For the rest of the day, Edward observed the little Bennet family as they continued to unpack. A tiny ember of hope began to glow again. The loving family that had been torn away from him so long ago had returned.
"Do we have anything for dinner?" called Gracie.
"Ohh... I don't think so." Mrs. Bennet sighed. "There might be some cans of tomato soup in the kitchen."
Edward scuttled after Gracie as she searched for supper. The old world kitchen combined with modern appliances clashed in a beautiful melee.
"You hungry?" asked Gracie. "I can make sandwiches too if you want."
"Okay" Edward said.
The scissor-handed boy watched intently as Gracie prepared food. It would be nice to be able to eat again, he thought to himself.
Minutes later, supper was served. The long, medieval table in the great hall was prepared for simple fare. Edward breathed in the savory smell of the soup. It had been so long since the boy had eaten, he struggled to remember what food tasted like.
"Here we go" announced Mrs. Bennet. "Dig in."
Edward looked down at the utensils and then at the feasting mother and daughter. He suddenly felt very embarrassed. The awkward fumbling of silverware caused by his unfinished hands. How could he possibly explain himself.
"Uhh... mom? Do me a favor and go get the duct tape."
Mrs. Bennet understood at once.
"Here, lets try something" Gracie offered.
Ripping off a piece of tape, Gracie fastened the utensil to the boy's bladed thumb. Unsure of what to make of the situation, Edward gazed quizzically at what Gracie had done.
"What's the matter" she chuckled. "Haven't you ever used a spoon before."
"Oh Grace, don't laugh at him" Mrs. Bennet sighed.
Slowly and carefully, Edward dipped the spoon into the steaming bowl. It was a great effort to keep from spilling. Several times, the spoon was empty before it reached the boy's lips. A suffocating sense of failure washed over him. Perhaps it would have been better to simply request a straw.
"It's okay, Edward. You can do it" Mrs. Bennet smiled.
Edward looked up at the woman and then back at the bowl. With every ounce of concentration, he successfully brought a spoonful to his mouth.
For the first time in years, he tasted food.
"Bravo, Eddie!"
Both mother and daughter acknowledged his triumph with a friendly round of applause. A pink blush bloomed in Edward's cheek as he smiled sheepishly.
"This is where you sleep?" asked Edward.
"Uh huh" Gracie answered. "Where's your room?"
"Upstairs"
Gracie stopped unpacking.
"The attic?"
Edward nodded.
Sighing to herself, Gracie took Edward by his buckled arm.
"Come on. I'm sure there are more bedrooms here."
The boy followed Gracie around the mansion as she searched for a spare bedroom. As he walked the familiar halls, a thought sprang into Edward's mind. Why did he sleep in the little fireplace?
Many times his father tried to persuade him to sleep in a bed. But in the end, Edward always found solace in the attic. In the end, the late Professor Brightman decided to allow his creation to sleep where he pleased.
"How about this one?" Gracie offered.
Edward suddenly stopped. He remembered this room very vividly.
"Will you be okay?"
"Oh yes. I'll be fine. You go out and have fun."
Reluctantly Edward left his father's bedside.
"I can hear you if you call."
"I know you can" Professor Brightman said. "But I need to rest so my body can repair itself"
"Edward? You okay?"
Gracie's voice suddenly snapped the boy back into reality.
Edward walked wordlessly to the bed sitting under the gothic window. He reverently breathed in the scent. Though his father was gone, part of him would always be there.
"I'm going to use this room" he finally managed to utter.