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The Newborn
By : belladonnacullen
Category: Twilight Series > Het
Views: 3452 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or make any money from this story.
Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
Edward and I traveled back to the house wordlessly. I concentrated on the sweet sadness of autumn instead more personal emotions that I may have been experiencing. Carlisle and Esme were waiting on our return, and our goodbyes were quick and heartfelt. Edward was quick to point out to that it wouldn't be goodbye for long, because I'd soon be visiting them in New York. Carlisle raised his eyebrows at the news, but I just smiled, trying desperately to keep my mind blank.
*
I was quite excited to journey to New York City. I hadn't been there for over two hundred years, back when it was more of a swirling mess of open sewers and tenements. I was sure time with the Cullens would be more refined. And this time I'd share the experience with Edward.
As soon as they left, I sent for fashion catalogues from Paris and Milan. I wasn't going to show up looking like Edward's poor country cousin. I spent days in the sewing room, designing camisoles with drop waists, snug dresses with bandeau tops, pleated skirts falling just below my knee, and draped tunic dresses with daring slits. I poured through catalogues for undergarments, and wrote to the top ateliers in Europe. I discarded my corsets and knickers for camisoles and panties. After they were delivered, piece by hand- sewn piece, I would often stand in front of the mirror for hours admiring the more daring and freeing underclothes.
I was in my room in front of the mirror when Kate and Irina knocked on my bedroom door. I was excited to show off my purchases.
"Come in!"
Their mouths fell open as they walked in. I was pleased.
"What do you think?"
"What in the world is up with you, Tanya?" Irina had always been abrupt.
"I'm preparing for my trip," I replied, looking back at the mirror, trying to get a good look at my backside.
"First you and Edward can't be separated, then you don't speak for the entire summer, you dominate half the men in Alaska, and now you're up to your eyeballs in silk, lace and spangles. You haven't left this room in two days."
"Thank you for rehashing my recent existence for me, Irina. But as you know, my history is something I can never forget."
Kate walked over and put her hand on top of mine. "Talk to us, sister. What is going on with you and the Cullens? It's better if you speak about your heart out loud. Our lives are too long to hold it all inside; you know that.
"Nothing is going on with the Cullens and I." I clenched my jaw and watched the look in my eyes harden in the mirror. I pulled a bit too forcefully on the silk ribbon in my hands, and it snapped in two.
"Then would you tell me why you carry that little wooden box with you wherever you go?" I looked down at Edward's gift, sitting on the vanity next to me. I didn't mean to carry it like a talisman; it had simply become something of a reflex. I squeezed my eyes shut as if I could will it to disappear to a desk drawer somewhere.
"Let's go, Irina. Tanya's not ready to talk."
"No! As long as we're on the subject, there's something I've wanted to ask the two of you."
My sisters stopped in their tracks and turned back to me. Irina was smirking; Kate just smiled patiently. They knew I couldn't keep thoughts to myself for long.
"Edward says that you two shield your thoughts from him. Why would you do that?" I asked against my better judgment.
Irina tittered and Kate looked at her feet. "He's just too innocent, Tanya." Irina smiled.
"We couldn't corrupt the poor boy. After all, this is Carlisle's son we're talking about."
"There's no other reason?"
"What do you mean?"
"It wasn't Edward himself that you were trying not to think about?"
Irina cast a knowing glance in Kate's direction. Kate smiled at me, with a look of pity in her eyes. "Tanya, he's beautiful, smart, athletic, he hunts like I haven't seen a man hunt in about five hundred years, and he's kind and gentle with Esme. Of course we think about him. But my dear, anyone can see the two of you have a connection. We're your sisters. We would never cross your heart that way."
"Yes, we have a connection. We're friends." I spat out the last word, and walked over to the window.
"And you're outfitting yourself like a modern day Marie Antoinette to go see your friend?" Kate asked, moving towards me.
Something inside me cracked. My shoulders slumped as I clutched the windowsill and let my head fall forward against the pane. "That's all he wants me for, Kate. I've fallen for a very moral young vampire. Who among us would have thought?" I laughed a little, but continued with determination. "I couldn't let him leave knowing I might never speak a civil word to him again. And I'll have him in my life, one way or the other. It's too hard not to."
"So now you're running away to New York to be with a man that won't have you? Please, Tanya, this isn't you. You're better than this," said Irina coolly.
"What exactly am I better than, Irina? Listening to my heart? I'm as surprised as you that I have one after all of these years. Maybe you'll find yours some day. And if that male breaks your heart, I promise to treat you with more understanding." Kate's eyes flared in Irina's direction.
"Please, sister, this isn't why we came in here." She turned back to face me. "We just wanted to make sure you're acting in your best interest, Tanya. We've never seen you like this before. It worries us. Your character has always been so steady."
"I'm doing what I have to do, Kate. I plan on being as happy as I can be, however I can."
"But Tanya, can this really make you happy?"
"As happy as I can be, Irina."
*
As I'd pledged to oversee the completion of the Cullen's Denali home, it was actually some time before I could set out on my journey. I sent my bags ahead and made the first part of the excursion over the northern tundra on foot, feeding along the way.
For the second leg, I caught a train in Quebec that would take me into New York. By day I stayed in my compartment, and I made my way to the bar car by night. Carlisle and his clan settled into a large house in the affluent suburb of Bronxville, just north of Manhattan. The relative solitude made things easier for Edward and Esme, and gave them all privacy on sunny days.
The train pulled into the small station just after sunset on a warm July evening. Exiting the train, I held my breath and looked about me. I didn't have to look for long. It was as if all the humans on the platform were ghostly gray apparitions and only Edward shone in his corporeal glory. His pale white skin glistened in the lamplight and his eyes shown like they were on fire. Everything about him was different, and nothing was at all. From his golden eyes, to his messy bronze hair, to his broad shoulders, his body, of course, hadn't changed at all. But the knowing twinkle in his eyes, the self-assured crooked smile on his face, and the confident way he took two long steps in my direction was very foreign, and very inviting. He was wearing an impeccably tailored dark blue summer suit and held a fedora in his hands. His shirt was crisp and white, and as he held out his arms to greet me, I noticed the Cullen family crest on each of his cufflinks.
His open arms were all the encouragement I needed. I ran a little too fast for the throngs of humans around us, into his arms. People turned and stared, but then quickly gave us our space. Edward pulled me into a warm hug, and then let go to look me over. I smiled shamelessly. I couldn't help it.
"You look stunning as well, Tanya. Travel suits you, it seems." I giggled nervously.
He was so at ease with himself, and with my thoughts. Where had this man come from?
"Chicago," he answered wryly.
"You've changed. It's hard to see the boy in you anymore."
Edward pressed his lips into a thin line and tilted his head in my direction. "Is that a compliment?"
"Yes, yes it is." He put his arm out for me to take and led me off the platform. His eyes twinkled. He was happy to see me. "Of course I am. Come, Esme can't wait to see you either. Carlisle won't be back until dawn. We've fixed a room for you, but there's not much space in it, I'm afraid. Your boxes arrived last week, all of them. How long do you plan on staying?"
I imagined that Edward planned on walking me home. Instead he led me to a shiny black convertible automobile and proceeded to open the passenger side door for me.
"What's this?"
"Surely you've seen a car before, Tanya."
"Very funny," I smirked at him, but I did feel rather provincial at the moment. There still wasn't a road to our house. As vampires, we had no need for automobiles. Of course I'd seen them, but I'd never ridden in one before. And to think that Edward drove one regularly, one as beautiful and masculine as this. It suited him.
"Thank you."
"I have to remember that you can do that."
"I'm sorry, Tanya. I don't want to make you feel like you have to keep anything from me."
"It's just going to take some getting used to."
Edward smiled a little sadly. "I hope it doesn't make your stay too uncomfortable. I hear the thoughts of those I'm closest to with ease. For instance, I could tell you what Esme is thinking right now. I'm just trying to be honest with you about who I am. I hope you'll do the same."
"The last time I did that, it didn't work out well for us."
"I've lived in New York for some time now. You're hardly the worst thing out there, Tanya. I'm sorry that I judged you so harshly."
"Thank you, Edward." But even with his words of acceptance and encouragement, I willed my mind to admire the river and the foliage instead of Edward.
We pulled up to a large white Colonial manse situated on a largely wooded property. The house was hidden from the road by tall hedges, and the iron gates that protected the drive were adorned with the family crest.
"And do you have a butler and a made?" I joked wordlessly, trying out this new means of communication.
"Why do you think we sent for you?" Edward turned toward me and winked.
I shuddered.
"Are you all right? Do you need to feed?
"No, nothing like that." Edward opened the car door for me. "It's all Esme. Carlisle and I never cared much for architecture, but Esme has been a quick study. She's restoring this old place bit by bit, by herself."
"Well, she's doing a wonderful job."
"Thank you, Tanya." Esme was in front of us. She smiled sweetly as she took me up in her arms.
"I'm so glad you could make the trip. You've been so welcoming to our family when we've needed you the most. Please, think of our home as yours." The true warmth of Esme's nature had won out over the redness in her eyes, and she was at ease with herself in a way that that demonstrated that she had found her place in life.
I was happy for her. The story of her transformation had the ring of fairy tale to it. Every vampire should be so lucky. "It's so good to see you finally settled, Esme. You've made a beautiful home. I've brought photos of the Denali house. I can't wait to show you how it's come together."
"Esme's eyes brightened. "Oh thank you, Tanya! Please come in. I can't wait to see them"
*
I was in my room unpacking when there was a knock on the door.
"Tanya?"
"Edward." Edward pushed the door open. "Is there anything I can get you?"
"No, thank you, the room is beautiful. I'll be very comfortable here," I said, quickly tucking away the underclothes I'd been handling in a drawer.
"I was hoping you would come out with me tonight. It's Bessie Smith's last night at the Cotton Club. To hear her sing with Louis Armstrong is a rare treat. It will be the perfect way to welcome you to the city."
"I don't know. I just got here. I haven't even seen Carlisle or had much opportunity to speak with Esme. I thought maybe tonight we could catch up. It's been some time."
"Carlisle will be home just before dawn, like we would. That's when we all tend to gather as a family. If you come out you won't miss anything. After that Carlisle and Esme retire for the day. We'll have time to talk then. Please, I don't want to spend another minute in this house. Summers in this city are frustratingly bright."
"What would I wear?" I knew it was a silly question. But I felt suddenly nervous about going out into society with Edward. We'd never been around humans together before.
"There must have been something in all of those boxes. Here, let me look." Edward crossed the room to the wardrobe and started looking through my garments.
It was strangely intimate and my body inexplicably tingled in response.
Edward turned. "I'm sorry, am I being too familiar? I just think of you as family."
"No, it's fine, you should think of me that way."
He picked out a rich emerald green silk dress with bandeau bodice, with a skirt that fell straight to the knees. There was glittering black detail along the neckline and at the hem. "This should be perfect. Meet me downstairs when you're ready."
When I was dressed, I walked into the front room and Edward smiled in approval. He hadn't changed his clothes. There was no need. He looked perfect. Edward's smile broadened in response to my thought. I was going to have to work harder at this.
*
As we walked into the dark, smoky club, my senses were assaulted with a complex combination of sweating humans, cigarette smoke, potent liquor, and sex. Everyone turned to look at us, and their eyes lingered. This crowd must have been attracted to danger. Edward slipped something to the woman at the door and she took us to an empty table just in front of the large horseshoe-shaped stage.
"You like this place?" I was amazed.
"I tolerate it for the music. It seems that in this world all great beauty comes hand in hand with great unpleasantness."
I looked everywhere except at Edward. He caught my discomfort.
"Present company excluded, of course."
"You said you'd be truthful with me, Edward."
Now it was his turn to look away. But he recovered his cool gracefully, and pulled something out from his trouser pocket. It was slim and silver. He opened the case and pulled out a cigarette.
"You smoke?"
"Of course not," he chuckled, lighting the cigarette. He let it dangle in his fingers. "Vampires don't smoke."
"For someone who simply tolerates this place, you seem well at home." I small waitress came to our table. She kept three feet between herself and the table and trembled slightly. Silly girl, three feet would do her no good. She should have been out the front door before we arrived. Her trepidation had venom washing into my mouth. I would have to feed soon. The girl sensed something sinister and took another step back. Edward cast an evil look in my direction. I grinned at the girl and watched her gulp.
"What can I get you two?" She asked, looking at the floor.
Edward smiled up at her, his facial features arranged perfectly to put her at ease. At once she was enthralled and aroused. Her eyes grew wide and I saw her clutch the pen and pad in her hands. He ordered a bottle of their most expensive champagne without glancing at the menu. She lingered, her wide eyes glued to Edward. Poor girl.
"That will be all," he said kindly.
She walked away, glancing back over her shoulder as she left.
"You've learned a lot while we've been apart, cousin."
"Tanya, I come here often. I can't have you scaring off the wait staff."
"And the champagne?" "This is a special occasion. No one will notice if it ends up in our mouths or not."
I looked around, every human in the room was attempted to sneak glances at our table.
"If that's the case, then these humans are exceptionally unobservant. There's not a one in here that can keep their eyes off of us."
"Yes, dear cousin, it seems your debut in New York has been a success. I believe you could have your pick of humans here tonight. That is, if they weren't all under the assumption that you were my date."
"Oh no."
"I'm afraid it's true. Perhaps if you act more sisterly, one of them might approach you."
"That's where you're wrong, Edward. Jealousy is a very useful emotion when trying to attract the opposite sex. And who says I have to wait for them to approach me? That's not how it's done."
For the first time since I'd met Edward at the train station, he seemed unsure of himself. A variety of emotions played across his face, warring with one another for dominance.
"How do you do it, Tanya?"
"When I find someone I like I go up to them. I tempt them with a few choice phrases, nothing concrete. Then I leave them wanting more. I don't give them an address or a telephone exchange, but perhaps a vague idea of somewhere we might meet again in the future. Then they'll dream of me. I follow their scent back to their house."
"And you break in?"
"The bedroom window is the most convenient way to enter. From there they think I'm a dream before they even know what's...
"That's enough." Edward said abruptly, cutting me off. "I'm sorry, I don't think I want to hear the rest."
"Of course not. I'm sorry. I should have known better. You're not that kind of vampire."
"No, I guess I'm not."
- 4
- 5
- 6
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The Newborn	By : belladonnacullen Category: Twilight Series > Het Views: 3452 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or make any money from this story.

The Newborn