Rating/Warning(s)/Note(s): T, Shadows
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Prompt: Stroll

Getting through the paperwork was a piece of cake. I'd heard horror stories from friends about the difficulty of dealing with financial aid people, but the lady helping me was nothing short of obsequious with Emmett. She acted like he was almost a celebrity, making me look at him again. Surely he was more than a driver?

"It's because I'm related to the family," he explained when I asked. The doting woman had gone to get copies made of some form. "I'm actually here on a similar trust." I didn't know why I thought he was lying to me, but the only answer I received in reply to my other questions was a wink and a shake of his head. Immediately I turned around, looking for the redhead, Edward, to see if he was lurking nearby and making Emmett resemble a clam. It seemed we were alone, but judging from my feelings I knew we weren't.

"Be patient, Bella," Emmett whispered, startling close against my ear. His cold breath made me shiver. "You'll understand everything one day, just not soon. Appreciate what you've been given and give him time in return." In another startlingly fast move he was back upright in his seat, smiling at the financial aid lady as if he'd never moved. I wanted to shower him with questions but instead nodded my understanding. I had been given a huge gift and shouldn't push my luck.

After explaining to me that books, fees, room and board all came with tuition costs and signing a paper in acceptance, the lady showed me that my balance was zero and wished me luck in my classes. I was passed on to the dean of the English department, Emmett deciding to go on a stroll while I met with him and reappearing after all my classes had been chosen and registration was complete to walk me to my dorm.

"You'll like your room," he said as he opened the door to a single room. It was as if an interior decorator had scanned my brain and created the perfect room for me. Soft, white curtains hung at the window, billowing gently in the breeze. The bed was made up in navy and white, very nautical, and there was no way that was a standard-issue mattress. It was simply too thick and comfortable. Along the wall was a small fridge and microwave, bookshelves begging to be filled, a desk with a bright lamp glowing down on an impressive looking laptop and small printer with a top-of-the-line office chair in front, and a closet with the doors closed. A dresser was under the window at the end of the room and a comfortable-looking reading chair with a bright floor lamp and ottoman rounded out the room. The walls were decorated with posters from Jane Austen movies and a huge cork-board was hung over the desk.

Peering through a door to my right revealed a small bathroom with towels that continued the nautical theme and what looked to be my favorite bath supplies on the counter. I wandered in there, almost groaning at the luxury of the thick towels as well as at the thought that I didn't have to share.

"Now, don't get mad," Emmett said, drawing my attention back to him.

"Why would I do that?" I asked, turning around to see him in front of the closet.

"Because you didn't spend any of your clothing allowance, so, um, someone went shopping for you." He opened the closet with a flourish, revealing blouses, sweaters, boots, shoes, dresses, skirts and dress pants. "There's more in the dresser," he said, practically skipping over to it and randomly opening drawers. "Unmentionables, t-shirts, jeans, socks, you name it. Enough room was left for the clothes you packed, especially if you throw out the ratty ones."

"Ratty?" I all but shrieked. This was too much!

"Now, before you get your undies in a bundle, calm down and look at the clothes. They're really nice, and it would make the shopper very happy if you wore them, which would make Ms. Hale happy in turn." His grin turned decidedly wicked, as if he knew my weak spot. Ms. Hale had given me so much, and if she wanted me in new clothes I couldn't very well look a gift horse in the mouth.

"Tell them thank you," I said, resigned to accepting the clothes. Most were really cute, but someone needed to inform the shopper that I didn't wear heels, I thought as I eyed the adorable shoes with a red tab on the bottom of the heel.

It was three more days until classes began so I took to wandering around campus. During one of my calls to Charlie he had a fit that I was doing that alone since the serial killer hadn't been caught but was appeased when I told him I stuck to populated areas that were well lit. At no time was Edward mentioned, although there was no doubt he was following me everywhere I went despite the fact that I never caught even a glimpse of him. His presence warmed me somehow, even though I knew a stalker is generally a bad thing, but how bad could he be if Emmett knew him?

Emmett found me on one of my walks, a beautiful blonde on his arm. "I want you to meet my Rosalie, nee Hale," he said, smiling for all the world like a man deeply in love. "We married a few months ago."

"Oh, are you related to Ms. Lillian Hale?" I asked, shaking her hand even while feeling a bit intimidated by her. Who wouldn't, she was drop-dead gorgeous and seemed a bit haughty. The only thing that gave me courage to speak to her was the way she seemed to literally melt whenever she looked at Emmett.

"Yes," she said, an 'I've got a secret' smile on her face. "You could say we are very close." Emmett sniggered at that and got an elbow in the ribs from Rosalie. "It's a pleasure to meet you, and I look forward to making a deeper acquaintance with you in the future," she added as she pulled her husband quickly away. It wasn't until I looked back at them a third time, wondering at their odd behavior, that I realized her eyes had been the same color as Emmett's.

I know, Edward's gone back into hiding. I'm trying to coax him out, but he's not cooperating. Be patient, my dears!

Normally I can't write to music, I listen to it instead of writing, but right now I have Christmas music playing on my iTunes. Rocking out to Trans Siberian Orchestra is really a wonderful thing.