Chapter 11
In the moonlight…
Obviously, meiosis was on the exercise program for this afternoon. Most students pale or sigh. Edward leans towards me offering his help, but I politely decline, assuring him that it should be fine. In fact, the questions are quite simple as long as you know your lesson and I finish quickly. As I have a lot of time left, I accompany my answers with captioned diagrams. Mr. Banner gives me a big smile as he picks up my copy. I feel like I made her day.
The day goes by without a hitch and I find myself not dwelling more than that on the looks of the high school students who stare at me without bothering to hide. I join Alice and Edward in the parking lot and the three of us take the road to their house. Once there, we do our homework… Finally, I do my homework at human speed while Alice and Edward finish theirs in record time… I then suggest Edward play a little while waiting for me to finish.
He nods and settles down at the piano, launching into complex melodies that I didn't know. I finish my mathematics with a sigh and join him. He greets me with a smile. I lean against the instrument and watch him finish the piece. When the last note is lost in the living room, he invites me to play my turn. I sit down and start playing a piano version of Swordland, from Sword Art Online*. (*Performed by Kenzie Smith Piano)
"It's music that I don't know. »
No wonder, I think, the anime hasn't come out yet.
"But do you like it? I ask him.
Yes, it is original and dynamic.
Wait, I have others of this style.
I decide to play him the other two songs I know: Crossing Field and Courage. I even let myself sing the lyrics to the second song. He listens to me, his eyes shining and thanks me. I ask him why.
"To share a bit of you. »
I realize that I haven't really opened up to them and to him in particular, because I keep my secret in mind with every discussion. When I play, I indulge in the music and express myself freely. Does it show that much? He snaps me out of my thoughts by asking if he can listen to me play the guitar. I nod, then frown at the clock.
" What is going on ? he worries.
With the car ride, there's little chance I'll be able to play you a tune before Charlie arrives. »
He looks at me for a few seconds, then offers me with a resolute air to carry me running to my house. I widen my eyes, then happily accept. He laughs feeling my excitement. I grab my bag, put it on my back and climb onto his, which he presents to me, squatting down. I cling to his neck, breathing in his scent as I pass. Edward raises an eyebrow. I answer with a shrug:
"I love your perfume, you'll have to give me the brand to shoot with.
I can also leave you my shirt as a comforter, he offers to tease me.
With pleasure, I say to play his game.
He bursts out laughing. It's the first time I've heard him laugh and it's the most beautiful sound I've heard. Still hilarious, he asks me to behave, leaves the house and starts running. The feel of the air against my skin is invigorating and exciting. Roller coasters can get dressed, nothing can match the pleasure I take in seeing the landscape scroll around me in artistic blur. He stops a few yards from the house in the woods and asks me if I'm okay.
"It's too good, I exclaim, coming down from his shoulders. I felt like I was in the Millennium Falcon going into light speed! »
Edward's laughter at my words prolongs my pleasure and we walk into the house in high spirits. I guide him to my room feeling myself blush remembering the state of disorder.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone," I said, a little embarrassed.
Don't worry, when Rose isn't there, Emmett's room is much worse. »
I push back my bedspread, grab my guitar case from under my bed, and invite Edward to sit next to me. I caress the wood before launching into the acoustic version of Price Tag * (*Imagine the version of OrtoPilot)
"Another unknown song… remarks Edward. Did you compose it?
No ! But isn't it nice to discover new songs?
Yes, he replies in a breath. »
I feel the question behind all these unknown melodies, and for good reason, the songs have not yet been released, but he knows that I would have already given him a clearer answer if I could, so he does not push his questioning further, probably adding a stone to the edifice that brings it closer to my secret.
"Charlie will be here soon," he said suddenly. He must not find me there without my car.
See you tomorrow ? I ask him.
I'm picking you up like this morning. »
He opens the window, which reminds me of something I wanted to tell him.
"Edward! I call him.
Yes ?
You know that in the morning it's not very hot?
Uh… he mutters, bewildered.
I just wanted to remind you to close the window when you leave my room. I wouldn't want to catch a cold. »
His eyes widen, probably wondering if my words were double-edged. Well, that'll occupy his thoughts a bit between spy sessions. I don't really like this attitude. If I didn't have an idea of what must have happened, unlike Bella, who took it relatively calmly and clinically, I would have panicked and turned paranoid.
The evening goes off without a hitch, despite Charlie's relative enthusiasm for the vegetable stew I serve him. I giggle when I see him pushing the end of his fork away from the turnips, which I end up stealing from his plate.
"By the way, Bella, I've heard from the mechanic.
What's new ?
Well...I know you like it a lot, but the repairs go beyond the price of the car so...
Don't worry, I cut it. Got it. I'll manage with my friends and go on foot on sunny days.
Are you sure ? he said hesitantly. I can take you in the morning. »
I shiver thinking about the screen-printed car that takes me to school every morning.
"Dad, I don't want to freak out the petty criminals in the school every morning. It will be fine for me, especially since Edward is picking me up tomorrow morning.
Charlie blocks a little. He told me while grumbling.
"Well, it seems to be progressing well with him. »
I decide to tease her a little.
"Yes… He even proposed to me and I'm moving in next week with him…"
Charlie chokes as he spits out his cabbage and I burst out laughing. He wipes his face and looks stern.
"It's not funny Bella!" You are far too young to think about getting married!
Yet at my age you were already thinking about doing it with mom… I reply.
And as you can see, we were far too young for this project.
What would you have done if grandpa and grandma had opposed the wedding?
…I would have done it anyway. But Bella, the situation was different! I've known Renee a lot longer than you know Edward.
Dad, I say taking her hand. I'm not telling you that I'm going to run away and get married as soon as I turn eighteen, just that you'll have to trust me when the time comes. »
He looks at me seriously for a few seconds, then asks me:
"When did my daughter grow up so much?
Ever since I realized I wanted to be someone you're proud of and someone you can rely on.
Come here my daughter, he says holding out his arms to me, and I give him a big hug. »
"Charlie Complicity +2"
This game is truly a mood breaker!
"Bella…Charlie asks after a moment…You're not really planning on getting married at eighteen, are you?"
Who knows dad! Who knows… I answer him, hilarious. »
Days and weeks passed. I had my date with Carlisle. He didn't ask me why I wanted to take the pill and I didn't mention his son. My window was finally closed in the mornings when I woke up and one day I found a violet next to my alarm clock. A pleasant routine had taken place. I even ended up eating with the Cullens once in a while. I made it a point to also eat with Jessica and Angela at least once a week. Edward would pick me up in the mornings and ride me home on his back after spending the late afternoons at his place.
One morning, however, he informed me that a time had been decided for the encounter with the wolves. They wanted me to be there too. The appointment was given at midnight the following evening. I got ready in front of my dad to go to sleep early, put on warm leggings and a baggy T-shirt, then slipped under my quilt, turning off the light. I hear my father going up to bed, then snoring like a blessed man and waiting for Edward to pick me up. I'm dozing off when I feel a cool hand on my cheek.
"Are you sure you want to come Bella?" Edward asks me softly.
Sure and certain, I reply in the same tone by putting on my shoes. I need my coat.
I'll get it for you. »
A few seconds later he is back with the warm, but no less trendy, down jacket bought with Alice. I put it on and he holds out his arms to me, where I curl up. Then he carries me and jumps out the window. I can't help but tell him:
" Damn it ! I adore ! Can we jump from a tree or a cliff next time? »
He looks at me between amusement and amazement.
"You definitely like thrills!
Yes ! I love them, but only when I feel safe! »
He responds to my comment with a crooked smile as he picks up the pace. His family members are already at the meeting point. The night is clear. I look up at the sky. It's the full moon...