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Edward
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"Sure thing, but please call me Edward or Masen, Mr. Masen makes me feel old." I can't help but grin and wink at her. She seems flustered, the poor girl. She proceeds to take my vitals. Watching her work is kind of mesmerizing. She's so focused on her work, but my God, she's beautiful. I stare at her face while she's busy taking my blood pressure. I really take in her features. Big brown eyes, and dark rich brown hair to match, Cupid's bow lips, and a heart shaped face. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail and shows off her long slender neck that leads to the collarbones peeking out of her shirt. Letting my eyes roam just a bit more I see a perfect set of tits. Just a bit more than a handful. My thoughts are beginning to cause an issue in these thin cotton pants. About then, she rips the blood pressure cuff off me and tells me it's good, "nearly perfect" she says. Apparently, my temperature is normal too, even though I'm beginning to feel a little warm. But I don't think it's medical in nature. She says she needs to check my pulse, and grabs my wrist.
"Edward, have you ever had anyone say anything about you having an accelerated heart rate?"
I can't help but smirk at her for this. I could've told her it would be fast. "No ma'am, only seems to happen when I'm in the company of a beautiful young lady."
The look of shock tells me she wasn't expecting that. Surely, she has the attention of a few fuckers around here. She's just too pretty for no one to have noticed her. But the look of disbelief on her face suggests otherwise. She hasn't responded, so it gives me an opening to get some information.
"I'm sure your boyfriend tells you how beautiful you are all the time, doesn't he?"
She laughs at this. Laughs. A loud, nervous sounding, almost snorting laugh. It's adorable. "Boyfriend?" She shakes her head no.
I can't believe she hasn't been snatched up yet. She seems like a genuinely nice person, smart, funny, and beautiful. It almost seems like she's trying to brush off my compliment. She can't expect me to believe only her parents have told her she's beautiful. I hope she can sense how sincere I'm being. She thanks me and continues with her exam.
I hop down off the exam table and step onto the scale. It's at this moment that I realize how tiny she is next to me. The top of her head doesn't even reach my armpits. I must be almost a foot taller than her. She's just the right size to wrap in my arms, tuck her head under my chin and protect her, shield her from the world. All of a sudden that's all I want to do. Wrap her up and keep her forever. I have no idea where these thoughts are coming from. She fiddles with the weights and whatever it is she needs to do. It's then that I notice that this is a pretty old scale. Heavy and bulky, I wonder how they got this thing up here.
"I haven't seen this type of scale since before the virus. Where the hell did you find it?"
She explains how a scouting crew came across it. Checking my height, she has to reach up on her tippy toes to do it. She makes a few more notes in my file and proceeds to ask me a few health questions. Allergies, injuries, that kind of stuff.
It's then I show her my scar from my stab wound. It actually healed pretty well. Stupid motherfucker got his ass handed to him, though, even with a gaping, bleeding wound in my torso.
She clips a piece of paper on a clipboard before continuing. "Ok, I have a personal health questionnaire for you to fill out. These are questions people usually feel more comfortable answering privately." She hands it to me and turns around quickly. Looking more closely, I notice just how personal these questions are. Are you sexually active? How many sexual partners have you had? Can you maintain an erection and achieve ejaculation? What the fuck is this for? No wonder she handed it off for me to fill it in on my own. Even if she could ask these questions, I'm not sure I could've looked her in the eye and answered them. In the midst of my mental ramblings, I hear her ask me if I want a drink of water. Looking up, I see she still has her back to me.
I clear my throat, and my voice sounds strange to me. "Um, yeah, that would be great."
She scurries off, and I try to fill out the damn thing.
Sexually active? Not currently
Partners? 2, oral only
Lack of desire? No
Erections? Yes
Ejaculation? Yes
Lumps or swelling in testicles? Haven't noticed any
Trouble with urination? No
Noticed a change in body hair growth? No. What the hell does that have to do with anything?
All these questions seem invasive to me, and can't imagine why they want it, or who the fuck will be able to see it. I can feel my ears getting hot thinking of who might have access to this information. I don't notice until it starts to hurt that I'm biting the corner of my lip.
All of a sudden, Bella is back to me with my glass of water.
"Here you go."
"Oh, yeah, thanks." Clearing my throat, because it suddenly feels like I swallowed a cotton ball, I decide to voice my concerns. "So, who has access to these files, if you don't mind me asking."
She tries to calm my fears that this will become public record. Only trained and qualified clinic workers will see it. It's used to monitor the health of the community and ensure families get the services they need, even planning for the provision of adoption. This especially hits home for me. I often wonder what would've happened to me if the McCartys hadn't stepped up to the plate and took me in. Hearing her talk about her life here, I can tell she's a passionate individual. She truly believes in the greater good of the community. This is her home, and she's proud of it, wants to see it thrive and succeed. Her outlook on the future is optimistic, and hopeful. She seems wise beyond her years.
"You're quite insightful Miss Swan. Can I ask how old the body is that your old soul resides in?"
"I just turned eighteen last month."
Only eighteen. I'm twenty-one, so we're not light years apart or anything, but she's still so young. "Coulda fooled me. Damn girl, are you sure? You don't talk like any eighteen year old I've ever met."
She seems almost defensive of their way of life here, but at the same time, I can tell she's proud of all they've accomplished. She knows things could be so much different. I can tell she's ready for me to move on. I think I'm making her nervous.
She looks around the clinic and sees Esme standing just outside the curtain. "Well, I better let her, have you. She's been a basket case since she found out last night that you were here." She extends her hand for me to shake and seems to have relaxed a bit. "It was a pleasure meeting you Mr. Edward Masen. I look forward to getting to know you better."
I decide to test the waters and bring her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles. "Believe me, the pleasure was all mine." Her reaction is what I expected. I've surprised her. We don't exchange any more words as she hands me off to Esme.
Changing gears quickly, I turn my attention to my aunt. I walk to her with open arms. She holds me so tight I can barely breathe. For a small woman, she's exceptionally strong. I hold her as tightly as I dare to, without feeling like I'm gonna snap her in half. The emotions running through me almost overwhelm me. For so long, I only dared dream of this moment. For years, I wanted to be here. There was never an opportunity to come to them, to travel this far, before now. Being in the arms of the woman that grew up beside my mother, makes me feel closer to her. I didn't realize how much I needed this. I'm suddenly overcome with emotions. Trying to blink back tears, I let them wash over me.
"It's so good to have you home, Edward," she whispers.
"It's good to be here, Esme." I can feel a few tears escape. We hold each other a few moments longer.
She takes a deep breath, "I haven't laid eyes on you in so long." She takes a step back and holds me at arm's length. "My God, you look just like her! I just can't believe you're here after all these years. We have so much to catch up on! Let's start with your journey. Did you have any problems? I know it took you longer than you hoped it would."
"Yeah, the size of our group kept growing and growing, and before I knew it, there were twenty of us leaving Chicago. I think if more people knew we were organizing a transfer, there would've been more. Things there are bad, Esme. I don't doubt they'll lose more people this winter. Finding food is getting harder, housing is a problem, and safety is becoming an issue. There are just so many problems, and no one seems to want to do anything to fix them. They almost didn't let me leave, but I reminded them that it isn't a prison, and they couldn't keep me there. You have no idea how happy I am to be here."
"Well, we're incredibly happy to have you here." She hugs me again. "Okay, let's get this exam finished so we can get home and catch up, all right?"
Home, she said home.
I haven't felt 'at home' for years. Even when I lived with the McCarty's, I didn't really feel at home. I mean, don't get me wrong, they took excellent care of me, and made me feel welcome, but they weren't 'home.' I have a few memories of Esme from when I was small. She and Mom would Skype, and I remember seeing her on the computer screen. My memories are a little fuzzy, but I was only about six. But being around her is somehow familiar. She brings back memories of my parents, especially my mother. "Yes, that sounds great, actually. Home sounds great."
When we finally break apart, she proceeds to do her part of the exam. She pricks my finger and puts a drop of blood on a small glass plate she calls a slide. She then looks at it under the microscope. How the hell she knows what to look for, I don't have a fucking clue, but she makes a few notes and then cleans the slide. She asks a few more questions, many about our diet and routine from the camp in Chicago. Then she asks me if I have any questions for her. 'Yeah, Aunt Esme, what can you tell me about that adorable assistant of yours?' Yeah...no. "Um, actually, how long does it usually take to be released so I can start patrols and stuff? I may not be quite up to going out on hunting trips yet, but I can't stay idle too long."
"Oh, well, let's see. I'm not sure. It's been a while since we had any trained defenders come here to stay. We've had several stop in, but not to stay. My guess would be, as long as there aren't any reasons why you shouldn't, you should be able to report for duty when you feel up to it. How are you feeling?"
"Honestly, not bad. Maybe just tired and in need of some sleep and new boots, but I'm feeling pretty good. We took so long because we didn't, couldn't, push ourselves. We had a few families with us, so we had to go at their pace. So, I'm feeling pretty good, strong even."
"Good, good. Then I see no reason that you can't get right to it then. So, any other questions?"
"Nah, if I think of any, I can track down someone to ask," I say with a wink and a smile.
She laughs at this. "Oh really? I guess that's one advantage of living with your old aunt and uncle, yeah?"
"Yeah."
She wraps up her exam with a hug to me and shoos me off to my uncle. He's nice enough, friendly even. I don't feel nearly as close to him, though. Esme is the one I've been corresponding with for the last ten years or so. I mean, she's shared things about their life together, but it's just not the same. Maybe being blood gives us a closer connection. Who the fuck knows. He does his exam, and as expected, I'm in good health. He says that I'll become even stronger once I improve my diet.
"Believe it or not, I think I've filled out since we left Chicago. We had more to eat when we were hunting and gathering for ourselves on the road."
"No, I believe it. From what you told us, your diet was sub-par at best, and you were probably getting better nutrition while you were traveling. I'm going to suggest that a bit more be added to your rations for a month or so. That way you'll have a head start on things before we're deep into winter. How does that sound? Think you can eat a little more?"
"Bring it on Doc!" I say with a smile and a shake of my head. I just can't believe that things are so different here. Just a few months ago, I was lucky to get a full meal every day. And now it sounds like I'll be getting extra food for a while. I'm almost glad that not too many people know how good things are here. They'd be overrun in no time, and unable to support so many people. Of course, if we knew where the leftover, rogue military units had base camps, or wherever the fuck they're hiding, we wouldn't have to stay hidden the way we are and they could expand the settlement. I know from what I've heard, that part of it used to be some kind of resort or camping area, so a lot of the cabins and buildings were here already, but I also know that a lot has been built over the years. They must be running out of building supplies by now. Being able to settle some in the nearby towns would be a step toward taking back the world. Obviously, things aren't going to change overnight, but hopefully, someday we'll have a chance at taking back our old lives.
"Okay, then. I'll add extra vegetables, grains, and eggs to your weekly order, and additional meat for the month. Meats are somewhat limited, but we can make exceptions."
Nodding my head, I respond, "Sounds good. It's gonna take me a while to get used to the idea of having enough to eat. Things are just so different here."
"Yes, it may take some time. You know, we have a psychologist available if you feel the need to talk. Many times our new arrivals have a hard time adjusting. Especially those that have come from out east, or were getting by on their own for so long. It's nothing to be ashamed of, to ask for some guidance."
"I'll think about it."
"Okay then, moving on to your sexual health questionnaire, I hope you didn't feel the questions were too invasive?"
I can feel my ears heating up; he's my uncle for Christ's sake! He's just a doctor. He's just a doctor. Who I'm going to be living with. He's just a doctor. "Um, no, it was fine. Do you have the information you need?" Shut up Masen, you don't want to answer any more of those kinds of questions!
"Yes, I have what I need. I just wanted to review a few things. You stated that you've only had oral sex, yes?"
I croak out a 'yes.'
"With two different partners, you ran the risk of spreading certain STDs. When is the last time you engaged in oral sex of any kind?"
"Uh, I'd say over a year ago." I'm really hoping this line of questioning is over soon.
"Okay, good, good. Any symptoms you might have to suggest an STD would've shown up by now. Unfortunately, without the benefit of lab tests, we can only diagnose certain things from the outward signs and symptoms. But if it's been a year and you aren't exhibiting any, we'll assume everything is okay. If, at any time, you think you'll become sexually active, well, have intercourse, feel free to come to me. There are a few ways to try and prevent pregnancy if you wish to. We encourage marriage, or at least long-term monogamy here, for many reasons. Disease prevention is a big one. Unwanted pregnancies or children born to parents that aren't a family unit is another one. A society based on family seems to be a strong one. And we all work so closely together that situations like multiple children with multiple partners can make life awkward and difficult for everyone, especially the children. Also, we have a fairly small population, and a generation from now, we don't want the problem of people not being able to marry or have any more children because everyone is related. So, it's to protect future generations as well."
Some of that I've never given any thought to. I think back to the two girls I messed around with, and well, yeah, I think I may have gotten lucky. Stephanie was a little too good at what she did, and Tanya was known around the entire camp as a 'good time.' Now, that's not to say I'm not grateful. Because, damn, I got a decent 'education.' But the other things, yeah my hormone driven mind never considered the possible consequences of taking things further. I'm sure it'll give me reason to stop and think in the future. "Thank you, Carlisle. I'll keep all that in mind. Are we about done here?"
He laughs at that. "Yeah, I think that just about does it. But, remember, if there's anything you want to talk about, I'm here, Esme is there for you, and I'm sure that Alistair, our psychologist would love to speak to you."
I thank him before he hands me back to a bouncing Esme. She is so excited to show me around. We decide that she should escort me to the outfitter building so I can officially meet Alice, and get my clothing items ordered.
As we walk arm in arm through town, she points out a few things on the way. I'm still amazed at what they've been able to accomplish. People aren't just surviving here, they're fucking thriving. I haven't thought of one thing I could need that doesn't seem to be available. Food, shelter, clothing, community, even medical care, it's all here. So many people in Chicago would go on and on about what they were missing from before the virus. Here, it seems people aren't just content, but happy. Smiling faces greet me everywhere I look. I wish I had had a place like this to grow up in. In Chicago, it felt like people were just struggling to get through till the 'real world' got better. Here, this feels like the real world, with real possibilities.
"That's where we're going." She points out a large building just ahead. "I'm sure you're looking forward to having some new clothes. I heard you and your group didn't arrive with much."
"No, not really. Only what each one could carry for themselves. We just didn't have the means to bring much else. But I didn't have much anyway. Besides essentials, I brought what was important. Pictures don't take up much room." This gets me a smile and a side hug from Esme.
"I'm so glad you could keep a few memories. I also heard you brought a guitar?" She sounds almost hopeful.
"Yeah, I did."
"Was it your mom's?"
I smile and nod my head. "Yeah, it was. I'm running outta strings, though. I think I only have a few packs left. I don't know what I'm gonna do when I've run through what I have."
"I remember her playing that thing all the time. Oh, and her singing. She had the most beautiful voice. Did she teach you how to play?"
"Nah, I was a little too small to play it when she was still alive. My fingers couldn't reach all the frets. No, when the McCartys packed me up, it's one of the only things I wouldn't leave behind. I taught myself over the years."
"Well, music is in your blood. I'm not surprised that you could teach yourself. Liz could pick up almost any instrument and fiddle with it a few minutes and suddenly be able to play something on it. Oh, Edward, sometimes I just miss her so much." She lays her head on my arm as we walk, squeezing it. "I'm so, so, so glad you're here."
I don't respond, I just release her arm, and wrap mine around her. As we walk into the outfitter building, she calls out for Alice. A small, dark-haired blur barrels toward me. Knocking Esme from my arms, it almost knocks me over. I'm guessing this is Alice. Esme told me all about her in her letters over the years, so I'm prepared. Kind of.
"I'm so happy to meet you, Edward! Mom has told me all about you. I just know we're going to be great friends. I mean I know we're cousins, but I think we're going to be really close. Oh, you'll be like the brother I never had!" She says this with such excitement, I can't help but laugh. Her arms are still around me, swaying side to side, as she goes on.
"It's nice to meet you too Alice. I can't wait to get the chance to get to know you better. I've met Jasper, too. He seems like a nice guy. You just got married a couple of months ago, right?"
"Sure did. So, you and Jasper hit it off? I swear that man's never met a stranger. Could charm the scales off a snake."
I laugh at this. "Yeah, I really liked him. Maybe we can all get together for a card game or something. I'd really like to get to know you both better. And I guess we'll be neighbors too?"
"Sure will, right next door. It's a small block of cabins where we are, and it's a good group. I'll have to be sure to introduce you to Jacob Black. He's a few years older than you, but a nice guy." For some reason, she has a wicked smirk on her face when she says this. I gotta wonder what the hell that's all about. Maybe this Jacob guy is a jerk, and she's just fuckin' with me. Guess I'll just wait and see.
"So, they tell me you're gonna fix me up with some new clothes and boots?"
"Sure am. I just need to measure you and see what we already have that will work, then order what you need." And she does just that. She tells me that there are only two pieces that are in the inventory that will fit me, plus a couple sets of socks and boxers, so I need to have the rest made. When it's all said and done, I'll have three pair of pants, three, short sleeved shirts, three, long sleeved shirts, and two flannel shirts. I'll also have two sets of long underwear, eight pairs of socks, eight sets of underwear, a sweater, a buckskin coat, as well as moccasins, and leather boots from deer or elk hide, whichever is available right now. Apparently, Emmett, the giant that he is, needs every fucking thing made special, so I'm next on the list. Even then, I'm told it should only take them about a week to make it all.
Before we leave the outfitters, I change into the new set of clothes I was given, and we head home. Esme is oozing excitement. She's going on and on about the loft she's had ready for me. The feeling of having a space of my own that size is indescribable. For years I had a corner of the McCarty's camper, living out of a couple of boxes. I didn't have much, so it wasn't a huge deal. Maybe it wasn't a big deal because I didn't know what I was missing. If only they had known how much better things were out here, maybe the McCartys would have come out here sooner, and maybe they'd still be with us. I could drive myself crazy thinking about the 'what ifs,' so I stop while I'm ahead.
We walk over a footbridge that crosses a small stream, and a row of cabins comes into view. There are five of them, all the same, yet different. A few have landscaping varying in color and layout. Three of them have actual vegetables growing against their homes. Huh. One has hunting equipment out front as well. The front of each cabin faces the stream we just crossed. There's a small outbuilding built on the bank as well. Esme tells me that it's a cold spring house for cold storage. Not every block of cabins has one, but they worked to build this back when they arrived fifteen years ago. She points out the bathhouse and explains how we all share it, and about the outhouses, telling me that we share with either Alice and Jasper or the Swans. The third is shared by the Copes and the Blacks.
This reminds me of Alice's evil grin when telling me about Jacob Black. "So, the Blacks, that's Billy and Jacob?"
"Oh, yeah. I've known Billy for twenty years or more now. We were introduced to them by Charlie and Renee when the plan for this place was put together. This row of cabins, minus Alice and Jasper's place, were the originals. The large building we all met in today was actually Charlie and Rene's vacation cabin many years ago. They decided to build a smaller place to live and allow the growing community to utilize the big house. All official business is conducted there. Scouts that pass through meet there to give reports of what they've found in their travels. He meets with groups of defenders there before sending them out for various reasons. The building and planning group is run from there, as well as the agricultural planning that takes place each season. In winter months, when it's too cold to have it elsewhere, we've even held weddings there."
It's hard for me to fathom someone in a position of power, a commanding officer no less, looking out for the greater good. Giving up a spacious home so that the community could thrive is a foreign concept to me. I'm so used to people abusing the power they have. It's just one more reason to like Charlie Swan. I need to get back to my original line of questioning.
"So, what can you tell me about his son, Jacob?"
"Um, he's twenty-six I think. He works at the gristmill just up the river. Still living with his dad. I figured he would've settled down and married by now, but he hasn't found anyone special around here. I've never gotten the impression he 'plays for the other team', but who knows. As open minded as people are that live here, I can't imagine he wouldn't feel comfortable coming out. I mean, it was a bunch of Mother Earth loving hippie types that started this place." No Esme, I'd bet it has something to do with the hot piece of tail he lives next door to being all grown up finally. "You'd never guess, but Renee was a marijuana distributor before the virus hit. It had just become legal here, and she opened a shop within months of the law change. Charlie was a small town police chief, but he still had a distrust of the government. Carlisle and I saw how the medical professionals the people were supposed to trust were turning on their patients all over the almighty dollar. All of us have a story about why we chose to build this place. And that decision was before we knew what the government was up to." We walk up to the second cabin from the end in the row. "Ok, this is us." She is absolutely beaming.
Walking in, I can tell this is a place where love lives. Looking around, I can see it's small, but not cramped. Lived in and homey, not cluttered. Bare necessities, but essentials. Home. "Welcome, home Edward." She wraps her arms around me once more. We stay like this a while before she shows me to the small ladder that leads up to the loft area. It's hidden back in the pantry area, so as not to get in the way in the main living space. Climbing up, I can see it's huge, to me anyway. They're still storing a few things up here, but it's all tucked into a corner at one end of the loft. There's a small bed and an empty trunk for me. The bed is made up with blankets and a quilt. There's even a wash basin up here. Looks like she's thought of everything. Deciding I better not leave her alone much longer, I head back down the ladder.
"It looks great Esme. Thank you so much." I reach out to hug her again. I'll never get tired of this. She may not be my mother, but it's a mother's love I feel when she hugs me. Our love fest is brought to a close when Carlisle comes through the door. We spend the next hour or so sitting on the sofa catching up. I tell them all about living in the Chicago camp, how things are becoming so bad there. There are so many more people there than here, though. I don't doubt it's in the thousands. A knock on the door gets our attention. Carlisle gets up out of his armchair to answer it.
Opening the door reveals the brown-haired beauty that caught my attention earlier today. It appears that the lovely Miss Swan has brought us some pie for the evening. They smell so damn good. I can't remember the last time I had freshly baked pie. If I didn't know dinner was arriving soon, I'd grab a fork and dig in. The cherry pie reminds me of my mother. It was her absolute favorite. I close my eyes and think back to what that was like, her baking in our kitchen when I was a child. They say that the sense of smell is closely connected to our memories, and the smell of the pie is bringing them back full force. It means a lot that she'd go to the trouble to make them for us. It shows me how thoughtful she is.
Although she won't stay and enjoy them with us, she says she may come back to help finish off any leftovers. She looks almost embarrassed when she says this. I can only hope she'll come back. After assuring us that we have a delicious meal coming to us, she bids us a good evening and heads out.
Shortly after, Alice and Jasper arrive. We eat our meal, some gathered around the table for four, and some on the sofa. In the fading evening light, I notice movement outside the window. Bella is hauling large pitchers from her door, around her cabin, and into the bathhouse. Knowing she's about to be bathing just feet from me, I imagine her in that tub, naked. Yeah, I need to get my thoughts under control. I still have to get through dinner with the family before I'm alone with those highly inappropriate thoughts. Turning my attention back to the table, I'm once again listening to stories of Alice growing up, Carlisle and Esme getting their clinic started, and so many other things that have happened over the last fifteen years. There are smiles, and there is laughter, things that warm me from the inside out.
Getting up from the table for another cold glass of honey-sweetened tea, I walk over to the workbench in the kitchen area. I happen to look out the window in the direction of the bathhouse. In a slice of moonlight, I notice I'm not the only one looking at it. A man is crouched down in what he must think is darkness. I assume this is Jacob Black, judging by his coloring and features being similar to Billy's. He's also watching the bathhouse. Yeah, that fucker's not playing for the other team; he's interested in team Bella. Looks like I need to have Alice introduce me to Mr. Black sooner rather than later.
Returning to the table, Alice and Jasper decide to call it a night. Everyone but me has an early start tomorrow. They head out, and we clean up after the meal. Well, Carlisle and Esme clean up; they won't let me do anything. I decide to take a walk outside. Grabbing a jacket off the hook by the front door, I check out the backyard under the ruse of using the outhouse. It appears Jacob has moved on because I can't find the fucker anywhere. I decide to actually use the facilities and do my business. I then head toward the bathhouse to wash up at the outside sink. As I approach it, the door swings open, and a freshly bathed Bella walks out. Her hair is damp, and she smells amazing, even from a distance. She gasps and her hand covers her mouth. Looks like I've scared her.
"I'm really sorry, Bella. Maybe they need to get me a bell, so you can hear me coming." When she laughs, I think I've broken the tension a bit.
"No, that's okay. I don't usually scare so easily. So, how was your dinner?"
"It was great. Alice made a fabulous meal, just like you said it would be. But don't tell my cousin, the dessert was my favorite part." She cracks another smile and looks down again, shaking her head. I don't know why she seems so embarrassed, she's a fantastic baker. She should be able to take a compliment. "Really, it was as great as I remember it was the last time I had it. I had a slice of each, but the cherry was my favorite. Thank you again for making them."
"You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it."
"The best part is, we couldn't finish it all, so now you have to join us for dessert tomorrow night." I'm hopeful she won't try to talk herself out of what she offered earlier.
"Oh, you didn't forget that, did you? Of course, you wouldn't." She says the last part quietly, almost to herself.
"Nope, didn't forget." I'm not sure if she can see the grin on my face in the dark, but I can't help it. I find some sick satisfaction in making her squirm a little. But, I decide not to push my luck tonight. I did just catch her coming out of the bath, so she's still wet, and it's a little cold tonight. "Well, you let me know if you can make it. I'd really like to sit and talk with you. We are neighbors after all. And I know you're close to Alice, and my aunt and uncle think the world of you. I'd just like to get to know you better."
Taking a deep breath and quickly blowing it out, she nods once. "You're right. We should get to know each other better. Esme and I talked about having a picnic dinner for our little block in the next week or so if the weather cooperates. Think of it as a welcome home party if you want to. But as far as tomorrow, yes, I'd love to join you and your family for dessert."
"Well then, until tomorrow Miss Swan." I give a slight bow to her, and she curtsies in return.
"Until tomorrow Mr. Masen."
She walks away toward her cabin, and damn, do I love watching her walk away. Movement in the window of the Black's cabin catches my eye. Seems we had an audience. Well, game on motherfucker. I haven't even met the guy, and I don't like him. I turn back to wash my hands, with thoughts of tomorrow on my mind. I've only just met the girl, and I can't get her out of my mind.
Heading back inside, all traces of dinner have been cleaned up, and my aunt and uncle are snuggled on the small sofa. I decide to take a seat in the armchair, in front of the fire. "You know, if I'm gonna be living here, you're gonna have to let me help with stuff."
Esme just smiles at me. "Yes, eventually. Just let me spoil you for a while."
I nod. Can't argue with her, so I might as well just go with it. "Ok, well, let me know when I'm spoiled enough, all right? I'm completely capable of pulling my own weight." She nods in agreement, and they both say they're headed to bed. I climb up my ladder, strip down to my boxer shorts and crawl into my bed. Alone with my thoughts, I am overwhelmed with the day I've had. So much has happened; it's a lot to process. My thoughts also drift to the brown-eyed, brown-haired beauty next door, and that's what's on my mind as I drift off.
The next morning I spend unpacking my meager belongings and gear I brought with me. My guitar finds a home next to my bed, within easy reach if inspiration hits me. My handgun and ammunition go into the trunk at the end of my bed until I'm to report for duty. The few clothes I have go into the trunk as well, along with my parent's wedding rings and a few other pieces of my mother's jewelry. Esme told me last night that they'd be honored to display the pictures I brought with me. There isn't much left to do in my room, so I head down my ladder.
The cabin is eerily quiet. I can't remember the last time I had any time all to myself like this. After making a quick meal of some leftover pie, I decide to go for a walk. It takes a few minutes to reach the nearest 'non-cabin' structure. It just happens to be the gristmill. I slow my walk to a more leisurely stroll, to see what I can see. Maybe Mr. Black will make an appearance. I think I see him moving bags of flour around, or whatever it is. He's a fairly big guy, muscles from moving all that grain. But I think I can take him. Just then, we make eye contact. I think he's trying to stare me down. Yeah, that's not gonna work, asshole.
I head in his direction to introduce myself. "Good morning." I reach out my hand to shake his. He takes it in, what I think is supposed to be, a death grip. Yeah, it's a firm shake, but I'm not too impressed. "You must be the Jacob Black I've heard all about."
"That's me. And you must be the Edward Masen I've heard all about. The Cullens said you be here soon."
"Yeah, got in a couple days ago. Took me a little longer than I had originally planned, but I'm here now. Figure I'll stick around. This place seems to have what I'm looking for." Hoping he gets my double meaning, I look him straight in the eyes. He must, because he narrows his eyes slightly at me.
"Well, I hope you like it here. Just remember that some people are a little leery of newcomers. It takes a while for people to trust someone they just met."
"Oh really? Everyone I've met so far has been very welcoming." I know he gets it when he turns away from me and stares upstream.
Turning back to me, he goes on. "Well, just watch yourself. Wouldn't want you to get your feelings hurt. Some people just take longer to trust than others."
I nod once. "Noted. But I'll tell you now; I'm looking forward to earning everyone's trust. I've been without any real family for too long, so I'm not going anywhere. This is home now."
He Nods his head. "All right. Well then, welcome to Washington. Bella and I will have to introduce you to some of the available young ladies around here."
I outright laugh at that. "Yeah, I'll have to ask her about that today. She'll be joining me later to share some of her delicious cherry pie. Had some last night, and damn, it was good." I can't help but smirk at the asshole.
"Nice meeting you Masen."
Guess our conversation is over.
"You too Black. See ya around." I stroll away toward the center of town. Think maybe I'll stop in and say hello to my aunt. If the lovely Miss Swan is working there today, well, that would just be a bonus.
After making my way to the clinic, I find Esme working alone. She's surprised to see me but insists we share the lunch she packed for herself today. It's nice. She tells me about her morning, a few patients with minor issues. She warns me to get enough rest and to eat well, as cold and flu season is beginning. I work in a way to casually ask where Bella is today, and find out it's her day to work in the library.
Her lunch break is over when another patient comes in. I give her a kiss on the cheek and tell her I'll see her at home later. I think it's time I see the town library. I'm sure I can find something interesting to check out.
…
A/N: Many thanks to my beta, SunflowerFran, but all mistakes are mine. Also a thank you to my pre readers, gabby1017 and Life and Death's Lullabies, and to 2brown-eyes for my lovely banner.
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