Chapter 29 - Charlie
I was standing on two huge blocks of ice, my ankles tied around the bottoms as I rose on my tiptoes…I was naked, of course, and my arms bound together, over my head, anchored to a beam up above me as Master lightly whipped me with the flogger. I was in the warm up phase. The plan was to move onto the cane tonight, one of my big weaknesses. It always made me cry. I wanted to be tougher against it.
A lot of cold and ice was being involved in our training lately and I hated it. But Master wanted me to get better at that so we were working on it a lot. Or maybe the cold kept my blood from bothering him too much during our play.
He was still working on the reasons why my blood had pained him so much. So far there was nothing, at least, that's what he told ME. He has a habit of protecting me by not telling me things. I complained to him about it all the time but he would just smile and humor me.
I couldn't even lift my toes off the ice much thanks to the ropes holding me there. I shivered and moaned as I tried to decide which I would be concentrating on, the flogger or the ice. The ice was freezing and wet…the flogger was hot and stinging my flesh, making me hotter inside. I could even picture my ass, a bright pink as the blood rose to the surface at the sensation of pain he was inflicting.
'UGGH", I cried out after a particularly hard blow. I couldn't see him but I'm sure he was smiling back there behind me.
I had no gag tonight. He wanted to hear me.
"It's going to become more difficult now, 317.", he sounded very pleased, "Focus. And breathe."
We were also working on non verbal communication. He could look into my eyes and send me a message, and I could do the same, for sessions where I couldn't speak. I liked it, trying to read what he was thinking…and he seemed to like it too, since I was the one person whose mind he couldn't read.
But now he was behind me and that took away his eyes. I would just have to deal with it until he was in front of me again. I focused on a whip that rested on the table a few feet away. It was red and -UUGGGHHHHH ! Black….with little criss cross designs on it…RRRRRRRRRRR !
"Don't . Growl.", he warned, his voice stern now.
"Yes, Master.", I breathed, focusing harder on the whip, taking a couple of quick breaths.
LASH ! I heard my skin slap as that one bit across my ass.
I let out a very distressed gasp, trying to keep my growling silent.
"Alright, 317.", he said as he walked around towards my back left side, lightly striking the area right above my breasts as I tried to hold still as he taught me and breathe through the pain.
"Sad.", he tested me. This was a part of my writing class he was giving me. I had to give him synonyms for the word he would say. He told me I needed to expand my vocabulary.
"Umm…", I breathed and began to think about that now as he lashed me lightly again, right in the nipple as I screamed, then focused, turning the sound right off.
"Morose…", I began, "heartbroken…"
Another strike, right on the area between my breasts. I didn't even scream that time but it fucking hurt.
"Somber…sorrowful…", I went on as he smiled at me, standing in front now, swinging the flogger around in the air as he decided where he would kiss me with it next.
"Forlorn…", I kept thinking as he struck right between my legs now and I arched back, crying out a bit as he moved around the other side of me. Fuck he is beautiful. I like watching him while he's whipping me.
"Focus, 317.", he warned, "There are a lot more."
The ice was so fucking cold under my toes…they felt a little numb.
"Grieved…", I kept thinking, "wistful…down…down in the dumps…"
Another strike on my left breast.
"AAAA !", I cried out in a single small wail.
"Distressed…", I breathed, "Melancholy…"
"Antonyms.", he switched things up on me now…wanting antonyms for sad.
Another lash broke out over my ass cheek now and I arched up a bit higher on my toes, holding that reaction in.
"Happy…bright….cheerful…", I closed my eyes and tried to think as he now peppered my ass with tiny little blows, no pause in between. I clenched and couldn't think.
"Don't clench.", he reminded me for the five hundredth time, patiently, "Open your eyes…don't hide from me."
Right. I did as he said and went back to thinking of antonyms for sad.
"Nice…joyful…glad…", I said, "Blessed, fortunate…worthwhile…."
He was smiling at me as he gave me a nod and stood in front of me, lightly whipping my feet.
"OWWW OWWWW !", I screamed louder now, trying to move my toes as he went after my weak spot.
"317…", he cautioned sternly, "Don't crumble."
I felt myself crying a bit as he continued but that never made him halt what he was doing.
"Work through the pain, Swan.", he advised, making his blows a bit heavier, "Don't move your feet."
I let out a small cry with each lash that landed on my feet and I eventually could keep them still, using the ice to void out the flogger strikes…I kept my eyes open as tears ran down my cheeks…and soon I was not crying out at all anymore.
"Good girl.", he grabbed my leash and brought my face to his, giving me a very sensual kiss.
It was my little treat for doing well.
He placed three more small kisses on my lips as he walked around me to continue my lesson.
"Thank you Master.", I said as my eyes dizzied a bit. His kisses were still filled with lust and passion, as always. The blood thing didn't seem to bother him at all. I wish I was over it. I can still hear his voice screaming in my head sometimes. I felt like I would never unhear that. And the look in his face as he raged…and weakened…I would never be the same again after seeing that.
"Your reward.", he smirked at me as he brought the vibrator wand to my clit, turning it on high right away, pressing it against the spot he knew so well.
"UUGGHHHHH..", I felt my voice lament as the sensation of pure pleasure burned across my vagina, shoving the pain and discomfort into the background.
He watched my face as I struggled in the burn of it…my face turning and laying against my arm as my hair fell over my eyes. He was smiling at me, moving his other hand over my ribcage, his lips touching my skin below my breast. He was driving me fucking crazy, as always. It would not be long before I had to start begging for release. But he never let me come right away. I had to wait. I had to wait for his permission.
"Please…please….", I keened, looking at his exquisite face…the magnificent eyes…his pleasing lips as they closed over my nipple….my body was already overloaded.
"317.", he bit down gently, "I'm waiting for more antonyms for sad…"
Oh my God…is he kidding ?
"Uhhh", I squeaked, the vibrator buzzing away without care against my wet little folds, "Captivated…orgasmic…."
He laughed at that one.
"Oh my GOD !", I screeched out suddenly. His face became very serious.
"Don't 317.", he warned, "Hold it back."
He moved the wand to a new spot a half an inch to the other side and that made me go fucking wild !
His other arm held my ass up and my feet off the ice as the buzzing sped up even more.
"MASTER PLEASE !", I prayed to him, "PLEASE PLEASE !"
"NO.", he said loudly, "I don't want you to come yet. Wait."
I whimpered and panted, thinking of old ladies naked knitting sweaters. It wasn't working. My clit felt swollen and ready to explode !
"I can't…I can't….", I whispered, arching my back as the vibrations began to weave themselves inside my body…reaching in and travelling to very deep places…
"I don't want to hear that shit, 317.", he said, "Can't is not a word in your vocabulary. You CAN and you WILL if I say it."
I wanted to cry but I knew I'd get in more trouble if I did.
"Yes, Master.", I said, taking the meek voice away and making mine stronger sounding.
"That's right.", he approved.
I turned off my brain and pretended there was no vibrator on me. It took some effort but that began to work.
"Wow.", he sounded impressed, "Very good, Bella."
Don't say my name, don't say my name….I'll come for sure…
"Alright…", he finally said, "On five. One…two…three…four…five…"
Letting go, I instantly screamed and roared out, my legs quivering out of my control and my hips bucking up and down, finding my sweet fucking release. It was mind blowing, like every orgasm Master allowed me.
His lips kissed the line right above my clit, seeming pleased with me for now. Then he placed my feet back down on the ice blocks. I wanted to beg no…to take the ice away…but I stifled myself and let them sit squarely on each block.
The vibrator was gone and his voice was behind me. A thin cool instrument rested across my ass cheeks. A cane. First he would rest it there and then the cane would strike in that spot, leaving extraordinary pain and a long red welt in its place.
"Let's continue…", he said warmly, "Synonyms for pain."
He waited, wanting to hear some before he struck. The waiting was the worst part. He knew that.
"Ache…", I began, steeling myself to be brave, "Anguish…"
"Do NOT go in alphabetical order.", his voice sounded strict again, the cane still resting against me.
"Sorry Master.", I tried to remain calm, "Excruciate…harm…"
Then I heard the cane crack over my skin and it felt as if a sword just sliced me in a long thin line across my ass. I held back a sob and choked a bit as he placed the cane a hair below where he'd just struck me, waiting.
"Sting…injure…harm…", I felt tears well up in my eyes as I spoke in a smaller voice now.
The cane struck me again, harder. I went up on my toes and garbled, trying to hold in my very anguished cries that were dying to come out and sound themselves. But Master doesn't love the screaming. He likes it sometimes, but he wants me to be able to control it. I had no idea there was so much work in being a slave.
It was worse than the first blow because it almost felt like it was in the same place as the first strike. I blinked and a tear fell out but I shook my head, getting rid of it. I so wanted to be stronger, what he wanted. I WOULD be.
Then the cane rested in the inch right below where he had just been. This was so hard. I stopped myself from pleading, from bawling. I called on my inner bitch….but I couldn't even do that because she was very mouthy and bratty when I was in pain.
His lips blew a very cool line of breath across the lines that were surely already forming on my ass.
I heard my breathing and it was very sad and mixed with distress…fear.
"You are in control….", he said very sensually, "Find it."
His voice always eased me and gave me power. I loved him for that.
The cane bit again and I bit down on my own lip, holding my mewling sounds back as much as I could.
"You're doing so good.", he said slowly, his nose nuzzling my cheek as I felt another tear moving down my face, "I know it hurts…it makes me so aroused that you hurt for me…just for me…"
Now my body suddenly didn't feel so crippled. The cane rested right below where that last lash cut….waiting.
"Yes Master…", I agreed with a deep voice, "Just for you…"
"MMmmm", his voice sounded more erotic now and the cane came down on me again.
"Antonyms…for pain…", he softly demanded.
"Delight…", I began, "Ease…comfort…"
"Too easy.", he flicked the cane again and I didn't move, the tears moving more freely now as I silenced myself.
"Elation.", I breathed, "Ecstasy…euphoria…"
"Why do you keep going in alphabetical order ?", he sounded as if he were grinning, his hand pulling my hair back.
"I don't know Master.", I answered honestly, feeling the cane move a hair down my ass, waiting again.
I would not be able to sit down anywhere for a week after this. But I wanted to master the caning thing.
I would need the practice.
"Alright, 317.", he allowed it, "Continue."
He was waiting again.
"Felicity…", I said and he huffed out a laugh...oh…I was going in alphabetical order still. Shit.
"Alleviation..", I concentrated on the words instead of the cane waiting to get me again, "Relief…cure…"
The cane landed again, a WHOOSH sound accompanying it. He really swung that one. FUCKKK !
I screamed out loud, hating that I fucked up. My ass arched away from him, but I put it right back, not wanting to anger him. He hated it when I tried to move my body away from him while he was training me.
"That was a hard one.", he agreed, putting the cane a little below this last strike and I heard myself sob a couple times, my head shaking a bit, messily tossing my hair around.
My fingers curled and strained in my ropes above me as I slowly got control over my crying and breathing. I did get back to being quiet in a minute. He waited.
"Do you like hurting for me, 317 ?", his voice was sex mixed with desire as he moved his fingers down my mane of hair, careful not to touch the stripes on my ass.
"Yes Master.", I blinked the tears out of my eyes, sniffing and swallowing.
"You are so unique, 317.", he leaned in and kissed my ribs, "You make your Master very proud. Do you know that ?"
A very relieved tear escaped my eye at the words and the sound of his voice. He sounded like he truly meant that. I never wanted to stop hearing it.
"No Master.", I replied respectfully, "But 317 is very happy…elated….to hear it."
He smiled that I was using better words without being prompted. He placed another deep kiss on my hip and slowly moved back, returning to business.
"Good girl.", he almost purred as the cane sunk its teeth into me again.
I breathed hard in fast bursts…wanting to keep him proud of me. My toes curled a bit but my feet didn't move off the ice.
This continued for another hour. By the end of it, I'm sure I had long red lines across my ass from the bottom of my spine all the way down my ass and down the backs of my legs down to the ankles.
I was trembling and crying a little…but I was quiet…he liked that.
I almost broke when he began to apply ointment to my lashes. Just a faint touch of his hand was too much to handle, even if it was a gentle touch.
"You may cry now if you need to, 317.", he allowed me as he worked the medicine into my flesh.
And I did cry. God how I cried. He wasn't mad at me. He took such wonderful care of me, always.
"That's it, 317.", he kept massaging the very tender welts, "Let it out."
Maybe I can lay down in school all day with my ass up. Yea that'll be great.
I got to ride the vibrator again and was given total allowance to come as much as I wanted. I came like an animal, screaming and shouting as much as I wanted. Master smiled and kissed me, stroked me as I let the feelings burn me to ash…leaving nothing left.
Then and only then he moved the blocks of ice away and lifted my legs up around his waist, his naked cock hungry for my most sensitive flesh. He had no mercy as he took me over and over again until he was completely satisfied. I loved hearing him moan and yell out with pleasure.
The blood problem didn't seem to slow us down in the sexual department at all. I was glad but I wondered how long it would last. I wanted my blood cured, I wanted him to enjoy it and have it whenever he wanted. But Master kept saying to be patient…he was on the case.
Later, as I soaked with him in the hot tub full of bubbles, he washed my back and kissed it, asking, "Is your father coming for Thanksgiving ?"
I tensed, wondering where that was coming from.
"It's really scary that after all we just did you're thinking of my father.", I said, grinning, turning a bit to see his smile.
"I always do.", he admitted, "I love ravaging his little girl. I keep smiling that he's far away and helpless to stop me."
He's so bad sometimes.
"I'm not his anymore.", I said, "I'm yours."
"I know.", he said matter of factly, "But I was just curious. Is he coming ?"
"I don't know.", I shrugged, "I didn't invite him or anything…"
"Well.", he put his arms around me as he leaned me back against his chest, his legs around mine, "I emailed him the invitation myself. He knows about it."
"Why would you do that ?", I asked.
"All the parents come that weekend.", he informed, "They throw a big dinner thing…all the humans eat like pigs…it's disgusting."
He laughed and so did I.
"What are you usually doing that day ?", I wondered.
"Fucking.", he stated without fear.
I laughed.
"You people eat turkey…", he grinned, "I like to eat…something else."
"Oh my God.", I giggled.
"Well why should I not be giving thanks in my way while all the mortals eat like there's no tomorrow?", he asked defensively.
"You eat like there's no tomorrow every day.", I accused.
He smirked proudly.
"Well if you're going to do something, you might as well do it right.", he said, kissing the back of my head.
"Well if my father comes, I won't be able to be fucking with you.", I said, "So no, I hope he doesn't come."
"I hope I DO.", he teased, holding me a little tighter.
"I think this year, I'll be dining with you guys.", he pondered.
"What ?", I frowned at him, "Why ? You can't eat."
"I can.", he corrected, "I just can't digest. Besides, I want to talk to Charlie."
"Why ?", I asked again.
"I want to see if there's any answers to our blood problem in his small head.", he shared, "Can you be a good little girl while he's here ?"
"If you want me to.", I agreed, not loving the idea.
"I'll be there.", he kissed my chin, "Don't be afraid."
"I'm not afraid.", I said, "He just makes me feel…like nothing."
"He's the one who's nothing now, Bella.", he told me, "You're not his little girl anymore. If you ever were. You're mine now. Nothing else can ever touch you again. Only me. Let him see that you're free of him. Show him the powerful being I see when I look at you."
"You think I'm powerful ?", I almost laughed.
"I know you are.", he placed me on his lap, facing him in the tub, his hands on my sore ass cheeks, "It's time that you knew it too."
"I love you Master.", I said, meaning it down into my soul.
He smiled. "I know." And he placed a very deep kiss upon my lips, opening his mouth and letting his tongue find mine…it didn't take long for all my anxiety about Charlie to vanish.
We agreed that I would call Charlie and get him to come. The conversation turned away from him after that and later we were discussing the other girls who'd come to help him when he was sick.
"You know you make out like all the other girls are afraid of you…but only a couple of them were.", I observed, "Most of them were very fond of you and you were of them, too."
"317.", he raised a brow.
"No, I'm not being jealous, I'm just saying…", I recalled, "They really liked you. And the twins. Now THAT was interesting."
He smirked at me and said, "If you were to ask all 316 girls about me, most of them would say I'm an evil asshole. Maybe a few would say nice things about me. The truth is, I can treat one person one way and another person another way. It depends on them. I treat people….accordingly. I'm not just one dimensional, I have many faces. I wear many masks. Even ones with smiles on them. But with you, I don't have to wear a mask at all. I feel…very safe with you. Accepted for who I am. You never ask me to be anyone else. "
"I feel the same way with you.", I smiled and sucked the grape he was bringing to my lips as I answered him. He was smiling back, enjoying watching me eat.
"I told those girls who came to help, that they could have anything they want.', he informed, "And you know what they all wanted ?"
I shook my head, wondering.
"They wanted to be free.", he said, his mouth a flat line, "Even the ones who seemed to like me. The sad truth is, I never gave any of them a choice. I saw them, I called them to me, and I took them. I demanded they obey me and wear the collar. The one reason you had free choice was because I couldn't compel you in your mind. You chose me. You WANTED me. That's new for me."
"They're crazy.", I frowned, believing it, "You're…so amazing. I would die if I couldn't be yours."
"We are SO going to play mental ward soon.", he teased.
Thanksgiving came fast, like anything that I was dreading. I had called Charlie and he was surprised to hear from me but did say he would come for that whole weekend – Thursday, Friday, Saturday, leaving Sunday. Four days. Shit. Could I get through it ?
Charlie was flying in from Seattle and would arrive right before dinnertime on Thanksgiving. I wanted to wear my usual black clothes but I knew Charlie hated them. I decided to go with a white sweater and a gray skirt that went to my knees. I think it was my Mom's once, I don't remember but I found it in my stuff. Master thought I looked very nice and suggested later on tonight we could play librarian and noisy man in the library.
When Charlie came to the school he was on a little shuttle bus full of parents to come to the Ivy House. I waited there for him without Master, he would arrive later at dinner.
All the parents were pouring into every house, hugging and kissing their daughters, bringing flowers, presents…I stood in the common room, looking out the window to see if he was coming.
Finally, he was climbing off the bus and looking around with a squint. His hair had gotten a bit more gray at the temples but the mustache and flannel shirt were still intact as always. I'm glad he didn't wear the cop uniform.
I took a breath and went out to him.
"Hey Dad.", I tried to smile and we had a very awkward half hug as he greeted me.
"Hey Bells.", he smiled big as he hugged me again, "Wow, you look beautiful."
"Thanks.", I said, knowing he was only saying it because I was dressed up, pretending to be someone else.
"Well, let's see your room.", he said, following me into the house. I showed him around and the other girls who lived there were visiting with their own parents. I was glad I didn't have to introduce anyone because I hardly knew who they were either. I still was shying away from the other girls, after what happened with Alice.
I took Charlie up to my little room in the attic and Tank was laying on the bed, ears perked up, wondering who this stranger was. Tank was a friendly little dog, though, and he greeted Charlie warmly.
"This is Tank.", I introduced them.
"Oh cute !", Charlie sat and was petting Tank behind his ears, "Awww, what a cool little guy !"
"Yea he's the best.", I smiled in spite of myself.
"This is nice.", Charlie looked around, "A little gloomy, though. And you're in here alone ?"
"Don't start, Charlie.", I called him by his name because I knew he hated it.
"I'm not starting", he put his hands up, "I'm just saying…I thought you'd have a roommate or two…are you getting along with the other girls here ?"
Here we go.
"I haven't killed anyone if that's what you're asking.", I snapped at him.
"Hey!", he got a bit loud, "That's not what I meant."
"We have to go eat.", I took Tank away from Charlie and put him in his little playpen. Then I rushed out the door, Charlie close behind me.
I walked to the dining hall where they were having all the parents and staff eat dinner together. I didn't even look behind me to see if Charlie was still there…I wanted my Master. I felt naked without him. He was my armor. He was my shield. And my sword, in every sense of the word.
There were long tables from end to end of the humongous hall, plates and glasses waiting for their guests. I sat down, not seeing Master anywhere. Charlie sat beside me, not saying much, and waited for the food to be brought out.
I poured a glass of water. Drinking it, I hoped I wouldn't have to say much to him while we were eating.
"You're drinking WATER ?", he sounded amazed as he watched me.
"Yea.", I replied curtly, not saying more, looking anywhere else but at him.
A few minutes went by and people were filling up the tables…I wasn't sure if I should save Master a seat next to us or what.
But before I could think of it again, he was coming in, shaking hands with another girl's father. He looked beautiful, wearing a gray blazer and a white shirt, the top button open casually, and gray jeans, nice shoes. My eyes held him as he played the part of interested teacher, greeting the parents, chatting with them, smiling at their daughters as he spoke good things about them.
He finished his conversation with the parents he was talking to and wandered over towards us. I turned away, not wanting to be obvious about it. I was so bad at these things. A bad actress.
I could hear him behind us suddenly and he rubbed his hands together, announcing, "I am ready to
eat !"
He sounded so unlike himself, and I nearly laughed.
I guess that was my cue.
"Oh, hi, Mr. Cullen!", I turned, smiling at him, "Dad, this is Mr. Cullen, Mr. Cullen, this is my father, Charlie Swan."
"Oh hi.", he sounded surprised as he shook my father's hand, "It's great to meet you."
"You too.", Charlie answered politely, "You're….a teacher of Bella's ?"
"Yes Sir.", he grinned, "Gym teacher."
I hated it that that's what he was calling himself. He was so much more.
"Oh, gym teacher ?", Charlie joked, "Well then let me buy you a drink, then."
I scowled at Charlie as Edward just raised his brows, not appreciating that joke. I'm sure he WANTED to laugh at it…but he didn't. Lucky for him.
"Actually, " Master said, "Miss Swan has come a long way in class. She's an excellent archer, we've discovered."
I smiled at him for that.
"Oh yea ?", Charlie sounded surprised.
Mr. Cullen was still standing there, looking at the table.
"Would you like to sit down Mr. Cullen?", I offered.
"Yea, sit down, hang with us.", Charlie said, being friendly. He was always great to strangers.
"Thanks.", Mister Cullen grinned, pulling his chair in next to mine, "I'm so ready for some turkey."
I nearly laughed.
"Me too.", Charlie agreed, "I've just been on a plane for five hours and all I ate were some stale peanuts."
Mister Cullen laughed for a moment.
"You all alone, here?", Charlie asked, "No Mrs. Cullen ?"
"Dad.", I frowned at Charlie.
"No, it's just me.", Mr. Cullen answered, pouring himself a glass of water.
This is going to be a train wreck.
"Where's your wife ?", Mr. Cullen shot back and I felt my breath catch in my throat.
And here it comes.
"Uhhh.", Charlie looked down at his plate, "My wife has passed."
"Oh, I'm so sorry.", Mister Cullen looked truly sad, "That must be so hard on the holidays."
Okay Master, pull back.
"Yea.", Charlie said with a low voice, "It's hard every day."
"Ummm…", I cut in, "Want a roll, Dad ?"
I passed him one and gave the bowl to Mr. Cullen a little abruptly. He took one and passed the bowl to the person to his right.
He looked at me, confused, and I just shot him a little look.
The servers started to bring lots of turkeys to the table….and stuffing and potatoes, and vegetables of all kinds…and hams, fish, I lost track after that.
"You look like a drumstick kind of guy, Mr. Swan.", Mister Cullen used the tongs and served Charlie a big one, handing him a plate.
"It's Chief Swan.", he corrected, "And thanks, I love the drumstick."
"Oh right.", Mr. Cullen was serving me some turkey now, "You're Chief of Police, right ? I think Miss Swan mentioned that once. That must be exciting."
Charlie huffed. "It's not."
Someone kill me now. This is the WORST torment Master has ever inflicted upon me.
"A lot of paperwork, a lot of desk work.", he said, "Forks doesn't have a lot of crime. It can get very boring."
Mr. Cullen listened to Charlie with interest.
"Some policemen would say that's a good thing.", Mr. Cullen replied, now getting himself a huge pile of turkey. I looked at it and covered my smile.
"Yea it is.", Charlie agreed, "For the most part. Don't get me wrong, I don't WANT there to be a lot of crime…but I miss being out there, involved."
"Like you are with your daughter.", he said and I felt my heart stop.
"Mr. Cullen, you need another roll.", I grabbed one and put it next to his mountain of turkey.
Charlie was frowning at Mr. Cullen now and I started to eat my turkey.
"Dad, can you pass me the gravy ?", I asked, hoping he'd forget that comment.
"Yea, sure, Bells, here you go.", he handed me a gravy boat.
The conversation halted a bit but Mr. Cullen was back to start again.
They began to talk about sports and Mr. Cullen was saying things I never heard of before. Charlie seemed impressed with his knowledge of football. It was all alien to me but they seemed to be agreeing on things and were getting along again.
"Dad…", I cut in, "Mr. Cullen is also a great musician. He's in charge of the whole music program."
"Oh really ?", Charlie asked, impressed, he LOVED music. He was always harping on me to play an instrument.
Mr. Cullen gave a small nod and a humble shrug, cutting his turkey, and Charlie said, "I'd LOVE to get Bella into music. I've tried and tried but she just keeps dodging me."
"Really ?", Mr. Cullen's voice had an edge to it, "Well Miss Swan, you'll have to come by after school and we'll discuss it. I'll bet you have a lot of hidden talents."
I choked on my water and Mr. Cullen was patting my back, assisting me like a good teacher would. He beat Charlie to it.
"You alright, Miss Swan?", Mr. Cullen asked, concerned.
"Yes.", I swallowed, "This water…I never choked on soda in my whole life."
I tried to eat my turkey fast so we could get out of there and I could be with Master alone.
"Soda is garbage.", Mr. Cullen informed me. Again.
"Yes, thank you !", Charlie pointed at Mr. Cullen, "I've been telling her that all her life. My father was a house painter and he used to use SODA to clean his paintbrushes ! It ate the paint right off them in five minutes. I told her, don't drink that stuff, it's poison."
Poison. Edward's face in agony flashed in my mind. He was laying it on the cage floor, taking short breaths.
"She doesn't drink that anymore.", Mr. Cullen informed, "I have all the girls here on strict diets, only healthy foods. No candy, no soda, no bread…"
"That's great !", Charlie was glad, "And you've been sticking to it, Bells ?"
"Yea.", I said, remembering being fed 20 snickers bars in a row, shivering inside.
"She's getting into great shape.", Mr. Cullen informed, "She's even lifting weights."
"Weights ?", Charlie asked, stunned, looking at me.
"Yes, Dad.", I groaned, embarrassed.
Then Charlie was asking Mr. Cullen about the school basketball team and their games. They went back into sports talks and I loved listening to Mr. Cullen talk about his work. He was very proud of how well his team was doing and went into great detail about it.
I just kept eating, hoping this worked and Master could find the answer to my bad blood.
Mr. Cullen was really eating the turkey and swallowing it. I was worried about him. He looked like he was really enjoying it though.
By the end of the dinner, Mr. Cullen and my father were good buddies. He charmed my father just as he had charmed me. Well…not exactly the same way but…
Charlie was telling Mr. Cullen some of his best police stories, back in the day, I knew them all by heart but if was fun to see Mr. Cullen laugh and look shocked at some of the details of his stories.
It was getting dark outside and when dessert was served, I couldn't even look. Brownies, pie, cake, ice cream…pudding…I miss you all so much. I just crunched on my ice from my water glass.
Charlie kept asking me if I wanted any brownies. Mr. Cullen shot him a look and then turned it to me.
"Yes Miss Swan, would you like any brownies ?", he asked, daring me.
"No, thank you, Mr. Cullen. ", I smiled too sweetly back at him.
He graced me with a brilliant smile back, showing teeth !
"Well, I'm having some.", Charlie grabbed some and sank his teeth in. I could almost taste it from my chair.
After dinner was all over, Charlie was having a beer and offered one to Mr. Cullen.
"No thanks.", he grinned politely.
No he likes another drink. Me. Well, if I wasn't a deadly poison.
I couldn't take my eyes off my Master. He was perfect.
Finally, the dinner was over and we all rose from our seats, as were all the other families.
"Chief Swan.", shook his hand again, "It was a pleasure meeting you."
"You too, . ", Charlie said, "And thanks again for taking care of my little girl."
Oh yea. The beers are kicking in.
"That's MY pleasure.", Mr. Cullen replied, looking at me with that raised brow.
If Charlie knew what Mr. Cullen does to me on a daily, he'd shoot him in the face. Twice.
"Come on, Dad.", I pulled his arm, smiling at Mr. Cullen as I went, "Bye Mr. Cullen, Happy Thanksgiving."
"Happy Thanksgiving, Miss Swan.", he smiled back, watching me go.
I felt little butterflies in my stomach as we left and walked back to Ivy House.
"What a nice young man.", Charlie complimented Mr. Cullen, "He seems great."
"Yea.", I agreed, "He's a great teacher."
He's a great everything.
"Is he gay ?", Charlie asked next, and that horrified me.
"NO !", I squeaked, "What makes you say THAT ?"
"I don't know, he's not married, he's good looking…", Charlie said.
"That makes him gay ?", I argued, "You're the one who's drooling over his looks, maybe YOU'RE GAY !"
"HEY!", Charlie shouted.
"You know what Dad ?", I covered my eyes for a second, "Maybe lay off the beer, you're embarrassing yourself."
"Bells !", he shouted at me.
"Don't call me that !", I yelled back, "Mom called me that, not you !"
I was moving away from him and he just stood there, alone in the crowd of happy families.
When I got to my room, I slammed the door and Tank looked up at me groggily.
Before I could say a word, Master was there, laughing, touching my arms.
"Bella, calm down.", he tried to keep a straight face.
"Did you hear that ?", I tried not to yell, "How can that dope be in your presence and possibly think that you're GAY ?!"
"Maybe it was the moment I groped his knee under the table.", he pondered as my mouth flew open.
"Joke, JOKE !", he held his hands up, "I was sitting next to YOU, not him !"
"Oh my GOD !", I was furious, "I can't believe him !"
"Bella, he's a small town guy.", Master informed, without anger.
"So am I !", I informed.
"You're different.", he crossed his arms, "Besides, he liked me. He's just a little buzzed from the beer."
"Ugh, that beer !", I growled, "I hate it. It turns him into an idiot in two minutes."
"Will you please relax ?", he smiled and sat me down on the bed, going to get Tank and placing him in my hands, "Here, hold your baby."
"Let's not forget the goal.", Master reminded calmly, "Get into his mind and see what I can glean to solve our blood problem."
"Well did you learn anything tonight ?", I asked him.
"A little.", he nodded, "I got some information on your mother. And your grandfather, the painter. Tomorrow I can bump into you two again and get more."
"Oh no, tomorrow too ?", I groaned, letting Tank chew on my finger, "Can't you just compel him tonight somewhere and ask him whatever you want to know?"
"That wouldn't be any fun.", he said, enjoying this too much.
"Well…", I said, "Don't do anything embarrassing tomorrow when you bump into us."
"Oh okay.", he gave a nod, "So…no kiss on his lips when I see him ?"
"I hate you.", I tried not to laugh as he smiled wickedly.
"If he thinks I'm homosexual, all the more cover for us.", Master said, "I was afraid he'd see something between us. Not that he could stop us or anything but…"
"I just had a big fight with him.", I reminded, "I don't want to see him tomorrow."
"317.", he raised a brow, "You said you'd be good. Don't make me put you over my knee."
Mmm. I like the sound of that.
Charlie stayed in a hotel in town that night and came back over the next morning. He apologized and I pretended to forgive him.
I don't know why I was so mad. Being gay is not an insult and there's nothing wrong with that. I just wanted to be angry at Charlie no matter what he said or did. I hated him that Mom wasn't here with us for Thanksgiving. I hated him for pretending to be such a wonderful Dad in front of Mr. Cullen. I hated HIM.
Besides, the truth was so much worse. Mr. Cullen is a 265 year old vampire that likes to whip me, fuck me, and he owns me. Oh and by the way my blood is poisonous to him, do you know anything about that Dad ? Because he really wants to drink me.
Maybe Master is right. Better for him to think anything else than the reality.
The next day Charlie wanted to walk around the school and see it. I figured that, for him, it was better to be out and doing things than being alone with me in my room, sitting in silence while I glared at him.
I took him to see the horses and he loved that.
It was when we were walking away from the stables that we bumped into Mr. Cullen.
He was talking to a mother and father about their daughter's upcoming piano recital.
"Yes, I will sit with her and go over it line by line.", he was saying to the mother, "It will be flawless by the 9th, I promise you."
Oh yea. I'm not going into the music program. Screw that. I have enough stresses in gym class.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Cullen.", she beamed at him as he smiled at her.
"Excuse me.", he pardoned himself and walked past us, getting a drink from the water fountain.
"Hi, Mr. Cullen.", I said as we almost walked by him.
He looked up and smiled this very natural smile… I never saw that one before.
"Miss Swan.", his lips were wet with water as he greeted us, "Chief Swan."
"Hey Mr. Cullen.", Charlie smiled back, "You're all over this place, aren't you ?"
He grinned, holding an arm up.
"I work here.", he reminded.
"Dad.", I warned him again.
"Hey, I want to thank you for letting me share Thanksgiving dinner with you two last night.", Mister Cullen turned on the charm again, "I had a lot of fun."
"Me too.", Charlie agreed, "This is such a great place, Bells has been showing me around."
Bells again. I hate him.
"Oh yea, this is the best school I've ever been involved with.", he shared, "I was just on my way to the music school, you care to join me ?"
"Ooooh, yea.", Charlie was very interested in this, "Come on, Bells, check it out, you might like it."
My father had a dream in his teens that he'd be in a band and become Van Halen. He didn't.
"Alright.", I consented and we walked with him to the building where I once saw him playing piano, so angry with me that night.
"I have six girls working on their auditions for Berklee next year.", he told Charlie, "They're all doing very well, too. I think they all might make it in."
"That's incredible.", Charlie gushed.
I guarantee Charlie has no idea what Berklee is, a most prestigious college of music.
He brought us into the building and hardly anyone was there, it being the holiday weekend and all. There were rooms and classrooms full of pianos, one that had guitars…another that had cellos and violins inside them.
He led us to a beautiful room with six pianos in it, the walls soundproofed as he flipped the lights on.
"This is one of the piano rooms.", he said nonchalantly as he went to a desk in the corner, reading a couple messages that were there. He made a note of something and turned to us.
"No. Really ?", I smart cracked dryly, seeing a room full of pianos. Master shot me a very strict look.
"Have a seat.", he offered Charlie the piano bench and sat next to him there. Charlie got a funny look on his face and stood up, letting me sit there instead.
I rolled my eyes and sat next to Mr. Cullen, wanting to see more of his music. I never really got much of a chance to see him play and watch him work in this part of the school and I felt bad about that now.
"I can play every instrument, but the piano is my lady.", he said and I smiled at him the way he said it.
"We teach classical…", he began, and his fingers lightly moved over the keys, playing Moonlight Senada by Beethoven. It was so slow and haunting…and perfectly played by him. Charlie smiled at me as I glanced back at him behind me. He looked very impressed.
"Then there's Jazz Piano…", he said and began to play a very soft, sexy Jazz melody. His fingers moved so effortlessly over the keys, a master…and he smiled at me as I watched him…dazzled again.
"Instrumental..", he said, playing that song again that he played the first day of school, The River flows in you…his own composition. I was so glad to hear it again. Mr. Cullen smiled at me and turned his attention to the keys. I could only stare at his long, talented fingers. They almost blurred as they moved…I could never do this.
"Wow.", Charlie said softly.
I think my Dad is falling in love. Back off, Charlie, he's mine.
Then the music changed into something familiar…and I smiled. It was Disney, Someday my Prince will come. Oh my God…how does he know…oh right, he can read my father's mind. Shit.
"Oh Bells, there's your favorite.", Charlie put his hands on my shoulders.
"Shut up, Dad.", I frowned at him, jerking my shoulders to free myself of his grip, not wanting that to get out.
"This is MY new favorite.", Mr. Cullen grinned and began to play something. It was very eerie and slow. I kind of recognized it but not really.
"Night King from Game of Thrones.", he shared.
"Oh right !", I heard it now, "I LOVE that show."
"What's your poison, Chief Swan ?", Mr. Cullen asked, playing Guns N Roses Sweet Child of Mine.
My Dad's favorite song. Okay, Mr. Cullen COULD read Charlie's thoughts. This is good.
I smiled more as Mr. Cullen played the song to perfection. I love this man so fucking much.
"YEA!", Charlie cheered as Mr. Cullen played it for him.
After that, Mr. Cullen asked Charlie what instruments he wanted to see.
Electric guitars, of course. So he took Charlie to that room and hooked them up and let Charlie play the guitar for awhile. He stood back and let Charlie play, even though I'm sure he could've done better.
My father was not bad, either…and I was surprised. And for a second, my father looked young again.
He played the typical 80's hair band stuff…Def Leppard's Photograph. Mr. Cullen smiled and nodded, liking it. Then Charlie went into The Final Countdown by Europe…Charlie even danced a bit as he played and Mister Cullen smiled at me, nodding, impressed too.
I would've died of embarrassment if Mr. Cullen wasn't so cool about it.
Now Charlie was playing Beat it by Michael Jackson. Can't someone come in here and shoot us all in the head now ?
"I think we should take it on the road, Chief Swan.", Mr. Cullen said after Charlie was through playing.
"Charlie.", he corrected.
"Charlie.", Mr. Cullen grinned.
"Hey, I wanna go on the road too.", I teased.
"Yes, Miss Swan, I have a nice triangle you can play.", Mr. Cullen joked.
I giggled and tapped him playfully and Charlie gave us a small look.
Uh oh.
"Thanks for taking the time to show us all that.", Charlie said as we were leaving.
"The pleasure was all mine.", gave me a look that almost made my panties fall down.
Damn he was right. His pleasant side IS just as strong as his angry side. This is just the first time I'm getting to see it.
"I have a meeting.", Mr. Cullen looked at his watch and said, "Have a nice weekend, Charlie. Miss Swan…."
And he jogged off, in a hurry. I sighed to myself and missed him already.
"That was fun.", Charlie smiled, "He's amazing."
"I know.", I said.
"You should totally join that music program.", Charlie urged.
"No, Dad.", I just said curtly.
The rest of the day Charlie and I hung out together, and he was being on his best behavior, not saying too much that would upset me. It was like this was the Charlie I used to know, before that girl…before Mom.
Now he was pretending to be cool again. I wasn't buying it. I had seen his dark side.
We had dinner together and went back to his hotel room. As we walked into the dark room, the door closed behind me and the lights went on by themselves. Mr. Cullen was there and he looked darkly into Charlie's face.
"Sit down, Chief Swan.", Mr. Cullen ordered him. I stood by, knowing this was going to happen. It was planned.
Charlie looked at Mr. Cullen with a strange expression…confusion…then…blankness.
"Sit.", Mr. Cullen repeated and Charlie did go silently, sitting down in the chair next to a small table in the room.
I just stood there and Edward looked at me to see if I was alright. I nodded, giving him the go ahead to do what he had to do.
I didn't move closer to them. I just watched, standing over here in the corner of the room.
"Chief Swan…", Edward was back to the formal title now, not just Charlie. I think he fooled Charlie into thinking they were buddies but now he looked downright deadly as he eyed Charlie in the chair.
"Open your mind to me.", Edward demanded, staring into his eyes, "Now."
Charlie gave a little groan and whimper…trying to fight that…but Edward was stronger. This was weird. It's difficult for Edward to get inside Charlie's mind ?
"Now, Charlie.", he put more power into the words.
In seconds, Charlie was not struggling anymore and he was still and quiet.
"That's good.", Edward said with a bit of annoyance, "Stay."
He spoke to him like a dog as he stood there, silently sifting through his every thought…to me it looked like Edward was just staring into Charlie's very soul…and Charlie sat there, like a frozen man, his mouth open a bit.
It took hours…and I sat on the sofa after a bit, hoping Edward could find something that told us anything at all.
"Stop.", Edward finally said…nothing happened that I could see…Charlie didn't move.
"Why did you do that ?", he asked Charlie the statue. He sounded angry.
I was watching, unsure of what they were talking about.
Something in Charlie's mind answered Edward's question and he said, "Alright. Continue."
Another hour went by. I almost fell asleep.
Finally, Master stepped away from Charlie and looked at me.
"Nothing.", he sounded disappointed.
"Did you just read everything in his mind ?", I asked, now that he was speaking to me.
He gave a slow nod, glancing at Charlie, who sat there, still frozen.
"What's wrong ?", I asked, sensing something.
"Nothing.", he looked down then at me, "It's just a little draining."
Oh my God. I never knew a mind could be so difficult for Master to read. Why ?
"And there was nothing there that helps ?", I confirmed.
"I went over your whole life and his all the way back to him being in the womb.", he informed, "I didn't see anything that could help us with your blood."
"Okay.", I took a breath, "I told you we didn't know any wizards or anything."
I almost laughed thinking about it. But I guess it doesn't hurt to make sure. Charlie could've helped someone in his line of work and that person may have been able to protect his baby daughter with some kind of spell or something. It was worth a shot.
"Alright well.", I looked at Charlie, "What do we do now ?"
"I've got it.", he took a step towards Charlie, saying, "Charlie, you will go to sleep now. You will remember none of this."
Charlie rose from his chair and didn't seem to even see us. He climbed into the bed and covered himself up, going to sleep.
"Let's go.", he said, switching off the lights, opening the door for me.
As we drove back to school, Master was very quiet. More than usual.
"Are you okay ?", I asked him.
"Yes, I'm fine.", he said, adding, "It's just…"
"What ?", I worried.
"You were destroyed.", he said, "When your mother passed."
Oh. He saw that. I imagined him seeing my whole life…from being a baby, then as a dorky kid…then my awkward years…I almost groaned out loud.
"Yea.", I looked at the dashboard lights.
His voice turned lighter now, "And you were quite a little hellraiser after that. I almost wanted to spank you myself, just watching."
I smiled, shrugging.
"I was angry.", I admitted, "I still am, sometimes. But you just know how to tame me so well."
He grinned, the blue light from the dashboard lighting up his angelic face.
"I try.", he answered.
"I loved seeing you playing the piano today.", I finally was able to share, "You're incredible!"
"I've always loved music.", he said without hesitation, "All the way back to my human days. I used to play the piano for—"
He stopped and his face was conflicted for a second.
"I used to play the piano back then.", he changed his sentence. I didn't push him.
"Your father's mind isn't as closed off as yours.", Master said, changing the subject, "But it was difficult getting into it. He resisted me. Several times. All I got was that you used to love Someday My Prince Will Come when we sat at the piano."
"I was three then.", I felt embarrassed.
"I wonder why his mind is like that.", I pondered, "And mine. It's weird."
"I've tried to open your mind…", he admitted, "Like I just did with Charlie…even when you were asleep…yours does not even budge no matter what I say or do."
I grinned. "Sorry."
Once back at the school, girls were still walking with their parents, having hot cocoa by the fireplace, talking…for a flash I wished my Mom could be here, sitting with me having a cup. She'd have loved it here and she would've LOVED Mr. Cullen.
END OF CHAPTER 29