*** This story contains some mild language, suspense, romance, and some frightening images and situations—13 and older, please.
In the Grip of Twilight
By:
Olivia Tannis Moore
Chapter Thirty:
Modern Day Cinderella
The dress was the most exquisite thing I'd ever worn, and it seemed to be made for me. I should've felt awkward wearing a dress the Volturi produced, and perhaps I did at first when I picked it up from the bed. But once I put it on and walked to the full length mirror, those thoughts vanished. The blue silk shimmered and draped to the contours of my body whenever I moved—and although I didn't possess the grace of a vampire, the flow of the dress made me feel as if I did.
I'd just brush my damp hair when there was a knock at the door. I hurried to open it, thinking Edward was a bit early. But it was a young girl in her early teens that stood there. Immediately I noticed how her dark red irises contrasted brilliantly against her bone-white skin and hair. She shyly handed me a slim white case and a shoebox, and then ran off giggling down the hall.
I carried the boxes to the dresser and opened the shoebox first. A pair of blue sandals with rhinestones on the straps was in the box, low heels, and just my size. I smiled; the pair of scruffy sandals I'd brought with me could stay in the suitcase now. I slid the sandals on and admired the way they complimented the dress. It wasn't my usual attire, but I couldn't deny that I was pleased. The last time I'd worn an evening dress my leg had been in a cast. So, if this was to be my only Cinderella moment while still human, I'd run with it.
There was a knock at the door. This time when I opened it, Edward stood there. His head was craned to the side and he was trying to loosen the collar of an all black tuxedo. I tried not to stare, but it was impossible. The cut of the suit reminded me of the clothing the men wore in the old silent films—but Edward, in real life, was stunning. It was surreal; the room, the clothes, so easily we could have been those people in those old silent films…except we were in vivid color and vibrant sound. We were standing there in the bubble of what could have been a dream. I didn't dare pinch myself.
"I see that your fairy god mother paid you a visit too," I said, grinning.
"Yeah… You know, the tux is fun and everything…" He grimaced and began to fidget with his tie, and finally ripped it from his neck. "…but I'm not wearing this thing. It feels like a shackle around my neck."
"Maybe that's the idea," I joked. It did seem like everything Aro did or said carried a hidden meaning. And suddenly I was glad Edward had ripped the thing off. It would send a strong message back to Aro: Forget it.
He turned and did a double take, as if he'd not really seen me when I'd opened the door.
"Whoa…you look…fantastic."
I flushed; I'd hoped to dazzle him. To me, it was always a big mystery as to why I could in the first place.
"Thank you. So do you," I said, timidly.
I turned away under the weight of his admiring stare, and went to the dresser, conscious of his eyes on me as I walked, the dress rippling and sliding across my ankles. My stomach fluttered and I hoped he didn't notice my trembling hands. I picked up the white case to steady them, finding the clasp and opening it.
My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. Inside, on a bed of blue, crushed-velvet, was a necklace fit for a queen. Aro was really trying hard to show his appreciation—maybe too hard. The petite gold links of the chain appeared too dainty to support the teardrop diamond pendant. I'd never seen so large a gem before; it looked as if it belonged in a museum. I traced the facets lightly with the tip of my finger, and then snapped the case shut. I wouldn't wear my shackle either—no telling what strings went along with it. But that wasn't the only reason. Beautiful as it was, I would never feel comfortable wearing something that appeared capable of feeding a third world country.
Edward came up behind me and stroked the side of my throat. "That's okay with me—I like your neck bare."
I turned and wrapped my arms around his neck. "I bet you do."
***
(And so, I end this week with a bit of fluff. See you Monday. Thanks for reading.)
3/14/09 9 p.m.
The story board has been frozen for hours. I always envy those people who get stuck at # 1 for infinity…I'll try to upload again as soon as I get up in the morning (after I feed the pups, of course).