoughts and the rapid-fire way they ran through her brain, and it had been Carlisle who noticed that Edward was as out of sorts as Grace was. Carlisle had been upset, but Grace promised him that she wouldn't get too attached, that it was only two kisses, and that she would see other people unless and until Alistair made a more permanent move. Grace secretly hoped that as soon as she graduated, he'd whisk her off to London with him; she'd had visions of being an overseas bride in white, buying a little cottage in the country, and pledging allegiance to the Crown and to her vampire. But of course, the only one who knew this was Edward, and he was betting, and hoping, that exposure to boys her own age at school would be the trick she needed to forget about the misanthropic, albeit smitten, vampire that she was currently so very taken by.
Carlisle assumed that Grace had fixated on Alistair because he was the only available, decent-looking fellow to cross her path since this whole thing began, so against his first instincts, he did not forbid Grace from seeing him, and talking to him, but he did ask that the two refrain from too much romantic contact until Grace could get her footing at school. He hoped that meeting some of Jasper's friends at the holidays would rev up her interest in others, and decided that even mortal teenaged boys were a better distraction than his old friend. Esme had been upset, but she sensed that whatever created the bond between their newest child and her husband's friend was something more than she or Carlisle could dictate, and thus, had stepped aside. Alice believed it was cute phase, but Jasper knew that Alistair lusted for Grace like he did for Alice, but was too well-bred to even suggest anything more than a electrically-charged friendship with the child. As long as she never kissed him again, he'd be OK. IF.
Grace hangs the dress she'd bought on a hook next to the closet door, adding a cardigan sweater, some stockings, and a pair of black flat dress shoes that Alice had complained about but that Rosalie and Esme had said were more conservative, and a better bet than anything that Alice had liked. The dress had been picked by Alice, though, and it was simultaneously cute, flattering, and appropriate. It was a pink sheath dress with a matching cardigan, reminiscent of a young Jackie Kennedy, and Alice was going to set Grace's hair and clip it back in an upsweep to give her a mod, 1960's vibe.
When finally Grace was satisfied with the accessories she'd chosen-mostly culled from her sisters and Esme-and each piece had been laid out carefully to be put on the next morning at 9 am, she sat on her bed for a moment to gather the needed energy and maturity to face Alistair. She raises her hand, and nods once, softly, right at 4 PM; the time that Alistair agreed to be ready. He appeared with an overnight bag and a briefcase in his hands, but dropped them when he arrived. Grace smiled, still proud of her powers, and greeted him.
"Hi." He smiled back, and embraced her; although he had sworn to himself that he'd never kiss her again until she was old enough to understand her emotions, he found her scent intoxicating, and found himself running his fingers through her gleaming blonde locks. As he pulled lightly away, he was again amazed at her close resemblance to Esme, and felt the twitters of lust and love flapping away in his stomach. He immediately tried to make his visage stern, and she looked a little surprised.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes; I'm sorry, it was just a busy day, actually. Is your father home?" Grace nods, but still eyes him suspiciously.
"He's in the study. He came home early today so he and Esme could review with me what I am going to say tomorrow." Alistair nods, and notices her dress hanging on the wall. He indicates it.
"Is that your kit for tomorrow?"
"My what?'
"You call it outfit, I think. It's rather nice, then. The pink will suit you. Please excuse me, my dear, but I must see Carlisle at once." Grace opens the door and gestures him into the hallway as he picks up his bags and hurries down the hall. She stares after him, worried about his odd behavior, but sighs, and shrugs, and turns back around into her bedroom to read some before Esme comes to find her for her lessons. She takes some time to think about Alistair's odd behavior, and chalks it up to nerves. She will make sure that she doesn't bother him while he's here, although she longs for his touch, and she promises herself she will make her parent's happy and keep him at arm lengths, unless and until he indicates that he is willing to have more. She sighs, and opens her novel, War and Peace, which she is rereading for the third time, and tries to lose herself in pre-war Russia.
In the study, Carlisle greets his old friend warmly, but notices that he is sporting his trademark scowl, a look the Cullen's hadn't seen in weeks, not since the man had first met Grace. He senses that something is wrong, but as he gestures to a seat for the man, he decides to let it be; he is sure that either Grace or Alistair, or both, will air their issues to him, seeking his advice and help, and he will deal with it then. He tells himself that it is NOT interfering, but wonders if he shouldn't ask if Alistair's sudden moodiness has anything to do with the events during his hunt with his daughter. He doesn't ask, however, and instead asks the man about the files in the briefcase that the man is clutching.
"Do you have the final lab reports?" Alistair nods, and pulls a blue Manila folder out of his bag and hands it to Carlisle.
"My assistant tried to find pink, but I am afraid that blue was all she could find." He appeared annoyed to relay this information, but Carlisle chuckled.
"Esme refiled all of my information on Grace into a purple folder; pink was already taken by Nessie." Alistair smiles tightly, and then sits back as Carlisle scans the man's report. It was basically the same as his, with the exception of a few British phrases and terms, and he nodded as he handed the file back to his friend.
"Looks great. I appreciate that you did so much work on Grace's case. It will be really helpful tomorrow." Alistair nods back.
"It was my pleasure. I like her; she's quite spunky, and I think she's an asset to our kind." Carlisle murmurs in agreement.
"Yes, I think you are right. Did you see Grace before you came in here?"
"Yes. We spoke for a moment, and I saw her dress for tomorrow; it seems that Alice has spread her fashion interests to the whole family." Carlisle laughs then.
"No one is safe from Alice's fashion sense, I'm afraid. I feel that I must address the whole Grace…issue, though, if you have a moment." Alistair bit his lip lightly, but nods.
"Sure." Carlisle nods.
"Edward told me about what happened in the forest when you went along with the children on their hunt last week." He stops as Alistair nods miserably.
"I crossed a line, but I can promise you, it won't happen again." Carlisle raised an eyebrow, and a palm, but continues.
"It's a little awkward, I must admit, but we're not against your feelings, or Grace's, either. We just ask that you understand that we want Grace to try not to become to attached to anyone too soon, but for the time being, what ever is going on with you two is fine. Please just remember that she is only sixteen, and while we both agree she is intelligent, she is precocious, and has some romantic ideals. Just-be careful, all right? Please, if you feel the need to take your relationship to the next level, remind Grace to speak to me immediately about safety." Alistair shifts uncomfortably in his seat, but nods.
"Well, I don't think that's on the horizon, but if and when that time comes, I promise you we'll be careful. It's not at the top of my priority list to corrupt a young, impressionable woman and stop her path in the middle of the great things I think Grace will achieve." Carlisle nods.
"I'm glad to hear it. Now that we have that squared away, may I inquire what you will say tomorrow?" Alistair sighs in relief, and nods.
"I plan to just explain to them that I assisted with her medical care until this point, and that I am stopping to concentrate on my own patients better, and that I believe that you are more than capable medically, and that you and Esme together are more than adequate to guide Grace through the remainder of her time with you." Carlisle smiles.
"Thank you. I think that's all I wanted, then, but if you see Esme, she might have something else." Alistair nods, and Carlisle continues. "If you have nothing else, would you please excuse me? Since I came home early, and will arrive late to work tomorrow, I really need to squeeze in a few phone calls with my interns." Alastair stands.
"I understand. Please, don't let me keep you anymore." Carlisle nods absently as Alastair exits the room, feeling a little lost. Esme appears in front of him, and smiles.
"Hello. We've set you up in the guest room, so if you'll follow me, I can show you the way."
"Thank you." He follows the pretty young woman down the hallway, past Grace's bedroom, and they stop in front of a closed, white door. She opens it, and gestures him in. He takes in the cherry yellow walls, the yellow and white striped linens on the bed, and the white antiqued furniture. He smiles warmly at Esme, quickly complementing her on the décor.
"Yellow. How sunny. It's quite nice, thank you." Esme nods lightly.
"Of course. Is there anything you need?" He shakes his head, and sets his bags down quietly. He'd always been slightly jealous of his old friend; he adored Esme and her unique brand of genuine niceness and of course, her beauty, but he'd also always felt slightly uncomfortable around her, as he was used to British women of a certain age and upbringing, and Esme's intelligence and independence had frightened him at first. It had been nearly a hundred years now, though, and he felt that they were just beginning to find a quiet middle ground, so he was intent on pleasing her, although he was unsure how the recent developments with her daughter would affect the tenuous friendship.
"No, thank you, I don't think so. I had a hunt early this morning, so I should be fine until I return home." Esme nods, and a crash from downstairs cause both of them to turn around and face the door. Esme sighs, shakes her head, and smiles at him again.
"Please excuse me, I believe Nessie just woke up from her nap."
"Of course. Good luck." She nods as she leaves, and he sighs, picks up his overnight bag, and sets about organizing the simple outfit he'd had his secretary arrange for him that morning. God, he needed a mate, and he needed one fast, for his personal affairs were a big mess. A few minutes later, he could hear giggles, Esme scolding Nessie, and then a piano starting, and Grace's voice. He stopped hanging his clothes on hangers and headed down the stairs. He followed the music to find Grace at the piano, with most of the Cullen's around, singing an old jazz song, and smiling. She picked up his scent as he came into the room, and she smiled up at him. He sat next to Jasper on the couch, and watched, smiling as she sang her way through the jazz song, and another pop song he didn't recognize. When she finished the second song, she bowed her head, and the family clapped, and as they disbursed, he settled himself on the piano bench next to her.
"I didn't know you could play the piano." Grace looks at him, her blue eyes shining and happy.
"My grandfather taught me before he died. I went into the hospital pretty much full time right after, so I lost a lot of skill. But Edward helps me, and I'm remembering a lot." He inhales, realizing that there isn't a lot he knew about her, and that there was much he wanted to know. He smiles and nods lightly.
"Can you sing some more?"
"Sure. What do you want to hear?"
"I don't suppose you know God Save the Queen."
"No. But just for you-an old British classic." She turned back to the keys and began to play Greensleeves. He laughed as she sang.
"Alas/my love/you do me wrong/to cast me off discourteously/for I have loved you/well and long/delighting in your company. Greensleeves was all my joy/green sleeves was all my delight/Greensleeves was my heart of gold/And who but my lady Greensleeves."
As she finished the first chorus, she stopped playing, and smiling, spoke to him.
"Look, I know Henry the 8th didn't exactly have his moral compass pointing due North, but if he can write a song like that for the woman he loves, he couldn't be all bad." Laughter echoed through the house, and Grace laughed more.
"I keep forgetting they can all hear me." Carlisle and Esme appeared in the living room then. Carlisle spoke to Grace.
"How much more of Greensleeves do you know?"
"Most of it. I have trouble with the ending. Why?"
"My birth was under Queen Mary, but I have always been fascinated by her father." Grace looked surprised.
"Well, my grandfather was a history professor, so he, too held an interest in medieval history. I know some other British classics." She held up a finger, and turned back to the piano, and played the first few haunting notes of "Scarborough Fair."
"And, I know Jerusalem, of course, and "Land of My Fathers" which I can't play well." Carlisle looks at Esme, smiling and then to Alistair. He speaks.
"Will you play Jerusalem? I haven't heard it in eons; Edward doesn't know it." Edward appeared in the room, Nessie on his hip. She plays the British marching tune, and Carlisle smiles.
"I know God Save the Queen; it's the same as "My Country 'Tis of Thee", you know, the patriotic song?" Grace shakes her head at Edward.
"No. Sorry. But I can play something else. Any ideas?" Carlisle shook his head, and addressed the group.
"Esme and I think it's a good idea for everyone who is going to the hearing tomorrow to hunt." Grace sighs, but folds up her piano books and hides them away. Edward speaks to Carlisle and Esme.
"I'll put Nessie to bed, and then I'll come along. Bella is staying here tomorrow with Rose and Jasper; I think that Emmett is staying, too, but I'll grab Alice when I come down."
"Thanks, Edward." He nods as he turns and carries the child upstairs, and returns quickly with Alice. While he is gone, Grace speaks to Alistair.
"Do you want to come? It might make it easier to deal with all the people tomorrow." He shakes his head, and grimaces.
"No, thanks. I hunted this morning. I'll just do some work. Go on with your family and have some fun, and I'll be here." Grace looks at him, her eyebrows furrowed.
"Ok. Well, then, I guess I'll go change and meet everyone back here in a few minutes." The family nods, and Alistair excuses himself upstairs behind her. As they climb the stairs in silence, Grace reaches out and touches his hand.
"Are you all right?"
"It's still a little awkward. And I'm a little reticent about tomorrow." Grace looks immediately upset.
"You have to be there, you said-" He interrupts her as he opens the door to her bedroom, and leads her inside, leaving the door open behind them.
"And I will be. I just need you to be aware that I don't deal as well with mortals as all of you do. It's going to be a little harder for me, is all. So I need a little time, is all. Just to sit in your father's study and gather myself. OK?" Grace, who had settled herself on her armchair in the corner of her small bedroom near the bookshelf, looked up at him, a look of concerned understanding in her blue eyes. She stands, and crosses to where he is standing, arms crossed over his chest, in the opposite corner from her. He embraces her, and inhales her sweet, calming scent as she speaks.
"I understand. Take all the time you need. When I come back, do you want me to sit with you? I need to read a bit for Esme before tomorrow." He nods.
"Ok, that would be fine, I think." She smiles lightly, and raises her face lightly, peering at him through her eyelashes. It is purely a flirty move, and he takes the bait, and kisses her lightly. He smiles as he breaks away, and breathes a whisper into her ear. "Your blue eyes are so pretty, you know?" Grace murmurs back.
"Thank you. Um, I should probably change and get downstairs; I'm sorry." He reluctantly releases his grip, and she steps back, and he touches her face gently as he leaves the room, closing the door behind him. He inhaled and exhaled a low breath, and then hurried down the hallway and into the study.
A few hours later, Grace and Alice are alone in the woods, having let Carlisle and Esme go on ahead of them so they could talk. Edward had gone back home to help Bella right after he'd fed.
"So, I walked by your bedroom earlier. When did you and Alistair get so close?" Grace bit her lip, and considered lying to her sister, but the look on Alice's face made her change her mind.
"For a little bit now. And Carlisle and Esme gave us their blessing, so please don't say anything. I can't believe you saw us." Alice looked slightly annoyed.
"Your door was open. I couldn't help it; Jazz said that there was a lot of heat coming from in there. I didn't get it that he meant psychological heat." Grace rolled her blue eyes at her sister, and answered.
"It's NOT psychological heat. Whatever that means. It's just…I don't know. When he's around, my body is on full alert, but my mind is calm. My insides desperately long for his touch, but my brain knows better. I don't really understand it. I feel his emotions; they're real, and so are mine." Alice nods, Jasper had said something similar earlier that day, when they'd arrived home from school. Edward had agreed; Alice had asked him to keep a close ear on the man's thoughts until she could work out what was going on between her sister and the man. She hadn't been able to, yet, though, and it was driving her crazy.
"Ok, Ok. Just be careful, OK? And don't forget what Jasper and I told you about sex. Just be smart, all right?" Grace smiled lightly, slightly embarrassed.
"Alice, jeez. Look, I am not sleeping with him, nor will I. At least not for awhile. I did promise to graduate from High School, and Alistair wants me to explore higher education." Alice raised her eyebrows.
"Really?"
"Yes. He refuses to touch me until I am 18, and really doesn't it want it to be "serious", she said, making quotation signs in the air with her fingers, "until I am older than that. He must know, though, that there is no time table when eternity is involved. Is there?" Alice shrugged.
"I guess not. That's why Jazz and I haven't married. Or at least, one of the reasons. But you really DO have to be careful. Has Bella told you about her pregnancy?" Grace nods vigorously.
"Yes, but that was different. She was mortal then."
"True, but Carlisle said that it's worse for vampires. There's only one instance that he knows of where the mother survived." Grace nods, looking worried.
"Well, let's cross that bridge when we come to it, OK?" She parroted one of Esme's expressions. Alice sighs deeply and nods, as Esme and Carlisle return to the clearing where they'd left the children a little while before.
"You girls ready to head back?" asked Esme.
"Yes." Both girls answered at the same time, causing the other to collapse into giggles. Carlisle and Esme exchange a look and the girls giggle more, but the four head for home.
Once at home, they part and go their separate ways; Carlisle and Esme upstairs to their bedroom, Alice off to find Jasper, and Grace to the study, where she can still smell Alistair pacing the room. She smiles as she enters the study cum library, and speaks softly to him.
"Hi. You seem upset. Are you all right?" He looks up at her, smiles, and shakes his head.
"I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole thing." Grace pursed her lips lightly.
"What whole thing?" He stops pacing and looks at her.
"Whatever this thing is, actually." Grace wets her lips.
"Did one of my brothers say something?"
"No. But they don't have to; I can sense it." Grace looks annoyed, and her blue eyes flash at him.
"Leave the sensing to me and Jasper, OK? Firstly, there isn't an "us", per se, and even if there was, it has nothing to do with anyone else. Let me be clear about the one thing I do know: I didn't set out to have this happen. I didn't plan this, it just happened, OK? So ignore whichever of us is making you feel uncomfortable." He considers, and wraps his arms around her, feeling her relax into him. Her blue eyes are still lit up, an almost aqua shade, indicating that she was annoyed, but as he lowered his head to kiss her, they returned to their usual cobalt. He kissed her softly but urgently and then pulled away as he nodded.
"Ok, you're right. I will just go with it for now. Maybe your father is right; when you start school, promise me you'll at least LOOK for someone else?" Grace smiles, and rolls her eyes.
"Ok. But no getting upset if I find some super-awesome football player who falls madly in love with me and you miss your chance." He chuckles, and allows her to pull him out of the room and down the hallway to her bedroom.
"I promise I won't. Well, maybe a little, but I can deal with it. As long as you're happy." She gestured to the armchair, and he sat, looking confused.
"We're sitting together, remember? To calm you. And I need to finish War and Peace." She scoops the beat-up hardback off the shelf next to the chair, and settles herself on the foot of her bed.
"You read Tolstoy?"
"Yes. Shh." She opens her novel and reads a few words before she starts to giggle, sensing Alistair's bewilderment. She looks up at him, stands, crosses over to the chair, and sits herself in his lap as he adjusts his position. "I am almost through. You were supposed to be calm, remember?" He raises an eyebrow at her as she leans back, her head almost against his chest as she reads quietly. He lets his thoughts wander, as he runs his fingers through her hair and rests an arm lightly around her waist. They remain like this for an hour, until Grace snaps her novel shut and sighs deeply.
"That was good. Natasha and Pierre-epically romantic." He shakes his head as his hand moves from her hair to her face.
"Not as romantic as Hardy, I must say. Of course, I am partial to European authors, particularly those from the United Kingdom." Grace kissed his hand as he moved his fingers along her right cheek.
"I've read Hardy. Return of the Native. If I was in a Hardy novel, I wouldn't kill myself so cruelly like Eustacia. I would stay and nurse Rochester to health; attend to his failing eyesight, and feed him soup from a ladle." With that, Alistair laughs heartily.
"Such a romantic our young Grace is." Grace smiled up at him.
"Yet you seem unmoved by my efforts."
"What makes you think that, my dear?" They are now entwined, Grace having moved her body to be facing him, straddling his lap.
"You refuse to touch me, and the way you kiss me reminds me of the way a brother would kiss his sister." He chuckled lightly, but responded.
"You are wrong, dear child. I want to kiss you desperately, properly, but you see, I cannot. It's just not right, you know, the age thing and all." Grace rolled her eyes again, and this time he saw. "I hate that, you know, eye-rolling." Grace made her eyes big.
"Sorry. But you see, you're so silly. You're the only one who thinks it's wrong. You're technically only 19 and I am 16. That's only three years. You know that Esme is older than Carlisle, technically? And Jasper is older than Alice. And Bella is older than Edward. It would just fit into the family, you see." He nods, but chuckles again.
"Your logic is at once both perfect and convoluted. I quite like it, I think." She nods, and whispers to him, sensing his heightened feelings of lust. She reached up and touched his face, placing her hand on his cheek.
"I'm glad. Can you hold me again, like you did after the forest incident?"
"Oh, is that what we're calling it now?" Grace stands up, and tosses her head at him.
"Very funny." She pulls him to his feet, and they arrange themselves on her bed, her snuggled into his chest again, her head on his shoulder. They lay quietly for an hour, tense with both lust and nerves, when Grace interrupts their haze, whispering to him.
"Are you feeling calm now?" He chuckles lightly, and pulls her closer to him.
"Not exactly. But I'm ok." Grace smiles up at him.
"Me, too. Um , can I ask you something?" He considers, but nods.
"Sure."
"What would a proper kiss look like? I mean, you just said earlier that you wished you could kiss me properly, and while I have a feeling you won't, because you're too square, can you at least DESCRIBE it?" He shakes his head, murmuring to himself.
"You are quite the handful, child. What makes you think that I'm too square to kiss you?" With that, he sits up, pulling her up with him, and kisses her hard, deeply, and pulls her body close to his. After a few moments, he pulls away, breathing hard. Grace smiles lightly, but whispers.
"Ok, I'm sorry. I guess I was wrong. Can we do that some more?" He nods, and reaches for her again. Grace pulls him down with her to the bed, and they kiss deeply and hungrily for the next few minutes, each one desperately pulling the other close, as if their mere presence could calm the other. After several kisses, Grace pulls away, feeling an odd humming in her chest, and stands.
"Sorry. I need to close the door; Alice is being loud-that's the whispering you hear." Alistair nods, and as Grace quietly shuts the door and returns to the bed, he embraces her again.
"Ok, I guess this is OK for now. But I want you to tell me if you ever feel uncomfortable or scared by the way we touch, OK? I couldn't live with myself if I hurt you." Grace nods, serious for a moment.
"I promise not to go any further than is comfortable for the both of us, OK?" He nods, and pulls her back into his embrace, this time trailing his kisses from her mouth to her neck and upper chest. They spend the next few hours touching and kissing and talking, making sure the other is comfortable with the new status quo. As Grace fumbles for the buttons on his shirt, though, he stops her.
"Ok, that might be a little far." She nods, breathing heavily, and returns her hands to his hair, and they fall back into their cuddly cocoon, each one careful to arrange themselves so as to not excite the other. It is quiet for several more minutes, until Grace whispers.
"That was nice. Are you OK? Not upset?" He shakes his head, and, glancing at the clock on the bedside table, groans.
"No, but I really should be getting on to the guest room for the evening. I need to check Email, and make a phone call; it is already early morning in London. I must ask for a little bit of privacy for a bit; I'll see you in a few hours, though, and I am sure you'll be fine until then. When is Alice coming in to fix your hair or do whatever it is that you girls do?" Grace shrugs, having sat up.
"When I tell her I am ready. Is it really going to take you a couple of hours to check E-mail? I mean, it's London, right, not Zimbabwe." He chuckles, and shakes his head.
"Ok, I'll stay put for just a little longer, but I really MUST work a bit tonight, OK?" Grace nods.
"I swear I'll let you go soon." He nods as she slides back down and settles herself in bed and finds his hand. Soon, they are wrapped up in each other again, his mouth on her neck, and his hands inching up her shirt, tugging softly at the buttons, and whispering in her ear.
"Gracie, are you sure you're OK with this?" She whispers back.
"So far, yes. We are good at this, no? Communicating, I mean." He nods lightly and when his hands have finally opened her blouse, he smiles appreciatively, and places his hands on her stomach, feeling her stomach rise and fall with each inhalation she makes. He moves his lips from her neck to the bite mark above her left breast, where the artery to her heart once sent blood to nourish her body, and she gasps lightly as he does. He chuckles to himself, and moves his hands higher, inching gently towards her bra. Suddenly, he feels Grace pull his hands up to her breasts and her mouth on his, and he lets his hands wander over her body as she kisses him deeply, her body molding into his. A few minutes later, his hands travel to the top of her jeans, and she pushes him away, whispering.
"Not quite ready for that, I'm sorry." He shakes his head, and returns his hands to her hips, and a moment later, he pulls away as his chest begins to buzz loudly. She raises an eyebrow at him as he mutters to her.
"God, you're gorgeous. But I really must be getting to work, OK?" She nods as he slides out of her embrace, kissing her neck as he goes. "Thank you for being so understanding, and so open with your feelings. I am glad we can communicate like this; I feel better knowing you know your limits." She nods, and sits up to dress again. She puts her face up for a kiss, and he obliges as she whispers to him.
"Thank you. You're always so sweet to me. I'll see you in a few hours, yeah?" He nods silently as he tucks his now-wrinkled shirt into his trousers and opens the door to find Alice standing there. He nods curtly and hurries down the hallway as Alice enters Grace's room and shuts the door behind her. She faces the girl head on as Grace calmly stands, buttons her blouse, and shakes out her hair. She is silent as she straightens the comforter, then she faces Alice again.
"What?" Alice raises an eyebrow, and Grace can sense her anger, and immediately sends her a calming vibe, but Alice fights it.
"What was going on in here?" Grace sends her more vibes, harder this time, and she sees Alice's tense body relax slightly.
"Alice, it was just kissing. Relax."
"It didn't look like simply kissing." Grace sighs.
"I want to tell you, but everyone is home, and they can all hear me."
"Well, let's go to the 24 hour drugstore; we're out of hairspray anyway." Grace nods, and grabs her purse as Alice ushers her out the door, down the hall and into the garage, having grabbed her keys on the way out. Once they are in the car, Alice turns to her.
"Start talking, kid." Grace sighs, and senses Alice's annoyance, but this time, doesn't try to calm her.
"Ok, we went a little further than talking. Geez, Alice, slow down." Alice was speeding down the driveway so fast that they were on the street in 20 seconds.
"How far?"
"Not all the way. Just second base, I think it's called." Alice sighs and nods.
"Fine. Just remember what we talked about. Why didn't you tell me you were planning this?"
"I wasn't. It just happened. Can you seriously slow down? I value my life, thanks." Alice grimaced, and retorted.
"Apparently you don't, because if Carlisle catches wind of this, you are one dead vampire."
"Are you going to tell him?"
"No. But can you explain to me one thing. Why Alistair? I mean, there are so many other men besides a misanthropic, old, grumpy vampire." Grace shrugs as she lets herself out of the car and heads for the drugstore.
"No, I can't. I don't understand it well myself. I never planned it. At first, it was just fun to flirt with him, but now, it's like-ok, I can sense when he first arrives that he's annoyed and tense and yes, ok, maybe a little bit misanthropic and grumpy. But then, all I have to do is smile at him, and I can feel him instantly relax, and his mood brighten infinitely. It's like, I am the calming presence he needs. Is that really messed up?" Alice, who had been stalking through the aisles as an ancient cashier watched closely, suddenly softened and turned to Grace.
"Ok. I think I understand. I still don't think he's the best choice for you, but I get it now. Just promise me you'll talk to me if it goes further, OK? What you do think of a headband with the dress?" She extends two to Grace, who selects a shiny, wide black one, and puts into the shopping basket. She replies.
"It'll be cute. I promise I will talk. I will talk to the whole darned family if it makes everyone feel better. We can have a family meeting about Grace's sex life." Alice chuckles, but shakes her head, and tosses some magazines into the basket, along with some bobby pins. They make another circle of the store, and Alice shakes her head, giggling to herself. "What's funny, Alice?"
"I was just picturing Carlisle's face if he happens to run into Alistair right now; the man looks like the cat that ate the canary. How would you explain that?" Grace grimaces again.
"I don't know. I couldn't very well just say, "Hey, dad, I'm going to second base with your oldest friend, can we talk? I imagine that wouldn't go well."
"No. You ready?" Grace nods, and they pay and exit the store, wishing the cashier well and giggling all the way to the car after Grace tried to change his emotions. They are quiet for a minute, until Alice speaks softly.
"Look, Grace, we don't bother you about Alistair to try to control your life. We just all care about you, and I know you don't believe it, but the fact is that the age thing is important, and if he decides to back out, we just don't want you to be hurt."
"I know. Thank you. But maybe Carlisle is right; when I start school, maybe it'll change, and I won't feel so fiercely devoted to helping Alistair. I don't know." Alice nods as she turns the car back into the garage, and kills the engine. She turns to Grace again.
"I would suggest that from now on, if you want, um, private time with Alistair, that you either head for the forest or go to him. It would be easier for everyone, I think, OK? Don't get too involved too quickly; you're young. Now, let's go upstairs and get lost in Vogue, and then I'll set your hair, OK?" Grace nods, and as they let themselves in the house, Grace clutching the shopping bag, she embraces Alice.
"Thanks, Alice. I still love you, you know."
"I know, kid. Meet you upstairs in a minute, I want to talk to Jazz first." Grace nods, and turns to fly up the stairs and into her room. She looks quietly around the room, still smelling of Alistair, and she sighs, drops the bag on her desk, and sets about making the bed and straightening the room. She gets an idea, and, sitting quietly and carefully in her armchair, points to the bed, and it makes itself, just like she'd seen in Mary Poppins. She emits excitement, so much so that Jasper and Alice show up at her door, and then Edward and Rosalie right behind them. It is Edward that speaks.
"What?"
"I'm totally awesome and super-amazing," she replied in a sing-song voice. Rosalie rolls her eyes, but steps forward as Grace continues. "More powers. Watch." She points to the pile of papers that had fallen to the floor when she'd kissed Alistair in the armchair. They float gently up to the desk, and land in a neat pile, as the others watch, openmouthed. It is Alice who speaks first.
"That is cool. I'm getting Esme and Carlisle. Be right back. Make a mess." Grace nods, and sweeps the papers to the floor again. The others are still watching, entranced, as Alice drags Esme, followed by Carlisle, down the hall and into Grace's room. Alice nods once as Grace looks up at her, and then Grace points to the pile of papers and they once again arrange themselves neatly on the desk. Esme gasps lightly as Carlisle nods.
"The telekinesis. It's the same thing as when you conjure. I didn't realize that was your strongest power." Grace shrugs, and answers him.
"I don't know if it's my strongest, but it's definitely the coolest. I like it best." He nods.
"I'm sure you do. But you really need to practice some more, OK?" Grace nods, serious. Carlisle turns to the group and speaks.
"Everyone clear out except Alice and Jasper." The others nod as Grace bites her lip lightly, but stands quietly in the corner as Carlisle speaks low to the remaining vampires.
"We need you to be ready to go in two hours. Please have all of your necessary paperwork ready, Grace. Edward is getting ready, as well, and the others are preparing for us to be gone for awhile. Does anyone have any questions or problems?" The children shake their head, and then Carlisle excused himself and Esme and they left, and then Jasper excused himself to the girls, who busied themselves with prettying up for the day. Alice left at one point to get her outfit, and returned to find Grace sitting quietly in her armchair, staring straight ahead. She stands in front of the girl, and ruffles her hair lightly.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm just getting a little nervous, is all." Alice nods.
"When we get home, and Alistair leaves, let's go do something fun."
"Ok." They finish dressing and primping, talking and laughing until Jasper knocked lightly at Grace's door. He opened it slightly, and smiling at the girls, spoke softly.
"It's time. Carlisle wants to know if you're riding together or what?"
"I'll ride with Edward, but Grace should probably ride with them and Alistair." Grace nods, and smiles, grabs her purse and a file folder where she'd placed the needed paperwork, and heads downstairs behind Alice. She smiles at Alistair as she descends the last step, but stands next to Esme, promising herself that she will act like an adult and not a child, and that she will do well today. She climbs into Carlisle's car, sitting next to Alistair, who smiles lightly at her. Grace can sense the tension, and though she isn't sure if it's due to the upcoming event, or because her parents are ill-at-ease with the closeness of their daughter and the man next to her, she sends calming vibes, and tries to feel them herself. She touches Alistair's hand, and smiled at him, and she tries to converse with Esme. Mercifully, they live in the county seat, and arrive at the court house in just a few minutes, parking carefully next to Edward. They enter, garnering stares as they do, and Grace bites back a giggle as Edward nudges her and whispers.
"Keep your cool, OK?"
"I'm trying." He nods, and follows Carlisle and Esme down a hallway. Grace spots Maritza Juarez, and excuses herself to the others, and stands next to the woman, who takes in her appearance. Alice took pains to make her look slightly less vampiric and more like a sick girl, and Maritza smiled at her.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm all right. How are you?"
"I'm well, thank you. So what will happen is this: The judge will interview the Cullen's, and Dr. Morris-is that the British doctor?- will speak to him. Then he'll call you in to speak, and see if it's all on the up-and-up, and then he'll make a ruling. I expect it to take about an hour, ok? Can you make it that long?"
"Yes, I did a lot of sleeping and relaxing the past few days."
"Great. Well, if you need to sit down, you can do so right here," she indicated a bank of blue plastic chairs, and continues, "But I have two other children to speak with also, so I'll be back and forth today. I am sorry, but things are under the wire before the holidays."
"I understand. Thank you."
"Good luck. Excuse me, please." Grace nods as she excuses herself and hurries towards a young child and an exasperated older woman who Grace recognized as the woman from the emergency placement home. She sighed and strolled over to where the others were standing.
"Did you all hear that? They will speak to you and Alistair first, and then to me. We can't go in until we're called. She thinks it will take about an hour…is that OK?" They nod, and then Grace pulls Alice towards the bank of chairs.
"Come on, let's talk." She lets Alice settle in, and then turns, smiling.
"Did you know that Alistair is Dr. Morris? That's SO weird." Alice shrugs lightly.
"No, it's weirder that he's here. But whatever. I hope he's going to be OK; he's not as used to this as the rest of us."
"Well, would you or Edward be willing to leave with him if he has to?"
"Yes, of course."
"Thank you." Just then, the bailiff called in the Cullen's, and Grace stood up to walk over with Alice and wish the family well. Alistair smiled lightly as the Cullen's were ushered in, with the assurance that he'd be called in in a few minutes, and Grace squeezed his hand lightly. "You'll be fine. Hey, you never told me that your last name was Morris." He grimaced at her.
"You never asked." She shakes her head, and giggles lightly. "Why is that funny?"
"I don't know. It just is." He taps her nose lightly, and kisses her cheek, careful to ensure that nothing out of the ordinary could be concluded by their actions, as he didn't particularly feel up to explaining to anyone the feelings he's had for the girl. He noticed that no one was looking at them, though, and so he continued to hold onto her hand, and she could sense his nervousness.
"Is it the mortals?'
"Yes."
"Alice said that her or Edward would leave with you if you needed to."
"Ok. I will try to hang in there. It's only a blinkin' hour, right?"
"Right." A few more minutes passed as Grace sent calming vibes to Alistair, and then the Bailiff appeared and ushered him inside.
Once he was seated, the judge turned to him.
"Dr. Morris, in her final paperwork, Ms. Siler indicated that you were one of her doctors."
"Yes, sir."
"In your opinion, is Ms. Siler capable of making sound decisions that are in her best interest?"
"Absolutely. She is a smart girl and quite sure of herself."
"That is what I hear. As far as this experimental treatment, are you onboard with that?"
"I will not be performing it, if that's what you mean. But Dr. Cullen is well educated in his field, and if he suggested it to Grace, then I am confident that it is sound."
"Very well. Have you spoken to Ms. Siler about anything other than her medical condition?"
"Yes. I have spoken to her about her wishes for the future, and they seem fairly normal. I also was impressed to discover that she is an avid reader with an active interest in learning."
"Thank you. Anything else you'd like to add?"
"I think that she has made an excellent choice to stay with the Cullen's; they love their children and I know that she will be cared for and looked after extremely well."
"Glad to hear it. Thank you for your time, sir."
"Absolutely." He steps down as the officer excuses him, and the judge speaks quietly and quickly to the Bailiff, and then asks the court officer to bring Grace to his chambers for a private session with the social worker before she is brought in with the family. As he does this, the judge dismisses the family for the time being, and they file into the hallway, Alistair sighing to Carlisle as he leaves.
"Bloody hell. Why do you people have to complicate things that are really bleedin' simple?"
"I don't know, but you did fine. Esme and I are thankful that you came, and I know Grace is happy, as well. If you need to, Edward offered to drive you home. He needs to get back to pick up Nessie from her Tot's swim class." The man nods.
"I thought I might be able to handle this better, but that would be lovely. Thank you, and pass on my apologies to Grace."
"Sure. Thanks for coming again; I will be sure to have Grace send you back immediately when we return."
"It's not urgent, Carlisle, I took the whole day off."
"Ok, well, then, you can work it out with her."
"Great." Just then, Edward rounded the corner where he'd been phoning Bella, and smiles cordially at Alistair.
"Edward, Carlisle told me that you are willing to drive back, and I'd appreciate it."
"Great. Let's go. I'll call you guys if Grace or Alice doesn't call first."
"Thanks, Edward, She'll appreciate it." He nods as he leads the older vampire out of the hallway and into the elevator. A few moments later, Carlisle hears them exiting, and turns to find his wife and Alice. He spots them in a corner nearby, talking quietly, apparently about Alistair.
"He did well; don't bother Grace about him anymore, please. Carlisle and I are taking it a step at a time."
"I won't. It's just creepy is all." Esme shushes her as Carlisle glowers. Esme knows that while Carlisle is concerned for Grace, Alistair is still his friend, and he feels that the other's don't understand the reasons for the man's odd, often cold, behavior, namely, the loss of his mate many years before. From her stance in the corner, Esme smiles at Carlisle, and beckons him over.
"Well, I thought it went well. And under schedule, which is good. Did you tell Alistair what to say?" Carlisle shakes his head.
"No, he thought that all up on his own. Look, there's the social worker again; the judge must be done with Grace." They all nod, and return to the anteroom area as the Bailiff comes for them again. They enter, and see Grace at the witness stand, ready to give her statement. They sit when indicated, and watch as Grace wows the judge, both with her emotions and her words. It is the judge who speaks first, however.
"Before I turn it over to Ms. Siler, I would like to commend you, Dr. Cullen, and Mrs. Cullen. All of your children seem well adjusted and love each other, which is rare for children of the system. I commend you for choosing adoption, and I wish you well. Mrs. Cullen, I admire your stamina; my wife and I have two teenaged sons, and I don't know how you do it." Esme smiles lightly, and bows her head a little.
"Thank you, your honor." The judge then indicates Grace.
"You have the floor, miss."
"Thank you. So as far as my final wishes, I want to try the experimental treatment that I explained to you about, and hopefully it works, but even if it doesn't, it's OK, because I have accepted death, and I know that the Cullen's will make my last few weeks pleasurable and pain-free. Finally, I am glad that they took me in; I imagine it isn't easy to have a very ill child interrupting your life, and I am forever grateful. My final wishes are to be buried so I can continue the cycle of life. If the treatment works, and I get to continue living, I plan to finish high school and maybe explore higher education, and then I want what anyone wants-to find a nice boy, settle down, and maybe have a child."
"Ms. Siler, I have just a few final questions before I give my ruling. When you first met the Cullen's, did they ask you to stay with them?"
"Not initially, and, quite frankly, I was surprised that they did. It was actually Alice's idea, I hear, and her and I get on well."
"Wonderful. Have you ever felt anything odd or otherwise ill-at-ease with Dr. or Mrs., Cullen, or any of the children?"
"No. They have all made me feel welcome and cared about."
"Great. I understand that you have formed a particular bond with Dr. Morris; can you explain that further?"
"Yes, he talks to me, mostly encourages me to go on to college, and tells me a little bit about London. I wouldn't call it a bond, per se, but he's generally nice. I don't particularly know him that well, though. He is mostly just another doctor."
"I understand. Finally, just a make-believe scenario here, but if something were to happen to the Cullen's tomorrow, and you had no place to stay, what would you do?" The Cullen's look at her; no one had expected this question, and they were all a little nervous as to what she'd say, but she smiled lightly, coughed a little, and nodded.
"I would, of course, immediately contact Ms. Juarez to initiate post-emancipation services, and locate adequate emergency housing, food, and clothing. Of course, I would immediately seek employment so that I could improve that as soon as possible, but I believe I could make it just fine." Esme smiles and nods once, impressed by Grace's quick thinking. The judge looks satisfied, and turns to face the Cullen's, and Maritza Juarez.
"You can join the family, Ms. Siler." He pauses as Grace climbs down the three steps and sits quietly and primly next to Alice. Once she is seated, he begins again. "Ms. Siler, I find you to be of sound mind, and rather intelligent for your age, and your spunk and frankness are refreshing. I think you are flourishing under the care of the Cullen's, and I couldn't give you a better home myself. I am impressed that you and Mrs. Cullen have begun the home schooling lessons, and that you have a good grasp of your limits and your strengths. I wish every child I have granted emancipation to had such a good head on their shoulders. So, I find that I can agree with your petition, and hereby grant you full emancipation. Please know that this is the final time the DCS will have anything to do with your case, but if you need further help, Ms. Juarez will be mailing you the available resources for post-Emancipation, and I trust that you will seek them out if needed. I wish you the very best of luck, child, and I hope-for the world's sake-that this experimental treatment works, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. I am sure we will see great things from you. You are free to go whenever you wish."
"Thank you, your honor. I appreciate your time."
"Certainly, my dear. Bailiff, please escort Ms. Siler and the Cullen's out." The man steps forward and ushers the family into the hallway, where the three Cullen's embrace the girl.
"You did fantastically, my dear," whispers Esme.
"Yes, you were brilliant," agreed Carlisle. Alice nods.
"Man, I would've freaked out at that last question. How did you think of that?"
"I don't know, it just came to me all of a sudden. Can we go home?" Esme and Carlisle nod, and the four vampires leave after Ms. Juarez assures Carlisle that she will indeed send the paperwork the Judge spoke of, and that it was OK for them to leave.
"Good luck, Grace. Thank you, Dr. Cullen, Mrs. Cullen. It was nice to see you again, too, Alice."
"Thank you, Maritza, for everything. I appreciate it, all of these years."
"I know. You should go now, though; I think your family is waiting." Grace smiles as she steps into the elevator and talks to herself.
"Yes, they are."
End of Part 4. Looks like we need one more, huh?