Hola! So updates are happening quicker now that the end is finished, mostly because I'm so darn excited I've finished something for a change. Still though, I love reviews, and since I'm home with the flu, they make me feel ten times better.
So while I've gotten some really awesome feedback about the possible sequel, I can always use more. I have the first two-ish chapters written, but it really isn't leading into the plot so much. The poll is still up as well, although right now there is a clear favorite.
Thanks goes out to Scampifish, sleepthroughthestatic, Meikajo, and Navalia for the awesome reviews!!
Chapter Ten: Life
Carlisle took me to see my mother that night. I had returned to the Cullen house long enough to shower off the make up and hairspray, and then we were heading to the hospital.
Although they had all offered to go with me, I decided to make this trip alone. I knew what I had to talk to her about, and being alone would hopefully make it easier.
"She's doing much better, Adele." Carlisle's voice was worried as we walked through the hallways of the hospital. "It doesn't look pleasant, but she is healing quickly. Apparently you inherited that ability from her." I nodded. I couldn't speak, not quite. We stopped outside a door, just as blank as the rest of them. He opened it, allowing me in.
He had been right to warn me. She looked a hot mess. Her dark hair was matted behind her head, her right arm incased in plaster to the shoulder. She was hooked up to every machine in the room, though they all seemed to reading normal. She was asleep, though she was still moving, tossing slightly. Suddenly she called for me.
"Mija, venido aquí." I stepped forward, listening to her command.
"Si, Mama." Her eyes snapped open, her hands reaching to my loose, wet hair.
"Your show was today." She was sad as she said it, her hand running through my hair. "I'm sorry, mija. I didn't mean to miss it."
"It's okay, Mama." I assured her softly. "The Cullens came. I danced wonderfully."
"You always do." She was tired, I could tell. I swallowed hard, and set my resolve.
"Mama, we need to talk." I took a deep breath. "You need to leave him."
"Mija, not now." She closed her eyes wearily.
"Look what he's done to you!" I exclaimed. "You're broken. You're so broken you can't fight back. That's not fair. It's not right. That's not how a family should work. Mama, I love you. But I cannot pretend to love him anymore. He's terrible, he doesn't care about us. We're just his toys now, his amusement. He'll kill us, Mama." My voice cold as I said that. "He will kill us, without even feeling sorry for it."
"He wouldn't." She shook her head.
"He's tried." I motioned to her, lying in her cold, sterile bed. "He would have killed you then. He would have. Mama, please, listen to me."
"No, mija." Her voice was weak. "He's still my husband."
"He hasn't been home!" I yelled. "He beat us, then left. He does it all the time. He only comes home so no one will know what he's doing!" I sighed, desperate for her to understand. "He's not a good man. He doesn't deserve us."
"We don't always deserve everything we are given." She said. "Remember grace, mija."
"No, Mama! Grace isn't the same as this!" I repeated Carlisle's words from this morning. "We deserve a family! We're not damaged goods. We deserve to be loved."
"I love you, mija." She said. "But we must love him. That's all he needs."
"He needs to be put away, and you know it!" I was in tears, fighting against my mother's calm. "Mama, please. Just see reason."
"Adele, please." She waved a hand dismissively. "I'm tired. I will not have this discussion with you." She sighed, and in a moment she was asleep. I stared at her, anger, frustration, and sadness building inside me. I kicked the tiled floor with all my might, turning on my heels and running from the room.
Carlisle was waiting for me, leaning against the wall opposite the door. I sat down next to him, my knees pulled to my chest. I was angry, more than anything else. I glared at a spot on the floor, wishing the anger would just leave. I knew Carlisle was watching me, but I didn't care. I continued to glare, continued to hate the man who was responsible for the entire situation.
"It would have been better if she had never met him." I growled. He sighed.
"Then you wouldn't exist."
"Exactly." I muttered. "She would be safe, maybe marry someone decent, and had some good kids then. Now she's stuck in this hell of a marriage, with me helpless to get her out."
"Adele." He sighed, lowering himself into a crouch next to me. "You're trying. That is all you can do. Don't worry any more. We'll keep her safe."
"It's not going to work, though." I sighed. "Alice said that unless his path changes, we'll be gone in two months."
"Alice can be wrong." He reminded me.
"But it's his path in question, not yours. Not mine." I shook my head, my hair forming a curtain around my face. "He won't change. He'll kill us."
"We won't let him." He assured me. As much faith as I had in Carlisle, I couldn't help but know he was wrong.
--- --- ---
There was no sign of my father during the weekend. I was relieved, glad for any distance between him and my mother.
We had two shows on Saturday, and one on Sunday. I always had bodyguards, as I started calling them, take me to and from the performances. The shows went well, though we never seemed to reach the peak that had been opening night. Still, we had mini-celebrations each night as we changed and got ready to go home.
I hadn't told anyone about my date with Jamie, though I wasn't trying to hide it. The topic just never came up. At least, not until Sunday night.
Jamie and I walked into the crisp evening air after our Sunday matinee. We said goodbye, and he kissed me gently on the cheek. I blushed, waving goodbye as we took off down opposite ends of the street. Emmett and Edward were waiting for me on the corner, and I was still blushing as I approached them.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Edward demanded. He looked put out, his arm around my shoulders as soon as I got close enough.
"What are you talking about?" I raised an eyebrow, and he just shook his head.
"You have a date next week?" Emmett's head snapped around as Edward spoke.
"A date?" He asked. "With a boy?" Edward and I both nodded. "This is unacceptable." He shook his head, looking angry.
"What do you mean, unacceptable?" I looked at him for a long moment. "It's just a date. We're going to the movies."
"As your big brother, I should have known before you did." He explained. "And I need to approve."
"Bullshit you need to approve!" I yelled. Edward shushed me, but I ignored him. "You don't even know him. And I don't care if you are my brother, to the outside world you are the weird new kid, and you would probably scare him off."
"I'm not weird." Emmett protested. "We still need to meet him."
"What about my biological family?" I asked.
He shrugged. "Not my concern."
"You're not meeting him." I said. "I don't need you scaring away boys."
"It's not my fault my very presence is intimidating." Emmett seemed please with himself.
"Okay, so maybe we should keep Emmett away." Edward agreed with me. "But at least let me meet him."
"Like you haven't already been in his head." I rolled my eyes at him. He smiled.
"Only a little." He assured me. We were home by then. Emmett held the door open for me, letting it fall into Edward's face. Alice was already cooking. I sighed, sure that when I finally moved back into my own home I would miss the constant service.
"Who says you're ever leaving?" Edward asked. I thought he was joking, but the look on his face told me he wasn't.
"I have to go back eventually." I said. He just shook his head.
--- --- ---
I didn't go back to that house.
My father returned, but not for long. He was in another rage when he came back, and made quick work of the house. It was reported as a bunch of teens, just goofing off, torching the house. Alice told me otherwise.
My home was gone. I had grown up in that house. There was so much of my life there, and now, it was taken from me.
Edward became my own personal bodyguard after that. He waited for me to snap, knowing that I couldn't keep revenge from my mind. I didn't, though. I kept thinking of Rosalie, and what she had told me that first night. I wasn't strong enough, physically or emotionally.
I had cried myself out within a few days. Mama was devastated, and we sat together in her room, sobbing. I missed a week of school, and Carlisle wrote me a doctor's note, excusing me. Even he had to admit that I was spent.
When Mama was released to the hospital, we moved into the Cullen's house. She spent at least three hours fighting it, explaining that we had relatives; we could find our own way. Carlisle was not convinced. He argued every point he could, but gently, persuasively, until my mother couldn't remember her own arguments. His family had more than enough room, and she was on shaky ground for her recovery. It would be easier if he could treat her from home.
And so we moved. Not that we had anything to move. It was mostly just finding our spot in the Cullen household. My mom and I were in rooms next to each other, mine technically Edward's round tower room, hers formerly a storage room. I had watched the boys move out the boxes, and though I questioned what was in all of them, I rarely got any answers. They did let me help decorate, though Alice was in charge in a major way. Edward laughed whenever I tried to plot revenge, reminding me that my attempts were fruitless.
"I don't care if she knows its coming, it still makes me feel better." I said as we added a new coat of paint to the walls. He shook his brush, flicking some of the paint at me. I pouted, and he shook his head. His hand touched mine for a moment, and the jolt of electricity was not a sign of attraction, but the beginning of a private conversation.
So this Jamie. You really like him, don't you?
Of course. I've known him for ages.
But how much do you like him?
A lot. He caught the many meanings. I don't want to screw this up, Edward.
I don't think you will. He sounded confident. He likes you too. He's very nervous about your date. You are too.
I wish I wasn't. I shrugged. I don't really date guys I like.
Who do you date? He may have been a senior citizen, but Edward knew nothing about dating. It didn't exactly exist when he was first a teenager.
Whoever asks me out. I've gone out with a couple of guys at school. They were nice, but kind of immature. It never lasted long.
You think this one will last long?
I hope so. I sighed. Edward caught my thoughts, his eyes flashing to me sharply.
Really? You love him?
I think I might. I could feel myself smiling. He just makes me feel so…wonderful. Everything is easy with him, you know? I can just…breathe when I'm with him.
Edward sighed, sitting next to me. We both stared at the finished wall, letting our minds wander. The open window was letting in the cool winter air that was already flowing in.
I hope it works for you. He thought, slipping an arm around my shoulder. You deserve to have someone special.
--- --- ---
Performances seemed to pass in a flash. Our last show made everyone cry. I tried not to, but my tears had returned from earlier in the week. Somehow, I knew that was my last show ever.
Sunday night, after everyone else had left, Cindy was helping me get ready for my date. She couldn't stop giggling, and I started shaking. Finally I passed her inspection, and she took my dance bag along with hers.
"Good luck." She whispered before pushing me out the door.
Jamie was waiting on the street corner, looking crisp and clean for a boy I had just gotten off stage with. He smiled as I approached, and I felt my heart flutter. I had to remind myself that he couldn't hear it, returning the gesture automatically. He slipped his hand in mine, and I thought I was about to have a heart attack. Without a word, we headed down the street towards the cinema.
The conversation started effortlessly, and didn't stop until the lights went out. His arm was around my shoulders, but it wasn't like with Edward or Emmett. They were both protecting me, while Jamie was just wishing I was closer. I found his free hand, and felt him smile.
By the time the movie was done, I couldn't remember what it was about. There was a girl, and most likely a guy. I knew I wouldn't forget the feeling of being so close to him, though.
He walked me home, our conversation resuming. He made me laugh so many times, my sides hurt as we turned down the Cullens' street. We reached the door step quickly, and I felt a growing apprehension at letting him go.
"I had fun." I said. Suddenly things grew awkward in the pool of light from the porch lamp. Jamie's bright eyes glanced to the window, and I saw the curtain twitch. "Sorry about that." I winced, hearing a small crash from inside the house. "The Cullens are being really nice about this, but sometimes I think Alice can't mind her own business."
"No, it's fine." He smiled, and the lamp light paled in comparison. "I had fun as well." He bit his lip for a moment, unsure of what to do next. I wasn't paying attention, my gaze caught by a pale white hand on the ground inside the bush. "Adele." My eyes snapped back to him, and I couldn't help but smile at the way his hair glowed golden. "I really like you, and I was hoping…maybe you would come with me to the winter formal?"
My jaw dropped, though I recovered quickly. "Of course." I laughed slightly, my voice catching. "I'd love to."
"Really?" He seemed surprised at first, but then his hands gripped mine tightly. "Thank you."
"No, thank you." I knew I was blushing, but I couldn't help myself. My blush only increased when he leaned forward, his soft lips gently touching my cheek. He hesitated, then pulled away. "Wait." He hadn't moved, but I didn't want him to. I took a half step closer, my hands still in his, and kissed him on the lips.
His reaction was instantaneous. His hands were at my waist, pulling me closer. My arms slowly wrapped around his neck as the shock wore off. The kiss didn't last long, but it still sweet. He let go, breathing deeply.
"I should go." He said, his voice a little husky. I nodded gently, biting my lip. He smiled, kissed my cheek again, and released me. I opened the door, glancing back to wave to him, and closed the door behind me.
The entire Cullen family, save for Alice, was standing in the entrance hall, waiting for me. My mother was leaning against the door frame to the kitchen, a strange smile on her face, a wooden spoon in her hand. As I caught my breath, Alice slipped in through an open window down the hall, coming up from behind with an expectant look. I stayed silent, closing my eyes and leaning against the door.
"Is she okay?" Emmett asked.
"She's more than okay." Jasper said.
"How was it?" Alice asked.
"She's in a slight state of shock." Edward commented lightly, though I could hear his amusement.
"How was it?" Alice demanded.
"She's blushing." Carlisle commented.
"Mija, say something." My mother was also amused.
"HOW WAS IT?!?!" Alice was bouncing up and down when I opened my eyes, smirking at her.
"Alice, don't be rude." Esme scolded gently, her eyes never leaving my face. "Adele, dear, did you have fun?"
I nodded slowly. "Yes. I did."
"Adele." Alice walked over, linking arms with me. "I want a play by play account, and I want it now."
"I don't remember what happened exactly." I shook my head, still smiling. Jasper looked torn between some kind of voyeuristic joy, and wanting to puke. I must have been nauseating to be around. "I just remember that…it was nice."
Rosalie rolled her eyes. "What a let down." She said, before grabbing my other arm and helping Alice lead me upstairs.
--- --- ---
I couldn't sleep that night. Alice and Rosalie both agreed the story I had told was boring and insufficient, and had left me to sleep in a huff. I couldn't sleep, though. Carlisle was making me go back to school tomorrow, and I knew I would have to deal with more gossip than ever before. The rumors must be vicious by this point, but I didn't want to think of them. Still, I couldn't sleep.
I pulled myself out of bed and went downstairs. The Cullens all seemed to be in the living room, watching a completely still chess game. I raised an eyebrow to Jasper, who just shrugged.
"It's always like this when Edward and Alice play."
I sat down next to Carlisle, who had a medical magazine on his lap. He closed it, shifting so he was facing me more than he had been.
"You should be sleeping." He said, no trace of blame in his voice.
"I know." I shrugged. He understood. I turned my attention back to the game. One piece had moved, though it was clear that it was reaching the end. Alice was starting to smile as Edward's eyes darted around the board, looking for any opening. Finally, he sighed, knocking his king over. I laughed gently, settling deeper into the couch. Carlisle ran his hand through my hair absently, watching his children set up another game. I wanted to know what he was thinking about.
Edward heard the request, but shook his head. I begged, telling him I could handle it. He sighed, but touched my hand gently. Seven voices flooded my mind, and I took a moment to sort them out. I found Carlisle's easily.
She has even more reason to stay human, now. Alice says it's unavoidable now, that every path would lead to it. It can't be. She's so strong. Stronger than any other human I've meet. And she wants to stay human. Alice has to be wrong. She has been before…hasn't she? She must have been. If not with us, then before. I felt him glance down at me, his fingers still working through my hair. She can't change. I won't let it happen. There must be some way to prevent it.
"What if you can't?" My voice was small, making me sound like the child I felt like. He looked down at me, eyes filled with concern.
We will.
"But what if you can't?" I asked again, in the same voice. "If it's that or death. Which would you give me?"
He paused, his hand never ceasing as it worked through my hair. Life. He finally decided. As odd a form of life this is, it is still better than losing you forever.
"Alice knows my mom won't make it." I knew that already. I hadn't been told, but I knew from the way they acted sometimes. They knew the clock was ticking.
I'm so sorry, Adele.
I nodded, my head falling against his chest. For the time being, I wouldn't think of it. I would just try to get through, day by day, until those days were up. Then, hopefully, I would become a true Cullen.