A/N: Hello again everyone. Sorry for the long wait, a lot has happened family-wise in the last couple weeks. I kinda wanted to switch it back to Edith for a bit this chapter before continuing the storyline with Beau. Thanks to everyone for leaving comments on the last chapter. The more reviews I get the faster I'll try to post the next chapter. I try to have a few rough drafted chapters done ahead of time… so… you know… review and I might just post it earlier. See you at the end!
This is a longer one, but it's going to set up a bunch of stuff for the next chapter. Hope you like it and I'll see you at the end!
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
—
Edith
I can't stop thinking of Beau and it's slowly driving me crazy. Edith thought as she paced around the living room of the Cullen's riverside mansion. The sun was shining through the floor to ceiling windows and reflected off of her exposed skin in a kaleidoscope of colours. Normally this show of unnatural reflection would cause Edith to frown in discomfort at her own abnormality, but she was too engrossed in her own inner dilemma to notice. How does one boy have such a strong hold over me after such a short period of time? I almost put the entire family at risk by spending time alone with him. I almost think that Archie assumed I would try to lure him away discretely!
Edith was broken out of her revery by two quick successive noises. The sound of something expensive shattering and the even louder yell of, "Emmett!"
Shaking her head and smiling Edith flitted quickly at full speed over to the noise. Emmett was always trying to pull pranks or play sports indoors, which almost always left Esme shaking her head and scolding him. If vampires could grey, Emmett would have caused Esme to look like an old crone.
As it turned out, Archie and Emmett had been playing catch with a football near the antique vase that Carlisle had picked up for Esme in a conference in Geneva. Edith winced as she thought about the disappointed look Carlisle would give Emmett once he got home. Carlisle never got angry, but seeing him disappointed was hundreds of times worse. It made you feel about two inches tall.
"I hope you're good at arts and crafts Emmett," Edith said smirking. "I'd try to learn the art of Kintsugi as quickly as I could if I were you."
Archie chimed in with a teasing tone, "With how much you break in Esme's house I'm shocked you haven't learned it yet!"
"Oh shut up Archie, it was your fault for not catching the damn ball!"
Archie and Edith laughed, and Emmett turned around thinking, maybe I really should learn how to repair things better… Esme is gonna freak if I don't clean this up soon! As he ran off to presumably fetch some glue Archie turned to Edith and said, "So Eddie, what's got you in such a dour mood?"
"Dour mood?" Asked Edith slightly taken aback. "What makes you think I'm in a dour mood?"
"Oh I don't know, maybe that you've worn a path into the hardwood of the living room with your pacing? What's on you mind?"
Edith sighed, "I didn't think that it was that obvious. I guess I'm just concerned about yesterday."
"About Beau?" Archie asked with a raised eyebrow.
Edith started pacing before replying, "Obviously! What else could I be talking about? He's the only person I've encountered that I can't read their thoughts, and I put myself and the rest of the family in a compromising situation because I wanted to talk. With. Him!" Edith said like she thought he was stupid.
"Whoa whoa Eddie, slow down! No need to get worked up about it! We all liked him too. He seems like a really chill dude, there's nothing wrong with wanting to talk to him some more. And nothing ended up happening anyway, right? So why all the stress? Just slowly start to distance yourself from him. It's not like you haven't give some teenage boys the cold shoulder before."
Edith stopped walking and looked at Archie with a pained expression. "What if I don't want to give him the cold shoulder?"
It was Archie's turn to frown. "What are you saying Eddie? You like this kid? Granted, I like him too, it takes some serious balls to wear that get-up the he wore yesterday in front of a new school…" Archie smiled at the memory before looking back at Edith expectantly for an answer.
"I don't know!" Edith let out in a strained huff. "He's… he's… I don't know what it is about him Archie! He seemed so genuine. I've never met a human who was so open. He talks with people and they feel like he really cares about their opinion. I saw through Ben Cheney's eyes how he purposely missed a shot to make him look less silly. He's just so unapologetically himself."
"Wow Edith, I've never known you to be tongue tied about someone before." Archie said smiling. "Well maybe it isn't wise to talk to him too much. You're right that you're putting both him and the rest of the family at risk. But you know what Eddie? Sometimes the reward is worth the risk. I can't speak for the rest of the family, but I think it would do you some good to talk to Beau more. You've always been reserved and I haven't see you this anxious or excited in quite some time. It'll do you some good."
"Can you see how this is going to play out?" Edith asked nervously. "I don't want to hurt him."
"You know I can't do that Eddie. You haven't made any decisions yet. I promise to keep you updated if something changes though..." As he trailed off his face went slack and his eyes focused on some point far away before returning to rest on Edith's face. Edith knew that look. Archie had just gotten a vision. Edith had already seen the vision in Archie's mind but it didn't help her much.
Archie smiled at Edith and she scowled back at him. "Well I'm happy to know that you two are going to be good friends," she said almost petulantly.
"Oh I am too, Eddie! Maybe I'll even allow you to third wheel on some of our dates!" Archie said exuberantly.
Scowling Edith walked back to the main foyer to play some piano and waited for the next days cloudy weather while having to do some serious thinking.
—
Beau
"You're up early kid." Charlie remarked. "Normally I'm out the door and at work before you get up."
"Yeah I guess going to bed early means you get up early. Funny how that works, eh?" Beau teased back. "Since I'm up though, you want some breakfast?"
"No thanks Beau, I'll stick with my cereal and coffee."
"Suit yourself Charlie, but I still don't see how you manage to eat fruit loops every morning. What's in your lunch kit? Dunkaroos?"
"No," said Charlie affronted, but then added self-consciously, "Fruit by the foot…"
They both stared at each other for a moment before breaking out laughing. "It's definitely more lively with you here Beau. I'm glad you decided to come live here."
Charlie looked a little embarrassed by the comment, but genuinely seemed to mean it. Charlie had always had a little trouble expressing his feeling and Beau felt that he and Charlie were similar in that regard.
"Thanks Charlie," Beau said. "I really like being here. It's already so much better than living alone in BC."
Charlie grunted in reply and then went to put his dishes away. As Beau was finishing up breakfast Charlie left the house and Beau followed shortly afterwards.
—
The weather was definitely overcast today. The roiling grey-white clouds made for a pretty scene, but also leeched any additional warmth that the sun might have provided at this time of year right out of Beau's bones. I feel like I'll need to pull out my winter gear fairly soon... Beau thought as he pedalled his way to school.
Having locked up his bike and depositing his bike gear in his locker, he made his way over to his first period English class. Each step that Beau took increased the beat of his heart, so that by the time he got to the door of the classroom it felt like he had jogged all the way to school. Stepping through the entry way he immediately zeroed in on the open table he had sat in during last class. Empty, he thought as his heart sank. Beau tried to be genial to Jessica and Mike as they asked him about his trip to La Push, but his mind kept wandering to to the empty seat next to him.
Just as class was about to start Beau caught a flash of bronze hair float through the door. His face immediately broke out into a wide grin as his eyes landed on Edith Cullen's face. When their eyes met Edith quirked her lips into a lopsided grin and Beaus heart stuttered. As Edith settled down next to Beau she said quietly, "Sorry for missing you yesterday. The weather turned nice and Carlisle took us out of class for a family hike."
If Beau was honest with himself Edith could have just admitted to killing and eating children and he would have happily smiled back at her. He was just enjoying that she hadn't been a dream. But he managed to contain his stupid smile and responded, "I didn't know you were into hiking. You'll have to tell me some good trails around here."
Edith smiled slyly, "Sure Beau that sounds like a plan. Maybe you'll take trail locations as payment instead of caramels?"
"Oh definitely," Beau enthused. "If you manage to tell me one with some nice rocks to climb on then I'll even give you a discount!"
Edith's chuckle was cut short by Ms. Varner's high-pitched voice saying, "Mr. Swan and Ms. Cullen, are you quite done?"
Beau flushed with embarrassment. This was the second time that he had been called out for talking with Edith in class and the first time was not something he wished to replicate. "I'm sorry Ms. Varner," Edith replied easily. "Beau was just bringing me up to speed on the class I missed yesterday."
"Oh. Well… er, next time please ask before or after class Ms. Cullen." Ms. Varner said a little out of countenance. The class could tell that she rarely had to berate Edith for anything, as it didn't come easily.
When the class had resumed its monologue about Jay trying to get back with Daisy, Beau leaned over surreptitiously and whispered to Edith, "Nice save. Thanks." She whispered back smugly, "I expect a steep discount."
—
The classes until lunch passed slowly for Beau. He genuinely enjoyed his time with Ben and Mike, but Jessica and Lauren seemed to corner him constantly in conversation and even managed to weasel out time this week for a tutoring date in calculus. Luckily Mike chimed in that he also needed help in his math so the group grew until it included Mike, Angela, Ben, Lauren and Jessica. Suffice it to say that Lauren and Jessica were less than pleased.
Beau didn't have any other classes with Edith other than first period English and fourth period calculus, but he did see Archie in biology and was motioned over to an empty seat next to him before class started.
"What's with you Cullen's anyway?" Beau asked, "you always have an open seat next to you!"
Archie laughed, "well maybe it's because we stink."
Beau had a very hard time believing that. From what he could tell the entire Cullen family smelled amazing. Like some sweet perfume exuded from their pores. But he wasn't about to mention that to Archie so instead he said, "Well Archie I hear showering helps."
"Oh but I do shower…. I think I took my monthly shower just yesterday in fact!"
Beau stifled a laugh as the teacher began class and explained the dissection lab they were about to perform. Beau had already done something similar so he wasn't overly concerned about the procedure, but he didn't want to disturb Archie in case he wanted to listen, so he remained quiet during the explanation. However it seemed that Archie didn't really want to listen to the lengthy explanation about how to pull apart a rat without blowing out its cecum and causing a miniature smell bomb to erupt in the classroom. Instead he asked Beau, "So Beau man, have you been asked out to the dance yet by any lucky ladies?"
"Dance?" Asked Beau confused. This was the first time that he had heard of it.
"Yes, dance," Archie replied rolling his eyes. "It's girls choice and it's been plastered over every pegboard and wall in the school for weeks!"
"Well since you mentioned it, no I haven't been asked."
"Well I'd imagine it's just a matter of time until you get cornered." Archie replied with a chuckle.
"And how would you know that?" Asked Beau skeptically. "For all you know everyone's already found a date, especially if it's been posted for such a long time as you said."
"Oh, I don't know… call it a hunch" Archie said with a sly wink.
"Regardless, I don't really like dancing all too much anyway," said Beau truthfully. "I'm not very good at it and I feel like I would just make it awkward. I don't really want anyone to ask me to the dance. Maybe I'll arrange for a trip to go to Olympia or Port Angeles to get some books. The library here is pretty limited in stock."
"Suit yourself Beau, all I'm saying is that you better prepare your let-down speech. It's good you have an excuse."
Beau laughed, "Thanks Archie. I'll get right on that." Unfortunately at that moment a nauseous smell hit Beau's nose like right hook. "Jesus Christ Almighty!" Swore Beau, "someone wasn't listening about cutting open the stupid cecum!"
Archie crinkled his nose and laughed at Beau's face, "Well at least we can safely say that I smell better than a rat's stomach, eh?"
"I don't know Archie, at least the rat took a formaldehyde bath before class."
—
Edith
This is fairly odd, thought Edith as Beau sat at the lunch table with the Cullen's. No one ever sits with us, so we normally don't have to keep up pretences as we talk with each other. Edith could tell that Rosalie was actually fairly annoyed with Beau for sitting with them. She thought that the hour reprieve from hormone addled adolescent boys was her right and now she had exactly one of those boys sitting with her and making her talk like a human. Emmett was pretty happy about it, thinking that Beau was pretty silly and wondering how he could tease him. Archie had already fallen into some sort of easy bromance with Beau and Jessamine was just struggling with the proximity of a human at the same table. Edith however was secretly very happy to see Beau again for a period. The time in English was nice, but fairly short and not much talking had been possible with Ms. Varner keeping a close eye on the two of them, ready to call out either of them for talking during class discussion.
Edith had been following Beau through other peoples minds to see how they saw him and try to get a better read on what made him tick. Form what she could tell, everyone was entranced with the new kid. The girls thought him handsome, and not a few of them had plans to corner him and ask him to the upcoming dance. The males in the school thought he was pretty cool and seemed to like him well enough. There were a couple exceptions though. Tyler Crowley seemed to be jealous of Beau for the attention that Lauren was paying him and constantly criticized him both in his own mind and to anyone he could mention it to. He would try to bring up his "lame bike and pink vest," or otherwise resort to attacking his intellect, calling him a "nerd." Fortunately no one really paid him too much mind at the moment. Edith was very used to hearing the petty thoughts of humans, but it bugged her to hear them directed at Beau. Strangely she was very happy that Beau mentioned he didn't want anyone to ask him out for a dance. Edith didn't know how she'd feel about another girl asking him out.
Edith was broken out of her thoughts when Emmett asked, "Beau, what on Earth are you eating? It looks like someone sneezed into your bowl!"
It was true, the food Beau was eating looked like some thick greenish yellow mucus that slopped off the spoon as he ate it. It didn't help that it smelled absolutely disgusting to her either.
"Oh well you're completely right Emmett. You would not believe how many people with chest colds I had to canvas to get this much premium, organic mucus. I think it's actually more expensive than truffles."
Emmett stared back blankly before whispering under his breath, "and here I thought that our diet was off-putting."
Archie laughed at the comical look on Emmetts face and Beau chuckled adding, "it's actually split pea soup. Looks gross but it's actually pretty good. You're welcome to try some Emmett?"
If it was possible, Emmett looked even more revolted, but managed, "I… No thanks Beau. Wouldn't want you to go hungry now."
Saving the rest of the table from more dumb jokes Edith jumped in, "so Beau I heard that you have set a date for your tutoring session?"
Beau flushed a little making his lower neck bleed a delicious red that made venom pool in Edith's mouth. Keeping a smile on her face she swallowed down the poison past her now burning throat. This isn't getting any easier.
Beau whispered under his breath, "more like I got trapped by Jess and Lauren…" Before speaking up and saying, "Yeah, we're actually meeting during lunch on Friday. Did you want to join Edith? I know I owe you for your quick save today." Beau finished with a smirk.
Edith smiled back, "I don't really do group sessions…. But thank you Beau."
"Oh not to worry," Archie chimed in, "Beau can just come over to our place to tutor you in math Eddie! You wouldn't mind would you Beau?"
Edith froze at Archies response and quickly jumped to reading his mind as he thought, "oh this will be great! I know you want this Eddie, you're just too stubborn to act on it!"
Beau caught Edith's look of shock, as he hesitantly replied, "I don't mind Archie… but I think the tutoring thing was mainly a joke. Edith is much smarter than I am."
"That's not true Beau," Edith said with genuine sincerity. I have the unfair advantage of eight decades of high school and college education.
"See!" Archie exclaimed triumphantly. "Edith would love some pointers on calculus!"
Edith sighed thinking, not exactly what I meant Archie… but I can't really say that without hurting Beau's feelings at this point.
Beau still looked skeptical, seemingly not believing Edith's declaration on their relative intelligence, but he slowly managed, "Well if that's actually the case, and I'm not imposing…. Then I would love to see your place and help in any way I can." Beau started off hesitantly, but finished with a smile that Edith reciprocated, "Absolutely Beau, even if you just meet Carlisle and Esme it would be nice."
Edith was rewarded with a broad smile, that slowly morphed into a mock scandalized expression, "you're taking me to meet your parents Edith? So soon? I mean we just met a couple days ago!"
You cocky bastard, Thought Rosalie. All Edith could do was laugh at Beau. She knew he was joking, but Rosalie seemed to be fuming across the table at the turn of events, so she tried to play up the joke. "Oh well Beau we couldn't deprive Carlisle the opportunity to clean his gun collection in front of a young impressionable man, now could we?"
Beau looked a little queasy at the thought but the rest of the table broke out into guffaws. Even Rose managed a trite smile. Everyone knew that Carlisle was the least intimidating and kindest soul in their coven and would never stoop to scaring anyone that he could help. Beau seemed to take this as a good sign, as colour slowly came back into his cheeks.
"Well so long as I don't meet Carlisle in a professional setting, I'd love to meet him and Esme. What day works for you?"
Edith was about to reply when Archie stepped in quickly, "how's about tomorrow after school? We can give you a lift. It's a little too far bike."
Beau pondered this for a moment before responding, "I appreciate the offer, but I need to get back in time to make Charlie some dinner, so it might be easier if I just drive myself. I can take my car tomorrow and just follow you guys back to your place."
Archie looked a tad crestfallen, but had the sense to let it be. Edith was glad that Beau was coming over, but also reticent about the danger that this put Beau in. For some reason she couldn't yet decipher she felt oddly protective of this human boy. She was warring with her desire to have him alone for more conversation at her home with the danger of him being placed alone with a coven of vampires when the bell rang signalling the end of lunch. As usual the Cullen's threw out their untouched food and Beau frowned slightly at the wasteful display. Jessamine noticed his scrutiny and thought to herself, it could be dangerous to have him around us much longer. He notices too much.
The thought was a hard truth for Edith. Beau was observant. Perhaps too observant in some things, and her family had put too much work into their life here in Forks to have it all ruined by the inquisitive nature of a high school boy. At the same time she almost hoped that he would figure it out. She wanted to see his reaction to what she was. Maybe then, when he was disgusted and frightened by her she would find it easier to move back into her state of apathetic monotony and be able to disentangle her distorted feelings for Beau that even she couldn't properly sort out in her mind.
—
Beau
Beau was both elated and nervous to go over to the Cullen's place tomorrow. He knew that Edith definitely did not need his help in math, as evidenced by the quiz mark that she got back after writing her make up test. So does that mean that she just wanted to have me over? As Beau pondered his invitation during calculus he was careful not to make overt conversation with Edith. Beau decided that one embarrassing incident per week was enough and he had already met his quota. Instead he covertly talked with Edith during the self-guided problem solving session.
"You know Edith, I don't have to come over tomorrow. It seemed like Archie was trying to force me upon the rest of your family."
"No, no Beau, I'd actually really appreciate if you came over."
Beau frowned slightly, "why is that Edith? We both know that you're in no need of any tutoring."
"Well maybe I have my own insidious reasons for wanting you over," she smirked with a look that actually shot a thrill through Beau's stomach. She can look positively machiavellian when she wants to.
"And what ulterior motives might these be?"
"Well since you decided to show off so spectacularly last math class, I thought I might also demonstrate some of my proficiencies. Not to mention that Carlisle and Esme were interested in meeting you."
Beau frowned at Edith, "what do you mean display proficiencies? I have a feeling you're good at anything you put your mind to. And how do Carlisle and Esme know of me?"
Edith chuckled at Beau, smiling playfully, "I'm not good at everything Beau. Just most things. And I told them about you of course. You made quite the entrance into Forks High."
Beau could feel his ears getting warm at her comment about his eventful first day, but shrugged it off. "Well then I expect you to amaze me Edith. Carlisle isn't going to give me "the talk" is he?"
This time Edith actually burst out laughing causing a couple heads to turn around in surprise. "Would that be a problem Beau?" She smiled as her laughing wound down.
Beau smiled self-consciously back, "No. Not a problem at all."
—
The next day at lunch Beau sat with the group of kids who had expressed interest in learning calculus. To his dismay Jessica and Lauren sat on either side of him and would constantly touch his hand or shoulder to ask a question. Which happened a lot. This seemed to make Tyler, who was sitting at an adjoining table, glare directly at Beau as he tried to coach his "class" through the basics. Even the normally easygoing Mike seemed to resent the attention that Beau was getting from the two ladies, but maybe more directly from Jess. Luckily Angela was just grateful that he took the time to answer her questions and quietly worked away at her problem sheet.
Beau was actually quite proud of Ben and Angela. They both seemed to struggle with the concepts at the beginning, but they had no fears in asking questions and by the end of the hour they both understood the material much better. Beau never considered himself a good teacher, but he found that he enjoyed helping others learn material and watching them grow. In his head it sounded a little corny, but it actually made him feel pretty good about what he was doing.
However he managed to stave off any further tutoring dates, under the guise that he needed the time himself to study for his other classes. Jessica and Lauren did manage to get him to agree to a study group for the class, which was hard to find an excuse out of. Beau promised himself that he would wedge himself in between Ben and Angela during their weekly get-togethers. He felt a little bad about that as it was easy to see that they both liked each other but were too shy to act on it, but as he looked at Tyler again he told himself self-preservation outweighed their emerging relationship.
Calculus was more or less the same as yesterday, but it seemed like Mr. Jefferson had a vendetta against Beau talking with Edith, so he only managed to exchange a few pleasantries with her during class. By the time that gym had ended he found Edith leaning against the wall outside the doors expectantly.
"Don't you have a class before this Edith?" Beau asked actually very curious.
"Yes I do, History."
"Then how on God's green Earth did you manage to get here so fast? I mean class just ended and it's on the other side of the school!"
Edith glanced away quickly before responding, "Oh we got let out early. Come on, we don't want to keep Archie waiting, he's bouncing up and down at the car."
Beau chuckled and followed Edith to his locker to grab his coat. The weather had changed almost overnight. There was already a light coating of snow on the ground and the forecast for the next week was looking to get even colder. Having grabbed his stuff Beau and Edith made their way to the parking lot where he saw the Cullen's silver Volvo parked next to his small Hyundai. The juxtaposition between the two cars was quite astounding. They were both silver, but that was where the similarities ended. Beau's car had small spots of rust and the car itself was tiny in comparison to their vehicle.
Beau overheard Emmett telling Rosalie, "I could pick up that tiny thing with one hand!"
"Let's not dear," she sighed, "not to mention that this is one of the most basic models they put out. I'm sure it barely gets to 80mph on a good day."
"Hey," Beau said with false outrage, "Bessie has gotten me through tough times! It's not her fault she doesn't have cruise control or AC!" After a pause he added, "or power windows and mirrors for that matter."
"What did you do Beau, dress up a 1950's vehicle in 2000's trim?" Edith asked with a smirk. "I'll second the 80mph comment Rose. I bet it rattles once you reach 60."
Sticking out his tongue he said, "well do we want to get going or are you going to keep kicking while Bessie's down?"
"No, we're not that cruel," Edith laughed, "don't worry we'll keep it under 60."
And with that the Cullen's filed into their Volvo while Beau pulled into his car, muttering to himself, "it only rattles sometimes."
He swore he saw Emmett shake with laughter.
—
The Cullens house, or maybe Mansion would be more apt, was situated off of a nondescript road a couple miles out of Forks. The house itself was an elegant white structure with huge glass windows that seemed to stretch along the side of the building. It was nestled in the crook of a river that ran across a perfectly manicured lawn. Having lived in Vancouver Beau was accustomed to seeing wealth, but had never rubbed shoulders with that type of crowd before.
Sitting in his car outside the house Beau was a weird mix of excited and anxious to meet the family. Edith seemed so relaxed about it, and normally Beau was a pretty outgoing guy, but for some reason he really didn't want to mess this up by acting the fool. Just be yourself Beau, he told himself. Oddly more calmed by his own pep talk he got out of the car and walked to the front door. The other Cullen's had pulled into the garage, so he rang the doorbell expecting a witty remark from Edith or Archie, but was surprise to find a stunning woman on the other side of the door.
"You must be Beau!" She exclaimed. "Please come in! My name is Esme. Edith's mother. My husband will be here shortly to greet you, he's just finishing up some work in his study."
For some reason the word "study" made Beau think of a man swirling scotch while smoking a rare cuban cigar and discussing politics, which made him chuckle to himself.
Esme gave him a small questioning smile in return.
"Oh sorry Esme, I was lost in my own thoughts. Thank you very much for having me over. You have a beautiful house."
"Thank you dear," Esme replied warmly. "I'm an interior designer by trade, so I try out my ideas on the house every now and again."
Esme reminded Beau of the quintessential mother figure. She was warm and kind and not a little bubbly. He loved her instantly, however it brought back memories of his own mother which started a slow ache to his chest.
Before he could look any more weird by laughing to himself, Carlisle Cullen swept down the stairs. Beau knew that he was into women. But he had to tell himself that as Carlisle walked up to shake his hand. Even seeing Archie and Emmett, Beau was not prepared to see how gorgeous Carlisle was. Sure that he looked like a gasping fish, Beau took Carlisle's hand and shook it, noticing how cold his skin felt. Maybe he had the window open… thought Beau idly, still a little distracted by the patriarch of the Cullen household.
"It's good to meet you Beau. I've heard quite a bit about you from my kids."
"Nothing bad I hope," Beau replied smiling.
"Oh nothing bad per se," Archie chimed in. "Just your propensity for falling in puddles, lecturing math classes and questionable fashion sense." He said the fashion sense statement like it was a cardinal sin.
Beau blushed a little bit at Archies succinct synopsis of his first day at school. I have theory that the Cullen's make me blush inadvertently he thought. I never blush this much.
"Oh lay off him Archie," Edith said, coming to Beau's rescue. "You're just jealous that you didn't think of being a trend-setter."
Archie's response was to stick his tongue out at Edith. Beau couldn't help but laugh. This is what family was. The snippy back and forth comments and the unapologetic teasing. He really missed his family, but it was almost cathartic to be a spectator in another family's happiness.Or maybe even be a part of it, he thought.
Carlisle and Esme weren't the type to hover. After saying their hello's they disappeared off into different parts of the house presumably doing whatever they had been in the middle of before Beau showed up. Rosalie gave Beau a disapproving glare that sent a chill up Beau's spine before walking back into the garage and Emmett plopped himself down onto the main couch starting up a video game console. Archie winked suggestively at Edith before pulling Jessamine away with him upstairs.
"So Edith it seems you have me all alone," Beau said. "Would you like to start your calculus lesson?"
"Hardly," Edith snorted. "I was thinking I could give you a small tour before showing off. Does that sound alright to you?"
Beau nodded appreciatively. This house was like IKEA, he was sure he would get lost without a guide or some arrows on the floor. Edith took his hand gently and Beau noticed how cold her hand felt. "Jeez Edith, do you want some mitts or something? I'm sure I've got some in my car," he joked.
Edith quickly removed her hand from his making Beau feel like an idiot. Way to go Beau, make her feel self-concious. Though he also wondered how that would make someone feel self-conscious.
"No I'm fine," she replied quickly leading the way to the kitchen. There was a giant marble island that doubled as a bar table and everything looked pristine, as if it had never been used. Esme must be a neat freak or something, thought Beau. The main floor was sprawling with the kitchen seamlessly melding with a living room that housed a grand piano and a recessed lounge.
"Wow that is some instrument," Beau said appreciatively. "Didn't you mention that you play piano?"
Edith turned around with a lopsided grin, "I did, and I do."
"Well are you going to play for me?"
"Oh not yet Beau, I've got to finish the tour before the concert."
"Spoil sport," Beau muttered under his breath. He was sure that he had said it softly enough for her not to hear, but she chuckled at him anyway. "Come on Beau, follow me upstairs."
The upstairs was just as spacious even considering the balcony-like overhand that overlooked the main floor. Edith pointed out different bedrooms for her siblings and parents before arriving at a door at the end of the hallway.
"And this is my room," Edith said with a smile. "Would you like to come in?"
Beau looked both ways conspiratorially, "Isn't that like against some sort of law? Boy shall not cross threshold of girls room on first time over?"
Edith laughed, "we can keep the door open if you feel more comfortable. I promise not to bite." She lowered her eyes at the last comment and let out a shaky laugh. "You don't have to come in if you don't want to Beau, we can just go downstairs again. I'd love to play some piano for you…" Edith trailed off as Beau reached for the door turning to her, "No, no Edith you can't dissuade me that easily. You've piqued my interest now!"
Turning the handle and pushing inwards, the door smoothly opened to display a room furnished with wall to ceiling shelves full of music. CD's and vinyl crowded the shelves. Nestled inside the shelving units where bookcase speakers and a sound system that looked like it cost more than Beau's bike, car and life were worth combined. The floor was adorned in a plush gold carpet that led to a black leather sofa which sat perpendicular to the massive windows overlooking the backyard.
"Whoa," was all Beau could manage.
Edith chuckled at Beau's dumbstruck look. "It's a little much, I'm sure. But I really love music."
"I can see that… How do you organize everything in here Edith?"
"Oh I don't know," she said dismissively, "by decade and then by preference really."
"Okay, but where do you sleep?" Beau asked curiously.
"Oh…. Er the sofa folds out into a bed," she said quickly. "I like having more floorspace that way you know?"
"Sure thing. Well this is all incredible, but I'm scared to breath in here lest I break something that is worth more than I can afford to replace," Beau laughed nervously.
"Don't sweat it Beau, everything in here is replaceable."
Sure, he thought, for someone with a platinum credit card maybe.
"How about we head back downstairs now though? I still have to show off my piano playing."
"Ah yes, I expect a full performance for the price I paid for admittance!"
—
Once seated at the piano Edith turned to Beau, "I was mainly talking myself up as a joke. I'm not spectacular, but I'm regarded as a fair player in my family. Do you have any requests?"
Beau thought for a minute, mentally sifting through songs that he knew and enjoyed. "If you know either Clair de la Lune or Hall of the Mountain King, I'd love to hear them. They're some of my favourites."
Edith smiled warmly at Beau which made his heart stutter. "They're some of my favourites as well." With that, Edith jumped right into Clair de la Lune and Beau was mesmerized. She's amazing, he thought with mingled surprise and awe. She should have kept up the cocky act, I would have definitely believed her!
Beau knew that Clair de la Lune was a challenging piece to learn, but Edith played it flawlessly. When she finished, she looked up at him to find Beau gaping open mouthed at her. He quickly shut his mouth. "Edith…"
"Yes Beau," she asked now concerned.
"You're never allowed to downplay something you do again. That was stunning!"
Edith's frown of concern melted into a wide smile, "no, no, no I like that look you get. I think I'll have to do this more often."
Beau smiled contentedly.
—
Edith kept playing songs that Beau requested, and they talked in between pieces. Mostly about stuff with little consequence. Beau was just happy to spend time with Edith outside of school. It was always nice to see her, but it felt confining to do so all the time in a school setting.
As the evening wore on, Beau checked his watch and sighed. "I'm sorry Edith, if I don't leave now Charlie will start cooking for himself and me, and I would prefer to have a functioning GI tract tomorrow morning. It was incredibly lovely coming over. I really loved hearing you play and meeting your parents."
As if on cue, Carlisle and Esme floated out of the kitchen to approach Beau and Edith. "It was lovely to meet you Beau," said Esme in her motherly cadence and Carlisle chimed in, "it certainly was. I hope that we will see you again soon."
"Thank you both for having me over, it was great to meet the faces behind the names that Edith keeps mentioning."
With a last smile they left the room in the same fashion they entered it - effortlessly.
Edith turned to Beau and pulled him towards the door. "I enjoyed the time as well Beau, thanks for listening to my endless playing and talking with me."
"Anytime Edith." And he meant it.
To Beau it looked like Edith wanted to say something more, but instead she just smiled at him and said, "see you in school tomorrow Beau."
"Bye Edith."
—
Dinner with Charlie was a quiet affair. Beau mentioned how he went over to the Cullen's place after school to tutor Edith in math and expounded on how nice Esme and Carlisle were.
"Yea," said Charlie around a mouthful of green beans, "they're both amazing people. They're the picture perfect couple. Did you see what I meant about the accidents at the hospital though?"
Beau looked up from his plate with a smile, "oh yeah Charlie, that man is hot."
Charlie snorted, "I'm glad he's so dedicated to medicine, I'm sure he could make more as a male model for some magazine."
"Well I'll be sure to tell him that if I see him again," Beau teased.
Charlie's mouth dropped open, "you wouldn't dare!" Sometimes Charlie took things too literally.
"Of course not Charlie! It was a joke!" Beau reassured him.
"Of course it was, I knew that," he grumbled.
After dinner, Beau finished off his English paper and caught up with his work in calculus before turning in for the night. It seemed that things were starting to get better.
—
A/N: Alright hello everyone! Sorry for the long chapter (or maybe you're welcome depending on if you like longer chapters). I feel that some people might be confused as to why Beau would already be invited over to the Cullen's house, but hopefully things start to make a little more sense in the next chapter. As always please review. It truly makes my day to read your comments. If you like something, let me know! If you don't like something… let me know! I love constructive criticism and am always looking to improve. Anyways, until the next one! -A.
26