All recognizable characters are the intellectual property of Mrs. Stephenie Meyer. The plot and the other characters are the intellectual property of ME. No part of this fanfiction may be reproduced without my permission. No monetary gain is being made from this work.
(A/N): So, we're going on a field trip! Let me know what you think; I had a lot of fun writing Edward's first interactions with his mother. It won't all be sunshine and roses, but let them have their moments of peace.
Please read and review.
BPOV
"Jane, make sure you take the two big suitcases! Those contain her suits and dresses. The smaller suitcase has shoes, and accessories. The makeup is in the carry-on suitcase!" Alice was barking instructions at Edward and Jane so fast that I missed half of them. Tensions were high as they unpacked Emmet's Jeep, piling a cart high, up to the ceiling, with unnecessary luggage.
All the hoops Alice had me jump through were taking their toll—I was pissy. "Let Jane take that crap, and I'll take this overnight bag, filled with the things that I'm actually going to wear. You know, things like jeans and sneakers."
Alice scoffed, and gave me a withering look as she fixed my hair, for the hundredth time. She didn't care that I had plans to fall asleep as soon as the plane's wheels left the ground.
All the extra luggage cost Edward three and a half fortunes, but he handed over his American Express, without a second thought. All he said was that he'd traveled with Alice before, and that she'd packed very lightly, all things considered. The woman behind the counter gazed at him bewildered, as she took note of the two piles of suitcases, towering over six feet high. She asked if we were sure that we were only staying a weekend. Nobody laughed.
We had to jog through the airport in order to make it to the flight on time, but security had been quicker than I anticipated, thanks to my traveling with beautiful people. We made it with enough time to spare, and I was able to use a normal sized bathroom, before boarding the plane.
Using a bathroom, while wearing crotchless panties, and a tightly laced corset took tremendous talent. I was immensely grateful for Jane, who didn't flinch as she helped me into a handicapped bathroom. How did women do this for hundreds of years, with four and five layers of skirts, underskirts, long underwear, and crinolines.
I noticed a slight stain on the tissue as I stood to flush. My period. Shit. I glanced worriedly at Jane, who, thankfully, just looked disgusted.
"You're not going to eat me, are you?" I asked her, as I tried to figure out how to place a pad on non-existent panties. Jane handed me a tampon. I could have kissed her, but then I would have had to cut my tongue out, and vomit up my insides.
"Menstrual blood smells rancid, to our kind. It's not living blood; it's stagnant, foul, and the very essence of putrescence. It will drive Edward wild though. I can't wait till he gets a whiff of that."
I rolled my eyes, as my rotten mood increased. Great! I was meeting his mother, AND I just found out that I was going to smell like a rotten blood factory. Fabulous!
Our tickets whizzed through the machine, and we took our seats. Jane by the window, myself next to her, and Edward across the aisle. "I also bought the seat next to me, Bella...Just in case." He winked at me, as he tossed my duffel into the overhead compartment. I refused to check that bag, as it was my only bag of 'normal' clothes. I prayed that the rest of those suitcases would get lost. As of now, I was wearing a zip up hoodie, and yoga pants, but all that changed when we hit Dallas. We had a half hour between flights, and Jane planned to dress me in a skirt suit to end all skirt suits. I felt as if I would never be comfortable again, and the thought depressed me. Thank God, that flight would only be forty-five minutes-I wouldn't have long to be uncomfortable.
Jane scanned the ground, through the window, with her now golden eyes. "I don't care how long I've been around; planes are still something."
"Did you travel much, you know, when you..."
"No." She answered curtly, her eyes snapped up to meet mine. "We were peasants; we went nowhere. Alec would sometimes go away for weeks, but I stayed home with my mother. We were servants to the wealthy."
Even beyond death, she was a servant. The thought made me pity her, though she seemed to be happy with her lot. I turned to face her, removing my sunglasses, "Who's Alec?"
"My brother. Don't worry; you'll meet him soon enough." A smile crept up her cheeks slowly, cruelly. I shivered, and Edward's chin jerked in our direction.
"Enough." He stated, the deep staccato rumbled across the aisle and stopped all conversation in its tracks. Jane's mouth snapped shut as her gaze turned back to the window; her cruel smile did not falter. Edward's face was tortured, and I knew, in that moment, that he was keeping something from me. I tried to focus on the pre-flight instructions given by the flight attendants, but try as I may, my thoughts remained on Edward.
Eight hours later, we touched ground in New Orleans International Airport. Edward loaded all our baggage into a black Mercedes rental car, and we sped off to our destination. He pulled into the Ritz Carlton, on Canal Street. The building was magnificent, though it paled to Edward's marble perfection. He swiftly stepped out of the car, in a grey, wool, three-piece suit. He swung his jacket over his shoulder, and rushed to help me out of my seat. I struggled to step out of the car—Alice's choice of suit made all movement an impossibility.
Jane directed the bellhops to bring the luggage straight to our room. "There will be hell to pay, if it isn't there in three minutes." She scolded, though her gaze was significantly less murderous, now that her eyes had turned golden. She tossed a crisp one hundred dollar bill into the air, as she swept grandiosely into the lobby, to retrieve our keys. We followed her, albeit slowly, inside.
"You look beautiful, Bella." I could feel his golden gaze burning through me, and my cheeks went red in response.
"Thank you. You look like you belong on the cover of GQ magazine, of course." He had a good laugh at that, and offered me his elbow. As we made our grand entrance, he bent down to me and whispered, "I love you, beautiful girl."
I blushed once more, and tightened my grip on his arm, as I felt faint. My heart thudded wildly in my chest.
"Everything is settled, Master Cullen." Jane burst our tense little bubble, and we both jumped at her hasty arrival. Sometimes her movements were unsettling; she was not as urbane as the Cullens. There was a ferality about her, that clearly set her apart, despite her well-mannered facade.
Jane seemed like an okay person, but she made my hair stand on end.
She pressed a button at her ear, to answer her phone. "Madame?" She asked, politely; her eyes darting around the room. "Oui oui. We're leaving straight away." She nodded her head, her eyes locked with Edward's. "Yes, I have them both." Silence reigned for several minutes, as the person on the other line spoke. I was aware that I was the only one who could not hear, and it was very frustrating. "Absolutely. No, other than the two, we are alone; as you wished." Another pregnant pause, "No, Dr. Carlisle Cullen was unable to join us."
I wondered why she mentioned his first name, but then I remembered that Edward was also a Medical Doctor, though non-practicing. Rosalie had a PhD in Women's Studies, and Jasper in Philosophy. I didn't know a tremendous amount about the Cullens' educational pursuits-I was sure that there would be more advanced degrees to be discovered. They seemed to be perpetual students.
"I will let them know; yes, thank you. I look forward to it, Madame." She tucked the phone back into her bag, and gave Edward a meaningful glare. He nodded, and held the door open for us both. He led us back to the car, not even pausing to look, as he pulled out of the horseshoe.
"Was that Marie?" I asked, fiddling with my seatbelt, as Edward wove quickly through the traffic.
"No." He responded quickly. His eyes shifted to the rear view mirror, and then back again, as he swerved around a slow moving vehicle. I thought that the bones in my hands were going to splinter, I was gripping the seats so tightly.
After about ten minutes, he turned right, onto a cobblestone driveway, and huge black wrought iron gates loomed overhead. I gasped at the sheer enormity of it all, and Jane tutted disapprovingly.
Slowly, soundlessly, the gates swung open, of their own accord, and Edward urged the car forward. I pressed my face against the glass, in a very unladylike fashion; Jane warned me against ruining my makeup.
There were great trees climbing endlessly in the sky, and Spanish moss hanging haphazardly from everything that stood in one place. Seeing this mansion tugged at my heart strings; there was something about it that made me feel at peace. At home.
We continued down the cobblestone lane, passing a carriage house, and a stable, where horses could be heard. I had been studying the carriage house so intently that I was frightened when the car lurched to a stop.
Edward shifted the Mercedes into park, and rested his head on the seat; his eyes were closed. I saw him take two cleansing breaths. Jane stepped out of the car, and Edward helped me out of my seat. The heat hit me like a brick wall, and clung to my every movement. We made our way across the sprawling lawn, taking in the enormous mansion.
It was an aged white mansion accented by Grecian pillars, wrought iron, marble stairs, and hand carved wood work. It was simply magnificent-truly a place befitting an ancient ruler. My low heels clicked against the stone as I walked, though my two companions were silent as wraiths.
The heat was getting to me, despite the late time of year. I tugged on Edward's arm, and he looked down at me questioningly. "Slow down; it's hot!" Despite his best efforts, I caught him fighting a smile. What could possibly be funny to him?
"We're nearly there, sweetheart. Shall I carry you?" It was then that I saw what was so funny. I stood at the very bottom of a steep, marble stairwell. The entrance of the house towered over me, and I huffed in disgust.
"No. I'm not wearing all this extra shit tomorrow." I snapped at Jane, who casually rolled her eyes. "It's jeans and flats for me—sans extra underwear!"
"Fine by me!" Edward said dotingly, wrapping his arm possessively around my waist. He hoisted me up, over his shoulder, and carried me up the stairs. "Though I much rather having to cart you around..." I couldn't see him, but I could sense the heavenly smile breaking across his face.
Almost too quickly, he placed me down, and I straightened my suit. My pinstripes seemed even, my black lapels were wrinkle free. Jane fussed over my hair, and dabbed powder at my cheeks. She tried to cover the slight flush that the short walk had given me, to no avail. I straightened my long pencil skirt, placing my kickpleat in the back, where it belonged; the toes of my black boots were barely visible. I straightened my posture with a sense of finality. Edward, seeing that we were ready, placed his finger over what appeared to be a very large, brass, light switch. The plate surrounding it was hand carved, ornate, and beautiful. Yet another tiny detail that showed the age of this sprawling masterpiece. Was it,
too, a reflection of it's inhabitants? When his finger ghosted over it, a deep bell tone spread through the house; the effect was creepy.
I suddenly worried about our distance back to the wrought iron gates. I felt trapped, and my heart rate sped. Edward's gaze roamed over me, as he made sure I was unharmed. He planted a quick, feather light, kiss on my forehead, and whispered that I'd be fine.
He rang the doorbell once more, and stepped a polite distance away from me. Jane stood directly behind me. He dropped my hand just as the door opened, and a black haired woman stepped out to greet us.
She was dressed in a long black maid's uniform, complete with white apron, and yet she wore her hair in pigtails, as if she were a child. This girl was easily my age. Her eyes were a delicate grey, and the thought occurred to me, that she was human. I wondered if she knew.
"Hello." She curtsied gently, waving us into the foyer. "Welcome to the Chevalier Mansion." Her eyes scanned the two of us, not blinking at the antiquity of our dress. I wasn't quite sure if it was because of the city's cultural acceptance of just about anything, or if it was because of the influx of vampires. Suddenly noticing Jane, she smiled. "Welcome back Jane; we've missed you."
"Madame is expecting us." Jane said simply, handing the girl my bag.
"Of course! How rude of me." She curtsied again, smiling at us with interest. "Forgive me, Madame doesn't receive many visitors." She beckoned for us to follow her, and we walked through a long hallway, passing parlor after parlor. We passed through an antiquated kitchen, through a door in the back. I wondered why the kitchen would still be original, then I thought about how long Marie must have owned this house, without use for a kitchen of any kind. Trying to wrap my mind around such a massive expanse of time was only making me dizzy.
The lawn was impressive; the grass a healthy jade green. I stopped walking, to take in my new surroundings. Edward halted beside me, extending his elbow, now that we were out of the doorjamb. "Isabella?" He asked, questions shining in his breathtakingly golden gaze. "Are you all right?"
I smiled at him, "Yes, my love; I'm just fine." I reached out to touch his cheek, when something caught my eye.
A large white gazebo, perfectly restored, in antebellum grandeur. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Around the gazebo were carefully structured flower beds, of every color, as far as my eye could see. The grounds were perfectly manicured-the cobblestone pathways, between the flowers, didn't have a single blade of grass out of place.
Seated inside the gazebo was a woman, with a very familiar shade of auburn hair. Her back was to us, and I could see that she had her hair tied in a french twist. I felt Edward stiffen at my side, and I tightened my hand around his arm. "Be strong, Edward. I love you." It was the first time I had said those words to him, but it also was the first time that I knew, in my bones, that it was the truth. I would live and die for this man; there could never be another.
The maid led us up the stone path, drawing us closer to the mysterious lady. Edward stroked my hand with his fingers, rubbing soothing circles. I had the distinct impression that he was attempting to soothe himself. She stepped up the stairs, and we followed suit. It was then I noticed that the woman had been painting. The canvas was small, but the subject was familiar. It was a perfectly done rendition of Edward's face, though here, his eyes were green.
"Madame?" The maid called softly, standing a respectful distance from her. The great lady slowed her painting, and finally placed the brush down on the easel, after perfecting a navy blue lapel. Surely she would be able to hear my heart hammering in my chest. She wiped her spotless hands on a spotless white rag—a remaining instinct of someone who was once human? I wondered if painting had been important to her.
"Yes?" She turned to face the maid, and I saw her profile. She was remarkably like Edward. Her features were very feminine, but strong. Her lips had the same shape as Edward's, as did the eyes, though the color was significantly different. This woman dined on the blood of humans.
I chanced a glance at Edward, and he was studying her face as well. His expression was haunted, pained. My heart gave a noisy squeeze, as I looked from mother to son, and thought of the century that had separated them.
"You have visitors, ma'am." Her crimson eyes flickered to us, and lingered hungrily over Edward. Her lips fluttered, but it was too quick, and too low, for my ears to hear.
"I see. Thank you, Abby. You may go."
"Welcome home Jane." She stood from her chair, and regarded Jane with a smile.
Jane gracefully stepped forward, and curtsied politely. "Thank you Madam. Allow me to introduce you to Dr. Edward Cullen. Dr. Cullen, this is the Lady, Elizabeth Masen."
Edward gave a deep, reverent, bow, "It's been a long time, mother." Elizabeth curtsied deeply, nearly touching the floor. He extended his hand, to help her stand, though we all knew she would not need it. She took it anyway, a slow smile spread across her face. She scarcely looked older than he did now, though she had to be at least thirty five.
"That is has, Edward. Welcome home, my son." She righted herself, and settled her gaze upon me. She smiled, beatifically, as she noticed the linking of our arms, far too close to be simple courtesy.
"Madame, allow me to introduce you to the Lady Isabella Swan-Chevalier. Lady Isabella, the Lady Elizabeth Masen."
"It is very nice to know you, Mrs. Masen." I curtsied weakly, and Jane tried very hard not to laugh. It was very graceful, compared to my other attempts. I was quite proud.
Edward's mother smiled again, her eyes darted between us both. The sun caught her eyes, for a fraction of a second, and the crimson danced like an untamed fire. "And it is nice to finally knowyou, Isabella." Edward released my arm as she stepped closer to me. "Mistress Marie, and I have waited a very long time for this." She was just inches from me now, and she cocked her head to the side, an expression of curiosity crossed her features. She was studying me.
I took note of the long black dress she was wearing. The hem dusted the floor, and the toes of her boots peeked beneath. She wore an elaborate brooch made of onyx, shaped like a flower, with three onyx stones, shaped like tear drops, dangling beneath it. The center of the onyx flower, held another smaller flower, encasing a tiny white seed pearl. While I studied her, her icy cool hand brushed my hair away from my neck, as she examined me. She took my hand in hers, and examined my nails. I wondered what it was that she was looking for. She flipped my palm, in an blindingly fast movement, and raised my suit sleeve.
"Let us come inside, and take you from the heat, child. Surely the sun takes a toll on you." I smiled gratefully, nodding. I felt a light blush churn across my cheeks. Edward extended his other arm to his mother, and Jane followed, directly behind me.
"Was your journey enjoyable?" She asked Edward, hungry to hear the sound of his voice.
"I had excellent company; yes it was, mother." She nearly choked with satisfaction as he said the final word.
"How long have you...lived...here?" He asked her as his eyes roamed over the gorgeous surroundings that his mother called home.
"More often than not, after my second birth. It's not so lonely here; there are so many of us." I knew exactly what she meant when she said, 'us', though I wondered how so many of them could live together, in one city, in peace. Elizabeth motioned for us to enter the formal parlor. There were instruments here: A grand piano, a cello, a violin, and a flute, to name a few.
"Still a musician, I see." Edward's lips tugged upward, and his mother's followed.
"No matter how much we change, we remain essentially the same." Was her careful reply. Edward helped me settle on a couch, and then settled himself next to me. His mother stretched out on a chaise, and it was then that I noticed Jane's absence.
I looked around, but she was nowhere to be found. Mrs. Masen, sensing the direction of my thoughts, assured me that Jane has taken to be with Abby, the maid. She assured me that they were friends, and that my attendant would be close by, if required.
Abby entered the room, carrying a gilded silver tray. There were three crystal goblets, and a large wine carafe. As Abby placed the tray down, she chanced a questioning glance in my direction. Of course she would; my eyes were blue.
"It is synthetic; it does not spoil." Elizabeth stated to Edward, who shuddered next to me.
"It smells divine mother, but I must decline." Abby poured Mrs. Masen a glass of the thick red liquid, and her eyes flashed to me, again. She knew, as I did, that the contents of that glass was not wine.
"And for yourself, Child?" She asked me, as she took a heavy draught from the cup, licking her lips as she set her glass down.
"I respectfully decline for us both." He answered. "We live differently, mother."
"Yes, Marie explained." She grinned a frightening expression, "No humans were harmed in the making of this glass, however. Your Puritanical lifestyle is safe, in that regard."
Edward winked at her, and they both laughed. It was easy, and sad, to see the two of them together. "Still the charmer, I see." She smiled dotingly at him.
"I learned from the best, mother." Their voices sounded farther away than they had a second ago; I wondered if they were speaking more quietly. I rose unsteadily, to see the vast library that extended throughout the entire room. First editions galore!
It did not escape my notice that the house was not air conditioned. The heat was oppressing, and seemed to press against my rib cage more tightly. I could scarcely hear them talking now; vampires were so quiet! Irritation broiled over within me, and I could hear the rushing of blood through my veins.
The blackness cleared, and I opened my eyes.
Edward's expression was panicked. His mother held a cool cloth to my face, and I noticed that Jane stood by my side.
"Are you all right, my love?" He pressed his fingers against my neck, to check my pulse, though I knew he could hear it better than I could.
"It's been a long time since I've had such a problem, but I know how cloying the heat can be on a lady in laces." Edward's mother smiled carefully, her luminous red eyes danced above me. "Worry not, Child, the weather will be cool tomorrow. You'll likely need a jacket."
I sat up in the very chaise his mother had occupied just moments before, and Edward continued to check me for injury. "The heat?" He asked me, as he let his fingers linger on my dampened neck.
"Yes. And the smell, I think."
"Smell?" His mother asked, tasting the air around her. "Your courses, you mean?" Jane's eyes flickered menacingly over to me, and I placed my face in my hands. My whole body burned in shame.
"It is your glass that offends, Lizzie." A clear voice echoed through the parlor; everyone in the room stood, and I struggled to follow. The room spun around me, and I shook with exertion. Edward helped me right myself, and slowly, we turned to face the doorway.
A pair of crimson eyes regarded me curiously, inside a face not dissimilar to my own. The resemblance was uncanny—the hair color, the eyes, the heart shaped face—it was all Hers. Her tiny presence commanded respect, and I automatically curtsied, more gracefully than I ever had before.
"Welcome home, Child."
Would you believe me if I told you that I've never seen or read the "Interview with the Vampire" series, though I grew up just four doors down from the reclusive Anne Rice? My grandmother lived there, and I used to walk past it all the time.
The soundtrack for "I.W.t.V." helped me write this chapter. "Lestadt's Return" was used to write their arrival to the mansion, and then I used a song called "Lois' Lullaby" for the scenes involving Edward's mother.
Next chapter we meet Marie. Who's excited? Me!