A/N: I'm sorta obsessed with this story right now that I haven't started a new chapter for my first story. =P
Thanks to those of you who reviewed and added my story to your alerts/favorites.
Enjoy and please review!!
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Chapter Four
I finished curling my hair, slapped on some lip-gloss and threw on my dress before and looked in the mirror for final adjustments before heading over to Grammy and Granddad's house. Theirs was the largest of our homes. Purple's and pink's now covered every inch of the living room from the table covers to the gift-wrap on the presents. A white birthday cake, almost too pretty to eat, was on the center table, surrounded by fragrant white freesias and purple lilacs. A light breeze flowed through the house and the usually scarce sunlight burst through the open windows causing my vampire relatives' skin to sparkle like diamonds. I was awestruck every time I saw it happen. They were all so excruciatingly beautiful, I couldn't help but be a little bit envious.
Grandpa was the first person I reached, "You are more beautiful than all of us combined, sweetie." He whispered into my ear in his smooth, velvety voice. He obviously heard what I was thinking.
Grams was next, her angelic face twinkled in the afternoon light, "He's right you know. Happy birthday, my darling."
I was greeted and wished a happy birthday by each member of my family. Everyone looked so happy. It was intoxicating being surrounded by such beauty and unconditional love. Mom and dad barbequed steaks, chicken, corn on the cob and an assortment of other veggies. I was not a fan of vegetables but mom insisted that it wasn't very healthy living on a diet that consisted entirely of undercooked meat. Dad, Mom, Leah, Seth, Bryce, Aiden and I pigged out on the delicious meal.
"Hey uncle Em?"
"What's up?" He looked up from the game on TV. Rosie looked over as well.
"Do you like seafood?"
"What?"
"See...food!" He opened up his big mouth to show Em the masticated piece of steak, "Get it?" Em let out a booming laugh that echoed through the room.
"You're revolting, you know that?" I rolled my eyes at him in disgust. You would have thought he'd been raised by a pack of wild wolves from the way he ate.
We finished up our lunch and I posed for pictures with my cake and my family. Esme liked to take thousands of pictures every time there was a birthday or celebration. The basement was half full of boxes filled with pictures from our childhood. I cut the cake, handed out the slices and waited for the best part. Presents.
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"This is from Jazz and I." Alice tossed me one of the large purple boxes. Inside was a black, quilted Chanel messenger bag and matching sunglasses.
"For school." Jazz chimed.
I got a new Apple laptop from Em and Rosie, a Burberry winter coat and scarf set from Grammy and Granddad, some badly needed Bose acoustic headphones from Seth and Leah and a silver locket with our family crest from Grams and Grandpa. It was exactly like mom and Grams.
"So, for my last present…School? Are we gonna talk about it now?" I had to take advantage of the gift-giving mood everyone was in.I saw fear on the faces of my parents and grandparents until Jazz came up behind them. He half smiled and sat next to Alice. I would have to thank my mood-influencing uncle later for that. I sat between Bryce and Aiden on the sofa as Grandpa led the discussion.
"Yes, school. As you know, we all want what is best for you and your brothers. After many discussions, we have decided to enroll you at St. Augustine Academy."
"Ugh. Isn't that the private school?" I elbowed Bryce in the ribs. I think I heard something crack.
"Would you rather stay home, son?" Dad glared at him.
"Noooo." He shut up real fast.
Grandpa quickly got back into the conversation, "St. Augustine has the best curriculum and teachers. Not that you will have any problems academically."
"Nope, none at all." I beamed at my parents. Bryce and Aiden sank into the couch. School was going to be a breeze--for me at least. There wasn't anything the teachers could teach that I didn't already know.
"Of course, you know there are a few rules you have to follow. We have waited so long to send you to school for a reason. Exposure is and will always be our main concern. Therefore, we have agreed on the following--
One, you cannot join any sports teams. You would have an unfair advantage because of your strength and speed and as you know, we will not condone cheating. Along those same lines, you will have to hold back during P.E."
"Your Grams is a good resource for advice in that department. Aren't you, Bells?" Emmett chuckled, joined by Jazz. Grams wasn't amused.
"I don't know what he's talking about." I could tell Grams was embarrassed, she fidgeted her hands whenever she was put on the spot. Fidgeting is not a vampire trait.
"Can we continue, Emmett or are you not finished badgering my wife?" Grandpa stroked the back of Grams' hand reassuringly. He was always so protective of Grams. It was sweet.
"Rule number two," It was dad's turn now, "this is mainly for you boys. Keep your tempers under control. No fighting or bullying or running you big mouths. The last thing we need is for you two to go phasing in front of the entire student body."
"Rule number three." Mom looked at me, "I know you don't like to darling but, you need to hunt. At least once a week for the first month."
"Mom, I've been around humans before."
"Yes, we know. It's just a precaution. You've been around humans but not for eight hours a day. It's different. Sitting next to them for hours on end. We don't know if it'll do anything to your thirst but, why take chances?"
"Ok." I hated hunting. I was terrible at tracking my prey and it always got messy.
"Rule number four." Grandpa's turn again, "Stick to the story." Ah, yes. The story. This was the greatest complication. Obviously, I couldn't have my actual mother and father sign me up for school seeing as how my mom looks to be about 18 at the most and my dad looks about 25. Granddad Carlisle and Grammy Esme would pose as our adoptive parents. Adoptive parents to 13 children. Believable? I think not. But, it's worked for them in the past.
So, according to the "story," Dad, Bryce and Aiden were my blood brothers. Our parents died in an accident with Seth and Leah's parents- who were our cousins. The Cullens adopted us into their family, which already included my mom, grandparents and aunts and uncles. It was a good thing it was just my brothers and I going to school. I wouldn't even know where to begin explaining the relationships between my paired off "siblings."
"Ok, suck at sports, drink blood and lie. Should be easy enough." That got everyone- except mom and my grandparents- laughing.
"Annie! You must take this seriously." Ugh. Annie. Better not piss off Grandpa.
"Yes, Grandpa. I know. I will. I want this more than anything. So, thank you for letting us go."
"It was a tough decision for all of us but, we can't keep you here forever."
"Yes, no matter how much we might want to," Dad sighed deeply before finishing his sentence, "You have to get out there eventually." His warm hands were on my shoulders. I rubbed his hands consolingly.
"I'll be ok, daddy."
"I know, kiddo. I know." Poor Dad, he was having a tougher time with this than he would admit.
"So, tomorrow? What's the plan?"
"Esme and I will take you and your brothers to register for school in the morning. You'll have to get your uniforms afterward- Alice and Rosalie volunteered to take you shopping." Carlisle nodded his head towards my two grinning aunts.
"Surprise, surprise." Jasper's voice was barely audible above the sound of the football game on TV.
"So, when do we start class? Tuesday?" I clasped my hands together in front of my face.
"Yes." Carlisle held my flapping arms down at my side. I could barely contain my excitement at that point. I bounced around the room smothering my family with hugs.
"Thank you so much! You have no idea what this means to me! I'll be the oldest freshman at St. Augustine's but I don't care. I can't wait for school!"
Dad was the last one I hugged. I made sure to make it an extra strong one. "I've never met anyone so excited to go to school before. Are you sure you're my kid?"
