HOME | DD

Description
Chapter 4: Distractions

There was worry in my eyes, I could feel it, and I knew she noticed. We were still standing by the car when Alice said, "There is no need to worry Bella; he is just out hunting with Carlisle. I told him when you were coming, so he should be returning very soon." She gave me a slight smile and danced up to the large house. I followed, but at a much slower and ungraceful pace. Emmett walked over from the other side of the car to my side and draped one huge muscular arm around my shoulders.
“Hey there sis.” He said playfully.
“I’m not your sis yet.” I grinned
He chuckled. “Yeah, I know. But I just wanted to see how it sounded.” We both smiled and made our way towards Alice who was sitting angelically on an old fashion rocking chair. We walked up the steps that led to a large wooden porch. I perched myself on the white rocker beside her as Emmett leaned casually on the white banister and faced us. Occasionally some light leaked through the thick shield of green leaves and onto Emmett’s pallid arms causing an array of sparkles. However, Alice and I were completely clear of any potential light because we were strategically situated under the porch away from any escaping rays.

With all the time I’ve spent with them, they had never mentioned this place.
“How long have you had this house?” I asked both of them, though my eyes were on Alice.
“We just bought it today.” Alice beamed. “Do you like it?”
I nodded. “Very much.” It had a certain charm like their old home. I wondered if they got rid of their old place, they couldn’t have could they? They had lived there for so long, perhaps that was the reason for the move.
“You sold the home back in Forks.” It was more of a statement than a question.
“Yes.” She replied.
I couldn’t help but feel sad. A lot of memories had been made there, good and bad, how could they just throw them away like that?
I remembered that now they did not have just one house, but three! “Alice” my voice full of curiosity, “Why did you buy three?” She didn’t reply but I saw her and Emmett exchange mischievous grins.
“Wha - wait - huh?” I stuttered as understanding pulsed through me, one house was intended for me and Edward. I couldn’t hide the wide smile that slid across my face or the fresh coat of red that painted my cheeks. She and Emmett let out barely audible snickers at my reaction and I quickly became embarrassed. I hated how readable my face was, and I especially hated when my cheeks resembled the color of a ripe apple. However, Edward felt otherwise. “That is one of the many human traits I’m going to miss.” He told me one day. “I love when your face is full of color, and how your skin is so invitingly warm.” A sudden chill caused me to shiver suddenly at the memory of his cold hand on my face. Alice turned her head ever so slightly towards me to see if I was ok, and when she was satisfied she went back to staring aimlessly at the trees. The birds seemed to be enjoying the whether and were chirping uncontrollably to one another.

Regardless of the bird’s elated gossip, it was oddly quiet and then it hit me,
“Where is everyone else?” I asked Alice. I felt stupid for not realizing their absence earlier. “Everyone is out hunting,” She said without giving it any thought. A wave of guilt flooded through me. Everyone was out hunting but them; they were the ones drafted to stay behind and baby-sit me. I looked at Emmett then, and another wave of guilt punched me hard in the stomach. He was the one that was always so eager to go, and I was the one confining him to this place. His head turned abruptly and caught me staring at him; I could feel his inquisitive eyes on my face trying to decode my expression. He was successful. “We chose to stay behind, don’t worry. Edward was really against it at first, and was adamant on staying, but Carlisle could see how much pain he was in from not feeding recently.” Alice shot him a dirty look for his poor choice of words. “And plus,” he continued, ignoring her. “We wanted to be the first to see you!” His face was all smiles while his eyes flashed from me to Alice and back. That is what I liked about Emmett; he never felt the need to dull things down for me; unlike the other Cullens who tried to give me as little detail as possible. After all, did they not think I would find out soon enough? Even if the wedding had not gone as planned, Edward still had to uphold his end of the bargain, didn’t he? He couldn’t put this off for much longer because time was not on my side, and it had never been. Each setting sun took with it a day of my life that I could never get back, a day that brought me inevitably closer to my death.

Despite the millions of years that it felt like I was sitting here, hardly any time had passed at all. I don’t know how much more of this sitting I could do.
“Don’t worry, they’ll be here soon.” She was looking at my watch, but I don’t know how she could read it because I was rocking, quite harder than necessary, in my chair due to anticipation. I tried to pass the time quicker by forcing my mind off the slowness of the minute hand on my watch; each tick was like an hour of endless misery without Edward. The more I thought about him, the more nervous I became. I began to drum my fingers impatiently on the arm of the wooden rocker. Honestly, how long could it take them to return? I don’t know how Alice and Emmett could stand the silence. I guess living for eternity earns you endless patience. But for me, I had to do something to ease my anxious mind. I decided I would take a tour of the house; that should keep me busy for centuries considering the vastness of it.
“Alice, Emmett, I’m going to go inside for a bit.” This time I wasn’t looking at either of them, afraid they would read my expression and discover my plan to rid myself of my wandering mind. “Ok.” Their voices rang together without questioning my abrupt flight for freedom.

I walked past Emmett, still posing model-like against the podium, and reached the glass door. I grabbed the doorknob and thrusted it open, with more force than necessary, and skidded on the rug into the large foyer. When I regained my balance I came face to face with two large staircases wrapping themselves along the opposite sides of the wall. I didn’t know which way to turn. I looked to my left to find a large oval table that could easily sit a dozen people and to my right were another pair of doors, this time the glass was covered with a curtain from the inside; I could only guess that room was Carlisle’s study. I decided to not to take any detours and follow the path the architects had intended. As I wandered, I couldn’t help but notice that it looked like they had lived her for years not hours; I wondered if they even had dust yet. I passed through the kitchen, not even bothering to wonder what they had to eat, and made it to the back door. I went toward it and rested my hand on the knob, while looking out onto the vast land; the backyard was similar to the front. Sporadic trees covered the ground guarding the earth from any light. The knob turned easily in my hand and I stepped out onto the green grass. The grass in Canada was much like Forks -wet- but did not entirely engulf your foot when you stepped on it. The blades were long and scraped against my ankles as I trotted through the mushy earth. I decided to take a look at mine and Edward’s house. A sudden flutter of curiosity and excitement pulsed through me. No one else would be there except me and Edward, alone. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought as I almost ran to the house, our house.

I entered from the back and was immediately greeted by a gust of freezing wind. I guess vampires like it cold. With my arms around myself, trying to keep warm, I went into the next room and found a small round kitchen table. It was just big enough for four people, not that it would have anymore than two, if that. I walked around the first floor; the layout was, for the most part, the same as the previous house but reduced in size. I made my way towards the stairs in the front of the house, this time there was only one, and climbed my way to the spacious second floor. There were not a lot of walls and only about two private rooms. I didn’t know which one was ours and decided to visit the one to my left. When I opened the door a familiar sent filled my nose and I new at that moment that this was the room. I staggered slowly into the large bedroom baffled by its enormity. Edward’s king sized bed was against the wall across from me and his CD collection took up more than half the wall on my left. His couch sat on the opposite side near the fireplace. The windows on either side of his bed were heavily draped with dark curtains blocking any light from penetrating through.
I moved further into the room to get a better look but stopped when I saw his beautiful grand piano sitting majestically in the corner. I smiled when I remembered the first time he played for me, it seemed so long ago, but the memory was as clear as if it were yesterday. I sat down on the bench and ran my fingers along the ivory keys making them echo throughout the room. I aimlessly stuck different notes trying to play the melody of my lullaby but it wasn’t the same as when Edward would play. How I longed to hear him play again, to make beautiful music at his fingertips.

I got another chill and went to coil my arms around my body but someone beat me to the chase. All of a sudden I felt his cold arms wrap around me from behind. I tried to turn around to face him but couldn’t move from where I was positioned. He leaned down so his lips were at my ear and I could smell the same sweet smell that consumed the room.
“I’ve missed you” he whispered.
I didn’t have time to respond because he took me in his arms and kissed me lightly as he walked. He set me gently on the bed and lay down next to me, gazing into my eyes. This was the first time since the fateful wedding that we were alone together, I didn’t want to ruin it with all my questions, so I decided tomorrow would be a more appropriate time. Plus, I couldn’t even remember what I wanted to ask at the moment because his hands were running through my hair and the smell of his skin was intoxicating. This was a distraction I didn’t mind. I went into kiss him and he met me half way; this time he was the one pulling my body closer. His cold arms wrapped me tightly to him, and I didn’t object. Out lips moved together more vigorously than usual; I could feel his arms loosen as his hands moved slowly down my back. And despite his frigid body against mine, I felt hot. I reached to push up my sleeves of my shirt but didn’t do it so gracefully as I’d planned. I knew he noticed but he didn’t say anything while he moved down to my neck, letting his cold lips brush against my ivory skin. But all too soon, he stopped, and a smile spread across his angelic face.
“What is it?” I asked, trying to regain my breath.
But my question was answered before he could have the chance to speak. Alice, Esme and Rosalie were all at the door with a wide grin sweeping their features. I guess this house would have frequent un-knocking visitors, so much for being alone.
“Bella, we have something to show you” Alice said eagerly, not at all concerned about what she had interrupted. I shot Edward an evil glare for not telling them to go away, but he just smiled reassuringly. He stood up and took my hand, leading me towards the three giddy girls.

Description
Chapter 4: Distractions

There was worry in my eyes, I could feel it, and I knew she noticed. We were still standing by the car when Alice said, "There is no need to worry Bella; he is just out hunting with Carlisle. I told him when you were coming, so he should be returning very soon." She gave me a slight smile and danced up to the large house. I followed, but at a much slower and ungraceful pace. Emmett walked over from the other side of the car to my side and draped one huge muscular arm around my shoulders.
“Hey there sis.” He said playfully.
“I’m not your sis yet.” I grinned
He chuckled. “Yeah, I know. But I just wanted to see how it sounded.” We both smiled and made our way towards Alice who was sitting angelically on an old fashion rocking chair. We walked up the steps that led to a large wooden porch. I perched myself on the white rocker beside her as Emmett leaned casually on the white banister and faced us. Occasionally some light leaked through the thick shield of green leaves and onto Emmett’s pallid arms causing an array of sparkles. However, Alice and I were completely clear of any potential light because we were strategically situated under the porch away from any escaping rays.

With all the time I’ve spent with them, they had never mentioned this place.
“How long have you had this house?” I asked both of them, though my eyes were on Alice.
“We just bought it today.” Alice beamed. “Do you like it?”
I nodded. “Very much.” It had a certain charm like their old home. I wondered if they got rid of their old place, they couldn’t have could they? They had lived there for so long, perhaps that was the reason for the move.
“You sold the home back in Forks.” It was more of a statement than a question.
“Yes.” She replied.
I couldn’t help but feel sad. A lot of memories had been made there, good and bad, how could they just throw them away like that?
I remembered that now they did not have just one house, but three! “Alice” my voice full of curiosity, “Why did you buy three?” She didn’t reply but I saw her and Emmett exchange mischievous grins.
“Wha - wait - huh?” I stuttered as understanding pulsed through me, one house was intended for me and Edward. I couldn’t hide the wide smile that slid across my face or the fresh coat of red that painted my cheeks. She and Emmett let out barely audible snickers at my reaction and I quickly became embarrassed. I hated how readable my face was, and I especially hated when my cheeks resembled the color of a ripe apple. However, Edward felt otherwise. “That is one of the many human traits I’m going to miss.” He told me one day. “I love when your face is full of color, and how your skin is so invitingly warm.” A sudden chill caused me to shiver suddenly at the memory of his cold hand on my face. Alice turned her head ever so slightly towards me to see if I was ok, and when she was satisfied she went back to staring aimlessly at the trees. The birds seemed to be enjoying the whether and were chirping uncontrollably to one another.

Regardless of the bird’s elated gossip, it was oddly quiet and then it hit me,
“Where is everyone else?” I asked Alice. I felt stupid for not realizing their absence earlier. “Everyone is out hunting,” She said without giving it any thought. A wave of guilt flooded through me. Everyone was out hunting but them; they were the ones drafted to stay behind and baby-sit me. I looked at Emmett then, and another wave of guilt punched me hard in the stomach. He was the one that was always so eager to go, and I was the one confining him to this place. His head turned abruptly and caught me staring at him; I could feel his inquisitive eyes on my face trying to decode my expression. He was successful. “We chose to stay behind, don’t worry. Edward was really against it at first, and was adamant on staying, but Carlisle could see how much pain he was in from not feeding recently.” Alice shot him a dirty look for his poor choice of words. “And plus,” he continued, ignoring her. “We wanted to be the first to see you!” His face was all smiles while his eyes flashed from me to Alice and back. That is what I liked about Emmett; he never felt the need to dull things down for me; unlike the other Cullens who tried to give me as little detail as possible. After all, did they not think I would find out soon enough? Even if the wedding had not gone as planned, Edward still had to uphold his end of the bargain, didn’t he? He couldn’t put this off for much longer because time was not on my side, and it had never been. Each setting sun took with it a day of my life that I could never get back, a day that brought me inevitably closer to my death.

Despite the millions of years that it felt like I was sitting here, hardly any time had passed at all. I don’t know how much more of this sitting I could do.
“Don’t worry, they’ll be here soon.” She was looking at my watch, but I don’t know how she could read it because I was rocking, quite harder than necessary, in my chair due to anticipation. I tried to pass the time quicker by forcing my mind off the slowness of the minute hand on my watch; each tick was like an hour of endless misery without Edward. The more I thought about him, the more nervous I became. I began to drum my fingers impatiently on the arm of the wooden rocker. Honestly, how long could it take them to return? I don’t know how Alice and Emmett could stand the silence. I guess living for eternity earns you endless patience. But for me, I had to do something to ease my anxious mind. I decided I would take a tour of the house; that should keep me busy for centuries considering the vastness of it.
“Alice, Emmett, I’m going to go inside for a bit.” This time I wasn’t looking at either of them, afraid they would read my expression and discover my plan to rid myself of my wandering mind. “Ok.” Their voices rang together without questioning my abrupt flight for freedom.

I walked past Emmett, still posing model-like against the podium, and reached the glass door. I grabbed the doorknob and thrusted it open, with more force than necessary, and skidded on the rug into the large foyer. When I regained my balance I came face to face with two large staircases wrapping themselves along the opposite sides of the wall. I didn’t know which way to turn. I looked to my left to find a large oval table that could easily sit a dozen people and to my right were another pair of doors, this time the glass was covered with a curtain from the inside; I could only guess that room was Carlisle’s study. I decided to not to take any detours and follow the path the architects had intended. As I wandered, I couldn’t help but notice that it looked like they had lived her for years not hours; I wondered if they even had dust yet. I passed through the kitchen, not even bothering to wonder what they had to eat, and made it to the back door. I went toward it and rested my hand on the knob, while looking out onto the vast land; the backyard was similar to the front. Sporadic trees covered the ground guarding the earth from any light. The knob turned easily in my hand and I stepped out onto the green grass. The grass in Canada was much like Forks -wet- but did not entirely engulf your foot when you stepped on it. The blades were long and scraped against my ankles as I trotted through the mushy earth. I decided to take a look at mine and Edward’s house. A sudden flutter of curiosity and excitement pulsed through me. No one else would be there except me and Edward, alone. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought as I almost ran to the house, our house.

I entered from the back and was immediately greeted by a gust of freezing wind. I guess vampires like it cold. With my arms around myself, trying to keep warm, I went into the next room and found a small round kitchen table. It was just big enough for four people, not that it would have anymore than two, if that. I walked around the first floor; the layout was, for the most part, the same as the previous house but reduced in size. I made my way towards the stairs in the front of the house, this time there was only one, and climbed my way to the spacious second floor. There were not a lot of walls and only about two private rooms. I didn’t know which one was ours and decided to visit the one to my left. When I opened the door a familiar sent filled my nose and I new at that moment that this was the room. I staggered slowly into the large bedroom baffled by its enormity. Edward’s king sized bed was against the wall across from me and his CD collection took up more than half the wall on my left. His couch sat on the opposite side near the fireplace. The windows on either side of his bed were heavily draped with dark curtains blocking any light from penetrating through.
I moved further into the room to get a better look but stopped when I saw his beautiful grand piano sitting majestically in the corner. I smiled when I remembered the first time he played for me, it seemed so long ago, but the memory was as clear as if it were yesterday. I sat down on the bench and ran my fingers along the ivory keys making them echo throughout the room. I aimlessly stuck different notes trying to play the melody of my lullaby but it wasn’t the same as when Edward would play. How I longed to hear him play again, to make beautiful music at his fingertips.

I got another chill and went to coil my arms around my body but someone beat me to the chase. All of a sudden I felt his cold arms wrap around me from behind. I tried to turn around to face him but couldn’t move from where I was positioned. He leaned down so his lips were at my ear and I could smell the same sweet smell that consumed the room.
“I’ve missed you” he whispered.
I didn’t have time to respond because he took me in his arms and kissed me lightly as he walked. He set me gently on the bed and lay down next to me, gazing into my eyes. This was the first time since the fateful wedding that we were alone together, I didn’t want to ruin it with all my questions, so I decided tomorrow would be a more appropriate time. Plus, I couldn’t even remember what I wanted to ask at the moment because his hands were running through my hair and the smell of his skin was intoxicating. This was a distraction I didn’t mind. I went into kiss him and he met me half way; this time he was the one pulling my body closer. His cold arms wrapped me tightly to him, and I didn’t object. Out lips moved together more vigorously than usual; I could feel his arms loosen as his hands moved slowly down my back. And despite his frigid body against mine, I felt hot. I reached to push up my sleeves of my shirt but didn’t do it so gracefully as I’d planned. I knew he noticed but he didn’t say anything while he moved down to my neck, letting his cold lips brush against my ivory skin. But all too soon, he stopped, and a smile spread across his angelic face.
“What is it?” I asked, trying to regain my breath.
But my question was answered before he could have the chance to speak. Alice, Esme and Rosalie were all at the door with a wide grin sweeping their features. I guess this house would have frequent un-knocking visitors, so much for being alone.
“Bella, we have something to show you” Alice said eagerly, not at all concerned about what she had interrupted. I shot Edward an evil glare for not telling them to go away, but he just smiled reassuringly. He stood up and took my hand, leading me towards the three giddy girls.