Adult-FanFiction.org : Books

Normality	By : AlphaOmegaPsi Category: Twilight Series > AU/AR > Slash Views: 2984 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or make any money from this story.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
AN: Sorry, I forgot to mention something about Ethan and why he's coming over for dinner: his last name is Newton. If you don't understand now, you will soon.

Wooohoooo, shameless self-promotion! I has done it! The story mentioned near the end is a book I'm currently co-writing. I should actually be working on that right now since it's my turn...but I keep writing this...

...I think I fail a little bit.

But I can't help where the muse takes me.

Thanks again to Raisden_Captivity for reviewing. (By the way, I feel really stupid, but I just got your name. >_>)

Barlie's a jerk! Can you guess why? Starting now!

--

“Barlie, get dressed. Our guests will be here soon.”

I looked up from the book I was reading, nestled almost comfortably into a corner of the couch.

“I am dressed,” I said, turning back to the pages eagerly. The princess, which the main group of heroes had been spending the whole book trying to rescue, had just revealed herself to be evil. I didn’t want to miss a second of this.

“You’ve been in your pajamas all day!” my mother yelled, snatching the book from my hands. I tried desperately to snatch it back as she dog-eared the page.

“Mom, come on! What does it matter if I’m in my pajamas? I don’t think they’ll care!” She threw the book back to me and it hit me on the nose before I scrambled to catch it.

“Get dressed,” she said, pointed toward my room. “Now. Unless you want me to take it away for good.”

“No…” I held the book protectively in my hands as I made my way to my room.

It was really empty without my bed in there. Dad had moved it out the day before while I was at work. I hadn’t actually seem him all day yesterday, or even today. I wondered if he was going to be here for dinner. Mom would probably kill him if he wasn’t, so I assumed yes.

I found a pair of jeans and a t-shirt lying on the floor. They were my clothes from yesterday, but I pulled them on anyway. I wasn’t trying to impress anyone, and I wasn’t about to dirty anymore clothes just for some stupid dinner party. Besides, I would be back in my pajamas in a few short hours.

In the safety of my room, I sat down at the computer chair and opened the book again. I carefully smoothed out the dog-eared page. I hated when people did that to my books. That’s what bookmarks were for. I wanted to get back into it again, but only seconds after I continued reading, there was a knock on the door.

“Mom says get out here,” Lizzie’s voice said, somewhat muffled by the door. “If you don’t, she’s going to put your book into a shredder.

I didn’t believe for a second that mom would actually do that to one of my books. However, I felt it best not to test my luck when she was so obviously agitated. I put a bookmark in my page and carefully hid it in the desk drawer. No sense taking chances.

When I left my room, I found my mother embracing some strange blond man. Next to the man was a beautiful brunette woman wearing a green sweater and black jeans. Off to the side, chatting up my sister, was Ethan.

I inspected Ethan closely and realized he was most likely the blond man’s biological son. Their face was the same shape, both had pointed noses, both had light blond hair. The only thing different was that Ethan’s eyes were green while his father’s eyes were blue. Most likely, his eye color came from his mother.

I noticed a few similarities to her, too. His hair was waved, like hers, whereas his father’s laid flat on his head. They had the same hands as well, small and delicate instead of big and awkward like his father. I found it funny that anyone who called themselves a man could have such feminine hands, but I supposed a vampire didn’t really care either way.

I tried to determine whether his parents knew about what he was, but they didn’t give me a clue as my mother chatted with them excitedly. My guess was they were completely unaware, and Ethan was just biding his time until he slaughtered them both. Or maybe he didn’t want to eat them at all. I wanted to bring it up, but found that I really didn’t want to if my father wasn’t around. If Ethan cut his losses and ate us, I wanted someone around who could really take him. Even if he was scared of me, in a real fight I wouldn’t be able to take him.

I made my way over to Lizzie and Ethan, intent on keeping an eye on him as long as possible.

“Um…hello.” Ethan smiled at me as I approached. He tried to hide his nervousness, but I heard it and scowled back.

“Hey,” I growled. “’Eaten,’ right?”

“It’s…Ethan,” he corrected lamely. “You have a lovely home.”

“Actually, it’s my dad’s,” I said. “You’ll meet him soon enough. I’m sure he’ll be eager to see you.” Lizzie elbowed me hard in the ribs and I cursed under my breath.

“Please excuse my brother,” she said. “He’s a bit of an idiot who doesn’t know how to welcome people. Why don’t we go sit down?” With that, she led Ethan away as I glared at her back. Couldn’t she see I was just trying to protect her? Did she want to be killed by a hungry bloodsucker?

I followed, even though they had left to get away from me, and sat directly across the table from them. This way I could keep an eye on him and eat at the same time. I could see him glancing nervously at me even while he was talking with Lizzie, and I smirked back. Having a vampire afraid of me was giving my ego an immense boost. I fully intended to take advantage of this fear during dinner.

“Marshmallow Mike!” Everyone looked up as my father entered and gathered the strange blond man into a bear hug. I winced as I waited for the sound of cracking bones, but thankfully dad seemed to be controlling himself much better than usual.

“My dad hates that nickname,” Ethan chuckled. “Said he was called that a lot by someone named Jacob Black. Is that your father?”

“Yep, that’s him,” Lizzie said.

“In all his vamp-shredding glory,” I finished. Lizzie kicked my shin under the table.

“It’s really nice to see you again, Mike,” my mother said, leading Ethan’s parents to the table. “And it’s wonderful meeting you, Marie.”

“Well, it’s just nice to put a face to a name,” Ethan’s mother said, beaming. “My husband talks about you so much. Says you were his best friend. Sounds to me like he was really smitten with you.” Ethan’s father flushed and sat down quickly next to me. Clearly he was eager to get out of that conversation.

“Dinner will be out in a second,” my mother said, disappearing into the kitchen. I turned back to Ethan and Lizzie, intending to eavesdrop on their conversation, but they were talking in whispers so soft I couldn’t hear them. I scowled in annoyance and turned to Ethan’s father.

“So, Mr. uh…”

“Newton,” he said, looking relieved. “Mike Newton. You can just call me Mike.”

“I’m Barlie,” I said, offering my hand. Mike shook it with a puzzled look on his face. “It’s a combination of my grandfathers’ names,” I explained. “My mother’s a little weird. But you probably know that already.”

“That I do.” Mike grinned. “I knew her for two years before we graduated, then another two years in college. After that, I moved away. She stayed behind because she and your father had just gotten married. I think she was pregnant with you at the time.”

“Yeah, she was pretty young when she had me,” I said. I think my dad was barely eighteen when I was born, too. They kind of got married in a hurry.”

“Well, anyone with eyes could see those two were perfect for each other,” Mike said. “He was the only one who could cheer her up after she broke up with Cullen.”

“Who?” I asked. I never did get my question answered, though, as mom came through the door carrying a big pot of spaghetti and meatballs.

“Dig in, everyone,” she said cheerily, setting it in the middle of the table. For a second, I forgot about keeping an eye on Ethan and grinned at the scent of mom’s homemade meatballs. I had yet to find someone who didn’t enjoy them. Mom may not have been the greatest cook in existence, but she was decent enough and she could make some things that were completely mind-boggling. She said it was because she had been cooking for my grandparents since she was a teenager, and she naturally grew to love it.

I doled out a large serving onto my plate and dug in. Since she had been in the kitchen most of the day, mom had kept me from sneaking any snacks to eat. As a result, I was hungry, and dug into my meal vigorously.

I noticed Ethan wasn’t really eating. He took a few sips of water every now and then and ate maybe a grand total of three spaghetti noodles. He never touched the meatballs, and mostly just played with his food and talked with Lizzie. He glanced up at me once and I narrowed my eyes. Dad told me vampires couldn’t eat human food, either. The evidence against him just kept stacking up.

I wondered why my father hadn’t done anything about him yet. Then I reasoned that he probably didn’t want to make a scene in front of mom’s friend. He would tell the other wolves later, and they would dispose of the threat. I seriously doubted I would see Ethan again after tonight. He was living in hours now.

“Ethan and I are going to my room,” Lizzie said suddenly. Mom nodded and continued her conversation as the two disappeared. I definitely didn’t feel comfortable leaving my sister alone with that monster, so I disposed of my plate and followed after them.

“…think he knows?” I paused right before opening Lizzie’s door. I could hear their conversation on the other side. Knowing it was my duty to find out what was going on, I pressed my ear to the wooden door.

“No, he’s a complete blockhead.” This was Lizzie’s voice. “He has no idea. Don’t worry about it.”

“Yeah, but he kept staring at me…” Ethan’s voice said nervously. “He suspects something, at least. Why would he hate me so much otherwise?”

“He doesn’t hate you, he’s just…really, really confused,” Lizzie said reassuringly. “Once he gets to know you, he’ll come around. No matter what you are. I know my brother and he might be an idiot, but he’s not cruel.”

“I hope you’re right,” Ethan sighed. “I really hope you’re right.” There was silence for a few seconds, then I decided I’d had enough of waiting and knocked. Lizzie opened the door, frowning quizzically.

“What do you want?” she asked. I shrugged.

“Entrance to your clubhouse. Or is it ‘no boys allowed’?” Lizzie glared at me and tried to close the door but I held it open.

“If you don’t let me in, I’ll just stand out here all night,” I said. “Your choice, Lizzie. I could go get dad right now.” After a moment’s hesitation, Lizzie reluctantly let me in.

There were only two places to sit in her room: a beanbag chair on the floor and the bed. Lizzie plopped down in the beanbag chair, so that was out. And Ethan was currently seated on the bed, plucking nervously at the comforter. Since that ruled out both places, I decided to sit on the floor.

“So, what are we talking about?” I asked, a mock smile on my face. Lizzie just glared.

“We were, uh…talking about that new alien movie coming out this weekend,” Ethan said. He actually attempted a genuine smile, but it fell flat on his face. “It’s supposed to be really good. The critics gave it good reviews.”

“They only let the good ones through,” I pointed out. “Who knows how many bad ones they held back? There was one that came out a couple years ago that got four stars. That was a piece of crap.”

“I think I know what you’re talking about,” he said. “That wasn’t so bad. It had its moments.”

“Look, it didn’t make any sense, the plot was cliché, and the little creatures looked like a thirteen-year-old did their makeup.” I rolled my eyes. “Coming from a Sci-Fi buff, though, this is kind.”

“Not everyone’s as obsessed with that stuff as you are,” Lizzie snapped. “Some people like to go see a movie just for the joy of seeing a movie. Not to rip it apart bit by bit until it’s garbage.”

“Yeah, well, if they’re going to make a Sci-Fi movie, the least they can do is make it so Sci-Fi fans enjoy it,” I said. “It doesn’t have to be a crowning cinematic achievement, but I really just wish they’d get someone with the slightest shred of talent to make them.”

“Oh, you are such a…”

“I agree.” Lizzie and I both looked to Ethan, surprised. “I mean, most Sci-Fi movies these days are so watered down because everyone loves romance and only wants to focus on that,” he continued. “So those of us who really enjoy those little things are left in the dirt. It doesn’t seem fair.”

“Exactly.” I smirked triumphantly at my sister. “See? I’m not the only one who thinks that way. Just because you would rather watch some mushy romance doesn’t mean everyone else does.”

“But some can mix the two themes pretty well,” Ethan said. “Have you ever read Thief’s Flame? It’s kind of more fantasy, but I count it. It really mixes good storyline and romance together well.”

“Never heard of it,” I said, shrugging. “Not really a big romance fan.” It dawned on me that I had dropped my guard, which was a very dangerous thing to do. “But I guess your kind like that sort of thing, huh?”

The look on Ethan’s face was one of complete shock, like someone had just slapped him in the face. Without a word, he calmly stepped off the bed and left the room.

I frowned after him, puzzled. Had I hurt his feelings? I couldn’t see how. By assuming vampires liked romance? How would that hurt anyone’s feelings? My confusion only deepened when I noticed Lizzie standing over me, arms crossed and glaring.

“What?” I asked, genuinely confused.

“You…you…insensitive jerk!” she yelled. “You have absolutely no idea what you’ve done, do you?”

“Uh…no?” I never did get the answer to what I’d done, though, since Lizzie disappeared after him. I followed quickly behind.

“Did Ethan come out this way?” Lizzie asked the parents.

“Yes, he said he didn’t feel well,” Mike said. “I think he walked home.”

“I’m going to go after him,” she called, pulling on her jacket and heading for her shoes by the door.

“No, you’re not,” my mother said. “You heard Mike: he doesn’t feel well. And you have school tomorrow, so you’re not going anywhere.”

“But, mom…”

“No, buts. You’re staying here.” With that, she turned back to the conversation. Lizzie looked angry as she stormed to her room, glaring at me as she passed by.

“I hope you feel really guilty,” she said before shutting the door and locking it.

The funny thing was, I did feel guilty. Even if he was a bloodsucking monster, even if there was no conceivable reason for him to feel hurt…I felt really guilty for what I’d said. The truth was, I had been enjoying our conversation. I rarely ever got to interact with other people my age, let alone other Sci-Fi fans. If I had known it would come to an end so quickly, I never would have said what I did.

The adults were crowding up the couch, so I went to my room and laid down on the floor. It wasn’t very comfortable, but it was better than nothing. I tried to convince myself that he deserved to feel bad for trying to move in on my sister, that he was just a soulless monster whom I shouldn’t feel the slightest bit bad for. But no matter what I told myself, the truth still remained: I felt lower than dirt.
- 2
- 3
- 4
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Normality