Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or its characters. I own the plot of this, though.
Author's Note: Another filler chapter. Longest chapter ever! Very little dialogue, more on narration. A very descriptive chapter, if you ask me.I indulged myself and gave in to my fashionista side in this chapter so spare me. Haha! Though there wasn't really much going on, I kind of like this chapter. :)
Thank you, BlueEyedGunSlinger, DaOneAndOnlyTt & EdwardsSoul101 for the story alert. Thank you, Angie-Ange for the Favorite Story add. Thank you, Bookflower, BlueEyedGunSlinger, DaOneAndOnlyTt & Twilightqueen16 for the reviews. :D Love you all. :D
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Chapter 8
We walked towards the dining room which was not what I had expected. The dining room was oriental inspired, evidently. Chinese lanterns hung from the ceiling. A low table was at the center of the room. Small cushions were used as pseudo-chairs. Everyone was already seated. Carlisle and Esme were at both ends. Emmett, Rosalie and Jasper were seated on one side. To Alice's left were two free chairs. Edward sat on the cushion beside Carlisle, so I took the seat in between Edward and Alice.
As we saw what was laid out on the table, Edward and I couldn't help but laugh. We were having Japanese, which meant that we would indeed be having raw food for dinner. A colorful display of various maki, sashimi and sushi were laid out in several black faux wood platters. Tempura was placed in baskets and gyoza was stacked up on plates. Each person had a faux wood bowl and a pair of chopsticks. Soy sauce and wasabi were already prepared, too.
"Family," Edward started. "This is Francesca."
"Pleasure to meet you all," I smiled shyly as I nodded at each one. They all nodded back with a gentle smile.
"Okay," Esme interrupted. "Let's Eat."
I lifted a piece of sashimi and dipped it in soy sauce. It tasted amazing. I've always fancied Japanese food but I haven't had the chance to eat any since I arrived at this country. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed their meal as much as I did. In between bites, some of them asked me random questions like where I was from or how I liked it here. They all were very genteel and welcoming. I enjoyed their company very much, as if I needed any more reasons to love the Cullens.
After dinner, everyone agreed on having some after-dinner coffee and sweets down at the new pastry shop near the mall. Alice and Esme headed upstairs to freshen up and were done after about ten minutes.I had noticed only then how the entire Cullen family seemed to be fashionable.
Alice wore a short gray strapless empire-cut dress with a pair of skinny jeans and black peep-toe pumps. Rosalie was in striped brown-scale off-shoulder loose top and black leggings with white stilettos. Esme was in a plain bright green sleeveless dress matched with a bright yellow belt and yellow flats. Carlisle and Emmett each wore a polo shirt, first few unbuttoned, with jeans. Jasper was in a pink shirt with the words "Tough Guys Wear Pink" printed on it paired with khaki board shorts. Edward was wearing a purple shirt with an intricate black design and white checkered shorts.
"I had just noticed now," he laughed. "We match."
"Really?" I said as I looked down to see what I was wearing. I was in a purple tank top with "LMAO" printed across my chest, paired with short brown shorts and purple flats. I accessorized with a rainbow-colored belt and randomly colored bracelets. "We do."
"If I didn't know better," Alice suddenly said. "I'd say you two were a couple."
"I agree with her," Rosalie interjected. "But you have style, dear. We should go shopping together."
"Later?" I suggested excitedly. Rosalie turned to Alice. They both grinned and nodded.
"Tell me, Francesca," Alice said. "Describe yourself as a shopped."
"As a shopper?" I repeated as my eyes widened a bit. I laughed. "Very high maintenance."
"Designer labels?" she prompted enthusiastically.
"Guilty," I nodded as I gestured to my Vuitton bag. "But I love it when amazing stuff come cheap!"
"Ooh," Alice grabbed my hands, beaming. "We are going to get along perfectly."
We arrived at the mall and headed straight for the coffee shop. Conversations flowed here and there over coffee. I learned so much about them in a span of two hours – things that weren't in the book. I learned, for instance, that Carlisle is a neurosurgeon. I found out that Esme used to be a ballerina before she gave it up to pursue a career in interior design. Alice never really liked the color pink, albeit her room is primarily of that color. Emmett is allergic to fur, hence they never had pets. Rosalie used to have really curly hair but she opted to have it straightened. I learned that Jasper is a literature buff, like me. I learned that Edward never had a best friend, so I volunteered to be his. Ah, the things caffeine can make you say.
After coffee, we had an hour till the mall closed so we reconnoitered the place. Alice and Rosalie invited me to go shopping with them but I declined, telling them that I had some errands to run before I go home.
I headed first for the grocery to pick up a few things like shampoo and cereals. After that, I headed for Barnes & Noble to find new reading material. As I found a book, an idea popped into mind. I headed for the bestseller's table and picked up a copy each of Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse. I paid for my purchases and had the three books gift wrapped.
I headed out and met up with them by the entrance. The rest of the Cullens bid me good-bye as they left me with Edward who offered to drive me home. I insisted that I could walk since I live only two blocks from here. He argued that it was dark already so it wasn't safe. I surrendered and agreed to it. As we got to the car, we stuffed our purchases in the trunk and drove off to my place. When we got there, he helped me bring my purchases up to my unit. Wanting to stay in touch, we exchanged cellphone digits and other contact information. He made me promise that I send him a text message soon.
"Hey.ü" I sent a text message fifteen seconds after he closed my flat's door.
"You miss me already? Haha." He replied a minute later.
"Oh, don't flatter yourself. lmao. Just wanted to tell you to check your trunk."
"What's in there?"
"Oh, you'll see."
I peeked out from my window on the seventh floor and saw him heading for his car. He popped open the trunk and pulled out my package. He tore the wrapper off and laughed when he saw what it was. He looked up to my window, raised up a book (it was too far down for me to see which) and mouthed 'thanks'.
