Ch. 6. Dungeons & Motes
It was almost impossible for me to get through my last couple of classes knowing that in a couple hours I would be meeting the Cullens after school to go to they're house. Even if it ends up being painfully awkward, who else at school will be able to say they have done what I am about to do. P.E. wasn't so bad. Despite my clumsiness I have always been a natural athlete, plus it helped me get some of my nervous energy out. It was history that proved to be the more painful of the two classes I had left.
But alas my patience has paid off, I am now heading over to meet Alice. As I made my way to the entrance of the school parking lot, I could feel the fluttering in the pit of my stomach. Maybe this isn't such a good idea. What if Alice thinks I am superficial, when she realizes all I can contribute to the project is how pretty it is. What if Edward tells her about the drawing I did of her and she thinks I am a stocker. Then they will call Chief Swan to come pick me up so they can file a restraining order against me.
Thats ridiculous Michael Newton! Snap out of it. Why would Alice think you are superficial. You just had a conversation with her about fashion philosophy. Just close your eyes, breath, and keep walking. I saw Alice and Edward waiting by the Volvo across the lot. So I slowly but steadily made my way to them.
''Oh good your here. I was afraid you wouldn't be able to find our car.'' Alice said while dancing over to me and giving me a tight hug.
''Yep I found it.'' I tried not to laugh at the absurdity of what she had just said. How could anyone not notice the silver car or it's super model looking owners for that matter.
''Where are the others?'' I said scanning the lot for the older siblings.
''Jasper and Emmett are riding in Rosalie's car. So, shall we?'' Edward said in a casual but friendly voice.
So we piled into the volvo and off we were to the Cullen's lair. Edward had put on some obscure punk band with an Irish twist that I didn't recognize. As thrilling as Edwards driving was, I must admit I was some what fearful for my life.
''How ya doing back there Mike.'' Edward asked in a teasing voice.
''Just enjoying the ride.'' I replied sarcastically.
''Sorry Mike. Edward is showing off, because he just got his license'' Alice reassured me with an annoyed tone.
''Oh it's alight. I left myself for dead, back at the parking lot.'' I tried to focus on the music to take my mind off that we might fly off a cliff.
''What are we listening too?'' I inquire trying to keep my voice calm.
''Flogging Molly. Edward is kind of a music buff. We can change it if you'd like'' Alice replied.
''Actually I like it. It's different than anything I have heard before.'' I counter.
''I'll burn you a copy when we get to the house.'' Edward insisted.
As I Iook out the window, I still can't decide wether Edward has a death wish or is actually an expert driver. I guess I will choose the latter for my own piece of mind. Eventually Edward turned off the main road and a rather large glass house came into view. Once we had pulled up to the house Edward steered the car into the garage. ''This is it.'' Alice sang as we vacated the car.
I followed the siblings up the stairs and into the main home. I have never in my life seen such a beautiful house. with the exception of the floor, the house was wall to wall of giant glass windows. Even with the rain streaming down the walls of the living room it still had such light and felt so open.
''What do you think?'' Alice said with a wide smile.
''It's amazing, I have never seen anything like it before.'' I wish I could have given a less vanilla answer, but frankly I am just stunned.
''What did you expect? Dungeons and motes?'' Alice teased
''Not the motes.'' I countered.
''You'll have to forgive Alice. Your the first guest we've had over, so she can't help but show off a little.'' Edward joked.
''Hey!'' Alice protested.
''Don't worry. If I lived here, I would have a house party the second my parents would leave town, then I could show off to the whole school.'' I assured them.
''Good Idea.'' Alice replied
''I can't tell who is gonna be a worse influence on the other.''' Edward chuckled.
After Alice and Edward showed me the rest of the house, Edward left us alone to work on our project. While Alice was getting all the facts on our element, testosterone, I spent my time finding images on the internet for me to incorporate in my drawings for the poster. Once I had gathered enough images I began drawing a copy of the most obvious one, two muscular men in a wrestling match.
''Thats really good. Mike. Your lines and shadows look amazing'' Alice said looking over my shoulder.
''Thanks, so you draw then as well?'' I reply trying not to blush.
'' I wish. I tried taking some classes so I could experiment with designing clothes, but I have absolutely no ability. I think I am a little A.D.D., I am always looking ahead to the next thing in the future. I must confess the reason I chose you as my partner was because of what Edward told me about you.'' Alice confided.
''Edward talks about me?'' I reply trying to conceal my excitement.
''He mentioned how he saw some of your art when it had been swept up by the wind. I realized it was you he mentioned, when I saw you in class today.''
Suddenly I felt kinda stupid. For a minute I thought Edward might have talked about me, when really he was probably just telling his family over dinner how his first day of school went. At least he remembered me at all.
'' I think he likes you''
''What?'' I replied a little too urgently
''Edward. He doesn't usually warm up to people this easily. I mean he knows how to address people, but he tends to act all stoic. I can tell he likes you. It will make it easier for us to be friends if he does, so thats a good.'' Just as Alice finished telling me this, a women with caramel colored hair walked through the the door way.
''Hey Alice dinner will be ready in 20. Oh hello. Alice who is your friend?'' Said the Woman.
''Oh Mom. This is Mike from school, we are working on our science project. Mike this my mother Esme.'' Alice said without taking her eyes off the computer.
''Nice to meet you Mrs. Cullen.'' I say extending my hand
''Nice to meet you as well. You are welcome to stay for dinner Mike. Alice your father won't be home for dinner so could you please set seven places at the table .
I have only just met the Cullens, but somehow they already make me feel like I am part of the family.