Saving Grace, Part 5-She's come undone
Summary: Grace starts school, and it makes for an interesting time for the family.
Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer and Summit Entertainment.
Eight weeks later
It is the first day of school for Grace, and she is nervous. Jasper has already tried, and failed, to calm her. Alice, Jasper, Emmett, Rosalie, and Grace are standing in the courtyard outside of the school, as Alice speaks calmly to Grace.
"It'll be OK. If you feel the need to bite someone, just ask the teacher so you can leave." She nods, but grimaces.
"It's not that, Alice. But what if no one likes me?" Emmett snorts, and replies.
"Duh, you're a vampire. Of course they won't like you." She looks sadly at Alice, who shushes Emmett and looks to Jazz, who smiles, and tries to reassure her.
"Grace, just be yourself. I'm sure people will like you." She nods, but sighs deeply.
"Ok, let's go." They enter the school building together, and the whispers are almost too much for Grace.
"Is that the new Cullen girl?" whispered a redhead to a blonde in a cheerleader's uniform. A punk kid said to another, "Well, at least she's hotter than the others." And from a jock to another, "Twenty bucks says she'll be prom queen on my arm before you jerks know what hit you." Grace just smiled and followed her siblings down the hallway to the office. When they were just outside, she turned to the others, her blue eyes blazing.
"Bloody hell. Is that what it's like every day?" They nod as she grimaces. "Ugh. I don't think I can do this." Alice hugs her.
"It'll be fine. Just ignore them, OK?" She nods, and they enter the office together to register Grace for classes. Esme had called and arranged for Grace to be in classes with the others, with the exception of music. Grace had Orchestra while the others had art, but Rosalie was going to try to switch. Once the paperwork was completed, Alice snatched her schedule away from her, and peers at it.
"Cool, we have four classes together. Our homeroom is the same, and we have French and science together, and English. Awesome! Ugh, you have Calculus with the boys. But then Music and we all have last period PE? I hope they're ready for that." Grace laughs, and lets Alice show her to the lockers as the others disperse. Jazz stays with them, as the three of them have homeroom together. Grace places the mirror and her coat into the locker, fastens the new lock, places the combination in her purse, and turns to Alice.
"I think I'm ready." Alice nods, and steps back for a moment, looking Grace over. She was wearing an Alice-chosen outfit that day-pink jeans, a long-sleeved white sweater, and a denim jacket, with white sneakers. Her blonde hair had been curled, and Alice and Rosalie had done her makeup. She was wearing some small stud earrings and Bella had given her a black purse that had been a gift from Alice, but Bella didn't like it. Alice nods.
"Yep. Let's go." The three vampires walk down the hallway, Grace aware of the attention they were getting. She smiled warmly at her new classmates, and lowered her eyes when a boy's met hers. Soon, they entered a classroom, and Grace slunk against the wall as the bell rang. The teacher addressed her as she handed him her paperwork quietly.
"Another Cullen. Welcome." He turns to the class and continues. "Ok, people, listen up. This is Grace Cullen. Please be nice, OK? Grace, why don't you tell the class where you've come to us from?" She nods, but bites her lip and looks to Alice, who shrugs. Grace smiles.
"Hi. It's my first time at a public school; I was in the foster care system until recently, and I was home schooled for awhile." She smiled at the class as they stared back at her, but Jasper and Alice nod, and Alice sends her the thumbs-up sign. The teacher tells her to take a seat, and she ambles to the only open seat, a desk the row behind Alice and one over, between a sandy-haired boy wearing a soccer jersey and a pretty Hispanic girl. She turns to Grace.
"Hi, I'm Gina. Welcome to North high."
"Grace Cullen. Thanks." The girl nods at her, and continues to speak.
"Hey, can I see your schedule?"
"Sure." Grace hands the paper to the girl, who scans it.
"Cool, I have French that period, too. You can sit by me if you want; I'll tell Madame Thompson." Grace smiles lightly.
"Thanks, but I was going to sit by Alice," Grace replied, indicating her sister.
"Well, she sits near me, so I think it'll be OK."
"Ok. Thanks. That'll be nice." They turn back to the teacher, who is eyeballing them, annoyed.
The morning proceeds in much the same way, Grace repeating her story about being home schooled in each of her classes. In Science, she sits next to Emmett, which Grace learns is a mistake because he keeps trying to get her to conjure him home. In French, she sits by her new friend, with Alice on the other side, and the three girls giggle through the class. In Math, she sits between Emmett and Jasper, who quickly learn that Grace is really good at math. They tease her lightly about it on their way to the cafeteria for lunch, and Emmett starts to call her Professor.
They settle in at the table that Rosalie has claimed, and Grace looks around the room. She notices the others are a little tense, and sends calming vibes to them, concentrating on Jasper. He smiles lightly at her, but scribbles in a notebook.
"What are you doing, Jazz?" Grace asks, as she pulls an apple from her purse, along with a bag of chips and a bottle of water. Rosalie sips at a Diet Coke, but answers for him.
"He's rewriting history. We're studying the Civil War." Jasper nods, and mutters something about the South, which causes the others to roll their eyes. Alice reaches over and snatches his notebook away. He grimaces at her, protesting.
"Jeez, Alice. I NEED that, you know."
"Sweetie, you have to stop obsessing, OK?" He sighs, but nods, and reaches for Grace's apple and sniffs it.
"Are you really going to eat it?"
"No." Just then, a scared looking boy approaches their table. He smiles lightly at the group, and Rosalie arranges her face to look supremely annoyed. Alice takes Jasper's hand under the table, and Emmett tenses. He looks to Grace.
"Hi. It's Grace, right?" Grace nods, but looks a little startled, and Jasper realizes she is uncomfortable, and whispers to Alice so that only the others can hear.
"Grace is uncomfortable, guys, keep an eye on her." Grace rolls her eyes, but indicates that the boy should continue.
"Um, I'm Tom Robertson, and I am captain of the Math team. I heard you getting the answers right in class today, and I spoke to Mr. Morgan, and he said you got an A on the quiz, even though it's your first day and all. Anyway, I was wondering if you'd be interested in joining us. We meet Tuesdays during Lunch in Mr. Morgan's classroom, and we usually have practices once a week after school, and then meets or competitions once a month, usually at the University. Here's a flier," he extends a brightly colored piece of paper to her, and inhales, then continues, "I wrote my number down there at the bottom. Just think about it, and if your parents or guardians or whatever say it's OK, I hope you'll join us. We really need a girl, and you're really good. So, thanks for talking, and I hope you'll agree." Grace inhales, and exhales, but nods.
"Um, I'll talk to my parents tonight. No promises, but I'll try. Thanks. It was nice to meet you, Tom." He nods, and hurries away. As soon as he is out of earshot, she turns to the others.
"Wow, that was odd. You can all chill now." Jasper looks at her pointedly.
"What was up with you?"
"I don't know. He made me feel odd, is all." Rosalie raises an eyebrow, but splutters.
"Esme and Carlisle would never go for it, you know."
"I know. Besides, I am not sure I want to spend a bunch of time with math geeks anyway." The family is silent for another minute, but then they fall into an uneasy conversation, and Grace takes a moment to calm the family and herself. They respond, and the buzz at the table grows louder as Emmett tells Rosalie and Alice about their math class, and Alice teases her about the boy that came over. Soon, the warning bell rings, and after Alice shows Grace to the music room, she bounds off towards her art class. Grace enters quietly, afraid for herself without the help and guidance of the others. Rosalie wasn't able to switch that same day, so she would be alone until tomorrow. She stands quietly at the back of the classroom, as a frizzy-haired older woman and a middle-aged man bustle around the room. Finally, the woman speaks to her.
"Hello, dear. I am Miss Morgan, I teach Voice. Can I have the signature page, and I'll get you squared away. I want to hear you play before I allow you to join the class; what do you play?" Grace answers, confidently.
"Piano. I sing a bit, too." The woman nods once, and points to a piano.
"Scoot on over there. There's some sheet music in the bench. Let me get the others to pipe down, and then Mr. Belmont and I will hear you. It's a group audition, I'm afraid. Go." Grace hurries to the piano, and drops her books and purse on the floor next to her. She opens the bench, grabs out some music, and settles onto the bench. She sits quietly and waits as the teachers speak to the class.
"Ok, ladies and gentlemen. We are auditioning a new student. This is Grace Cullen. Grace, what are you going to play for us today?" Grace speaks quietly.
"Greensleeves. I have my own music in my purse. Can I play that?" The woman raises an eyebrow, but nods. Grace fumbles in her purse for a moment, but pulls out the sheet of music that Alistair had mailed her. She smiles as she smoothes it out, noticing that it had a faint trace of his scent on it. She pulls out her glasses, just for show, and places her hands on the keys. A moment later, she begins to play, and after three lines, the male teacher stops her.
"Gorgeous, Ms. Cullen. Miss M says that you sing. Do you know the words?"
"Of course." Before he can speak again, she turns back to the piano, plays a few chords, and opens her mouth, singing the lyrics and smiling as she remembers the effect it had on her family and Alistair. She finishes a whole verse, and stops as the class applauds. Miss Morgan speaks.
"Well, welcome to Orchestra, then, my dear. Please, stay there. Larry, you can use the keyboard until we can get the other piano wheeled in from the stage, OK? Everyone, get in your places, and get your instruments, please." The class flies into action as the male teacher approaches Grace. He hands her some music, and speaks to her.
"Ok, we're getting ready for our winter concert, which is in four weeks. I'm sorry you missed Christmas; Larry could've used the help," he points to a heavy set Asian boy who smiles lightly at her, "Larry has been the only piano player in two years, since Stephanie Miller graduated. It'll be nice to have a fresh person. I'm sorry it's short notice, but Miss Morgan will fill you in more later." Grace nods.
"Thank you, sir." She turns to the music and flips through it. It is songs she recognizes, mostly, although a few are unfamiliar. It seems to be an anthology of scores from movie musicals, and she chuckles at it. Luckily, she has been practicing on reading her music, and so she feels confident that if she just plays the right notes, she'll be fine. Miss Morgan takes a place at the front of the class, and Mr. Belmont sits by her, holding a cello.
"Ok, let's start off with "The Wells Fargo Wagon" from "The Music Man," OK?" They nod, and the music starts. Grace plays along when the teacher points at her, and by the end of the song, she's figured out how to harmonize with the class. They play through three more songs, and then the bell rings, and Grace hurries out of the classroom, where Alice is waiting for her.
"How was it?" Grace grimaced.
"They made me audition. Is it possible for vampires to hurl, because I totally thought I was going to." Alice shakes her head, but whispers urgently.
"You can never, ever use that word in public, not even as a joke, OK?"
"Sorry, Alice." Alice shakes her head again, but softens.
"It's OK. Just be careful from now on, OK? We better book if we're going to make it to PE." Grace makes a face.
"Do we have to? I hate exercise."
"Your recent shenanigans with Alistair say otherwise. Here's the gym; the girls change in here. You can borrow my shorts. My sweats would be too short on you. I think Rosalie has an extra T-shirt for now." Grace nods, and follows Alice to a corner of the locker room, where Rosalie is standing, undressed, and pulling an outfit out of the locker. Grace tries not to stare at her sister, and realizes that she has never seen Rosalie in anything less than a full outfit. She tries not to compare the older girl's figure to hers, and is grateful when Alice hands her a pair of blue shorts.
"Here, put these on. Hurry." Grace nods, and steps out of her shoes, pulls off her jeans, folds them quickly, and slips on the shorts. Rosalie hands her a t-shirt, and she pulls off her shirt and pulls the t-shirt over her head. It is tight, as Grace is bigger in the chest than the other two. Rosalie takes in her appearance and nods.
"Dang, girl, now I get why Alistair is all over you. You're going to bust out of that shirt. 'Course, it's a small, anyway." Grace sticks her tongue out at Rosalie, and replies.
"Shut up. But thanks for letting me borrow it. I would feel like such a dork if I had to go out there in my jeans." She ties her sneakers as she speaks, and Alice hands her a rubber band, and she pulls her blonde hair into a loose ponytail. Then she follows her sisters out of the locker room and into the gym, where the boys are waiting. Emmett raises his eyebrows at Grace, and turns to Jasper.
"Well, looks like you and I are going to be busy keeping the boys distracted. Carlisle will have a fit when he sees that shirt." Grace looks annoyed, and Rosalie shushes him.
"Emmett, be quiet. It's all I had, OK? Imagine if she tried to wear something of Alice's."
"Oh, Lord. At least the whole Alistair thing makes sense, though." Grace shakes her head.
"Would you all stop saying that, please? He likes me for more than my body, OK? Don't make me paper-cut you in front of Jasper, OK?"
"Hey!" Grace smiles at Jasper, and they join the rest of the class. It escapes no one's notice that several pairs of male eyes are on Grace. She looks at the floor as she sits on a bleacher next to Alice. The gym teacher, who everyone calls Coach L, takes her paperwork and tells her that the female aid will get her a more appropriate uniform by the end of the day.
"Thank you, sir." He nods, and continues, explaining to the class that they will begin a unit on baseball. The other four smile, and Grace hisses to them.
"What's the big secret?" Jasper smiles.
"Baseball is a vampire's favorite sport. I can't believe we haven't taught you yet. Just sit out this game, and when we get home, we'll show you how to rock this game." Grace raises her eyebrows, but nods.
"Ok." As the coach assigns teams, and the class heads out the grassy field behind the gym, Grace sighs, grateful that it is cloudy and threatening rain. She speaks to the gym teachers, telling him that she's never played, and asking if she can watch just for today so that she can get the gist of it. He agrees, but tells her that he expects her to play tomorrow. She nods, but sits quietly on the grass next to a scary looking punk kid who hadn't put on his uniform. She looks at him sideways, trying not to stare at his pink hair and black eyeliner. She decides to comment on his eyeliner, and speaks to him.
"I like that color of eyeliner on you. I could never pull it off; I'm too pale." His eyes flicker towards her, and he nods. When he speaks, his voice is raspy, and he doesn't look at her.
"Thanks. You ARE quiet pale, almost vampiric." Grace raises an eyebrow, but smiles.
"Really?" He rolls his eyes, but chuckles.
"Yes, it's kind of sexy, really. Vampires, I mean. They're so dark, and…evil. Darkness rocks, you know." Grace considers.
"What would you say if I told you that vampires were actually quite gentle, and not evil? Not all of them, anyway." She could feel her siblings eyes on her, but she kept her head down, even as Alice hissed a warning at her.
"I would say that you're one silly girl." Grace smiles lightly, and picks up a vibe from the boy that tells her he is piqued by her. She intensifies it, and Jasper whispers at her to cool it. She ignores her, and continues, flirting with the boy.
"Hey, I'm Grace."
"I know. I have art with your siblings. The buzz around here is that you were a foster kid, but the Cullen's adopted you."
"Pretty much, yep."
"Solid. That is nice. Anyway, why are you sitting here talking to scary old me, and not out there playing ball and using that chest to keep those stupid jocks from catching a pop fly?" She shrugs, and knew that if she COULD blush, she would.
"I've never played. And the jocks don't worry me. But I think I might be a lot scarier than you. Scary comes in a lot of different packages, you know." He snorts.
"I doubt that. You're too blonde to be scary." Grace chuckles.
"Don't you bet on it. Blondes might have more fun, but we are trouble, too."
"I'll bet you are. I'm Jacques, by the way."
"Nice to meet you." He shifts his gaze to her momentarily, and then quickly looks away again as she giggles.
"Likewise. So you've never played baseball, huh? But it's the American sport."
"I prefer rugby. Most things British, really."
"Nice. Why?"
"Don't know, I just find them far more wild and considerably less stuffy than Americans."
"I see. So let me get this straight: you're an evil, scary blonde with a fascination for all things Briton, and you have never played baseball. Are you sure you were only in foster care, and not on some other planet?"
"You'll never know, will you?"
"Or maybe I will. Let me take you to dinner on Friday." Grace looks bewildered for a moment, and notices that her siblings are staring hard at her. She bites her bottom lip lightly, but tries to appear nonchalant.
"That sounds nice, but I really would need to ask my parents. They tend to be a little strict, especially since I have never been to public school before." He shakes his head but considers.
"Ok, Grace Cullen. I understand. Here." He takes her hand in his, and pulls a ballpoint pen from his pocket. He looks up her, finally, and grins.
"You're freezing. It's almost corpse-like. I told you, vampiric. Tres sexy." He scribbles some numbers on his hand and, underneath it, "Jacques."
"My digits. Call me." Grace nods, feeling an odd sensation in her throat and stomach, but smiles lightly.
"Ok. I will, either way." Just then, the bell rang, and she stands. The boy lopes off behind the other male students as her siblings surround her. It is Rosalie who speaks, incensed.
"What the hell was that?" Grace looks at her, wide-eyed.
"I don't know, but he's a little creepy."
"Yeah. Be really careful with mortals, little girl." Grace nods.
"I felt it, though, I think. The thirst, I mean." Alice gasps lightly, and Emmett mutters under his breath.
"Finally. It seems you really ARE a vampire, then." Rosalie, still annoyed, speaks to the others.
"We better get home. It looks like Grace will have a TON to tell Esme about her day. And I, for one, want to hear it." Grace rolls her eyes and hissed at Rosalie, but follows the others to the locker rooms, parting to follow the girls. Once they are in the locker rooms, Alice checks to make sure they are alone, and then she speaks to Grace.
"Look, you almost crossed the line, Grace. How many times do I have to say it? You cannot reveal us-" Grace interrupts, clearly annoyed.
"And I didn't. I wouldn't. I was just… I don't know. Flirting. It's fun. You should try it." Alice rolls her eyes, and hands Grace her bag, as the three girls have finished changing. Grace pulls out her ponytail and fluffs her hair into place.
"Don't be ridiculous, Grace. I have Jasper, remember?"
"Yes, Alice. I was kidding. There are no two people in the world more adorable together than you and Jazz. And you know I love you. So just simmer down, and let me be." They troop out of the locker rooms, and head for their school lockers to grab their homework. Grace meets the others in the parking lot, and chooses to ride home with Alice, since Rosalie has her convertible, and tends to agree with Edward that the car is flashy, and slightly overkill. The ride home is silent, but Jasper and Grace have calmed Alice, and as they enter the house, Alice giggles and starts to hum the Jaws theme.
"Alice." Alice grins at her mate and Grace.
"Sorry. I just think that Carlisle will kill you when you tell him about Gym boy."
"Why do you think that? Wasn't it Carlisle who wanted me to find someone besides Alistair to fixate on?" Alice shrugs.
"I guess." Esme appears in front of them then, and Grace smiles at her.
"How was your first day, dear?" Alice collapses into giggles, but Jasper picks her up.
"Sorry, Esme. I'll take her upstairs until she's calm." Esme shakes her head, amused, as Grace motions for her to come into the living room. They sit on the couch, and Grace inhales. Just then, Rosalie and Emmett burst through the door, and Rosalie speaks in rapid-fire to Esme.
"Is Grace telling you about today? Ask her about the Emo kid from gym. You'll get a kick out of that." Rosalie and Emmett continue upstairs, though, and Esme turns to Grace, her eyebrows raised. Grace sighs, and begins.
"A boy in gym class asked me on a date. Oh, and I need five dollars for a new gym uniform, because I had to borrow Rose's shirt, and it was so tight that even Emmett was going berserk." Esme sighs lightly and reaches out to tuck Grace's hair behind her ear.
"Sweetie, I am not sure it's a good idea for you to date so soon. But let's talk to Carlisle, OK? Anything else happen?" Grace nods.
"Generally, it was kind of a let down. I was expecting something like on TV, where all the kids walk around all perfect, and the teachers are cool, but it was fine. Calculus was fun; I knew more answers than both Jasper and Emmett, and they've taken Math a million times. I was invited to join the math team at school. Music was awesome, but I need Edward to help me with some songs. Also, I met this girl, Maria, who was cool. But back to the boy from PE. His name is Jacques, like Jack, but French, right? And he's a little bit punk, but he's nice. But I felt it, Esme. The thirst. And something else, a feeling in my stomach I don't recognize, but is sort of like when Alistair kisses me. Sorry. But that's the only thing I can compare it to. But I wanted to bite him, just to see what would happen. I fought it, though. Isn't that weird?" Esme smiles, but pats her hand.
"I'm glad you were able to fight it. If this boy makes you feel the thirst, it's probably not a wise choice for you to see him. Especially alone."
"But Edward did it with Bella. And I don't feel the thirst in general, and I haven't hunted in awhile. Maybe it was a fluke." Esme shrugs.
"Maybe. Like I said, let's run it by Carlisle. I am glad you had a good day. Let's explore this math team thing with Carlisle, too. I don't have a problem with it, as long as it doesn't interfere with your studies. Alistair left a message on the phone for you, too. Please don't call him until you've begun your homework, though, OK? I am trying to be "cool" with the Alistair thing, but if it interferes with your studies, I am afraid I can't allow you to see him. I am sorry." Grace nods, but stands, and kisses Esme's forehead before bounding out of the room.
"Thanks, Mom. I promise to start before I call him. See you later." She flies up to her bedroom, grabbing her books along the way. She hurries through translations, and then picks up the phone in the hallway, and dials the voicemail, her feet tapping impatiently. She scrolls past the various messages, most from the hospital for Carlisle, and one for Jazz from his idiot friend Randall, who Grace only disliked because he'd rejected her when Jasper had tried to set her up with him at Christmas. Finally, she heard Alistair's soft, upper-crust accent trill down the phone.
"Gracie, I'm sorry I missed you, dear. I got busy with work, you see, but I wanted to wish you well on your first day at school. I have some more sheet music; the one you asked for, and I'll send it along this evening. Well, anyway, good luck, and call me later, OK?" He sounded nervous, and Grace giggled to herself as she hangs up the phone, and knocks on Alice and Jasper's bedroom door. He opens it, and she grimaces.
"You got a message from Randall. I hope he's calling to tell you that some chick beat the crap out him for being a jerk." Jasper shakes his head.
"Thanks for letting me know. I am sorry it didn't work out, but he's still one of my oldest friends, OK? So be nice."
"Whatever." She turns and heads back to her bedroom, and shuts the door behind her. She picks up her cell and glances at the clock. It was four-thirty, which meant that Alistair would surely be home from work by now. She quickly dials through, and paces the room as it rings. On the third ring, he answers, but sounds highly annoyed.
"Ello?"
"It's me. I got your message; thank you for calling." His voice and tone soften as he speaks to her.
"Gracie. I'm sorry, I thought it was work. I'm bloody swamped right now, and it's all I can do to squeeze in a hunt."
"Shall I call you back later?"
"No, now is fine. Are you on your mobile?"
"Yes, that's why the number didn't come up."
"Bloody British Telecom. Anyway, I'm glad that you got my message. Was it totally bleeding savage?" Grace giggles, used to his British slang by now.
"No, it wasn't so bad. Most of the people are vile, but some were nice. I met a lovely girl, and a boy already asked me on a date." There is silence at the end of the line for a moment, and then a strained reply.
"Your father must be happy about that." Grace sighs.
"Actually, he doesn't know yet. I am not sure, either, and Esme is discouraging it. It's the weirdest thing. First, they give me all kinds of hell about you, but then this happens, and all of a sudden, it's cool with them. It's mind boggling. Oh, but you should see my PE uniform. It would rock your world." There is quiet breathing on the other end of the line.
"Can I bring you here? Just for a little while? I promise it won't be more than an hour." He is silent for a moment, but then consents.
"Ok. I have to be back at work in three blinkin' hours, though." Grace nods, realizing that she is on the phone, and he can't see her.
"Ok. I'll see you in a minute, then. Bye." He hangs up first, and she sighs, but raises her hand and he appears in front of her. The look of sadness on his face makes her heart hurt, and she reaches out for him.
"Look, I didn't mean to tell you on the phone like that. I have been so desperate to see you, and it just came out, because I was excited to talk to you. I am just so confused. Can I talk to you about it?" He nods, but sits quietly in the armchair. She moves to settle herself into his lap, but he resists her. She sighs, but wets her lips and begins.
"Ok, so this boy in gym class starts to talk to me. But I was scared, 'cause he dresses very punk-rock-like, and has pink hair. Which will probably make Carlisle crazy. But you see, even if Carlisle does allow it, I don't think it'll work, because I felt the thirst with this boy." He nods.
"I think I understand. Can I ask you a question now?" She nods lightly.
"What did you do for this boy to ask you out?"
"I flirted. Just a little. I was annoyed at my brothers, and thought it would be fun to rile them." He sighs, but nods.
"Ok. Why were you annoyed?"
"They were harassing me because I had to borrow Rosalie's shirt, and it was super-tight." He grinned as he pictured it.
"I see." He looks at her as she looks sadly at him, and he stands and envelops her in his arms. "Look, I'm sorry that I am annoyed. Mostly it's work, but it's also this boy. I really hate that you will be spending an evening with some other bloke, and I just get you for quick visits. I have half a mind to speak to your father now, because the next two years might just kill me." She smiles a little.
"So, you were a little jealous, then?" He nods, a little sheepishly.
"Yes. But you see, you're quite gorgeous, and I feel as though you're mine, which I know is silly, but it's bitterly unfair that you have to be so young. I hate that we have to keep our relationship so private; I know that your family knows, but it does bother me that you can't conjure me on a Saturday morning, and we could spend the day together." Grace closes her eyes and snuggles closer to him.
"That sounds so lovely. And we could, actually. Esme said she's trying really hard to support us, and that as long as my seeing you didn't affect my studies, she was neutral on the subject." He nods, and kisses her. She sighs as they break away, and she steps back.
"I wish we had more time. Are you sure you have to work?" He grins, but nods.
"Sadly, yes. But in three hours; maybe you can just conjure me there, so I don't have to go home first." She nods.
"I can send you anywhere. Or at least, to places that are familiar. I'll just need you to give me a specific location, like Mercy Hospital on the High Street or whatever you call it." He grins at her, finding it funny that some of his British words had rubbed off on her.
"Ok. I can do that." She nods, and pulls him to her again, whispering in his ear.
"God, it was so hard today. I thought it was going to be awesome, but it was kind of taxing, really, having to ignore all the sounds and not use my powers." He nods, distracted by the zipper on the fleece jacket she'd changed into when she'd arrived at home, but speaks.
"It'll get better, I promise. You're so brave, starting so soon after the change. I wouldn't have been able to handle it." He finally pulls on the zipper, having found it caught on the material, and as it unzips, he reveals her lacy camisole. He grins, and she speaks.
"Hey, Esme had the windows up here open 'cause she was using bleach to clean the bathroom. I was cold, and the silk and the jacket are warm." He shakes his head.
"Well, then, I am glad I agreed to come." She shakes her head as he buries his face in her chest, laying her on the bed, and kissing her neck. They share kisses for awhile, aware of each other's desperate need for the other. He runs his fingers through her hair as she nuzzles his neck, and he responds with another kiss. They remain entwined until they hear the front door opening, and Carlisle's voice drifts up the stairs.
"Honey? I'm home. Where are the kids?" They hear Esme's voice answering after a kissing sound, and Grace giggles.
"They're so cute. I hate this, but you should probably go. I need to talk to them about school, and this boy, of course. Can I see you tomorrow?" He grimaces, but nods.
"Yes. I am off duty tomorrow; what time will it be, do you think?"
"A little after two-thirty. Can I get you right away?" He nods.
"Yes." She nods as she sits up.
"Yet. Ok. I'll see you then." He sits up, too, and kisses her.
"I'll miss you until then." She smiles lightly, and then speaks.
"Home?"
"Yes, thanks." She nods, and sends him back. Then she stands, makes the bed, and then checks her hair and face in her compact, smoothing her bangs, and refreshing her lip gloss. She pulls off her now-wrinkled camisole and pulls a sweatshirt over her head.
She grabs the flier for math club out of her bag, and heads downstairs.
"Carlisle? Esme?" She can hear Esme's tinkly laugh coming from the den.
"We're in here, sweetheart." She smiles as she arrives in the den; Carlisle has Esme on his lap, and she could feel their love radiating off of them.
"Hi. I wanted to talk to you both about this," she extends the flier to Carlisle, as Esme rearranges herself on the couch. "Where are the others?" Esme smiles as Carlisle reads the flier.
"Rose and Emmett went for a hunt, Bella and Edward are upstairs, and Alice and Jasper went to the garage to find the baseball stuff. Something about PE."
"Yes, we're playing baseball in PE. But I've never played, so the boys are going to teach me." Carlisle grins, and speaks to his wife.
"Ah, I was hoping someone would suggest a game soon. Tonight should be perfect; there's a storm blowing in." Grace looks confused, but nods. She sits on the end of the couch, next to Esme, and waits quietly. Carlisle raises the hand that is holding the flier. "So Esme tells me that your first day went well."
"Yes. I met a few nice people, but most of them were vile, and a boy asked me out. But at lunch, this other boy called Tom, invited me to join the math club. Apparently, it's a competitive math team, and they have meets and practices and stuff. I'd like to check it out, see if it's for me." Carlisle nods.
"I'm happy about this math club thing, but I am a little worried about this boy who asked you out. What boy is this? What is he like? Esme and I generally prefer to have people over before we allow you to date them; studying and meeting the family. We asked that of Edward with Bella."
"Ok. I will suggest it. He wrote his number down here," she extends her hand, and shows them the number, "And I will phone him. One more thing-can I conjure Alistair tomorrow? I spoke with him briefly on the phone earlier, and he has tomorrow free." Carlisle sighs, and Esme pokes his side, and he nods.
"Ok, I suppose that would be fine. I would ask that you and Alistair spend some time down here; I am concerned when you spend time alone with him, in your bedroom, with the door shut. I know you understand what Esme and I expect of you, but I am not sure he does." Grace sighed internally, but nods.
"That is fine. Thank you. May I please have the flier back so I can call Tom and tell him to count me in for tomorrow's meeting? They meet at lunch in the Calculus teacher's classroom." Carlisle hands it back to her, and smiles.
"Well, good luck. Please keep us informed." She nods.
"Can we hunt tomorrow? Just the three of us? I know you guys need your alone time, but it's been awhile." Esme smiled at the floor, and Carlisle responds.
"Esme and I will talk about it and let you know, OK?"
"Thanks. Excuse me." She returns upstairs, and picks up the phone extension in the hallway, and dials the number on the flyer.
"Hello, may I please speak to Tom? My name is Grace Cullen, and I am phoning about the Math team." The woman on the other end of the phone asks her to wait, and a moment later, the same voice from lunch time comes down the line.
"Tom? Listen, I talked to my parents, and they're fine with me joining the team. So I guess I'll see you at lunch, then?" He agrees, and tells her that Mr. Morgan usually buys sandwiches or pizza for the group.
"Oh, great. Well, thanks, and I'll see you tomorrow." They exchange good byes, and she hangs up. She dials the number on her hand. The familiar raspy voice answers.
"Hello?" She was suddenly nervous, and bit her lip.
"Hello. Is this Jacques? This is Grace, Grace Cullen?"
"Ah, yes, my vampiric beauty." She giggles lightly.
"I suppose so. Um, I spoke with my parents briefly, and they would prefer it if you would come here for a bit before we actually went out. They tend to be a little old-fashioned; I hope you understand."
"Of course. Can I come tomorrow? After school?" Grace swallows; that would be problematic. But maybe she could get Alistair to come later, and spend the night with her after he left.
"I think that would be OK. Let me check, and I'll call you back, OK?"
"Ok, Grace, you do that. I will be waiting."
"Well, it shouldn't be too long. Bye."
"Any time I have to wait is too long. But good-bye for now." She hangs up, feeling slightly weird, but dials Alistair. He picks up on the first ring.
"Carlisle?"
"No, it's me. Say, Esme and Carlisle said that if I bring you here tomorrow, we have to hang out downstairs. Is that OK? Also, can we meet later? I have a math club meeting after school, but only until 5."
"That's fine, my dear. It's going to be a little awkward, but I can handle it. Have fun at your meeting. I am about to step out; cheerio." Grace laughs.
"Bye." She hangs up, feeling guilty and sad for lying to him, but thinks it'll be better. She heads back downstairs to find Esme and Carlisle. They are still in the living room, playing with Nessie. She enters quietly.
"Ok, so the boy who wants to take me out-Jacques-he can come over tomorrow before Alistair comes. And Alistair is fine with spending time down here. So can Jacques come over after school and stay until Carlisle comes home?" Esme sighs, and looks at Carlisle, who shrugs lightly.
"I think that would be OK. But again, you will study down here. I will ask the others to behave themselves. And Esme and I discussed it, can we postpone a hunt until Thursday?"
"Of course. Thank you. One thing you guys need to know. This boy has pink hair. But I think he's nice otherwise." She turns to leave, and can hear Carlisle whispering to Esme.
"Is she doing this because we won't let her see Alistair?" Esme shushes him.
"Dear, I think we should just wait and see, OK?" Grace smiles lightly as she returns to her bedroom and finishes her homework. A little while later, she is laying across her bed, reading, when Alice knocks on her door. She had phoned Jacques back, and arranged for him to come the following afternoon, and now she was trying not to dwell on it.
"Come in." Alice enters, dressed in her baseball clothes, which for Alice means jeans, a t-shirt, a cute sweater, and some white sneakers. Grace looks up at her.
"You look cute. Heading out with Jasper?" Alice shakes her head and smiles excitedly.
"No. Get up and change into something warm. It's baseball time."
Grace stands, and glances at her outfit. She is still wearing the jeans and sweatshirt she'd changed into after Alistair left that afternoon. She quickly pulls the sweatshirt off, and tugs on a long-sleeved silk under shirt, and zips her fleece back on. It smells like Alistair, and she smiles.
"Is this OK?" Alice nods.
"What was that spot on your chest? Near your bite mark?"
"Oh, Alistair nipped me there by accident. We were a little heated."
"Oh. You're going to need your boots; it's wet." Grace nods, slips into her woolen socks, and tugs on the hiking boots she wears when she hunts. She pulls her blonde hair back into a ponytail and smiles at Alice.
"Ok, I'm ready." Alice nods, and leads her down the hallway. Most of the family is already heading downstairs, each dressed similarly in sturdy, warm clothing. Soon, they are assembled in the field behind the house, and Carlisle explains the game to her.
"We have to wait for thunderstorms, because the sound of the ball off the bat sounds like thunder, so without the storms, we'd scare mortals." Grace giggles. She assumes her position in the right outfield where Emmett had assigned her. They play a few rounds, and Grace catches on quickly, and surprises the family by being able to catch even Emmett's high pop fly's. Soon, the rain starts, and they continue until it becomes too wet, and Grace settles herself in the tent with Nessie, who is now asleep. She talks in low tones to the sleeping girl, sad that they'd started to lose their closeness now that Grace was a vampire. She lays quietly on the blankets next to her, and whispers as the others put things away. Grace had used her telekinesis to fill the bat bag, but had asked Emmett to carry it back, and was watching Nessie so Edward and Bella could grab some quiet time in the forest for a moment.
"Oh, Nessie. You're so lucky that you're half mortal, and will get to experience normal things. And you have Jacob, so it's easy. Everyone likes him. I wish we could trade; it would be so much easier to have a mate just fall into my lap." She scoots closer to the child, and tucks herself in. A moment later, Nessie snuggles into her and Grace smiles. She wished she could sleep, as she'd always found her dreams to hold the answers to her dilemmas, but she knew that her choice could never be undone. A quiet whisper at the entrance to the tent snaps her to reality. It is Esme.
"You can come in." Esme pokes her head in the tent flap, and smiles at the girls cuddling with each other, Nessie still fast asleep. Esme slides in quietly, and embraces the two girls, whispering to Grace.
"What are you whispering about?"
"Just life. Nessie is so lucky that she gets to experience nice, normal, mortal things, but also have the eternity thing, too. And she lucked out with Jacob. I wish things would be easier for me." Esme smiles sadly, and whispers back.
"Sweetie. It will be easier. You're still so young. You're smart, and mature, but you're still just sixteen."
"I know. But a teeny part of me wishes that I could undo this." Esme chuckles lightly.
"Let me tell you something. Carlisle was the one who found me, and he changed me. I wanted so desperately to die, because I had just lost my husband in the war, and my son right after he was born, but Carlisle saved me. But I didn't think that at the time, back then, I was angry that he didn't leave me to my death. I was mad that he changed me, and I didn't get a choice because I was so far gone. Obviously, I have forgiven him, and while I long for things I had in my mortal life that I can't have in this life, I love him, and in time, I have come to appreciate my immortality. In time, you will thank Alice, and you will love her more for giving you this gift." Grace nods and smiles up at the woman.
"Do you miss having a child?"
"Yes, of course. It's not as intense these days, but of course I do. That's why we have all of you; you're the only children I can have." Grace considers.
"I could have one for you." Esme chuckles.
"That would be a little awkward. But thank you. I'll keep it in mind. You should hush now, and rest some, OK? Let me rub your back." Esme settles down next to the girls as Grace scoots closer to Nessie and Esme begins to rub her back. It is calming, and soon, Grace is breathing evenly, and it is quiet for several moments, until they hear Carlisle's voice from outside the tent.
"Honey? Grace? Are you guys OK?" Esme answers him.
"Yes, dear. Shh, Ness is still asleep." He drops his voice an octave.
"I came to get you. Edward and Bella are back, Edward is on his way to get Nessie. Jazz said he'd come take down the tent in a bit. Is Grace OK?" Grace giggles.
"Yes, I'm fine." He sticks his head through the flap like Esme did, and smiles at the girls laying in a row, one asleep, the other two smiling, and all three entwined.
"It looks cozy in here, I am almost tempted to tell Edward to forget it." Esme smiles lightly, but climbs to her knees and slides out of the tent, Grace behind her as Edward approaches. Grace speaks to him.
"She's still asleep. Sleeping soundly." He nods as he bends down and picks up Nessie softly, placing her against his chest. Grace smiles and touches her brown curls, and he smiles at her.
"Are you ladies ready to go back?" They nod, and the five return home. Esme excuses herself upstairs with Carlisle, and tells him about the scene in the tent.
"Carlisle, Grace is hurting right now. I know we've determined that her humor and intelligence are her choices of armor, but I think we've misread her a bit. She's still a lost, scared, lonely child. How do I help her?" He hugs her tightly.
"I don't know. Grace is the youngest child we've taken in. I don't know how to manage this." Esme sighs in frustration. Carlisle makes a sympathetic noise and kisses her head.
"Oh, sweetheart. Maybe we should call Liam and Siobhan. They have had Maggie since she was young. They might have some good advice. Why don't I make the call tomorrow at lunch?" Esme nods.
"Ok. Would it be all right with you if I took her out of class for one day? We could go to the mall, shop, do girl things, and talk. I think she would like it, and even though she's technically my niece, I love her like a daughter, and I can't stand that she's feeling so bad."
"That might work. Do you want to do it this week?"
"Yes, Bella and Edward are home all day on Fridays. We'll do it then." He nods.
"Sounds good. Perhaps we should get her involved in some kind of community thing where she can meet others her age, instead of a bunch of really old vampires." Esme, who has calmed down, fixes him with a stare.
"Are you calling me old?" He grins, and backtracks.
"No, sweetheart. I was referring to me, and Alistair, mostly." He reaches for her, and she hugs him.
"A mortal boy with pink hair," muses Esme.
"We're not going to say a word, honey." She nods, and they separate to finish their projects before they spent alone time before Carlisle left for work again.
The next day began much the same for Grace. Today, she was sporting a short denim skirt, a pink blouse, and pink heels. It was an outfit that complemented Alice's, and they'd picked them on purpose. Alice wore a pink skirt, denim shirt, and pink heels, and they giggled all the way to homeroom from the stares they got.
She sat quietly in her classes and did her best at Science, which wasn't her favorite, and then in French, she sat with Maria again, and Alice was annoyed to find that Grace got a higher grade on their translations.
Math class was Grace's time to shine, and she dazzled the males in the class with both her short skirt and her knowledge. Jasper and Emmett sighed, and Grace could hear Emmett tell Jasper that he was going to have to kill some mortals, and she'd just giggled at him, and shushed him. She wished her brothers well as they left for lunch, and she remained in the classroom for the Math team practice. As she waited for the other students, the teacher spoke to her, and handed her some paperwork.
"Welcome to Math club, Grace. Ok, these are the rules and regulations for clubs, my personal rules, and of course, the meet schedule. So far, we have practices after school on Thursdays, but since it's a new semester, and sports will start soon, we may have to change that, OK?" She nods. "Finally, there's a permission slip for your-do you call them your parents?-to sign, giving you permission to be transported to and from school to the meets and back, OK?"
"Ok. Thank you, sir."
"Please, call me Mr. Morgan. Here's the pizza. Usually I ask the kids to put in a dollar or so each, but since it's your first day, of course, I won't ask you today. But remember for next week, OK?" She shakes her head.
"No, it's OK. I have some lunch money, anyway." She extends the five dollar bill that Esme had given her at the beginning of the week for emergencies, and he made change for her. She bit her lip, unsure how to proceed. It would look weird if she refused, but she didn't know if it would make her sick if she ate it. She shrugged, took a slice, sniffed it, and took a small bite. She felt ok, but returned it to her plate, and turned to listen.
"Ok, Grace. Tom here is the captain, so he usually runs the meetings. If you'll excuse me, I have to run to the copier, and I'll be right back. Tom?" The boy from the day before smiles lightly as he begins to speak.
"Ok, people. Does everyone know Grace?" Most people nods, but a heavy-set brunette boy with messy curls shakes his head.
"No. Hey, I'm Nate. I was absent yesterday. Welcome to North High. Tom, how did you find us a girl?" She smiled down at her desk, and took another small bite of pizza, and washed it down with a sip of her bottled water. It was still sitting OK in her stomach, so she took another as Tom answered.
"Ignore him. Tact isn't Nate's strong point. Nate, Mr. Morgan found her, actually. She got an A on the quiz yesterday, even though it was her first day." The others looked impressed, and Grace, unused to attention, took another bite of her pizza and tried to look nonchalant, though she was feeling odd inside. She was quiet through the meeting, which basically consisted of the boys joshing each other until Mr. Morgan returned. Then they spoke about the upcoming meet.
"Grace, we have a meet on the 13th. This one will be at the University, but it's against the Catholic school in West Haven. They usually beat us, but I think you might be the ticket. We'll work with you to have you ready, OK? Did Mr. Morgan give you the dress code?" Grace nods.
"Cool. Ok, we also have to talk about practices. Soccer starts next week, and then baseball. So do we want to change the practice day?" Grace speaks quietly, so much so that no one hears her. She remembers that mortals don't have the same gift of hearing as her family, and so she speaks louder.
"Wouldn't it make more sense to practice as teams?" They look at her, and Tom and Mr. Morgan purse their lips, thinking.
"Actually, that's a good idea." Grace nods.
"Because if there's a few of us who have one evening free, and another group that has a different evening free, maybe we could split up like that. Mr. Morgan, would that work for you?" He shrugs.
"I'll have to check with Principal Jones, but I think so. Why don't we write up our schedules, and I'll set up teams? Do you have e-mail, Grace? I'll email everyone this evening." She nods, and pulls her mini notebook out of her purse, and scribbles the email address that Alice had set up for her, but which she hardly used, as she had few friends yet, and Alistair preferred the phone. She writes beneath it that any day was fine with her, and hands it to Mr. Morgan, who smiles lightly.
"Thanks, Grace." Just then, the bell rang, and Grace stands. Tom stands next to her, and speaks.
"Hey, you didn't finish your pizza." She glances at the plate, where more than three-quarters of the slice remained, and a pile of pepperoni next to it.
"I don't like pepperoni."
"Yeah, sorry. I forgot that most girls only like vegetarian. You know that it's a myth that veggie pizza has fewer calories?"
"Really?"
"I don't know. But I just wanted to have something to say. Can I walk you to your next class?"
"Yeah. I have Orchestra."
"I know. I saw you yesterday. I have band next door." She picks up her backpack and purse, and tries to toss the pizza into the garbage can as they walk out the door.
"Don't throw that out. I'll eat it." She shrugs, and hands the plate to the boy. He devours the slice in three bites, and she giggles.
"Are you still hungry? You ate, like, three slices."
"Yeah, but they were tiny. Besides, I'm trying to move up a weight class; Coach L says if I want to be captain of the Soccer team next year, I need to gain ten pounds." Grace shrugs.
"So, you're in the band. What do you play?"
"Trumpet. You?"
"Piano."
"Cool. A girl who can play piano, and do calculus better than the seniors. I like it." Grace smiles tightly.
"Thank you." She stops at the entrance to the orchestra room, and smiles. "Thanks for walking me. I was scared I would get lost. I wonder where my brothers went, they said they would meet me."
"Don't they have art? It's in the portables near the baseball diamond. Pretty far from here."
"Oh."
"Well, see you. Good luck."
"Thanks. You too." He nods and enters the classroom next to hers. She enters the orchestra room and settles herself at the piano, and smiles at Larry, who is seated at another piano next to hers. He leans over.
"Hey, Grace. I didn't see you at lunch, some of us were going to invite you to sit with us."
"I was at the Math club meeting."
"Oh, Tom Robertson found you, huh? Mr. Morgan told me you were good at it, and that I should come back. But I've been busy with music and work."
"You work?"
"Yeah. I'm headed for Columbia in the fall, so I wanted to earn some money to buy stuff for my dorm."
"Oh, I didn't realize you were a senior."
"I know, I look young, right?"
"Yes, you do. So, Mr. Morgan and Miss Morgan have the same name. Are they related?"
"Yes, they're brother and sister. I tweaked the Wells Fargo Wagon song. I prefer to play it in a G, but you can still do the E note. It might harmonize well." She nods, and arranges her music on the stand in front of her. Miss Morgan and Mr. Belmont start the class.
"Ok, people, let's start with the same four songs from yesterday. Grace, Larry, why don't we start off with you guys today?" They nod, and Miss Morgan gives them the count, and Grace plays the E note. She can hear Larry's G note, and it DOES harmonize well. Mr. Belmont stops them, and speaks.
"Larry, next time you tweak a note, let me know, OK? It works, though. You're doing well, Grace. You two harmonize well; did you practice together?" Grace shakes her head, and the teacher shrugs.
"Well, whatever it is then, it works. I want you two to work on the four songs together for the remainder of class, OK?" She nods and turns to Larry.
"What do you think would happen if I played an octave below the G, an F sharp?" He shrugs.
"Try it." Grace taps out a few notes, but grimaces and shakes her head.
"It's too high. I like the G. How did you know to change the notes?"
"I watched you playing, and notice you don't use the pedals, so I realized you only play the four basic notes."
"Oh." She was suddenly embarrassed, and made a mental note to herself to have Rosalie and Edward show her how to do that. Larry continues.
"Are you self-taught? Because that's probably why you don't use the pedals."
"Yes, I am. That makes sense, then." He nods, and hands her a card from the pocket of his jeans. It reads "The Cave" and has an address on it near the University.
"They give music lessons, as well as sell instruments. They also host gigs for small-time bands. You should check it out; you could take a few lessons, and hone your skills. Call up and ask for James. He's good at piano and guitar."
"Thanks! Do they sell sheet music?"
"Yes, but it's mostly rock-and-roll type stuff."
"I like rock and roll." He smiles and turns back to his music, scribbling notes at the top of one page.
"Ok, let's try the Wells Fargo Wagon again, all the way through. Then we'll do Bali Hai, OK?" She smiles and nods, and begins to play the jazzy, fun song about life in the Great Plains. They play through the next song, from the musical "South Pacific" twice, and then the bell rings. Grace quickly shoves her music into her backpack, and makes a face as she stands to leave. Larry speaks.
"Why the face?"
"I have PE next."
"Eww. Have fun."
"Yeah, tons. See you tomorrow?"
"No. Tomorrow and Friday are block days. We only have Homeroom, first, third, and seventh periods tomorrow."
"Oh, goody. PE for an hour and a half." Larry chuckles as he follows her out the door.
"See you Thursday, then." She waves as he heads the opposite direction from her, and she nearly bumps into Tom again.
"Hey, Grace. Look out."
"Sorry, Tom. Larry Toyamoto says we have block days tomorrow."
"Yeah, tomorrow we'll have homeroom, then first, third, fifth and seventh periods. Thursday will be a regular day, and then Friday, we'll have second, fourth, and sixth period. Oh, and homeroom, of course. What's your last class?"
"PE."
"Oh, cool. I'll walk with you halfway. I have English." She nods, and follows the boy into the main hallway, but Alice is at her side in a flash. She introduces Alice to Tom.
"Alice, this is Tom Robertson, from Math club. Tom, this is my sister, Alice." Alice smiles warmly.
"Hello."
"I was going to walk Grace halfway, but I have to turn off at the Yellow hall for English. I'll see you tomorrow in Math, Grace." She nods, and hurries along the corridor with her sister.
"Why can't Carlisle and Esme write a note to get us out of PE? I truly hate it."
"They think it's important for us to be able to play competitievly with mortals or something like that. I know, I've begged myself, and poor Bella, when she starts high school again in a couple of years, that girl will have a hell of a time." Grace giggled; she knew her other sister had a history of poor hand-eye coordination.
"But it's different now, isn't it?"
"Probably. We'll see." They enter the locker rooms and hurry to their corner in the back, where Rosalie is standing, fully dressed in her uniform, clutching her cell phone, and typing madly away. She looks up and smiles.
"My friends Patty and Colin want to have a group hunt this weekend with Emmett and me." Grace nods.
"Oh, sounds like fun."
"Yeah, except that Emmett can't stand Patty." Grace chuckles, and changes quickly into her uniform, and Alice quickly braids her hair back. Rosalie sighs, tucks her phone into her locker, and the three girls troop out to the gym. Grace is wearing her new uniform; today, she'd opted for the sweatpants and t-shirt option, and was glad that the female aide had given her a large shirt. It was almost too big, but it was better than too small. She sat quietly next to her siblings, and looked around for Jacques, who smiled and waved from across the room. He was still not wearing a uniform, and he raised his eyebrows. Grace didn't get a chance to talk to him, though, because Coach L divided them into teams and the class trooped out to the diamond. She was on a team with Alice and Emmett, and rolled her eyes, because she knew that Emmett was competitive, and last night, she had caught his pop fly, and he'd been annoyed. But now he smiled at her, and whispered to the girls.
"Grace, catch the balls just like you did last night. Alice, do your thing, OK?" Alice rolls her eyes, but nods.
"Sure thing." Grace takes her assigned position as mid-fielder, and they play a few innings, until the coach blows the whistle, and Grace's team is at bat. The Cullen's sit out the batting round, and Grace sits in the grass next to Jacques.
"You're coming tonight, right?"
"If I'm still invited."
"Of course. Do you want to follow us, or can you drive me?"
"Whatever works."
"Why don't I ride with you?"
"You can do anything you want to me." Grace shakes her head and giggles a little.
"OK." They sit in silence for a moment, and Jacques plucks a blade of grass and swipes at his arm with it.
"Don't do that. It'll hurt like a paper cut." He chuckles.
"Do you not like blood, Grace?"
"It makes me kind of queasy. Human blood, anyway." He looks sideways at her, but shrugs.
"Ok. Sorry. So did you tell your parents I have pink hair?"
"Yes. Not a lot shocks them, though."
"Oh, that's too bad. Shocking parents is what I like best."
"Well, you see, they have seven children, and a granddaughter, and all but my sister Bella were adopted, so I think they're used to shenanigans by now." He chuckles.
"Seven children. Are you guys Mormon or something?"
"NO. Esme, our mother, just couldn't have any kids, so I think she tries to use us all as her fill ins. But Edward was first, and then Jasper and Rosalie are siblings, so she couldn't bear to separate them, and Alice and Emmett are cousins, and she couldn't separate them, either. Edward got married a little while ago to Bella, and they have Nessie, and then they adopted me in the fall." He nods.
"Wow."
"Yep."
"How do they afford so many teenagers?" Grace looks at the grass.
"Carlisle-the father-is a cardiologist."
"I see." Just then, the coach blew his whistle again, and dismissed the class to change. Jacques reached out and touched her face, causing her to gasp.
"I'll see you in a few minutes?"
"Yes." She hurries into the locker room, and changes quickly, half listening to Rosalie complain about Emmett and her friend. She tells Alice that she is riding home with Jacques, and Alice says that her and Jasper will see them at home.