Chapter 6: Invitations
This chapter is back to the present time period.
It was Friday afternoon, another mundane night ahead, followed by an equally boring weekend. Edward and his brothers were leaving for the weekend for a hunting trip in Oregon. Bella sat on her bed with textbooks around her. She was too restless to study, but couldn't think of anything better to do with her time. Charlie was out at La Push, it was "Poker Night" at Billy Black's and she didn't expect him back until Sunday. Her book collection was tattered and sorry; she was too agitated to listen to music, and was never a big "TV person." So what do I do with myself?
Alice! She thought. Alice was always as chipper as Girl Scout with a new badge. She'd be sure to help Bella snap out of her funk. And since Jasper was out with Edward on the hunting trip, Alice would probably want company as well.
Then Bella remembered. Damn. I don't have her new cell phone number. Actually never mind, I'll just call the house.
After two rings, the phone picked up.
"Hello?"
"Hi, um...it's Bella Swan" She said.
"Bella, how are you doing?" Carlisle asked in a warm voice.
"I'm good, thanks. Um, I was wondering, is Alice in?"
"No, she went shopping. She's spending the weekend in Seattle. Although, I don't know what else she can shop for. She has enough clothing already!" He chuckled.
"Oh." Bella said, "I see." Her disappointment was clear through the phone. It's ok, she thought to herself. I'll just re-read "Wuthering Heights", curl in the fetal position, and cry myself to sleep again.
"Sweetheart, I'm sorry, you must be lonely over there, what with Edward gone for the weekend. You should come by, you never did get a chance to take a look at my library" Carlisle suggested helpfully.
"Are you sure?" Bella asked. Really, you don't mind babysitting the lame girlfriend of your son? she thought to herself, with a touch of bitterness.
"Absolutely. I insist." He replied. "Come by, I'll order you a pizza. What do humans eat? Pepperoni? Sausage?"
"Cheese is fine. Thank you. You don't have to go through all this trouble." She stated
"Nonsense. You are a part of the family. I will see you soon."
After Bella hung up, she immediately felt better. Carlisle was witty and kind, and his promising book collection would be great company as well. Carlisle was a 300 year old vampire; learned man, he cherished his literature, art, and music collection that spanned the past three centuries.
After a quick shower, she found herself struggling to find an outfit to wear. Dressing for school was never difficult; she usually just tossed on anything that happened to clean. But spending the evening with your boyfriend's parents required a more polished appearance.
She picked out a grass green, knit, v-neck top. It was definitely a bit snug, but a least she looked more stylish. She paired it with her best jeans, and a pair of black converse. She dragged a brush through her long, thick hair, and decided last minute on a black and white, checkered, flannel scarf. She had seen some hipster kids with large scarves wound round their necks and liked the look. She took a peek in the mirror, and for once, liked what she saw. She grabbed her coat and keys and headed out the door for an evening with the Cullen parents.
Chapter 7: Conversations
It was still light out, so Bella had no problem finding the Cullen house, which was nestled in the woods on the outskirts of town. She pulled her coughing truck carefully into the driveway. Before she made it to the top of the stairs, Carlisle opened the door.
She sighed to herself. The man looked like a Greek god. Platinum blond hair, high cheekbones, and sharp features. Carlisle looks like some sort of character from cable miniseries about Zeus. Even when working as a doctor at the local hospital, she always thought he'd look more natural in a loincloth and pair of gladiator sandals, rather than his lab coat and stethoscope.
"Bella, you've made perfect time." He said, gathering her in a quick hug. "The pizza has just arrived, come on into the dining room."
"Thank you for having me over Carlisle. It is always good to see you." She replied shyly, following him in.
Bella had spent plenty of time in the Cullen house, but always with the company of Edward. It was a different feeling without him and his siblings. Quieter, and more peaceful. She didn't have to sit in one room listening to him play the same piano songs over and over.
She noticed some new furniture in the living room as she made her way to the kitchen.
"Esme, I like the new decorating" Bella called while looking around.
"Oh Esme isn't in, she and Rosalie are with Alice in Seattle." Carlisle said, pulling a chair out for her, as she approached the dining room table. "They are having, how you humans say: a 'girl's night out'"
Bella's heart skipped a quick beat. "So it's just you and I?" She asked, voice quavering.
"Yes, that's alright isn't it?" he asked, immediately concerned.
"Of course no problem at all, it is nice to have some one on one time with you." She answered honestly.
Carlisle smiled with relief. "Let me get you something to drink" he said, stepping into the kitchen.
Bella pulled a piece of pizza from the box, staring down at it like it was a foreign object.
Several emotions were turning through her mind. Surprise, confusion, and another feeling she couldn't put her finger on. Was it fear? Or desire?