Chapter 9:
Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Twilight. I would never have thought of sparkly vampires, so all of the credit goes to Stephenie Meyer.
My eyes followed the hand on the clock as it ticked away the final moments of this tedious class. I glanced back at Edward, staring into his pained eyes, as he too glared fixedly at the clock. He cringed unconsciously- I assumed it was in response to one of our fellow female classmate's thoughts-before beginning to hum quietly under his breath. I smiled slightly, recognizing the muted tune as Esme's favourite, knowing full well that he was trying to distract himself from whatever images or ideas he was being subjected to from those around us. I squeezed his hand sympathetically, looking once more towards the clock. I breathed a sigh of relief-only one more agonizing minute to endure. Focusing my attention on the vampire standing not ten feet in front of me, I pulled myself from my thoughts, trying to concentrate on whatever he was saying.
"You may put you books away, and talk amongst yourself until the bell rings," Mr. Conti said softly. I hastened to put my binder in my bag, over-exaggerating the movement so no one would notice exactly how desperate I was to leave. My fingers drummed a swift staccato on the table top as I silently urged the needle-like-hand on the clock faster. Fifteen seconds left, fourteen seconds, thirteen, twelve, eleven…
"Mr. Cullen and Ms. Swan would you be so kind as to stay after class so we may discuss what you have missed this term?" Mr. Conti's calm voice interrupted my silent count down. I looked to Edward, widening my eyes slightly, questioning the intentions behind the innocent question. Edward nodded once, before turning to face the other vampire, seated behind his desk across the room.
"Of course," he murmured, his liquid eyes confident. The nasal sound of the bell echoed around the crowded room, as the students jumped to their feet in an effort to be the first to leave. I ignored the stares and whispers directed at us as best as I could, looking only at the grainy table top. I stood up in one fluid motion and swung my bag over my shoulder, making each movement slow and deliberate. Still grasping Edward's hand I led the way to Mr. Conti's desk. Each step I took was hesitant, my body tensed for an attack, while Edward walked with ease, completely confident in the thoughts of this unknown vampire. I tested my shield, pleased that it continued to envelop and protect Edward from whatever hidden dangers lurked. I stopped uneasily in front of his desk, unsure of what to expect. Much to my surprise, the other vampire smiled pleasantly, resting his hands behind his head as he leaned back in his chair.
"You both gave me a fright this afternoon." He explained, still smiling. "I hadn't left my classroom all day, so you can imagine how startled I was when I smelled you both as you entered my portable. However, the fact that you lack crimson eyes convinced me to give you a chance. I firmly believe that those of our kind who are like us should stay together." He smiled expectantly at us, his eyes calculating. I stared back incredulously, not quite sure what to make of his thick accent. I didn't understand why he had not spoken with it before. It was not totally unfamiliar and if I had to guess I would say it was probably Italian. I glanced towards the nameplate on his desk, his name taking on a whole new meaning.
"You're from Italy then?" Edward inquired his tone polite, confirming my suspicions.
"Yes I am, although as I am sure you understand, it simply makes it easier to talk without my accent when I am around humans. With an American accent I tend to blend in easier." He answered matter-of-factly, his eyes remaining thoughtful. His friendly manners and calm attitude worried me; I wasn't quite sure what to make of him. I almost wished he would be openly hostile or violent, at least then I would know how to react, but frankly his calm affability seemed more threatening somehow. I couldn't quite explain it, not even to myself, but he reminded me too much of Aro, like a tiger that reassures and comforts his prey before eating it.
"I would like to explain myself better, as well as get to know you and your family, for I assume the rest of the Cullen's are like us as well?" He questioned, his tone light. He paused, waiting patiently for our response. Edward nodded once curtly, his warm hand squeezed mine-a silent reassurance- but he refrained from saying anything more. I was pleased that Edward, like I, seemed to think it would be best not to mention Renesme until we knew exactly who this odd, friendly vampire was.
"Well since this is hardly the place to have that type of conversation do you think you and the rest of your family could come over later this evening? Perhaps around eleven?"
"We will be there." Edward confirmed.
"Alright." He said, pleased. "If you would be so kind as to wait for one moment I will give you the directions-" he rummaged around in his desk for a brief second before retrieving a piece of crumpled paper and a pen.
"That won't be necessary," Edward said courteously, "However our brothers and sisters will be wondering where we are if we do not meet them soon."
"Oh, of course," Mr.Conti answered, looking slightly taken aback, "Then we shall see you later this evening." I forced a small smile, before Edward and I turned around and made our way towards the door, no longer walking at human pace. As we stepped outside, into the foggy afternoon, I smiled brightly at Edward's gloomy face.
"Well that went all right," I said optimistically, trying to lighten his mood
"Right," he agreed tersely, "I completely enjoyed being bombarded by the thoughts of fifteen crazily hormonal teenage boys having perverted thoughts about my wife." His usually musical voice dripped with sarcasm and repressed anger. I stopped walking as I stared at him in shock, completely surprised by the venom in his voice. He glanced down at my stunned expression, his own hard features melting as he took in my wide, startled eyes.
"I am so sorry Love. My behaviour just now was entirely unacceptable." He bent down and kissed me softly on the lips, cradling my face between his hands. "I should not have lost control like that." He whispered softly, his sweet breath momentarily overwhelming my senses. "It is just so hard when they think of you and themselves together; I just want to tear them apart! It is even worse now than before, with Jacob at least-" He broke off suddenly, his topaz eyes agonized, as he flinched at some previous memory.
"I understand," I whispered, wrapping my arms tightly around his waist, holding him close as I buried my face in his shirt. His arms enveloped me, pulling me tighter. I felt his lips brush the top of my head and I found myself once again marveling at how he was mine. Undisputedly mine-forever.
"What do you mean?" he murmured against my hair, his breath stirring the strands. I pulled back from his arms staring straight into his curious eyes.
"Did you not hear what those girls were saying about you?" I asked incredulously. How on earth could he not have heard them? He frowned, his eyes thoughtful, a slight crease denting his otherwise smooth forehead. I laughed loudly at his expression, startling him with my amusement.
"Apparently the blonde who sits in front of us is going make sure that you are no longer a virgin." I giggled as his face turned first disbelieving, before settling on embarrassed. I chuckled softly; it was easy to see the joke in the young girl's behaviour now that I was able to share it with him, and witness his reaction.
"Did you really not know?" I asked again, still unable to comprehend how he had not heard their whispered conversation.
"Honestly, I was focusing so hard on not killing every single human male in the classroom, that a hurricane probably could have hit and I would not have noticed." He answered candidly, his tone teasing. I wrapped my arm around his waist once more as we resumed walking to the school. We wandered around to the front door, my eyes searching for the rest of our family. I spotted them all sitting in the suburban, looking slightly worried. As we hurried over to them, Edward leaned down and whispered softly in my ear.
"I love you."
Ok so it is still not exactly long but it is longer than my last chap. I couldn't get over how short the last one was so my math homework is currently going undone so that I can write this! Oh well, this is more important right? lol anyways I hope you all enjoy this and please, please, please review!! I really appreciate all of the reviews and suggestions you have all given me so far!! I love hearing what you all think of what I have written!! So yeah, please review!! Thx a lot!!
Princess Ly