Disclaimer: I do not own, nor do I make profit off of Twilight, all the rights belong to the author Stephanie Meyer.
Reviews:
YellowSmoke- Aww thank you! Long time no see am I right, ahhh but lets not think about that. I do love Carlisle, honestly how could you not, I wish we got to see more of him in the books and movies. I have quite a bit planned for future talks with both Carlisle and Esme regarding her mother and I cant wait to get to it. Sorry about the long lapse in posting, I promise I'm really trying to work on it, haha. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a kind and interactive review, you have no idea how happy they makes me to see your user name on my chapters!
LaRandomchrissy1- Thank you! Your comment really made my day and made me smile! Hopefully this chapter lives up to the last! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to leave me a review, it really makes me smile!
Maja- Honestly! Me either, I have ideas for certain chapters, but no outline down, so lets have fun finding out together. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, they all make me happy!
CarlaPA-...I guess I'll have to break it to her soon haha. Thank you so much for the fun review and for taking the time to leave it I appreciate it soooo much, your review really made me laugh! :D
Ooohnish- WOW! Your review instantly made me crumble in my chair, it was so incredibly kind and way more than I honestly deserved! I'm glad you found my story allthough I have to admit it's my fault it probably took you a while, my posting hasn't been the best and I'm sorry, I'm working on, I promise! I can't wait to get more chapters going so we can see the healing a trusting process begin. THANK YOU SO MUCH, for the incredibly generous review, it really did make my night when I read it, and really pushed me into getting this chapter going! I appreciate you taking the time out of YOUR day to leave such kind words!
Caught In A Lie
I'm content, that's the first thing I think when I wake up. My back is nestled softly on the mattress with pillows cradling my neck and head. A soft fake fur blanket tickles my arms and I realize all I want to do is stay in bed and stay content, and I plan too until theirs a knock on my door. I sigh and roll over just as the door swings open revealing Edward behind it. I wish it would swing shut. He crosses his arms and leans against the door frame,
"You're awake?" I stretch my arms above my head,
"Yay." I yawn and settle back into the pillows, "Something on your mind?" The way he's leaning against the door, with his arms crossed and a brooding look on his face makes it look like he has something to say.
"You did well yesterday." He's talking about the social worker. She came out yesterday to tour the house, take notes, and mostly to talk to me. It was suppose to be a private talk but with a house filled with super hearing immortals there was never a change for a private conversation.
"Thank you." Edward frowns,
"It wasn't a compliment, it was a statement." I frown and bury myself deeper into my pillows,
"Well then what did you come here for, just to make a statement?"
"I came here for two things, one was to tell you that, and the other one was to let you know Carlisle and Esme want you to meet them downstairs for breakfast." I wrinkle my nose at him and burrow down even more. Yesterday wasn't the first time I've had to talk to a social worker, in fact it's not the second or third time, and one thing I've learned is that all their questions are the same.
How I'm acclimating
Am I happy
Am I comfortable
Have my needs been meet
Do I feel safe
Can I go to an "safe" adult to talk to if needed
Am I eating
Ever question I answered with a smile,
I'm learning the schedule and feel of the house
I'm happier than I thought I could be
I am
Yes, absolutely
I've never felt safer
I can go to Esme about anything
More than I want too
I even threw in a few laughs here and there, and made sure I was likable and relaxed, it wasn't hard, but was it too easy; and just hearing Edward mention how good I am at it, sends anxiety coursing through my body. If Edward saw it then Carlisle and Esme did too, I feel like a child who's just been caught with their hand in the cookie jar. I peak up from my blankets and raise an eyebrow,
"Is that all?" He smirks and uncrosses his arms,
"For now." He shuts the door leaving me alone and most annoyingly, awake. Theirs no way I can drift back to sleep now, both my body and mind buzzing. I throw the comforter off and swing my legs off the bed and just sit for a second, letting my emotions fight for room inside my head before letting my feet hit the floor. I head to the bathroom throwing open both the closet and bathroom door and begin running the water, anger flooding my thoughts. I begin replaying the conversation with the social worker in my head. She asked the same questions every CPS agent I've ever talked too asks, and I answered them the way I always have...so why am I dwelling on this. I'm usually able to lie and push it aside, but this time...it's different.
I didn't really lie, all my needs have been met and I am comfortable, but when it came time to ask about my past...it was hard. In this world I have a loving mother and father who died and I was sent to live with an aunt I'm just not getting along with. So I left and came to find my "Uncle Carlisle" and here we are, mostly happy, but...a lie. Acting happy and having a happy life are two different things. I quickly set my hair in two french braids and settle into the hot water, letting my mind wonder. The first time I ever had to talk to a social worker was when I was 7 years old, My mother had drunken herself into deep sleep and couldn't be woken. I tried screaming and shaking her, but she was out which resulting in me walking to school alone, unfortunately I couldn't remember the street names or where to turn and end up walking for a few hours before finally shuffling into a gas station with large streaks of tears down my cheeks. The cops were called and it was a while before my mom could be located, but when she was, CPS had already deciding I would be place in a temporary home for the night. The next morning was the first time I ever lied to an adult, when I told the women worker that I felt secure and safe in my home.
My mother was able to clean the house and get me back that afternoon, I remember her pulling me into the bathroom and pouring her secret bottle of Ketel One Vodka down the drain, promising me she would never drink again. That was the first time she lied to me, because it was only until the withdraw symptoms set in that she was racing out to the store.
The second time was the first time my mother really hurt me, I was 10 and she pushed me into the glass coffee table, my head broke the fall resulting in both my first concussion and stitches. The neighbors next to us heard the commotion and called the cops, they thought it was a domestic violence dispute until they walked in through the door catching me sitting on the floor bleeding while my mother puked her guts up in the bathroom over what she'd done. I had to tell the doctor and social worker in the ER that I had been trying to teach myself how to do a cartwheel an had crashed into the table myself.
The third time was only a year ago, when I broke my ankle and a CPS worker was brought in again after pulling up my records. Again I lied, told them I was goofing off on the stairs, wasn't paying attention, that I felt 100% safe in my home. My ice skating career was over, my life felt over, but I couldn't let myself be taken from my only home, from my mother, so I lied and I went home...If I hadn't lied, I probably wouldn't be here. I turn the hot water back on and let it burn my skin untill I can't take it anymore.
…
I take my time in the bath. I never really looked at everything Alice and Esme stocked in here and decides nows a good time as any. Each corner of the tub has different products, all of them I've never heard off. I'm use to using VO5 and Suave, however these come in glass bottles and smell amazing all though I don't use any. The bar of soap is just like the one in Esme's bathroom with real lavender sprigs and smells too good to use, so I put that back too and find a simple bottle of bath and body works warm vanilla sugar hidden behind another expensive looking body wash and use that one with a very soft washcloth. I scrub until my skin hurts and then get out using the matching towels and step into the closet. It takes me a about five minutes but eventually I find a pair of leggings and a soft sweater. I wince when I realize the leggings are lulu lemon and the sweater is cashmere, both pieces too expensive for my liking, but these are the most laid back clothes I can find in here. I throw on a pair of soft socks and take my time getting down stairs. I take one step at a time until my feet hit the ground floor and then I head to the kitchen where both Esme and Carlisle sit at the table, a newspaper in Carlisle's hands and a large roll of paper in Esme, she has a pen behind her ear and a look of concentration on her face. Carlisle notices me first, although I'm sure both heard me coming down the stairs. He places his paper down and smiles,
"You look nice," he comments and Esme looks up,
"Oh Mare, did you have a good start to your morning?" I cross my arms hating that both their eyes are on me, but I smile and nod anyway,
"Thank you for the shampoo and body wash." It's the only thing I can think to say, my heart pounding rapidly knowing their's a discussion coming and the last one has left my arm sore,
"Of course, it's my personal favorite, come sit down I'll get you something to eat." I almost open my mouth to say I'm not hungry, but it would be no use. Ever piece of food that's been placed in front of me has been carefully monitored by both Carlisle and Esme although they've tried not to let on to it. I can see it in the way Esme looks at what I've left on the plate and the way Carlisle watches me eat out of the corner of his eye. My appetite still isn't back, but I'm able to eat more with each meal. I sit down next to Esme's chair, only vacant for a second before Esme sets a bowl of yogurt in front of me complete with fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of honey over top. I pick up the spoon she's left on the plate and dig in slowly, knowing full well both Esme and Carlisle are watching me.
"Marceline, their was something we wanted to talk to you about." Carlisle finally offers, lifting a bit of the anxiety off of my chest,
"Okay," I pierce a strawberry and bring it up to my mouth to nibble,
"Well, I know I asked you about you information on your schooling," he stops to pause, I swallow the strawberry and take another bite,
"Ya," I know where this is going and although I expected it at some point I'm no really ready to hear it,
"Esme and I believe that this Thursday you should start attending the local high school," I stop mid chew and swallow forcefully. Both watch me carefully waiting for a angry or frightened reaction, I take a breath and nod, digging my spoon in to the yogurt.
"We want to know how you feel about that?" Esme asks carefully. I shovel the yogurt into my mouth and nod, taking another large scoop of yogurt. Carlisle's hand comes down on my wrist gently,
"As happy as I am that you're actually eating, I know you're avoiding this conversation," I sigh threw my nose and drop my spoon,
"I'm not trying too," I confess, "I know I should go." Esme leans closer, placing her elbows on the table,
"Tell us how you're feeling on the matter," I turn to her confused, she wants to know how I'm feeling about it?
"Schools expensive-"
"Try again." Carlisle interrupts, I sigh and lean back in my chair,
"I'm not good at school," My grades are from very generous teachers, those that sense trouble at home, but don't think it's bad enough to report it. I stumble through the halls just trying to get from one class to another, my only enjoyment being my best friend Matt...and he's not here. I wonder how he is, if he's okay, if he misses me. I miss him.
"What aren't you good at?" Esme asks, flicking Carlisle's hand off my wrist and replacing it with her own,
"All of it...I'm not a very good teenager if you haven't noticed. I suck at school, have no friends and keep to myself."
"Non of those are bad honey," Esme comforts, "Maybe you're just not in the right environment." I bite my lip to keep from laughing, if only she knew. Instead I shrug,
"Maybe,"
"You'll be a freshman at Forks High. Edward and Alice are currently enrolled as sophomores and Emmett, Rosalie and Jasper are Juniors." Carlisle starts and for a second I'm confused, Edward and Bella met in Biology...they were juniors weren't they?! How early am I? "I've asked the administrator to insure you have lunch with everyone-"
"No." It's out before I can stop it, and Carlisle waits patiently with a smirk on his lips. I replay the scene in my head from when the "infamous Cullens" appeared in the books. I never saw the movies but from the books I can see it all in my head. They way they sat at their own table looking completely unattainable and beautiful, trays of untouched food in front of them. If I wanted any chance I need to do most of this alone,
"Why don't you want lunch with the others?" Esme finally asks after a second long pause,
"Wouldn't it be weird if I was the only one eating," She considers this for a second, "If I have to go to high school, I should try making friends on my own." Both Carlisle and Esme, share a look. Finally Carlisle nods,
"Alright, I will call the school back and ask for you to be placed on a later lunch," I nod,
"Thank you,"
"Of course sweetheart, were here to help you. This is something non of us have experience with, however because of experience we are better equip to handle this so if you need too, you can lean on us." I can't, because when I do you'll do something to disappoint me. I keep those words tucked away, choosing instead to smile and nod, if anything to get out of this conversation and this breakfast. However Carlisle smiles and pushes the bowl of sweet yogurt in front of me,
"I'd like to see that same vigorous appetite again."
…
"So you don't want to eat lunch with us?" Edward pops his head into the room, small smirk on his face, I look up from the notebook I found in one of the desk drawers and wrinkle my nose. I almost tell him to knock, until I realize this is more his house than it is mine, although it's starting to become his routine, wait for the human to wake up, stand in door way with arms crossed and make small talk.
"News spreads fast," I mumble twirling the pen in my hand,
"Carlisle told me not to tease you about it,"
"And yet here you are." He steps into the room, leaning his shoulder against the doorframe. If he keeps doing that, the wood is going to have a permanent dent from his shoulder.
"I didn't say I would listen," I raise an eyebrow,
"Clearly."
"Will you tell me why you don't want to enjoy lunch with us?"
"Other than the fact that you don't eat?" Edward gives me an annoyed look,
"I'm sure theres more to it than that," I shrug and lean back into my pillows,
"Just read my mind, you always do." Edward smirks,
"Carlisle told me not to do that too," From the look on his face, it's clear he's not only telling the truth, but he's also following it. I tilt my head to the side and smile, finally some privacy,
"Really?" He raises an eyebrow and nods,
"Really." I settle back into the pillows and throw the notebook and pen at the end of the bed,
"Do you have friends?" I finally ask, Edwards forehead wrinkles in thought. We both know the answer and I smile, "Exactly."
"So is that what this is all about, you want to make friends,"
"I want to be invisible." I correct, "And I cant do that with the Dollanganger Darlings" Edward snickers,
"Nice analogy,"
"I also don't think Rosalie likes me very much so it will stop any awkwardness." I grab the white fut blanket at the end of the bed and snuggle into it,
"It's not that she doesn't like you, she doesn't know you, once she does, then she can decide if she likes you or not." I snort,
"Wow thanks." I snuggle deeper into the pillows, closing my eyes, indicating I'm done talking and ready for a nap, that's until a new voice enters the room,
"Mare!" I open my eyes just in time to see Emmett shoulder Edward out of the way, "Hey are you sleeping, it's 4PM." I release a content sigh,
"Just in time for a late afternoon nap," I close my eye again, but throw them open when the bed jiggles. Emmett stands at the end of the bed both hands on the mattress,
"You have all night and morning to sleep, come downstairs and play Mario cart with me!" I sit up and open my mouth but Edward beats me to it,
"Video games again? Didn't you get you fill yesterday...and this morning?" Emmett scoffs at him,
"Absolutely not, Jasper and Alice are in." Edward rolls his eyes and I snuggle back into the cushions, "plus I want to get to know Mare better and what's better than a good old game of American Mario Cart." I snort again,
"Maybe just asking questions?" Emmett joggles the bed again,
"Come on Mare," I sigh and sit up, and look between both Emmett and Edward,
"Fine." Emmett smiles and turns to Edward,
"Ha, you owe me five dollars." Edward frowns,
"Just because you make a bet with me inside your head, doesn't mean I agree to it. Unless I give you a verbal confirmation. I'm not giving you five dollars." Emmett turns to me a goofy look on his face,
"He's always like this too. Race you down." He's out the door before I can even open my mouth to give him a responds,
"That's really not fair," Edward shrugs and holds his hand out,
"He's always like that," He rolls his eyes mimicking Emmetts voice, "You'll get use to it." I stare at his hand before crawling to the edge of the bed and get to my feet myself, "You know you don't actually have to play, your brains still scrambled, even I can feel it." Edward reaches up to rub his temples, and I frown finding an overwhelming want to reach forward and smack him across the face.
"Oh I'm so sorry for you." I let the sarcasm drip my voice and turn on my heels heading out the door, Edwards behind my before I even get into the hallway,
"Struck a nerve did I?" I turn at the top of the stairs and huff
"Have you ever realized how far up my business you are?" Edward releases a breathy laugh,
"Excuse me?"
"Since I somehow fell into this stupid book, you've been in my head and in my business, just this morning you were telling me your opinion on a conversation that was suppose to be private and and thats only this morning you'll probably comment on something else before it's even 5." I want Edward to fight me, to tell me I'm being dramatic and to tell me wrong, not because I am, but I just need to fight with someone. However in true Edward fashion he does the opposite of what I want and his lips turn up in a half grin, god dammit.
"I guess I could wait till 5:15 to comment on your business." I huff and turn,
"Now I see why everyone's on team Jacob." His footsteps follow me,
"What?"
"Please leave me alone." I hit the bottom of the stairs and head to the living room, both Esme and Carlisle are gone, or in a different room. I'm so use to seeing them in the kitchen,
"They went hunting." Edward clarifies and I roll my eyes,
"Wow, I was right. What a complete and utter shock."
"You know Rose is going to like you, you're just like her."
"She doesn't like you either." I turn into the living room, where Emmett sits controller in hand, the blonde, Jasper sits next to him and Alice at the end of the couch, a large smile on her face,
"It's so cute, the both of you fight like siblings," I stop in my tracks blink, once, twice, then turn and on my heels and run straight into Edward, who places his hands on my shoulder and turns me back around, "I said something I shouldn't, didn't I?" I sigh and let Edward push me towards the couch and force me to take Emmetts empty right side,
"We could hear you arguing down the stairs," Emmett hands me a controller, "don't worry you'll get use to it, you'll even start to like it. Watch this, Edward want am I thinking."
"I'm not telling everyone what you're thinking." Edward plops down next to Alice and looks towards the TV, it's just Emmett and Jasper playing, and to my own surprise, Jasper is winning. Emmett isn't far behind. Just like our game he's chosen Bowser, while Jaspers playing as toad. I stare at the the screen before finding my eyes following Jasper's side. They've chosen a difficult course complete with a rainbow bridge in space, tunnels, and a ton of twist and turns. Each time they enter a tunnel the screen does dark before lighting back up in mock sunlight, and without even realizing it, I find myself leaning towards the screen, it's hypnotic...has Mario Cart always been like this, or maybe I just haven't played it enough at Matt's house, either way I cant take my eyes off the screen. Bright lights, tunnel, space, tunnel, light...lights, heads lights heading straight for me,
"Emmett turn the TV off now!" Bright lights, and then nothing.