A/N: I do not own Twilight or its characters, Stephanie Meyer does.
Finally, a long chapter. The remaining chapters will be about this length.
Chapter 4. – Graduation
RPOV
By my second actual birthday, I had completed my high school education. Jacob and I finished at the same time. The younger Cullen's decided to stay out of high school and the public eye as much as possible for the first few years in Portland, so we could stay here until I was finished growing. Mom and dad said they probably wouldn't start attending high school again until I started going – which meant about 5 more years if I continued to grow at the "usual" hybrid rate of seven years.
The weekend after Jacob and I finished our last final exams, everyone that was important to us came to Portland. Pop Charlie, Sue – who Pop had become fond of – Renee, Billy, and Rachel, along with many from the pack. Our huge house was filled with guests. The wolves who hadn't brought their mates slept outside, with the exception of Seth. Seth probably wouldn't have minded sleeping anywhere in the house.
I was excited to have Pop Charlie staying with us for the weekend. Pop had only come to visit is in Portland once. It was hard to get a full weekend off work, being that he was the chief of police and only employed two other officers. I think he just preferred us visiting him. He was more comfortable with it.
Renee had never been to the Portland house. She didn't take to mom's mysterious change very well, and she was never very maternal to begin with. Needless to say, grand-parenting did not come natural to her. Since I never spent much time with her, I wasn't nearly as attached to her as I was my other grandparents, Nan Esme, Grampy Carlisle, and Pop Charlie. She felt more like a distant relative, an aunt from out of town, to me. I never dared show her my special gift. It would have sent her running back to Jacksonville, no doubt.
That Saturday, I spent the entire afternoon outside. Our property was massive, so there was never a risk of being seen, and there was always Alice who became more attuned to me after a while of being in the dark. If someone were watching, she'd know it long before. Then there's our sense of smell. We can all smell a human – or any other creature – hundreds of yards away. These wonderful things allowed me to play outside like a normal kid, well as normal a kid can be when her favorite outdoor activity is climbing to the tops of trees.
Our property was close enough to Portland for Carlisle's commute to be tolerable, but far enough out so that we were close to plenty of hunting ground.
Our house was spectacular. Nan and Grampy designed it completely. Three stories with a small fourth story, all sides brick, a gourmet kitchen, eleven bedrooms with their own bathroom, four common bathrooms, a library, class room, hobby rooms for everyone's various leisurely activities, and so many other rooms. It was a good thing we were far from any neighbors and deep in the woods, because our house was quite extravagant. Of course, the outdoor living spaces were equally amazing. Gorgeous wood furniture covered in plush cushions, ivy growing from everything, flowers from around the world, and the stone floor looked more like artwork than rock.
Jacob, Emmett, and I played football for a while along with most of the Quileute guys. Jacob would always be so careful with me, as if he could actually harm me physically. It took me a few games before I finally remembered that unlike us, Jacob wasn't immortal.
Sure he heals fast, but I couldn't stand hurting him. After I broke his arm tackling him, I never forgot again. He tried so hard not to let me know that it hurt, but when I saw the look on my dad's face when we rushed inside the house to Grampy, I knew it was serious. My heart thumped even harder than it usually did. Of course, he was fine in a few days, but it just broke my spirit to see that I had inflicted pain on my Jacob.
After football, Jacob and I went hunting with the pack – minus Leah and her sanctimonious attitude. She couldn't stand to eat this way. I was shocked she even came.
The pack thought they'd do Nan a favor and give her a few less mouths to feed. Nan, of course, was cooking everyone four course meals around the clock. She was an amazing hostess. It's too bad she couldn't really eat human food, because she was an amazing cook. Well, that's what Jacob said anyways. Jacob allowed her to cook most of his meals, after his many failed attempts at doing so himself. He tried switching to microwave meals and sandwiches but after eating Nan's food, he gave up.
Nan was so maternal. She loved Jacob like a son; a russet, warm blooded, mortal, stinky son. Jacob took to her, too. His mother had long past, and I could see it in his warm eyes that he loved and appreciated having a mother figure looking after him.
Nan would always make sure to keep the kitchen stocked with healthy foods. She went out of her way to get his groceries from Whole Foods, rather than the nearby grocer. He was reluctant at first, but after he warmed up to living with my family, he became more comfortable with being cared for.
Jacob did everything he could to contribute. It helped him feel more like he belonged, like he was a productive member of our family and not just an unwelcome visitor.
We ended up playing more than we hunted. It was so much fun to have races with the pack. I wasn't quite as fast as them just yet, but my legs had plenty of growing to do. After all, I was only about the height of a six year old.
"You might be able to break my arm, but I can out-run you any day!!" Jake stuck his tongue out at me then turned his mouth up into his smug grin and headed down the path at full speed.
I darted after him as quickly as I could. He still got to the finish line before I did. I could see on his face that he was planning his next arrogant remark. Before he could speak, I leaped towards him and knocked him over like a bowling pin.
"Ever been beat up by a girl? Oh wait, you have… that's right," I mockingly dug at him as I stood on his flat body, now covered in leaves. He pretended to cower and I stepped down.
Alice started up the path and Jacob quickly started brushing the leaves off his clothes that were now filthy.
"Don't tell anyone that you pinned me and I won't tell anyone I beat you up the path for the hundredth time." His eyes were pleading, but still mocking. I jumped into his arms and touched his cheek. I showed him an image of me with a golden halo hovering above my head, implying that I would be a good girl.
"Time to get you two cleaned up. Geez, how'd you get so filthy?" Aunt Alice looked at Jacob, still trying to dust himself off inconspicuously. I was still pretty clean, with the exception of my bronze locks which were tousled and tangled around my pink headband that perfectly matched my pink and blue poppy fabric outfit.
Alice and my mom both loved to dress me in the most darling custom clothing. We rarely shopped in traditional clothing stores, thought the boutiques did offer quite a bit of adorable children's clothing. Most of my clothes came from custom designers.
"I uh, tripped on a fallen tree over off the path."
Alice pretended to believe him. "Sure, Sure," she said, taking his famous words.
When we went in the house, nothing looked out of the ordinary. I went with mom into my amazing bedroom to get changed. I had a feeling there was something going on, why else would all of these people be here? I just played along and pretended to be completely oblivious.
My eyes popped wide open when I noticed the new gown hanging in my dressing room. It was, by far, the most spectacular gown I'd been given thus far. The bodice was black satin, trimmed in three strands of pearls across the front, and lace trimmed the neckline. The sleeves were short and fluffy, coming just off the shoulder. The skirt was the most amazing part of all, it was five tiers. The tiers were satin and tulle with tiny pearls sewn in place. It looked like confetti, or stars against a black sky. The dress looked like a modern rendition of a Victorian gown. I loved big, frilly gowns; this one topped them all. The black satin ballet slippers with pearl accents were icing on the cake.
Mom brushed my hair gently and longer than necessary. I loved to have my hair brushed. I could tell by moms breathing that she was getting emotional. I looked at her golden eyes and her breathtaking face as she fixed the front of my hair just right. I reached up and ran my fingers through her perfect tresses. When our eyes met, I could see the happiness on her face.
"Renesmee, you never cease to take my breath away. Why have I been blessed with such a wonderful little angel?" Mom pulled me into her lap in the big chair by my bed. We shared a cuddle.
"Mommy…" but I decided to show her instead. I touched her cheek. Images of her protecting me from the Volturi, her burying any desire for my blood the moment she first saw me, and finally the image of her stroking my cheek and humming me to sleep. When she was feeling emotional, she just couldn't understand how she had been so lucky in life. Mom was the most selfless, caring, compassionate person in the world. She just couldn't see it.
"I love you," she whispered as she buried her face in my curly hair and kissed my head.
We held hands as we walked at a human pace toward my balcony. We didn't need words. The sun was starting to set on our fall afternoon. My balcony faced west, so we could see the golden rays reaching up to the sky as the sun set in the distance. We stood there, soaking in the fiery pink and yellow hues while she held me on her hip.
The breeze blew mom's hair and it tickled my neck. Jacob came and stood beside us on the balcony, admiring the sunset.
"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky." Jacob had obviously showered and changed.
His short hair was gelled into my favorite messy style. He usually dressed casually and was reluctant to wear the designer clothes that were purchased for him, so I was shocked when I noticed his couture attire. Jacob donned a dark gray Valentino suit, complete with a six button waistcoat. His shirt was striped in shades of gray and white. His silk tie was solid black. I couldn't believe my eyes, he was even wearing the Baume & Mercier watch that everyone gave him for Christmas, and his cufflinks matched the ensemble perfectly. I thought Jake was handsome in dirty jeans and his old t-shirts, but he looked just stunning in the suit. He looked like a man, with his broad shoulders and towering height. He even smelled nice, like something from Emmett's cologne collection.
"So you really were paying attention during Alice's literature lessons, huh?" mom said as she continued to gaze at the colorful artwork the sun was providing us.
"Of course, do you think she would have let me graduate if I skimmed through all of her instruction?"
"I'm very proud of you two; I know you worked very hard. Knowledge is the wisest investment there is." Her mouth cracked open and she took in a breath as if she were about to speak, but when she finally turned to look at him, she couldn't. Her eyes widened and her mouth opened slightly wider in shock. She blinked twice quickly and stood motionless, taking in his utter perfection.
"Jacob, you look—" but Jake interrupted.
"Thanks, you too Bells. And Nessie, you look absolutely adorable," he paused and looked out to the colorful sky, "Alright, let's go. I was sent out to get you two, not evoke emotion and vocalizations about the sentimentality of graduation." Jacob wiped all sensitivity that the peaceful moment had induced off his face, trying to get his "game face" on.
He couldn't help but smile my favorite wide smile that came all the way up his eyes once he noticed that I was reaching for him to carry me. He held the door open like a gentleman. His table manners would take time to improve, but he was learning how to treat a lady rather quickly. Maybe Alice incorporated it into his education.
We walked toward the formal dining room at a human pace. I enjoyed walking like this whenever I was anticipating something special. I liked the way my emotions engulfed me as I walked toward things I knew would plant a huge smile on my face.
The formal dining room was on the opposite side of the house. I enjoyed my Jacob carrying me for a couple of minutes before I touched his flushed cheek to request that he put me down. His face looked a bit disappointed and confused at first, but once he saw me prancing and dancing as I walked down the long hallway, he understood.
Mom joined my prance. Her gown wasn't fluffy like mine, but still very elegant. I couldn't put my finger on the designer, so it must have been a custom. It, too, was black satin and accented with tiny pearl beading along the bodice and neckline. Hers, however, had thin spaghetti straps and flowed flawlessly over her dainty curves, a few inches dragging the ground behind her when she walked.
Mom stopped in front of the intricately detailed double doors that opened to the formal dining room, which resembled a banquet hall more than a dining room in a residential home. She turned and walked to stand behind Jacob and me. In the brief moment that I waited for the doors to open, I could feel the anticipation building. My heart raced and my smile spread across my entire face. My feet fidgeted in my ornate ballet slippers. I was holding two of Jacob's beasty fingers and fiddling with his fingernail, while my other hand was fidgeting with the top tier of my dress. When I heard the handle on the door creak, I froze in place and stopped breathing.
Grampy slowly opened the door to my right while Nan opened the door to the left. They gazed at us in admiration then gestured for us to walk inside. The ceiling was draped with white gossamer, starting from the early nineteenth century chandelier and spreading outward to the walls. The long table was covered with glowing candles, fresh flowers that filled the room with their bouquet, and napkins that were folded into graduation caps. In the center was a large ice sculpture of two graduation caps, one larger than the other. The sculpture was lit up by pale gray lights, casting the color through the ice. Black, pure pearly white, and gray where everywhere. Balloons floated along the walls. Some in groups, others in lines that formed arches from the floor to the ceiling. Iridescent pearl confetti covered everything... the table, chairs, and even the floor.
Our dining table only had 12 chairs; so to accommodate the extra guests, Esme had placed a grouping of chiavari chairs and a round table in the floor to ceiling window area where the piano was usually kept. They were just slightly off white and had gray organza bows tied around the backs.
There were three tables along the back wall. The first one I noticed was the one holding all of mine and Jake's favorite sweet treats. My eyes were immediately drawn to the three tier chocolate fountain that stood beside the cascade of fresh fruits. A second small, round table stood between the confections table and the human food table. In the center of the round table was a square four tier cake. Edible pearly beads formed diagonal lines, gray fondant trimmed the bottom two inches of each tier, and two gray graduation caps perched perfectly at the top. Two tiers were my favorite, French vanilla cake with strawberry filling and cream cheese frosting. The other two tiers were Jake's favorite, plain 'ole chocolate cake with plain 'ole chocolate icing. Very "Jacob."
The other table was brimming with human food that I had no interest in even evaluating any further other than to acknowledge it was an area I didn't need to waste my time with. I'd tried all sorts of foods with Jacob, but the only thing that ever appealed to me was heavenly desserts.
As we entered, our family and guests began to form a line to greet us. They – the pack members in attendance and their spouses and significant others, nine Cullens, Billy, Pop, Sue, and Renee – each took a moment to embrace and congratulate us.
When we finally finished with the procession, Jacob and I made our way to the food. I practically danced the entire way, Jake twirling me a few times and gazing down at me in a way he saved only for me – a gaze he once defined as "adoration and love for the most precious creation in the history of the world." I shook my ringlets out of my face and smiled his favorite smile back at him.
I swished my hips from side to side, enjoying the twirl of my elegant dress while Jacob made my plate. He knew what I liked just as well as he knew his own preferences. I sat at the head of the table in dad's lap. My dress covered his legs plus the entire oversized seat cushion. Jacob sat to my right and our guests occupied the remaining seats at the two tables. The Cullens stood and mingled with the guests while everyone ate. No one asked questions; those who didn't know, knew better than to ask.
I looked over at Jake while I gingerly ate my confections. He was actually doing pretty well in the manners department. He used the appropriate silverware, had his napkin in his lap, and took normal sized bites. I was quite pleased. He looked so handsome; sitting in this exquisite room, wearing Valentino and cologne, his hair perfectly tamed, and using good manners. I had never seen him this way before. He was so polished, so opulent. He just might fit in with the Cullen family after all.
I didn't talk much during our meal. I wasn't much of a talker anyways, especially if I was occupied. I preferred to observe things. In addition to my ability to show people things, I had become proficient at reading peoples expressions and emotions. It wasn't really a special talent, just something I picked up along the way. Since I spent most of my first year showing people my thoughts, I had just become accustomed to living that way.
I could tell that Billy was perfectly comfortable with the company around him. He was thrilled that Jacob graduated high school so quickly and with such great grades. Pop had become a much more cheery person to be around since my birth. It's like I brought out all of the pent up emotion and feeling that he had buried over the years. His smile was so warm and sincere. When I looked in his eyes, it was like I could see right through to the depths of his selfless, tender soul. The rich brown color resembled my own remarkably. Renee's face was a bit bitter. I could see her cutting glances at Nan, who mom had become particularly close to since she was changed. Nan was her mother figure, and would be for centuries to come. Distance had crippled hers and moms relationship.
She couldn't exactly travel to Florida regularly, and Renee came to Forks as little as humanly possible. Renee didn't take to me like everyone else did. She seemed to feel like I took her daughter away, like I was the reason she didn't keep better contact. She was cordial to everyone during her visit, but I wasn't the only one who suspected her feelings. Dad confirmed it, but assured me that the distance between her and mom had absolutely nothing to do with me.
Dad read Renee's thoughts on a few occasions since my birth. He tried not to, because it was hard for him to resist rebuttal against some of her mental accusations and suspicions. I couldn't help but not attach myself to her. The first time I saw her, I could see in her eyes that she was jealous. Excellent hearing abilities came with its downfalls; I overheard many conversations that I'd rather not have. I heard dad unleashing his rage on Jasper's knowing ears after the first time she left. That rant was enough for me to draw my conclusions about her. I trusted my father's judgments of people and assumed them as my own most of the time. His opinions were always logical and very trustworthy.
As everyone was finishing up their meal, Rosalie pushed out an antique serving cart brimming with crystal champagne flutes, bottles of fine champagne, and bottles of sparkling grape juice. Carlisle stepped forward and began to pour champagne for the adults in the room, plus half of one for Jacob, and sparkling grape juice for the few who were under age. I noticed Seth grimace ever so slightly as he realized he wouldn't be partaking in the good stuff.
After all the glasses were distributed, Carlisle tapped a remaining glass with a fork and Alice stepped to the center of the room.
"Jacob, Renesmee, I would like to congratulate you both. I witnessed myself the hard work and dedication that was put into earning your diplomas. To be honest, I expected you, Jacob, to be a bit difficult and uncooperative, you were anything but." Alice's eyes twinkled with sincerity and affection as she looked toward Jacob. "And Renesmee, the speed in which you mastered every subject I presented you with is absolutely astounding. I wish nothing but the best for both of you in your futures. I have no doubt that the two of you will become successful and accomplish everything you truly set your mind to." That meant a lot coming from Alice. "Now, since you two didn't get to do the customary high school activities, we will conclude our celebration in the drawing room."
I was thrilled the commencement speech was kept short and sweet. Alice led Jacob and I to the drawing room, the others walked behind us. I continued to dance and twirl along the way. As we approached the drawing room, I could see a soft glow of light coming out into the hallway. Apparently dad had slipped out of the dining room before everyone else, because I heard the song he had written for me playing on the piano, slow and serene with intermittent hints of quicker chirpy high notes.
Once we entered, I realized what we were walking into. The furniture had been moved to open up a large space in the center of the room and everything was decorated similarly to the dining room. Twinkling lights hung from everywhere, including the ceiling. They were throwing us a prom.
Dad continued to play the piano as couples began making their way to the center of the drawing room to dance. My first dance was with Jacob. He picked me up and held me against his chest. He spun and shuffled around the dance floor gracefully, to my surprise. This must have been part of his lessons, too. Valentino, cologne, manners, AND dancing??
I took in his smell as I inhaled with my head rested on his shoulder. It was definitely something from Emmett's bathroom, but it smelled differently on his skin, more masculine and musky. He hummed along with the music, his voice deep and smooth. He had heard the tune almost as many times as I had. I played with his hair as we sauntered across the dance floor. When the song concluded, the stereo system began to play soft music.
"May I cut in?" Dad placed a hand on my back and gestured for Jacob to put me down.
"Would you care for dance, Miss High School Graduate?"
"Of course, daddy." I touched his cheek and showed him that I wanted to stand on his feet. He lifted me gently and placed my feet on top of his. He shuffled all across the dance floor, occasionally twirling me. A smile lit up his entire face and his eyes looked jubilant. I believe that if he could have cried tears of joy, he would have.
"I'm so proud of you, Ness. You never cease to amaze me," he said as he lifted me to dance the way I had with Jacob. It was more of a hug than a dance. As the song concluded, he kissed my cheek lightly and stood me up in front of him. His cool hand ran across my cheek and I smiled my big 'Daddy's girl' smile. He stepped aside so that others could have a turn to dance with me.
There were too many people for everyone to have a turn, but I'm certain I danced with at least half of those in attendance. It was such a wonderful evening, nothing like anything I had ever experienced. I pretended to be a princess almost every day, but today I felt more like one than I ever had. As soon as I started thinking about how tired I was, my dad started making his way back to me.
He crouched down and whispered in my ear in a volume so low that only Cullen's could hear it.
"You'll have plenty of proms when you're older, so there's no need to stay up all night if you're tired. Would you like me to read you a story now?"
I nodded my head in agreement and smirked at the thought of my future. I was exhausted, and he was right. There would be plenty of opportunities for me to dance the night away. Had I known I would be presented with this opportunity, I would have taken a long nap instead of spending my afternoon running around outside. I reached up to my dad for him to carry me and he lifted me up with ease. As I rested my head on his shoulder, he rested his head on mine and breathed in the smell of my hair, "sweet as honey," he'd always say.
We walked at a human pace to my dressing room and I changed into my favorite nightgown – it looked like an heirloom, white cotton trimmed with pale lilac and white lace along the bottom and sleeves. It came almost to my ankles and was so soft and comfortable. Nan had it made in every size from baby to ten year old. When I stepped out of the dressing room, he quickly came inside from the balcony. My hand reached out for his and we walked up the stairs together.
"Daddy, will you tell me a story this time? I think it's about time for some new books."
"Of course, anything in particular you'd like to hear?"
"Non-fiction?"
"Okay." He sounded confused as he gracefully sat down in my plush chair. I hopped along and jumped up onto the tall bed that most children would require a step stool for. As I wiggled my way into my usual perfect ball, he began to tell me a non-fiction story.
"Once upon a time, daddy and mommy were in high school—" I cut him off.
"No, daddy. I want to know about Jacob. How is he part of our family? He is so different." The last statement sounded more like a question than a statement.
"Well..." He looked around my room as he contemplated what he was about to say. Dad was always a great speaker, but my request seemed to baffle him.
"Well, you know Jacob is a wolf," he paused for a moment and ran his hand through his hair. "Wow, honey, this is really not a good bedtime story. And to be honest, I'm really not sure how to explain without getting into details that I'm just not ready for you to know." His face looked concerned and confused as his eyes met mine, which I'm sure also looked confused.
"Is he our family?"
"In many ways – all of the important ones – yes. He is not a Cullen, but he will be a part of our family for all eternity."
"So how did he become a part of our family, if he wasn't before and isn't like you and mommy?"
"Hmm... Let's make a deal. I'll answer this last question, then I'll sneak and get you a few strawberries if you let me off the hook. Deal?" I tried giving him my famous wide-eyed pouty face, but his firm expression didn't falter.
"Alright then, I guess," I folded. Someone had to, and I could tell it wasn't going to be him.
"Jacob became a part of our family because he loves and cares for you and your mother very, very much." His answer left much to be desired, but I could tell by the look on his face that that was all I was getting out of him tonight.
I climbed out of bed and plopped in his lap on the oversized chair. His cool hands situated me so that my head was lying on his shoulder. He began to hum my song to me.
If I asked him, he probably would have brought the piano into my room and played it. I could have anything in the world that my heart desired from a number of people, but I never took it for granted or abused their willingness to bend to my every fancy. As he hummed, he patted my ringlets and ran his fingers through my hair. I looked up at his face admiringly. I was going to speak, but a yawn escaped before I could.
"Night, my sweet angel. My sweet high school graduate angel. I love you." He kissed my cheeks and carried me to my bed.
"Love you more," I said softly as I snuggled into my blankets and pillows.
"Impossible." He whispered as he leaned down to kiss my forehead and brush the hair from my face. I completely forgot about the strawberries as I dozed off into dreamland.
A/N: Review! :-)
I hope no one is disappointed that I've elected to leave the bulk of the pack's personal lives out of the story. Since the pack isn't a big part of the plot, I feel like it's irrelevant. You Leah fans might not like the way she's portrayed in my story. Sorry… I'm just not a big fan of her. I could get into the logic of it, but this isn't the first fic where Leah continues to be a bitter person.
Here's this chapter's album! picasaweb dot google dot com/fairytalesfanfic930/Chapter4