Chapter 21
Cinderella, beginner matchmaker.
After a minute, I start to worry. I cup his face and say:
"It was a joke, Edward.
Why not… he whispers
Eh ? »
He seems to come out of his trance and looks at me seriously.
" It's not a bad idea. I have to think about it.
Does that mean you're willing to consider my request? I question her, delighted, not believing my ears.
Yes, but I need a little time. Let's go downstairs, Esme made your breakfast. »
After a stop in the bathroom and a human moment, as Bella likes to call them, I follow the delicious smell that emanates from the ground floor.
"Smells divine Esme," I tell her, smiling.
Thank you very much Bella, it's a pleasure to cook for you.
Esme? Could I talk to you for a moment?
Of course Edward.
I'll be right back Bella, he told me, kissing my head, following Esme into the forest. »
I start eating the superb meal in front of me, which turns out to be as good as it looks. Suddenly leather braids are placed next to me. I lift my head, meeting Emmett's grinning face.
"Gift, Bella.
Is it a swift? I exclaim horrified. But what do you want me to do with it?
Oh well, that's between you and Edward… he replies, raising his eyebrows vigorously.
I never said I wanted a sadomasochistic relationship with Edward.
It can be fun, you know, role-playing.
I don't doubt it… I say with a sigh, looking serious. Emmett, I know you like to laugh and make jokes and in most contexts I totally agree with your way of thinking, but in the area of sexuality I think Edward is going to need his big brother to give him advice and encouragement. Do you think you can do this for him? »
Emmett blinks, his smile frozen for a few moments before he takes on a more serious face than I've ever seen him.
"Yeah, you can count on me. I can't wait to officially have you as my sister-in-law.
I too can't wait for you to officially be my brother-in-law. »
He takes me in his arms and I appreciate this warm embrace, despite the temperature of his body. Emmett is a real sunshine for this family. A clearing of the throat interrupts us.
"Far be it from me to feel threatened by a mere human, but I find this hug with my husband a little too long," says Rosalie on the doorstep. »
She doesn't seem angry. On the contrary, a slight smile adorns his lips. She addresses Emmett:
"Baby, would you take the car out, please?" »
She throws keys at him.
" Yes sir ! »
He walks away from me wishing me a good day. I return her greetings, remaining alone with Rosalie.
"it's a good thing what you did. »
I look at her, surprised.
"See beyond Emmett's antics. And trust him for that. I know it touched him a lot.
I really consider him my brother-in-law and I take care of my family.
Am I also entitled to this treatment? she asks with reserve.
Yes ! of course Rosalie.
Despite the way I treated you? she insists.
It just shows how much you love your family and want to protect them. It's normal that you were suspicious when I suddenly appeared in your life.
There's more to it…but that'll be a story for another day, she finally told me after some hesitation. My man is waiting for me. I wish you a good return home.
Thanks Rosalie.
Rose… The family calls me Rose, Bella.
Good day, Rose. »
She nods and heads for the garage.
"Complicity Rosalie +5. You are no longer seen as an enemy by Rosalie. Developer Comment: You should celebrate with party favors and do a victory dance, it was not won. »
"You have reached level 10. You have 20 characteristic points to place wherever you wish. You will have 30 points when you reach level 20"
I wonder if the devs drink while they work… I decide to ignore the comment and check my status window:
" Biography :
Isabella Mary Swan
Age: 17 years old
Level: 10
Occupation: high school student
Title: Newbie
Title: Unlucky Collector
Title: Distinguished spender
Title: Recognized Oracle»
Ah, I'm no longer a newbie… The title has been crossed out.
"Player Features:
STRENGTH: 50
DEXTERITY: 25
SMART: 155
FOCUS: 210
VITALITY: 100"
I choose to place the twenty points in Dexterity. The ball is next week, as Alice reminded me yesterday, and I have no desire to spend my evening stepping on Edward's toes. Of course, I'll have to invite him first. With everything that's happened recently, I haven't even had a chance to discuss this with him. I go to the next tab.
"Weapon Mastery:
Handbag: 1/20
Pepper spray: 1/20"
I seriously need to develop this part. I have no way to defend myself.
"Gift Control:
Mind Shield: Tier 1
Foreknowledge: Tier 3
Shock resistance: level 2"
Oh ! When did I pass Tier 2 for impact resistance? Is it as a result of my isolation?
"Innate skills:
Kitchen: level 1 (+1)
Household: level 9
Learning lessons: level 8
Driving a means of transport: level 4 (+1)
Reading: level 15 (+1)
Observation ability: level 11 (+1)
Skills acquired (3 maximum)
Craft Items: Level 20 +(1)
Naturalist Knowledge: Level 19
Knowledge of the supernatural: level 15 (+2)
Bonus Skills:
Empathy: level 3»
Interesting ! Not only can I improve skills, but I can also get new ones.
I get a message that makes me laugh:
"Jared called me!" I invited him to prom on saturday and he said yes! You are the best Bells! »
I had taken advantage of the development of our plan to slip a word about Jessica to Jared. I know he will eventually imprint on Kim, but in the meantime he is single and if I can get her to see past Mike…
Edward finally returned from his interview with Esme. I took the opportunity to invite him to the ball, which he accepted with a smile. We then heard Alice screaming with joy upstairs, making us burst out laughing in turn. Alice took me home and I spent a quiet evening with my father. He too had spent the evening in the reserve for safety. Billy had convinced him with a stack of pizza and a baseball game.
I told Charlie I was going to prom on Saturday, he granted me midnight permission and gave me a refill for my pepper spray advising me not to hesitate to use it. I imagine that fathers are all the same with their daughters… At least, those who care about them. Even though Charlie's behavior was exaggerated and annoying in a way, I was happy to receive such treatment, saddened however that I hadn't received it from my real father. In fact, the more time passed, the more I wished for Bella's life. I had a feeling that I would be devastated at the thought of losing everything at the end of the game. Briefly, I imagined myself staying there permanently.
I was surprised to find that the thought of leaving my real life behind didn't sadden me. I could always be a teacher again, make new friends. I had never really bonded with anyone in real life. In the end, I didn't have much to lose and a lot to gain… I shook my head. It is a utopia. I'm in a game and just got caught up in the immersion system. Without the status windows, I would have thought I was in another world altogether. However, something is wrong with this game.
Edward joins me in the bedroom and we cuddle until I fall asleep peacefully. The next day, the school was in turmoil, because of the preparations for the ball. Strangely, no one suggested I go there unlike the book. I imagine Edward's possessive attitude had a lot to do with it. I actually appreciate his jealousy, but I would never tell him. Mike throws me glances from time to time but the almost constant presence of Edward seems to prevent him from approaching, which is not to displease me.
In the end, I was kidnapped from the arms of an excited Jessica by her date, by an equally energetic Alice, but with a force of persuasion superior to a tank. Jessica didn't stand a chance… and neither did I. So I ended up getting to my all Bella-Barbie thing, but honestly, I didn't experience it as badly as the original Bella. We actually had a good laugh, at least when I was allowed to move my facial muscles. When I put on Alice's carefully chosen dress, I felt like a princess at her debutante ball.
The dress was midnight blue and came to the knees. The bustier was set with delicate lace and the chiffon that opened below the chest was adorned with small dark rhinestones. Alice had rubbed a shimmering lotion on my skin and I loved the fact that I could shine like Edward. She had left my neck bare, which surprised me, but I had long, thin earrings hanging down to my shoulders, looking like raindrops. I had bitterly negotiated two-inch heels, no more… A lace shawl completed my outfit.
Alice left after advising her work of art, aka me, not to cry or tamper with anything until Edward arrived. After his insistence, I was so stressed that I just sat with my back straight on the end of the bed. Finally, the doorbell rang and I walked down the stairs where Edward was waiting for me next to my father. I was careful not to stumble on the stairs, but I was feeling the effects of my increased dexterity and feeling more sure of myself. Edward holds my hand to help me down the last stairs and greets me with a smile:
"You are beautiful Bella!"
You too. »
It was true ! His golden eyes were accented with a dark blue suit and tie. His hair was still a little unruly and contrasted with the strict look of the jacket. He then gave me a buttonhole made of purple wildflowers to match his suit and I melted into his arms, completely forgetting about Charlie in the process. He, on the other hand, was quick to make his presence known, clearing his throat. We let him take a few pictures and I was able to leave, not without Charlie checking for pepper spray in my bag.
"Midnight," he calls out to us on the doorstep.
I won't forget Chief Swan, Edward replied. »
Along the way I did not hide my excitement.