I didn't know how I had gotten here. Standing outside a huge ornate door with a person I was all too familiar with at my side. Fear and excitement rippled through my body as I stood their anxiously anticipating what would be on the other side of the door. I knew that the next few hours would be a huge defining moment for the rest of my life, but I felt that someone would have to drag me through the door just to get me to go in. The man next to me raises his hand to grasp the door knob, and all of a sudden I am reminded how I got here.
The day after the lockdown everything had been pretty mellow. The police patrol was still going on, but now even the teachers seemed on alert. I heard one teacher whisper that he didn't think anything like this would ever happen in a town like Forks, WA. I rolled my eyes as I passed him and continued to tune the world out to the sound of "Unbreakable" by Fireflight. I could feel everyone's eyes on me as I walked down the hall; everyone had to know that the lockdown had everything to do with me. All I could hope was that at some point they would all stop staring. Thankfully they did, or rather, I didn't notice it as much because I was suddenly trapped inside a bubble of Cullens. Edward was there to hold my hand, The Bear was there to clear a path, The Supermodel glared at anyone who was looking our direction, The Pixie danced behind us creating a greater distraction than the walking freak show that we were, and The Creeper was just walking along…looking creepy. However, I had never felt safer or more cared for than for the few minutes that I was escorted to class. I guess this is what it really feels like to have friends. I guess I don't mind it, too much.
This is how the rest of the day continued, the Cullens surrounding me, while I was completely oblivious to the outside world. It was fairly nice though, especially at lunch. Later The Pixie told me that several people had wanted to come and ask me questions, but that the rest of the family ran interference so that I could have at least one day of being semi-normal. She also told me that this whole, Cullen Family Force-Field was The Shrink's idea. She also hoped that I wouldn't get too mad at him for suggesting the whole thing, but somehow it felt great knowing that even Carlisle cared a little.
This Cullen Protection Agency continued for the rest of the week, and by the end of the day on Friday I knew that I would never be walking alone to class again. When I was walking out of my last I walked in on quite the entertaining situation. No one knew I was there yet, so I could just sit there and listen to the whole conversation.
"Edward, Esme told you to invite her, what are you waiting for?"
"Hell to freeze over!" I heard Edward's cool voice reply.
"Well, it's not going to, trust me, I know, I can see these things." The Pixie teased.
"Yeah, besides, I mean what's the worst that could happen?" the deep booming voice of The Bear asked.
"Um, you guys could scare her away. You could embarrass the crap out of her and she'd never talk to me again. Or how about this one…she could actually like you guys."
"And what's wrong with that?" asked The Creeper.
"Well, you know, we have a tendency of moving around a lot, I don't want her getting too attached." Edward replied.
"Edward, we like it here, I don't think we'll be going anywhere anytime soon."
"I know, I just, I, I'm nervous okay! What if she says no! I mean, things have been stressful for her, and with that lunatic out there running wild. What if Charlie won't let her come? I just, I don't know."
"Dude. Seriously. Just grow a pair and ask her." The Bear chided.
"You're one to talk, Emmett, it took you weeks to even asking me on a date and we lived in the same house!"
They all laughed at this and I could just imagine how red The Bear's face must have been.
"Well, one of us could ask her for you. I know I wouldn't mind." The Creeper said.
"Yeah, Jasper could ask her, then she'd never come! Yeah, that's the way to do it if you don't want her to come. I'm all for it!" Said The Supermodel.
"Shut it Rose, I'll ask her if you really want me to Edward. It could be like that day she came and hung out, I could get her all dressed up, and then she could trip again, and you could catch her again, and then wimp out and not kiss her again!"
At this a mass outcry was heard coming from every Cullen mouth.
"I didn't wimp out!" Was Edward's reply.
"You didn't kiss her? DUDE!" Was The Bear's reply.
"I can understand why." Replied The Supermodel.
"Man, some guys have all the luck." Was The Creeper's response.
"I know right, I couldn't have orchestrated it any better if I could see into the future." Replied The Pixie.
I figured now was as good of a time as any to reveal myself, so I stepped out into the middle of their circle and smiled.
"First of all, I wouldn't have let him kiss me anyway, it was way too cheesy. Second of all, rude, third, creeper, and fourth, conniver. And finally, there is no way I am coming over for a family dinner. I just don't do that sort of thing."
After that I just walked away and left them all dumbstruck by my amazingness. I had to go anyway or else I would be late for my meeting with Carlisle, er The Shrink, whatever.
I walked into his office, but he wasn't there. Which was weird, because he's always here. His briefcase was still by his desk, and his keys were on the desk, so where was he? I was about to leave after having waited five minutes when he jogged in breathless and red-faced.
"Bella…I (gasp) was just (gasp) on my (gasp) way. I got…lost…" He said, looking confused by his own words.
I just gave him a look that said I didn't believe him, but he didn't catch it because he was busy digging something out of one of his desk drawers. I just sat there waiting for him to catch his breath. Finally, after what seemed like an hour, he turned to me.
"So the children tell me you said no to Esme's dinner invitation."
I just sat there, I'm pretty sure my jaw had dropped.
"What?"
"Is that why you were late?"
"What?"
"You went to ask them what I had said?"
"No, I ran into them on my way here, and then they told me everything that had happened. It was a quite entertaining story actually. But I would ask that you reconsider her invitation."
"Isn't there some kind of code that says you have to keep your work and personal life separate? So technically, wouldn't this conversation be ethically or professionally inappropriate?" I asked trying to keep my most convincing look on my face, even though I was totally B..
He just looked at me for a second, and I could see a smile twitching at his lips, but I was going to try my hardest to continue to look convincing. After a full minute of him just staring at me I finally broke down.
"FINE! When? When is this ridiculous family dinner that I am expected to be at? And what should I tell my father, that my Shrink, or my boyfriend's father brow-beat me into coming to a dinner at their house?"
He just snickered then replied, "oh, I already talked to Charlie, he said it's fine if you come over tomorrow around 5:30 for dinner." A huge smile spread across his face and I was tempted to throw one of the books sitting next to me right at his head.
"Fine. You……….punk!"
So that is how I found myself standing with Edward, on his front porch, with his hand outstretched to grasp the doorknob and twist it open.
"Wait!" I somewhat shouted.
"What?"
"Tell me one more time."
"Bella…"
"Please. Just one more time."
"Everything is going to be fine."
"And the other thing."
"And if anyone gives you any crap, I will personally handle it."
"Even…"
"Even if it means I have to give my own father detention. Okay? Is that what you wanted to hear?"
I just giggled and then nodded. He got ready to twist the knob one more time, but then I gasped.
"What?!?"
"I can't do this."
"What do you mean, it's just dinner with my family."
"I know, but I just, I have this really bad feeling. Maybe we should reschedule. You know, for a time when there isn't a psycho out trying to kill me?"
"Bella, there may never be a time when a psycho isn't trying to kill you. Or, what if the psycho gets you and kills you, then you will never have had dinner with my family."
"Good point." I say as I slug him in the arm.
"You know I was only kidding. But seriously, Bella, they love you, and I well, I, well, they love you and that's good, right?"
I just stared at him.
"Right?"
"Fine. But I mean, look at me, I look like a toddler playing dress-up. I'm wearing a dress for crying out loud."
"I know, you are crying out loud, but you should stop, because you look beautiful. Besides, Lauren never looked this cute when I brought her over to meet my family."
I just looked at him.
"Okay, I didn't really. But come on, she wouldn't look anywhere as near as gorgeous as you standing outside my house, freaking out. Okay? Now can we please just do this?"
I look around, wondering if escape is possible, but before I can make a break for the woods Edward has turned the door knob, and we are entering the house.
I enter the house, still looking outside when I hear snickering coming from in front of me. I turn around and see every single one of them standing in the foyer waiting to greet us. The Creeper is snickering and everyone else is trying to conceal a smile as they watch us walk through the door.
"Give me detention, huh?" Carlisle says as he quirks his eyebrow and my face turns completely red as I realize that they had been on the other side of the door listening to our conversation the whole time.
"Ah, it's okay Bella, the same thing happened to me when I first had dinner at Carlisle's parents house, and look at how well that worked out for us." Said Esme as she smiled ever so sweetly at me.
Both Edward and I turn a deep shade of scarlet and everyone else just laughs nervously.
"Well, that was awkward. Maybe we should stop mingling in the doorway and move this little party to the living room?" The Bear says, trying to act like a good host. But just as everyone turns to head in there he reminds us exactly who we're dealing with. "Remember this room Bella, this is where we first met. Remember…you were the little emo girl, and you tripped, and I said—"
"Emmett!" Esme exclaims.
"Yeah Emmett, I remember." I say as a slight frown makes its way to my mouth.
I think we all start to remember what had happened that day when suddenly my vision is obscured and two arms like tree trunks have wrapped themselves around me.
"What the…Emmett! Put me down!"
"I can't!"
"Why not?!?"
"Because, you had that look on your face, and I can't put you down till it's gone."
"It's gone."
"No it's not! You're lying!"
"I am not!"
"Yes you are. Bella, don't make me get Jasper involved."
"No! Don't!" I start to say, but I've dissolved into laughter, and apparently so has the rest of the room. I notice that I'm getting further from the ceiling and closer to the floor. When my feet finally touch the ground I stretch my hand out looking for Edward's and find it magically laced in mine. Now that the tension is gone we all take a seat in the living room and start to converse congenially.
It's not long before The Bear starts shooting Esme pointed looks, and I realize that it must be that The Bear is hungry. Esme picks up on the small hints and then gently chides Carlisle with her elbow. She gives him a word laden look and then looks at the dining room.
"Why don't we all head to the dining room? There is an amazing aroma coming from the kitchen and I can no longer ignore it."
"Apparently neither can Emmett." I say, somewhat quietly, but everyone still hears and laughs regardless.
Everyone gets up and exits towards the dining room, Edward and I are the last in and I see that everyone is seated, and the table is set up with the most beautiful china, silver, and glasses.
"Oh, Esme, I didn't want you to have to go through all this trouble." I say, slightly abashed by the lavishness of the dinner table.
"It is no trouble at all Bella. Sometimes I just look for an excuse to use the fancy china." She says as she winks at me.
"Yeah, it's true, birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, obscure national holidays, anything!" Says the Creeper while chuckling at his own joke.
Edward leads me to my chair, which is in the middle of the table nearest the wall. To my left is Edward and to his left is the head of the table, where Carlisle sits. His head is resting on his steepled fingers, and his smiling at me. I quickly look next to him where Rosalie is sitting. She is looking at Edward, who is seated across from her, and seems to be trying to send him some secret message. She looks frustrated and gives up, too bad for her he can't read minds. Next to Rosalie, and directly across from me is The Bear. His face is split with a huge grin and he keeps bumping his foot against mine. No matter where I move it, he finds it. He's infuriating. Next to The Bear is The Creeper. The Creeper is just sitting there stroking the knife in front of him and I have no idea what is running through his mind. Next to him is the other head of the table, but the seat is empty. I'm assuming that is where Esme would sit, but she' is in the kitchen getting the food. Finally is the seat to my right, it too is empty and I assume again that it is from The Pixie, she must be helping Esme with the food. I turn to Edward about to ask if I should help when The Pixie and Esme walk through the door with several platters of food balanced on their arms. They could have a great career as waitresses.
"Mmmm…Pot Roast, my favorite." The Bear says, the "mmmm…" sounding more like a grumble from the pits of the earth.
I look at the roast and try to figure out how I can make it look like I ate some when I don't actually eat meat. Really, the look on my face is more like horror, as if I'm afraid the roast is going to grab the knife that is sticking out of it and charge me with it. But then next to the roast Esme sets down a bowl of potatoes, and then The Pixie sets down asparagus, and then French cut green beans, and rolls, and then finally she sets before me the most glorious looking bowl of salad I have ever seen. It's not just iceberg lettuce and peeled carrots, but every kind of lettuce you could imagine, even the kind that looks like a weed! And there are radishes, and carrots, and cabbage, and onions, and baby corn, and tons of other things that get me so excited that I am actually excited for dinner.
I look up after having assessed my salad and realize that everyone is staring at me. I blush slightly, then smile, then just say, "What, I really like salad, okay?"
Everyone just kind of giggles and then begins passing around the food items. Along with my salad I take some of the veggies, potatoes, and a roll.
I pick up my fork to dig into my salad when The Pixie clears her throat. I look at her and she mimics me putting my fork down. I do so and then look around to see everyone looking at Carlisle.
"Let's say grace shall we?"
"Why, we never do any other time?" The Bear says. Esme shoots him a look and he bows his head, clasps, his hands, and closes his eyes.
"Thank you Lord for this bountiful feast which you have provided. Amen."
Everyone whispers silent "amens" and then begin diving into their food. I pick up my fork and take a huge bite out of my salad, it's delicious, but could use a little pepper. I reach around the rolls in front of me to grab the pepper when I accidentally knock over the salt shaker. Just then everything stops. Even Emmett stops shoveling his face to see what all the silence is about.
I look at the knocked over salt shaker on the table, it's just sitting there, with salt slowly pouring from the tiny openings in the top of its lid. I just sit there staring at it, wondering what I should do next. I tear my eyes from the salt shaker to take a cursory glance around the table. Everyone's eyes seem to be on me and everyone's mind seems to be whirring, wondering what I'm going to do next. I stretch out my hand and let it hover over the salt shaker and then take another glance around the table. All eyes still seem to be on me, so I pick up the salt shaker and I pull it close to my chest. I finally take one more look around the table and try to figure out what everyone is thinking.
Edward: Just put the salt shaker down. Just, just leave it on the table, if you act like nothing happened, no one will notice. Please, do not do exactly what I think you're going to do. (A grimace crosses his face)
Carlisle: Oh boy, it's a Bella moment. What is she going to do? Everything I know about her tells me she's going to do something dramatic, let's just hope she doesn't get too embarrassed. (A small smirk plays across his face)
The Supermodel: It's just salt. (A bored expression stays where it has been all evening)
The Bear: Please, please throw it over your shoulder. Please! PLEASE throw it over your shoulder. Come on, you can do it, please!!!! Do it! Do it! Come on! DOoooooo Ittttttt!!!! (A look similar to that of a child in a candy store has placed itself on his face)
The Creeper: Heh heh heh…heh heh heh…heh heh heh heh….HA! (His typical creeper smile plastered on his face)
Esme: Oh child, come on, just set the salt shaker down. Just step away from the salt shaker and no one will get hurt. (Her eyebrow quirks)
The Pixie: Bella, just put down the…ha ha ha…put down the….ha ha ha…Bella, don't do it…ha ha ha…Jasper, stop laughing…ha ha ha…oh Emmett's face is priceless. Please Edward, grab the salt shaker from her hand. (Her face is a mixture of amusement and concealment)
I quietly debate whether or not I should throw the salt over my shoulder, how bad could a few years bad luck really be, right? But then I remember that a psycho is currently stalking me and wants to kill me and I think that I need all the luck I can get. So I slowly lift the salt shaker to my shoulder. I glance around one more time and see that the only ones not silently encouraging me to stop are The Bear and The Creeper. I pull my arm forward and prepare to send a little amount of salt over my shoulder. Just as my arm starts to release, both The Bear and The Creeper let out a huge laugh and I feel the salt shaker slip from my grasp. A small cry slips from my lips and Edward starts to rise from his chair when we all hear the salt shaker collide with the wall, and then fall to the ground.
Everyone sits there for a second, all eyes on me, and the only place I can look is my plate. I can feel the traitor tears starting to fill my eyes when I hear Esme clear her throat. It sounds like she's stifling a laugh.
"Hey, at least you didn't accidentally bump a whole turkey onto the floor and get mashed potatoes in great-aunt Nana's hair."
Everyone starts to laugh a bit, but I just look up at her confused.
"My first dinner with Carlisle's parents. I tripped on the dog's tail, knocked the turkey on the ground, sent mashed potatoes flying at his great-aunt Nana, and managed to land gracefully in his father's lap. The family gave me a perfect ten and his father said I was a keeper."
I start to laugh now and realize that maybe it's not as bad as it seemed.
The rest of the night was spent telling family dinner horror stories and reenacting my salt shaker fiasco. My favorite reenactment was when The Bear pretended like The Pixie was the salt shaker and sent her flying onto the couch. After a few more hours of fun and desert Edward decided it was time to head for home.
"Well, thank you all for a great night. And, thanks Esme; I had a lot of fun."
Esme gave me a hug as we left and then they all waved from the front porch as we took off down the gravel driveway towards the freeway.
I sat there smiling to myself the whole way home as Edward alternately looked at me and looked at the road. When we finally got to my house, he walked me to the door, gave me a full on kiss and then left it at that. I walked in the door after he got in his car and walked right into Charlie.
"We're you spying?!?" I screamed.
"No, I , I just, yes. Yes I was spying."
"It's okay. Good night Dad!"
"Hey Bells?"
"Yeah?"
"Did you have fun?"
I couldn't contain my smile any longer. "Yeah, yeah I did."
"Good."
