Disclaimers: All characters of Twilight belong Stephenie Meyer. In no way do I own them. Only the character that I invented, Adaline, belongs to me.
Enjoy or not. Cheers.
Chapter 8
'Really, what is there to smirk about? Nothing at all, absolutely nothing! I can literally see all the teasing ideas brewing in your mind. You better stop Emmett or your PlayStation will really go get better acquainted with the fishes.'
I decided to remind him of that little fact, "PlayStation, fishes."
He quickly lost his smirk and made to zip his mouth. I raised an eyebrow at him to show my scepticism.
'Yes, as if you'll be able to keep your big mouth shut. You like teasing people too much.'
"Morning Rosalie." I said decided to ignore him and greeted his quiet partner.
She glanced at me, "Morning."
"Two quick questions. Are you particularly attached to Emmett's hair and how do you feel about buzz cuts?"
"Hey, I like my hair! You won't be able to catch me either way." He mocked.
"Oh you poor innocent soul, whoever said that I'll be the one doing the catching? I'll just have those two traitors catch and hold you down while I hold the hair clippers." I pointed at Alice and Jasper who came in earlier. "You will, won't you?" I demanded them with a menacing smile.
"Yes we will! He won't be able to run away." Alice answered while Jasper nodded.
"There you have it." I said turning back to Emmett with my arms crossed.
"Rose you won't let them, right?" He whined to his partner.
"I am not particularly attached to his hair and buzz cuts are in trend right now. I'll help hold him down." Rosalie replied with a smirk.
"Rose~ Oh the betrayal~" he said theatrically with a hand on his heart.
Her response was, "don't worry, there are wigs and hair implants nowadays." Then she returned to her magazine.
The rest of the peanut gallery burst out laughing, including me, at his horrified face. He liked to tease too much, so it's only fair to do the same back to him.
"I am sure that you would look absolutely fetching in a long wig. Perhaps a plum coloured one?" I suggested.
"Oh, oh, how about a red one?" Alice exclaimed excitedly.
" Now, enough teasing of the poor Emmett or he'll start whining to me. Please have a seat Adaline." Carlisle said with a quick teasing smirk at Emmett .
With that, he directed me to right side of the long c-shaped sofa and I plonked my arse down after putting my bag on the floor.
'Please don't make him sit beside me, please don't make him sit…..' My thoughts trailed off as he sat beside me.
'Bloody hell! It's okay Adaline, it is a big sofa…..except that I can't move away without making it obvious. He is just a few centimetres away …no biggie, right?And why in merlin's name does that man smell so good?!'
I sent the two traitors sitting on the other side of the sofa, directly facing us, a death stare. They had the gall to smile at me. Now, that most of them were sitting in the same room, it was obvious that even though they were not biologically related, they shared too many similarities.
'Yes, this is not suspicious at all. Same eyes, same temperature, never seen them eat, something fishy with their sense of smell... sharing some characteristics but not related…different species.' I pondered. 'Well not that it is any of my business. If they want to tell me, they'll do so. That is, if I am receptive to wanting to know their secret…I am not listening to anything without knowing first-hand what the consequences of my awareness will be. So better play dumb for now. Ignorance is bliss.'
"Would you like something to drink Adaline?" Carlisle asked as a good host.
"No thank you. Maybe later." I replied with a smile. " Now, you invited me to play, so let's play. Emmett what do you have?" I said as I got up.
He got up and went to the shelves,"what do you want to play? "
"I don't know. You decide." I replied as I joined him.
"What games have you played before?"
" Kingdom Hearts, Rachet and Clank, Tekken, Chocobo racing, Final Fantasy, Super Mario, Devil May Cry, Mortal Combat, Call of Duty…that's all I can think of. This was when I was twelve or something. I haven't played any games for years."
"What do you like best among those?"
"Hmm I prefer both Kingdom Hearts and Chocobo racing. But let's go with Chocobo racing, it's more fun with many players. Especially when you explode others or throw lightning at them. This is an old game. You have it?"
"I like exploding others too! Yups I have it."
"Oh this is going to be fun." I drawled as I sent Alice and Jasper a look.
'Prepare yourselves to be zapped, sabotaged and exploded oh so many times.'
Jasper sent me an amused smile, "I feel like we are going to be her main target Alice."
"Yes, I feel the same. Bring it on Addy!" Alice replied.
"Emmett, you and I against them. Let's make them miserable. Favour lightning and explosions. No pity whatsoever."
He laughed, "You are so merciless! I really like the way you think! You heard that pipsqueaks? We are going to crush you! Prepare to taste ash!"
After he finished installing the PlayStation, all four of us removed our shoes then moved to sit down on the rug in front of the middle part of the sofa. Carlisle had moved to the same sofa as Rosalie earlier. He sat on one end and Rosalie on the other. When I tried to sit nearer to Rosalie, Emmett subtly and quickly pushed me to sit down where Carlisle sat. I didn't even have time to object that they had already taken their place.
So here I was, leaning against the long sofa with Carlisle's legs a few centimetres from my face and Emmett, the traitor, on my other side. I sent him a dirty look when he glanced at me.
'You, traitor, are going to get zapped and exploded along with Alice and Jasper.'
So we sat and played with lots of cheating from Emmett and lots of shouting from Alice. Poor Jasper and I had to play referee most of the time. Carlisle and Rosalie just watched us play with a few interjections. I have to admit I had a lot of fun exploding the others. I didn't even care if I came in first place or not, I just collected as much lightning and explosive orbs as possible.
From time to time, I could feel the good doctor stare at my hair or my leggings-covered legs that were stretched in front of me. It was subtle and didn't last long, so I ignored it. I was yet again playing referee between Alice and Emmett when they suddenly stopped and tilted their head towards the door. A few minutes later I heard a car approaching rapidly then stop in front of the house.
'I have to add extremely good hearing to the list huh..'
The door opened and in came a wind swept Edward. He paused in removing his jacket, as if listening to something, then continued as if nothing happened.
'So he is back. Bella is sure going to be ecstatic.' I thought sarcastically.
He walked towards us and sat where I sat before.
He greeted the others the turned to me, "Adaline good afternoon."
"Good afternoon." I replied politely then quickly got up to get my mobile from my bag. This gave them a little privacy to chat too.
I glanced at the time to find that it was past one o'clock in the afternoon. Oh and I also got one message from Bella telling me that she will be taking care of dinner and asking me where I was. I sent her an okay and a thank you. I quickly typed out that I was at the Cullen's then put my mobile back into my bag.
I grabbed my hair elastic then turned to face the others to find that only Carlisle and Edward remained. The sound of a car being turned on was heard outside, then I heard it drive away.
'Where are the others going? I didn't even hear them move… I have to add ninja skills to the list. And they left me alone with the good doctor and the one that has unexpected mood swings. Great. Alice the next time you call to invite me, it'll be a big fat no.'
"You will have to forgive us Adaline, we completely lost track of the time and forgot about lunch. Fortunately Edward reminded us. Alice and Jasper have gone to remedy the situation. As for Rose and Emmett, they went to their room to rest a little." The good doctor explained as he got up.
"It's okay, I am not hungry anyway. On the other hand I am a little thirsty, may I have something to drink please?" I asked as I tied my hair up in a bun.
"Of course. Please follow me."
I followed him to the kitchen and Edward Cullen tagged along behind us. There must be something wrong with that boy. He kept sending me poorly disguised frustrated and confused looks. Sometimes he communicated silently with Carlisle. I may not show it but I was quite observant. So I noticed all the sneaky things but acted like I knew nothing.
'When you are a mix of hufflepuff and slytherin, nothing gets past you but nobody knows as your calm and congenial facade is at the forefront. You can act dumb and everybody will eat it up. Go slytherpuffs!'
The kitchen was just as grand as the living room. Except that this one looked like it was never used. Everything looked shiny and new.
'They must never or rarely use the kitchen.' I thought as I quickly glanced at the spotless stove and scratch-free knives and pots suspended near the sink.
"What would you like to drink? We have orange juice and iced tea if you want." Carlisle asked.
"Just water will do, thank you."
"Please sit down." Carlisle said while pointing to a stool at the large granite kitchen island.
I sat down and Edward went sit to a little away from me on the other side of the island.
"Adaline, I would like to apologise for my behaviour towards your sister on Monday. I realise that it does not excuse my behaviour but I wasn't feeling well on that day." Edward said with his back straight, as if he was a child getting scolded by his parents.
I looked him straight in the eyes, "Edward, thank you, but I think you are directing your apology to the wrong person. Perhaps it would be better for you to give your apology and explanation directly to the wronged person in question."
'His eyes were black the last time I saw him and now they are a honey colour with green flecks….Does the change in eye colour denote their mood? But Carlisle never reacted like Edward even when his eyes turned dark…in fact it was a completely different kind of look…very far from homicidal….' I vainly fought down a blush at that thought.
"Anyway, I hope that you are better now and that this type of upsetting behaviour doesn't happen again." I continued with a straight face even when Edward sent me a puzzled look at my blush.
Carlisle chose that moment to deposit a glass of water in front of me.
"Thank you." I said without looking at him then gladly took the glass to take a sip, hoping that the cold water would calm my blush faster.
I put down the now empty glass and glanced at them. They seemed to be communicating silently again. At least on Carlisle's side. I could sometimes see Edward's mouth moving. I leaned my chin on my hand and stared at them. When they noticed my stare they stopped and turned to me. I raised an eyebrow at them.
Carlisle smiled at me, "Would you like a tour until Alice and Jasper return?"
"Okay." I said as I got up.
It was either that or awkward talks with Edward. The house was quite large with two upper floors. I followed Carlisle as he first showed me the bathroom on the ground floor. Then we went to the first floor. There were two corridors, one on the left and one on the right. Both corridors had big windows on the opposite side giving them an airy look.
"On this floor you have all the children's room, a guest room and another bathroom. This is Edward's room," he said while pointing to the first room near the stairs. At the same time, Edward passed by us and went into said room.
"You may come in if you want." He said as he walked inside.
"Thank you. Maybe another time." I said with a smile.
I don't feel comfortable intruding into his bedroom, thank you very much.
"The brown door on the left, next to Edward's room, is Rosalie's and Emmett's," he said while pointing to a door a little further down the large white corridor. "The purple door at the end of the corridor is Alice's and Jasper's, they may invite you inside later."
He walked to the corridor on the right side of Edward's room, "this is the guest bedroom."He said while opening a white door. I peeked in and the room was quite large. It was done in light blue tones with a mid-sized bed at the centre. I pulled back and he closed the door.
"This is the other bathroom." He said while opening the next door, a little further away. This bathroom was also done in light blue tones. It even had a tub.
He closed the door and walked to the end of the corridor . Next to the last window, there was a large potted plant and directly beside it, there was a staircase. He stopped, "this is the stairs to the second floor. After you." He said while bowing like a gentleman of old times.
I smiled widely, "Thank you good sir." I said teasingly.
I walked up the stairs with him directly behind me. I have to say that this staircase was quite hidden. I wouldn't have noticed it if he didn't point it out. It was in a corner and blended in with the surroundings.
I reached the end of the stairs and stepped aside. There was only one long corridor on the left. It had large windows like the previous one.
"This floor is entirely mine, except for the computer room." He said while pointing to the first room near the stairs, "the other two doors lead to my office and my bedroom."
He walked to the last door at the end of the corridor and opened it. The door was black and made of some kind of wood.
"This is my bedroom. You may come in." He said as he entered.
I hesitatingly stepped to the threshold and was shocked.
'Sweet baby jesus..' I thought dazedly as I walked inside.
I have never seen a room like this in my life. The room was extremely large and airy. It had a classic and soothing ambiance to it. That's all I can describe it as. And believe me, it sure looked comfortable too.
'Bloody hell, even his room smelled good.'
I walked in and took in the large black bay windows directly in front, the black wall panels, the dark wood flooring. On the left side near the windows, there was a dark blue sofa against the wall and directly beside it, there was an open door. From the little peek I had, it seemed like it lead to a massive closet.
On the right side corner, there was an absurdly large bed against the wall. The head of the bed was a dark blue-grey and there were white paintings above it.
'This bed is definitely custom made.'
The sheets and pillowcases were a mixture of light grey, light brown and cream. Under the bed, there was a large fluffy light-grey rug. A little further away from the bed, near the windows, there was a door leading to a massive bathroom. I looked at Carlisle for permission then went in. And yes the large bay windows continued in the bathroom too.
'At that height and with such tall trees all around, I don't think that anyone will be able to peep in….at least I think so..'
The bathroom smelled really good and was really clean. It had black paneling too but instead of dark wood flooring, it had black marble. The big white tub, white toilet and white double sinks really popped out.
'Why does he need two sinks?'
There was a large mirror above the sinks gave the room an even larger feel.
"I think I am in love." I muttered dazedly to myself as I checked out the large black shower taking most of the far wall.
A chuckle behind me broke me out of my daze. I turned around to find Carlisle leaning against the wall near the door.
"I take it that you like it?"
"Your bedroom and bathroom are absolutely amazing! This is my first time seeing a room done in black like this!" I exclaimed excitedly.
"I am glad that you like it. I chose the theme myself and decorated it with Rosalie's help. You may come in and use this bathroom whenever you want to."
I just replied with a 'thank you.'
'He truly has good tastes and his offer is extremely tempting..I mean when in merlin's name will I ever have the chance to use a bathroom like this? But on the other hand, that would be extremely awkward…so no thank you. Goodbye bathroom of my dreams.'
With that thought I walked towards him with one last longing look at that magnificent shower.
"Aren't you afraid that a dunderhead may try to climb a tree to peep at you? I mean it's highly improbable but still, a pervert might find the motivation to make it work." I asked out loud as we walked out of the bathroom, then muttered lowly to myself, "or an obsessed person."
He laughed out loud then said, " Indeed, desire or obsession can make foolish people do strange things. In fact once, at our previous house, a nurse working at the same hospital as me tried to break in to steal my underwear."
I burst out laughing at this, "Really?! Sweet merlin, why on earth would she do this? Did she want to put it under her pillow and sniff at it at night?" I gasped out as I clutched my stomach.
"Who knows what went through her head. But to answer your previous question, very few people know where our house is located and as you found out, it is quite tricky to find. Also those trees provide coverage and are extremely difficult to climb. So far there has fortunately been no peeping." He finished as exited the bedroom.
I followed behind him, still laughing at the stupidity of some people.