Chapter 11 – Rio
Disclaimer I do not own Twilight. All characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. All songs used in this story belong to the writers, studios, and artists. No copyright infringement intended.
A/N: this chapter is a bit long, but I wanted to wrap up Charlie and Renee's visit so I could move on the the other visitors they were expecting.
BPOV
Edward had our trip planned. He made reservations to keep the boat at a yacht club in Botafago Bay, which was close to some of the tourist attractions and the Copacabana Plaza Hotel where were would be staying. As we got closer to land, we saw the Christ the Redeemer stature towering over the city, and Sugar Loaf Mountain with the cable cars going up and down. The yacht club was nestled between the base of the mountains and the beach. Since the Copacabana Palace Hotel check in was at 4 PM, we decided to Sugar Loaf Mountain so we left the kids with our siblings, and we headed out.
We had to take two cable cars to get to the summit. The first bubble-shaped glass cable cars, - from which you had a 360 view of the surrounding area, took us to the top of Morro da Urca or Urca Hill. The view was even better once we got our of the cars. We has a really good view of the boats in Bay and the Yacht Club where we just came from. It was a lovely sight. Boats of different sizes were all gleaming in the hot sun and bobbing on the shimmering blue sea. We also had panoramic views of the city and Edward pointed out the major sights to us - Guanabara Bay, the Rio-Niteroi Bridge and Corcovado Mountain. We took lots of pictures and enjoyed the views. We also visited the Museum, to learn about the history of the cable cars in Brazil. With they use of digital projections, images, machinery and objects they chronicled the changes from the first boxy cars to the new high tech glass cable cars. The second cable car took us to the top of Sugar Loaf. There were rails around the observation area, with benches so you could relax and take in the breathtaking views of Copacabana Beach, the Santa Cruz Fortress and the beaches of Niteroi. I enjoyed walking from one end of the observation area to the next - feeling like I was on top of the world. From here, we had a better view of the Christ the Redeemer Statue.
"I have a surprise." Edward said when we got back to Urca Hill. There was a heliport with pilots ready to take you for aerial tours of Rio, which we ignored on the way up but now Edward was pulling me toward one of the helicopters.
"Are you crazy? We were doing one little sightseeing trip before going to the hotel."
"Charlie, Renee and Seth, would you like a helicopter ride?"
"Cool." I already knew Seth would say yes, so I wasn't surprised. He is a daredevil just like the Cullen kids. No wonder they get along so well.
"We're already here, so let's go for it." Renee said.
"Dad, tell them this is crazy."
"I know Edward is crazy, but you know what they say, "if you can't lick them join them.""
"Et tu, Brute." My father the traitor – the one sensible person I thought I could rely on to be the voice of reason. I had no choice but to go along with them. Charlie sat up front with the pilot and the rest of us got in the back.
As we flew over the city, the highways sky scrapers and other buildings seemed like toys. It was hard to believe that there was a bustling city with hundreds of thousands or maybe even millions of people down there. We made a direct line to the Christ the Redeemer statue which beckoned us with open arms. The pilot flew around the statue, giving us a view of the front and back. After the statue, he pointed out the sights to us - the Jockey Club Race Track, Maracana Stadium, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and beyond that Ipanema.
"The Copacabana area begins at Princesa Isabel Avenue and ends at Posto Seis," he mentioned when he found out we'd be staying there. Edward looked at me and smiled – we were both thinking of the bedtime story I made up for the babies about Prince Edward and Princess Bella. Then the pilot actually flew over the length of the beach and gave us a magnificent aerial view of the hotel and the surrounding area. I must admit that it was a fantastic tour, and a great way to kick off our week in Rio.
~~~~HEA~~~~
We saw the hotel from the air, but standing in front of it was totally different. I was blown away by the towering white building. The shape of the building with what seemed like hundreds of windows reminded me of pictures of Buckingham Palace - a smaller white version - so the name Copacabana Plaza Hotel seemed appropriate. The lobby looked elegant and luxurious — from the marble reception desk to the immaculately attired bellboys. The high ceiling featured a beautiful elaborate chandelier. The floor was made of shiny tiles laid out in diamond shapes, with white cement between them little black tiles at the peaks. The color of the tiles matched the wall perfectly, but most of it was covered with burgundy oriental rugs, which started close to the revolving doors and went up the steps which led further into the hotel. Looking up the steps, I saw more of the gorgeous chandeliers hanging between arches leading further into the hotel.
Our spectacular Penthouse Suites were located on the 6th floor of the main building. The suites had connecting doors which could be opened to make one large suite. Each suite had a bedroom with a king size bed, a huge flat-screen TV which was placed in a wooden frame, like a work of art and an all marble bathroom with separate tub, a sitting room. The glass doors in the sitting room led to a private terrace which overlooked the massive pool and had a fantastic view of the ocean. All the rooms were pained in a buttery yellow while the ceilings, moldings and the doors were painted white. The rooms were not over done, the feel was bright and welcoming and the ice bucket with a bottle of champagne, the champagne flutes and the tray with cheese and crackers which were in each suite added to that effect.
Although there were similarities, the wooden furniture in each suite, was a different style, making each one unique. Renee fell in love with what I called the Bird-of-Paradise room, so we let her choose that suite for her stay. The Bird-of-Paradise flower was printed on the drapes, the bed-skirts, on the fabric portion of the headboard, and a bouquet of fresh Bird-of-Paradise flowers were in a crystal vase on the coffee table, but that was not the only flowers in the suite. An arrangement of flowers was placed on almost every flat surface, including an orchid growing in a silver pot on the desk in the sitting room - the flower was white with pink blush growing on a tall stalk with green shinny leaves at the base. On the walls were paintings of both the Bird-of-Paradise plants and the tiny bird, along with other flowers. The sofa was done in a light yellow fabric with light blue and white stripes. This fabric was also used for the throw pillow on the light yellow arm chair.
"The rooms remind me of pictures of English homes," Renee said after we walked through all the rooms. I had to agree. The drapes, the light white gossamer panels, the lovely dark wooden furniture, the plush couches, all made you feel like you were in a sumptuous home.
There was also a private pool, on the 6th floor, exclusive to guests of the penthouse suites which would be perfect to relax and sunbathe in total privacy and we even had our own butler to cater to our every need. Apparently, he came with the penthouse, whether you requested him or not.
After we settled in, we went for a walk on the promenade with the babies. The pavement of the Copacabana promenade was beautifully designed with a black and white geometric wave. "This is so beautiful." I said, to Alice as I admired the intricate pattern. I was amazed at the intricate placement of each little piece of tile or stone. It was hard to take my eyes off the ground. Alice was a wealth of information. "The pavement was designed by Roberto Burle Marxis and was completed in 1970. This work is considered a Portuguese pavement because this style is a traditional style used for many pedestrian areas in Portugal - Portuguese workers travel all over Europe to create these beautiful pieces of art."
There were other five star hotels on the promenade, but apparently the Copacabana Palace was the most famous. Restaurants, bars, night clubs and residential buildings also dotted the promenade. The white sands and blue waters of the beach beckoned, and although the water was a bit rough, if we had not been staying on the island, I would have insisted on going swimming before the day was through. It was late afternoon, but the area was still busy. People were coming and going from the beach, there was heavy traffic to the restaurants and bars and vendors sold everything from food to beach towels.
After we put the kids down for the night, Edward, Seth, my parents and I, went to dinner at Cipriani restaurant, which was inside the hotel. We had a table next to the glass wall by the Olympic sized pool – according to the brochure, it was not quite the size of an Olympic pool, but it was enormous. We had delicious Italian food and Edward kept sneaking his food unto my plate when my parents weren't paying attention. All the activity from the day had me ravenous, so I ate most of it. Our siblings were babysitting, but they planned on getting their dinner afterwards - they were going hunting to better control their thirst during our stay in Rio.
As we had arranged, everyone met back at the hotel early in the morning. Complimentary breakfast at La Pergola restaurant was included for guests, but there was a fee for non-guests. Since Edward, Alice and Rosalie wouldn't be eating, their breakfasts would be given to Charlie and Seth. Our butler mentioned that the food could be brought to the room, so that was perfect for us. The menu had a variety of fruits, eggs, meats, seafood dishes, cereals, juices, breads, rolls, and pastries. We put a couple of tables together on the patio, and had a feast, to prepare for our first full day of sightseeing.
Number one on everyone's list of things to see was Christ the Redeemer Statue. We had decided we would make better time, without the babies, so I left them with our siblings. We started off early to beat the rush because we were told mid-morning and mid-afternoon were the busiest because the tour buses arrived at those times. To make better time, and to draw less attention to a large group of vampires, we decided to leave the babies with our siblings. So after I hugged and kissed each one and told them to be good for their aunts and uncles, we left to join the other sightseers.
~~~~HEA~~~~
"We saw this lake from the helicopter yesterday."
"Yes, this is the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas or Lagoa as the locals call it. One of the original names given to the area by the Tamoios Indians was Piraguá which means Still Water because the water was stagnant. In 1922, the Bureau of Rural Sanitation presented a project to clean up and beautify the Capital for the Independence Centennial festivities. That project involved dredging a canal to reconnect the lagoon to the sea, and deepening the land bar. The soil removed to build the canal formed the island of Caiçara, seat of today's club of the same name. The water is about 0.93 square miles, which is perfect for a variety of aquatic sports. Besides water sports, you could rent a variety of leisure equipment including paddle boats shaped as swans. If you like riding, there's a paved biking path of about 4.5 miles, and when you get hungry after all that activity, there are lots of kiosks that offer regional and international foods."
"Edward, you should get a job as a tour guide." Seth joked.
"We should come here one evening with the kids and stroll around the water." I knew the water would fascinate the babies. They just love water, and this vast expanse of water with all the activities mentioned taking place would be excellent stimulation for them.
"You could stroll around the water, I'd want to go rowing or paddle boating. Maybe have a race with Edward, Jasper and Emmett." Seth said.
Edward laughed at his enthusiasm. "I'm sure my brothers would love that."
We laughed and joked until we got to the Cosme Velho train station. We took the cog train through the Tijuca rainforest up to the top of the mountain. You had a choice of stairs, escalators or elevators taking you to the foot of the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, so we chose the stairs; it was fun seeing more of the scenery revealed the higher we climbed.
The views of Rio de Janeiro and beyond were just spectacular. When you look up at the magnificent statue from the platform and then out to the beauty of the surrounding mountains, bay, and ocean, it's easy to understand why Christ the Redeemer was recently named one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World".
The blue water of the Atlantic ocean was spread out as far as the eye could see until it seemed to meet with the vast blue sky at the horizon and the little islands in the ocean, almost looked like toys in a bathtub or pool until you used the zoom lens on the camera or one of the binoculars, Edward brought along.
We saw everything we had seen from the helicopter, but it was still breathtaking and walking around the base of the statue offered different angles to take in your surrounds. Once again I marveled at the way cities or towns nestled around the base of the mountains. There were lots of forests too – the mountains almost entirely covered by trees. There must be millions of animals living in the forests or jungles. One night I'd like to go there with Edward. We took turns posing for individual and group pictures with the statue, to add to the pictures we took of the scenery.
~~~~HEA~~~~
My Mom spoke about Carnival in Rio, so we one morning, we went to the Museum of Samba which was in the Sambadrome at the end of the Samba runway in Apotheosis Square. The museum chronicled the history of Carnival in Rio. From the history of some of the famous Samba schools to how the samba traditions had evolved. The main objective of the Samba schools is to prepare for and compete annually in the Samba Parade so there were exhibits featuring old costumes and pictures from the Samba Parades of prior years. I was amazed at all the costumed on display, especially when I learned that all the costumes in the Samba Parades were handmade by members of the various Samba Schools. The costumes are designed according to the theme chosen by the Samba School and incorporate the official school colors – the Samba schools were like the yacht clubs of Rio, they all had a flag with specific colors. Each Samba School exhibited a wide variety of costumes to tell their plot or samba story. The costumes ranged from skimpy bikini styled outfits to more elaborate costumes with feathers and some that were on wheels.
I stood staring at one of the skimpiest pieces wondering if I could wear something like it in public. Then I remembered the bikinis that Alice buys for us, and there were not much differences, except these outfits were covered in rhinestones and the women wearing them were viewed by hundreds of thousands of people. This particular outfit consisted of eight pieces beautifully decorated with Swarovski crystal, rhinestones and sequins. The head piece was made of a sturdy material which formed a peak on the wearer's forehead, and was covered with Swarovski crystal, rhinestones and sequins, then topped with a row of green rooster feathers, then a row of orange and finally a row of orange ostrich feathers. Large gem stones were interspersed between the smaller stones. It was about two feet tall.
The bands on the necklace and the bikini bottom were made of rows of crystals and rhinestones similar to the beaded part of the headdress. Where the headdress had feathers going up in the air, the necklace and the bikini bottom or tong had strings of yellow, orange and green beads of varying sizes with gold beads separating each color - the larger yellow beads were on the bottom of the strings ranging to the smaller green beads next to the fabric. The tong hung low on the hips with a large crystal in the middle of the front, and the string of beads in the back would rest just on the top of the ass cheeks. Another large crystal was strategically placed in the middle. You could picture the beads swing from side to side as the woman danced in the parade. The bikini top was covered in a similar design with beads hanging from the bottom of the cups, there was a large crystal over each nipple. The arm bands, and ankle bands were also covered with crystals and sequins, except these did not have hanging beads, and all the pieces had a large gemstone in the middle of the front and the back. The costume was gorgeous and daring. I stood there watching it, wondering what Edward's reaction would be if I entered our bedroom with that or if we went walking on the beach and I stripped down to something like this.
There were other costumes that covered much more of the wearer's body, than the sexy piece I fell in love with. Everything from sailors, kings and queens, animals and everything in between. There was one in particular that I liked, because it seemed less cumbersome than some of the more elaborate pieces, which would make it more comfortable to wear. The costume was for a Roman soldier. The helmet was of gold fabric probably lame covered in beads and rhinestones with a band of larger gems around. The same fabric was used to add height. It was shaped like a sun, with large clear crystals like diamonds on each peak, and white ostrich feathers were added. The tunic was made from four pieces of fold fabric – shaped to form peaks at the bottom. The edges were decorated with silver crystals, and the fabric for the front and back had two had intricate embroidery of the also gold, decorated with beads around the edges and large blue stones in the middle of the patterns that were embroidered on the four pieces that made up the costume – two bigger pieces for the front and back – reaching about mid-thigh and shorted pieces for the arms which would reach just around the wrists. The tunic was adorned with blue feathers sprouting from each side of the neckline. The shoulder pads were made from white fabric with gold trim and had small white feathers. The skirt was white with gold trim like the shoulder pads except it didn't have feathers. The details were stunning, down to the straps of the helmet.
There were men and women coordinating costumes, costume with wings - some with ostrich and others with peacock feathers and even costumes made of ceramic pieces. All had beading, skillful use of colorful crystals, lots of vibrant feathers. Like the beautiful costume made from red sequined material. The top had a sweetheart neckline with spaghetti straps, the front tapered down to the top of the thighs where it ended in strings of glittering white beads. Strings of small white beads were sewn over the fabric to make a design similar to the outside of an artichoke. There was a large crystal, adorning the top of each "leaf". The neck and upper chest was completed covered in beads. Rows and rows of red and pink beads formed a collar which got wider as it descended to cover the chest, with long strings of beads hanging down the front, some reaching almost to the hem of the dress. Beads were sewn into four pieces of the red fabric to look like flowers, and a diamond was placed in the center of each flower. These pieces were then decorated with raven feathers and attached to the hips and shoulders. The feathers were gorgeous – black with shimmering touches of red and green.
The headpieces were fantastic. I loved the elaborate pieces; some were designed with feathers going from front to back while others had them going from side to side. Several of the head pieces used black or white feathers, but most used vibrant colors - every color of the rainbow was used.
There were videos with whole bands of costumed performers on parade. Some of the costumes were like dresses with hooped skirts so when the performers spun around, the dresses made beautiful colorful circles around them. I can only imagine the amount of hours that went into making these costumes. This was something Alice would be good at and she would be much faster than a human.
"Have you visited Brazil during carnival before?" Another tourist who my mom was speaking to asked.
"No, but I think I'll come next year around that time. The costumes on display were spectacular," my mom replied as excited as a kid in a candy store.
"Then I suggest you see the live performance at the Samba show if you want to get a better feel for what it's like during the carnival season, we went lat night and it was fantastic."
"Great, thanks for the suggestion."
As it turned out, we were able to get tickets for the next night. We opted for the optional dinner before the show to get the full effect. The dinner was at a churrascaria which is a Brazilian steakhouse. Along with the variety of meats, there were some seafood and vegetable dishes. Throughout the meal, the waiters kept bringing meat to the table. I loved meat, so this was perfect. Apparently Charlie, Seth and Renee enjoyed their dinner also. At one point Charlie asked Edward how his steak was – he had a medium rare steak on his plate, so he said it was delicious and to prove his point, he cut off a piece and popped it in his mouth. I almost chocked as I tried not to laugh when he did this. The food was delicious, and we left the dinner with enough time to get to the hall for the performance. It was fantastic. Some of the performers posed for pictures before and after the show.
Like the museum, the show told the story of the history of the Brazilian Samba dance culture with spectacular folk dances and fantastic costumes from the different areas of Brazil, but the show was even better. The performers didn't just get on stage and dance; they engaged the audience - coming off the stage during some of the performances which made the evening more memorable. No matter how intricate the steps for their dances, they always had huge smiles plastered on their faces. This added to their performances – they were having fun dancing or performing and we were having fun watching them. And again, the costumes were beautiful - from men beating drums in simple white slacks and colorful sequined shirts, to the full length elaborate costumes, that must be on wheels for the performs to carry them so effortlessly. There were men doing acrobatics, African fight dancers and the Bolo Gaucho, and to add to all this, the beautiful lights – the stage changed colors during the different performances – sometimes bright, sometimes mysterious, all depending on what was going on at the time.
"Since it wasn't Carnival season, this was a great way to get a glimpse of what actually takes place. Now more than ever, I want to come back for Carnival, and maybe even wear one of those beautiful costumes," Renee told me, after the show. I knew Charlie enjoyed the show too, and by the look on Seth's face every time he saw one of the sexy dancers, I could image what he would be dreaming about. We made sure he got lots of pictures to take back with him – there were professional photographers there, so along with our pictures, we paid for him to have as many special pictures as he wanted, being a teenage boy, most of his pictures featured a sexy scantily dressed performer. He would be extremely popular with all the young guys on the reservation when he went back home.
I made a quick trip to the bathroom while everyone was taking pictures. On the way back, I stood in a corner watching Seth indulgently as he posed for more pictures - the performers were exceedingly gracious, and put up with all his requests. As I watched him, I thought that I would have to go through this behavior with Anthony and Eddie at some point. Then I watched the women in their costumes and again, I thought of getting one. Maybe I could get Alice to decorate one of my bikinis, and I could learn one of the dances to surprise Edward.
Before I could finish that thought, I felt the hairs rise at the back of my neck. He fitted his body behind mine and whispered in my ear, "I'd pay any amount of money for one of those costumes. I know you would look fantastic in it. I saw your eyes glazed over yesterday as you watched one particular costume at the museum." I knew exactly which one he was talking about – the one with the strategically placed gems.
"Image my mouth covering the gems above your nipples, running my tongue under your breast, up the straps to the back of your neck, using my teeth to free the straps, then suckling your hard nipples like a hungry baby. Then when you think you can't take any more pleasure, I'll trace the outline of the tong with my tongue and fingers. Licking, nipping and caressing along the edges, getting closer to the V with the gem just on your mound before slipping my tongue under it to taste you. I'd do the same going in the other direction to the back so I could admire the perfect placement of that large gem on the crack of your ass and the fall of the beads on the top of your pert cheeks - fitting my hands on your hot flesh and massaging them. Maybe I'll pull the string across and take you like that, or maybe I'd undress you slowly, carefully, so we could have that outfit for many, many nights to play at the drunken sailor picking up the sexy carnival reveler and taking her to his ship. Your sexy body would be calling to me, so I don't know if we would make it to the boat. I'd have to fuck you against the nearest surface, so in the first dark corner we reach, I'd lift you up, ravishing your lips before slowly sliding you down my body unto my hard cock. Fucking you against a tree, a wall, or pushing you down in the sand on all fours and fucking you like the animal." By the time he was finished, I was wet. My heart was racing. I was trembling, and more than ever, I wanted to drag him into an empty room and ride his cock, but I couldn't do that. In a few minutes picture taking session would be over and my parents would be looking for me, so I wobbled back to the bathroom and splashed water on my feverish face; bathing my wrists under the cold water, and taking deep breaths to still my heart. I'm going to kill him for doing this to me. On the other hand, when we get back to the hotel, I could put on one of my skimpy lingerie sets and make him do exactly what he described. And if he lost control and tore it with his teeth, at least it's not an irreplaceable costume. I left the bathroom with what I'm sure he would call "the cat that stole the cream smile" and made my way back to our group. Maybe I'd even ask him to take me hunting. A little bit of blood would give me the energy to use him all night long and still have stamina for another day of sightseeing.
One day Edward, Jasper and Emmett took Charlie and Seth to a soccer game. My mom, Rosalie and I took the kids to the lagoon. We rented paddle boats, then we walked around for a while, ate some local food from the kiosks and did some people watching from a shady spot under an umbrella.
We spent time on the beach and at the pool with the babies. We went all over Rio – from the famous Santa Theresa steps or Escadaria Selarón (Selarón's Staircase) as they're known to a relaxing day touring the botanical gardens and the Tijuca National Park with the kids and the rest of our family.
Before we knew it, the week was almost over. The day before my parents' flight back, Rosalie, Alice, my mom and I went to the spa. Edward and the guys were taking Charlie fishing again, so Carlisle and Esme had come over to babysit.
We booked full services for all of us – massages, facials, body scrubs, body wraps and manicures and pedicures. We even booked an appointment with the hairdresser for Renee and me. Plus we planned to use the sauna and spa tub in between treatments. According to the treatment menu, the extensive treatment menu featured the exclusive AYASPA line of organic products, made from the purest and most refined indigenous Brazilian ingredients. Combinations based on açaí and guaraná fruits, white clay from the Amazon and essential oils to enhance your sense of wellbeing. The use of an organic line of product was a plus in my book. A spa bathrobe was brought to each of us before our first scheduled treatment time, which heightened the anticipation of spending a blissful day being pampered.
The day at the spa was worth every penny. I felt light, and slick and incredibly relaxed. I coordinated treatments with Renee, so we both had a break at lunch time and ordered a light delicious lunch from the special menu specially created for the spa. After lunch, it was back to continue with our treatments.
"The hairdresser was amazing," Renee said as she ran her fingers through her hair and shook out the curls. Like the other Cullen women, and men for that matter, my hair was naturally shinny now. We pretend it was the products we used, and no matter what style it was cut in, it would naturally grow back to the style, and length it was when we changed. That was why Alice had insisted I had a complete spa treatment before the conversion – I never have to worry about shaving.
By the time we left the hairdresser, I was too relaxed to do anything, so we went back to our floor and sat by the pool. Renee and I had refreshing local drinks while the rest of my family pretended to sip bottled water. Most of it ended up in the pool on their body. We made a make shift bed for the babies, and they stayed outside with us – enjoying the sun and the pool, and then taking a nap under the shade of an umbrella.
For our last night in the city, our siblings agreed to babysit again while Edward, Seth, my parents and I, went to dinner at La Pergola – another restaurant in the hotel. This restaurant was more casual, and we asked for a poolside table so we could enjoy the relax pool area and the glorious night. I wanted them to enjoy the fantastic weather for as long as possible. We had a table next to the glass wall next to the Olympic sized pool – well according to the brochure, it was not quite Olympic pool, but it was enormous. We had a combination of delicious Italian and local dishes. Edward kept sneaking his food unto my plate when my parents weren't paying attention. We talked about their vacation, and all three of them agreed that it was the best vacation they ever had. Technically, it was Seth's first real vacation, be none of us reminded him of that.
"Bella and Edward, thank you for agreeing to me tagging along with Charlie." Seth said halfway during dinner.
Edward playfully punched his shoulder. "Seth, you are welcome to visit at any time – with or without Charlie. We love having you around. It reminded us of the times we spent with you in Forks. We missed that."
"You could come back for summer vacation." I added.
"Cool." He grinned from ear to ear. Edward was right. We had missed our time with Seth. All those carefree days playing and acting as real teenagers. The guys teasing and daring each other more than they usually did. No grownup decisions to make- no worries.
We ate, and reminisced about all the wonderful things we did and what our favorites were.
"Like Seth, my favorite was the soccer match." Charlie mentioned.
"Not the fishing trips?" I asked.
"Don't get me wrong. The fishing was excellent, but the fans at the soccer game were crazy. You don't see that at a baseball game in Seattle."
"Mom, what was your favorite activity?"
"Visiting Christ the Redeemer Statue was great. Every time you hear of Rio, that's the first thing that comes to mind – seeing it from the helicopter, then standing at the feet of the statue and feeling like an ant at the feet of a giant. That was incredible. I also enjoyed Samba Show and Museum. I enjoyed seeing those exotic costumes and the way the girls danced in them." I saw Edward shaking his head, and he was trying to hide a smile as he looked at Seth over his water glass. I could imagine what Seth was thinking about the dancers – hormonal teenage boys.
They all enjoyed the glorious weather we had over the past two weeks and spending time with us. My parents especially enjoyed the time spent with the babies. I enjoyed it all. I had not done any sightseeing since we got here because we were busy with the construction and the babies. Seeing the sights were fantastic, but spending time with my parents was even better. I loved watching them with the babies.
This had been a fantastic trip. From the time we checked in, we were treated like royalty and every need was anticipated and no matter what we requested or what time of the day or night it was that request was carried out instantly. At first I was a bit self-conscious about having a butler cater to our every need, but after the first day, I wanted to take him back to the island with me. Our bathroom supplies were replenished daily sometimes twice daily, so I kept throwing toiletries in Renee's suitcase. The service was exceptional. Now I see why the Hotel has been the meeting place of kings, princes and presidents over years. From the style, the delicious food and the impeccable service all worked to create an exceptional experience.
Charlie didn't want us to make the trip to the airport, so we said goodbye at the boat. Before he got in the car, he pulled me aside to have a private word. "Bells, just hear me out. No interruptions okay."
"Okay."
"This is something I've wanted to say to you for a while. I admit I had reservations about Edward when you first brought him home. The more I see him with you, the more I realize that he would do anything for you and now the babies, and I know how he feels. I felt like that when I first held you in my arms, and even if we only spent a few weeks together each year, I have cherished every minute. When you came back into my life permanently, I thought you were too good for anyone even Edward; maybe, I was more upset about losing you again. Now I realize that the fear of losing you was ungrounded. Edward has made every effort to include Renee and I in your lives. I know there are things you cannot talk about, but as long as I know it's nothing illegal, I'm willing to leave those stones uncovered. What I'm trying to say is that I'm happy for you. You found the only boy on this planet that I think deserves you. I enjoyed spending time with you and the rest of the Cullens. As I always do, I observed how they interact with you, and not just Edward, all of them are devoted to you and the babies. At first I was worried that you were terminally ill because that's how people who have a limited time left to live are treated, but I see it's just natural to them. For whatever reason, they have taken you to their hearts and the love Edward has for you seem to be multiplied by five. It is unusual; to say the least, but it's a testament to how special you are. I'm glad you found someone to love you like that. I'm glad you found Edward. On our fishing trip, Billy mentioned some mumble jumble about soul mates, and destiny, but whatever this is, or whatever the reason, I'm happy for you, for both of you."
I was so emotional, I was crying long before he finished. Charlie is not a touchy-feely person so expressing himself doesn't come easy. For him to make this little speech must have been hard. He was probably planning it for a while now. After the car drove away, I walked back to the boat and went to my babies. Only the sight of my babies was able to stem the flow of my tears. These miracle babies – what was it about being with them that made Charlie open up like that?
"You knew Charlie was planning that speech?" I asked Edward while we were on the way back to the island.
"Yes, but you know, it's hard for me to read your dad, but I got bits and pieces. Of course, we all heard him."
"Was it the babies, or something we did?"
"It's hard to tell, but I know both your parents left here more peaceful then when they came. Your dad was thinking of early retirement to be closer to us, and Renee would have stayed indefinitely if she didn't have Phil."
I'm glad they were happy. We had a wonderful two weeks, but we have to return to reality. My parents would get on the plane and head back to their lives while the rest of us returned to the island to take up with our lives. We have lots of visitors to prepare for, and hopefully all the visitors would take to our children the way my parents did.
It was a great two weeks, but we have to return to reality. Tomorrow my parents would get on the plane and head back to their lives while the rest of us returned to the island to take up with ours. We still have lots of visitors to prepare for, and hopefully all the visitors would take to our children the way my parents did.
A/N:
The paragraph – The views of Rio…"New Seven Wonders of the World" is a direct quote from the following site.
(www.) (rio-de-janeiro-travel-information.) (com/christ-the-redeemer.) (html)