CHAPTER 34 – TOGETHER
Brooke Waggoner – Fresh Pair of Eyes
'Cause I want to be seen
With a fresh pair of eyes
The single white tree
In a black hood of disguise
Jasper and Edward had been the one to notice the change in my mood as both of them were now staring at me like I was an enigma. Although Edward's eyes had darkened into a deeper shade of gold as they were now filled with great distress and I couldn't stand to see him like that so I decided to assure them with yet another falsified grin as I followed Alice's orders and tried to help out. Hopefully this would distract them and help in erasing any unvoiced questions that filtered through their minds.
"Here's the mixing bowl" Rosalie was actually being really nice to me and I accepted with a kind smile. When she returned it, I knew that this was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
When I placed the bowl onto the space they had cleared for me, I was about to ask for a whisk but Emmett's boisterous voice shook the room as he jumped over to me, stretched out his palm and said, "And you'll need one of these things" his fingers were holding out a silver spatula. "One time I saw on TV as this chef was using it to flip pancakes"
I giggled, taking it from him as I corrected him once again, "Spatula"
"Funny name" he grimaced.
Again I laughed at his absurdity as I crossed my arm and challenged him, "What would you have called it?"
"I don't know" he grew defensive and shrugged as he placed his hands on the counter and suggested, "A flipper maybe" he offered and I rolled my eyes at him but the grin seemed to be stuck onto my lips.
With each second that passed, I was gradually forgetting my previous thoughts and falling back into the easy going relationship that I had with them and I even felt comfortable around them.
Although even with this comfort, it still unnerved me about using their kitchen despite how much I wanted to.
Esme seemed to have noticed my distress because she glided over to me and placed her hands on my shoulders, "Please feel at home" she was literally begging me, "Don't hesitate to search the kitchen and use whatever you need" again there was that underlying plead.
My hesitation was still evident and it was Alice who helped out this time as she grabbed my hand and towed me to where Edward was standing. Our eyes met briefly before I cast my gaze elsewhere not wanting to appear as if I was constantly watching him even though I was.
"Here" Alice's tiny fingers pulled to reveal the fully stocked fridge full of different fruits, vegetables, drinks and everything else you expect to be in a fridge. "Pancakes need milk right?" she added.
Giving in to her persistent nature I nodded, "Yes…"
"And fruits for topping right?", Edward's voice startled me as he came up behind me. I tensed further when he reached over my shoulder to take out the three different packets. One filled with strawberries, the other raspberries and the final small one was the one with blackberries.
Still dazed with how his muscled chest had been pressed upon my back, I could only manage a measly, "Uh huh" my mind still whirring to how the electricity had hummed with his close proximity especially when I had felt his arm gently brush against my side.
"I'll cut the fruit"
My ears finally picked up what he had said and I spun around and stomped towards the counter, ready to protest when my reasoning returned, "You don't have to do that" my hands were placed onto my hips and my forehead creased as I scowled not sure whether to rejoice in gratitude or to question his amiability.
Why would he even offer to do something that would lead him into having contact with human food? I knew how much it disgusted vampires.
"Really, I don't mind" he answered nonchalantly when placing the chopping board upon the counter next to my space, "Plus, fruits and vegetables are easier to handle as they aren't filled with grease" he quickly added when he caught how I readied myself for another point of argument.
Seeing as he had already began to chop the strawberries, I leaned onto the counter and sighed in defeat, "How many time am I going to 'thank you'?" but instead of answering with simple words, he offered me a crooked grin that again brightened his whole face. I liked – no I loved seeing him happy. Nothing and no one should ever take that happiness away from him – it was almost unjust.
I reached into the fridge and took out the milk and looked towards the others in question, "Why do you keep human food if you don't eat?" I asked once I was pulled away from the daze of Edward's dazzling grin.
"Appearances" Rosalie coolly answered with a flick of her hair before she began drumming her perfectly manicured nails onto the counter's surface.
Esme then piped in to explain, "Never know when one of Carlisle's colleagues turns up" and then her head snapped towards the doorway before turning back to us, "Speaking of the devil…" she teased.
I blame Edward's dazzling smile to why I almost missed the whispers of the steady steps and I whipped my head around to watch as Carlisle emerged at the doorway. I had wondered where he had gone but didn't question it as I was simply glad to have him here with all of us.
It just felt right.
More than enough for me.
"Morning everyone" he greeted us with a cheerful grin and I smiled at how the rest of the family returned the greetings.
It made me so happy knowing that Carlisle had had all these wonderful people in his life. At least he had escaped and found a better life outside Italy. When he had told us about his plan to leave, I had cried and begged him to stay but now I am glad that he had left and made his dream come true.
I then watched as he glided his way towards his wife and whispered the greeting again before he bent down to capture her lips in a slow passionate kiss and I had to direct my gaze somewhere else, evidently choosing to look at Edward who was now looking at me.
"What?" I mouthed and he shook his head with a smile before shaking his head again and casting his gaze downwards to his task as he continued to chop the strawberry.
It was even fascination to watch how his pale fingers took great care with each slice and how every time he would cut the strawberry in perfect halves.
"Here" he broke me away from my thoughts with the soothing whisper and I blinked to concentrate on the delicious looking strawberry half that he held out with his fingers. I caught my breath but forced myself to take in deep breaths, pushing back the cowardly side of me as I popped my mouth open and looked up at Edward.
His gold eyes glazed over and I watched as his Adam's apple moved with his loud gulp when he carefully dropped the strawberry onto my tongue and I closed my mouth. Still he didn't move as I had expected and instead his fingers lingered onto my lips, gently grazing my bottom lip and then moving down my chin, igniting a strange desire before finally pulling away.
I was concentrating on his expression that it took a moment for me to realise that a strawberry in my mouth so I started to chew only to be hit by the delectable flavour of the sweet juicy fruit and I slowed my chewing so that I could savour the delicious taste. I had not had a strawberry in so long and to make this moment more memorable was the fact that Edward had fed me.
In the distance, someone cleared their throat but I was still distracted with the hooded gaze that had caused Edward's golden eyes to darken to an almost dark brown.
This time the sounds was louder and we whipped our head round to the rest of the family that had their wide eyes glued to us and I then realised just how close I was to Edward so I took a small step back, feeling the blood rush back to my cheeks as I was filled with embarrassment and a chaotic mind.
The only sound in the kitchen being the blade hitting the wooden chopping board, the low thudding of my heart as well as the ticking of the silver clock on the far wall.
Thankfully, Carlisle stepped in to break the awkward silence as he opened his arms, "Bella" he smiled widely at me and I accepted his hug, allowing his comforting embrace.
When pulling away, he was quick to answer, "How was your sleep?"
"Good"
Thinking back to my thoughts, I voiced what I had been thinking, "Where were you?"
"In the garden" he informed me with kind eyes looking down at me as he held up the dark brown leather-bound book before finally elaborating, "Reading"
Looking at the capital letters, I read the title and a smile graced my lips, the minute I caught the all too familiar Italian author's name - Umberto Eco, "Oh I love that book" I exclaimed in excitement when my eyes scrolled down to the well known title - The Name of the Rose.
It had been quite a while since I read that book.
Carlisle gave a knowing smile when nodding; "I know" his golden eyes twinkling when he asked, "Do you want to borrow it?"
Blinking so I could look up at him, I shook my head, "No" although the temptation was strong, I knew I shouldn't because they had given me too much, "No – I couldn't possibly" I protested although it was against my will.
"I really don't mind" he was already pushing the book into my hands and even though I wanted to give it back, my fingers involuntarily wrapped around the book and only half listening to Carlisle when he added, "Just finished it and this is the sixteenth time I've read it this month"
I bit my lip, still holding the book gently in my palm as I stared down at the book with great excitement, "Tempting…"
"You're taking it", Carlisle demanded and I knew he was not going to back down but I also knew that I was not willing to let go of the opportunity. While I was in Port Angeles, I had bought a few books but I had not been able to find any of my favourite past time classics.
"What book is it?" Alice twirled towards us causing the skirt of her green dress to flare out with her grace. Her every move seemed to be completely flawless, just like Rosalie and Esme.
"The Name of the Rose by Umberto" the grin was actually burning my cheeks as I hugged the book to my chest and enthusiastically began to explain the plot, "It's a murder mystery set in an Italian monastery-" I began but paused when I caught the look on her face.
Alice didn't seem at all excited as she simply nodded and sarcastically murmured, "Interesting" her dull expression completely contradicting her words.
"Clearly you think so" my own words were sarcastic when I rolled my eyes at her and she just smiled in response before hopping up onto the counter and kicked her legs.
Edward moved towards us and cocked her head towards Alice, nudging her side with her elbow when teasing her, "Alice doesn't read anything that doesn't have the cover VOGUE" his voice light like the wide grin on his face as he snuck brief glances at me from the corner of his eyes.
She gasped, "Hey, I read other things" she tried to defend herself.
I hitched an eyebrow at her while Edward straightened up and crossed his arms over his chest when looking down at her with accusatory eyes, "Like…"
Alice grew smug and used her fingers as she counted, "Elle, Marie Claire…" which ensued us all laugh.
Once our melodious laughter subdued, I began to flick through the crispy beige pages and my grin grew wider when I found the calligraphy printed on the pages. The comforting smell of old and antique pages calmed me, pulling me back to the good times in the 1300s.
"You look happy" Edward observed and I turned to him to find that Alice had made her way back to Jasper. Carlisle was now holding Esme by the hips and both were whispering quietly to each other.
To answer him, I hugged the book close to my chest, grinning, "I love reading" it had been a hobby that took up a lot of my time.
"Well feel free to raid our library" he mirrored my smile and I noticed how he inched closer towards me.
I hadn't noticed that room during yesterday's tour of the house that they had given me and I narrowed my eyes when asking, "You have a library?"
He nodded and used his index finger to point upwards, "Third floor" he answered before adding in a low whisper, "Next to my bedroom"
"Oh" was the smartest thing that I could think to say.
"We could take you there after breakfast" he offered with a wide grin and I was surprised with the brightness in his golden eyes reflecting his great happiness of having me here.
"So Bella…" Carlisle got my attention with his joyous tone, "I am pleased to know that you are staying for breakfast"
Well it wasn't exactly my plan… I added in a dry mental voice before voiding out my reply, "Well Esme and Alice can be very persuading" my words were accompanied with a pointed look at the conniving vampires who just put on expressions of mock innocence.
"Whatever the reason, we are happy to have you here" Carlisle laughed before his features grew serious and he asked, "Can I help?" he grabbed the spatula.
My eyes widened and I shook my head, "N-no no, that's alright" declining any help from him whatsoever as I recalled what had happened lat time he was trusted in the kitchen.
"It was one mistake" he tried to defend himself.
Again I was about to shake my head to refuse his proposal but Emmett stepped closer with excitement when questioning, "Why? What happened?" the mischievous glint back in his eyes as he prepared himself for information that he would probably use against Carlisle.
"Let's just say, you would expect a doctor to pay extra attention to food" my thoughts flickered back to how he had been poking at the meat with clear discomfort, "He was too scared of the flames" I added and this ensued another roar of laughter from the audience.
Carlisle crossed his arms, "I was not scared. I was just being cautious" he answered in a lowered voice. "I did offer to start again" he continued to defend himself.
"Like my mother would let you near a kitchen again" they all laughed again as I did and it was strange to know that I had spoken of her but not felt the usual burdening guilt. This time I actually felt okay about talking about them and I found faith that. Choosing not to question this unusual happiness, I was bold when snatching the spatula from Carlisle and set it down on the table, "That is why, I don't trust you in the kitchen" pointing to his sulking form.
"You can't hold that over my head" he grumbled.
Rolling my eyes at his lack of maturity at that moment, I took his hand, "Why not be a good doctor…" pulling him with me as I led him to the stool next to the counter, "Take a seat" I ordered and he hitched an eyebrow but all I did was add, "and read your newspaper" pushing the paper towards him.
Amused laughter erupted from the others once again and even Carlisle was fighting off the smile, "Give me some credit. I hadn't cooked for over 300 years"
Alice skipped over to stand next to me as she tutted, "Excuses, excuses…"
Once we made sure that Carlisle was not going to do anything, Alice returned to the cookbook and began to read aloud, "Step 1…" her eyes scanned the page as she spoke, "…Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl" she ordered, owning the role of the leader.
"We've the bowl" I pointed to the bowl that Rosalie had passed me.
Jasper handed me the small salt shaker with a smile before calling out to Alice, "Got the salt"
Not liking the fact that they were all doing something and I just stood there, I offered to do the last thing, "Why don't I get the flour?"
My question seemed to please Esme as she grinned and pointed to the cabinets next to the fridge, "Top left shelf"
Following her instructions, I reached up on my tip toes with my fingers stretched up so that I could reach the flour but just as my fingers pulled at the flour, I felt the all too family hum of electricity which alerted me of Edward's presence. That was enough to jump and then the packet came tumbling down but I had already moved back so Edward was the unlucky one as he was now covered, head to toe in the white powder.
Everyone began to laugh while I tried to compose myself, "I am so…sorry" I apologised while gawking at what as supposed to be Edward.
"It was a mistake", he sighed in understanding while shuffling in his steps.
Feeling bad that he had been the victim, I repeated the apology, "Still…I am sorry"
He suddenly perked up and lifted his head and I could make out the outline of his lips curling up into a smile as he said, "You could do something to make up for it…" he spoke in a sly voice which I didn't care too much for.
"What?" I asked with a cautious tone.
He lifted his chalky fingers to wipe some flour away from his eyes before speaking, "Hug me"
"What?" it took a moment to register his words before I began to move away from his approaching steps, "No way" I stumbled away from his outstretched arms.
"Give me a hug" he whined again still tracking my steps as I moved away which everyone else found amusing as they watched us with both amazement and enjoyment, "I want a hug" Edward continued to plead.
I shook my head laughing, "You've got flour all over you"
"I need a hug" he whimpered and I found that I liked this playful Edward. He was having fun and even through the flour, I could see that he was smiling.
I walked to the other side of the counter while he stood on the other so we were both taunting each other and I felt that I was enjoying the game that we hand going.
Alice distracted hi in a menacing tone, "Edward, get any flour on her clothes and I will…"
Even though she had trailed off with a shake of her tiny fist, it seemed that her wrath was something you wouldn't want because Edward resigned with an adorable pout as he breathed, "Fine" his shoulders slumping as he walked towards his sister and then another smile tugged at his lips as he cheekily asked,"Then, maybe you can give me the hug?" he opened his arms again and started changing Alice now while we all watched and laughed at them.
"Stop it Edward" Alice squealed and hid behind Jasper, "Emmett stop him"
Emmett seemed happy to join in as he blocked Edward's path and wrapped his arms around his brother, holding him back from going any further.
Alice's face scrunched up with disgust, "Ew he got you all dirty" she finally emerged from behind Jasper once she was sure that she wouldn't be the victim of Edward's devious plan.
Emmett set Edward back down onto the ground, finally releasing him from his tight grip "Eh, I don't mind" he replied and dusted off his clothes before adding, "Me and Rose get dirty all the time" he wiggled his eyebrows before winking at Rosalie who just rolled her eyes with a bored look.
"Ew" me and Alice grimaced and then turned to each other, both of us sharing a sly smirk.
Esme stepped in and placed a palm on Edward with a wrinkled nose as she pushed him away, "I suppose you kids will always need adult supervision" she teased with a light and playful tone.
"Sorry mum" Edward looked down in shame.
"Edward and Emmett, both of you go clean yourselves up while I clean up this mess" she went into a full parent mode and Carlisle was watching her in awe, "Rosalie and Alice, please help Bella get the ingredients needed" she continued with a stern and gentle voice.
They all nodded including Edward who met my eyes once again before swiftly looking away and carefully padding out of the room, Emmett slowly following behind with both their head dropped down but once they left the room, they started to chase each other again while teasing each other.
As upset as I was to have both of them leave (especially Edward), I tried to put on a brave front by directing my attention to the rest of the family.
"So what are you supposed to be making?" Carlisle's eyes moved around the different utensils that had been brought out for this special occasion.
"We were going to help Bella make pancakes" Rosalie and Alice were gliding across the kitchen floor, picking out the rest of the ingredients and being careful to not collide with each other. Meanwhile I was offering my services to Esme with the mopping seeing as it was partly my fault, ignoring her protests.
We were done within seconds and she even granted me a hug to show her gratitude. Even though it was completely unnecessary, it felt nice.
"Think we've got everything" Alice called out and we diverted our attention to her, "Why don't you just check to make sure?" she offered and waved her hand towards what they had laid out on the table.
Flour…eggs…milk…lemons…Edward's berries were now chopped and placed into three different bowls. My eyes glimpsed at the strawberries and although it was only a fleeting glance, I felt myself blush at the memory of his thumb slowly tracing my bottom lip.
Just the thoughts brought shivers down my spine…
"Earth to Bella" a hand was waved over my face and I rapidly blinked to come face to face with Alice, "I've been calling you" she laughed.
"Sorry" I apologised and my cheeks only got hotter, "Everything is perfect" I complimented both her and Rosalie.
"Well come on then" she clapped her hands and pulled me closer to the counter, "Then let's get…" she reached over and grabbed an egg before grinning, "cracking" she joked and we actually laughed at the joke – as horrible and tasteless as it was, I had found it amusing especially the proud grin that the little pixie wore.
A/N: Thank you all for the reviews – so close to 300. I can almost taste it.
Valentine Rain – Thank you for the amazing compliment as well as for reading and reviewing.
Horses-are-my-life – I llllloooooovvvvveeee Once Upon A Time. Was waiting for season 2 for quite some time and I'm glad that it's out. Love Mary. I'm really happy to know that you're enjoying the story and thanks for reading and reviewing.
Multi-Fandom-Lover123 – Don't knock on boxing until you've tried it. :) I'm going to be good and say school work should come first so that's good. Anything I can do/say to help with the emotional stuff?
pfkman23 – There will be many Edward and Bella moment – hope you liked the ones in these updates. Thanks for the review and for reading.
jbrjaw27 – Let us hope for a Happily Ever After…Hope you're prepared for the dazzling and the shocking moments that will be coming up soon. Glad to know that you're loving the story and I really appreciate that you took the time to review and thanks for the encouragement.
Twilight Rocker 12 - Yay – you share my love for dear old Greg. Truth be told, first time I heard it, I didn't really think much 0f it but then I heard it again and that led to me hearing it again and again and I absolutely love it. Glad that you love it too. I actually thought about that power but decided against it…so no – she can't conjure things out of nowhere. Thanks for the review and for reading.
A/N: GOODBYE: Voerspoort, totsiens / tot siens, tot weersiens, elalleqa, khodaa haafez, aabar dekha hobey, Donadagohvi, ba bye, Hagoonea', Ahoj, Sayonara, Tschüss, Viszlát!, Arrivederci, Adieu, Au Revoir, Hejdå, Aloha, Le'hitraot, Aavajo, Punha Bhetu, Sampai Jumpa, Adios, Paalam, Zai Jian, Zoi Geen, Farvel, Alvida, Ayo, Rub Rakha, Do zobaczenia, Żegnaj, Tchau, До Свидания, Poka, Selamat jalan, Tot ziens, Doei, 再见 Yasou, Hwyl fawr, Anyeonghi GasyeoNäkemiin, Hasta La Vista, Valete, La revedere, Veloma, Sige la, Khuda Hafiz, zai jian, Snakkes, Vida parayunnu, Ok maams, Slan, Aavajo, Чао, Doviđenja, Bog, Chao, Nawatha hamu wemu, Nasvidenje, Adijo, Kwaheri, Čav, Velli vostanu
Thin I went above and beyond – hope it was sufficient enough…