Saving Grace, part 6-Grace the Amazing
A little while later, an Alice-sized knock comes at Grace's door.
"Come in, Alice." Alice pokes her head around the door.
"How did you know it was me?" Grace looks witheringly at her.
"How do you think?" Alice sighed, but settled herself on the bed next to Grace.
"I came to tell you that it's all going to be OK. And that we still all love you and care about you." Grace shakes her head.
"How can you, when I am now dangerous to all of you? What if Emmett does something to annoy me, and I turn into a firefly at school? What if Nessie starts smelling like a super-delicious mortal?" Alice shrugs.
"You are really good at controlling your powers. I doubt that Emmett or Nessie are in any danger. But to be safe, Jasper and I will keep you in our sights right now at all times, OK?"
"Well, not ALL the time." Alice giggled.
"Ok, well, most of the time. How does that sound?"
"Ok. I think that might work." She fell silent again, and Alice took her hand.
"What is it, Grace?'
"Alistair. Will he still want me if I am forever a child-like vampire?" Alice shrugs.
"I don't know. I'm sorry, but I just don't know him well enough to make that call." Just then, Jasper's knock interrupted them.
"Come in." He enters, and shuts the door softly behind him.
"Edward said you are worried about our safety." Grace nods. "Alice and I will keep you, and the rest of us, safe. I spoke to Carlisle already, Al. I reminded him that we agreed to be responsible for Grace." Alice nods, and speaks to him.
"Sweetie, Grace is worried about Alistair, too." Jasper nods.
"Well, let me tell you this: if he truly loves you like he claims, your past or the troubles you might face won't matter. Look at me; I was a…monster, and now I have Alice, and we're here, and it's so good. It'll work out if it's meant to." Grace nods and stands, then embraces each of them in turn.
"Thank you. I guess we should go back down. I want to talk to all of you." They follow her out, and down the stairs to the living room, where Esme, Carlisle, and Alistair were still gathered. Grace settles herself next to Alistair, and takes his hand as the others settle in and try to ignore it.
"I am sorry I left so abruptly. I was taken by surprise is all. I wanted to say thank you to all of you now, again, for everything, and that I promise to try really hard to be a good vampire." Alice giggles, but falls silent when Jasper shakes his head almost imperceptibly at her. Grace continues. "I am glad that I will be OK, though being only Fifolet is a little scary. I will need help, and I swear I will ask if I need it. Finally, I need to make something clear. When we first started talking earlier this week, I asked Alistair to think on something. I wanted to have a child before I couldn't, and now that I still can, I have realized that it is something I want. Not now, maybe, but in the future. And I would appreciate your support in that. I want to have one for Rosalie and Emmett, too, if they'll accept it, because I don't think it's fair that I have this gift and keep it to myself." She inhales as she regards the faces staring back at her, and takes in the myriad emotions each one displays-concern from Alice and Jasper, surprise from Esme, fear from Carlisle, and disbelief from Alistair. She bites her lip as she turns to him, and speaks in a low voice.
"I'm sorry to put that out there, but it's what I want." He nods, and inhales lightly.
"Ok. We have plenty of time to talk about it." Grace nods.
"Definitely. I want to talk to you alone, later, if that's OK." He nods, but Carlisle responds.
"Go now. We will talk later, as a family, OK?" She nods, and Jasper calms everyone as Grace pulls Alistair up the stairs with her. When she has him safely ensconced in her room, and settled on her bed, she turns to him.
"Ok. So will you still love me even if I am crazy, and even if I am forever an immature child-like, possibly evil vampire?" He grins.
"You're not evil. It's not possible. No one in the Cullen's circle is evil. Some of us are misguided, and misanthropic, maybe even grumpy, but not evil. Of course I still love you, silly girl. But I am unsure about this child thing." Grace smiles and sits next to him.
"I just want to give my sisters something that means more than just the words "Thank you." I mean, it'll be weird, I'm sure, but you have to realize that I cannot just keep this gift to myself now, can I? I offered a child to Esme, but she refused. I think she was a little shocked that I would think of Rose, but truth be told, I like Rose, and I admire her tenacity. I wish I could be more like her, I think. But I'm going to talk to the family; I can't do the mortal thing. I want you, and only you. I can wait until after high school, but no more." He sighs.
"Ok. But promise me you'll not interrupt your studies by doing something stupid."
"I promise. Can I ask you something?" He nods.
"Of course."
"Will you go all the way with me soon? I want to experience it, before I am too old to enjoy it." He appears shocked, but nods nervously.
"Ok. But let's not force it, all right? Just let it happen when it does."
"Ok. I promise. But thanks. Is it awkward to ask like that, or what?" He grunts in agreement, and takes her in his arms.
"Everything you have said to me tonight has been awkward. I don't know what the hell I am getting myself into, but I do know that I love you, and I will be here for you." She smiles up at him.
"Thank you. I'm sorry for making it awkward." He shrugs.
"It's all right. I don't imagine it's easy for you, either." She shakes her head.
"From now on, I want you to feel like you can touch me or kiss me or whatever even when the others are around, OK?" He smiles back at her.
"I know; I understood that when you held my hand. I am sorry if I have been distant; I didn't want to make things hard for you around here. But I will try to be more affectionate, OK?" She nods.
"Thank you. Do you need to get back?" He lifts her over him, and settles her back against her pillows.
"Not yet. I have something else in mind first." She giggles as he kisses her, and for once, they are more free with their touch. He breaks away mid-makeout, though, to whisper in her ear.
"Are you sure you're ready?" She replies.
"To be honest, No, I'm not sure. Let's take it slow." He nods, and resumes his kisses on her neck. They kiss awhile more, and then her alarm rings. He sits up, alarmed and she giggles.
"It's the alarm on my cell phone, telling me it is time to start gathering my things for school. You've been here awhile." He nods, and grimaces.
"It's bloody loud. I guess I should go." She nods reluctantly.
"Do you have to?" He smiles sadly.
"I'm afraid I do. But you can get me this weekend."
"I'll check. Carlisle and Esme are heading out for a weekend getaway." Alistair chuckles.
"Oh, really. It seems that my old friend still has it. Good going." Grace giggles, but shakes her head.
"It's really disturbing for children to think about their parents in that way, I'll have you know."
"Oh, and now we're Madame Innocent, are we? Anyway, dear girl, I must be getting on." She nods, and kissing him once more, asks her usual question.
"Home, then?" He nods, and she raises her hand, and he is gone. She sighs, puts her shirt back on, and heads down the hallway to find Esme and Carlisle. They are in the study again, and she knocks quietly before entering. Esme smiles up at her as she sits down across from the desk.
"I need permission for two things. One, can I have Alistair over during the weekend? And, on Sunday, there's a math club thing at the mall. Can I go? Tom Robertson will pick me up and bring me back." They exchange a look.
"We thought you were done with these mortal boys."
"Well, we have to keep up appearances, right? Besides, I like his company. The boys at school are the only ones who aren't afraid to talk to us. The girls are all either jealous because they think we're gorgeous, or afraid of Rose and the boys. Even though I don't think Rosalie cares one way or another about any of them." Esme nods.
"Do you feel OK with that?"
"Yes. I will keep my phone on me at all times. Jasper can chaperone if it makes you feel better. Maybe they can just show up at the mall, and keep their noses tuned. Or bring Edward." Esme considers, and turns to Carlisle.
"I'm OK with it if you are." He nods.
"It's fine with me. Are you and your mother still planning to shop today?"
"Yes. Oh, I need a few nicer things. There's a concert for my music class next month, and a Math Club meet on the 13th. Have you had a chance to sign the permission slip yet? Oh, and I need a calculator. And a science tutor." Esme raises her hand.
"Slow down, sweetheart. What do you need, specifically, for the music class that you don't already have or can't borrow from one of the girls?"
"Bella doesn't wear skirts hardly at all, and I need at least one black one. There's a dress code; black bottoms with white tops. They prefer the girls in skirts, but it's not required. I can't wear Rose's tops, because they're too tight. And, of course, everything of Alice's is too short." Esme nods.
"Well, I might have a few things, but I understand. The dress code for the math thing is business casual, right?" Grace nods.
"Yes. Tom Robertson and Mr. Morgan told me that the girls usually wear knee-length skirts with blouses or polo shirts, and cardigans. Or chino pants. The boys usually wear slacks with shirts with collars, or sweaters. It's not super-fancy, but I think it's geared towards kids who will be seeking professional degrees in their adult lives." Carlisle nods.
"Ok, I understand it now. Thank you. Your mother and I will make sure that you have what you need. Now, what's this about a science tutor?" She sighs.
"I'm not as good at Science as I am at Math. All those dates and numbers and people confuse me." He nods.
"Maybe Alistair could help you. Especially since it seems that he will be around more and more." She nods.
"I'll ask him. Finally, about this Fifolete thing. I apologize for my comments earlier, but I am serious. I do want to have a child before it's too late, but I am willing to wait a while. I do want to offer it to Rosalie, though." Carlisle sighs and sits back.
"I understand that you think that it is a good thing for Rose, and while she is likely to jump at the chance, I want you to understand that a vampire pregnancy is incredible dangerous, and not something to be done lightly."
"I understand all that."
"Good. Have you spoken to Alistair about your feelings?" She nods again.
"Yes. I think he thinks I am a little on the crazy side, but he said he'd think about it. He's not happy about the fact that I want a child before I do much else, either, but I think he understands my reasoning." Carlisle nods.
"Please, Grace. Please think hard on this. I think you're rushing into things because you're afraid that if you wait, things won't happen the way you want them to." She sighs, but responds.
"I will think hard. I have been; it's been kind of this all-consuming thing. If Alistair and I want to think about, um, sexual intercourse, what's the best way to keep ourselves safe?" Carlisle looked momentarily shocked, and Esme made her eyes big, and they exchanged a look. He turns back to her, but she is stone-faced, unreadable, but serious. He sighs.
"Condoms, really. Your mother and I will talk to you about it some more tonight, during our hunt, when the others can't overhear by accident or something. I trust nothing will happen between then and now, right?"
"No. Thank you. I'm sorry it's so sudden, but it just spilled out." He shakes his head lightly.
"I'm just glad you're concerned about your safety, and that you remembered our talk." She nods, suddenly awkward, but speaks again.
"Yes. Can I go?" He nods, as the two adults fall into a conversation that Grace tunes out. She leaves the study, heading for her bedroom, and changes into jeans, a long-sleeved t-shirt, and shrugs a cardigan over her shoulders. She steps into her favorite low-top sneakers and pulls her blonde locks into a low ponytail. Since she is spending the day with Esme, she opts for a subdued makeup look. She works steadily, straightening her room and organizing papers, forcing herself to not think about what her parents are discussing. Soon, it is time for Alice and the others to leave for school, and she heads downstairs with her purse to find Esme. She finds Esme in her usual spot in the kitchen, making lunches and seeing the family out.
"Ok, everyone, have a great day." She smiles at Carlisle as he kisses her head and tells her he loves her and then heads for the garage. Grace stands quietly in the kitchen, behind Esme, who can smell her there. She turns to Grace.
"Hello, sweetheart. Are you going to be ready soon?"
"Yes." Esme nods, her face as unreadable as Grace's had been earlier.
"Ok, well, it's a little soon for the mall to open up, so would you mind too terribly if we ran some errands first?"
"Of course not." Esme smiles briefly, but disappears up the stairs. Edward appears in the kitchen.
"You're not in trouble, Esme is just a little shocked. Carlisle is a little upset, but Esme figures that it was bound to happen between you and Alistair." Grace grimaces.
"Does everyone know?'
"No. I promise to keep it to myself. I couldn't help it; Carlisle's thoughts were a little loud."
"Yikes."
"Yeah. But anyway, can I offer some advice?"
"Why not?"
"Be really careful, OK? I know you love Alistair, and the idea of having a child is fantastic, but it's really dangerous, and harder than it looks." Grace nods.
"Thanks, Edward. It's nice to hear it from someone who knows first hand." He sighs, but nods.
"You're welcome. I have to go; Bella and I are taking Nessie to the park since it's overcast."
"Have fun!" He nods as he leaves the kitchen. Esme reappears in front of her, and she smiles.
"I AM sorry for earlier, and I am sure that my words are shocking. But I think it's the right next step, but I want to do it safely and smartly." Esme smiles.
"I know you do. And Carlisle and I appreciate that. He's a little annoyed right now, but he's glad you spoke up. But let's make a deal. I promise not to talk or think about it if you promise to do the same." Grace grins.
"Ok. I can agree to that."
"Great. What's first?"
"Post office to buy some stamps. Then we need to grab some dry goods at the grocery. By then, the mall should be opened."
"Ok." They leave the house quickly, and the morning passes by quickly. In three hours time, they have parked at the mall, and hurry inside, as it has begun to snow lightly. They browse for awhile, but then Esme suggests they start shopping. They head for the junior's store, and the girl who greets them gapes openly. Grace tries not to giggle as she and Esme begin selecting items. Grace finds a short black knitted skirt that she likes, and Esme adds some tops, then they hurry into the dressing room. They agree on a few things, and then Grace tries on some colored jeans and leggings. After they have agreed that pink jeans and purple leggings look well on her, they make their purchases and head for a department store. At the department store, Esme has Grace try on shoes that she can wear with her new clothes. They purchase a pair of loafers and a pair of plain black short pumps, and some pantyhose. Then they head for the women's clothing, and Grace picks up some slacks and button-downs. Then they browse the lingerie, and Grace forces Esme to buy some lacy pieces.
"You can wear them for Dad."
"Sweetheart, we don't do that anymore."
"Well, how long have you been married, anyway?"
"Almost 100 years."
"Well, don't you think it's time to start spicing things up? I mean, I am pretty sure that he will never step out on you or the family, but it couldn't hurt to have some insurance, right?" Esme splutters.
"Grace."
"I'm just saying. You can always return it if he doesn't like it. But I think he will." She shrugs at her daughter, but ends up making the purchase, and they leave the store, weighed down with their bags. It is Grace who makes a surprising suggestion.
"You want to stop and get coffee? I'll treat; I have some money. Emmett bet me that I couldn't pass our math test last week, and now I have $20. Easiest twenty bucks I ever made." Esme laughs.
"You really shouldn't do that to your siblings. But I will come along and watch you drink."
"Ok." She leads the way to the coffee shop and they settle in with their packages as Grace nurses a latte while Esme looks in amused bewilderment.
"What?"
"The coffee. Coffee, black, in it's purest form, doesn't usually make me sick, but the milk and the vanilla syrup-I can't believe you're not vomiting right now." Grace shrugs.
"I know. I wanted to have a scone, too, but I don't actually like them. But they smell good." Esme nods.
"I suppose they do. How come you eat mortal foods if you don't like them?"
"I like some of them. But I don't know. It kind of makes me feel more normal-like there's something in my body that connects me to my old life." Esme sits back to put Grace's words into perspective, and was amazed again at her youngest child's quiet intelligence. She replies quietly.
"I'm glad it makes you feel better. I never realized that the change affected you so much." Grace nods noncommittally, and speaks again.
"Yeah, well, I guess. So can we go up North tonight? I think I sensed a herd of deer a little bit north of West Haven."
"Sure. I'll tell Carlisle."
"Great. Thanks for bringing me here today. I had fun."
"I'm glad. I know you and Alice like to shop together, but sometimes I feel left out. I know Alice thinks I can be a bit dowdy, but I just prefer a more natural look than Alice."
"I know. I think that Alice forgets that she is really older than 16. Of course, she can get away with most of it because she's so tiny. Rose is just breathtakingly beautiful. Bella and I are more alike in our fashion choices, I think." Esme nods again.
"I tend to agree. Don't let Alice's domineering force you into wearing clothes that you don't want to wear, or let her change you."
"Mom, I know what you mean, but I LIKE it when Alice and I fix my hair and stuff. It makes her SO happy, and that makes me happy." Esme smiles at Grace's use of the word "mom," but continues.
"Look, sweetheart. I have noticed that you care deeply about your sisters and their wants and wishes, but you have to remember that Grace's needs and wants are important, too." Grace shakes her head.
"Yes, but you all took me in, and dealt with me when I was so sick. The little things I do that please them-that's when I feel like I am giving back the love and support that you all gave me." Esme smiles again as Grace finishes her coffee, and the Barista comes by their table.
"Are you and your daughter all set?"
"Yes, thank you. Are you ready to go, Grace?" She nods, and hands the empty coffee mug to the barista, who walks away again.
"Yeah, can we go to one more store? I just need to run into the music store really fast." Esme nods, and they ride the escalator to the store that carries the CD's and band-related clothes. Esme stands near the door; she can watch Grace but still give her daughter the space that Esme believed she needed. Grace selects a CD, pays, and pulls Esme out of the store.
"You were totally watching me in there."
"No, I wasn't. What did you buy?"
"It's classical. Debussy. He wrote a lot for piano, and I want to learn "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair." Esme shakes her head.
"Carlisle will be pleased."
"Really?"
"Yes, he loves Debussy. Edward, too. We might actually already have it on CD."
"We don't. I checked."
"I think Carlisle keeps it in his car." Grace shrugs.
"Oh, well. I want my own copy to listen to at home." Esme nods, and they head for the exit. A moment later, Grace stops at the computer store and looks through the window at the laptop display, and Esme makes a mental note to pass it on to Carlisle, as Esme had been concerned abut Grace's lack of knowledge about social media and computers like the others. They continue out of the mall, and head back home in time for the others to arrive home from school, and Edward, Bella, and Nessie to return from a day of running errands. Esme excuses herself to the children, and disappears into the study. Grace finds Alice, and pulls her into the bedroom with her.
"Let me show you what we bought." Alice and Grace spend the next hour and a half together, and Grace tries on everything she's bought, and Alice gives her opinions and helps her with accessories, so that she has several new outfits.
"Did you and Esme have fun?"
"Yes."
"Good, I'm glad. I know she has been so worried about you lately." Grace nods, but then smiles mischievously at Alice.
"You probably already know this, but guess what I made Esme buy?"
"Wait, was it the fuchsia teddy set?"
"Yup." Alice grins.
"I knew it. When my mind flashed on those earlier, I said, that's SO Esme. But how did you convince her? I never can."
"I just told her that maybe she should spice things up. You know that they've married for, like, a hundred years?" Alice nods, giggling.
"I know. It seems like so long, but then Jasper and I have almost thirty." Grace smiles.
"That's so cool. Anyway, do you mind excusing me? I want to listen to some piano music before we head out for our hunt, and I need some quiet." Alice nods.
"Learning new stuff?"
"Hopefully." Alice leaves the room, and Grace slides the CD into her CD player, the only remaining relic from her first life, and presses play. A few moments later, a knock at her door startles her. She opens it to find Edward, who is holding Nessie and smiling.
"I didn't even know you knew who Debussy was." Grace nods and motions them in and turns down the music.
"I didn't. Larry Yamamoto, this guy from my orchestra class, he told me that Debussy had a lot of good stuff on Piano, so yesterday, during my science class, we went to the library to look up stuff about blood typing, but I googled Debussy instead." He laughs.
"You should probably not do that. But yes, Debussy is great."
"I want to learn "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair." He nods.
"That's a really complicated piece." She shrugs.
"I have an idea. I want to learn it, and then play it for everyone for Valentine's day." He smiles.
"That would be so nice. I can help you."
"Thanks, that would be lovely." He smiles, and stands, excusing them as they exit the room. She turns the music up again, and listens as she dresses for her hunt. A little while later, she could smell Carlisle and Esme, and a knock at her door came immediately. She opened it, and motioned them in, turning down the music.
"Oh, Grace. Don't turn it down. Debussy is an honored guest in this house." She laughs at Carlisle as she tugs on her sneakers, and stands.
"You guys ready?" They nod, and the trio leaves the house and head out for a hunt, Esme and Grace bringing up the rear, talking and giggling with each other. Carlisle grins and shakes his head, delighted that his wife and youngest child are strong and solid in their relationship.
A little while later, they pick up the scent of the herd of deer, and go for the attack. Esme and Grace feed together, and once again, Carlisle is amazed, as it is often hard for a vampire, particularly a newborn, to share their food. As the women finished up, he cleans up and helps them to do the same, but it is Esme who decides that they stop and sit for awhile in the forest.
"Mom, don't you guys need to leave?" She shrugs.
"We have time. I just want to finish this day off on a good note." Grace smiles, and hugs her.
"Thanks. It was a good day." Carlisle nods.
"Grace, there is something that Esme and I wanted to mention." She swallows, and nods.
"Ok."
"It's nothing too serious, but we were wondering if you'd like to learn some things. Like, how to drive, for one. And Esme believes it would suit you well if we got you a computer." She smiles lightly.
"Those things would be nice. If it's not too much trouble. Also, I have a slightly odd request. Two, actually." Carlisle raises his eyebrows, but nods.
"Sure."
"Can I get an after-school job? I think that would be really cool. Also, spring break is coming up soon, and Alice and Jasper are heading out to California with Jazz's friends, and Rose and Emmett are going to Alaska, right? So can I spend some time in London with Alistair?" Carlisle sighs, but speaks as Esme looks at him.
"Esme and I will talk about those issues tonight. But I am going to say Yes preliminarily to both, OK?" Grace smiles lightly, and nods.
"Ok. Thank you." Carlisle nods, a little unsure how to proceed now. It is Esme, as usual, who smoothes things over.
"I am not finished with you two yet. Grace, can you tell Carlisle the same thing you told me when we had the coffee today?" She nods.
"I was telling Mom that I just like to eat mortal foods because it reminds me of my life before." He nods.
"I like that. It's very wise." It is silent for moment, and then he speaks. "I guess we should head back. Thank you for sharing this with us, Grace." Grace nods, and they head for home, quieter than they began. Once home, Esme drags Carlisle upstairs to pack a change of clothes, and to speak to him. He picks up her excitement and joy almost immediately, and it makes him happy. He smiles at her as they settle on their bed for a quick chat.
"Carlisle, today was good. Grace and I were having fun." He nods.
"I'm glad." She continues.
"She called me Mom at least twice. Referred to you as "dad," also, once." He shakes his head, still smiling at his wife's happiness.
"That's a first." Esme nods.
"Is it wrong to encourage it, though?" He sighs, but shakes his head.
"No, I don't think so. I think Alice understands. Grace has always wanted a mother, and has desperately needed one for many, many years. And I have a feeling that her feelings are real; she does truly see you as her mother." Esme smiles, almost triumphantly, and he chuckles. "Sweetheart. I'm just glad it's worked out for you-for us-finally. I know that you and Alice are close, too, but it's different with Grace, I can tell." Esme nods.
"Yes. Do you think it's because we found her when she was young?"
"Absolutely. And so dependant. She wanted you, and more importantly, she let you in. You mentioned that she told you the other day that she was frightened by the change. We know that she doesn't let people see her true feelings very easily, and you and Alistair are hallowed people. Take advantage of it." Esme nods again, a little more serious.
"What about you?" He looks at her blankly.
"What about me?"
"What is your take on your relationship with Grace?"
"Well, other than the fact that she is bloody obsessed with my oldest friend, I rather like her, and think that she's an asset to the family." Esme shakes her head, unsatisfied with his answer.
"But is it love, Carlisle? Like the others, do you care enough about her yet to help her if she needs it, and support her if she wants it? What if something happens down the line with her and Alistair? Will you help her to pick up the pieces?" He considers, but nods.
"Yes. I know that sometimes I appear to be a bit distant with the children, but I do care for and love each one of them, and I understand their strengths and weaknesses very well. But Grace is special. Yes, I think you have a point, and yes, I think those things are so." Esme smiles again.
"I am OK with her going to London. Maybe we'll limit to a few days, but I don't truly think that Alistair will let anything or anyone harm her. Including himself. He's much like Edward was with Bella." Carlisle sighs, but nods.
"I'm inclined to agree. I still don't like it, though." Esme sighs.
"I know, honey. But they're in love. It happens, you know." He smiles and kisses her head.
"Yes, I do. I just wish it hadn't happened so soon. Grace is still fragile, I fear, and I just can't bring myself to hope that Grace will be able to make it through a pregnancy alive. I just hope that her special powers make it different." Esme falls quiet.
"Me, too. But Alistair will take great care to make sure she is doing what she should when the time comes." Carlisle nods, and snaps his fingers.
"Sweetie, we need to get Grace in here and discuss the whole birth-control issue. I didn't want to do it earlier; you two seemed to be connecting, and I didn't want to interrupt." Esme stretches her neck and kisses his. She sighs and nods.
"Don't kill me for this, dear, but I wish you'd consider letting them go to Alistair's when they are intimate."
"I considered that, but if anything happens, I want her here so we can help her immediately." Esme nods again.
"I understand." She stands, and heads down the hallway to Grace's bedroom. She knocks lightly, and smiles when Grace throws the door open to reveal her and Alice having fun.
"Sweetie, Carlisle and I would like to chat with you for just a bit more before we head out. Can you come now, please?" Grace nods, and excuses herself to Alice. The two women file down the hallway, and Esme invites her into the bedroom again. Grace settles herself onto Esme's vanity bench, and faces her parents. Carlisle begins.
"A few things we wanted to review. One, we think it's OK if you go to London for a few days during your break; please arrange it and let us know the details. We will chat more about your request to work. We are not against it, per se, we just worry that with the change, it might be difficult for you. But we will talk to you when we've made a decision. Finally, we wanted to talk to you again about your decision to be more serious with Alistair. Esme and I have agreed that since you have your heart set on him, it is only wise of us, and you, to behave safely and respectfully. I have brought home some condoms from the hospital; I am confident that is the best option for you." Grace nods, serious.
"Thank you." Carlisle nods once, but continues.
"Finally, we just ask that you two make an attempt to keep it to yourselves. Your brothers and sisters don't get a say in your life, but your mother and I do, to an extent, and believe me, it is better that we are kept on a need-to-know basis. Besides, Nessie is quite curious, and I suggest that you lock the door, just to be safe."
"I understand. I want you to both know that I am treating this decision with the most maturity that I have, and I am thinking carefully about my choices."
"Good. I think that's it for now, then." He extends an envelope to her, and she takes it.
"Great. Thank you. Will you excuse me, please?" He nods, and she lets herself out, quietly. She returns to her room, and opens the envelope, finding several packets of condoms wrapped in a blank piece of paper. She slides the envelope into her bedside drawer, and turns on some music.
In the bedroom, Carlisle sighs deeply, and shakes his head as Grace leaves. He kisses Esme once more on her head, and she makes sympathetic noises as they stand to finish packing. He notices the department store bag she had left on her dresser when her and Grace had returned that afternoon, and he picks it up, and holds it up as Esme turns into their bathroom.
"Sweetie, what did you buy at the mall?" Esme is at his side in a flash, and bites her lip as he opens it. He grins when he realizes what it is, and speaks to her. "I definitely think you should pack this, just in case. But is there something I need to know? Are you unhappy lately-I mean, with me?" She shakes her head, and hangs her head a little.
"No. Your daughter suggested that you might enjoy it."
"I love Alice's visions sometimes." Esme shakes her head, and giggles.
"It was Grace, actually." He chuckles.
"Oh, I see. I love Grace even more in this moment, then." She swats at him playfully, and takes the bag.
"I am glad, though, that you didn't think it was too tart-ish. I really should return it, though." Carlisle looks confused.
"Why is that?" She rolls her eyes.
"Firstly, it is going to be too cold to wear that this weekend. Secondly, it was expensive. Thirdly, it's just so-I don't know-fuchsia." He grins at her, wickedly.
"You will not return it. Firstly, we are vampires. The cold doesn't really matter. Secondly, it's well made, thus worth the investment. Thirdly, I think you'd look smashing in fuchsia." She considers, and then nods.
"Ok. But if I freeze to death, it's all on you." He chuckles lightly as they finish packing, and head out the door. They are surprised to hear the Debussy from Grace's bedroom again, but are relieved when she opens her door to wish them goodnight and a good trip, that she is merely reading, and hasn't yet decided to conjure Alistair.
"Goodbye, Grace. Please remember your manners, and it is fine if you head out on Sunday with your school friends. I have let Alice know already. Thirdly, please don't bother Alistair unless you two specifically agree on something. We'd rather you two meet downstairs, but I know that is a lot to ask when we're not here." Grace nods at Esme.
"Ok, Mom. You two have fun, now, and remember-don't do anything I wouldn't do." They laugh as they continue down stairs, and soon out the door, and heading for the wilderness. The children settle themselves in for the evening and it passes with no problem. The next morning, a soft, Alice-sized knock comes at Grace's bedroom door.
"Come in, Alice." Alice enters, dressed to the nines.
"Get dressed. We're going shopping." Grace nods.
"Help me." Alice strides for the closet after closing the door behind her. Grace reaches into her dresser and pulls out her new pink jeans.
"I want to wear my new pink jeans." Alice considers, and hands her a white ballet-necked T-shirt.
"Wear this with your grey cardigan." Grace puts on the things that Alice hands her, and watches as Alice rifles through her shoes, and hands her a pair of low-top pink and black sneakers. They dress, and head out, wishing Jasper, who is staying behind, a good day. They shop for a good few hours, laughing and talking and forgetting about the troubles they've had.
End of Chapter 9. Sorry. It's dragging, but I think I might let it be for a few days.