Hey everyone. So chapter nine is up, and I there are three more chapters, plus the epilogue, and then we are done!! I'm a little sad, but also feeling quite accomplished, as this will be the first story I ever finish.
So I have a few questions for you all. Firstly, are you even interested in a sequel at the moment?? It would be set a little before Bella arrives in Forks, and carry through the four books, but probably wouldn't follow them a whole lot. Then my next question would be should Adele find her mate then, and if so, who should it be?? The latter part can be answered in the poll on my profile, but you could also tell me in a review. And is there anything you absolutely must have in this sequel?? I can already say that a lot gets answered in the sequel that will not be explained fully by the end of this story. So let me know what you are thinking, because it tends to keep me from getting too wrapped up in my own thoughts.
And my usual shot-outs to Scampifish and sleepthroughthestatic for their awesome reviews!!! I feel so awesome after reading them!!
Chapter Nine: Performance
I woke up the next morning to the most delicious smell. I wasn't sure where I was, but I didn't really care. My stomach growled in outrage, but I paused to take in the room.
It was neat, though it clearly belonged to people. There seemed to be two of everything, thought there was one giant bed that I was currently occupying. The twin closet doors were against the far wall, with a massive bookshelf taking one whole wall to the left. Everything was either dark wood or a shade of gray. It could have been plain, but looked stunning.
There was a low knock on the door. It opened slowly, and Alice peeked in. She smiled when she saw I was sitting up.
"I thought I heard your stomach." She said. She went to one of closets, riffling through the contents. "I got a few things in your size. You are almost impossible to shop for, you know."
"So I've heard." I laughed, thinking of my own shopping trips, in which my mother would end up having to hem or take it in.
"This should work, though." Alice handed me a plain black swing skirt and blue blouse. "Breakfast is almost ready. We'll make sure you get to the auditorium in time for your performance."
"I almost forgot!" I jumped up, surprised at myself. "Oh, thank you for remember that, Alice."
"Your welcome." She smiled, wrapping an arm around my shoulder when I stumbled slightly. "The bathroom is through here." She showed me a door I hadn't noticed. "I'll be downstairs, okay?" I nodded, and she left.
I took a quick shower, inspecting the stitches carefully. Carlisle knew what he was doing, that was for sure. I stretched, stopping when I felt the tug. I should still be able to dance.
When I finally got downstairs, the scent had only intensified. I had barely entered the kitchen when a plate was set down at the head seat, a glass of orange juice next to it. Jasper pulled out the chair for me, smiling as I sat down. I dug in without a second thought, not caring that every Cullen besides Carlisle was there, watching me.
"She's like Emmett when he hunts." Alice observed. "She just dives in, doesn't she?"
"Alice, don't be mean." Esme warned lightly. "She hasn't eaten since yesterday afternoon. It's almost 11 now."
"I told her last night, I forget how human she is." Alice cocked he head to the side, watching me. "She's so...odd, really."
"Alice, if you can't be nice to her, I'll make you leave." Esme was more and more appalled at Alice.
"It's okay." I smiled, then downed the orange juice. "Alice isn't being mean."
"She's going easy on her, if you ask me." Emmett said.
"No one asked you." I responded quickly, shoveling down some eggs.
There was laughter, though Emmett's boom was absent. I saw him pouting slightly.
"She's quick, on top of everything else." Rosalie smiled at me, then kissed Emmett on the cheek.
"I'm human, not stupid." I pouted for a moment, then crammed more food into my mouth.
I learned that Emmett had broken into my house last night, stealing a bunch of things from a list that Esme had drawn up for him. It included my toothbrush, my dance bag with my own make-up inside, though no clothing. Alice had promised to take care of that. After I finished inhaling my food, I grabbed the dance bag, thanked Emmett, and changed into my pointe shoes. I practiced on the wood floor in the Cullen's dining room, running through both my routines twice. My stitches didn't budge, and by the time I stopped, I was pouring sweat.
"Adele?" Esme was calling my name, and I turned quickly. She was in the doorway, smiling at me. "Carlisle just arrived home, and would like to speak to you."
"Sure." I padded gently across the room, the leather soles of shoes making little noise. She led me down the hallway, to the very last door before we were in the back yard. She knocked then entered, her cool hand in mine.
"Carlisle." He turned, his eyes landing on me. I returned his bright smile, Esme leading me to one of the chairs opposite the huge mahogany desk. Carlisle leaned against the desk, just a few feet away from me.
"How is she?" I asked. His smile faltered for a second, and I gasped in horror.
"Don't worry." He said, noticing my reaction. "She's fine. She's as well as I would hope for, but she is improving. It's just a slower process for her. Her body has already taken a beating." He smiled ruefully. "She keeps asking for you. When she's conscious and in her sleep. She's asking for her Adelita."
I smiled against my will. "Is she humming?"
"Yes." He was curious now. "What is the song?"
"La Adelita." I sang a few lines, the song forever ingrained in my head. "Y si Adelita quisiera ser mi novia; y si Adelita fuera mi mujer; le comprarÃa un vestido de seda; para llevarla a bailar al cuartel." He looked confused for a moment, so I explained. "The song is about a woman soldier in the Mexican Revolution. She fights and takes care of the men. She's very desirable, but she puts her duties first. She's brave and loyal, and beautiful. My mother always sang me that song."
"It makes sense then." He nodded to himself. "She keeps mentioning how brave her Adelita is." His eyes suddenly grew sad as he watched me. "Adele, I need to talk to you."
I laughed slightly. "Really? I assumed we were having afternoon tea."
He shook his head, chuckling. "You have been spending too much time with Emmett." He suddenly grew somber though, and I was perplexed. "I need to explain some things about vampire nature first." I nodded, curling my legs underneath me, preparing for a story. "When the transformation happens, it freezes the body in a very literal sense. No changes happen after that. You don't grow anymore, your body stops producing anything except venom. You're stuck." I nodded. I had known that already, even if it hadn't been pointed out. "It happens on more than just a physical level, that sort of freeze. It takes a lot to change the emotional and mental make-up of a vampire. There are few things that can do that. Finding a mate tends to change the person for the better. On the opposite end of the spectrum, losing a mate can have a devastating effect."
He paused for a moment, his eyes searching my face. Suddenly, he changed topics. "There are not many covens like ours." He said. "We're large, for one. Our diet is also abnormal, and affects more than our eye color." He suddenly had his hand in mine, leaning closer to me. "We're also civilized in a way that other covens are not. We love each other as a family. They truly are my children. That connection, one of a true family, is one of those that can change a vampire. I have found that it happens every time a new member is added. This family adapts, finds a place for the newcomer, and truly welcomes him or her."
He moved his hand to my hair, playing with the ends. "I tell you all this, Adele, because I want you to truly understand the connection we now have with you. You are part of the family now. You have come and changed us all. Some more drastically than others, but we all feel your presence." He sighed, his eyes locking on mine. I could feel tears starting before he even spoke. "You are my daughter. You are a very vital part of my family now. I am not the only one who believes this. The others simply elected me to tell you this. But we all love you, Adele. More than you realize. Everything we do now is out of love for you." The tears were flowing freely now, and I was shaking slightly. "What's wrong?" His tone was different, worried.
"I don't..." My voice was fading in and out, choked with sobs. "I don't deserve this. I don't deserve to have a family as extraordinary as yours. I've never had a father. "
"I know." I was suddenly locked into his strong, cold gasp, my sobs being muffled by his chest. "Adele, please listen to me. You do deserve a family. You deserve one, and you have one. We will do everything we can to protect you."
"But I'm not one of you." I pushed away in time to see a dark look pass across his face. "And you don't want me to be a vampire."
"I will not take your life while it is still so full and healthy." He said, his voice steel. "That does not mean you are not part of this family."
"I'm not worth it." I murmured, my head falling to his shoulder. "I'm damaged goods. I can't even be sold secondhand. I'm so bad, thrift stores wouldn't take me." I was uttering nonsense, but Carlisle still nodded, at least pretending to understand.
"That's not true." He said, his hands stroking my hair. "You are the purest human spirit I have ever met. There is nothing damaged about you except for your body, and you work through even that." He paused, looking sheepish now. "I must admit, I took a peak through your medical records." I flinched, knowing that they read worse than that of a professional boxer's. "They were terrible. I don't know how you can still walk. You're leg shouldn't even be straight after that many breaks. You are a walking war zone, and yet you perform not only the required daily activity, but you dance beautifully. I don't understand that. But you are certainly not damaged goods." His tone was firm, and I knew instinctively that he would not hear another word on the subject. I sighed, and he held me tighter for a moment before letting go. Our eyes locked for a moment, then we were interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in." Carlisle called. Alice entered, her coat on and my dance bag in her hand.
"Adele needs to leave now if she is to make her performance." She held out my coat and shoes.
"Thanks, Alice." I sighed, sitting down again and untying my pointe shoes. Carlisle nodded, his hand on my shoulder for a moment.
"We'll be there tonight." He said. He caught my inquisitive gaze, and smiled. "All of us, Adelita." The nickname flowed off his tongue perfectly, and I smiled.
--- --- ---
I was a bundle of nervous energy backstage. I hopped from foot to foot, ran through the routines by myself, and drove Jamie up a wall. He was patient with me, though, whispering jokes in my ear and trying his best to distract me. During intermission, we snuck out to the lobby, in two long trench coats, and got the girl working the concession stand to give us free food. By the time we snuck backstage, we were laughing loud enough for the audience to hear us.
"So, Adele, where are your parents sitting?" He asked, breaking one of the cookies in half. We were eating in our basic leotards, which would still be considered our costume should someone catch us.
"They're not here tonight." I admitted. He looked up, shocked. My parents were always at opening night shows. "My mom fell down the stairs last night." I lied. "And my dad had some business meeting."
"Oh." He was watching my expression carefully. I shrugged, biting into the cookie. Suddenly, he seemed to change. He scooted closer to me, his eyes checking over our shoulders. I knew that everyone else was busy preparing for the second act. When he was satisfied, he cleared his throat, looking down suddenly. I giggled when I saw he was blushing.
"Jamie, what's going on?" I asked. He swallowed hard, then looked up.
"I don't know how to do this." He admitted. He looked down again, then back up. "Adele...would you like to go to the movies some time?" He said it all in one breath, looking nervous.
"With you?" I asked, stunned. He was asking me out, right? He nodded. "On a date?"
"It doesn't have to be." He shrugged, though I knew that he wanted it to be a date. "I mean, we can go, just as friends."
"No." I said suddenly, his face fell. "I mean, no to the friends thing. I mean yes. I mean..." I paused, trying to collect my thoughts. "Yes, I would like to go on a date with you, Jamie."
"Really?" His blue eyes sparkled as he grinned. I nodded. "That's great! How about next Sunday? After the show?"
"Sounds great." I couldn't stop smiling. He couldn't either.
"Good." We had run out of things to say suddenly, and it was almost a relief to have our stage manager find us and yell at us about eating backstage. We both went our separate ways to change for Act II, smiling the whole time.
When we meet back up for the Tea Dance, we had both calmed down a bit. My nerves had returned, and I was bouncing up and down. The music started before I was ready, but my body reacted instinctively. I leapt out after Jamie, and from then on I didn't have to think. I could hear the audience, with all their little noises. I could feel their energy, and I absorbed it. Every movement was larger for them, every turn more precise. My nerves had vanished, and were now replaced with complete joy. By the time we reached the ending pose, my fake smile was real, and the applause made me feel ready to burst. Jamie led me off stage, neither of us really wishing to go.
We both screamed silently, hugging each other as soon as we were off. I didn't have a whole lot of time to spare. I was suddenly attacked by Cindy, who had my Dew Drop costume ready. Jamie pinned the tiara in my hair as I stripped off the Chinese dress. Cindy pulled the electric blue costume on. She zipped up the back, the blue silk of the bodice tight against me. She also snapped the skirt into place. As soon as they were done I did a quick twirl, watching the fabric of the skirt. It flared out, then instantly settled back down, reaching mid thigh. I smiled, fighting against the nerves again. The other flowers gathered around me, their long pink tutus making swishing noises. We wished each other luck, each of us dealing with out nerves different. Suddenly it was time.
They moved out first, the crowd gasping slightly. I waited for my little bit of music, and entered among the swirl of skirts, to my place at center. There was a rest, then the music started. I led, center and ahead a little, as we performed. Though I kept my eyes straight ahead, I thought I saw a row of pale silhouettes to my right.
In what felt like a moment, the stage was empty for my solo. I didn't break face at all, though the emotion in the pit of my stomach grew. I was alone. It was just me and the audience, and I was set to prove what I had. I danced better than I ever had before. My feet were sure, my arms stretched as high as they would go. I jumped higher than I ever had, and heard gasps in all the right places. The applause surprised me in some spots, but I soaked it up the whole time. I was right were I as supposed to be, doing the only thing that made me truly happy.
The flowers came back, and we continued, moving gracefully around the stage and each other. The music was suddenly more intense, and we danced to fit that. I could feel the end approaching, and threw myself into every step. My turns, all right in row, were perfect. I saw the girls go into their ending poses, felt the music end, and still, I wanted to dance. I was center stage, the flowers around me, and I was beaming.
We were rushed off, all making silent squeals of delight. We had done it, and perfectly. The applause didn't end until the music for the pas de deux started. Cindy was beaming as she handed me my Chinese dress again. I slipped it on over my Dew Drop costume, finding Jamie. He hugged me again, avoiding my hair and the spiky tiara. We waited backstage, this time our cue taking longer. We were almost done, and more than ready to go see our families.
Finally, the closing waltz started. Our Sugar Plum ran backstage, stopped for a split second, than ran back on stage. She did her bit first, then the Spanish and Russian went out, then the Arabian, and then it was us.
Jamie and I ran out hand in hand, doing our quick bit side by side. Then, as planned, I quickly undid the front closures on the Chinese dress, and Jamie pulled it off, revealing the Dew Drop costume. He backed off as the flowers came forward, and we performed our part of the waltz. There was flush of music, and the entire company joined us. In one swift move we moved slightly right, Sugar Plum taking center. We slowly moved back, giving the sleigh enough room to come out. The director of the auditorium, dressed as Father Christmas, lead the sleigh, that was pulled by at least twenty 3-5 year olds dressed as reindeer. We all smiled a little brighter at the collective "Awww" from the audience. The Prince lifted Clara into the sleigh, and Father Christmas led them out. We all waved cheerfully over the final notes of music. The curtain closed, and the applause followed us backstage.
Finally, we were allowed to cheer. Everyone was yelling now, congratulating each other. There were hugs abound, and cries from our stage manager to be careful of the costumes. I rushed to change, talking to Cindy the whole time. The euphoria was palpable.
I had changed back into street clothes, hung up my costumes, and washed most of the stage make-up off. Cindy and Jamie had done the same, and the three of us now braved the crowds in the lobby, where family was supposed to wait for their dancers. Cindy found her family instantly, and their screaming followed me clean across to the other side. I knew not to expect my father to be present, so I didn't bother looking for him. The family I was expecting couldn't be found, though.
Jamie found his parents, and they congratulated me as well. I smiled, still searching over their shoulders. As I was talking to Jamie's mother, I heard my name.
"Adele!" I barely had time to turn around before something small was hugging me tightly around the middle. I caught sight of Alice's dark hair before she was replaced by someone much bigger.
"Emmett!" I yelled as he picked me up in his bear hug. He laughed, setting me down. Rosalie showed up next, laughing at her husband. She gave me a moment to breathe, than wrapped her arms gently around my shoulders.
"You were great." She muttered. I smiled at her, then went to hug Jasper. He was definitely uncomfortable among so many people, but he tried to hide it.
"You should probably leave." I whispered. He shook his head.
"So long as I keep my focus on you, they kind of become background noise." He shrugged. "I made it this long. I should be able to handle it."
"Thank you." I said. He smiled, and hugged me tighter for a moment. Then I was with Esme, and she was beaming.
"You are so beautiful up there." She looked close to tears, though I knew that wasn't possible. Edward hugged me, then looked at Esme.
"That's a good idea." He smiled at her, then at me. I raised an eyebrow, but he shook his head, laughing. I pushed him away playfully.
Then Carlisle was there. I latched on to him, not caring that I was freezing by that point. He held me close for a moment, then let me, go, his eyes sparkling. We didn't need words. I could tell he was proud of me.