Chapter 20. FAMILY SKILLS

CLARRISA'S POINT OF VEIW

DISCLAIMER- I DON'T OWN TWILIGHT OR ANY OF THE CHARATCERS *TEAR* AND I MAKE ALTERNATE ENDINGS FOR MORE OPTIONS NOT BECAUSE I DON'T LIKE THE ORIGINAL VERSION TRUST ME I LOVE NEW MOON A LOT I JUST GOT THIS IDEA IN MY HEAD ONE DAY.

Being a mother isn't exactly easy, but it is very natural even if I'm a vampire. My children are my life and I hate that they grow up so fast; they'll probably want to move out by the time their six. At least I have them; I had to remind myself of that frequently. I look up at the huge grandfather clock it's 8:30 p.m.

"Come on, kids, bed time," I call and I know wherever they are in the house they will hear me. Lorrain and Nicolas are here in the next second.

"We are not going to bed until we hear a story," Lorrain said looking very sassy with her arms crossed and her hip jutted out to one side. I can't help it, I crack up laughing. Nicolas looks confused and Lorrain looks like she is going to cry. I listen to her thought; she thinks that I was laughing at how ridiculous her words were.

I patted my lap, "Lorrain, sweetie pie, come here." She walked forward and I cradled her in my arms. "I wasn't laughing at what you said. It's just the way you said it and the way you were standing reminded me of something."

"What were you reminded of, Momma?"

"How sassy I was as a child. I got a huge slice of attitude. It looks like your going to turn out the same way."

"Is that good or bad?"

"Either or. It depends if you learn to control what you say but I love you all the same."

"Okay. I love you too mommy," she said in that cute little kid voice of hers.

"What story do you two want to hear?"

"Wuthering Heights!" they shouted in unison.

"Okay, fifty pages of Wuthering Heights and then off to bed."

"Fine," Lorrain huffed with attitude.

"Do you mind if Daddy reads to you? I'm going to talk to Elizabeth."

"That's fine, mom," Nicolas said.

"Kay nightie night," I said and kissed them both on the top of their heads.

"'Night, momma," they said at the same time. Irene is already in her crib. Elizabeth is probably in bed on the phone with Nahuel's youngest sister, Kiran. Liz and Kiran are currently best friends even though they are seventeen years apart, but then again Rose is my best friend and we are over a hundred years apart.

I knock on the door. "Elizabeth, can I come in?"

"Yeah sure you can, Mom."

"Sweetie, we need to discuss your education."

"What education!? The only way I learn is by reading. You, guys don't even home school me!"

"Believe it or not, you have learned more from reading in about three and a half years than some people learn in twelve years of school!"

We both sat there fuming until she got up the nerve to say, "Okay, whatever. What was this discussion supposed to be about, anyway?"

"Your father and I have decided that your growing has slowed enough that you can go to school." I said nonchalantly.

"SCHOOL?! You're really letting me go to school!?" She started hopping up and down.

"Yes as long as your grades keep up and you don't get into too much trouble."

"Okay mom. I promise I won't. What school am I going to?"

"Well there's a school called Cantwell in Denali……"

"Denali?"

"Denali has a larger population than us and the school is probably better than any around here."

Isn't 850 miles a long way to go every morning just fro a better school and more people?"

That's why you have two options. Option one: you go live with Tanya during the week and come home on weekends and holidays. Option two we buy a Citation X."

"What's a Citation X?"

"It's only the world's fastest jet. Your father has wanted one for a while. You know how much he like's speed."

"Yeah, so how long would it take to get there in a Citation x?"

"About an hour and a half."

"Wow. That's a long time," a worry line appeared on her smooth forehead.

"Yes it is. That's why I think you should pick option one. I mean you have all eternity to live at home. We would still get the citation so you won't spend countless hours on an air plane. But it would be easier and less stressful for you," It was hard to convince her to go even if it was best for her.

"Okay mom that sounds good and it's only for four years, right?'

"Yes, dear and if you want to go to college…."

"Oh I don't even want to think about that now."

"Me neither sweetie, me neither. Well, good night, I love you," I kissed her fiery red hair –just like my sisters had been.

"'Night Mom, love you too."

***

That night after Edward and I had watched a little of the evening news, I finally confessed, "Oh Edward why does our baby have to leave us so suddenly and so, so early," I could feel the dry sobs coming.

"Love bug... shhh…. It'll be okay it's only four years and it'll help her out so much," I heard his thoughts I felt the same as me but wanted to comfort me.

"Honey please don't hide your feelings for my benefit, I want, scratch that, I need you to tell me everything."

"Well, love; to tell you the truth I'm anxious. I mean how are we supposed to protect her when she's 850 miles away?"

"It's quite obvious she can take care of her self, but I worry about that to."

"Let's let the chips fall where they may fall," he said casually but with tension.

"No let's guide the chips but not control them."

"Yes, and while we're doing that let's go to bed."

"Yes we defiantly should do that," I said a bit too enthusiastically. Obviously we didn't wait till marriage to go all the way. But who can blame us? Our love burns stronger and longer than the deepest pit in Hades. My blood didn't make him thirsty only joyful, and he was, and always will be the most magnificent creature in the history of being.

He put his hand on the small of my back- his hands so large and I so thin that his fingers also touched the side of my stomach as well. I had my arm around his well toned shoulders. We ran up the stairs and into our beautiful master suite. Our bedroom is the size of a small house; the bed is the largest I've ever seen, and the strongest. Our whole is themed around romance; the colors are red and black. There is always some romantic song humming in the background. The east wall is a window- a Cullen preference- the ceiling is a mirror. The floor is dark hickory hardwood with a red shag rug. The remaining three walls are red splattered with glittery black. We have tons of original paintings hanging. All in our entire bedroom is one of perfection and passion.