Nell had already seen that image. A clear and precise image visualized through Carlisle's hands. Nevertheless, seeing it in his head was very different from witnessing it in the flesh.
Emmett lay completely still on the grass, with his shirt clinging to his sculpted chest and his bare arms gleaming in the sun. He looked like a perfect statue, carved from some kind of smooth stone like marble and shining like crystal.
Little by little, Nell approached until she could reach his hand. She caressed the back of it, still surprised that it was icy. She got a little closer and extended her whole hand to trace the contours of his forearm with her fingertips. Following a path to the perfect muscles of his arm, then to his neck, and finally to his face. Where she stopped abruptly.
—Does it bother you?—she asked, since he had closed his eyes.
—No—he replied without opening them—quite the opposite...
She moved more slowly, being careful not to make any unexpected movements. She brushed his cheek, delicately caressed his eyelids and the shadow of his dark circles. His lips were slightly parted beneath her hand, and she felt his cold breath on her fingertips. She wanted to lean in to inhale his scent, but she dropped her hand and pulled away. What the hell was she about to do?
He opened his eyes, and there was hunger in them. Not enough to terrify her, but enough to make her pulse quicken.
—I'm sorry—she murmured—I didn't mean to...make it harder for you.—She tried to pull away, but Emmett tightened his hand around hers; where his sparkling skin contrasted with her pale and opaque one.
—I can handle it—he said with a reassuring smile. Seeing her so thoughtful, he asked—What are you thinking about?
—Right now? About knowing how far your self-control goes.
His lips curved into one of those mischievous smiles that were so beautiful.
—Would you like to find out?
—The truth is, no.—She took his hand and turned it one way, then the other, contemplating the shine of the sun on his palm—Now I understand why you can't expose yourselves to the sun.
—Do you feel horrified yet?—he asked, watching her attentively.
She frowned.
—Horrified?—Her tone reflected indignation—Why? Because I see how a person shines like glitter instead of burning and turning to ashes?
He chuckled.
—You have a strange way of seeing things.
—It's not strange. It's different.
—Alright.—He crossed his arms—Then tell me: Why do you think my appearance is different? My voice, my face, my scent, even how I look in the sun. You haven't realized it yet, but everything I am and everything around me draws you in. That's what a predator does. Lure you into a deadly trap.—Emmett's voice suddenly became a murmur—I don't want you to be afraid because I'm not going to hurt you. I promise.
She studied his eyes and suddenly understood that all this was almost as new for him as it was for her.
—I know.
Emmett fell silent and observed her intensely.
—Do I scare you?
—No more than usual.—He smiled at her response—And considering I've run out of questions, is there anything else I should know?
He smiled more broadly.
—There's always something more. But it's time to go back.— He guided her hand to his back so she could settle in. Nell let out a whimper, and Emmett burst out laughing—Come on, little coward, hop on my back.
She wrapped her arms and legs around him with such force that it would have strangled a normal person. To her misfortune, her heart reacted. And she hoped Emmett didn't notice the change in the vibrations of her pulse. Nell remained motionless throughout the trip, this time managing to open her eyes a little more. It seemed as if her body was getting used to traveling this way.
After a few minutes, they were back in front of the house. Nell was about to get down, but he didn't let her.
—What are you doing?—she asked uneasily.
—I'm going to leave you in your room— He warned as he got a little closer.
Nell's eyes widened in shock.
—Wait. No. Don't even think about it—She warned in a firm tone.
—I never do.
Suddenly, he crossed like a bullet to the other side of the street. Without making a sound, without any evidence that his feet touched the ground. His breathing didn't change at any point, he never showed signs of exertion. Not even when he climbed to her bedroom window.
—Are you crazy?—she protested and released herself to touch the ground—My brother could have seen you.
And there he was, with his mischievous, carefree boyish face.
—Speaking of him, he's coming up the stairs
—What?!—Her pulse quickened.
—Lie down on the bed— he advised.
She frowned in consternation.
—Of course not!— She started rummaging through her desk to grab some school books.
—The blush on your cheeks is adorable.— he burst out laughing.
Nell glared at him and, quickly, without taking her eyes off his, put a hand on his chest and pushed him against the wall, right behind the door.
—Don't move, don't talk, don't do anything. Did you hear me?
At the moment the door opened, instinctively, she leaned out, moving away from Emmett.
—Ah. Good morning.—Steven greeted. He seemed surprised—I didn't know you were awake.
—I just woke up.—She informed him with a soft, feigned smile. Steve was about to enter, but Nell stopped him with her verbal barrage—I have to get ready for school. Did you need something?
Steve blinked before responding.
—No, I just came to let you know breakfast will be ready soon.—He gestured backward with his thumb—But since you're awake, I'll go.—He turned and walked away down the stairs—Don't take too long!
Nell closed the door, letting out a sigh.
—You're a great actress.
She gave him an annoyed look.
—I wasn't acting; I was telling the truth about school.
—Omitting the detail that there was a boy in your room.
—Only because you snuck in without permission.—Now it was her turn to cross her arms—I guess you won't be going today.
—You guess right. Try not to miss me too much.
Nell raised an eyebrow.
—Try not to miss me yourself.
There was something in the way his features changed. A serious but warm expression. At first, he didn't respond; he just looked at her that way for a second. A time that seemed endless to Nell, where she felt paralyzed; expectant of whatever he was going to do or say. Finally, he smiled and said:
—That would be impossible.
She didn't comment right away, although luckily, she didn't have to. Emmett, with one of his agile, fast, and invisible movements, approached the window.
—Don't make plans for today.
—Why?—she blinked.
—It's a surprise.—His smile was accompanied this time by a wink.
Nell glanced at the window in panic.
—Wait!—she shouted.
Emmett turned back.
—Can I ask you just one more question?—she implored, looking at him with her hungry puppy expression: bulging eyes and raised eyebrows.
He sighed almost laughing.
—One.—he accepted.
—You knew today would be sunny, didn't you?— She took a step closer to him—That's why you took me to that place, because you knew the sunlight would hit fully, and I could appreciate what you really are. That's why you made me wait a day to answer my doubts, because you wanted me to see everything, right?
—You asked more than one question.—he pointed out. Nell just intertwined her fingers and waited. And Emmett nodded with a smile—Yes, I knew. Satisfied?
She smiled.
—Almost. But don't worry, you're free for now
—Thanks. How kind.—his tone contained some sarcasm. He touched the window frame with his hand and looked at her—I'll pick you up after school.
—But where are you...?
And then he disappeared, leaving behind only air.
●●●
The absence of the Cullens was more noticeable and strange than their presence. You saw all the faces around and felt like something was missing; as if the entire cheerleading squad suddenly decided to skip by choice. Nevertheless, the other students behaved as if their absence was the most common thing.
—They're not here—Jessica informed with a weak giggle. They were all having lunch at the outdoor tables, enjoying the weather a bit; even Jessica—When the weather is good, the Cullens disappear.
—I know.— Nell blurted out without thinking. Jess looked at her curiously and confused. Nell hurried to fix it—They mentioned it to me a while ago.
She tried to focus on the book in her hands and continue her day peacefully. However, Jessica seemed to have a special interest in commenting on the topic:
—What's going on between you and Emmett Cullen?
She lifted her head completely surprised. She hadn't expected her to bring it up, but dealing with the town's biggest gossip, she should have foreseen it. She needed a few moments to respond.
—What do you mean?
Jessica looked at her with rolled eyes.
—They spend time together a lot.— She commented to see if she could get something out of her. She bit her lip mischievously— Are you dating?
Nell was grateful she hadn't been drinking anything at that moment because otherwise, she would have spat it all out.
—No, no, nothing like that— she kept her face expressionless—We just talk a couple of times.—She said sincerely.
Jessica looked at her for a moment with intrigue.
—Well, no offense or anything, but it's strange.—She brought her soda closer and opened it with one hand—The Cullens don't talk to anyone who isn't themselves.
Eleanor frowned.
—What about Bella?
Jess took a sip of her soda.
—She's the exception to the rule.—Jessica looked at her again, but this time with some envy—Just like you. Don't you find it strange?
Nell sighed and lowered her gaze to her book.
—Yes. Really strange. But honestly, I don't care. Everyone can choose who to relate to.—She looked her in the eyes—Right?
Jess seemed slightly astonished. She smoothed her dark curls with haughtiness. She supposed she expected to hear anything but that.
—Absolutely.—Jess turned her head to the side—Right, Angela?
After that, both immersed themselves in a conversation that, by her own choice, Nell decided not to include herself in; trying to return to her usual calm routine.
Nevertheless, it had only been five minutes since she got home when there was already knocking at the door. Nell opened it and saw him smiling shamelessly on the threshold. She stayed holding the door.
—You seem very enthusiastic.
—Only because I want to see your reaction.
She narrowed her eyes like slits.
—Should I be worried?
Emmett made a gesture with his dimples that inevitably sped up her heart.
—Not at all.—He nodded toward the inside—Can I come in?
—Oh, yes. Sure— she blinked, clearing the image from her mind. He scanned the place with his gaze and smiled upon seeing the nail with the metal ring next to the door—Are you going to tell me where you're taking me?
He laughed softly before facing her.
—I already told you. It's a surprise.—He approached her slowly—I also told you I'd come pick you up, remember?
—Yes.—She responded, still perturbed—But I'm not ready. I need to change.
—Then do it—he urged.
Eleanor raised an eyebrow. What was he up to? Unaware of the answer, she sighed.
—Stay here— she said, trying to sound stern.
—Yes, my lady.
And he demonstrated how to turn into a statue on the edge of the sofa.
Nell turned around and went up the stairs to her room. She didn't take long to get dressed. She stood in front of her closet and grabbed the first thing she found. She left the light off and a note so Steve wouldn't worry. Then, she slipped out and hurried down.
Emmett evaluated her with his gaze, surprised, noting her loose, wavy hair from having been tied; the beige sweater with flower embroidery that matched her gloves; the jeans that, of course, she hadn't changed; and finally, the brown boots that matched her hair.
—You look good.
She gave him a grimace.
—No, I mean it.
—Thanks—she whispered embarrassed.
—Let's go, then— he opened the front door and gestured for her to pass.
—Wow—she commented surprised upon seeing Emmett's Jeep Wrangler parked at the bottom of the steps—Aren't we going on the death transport?
—I thought it was "Emmett's Aerial Express".
Nell looked at him.
—Death transport suits it better.
—Dramatic.— He mocked with a smile.
—Show-off.—She retorted with raised eyebrow.
They stood looking at each other with complicity. Nell could feel it; there was a special energy there. Something that seemed to run through both their veins. It was visceral knowledge.
—Let's go already.—Nell said, starting to descend the steps in an attempt to control her blush.
Emmett laughed and followed her down. Once again, he didn't tell her where they were going. They took an unpaved and barely marked path among the trees, and soon that path turned into a meadow, or was it a garden? She leaned forward and looked ahead. The shadow of the trees protected the walls of a tall, uneven, and timeless house, three stories high and well-proportioned. Straight out of a TV show.
—They won't let us in—she commented. Whoever owned that house, it didn't seem likely they'd open the doors to a vampire and a high school student.
Carefree, Emmett got out of the car and opened the door for her.
—If they don't let me into my own house, then I must have done something very bad.
Nell swallowed and sought his gaze.
—Your house?—She blinked—You live here?
—Yes, that's what I said.— He extended his hand, but she didn't move—Are you scared already?
She pursed her lips irritably.
—No, but... is your family okay with having me here? Won't it be hard for them to stand my smell?
—They're aware of everything. Besides, it wouldn't be the first time a human enters the house. Bella was the first, and so far she hasn't died.— He suddenly got a bit serious—Although it sounds annoying, we can't have secrets in the family. It's not viable with Edward's mind-reading ability, Alice's precognition, and all that.
—I understand—nodded, because it seemed like that's what he expected. She didn't tell him she was a bit dizzy and nervous about meeting his family; nor did she ask what that meant. If it was just friendship, or to appease her fear of vampires. Or even some romantic sense she refused to believe; as if that were the most irrational thing in the world.
Emmett extended his hand again.
—If you don't want to go up, say so now. Because once you enter, they won't leave you alone.—He warned in an alarming and amusing tone at the same time.
Eleanor let out a cut-off laugh.
—How encouraging.—In a burst of bravery, she took his hand.
Emmett smiled victoriously and guided her up. Nell contemplated the entire space as if she were a tourist. From the beamed ceilings to the wide windows; and from the thick rugs to the spiral staircase visible in the center of the room.
Until a whirlwind of short black hair approached her suddenly and hugged her. Leaving her completely speechless.
—I've been anxious to see you!—Whether she intended to shout or not, her voice sounded loud. She wasn't hugging her anymore, but she had her held by the shoulders—I knew you'd come. Well, as long as you didn't change your mind. I know Emmett told you about it.—Nell gave Emmett a look. He was leaning on the stairs suppressing a laugh.
"So that's what he meant by they won't leave me alone" she said internally.
—Um, yes. He told me a lot about you all.
The girl smiled satisfied with her response.
—Alice, try not to overwhelm the fresh meat.— Emmett reprimanded with some humor.
Nell glared at him.
Alice rolled her eyes and then released her.
—I'm just glad to see her here. Finally.
"Finally?" she thought confused.
Before she could draw any conclusions, a woman with caramel-colored hair smiled and approached to take her hand. The cold, hard-as-stone grip radiated more warmth than Nell expected.
—We're delighted you've come. Please, make yourself at home.
She smiled timidly at her, and then looked at the others. Nell observed them all, surrounding her. She noticed the happiness etched on their faces, the emotion running through their features. Except for one person: the blonde named Rosalie. She seemed to pierce her with her gaze; as if her presence bothered her.
Carlisle's action distracted her from the thread of her thoughts. He approached at a measured pace and shook her hand.
—I see you've met my wife, Esme.—He pointed to the woman with caramel hair—I'm glad to see you again, Eleanor.
She smiled at him.
—I'm glad too, Doctor Cullen.
—Please, call me Carlisle.—Carlisle's expression changed to an afflicted one. —And I want to apologize for what happened at the hospital. I didn't know about your ability until Emmett mentioned it. I can't imagine what you saw, but I'm sure it was terrifying.
Nell shook her head.
—You don't have to apologize.—She licked her lips—I was just surprised. Assimilating that you were real was the most... complicated part.
Rosalie, the one with the divine and strangely petulant face, snorted.
—Well, we are. And you shouldn't be here.—Although she was close, she kept a cautious distance.
Emmett looked at her warningly. But it was Edward who spoke:
—She should.— He objected—She knows what we are, and more importantly, she's Emmett's friend. She has every right to be here.
"So that's it..." she thought. Feeling suddenly strange. Nell didn't like that feeling.
Rosalie's eyes hid something she couldn't identify; and then they filled with fury.
—You said it: she knows. We already have enough with one human knowing to have another one come and ruin everything. Victoria is chasing us because of Bella. Now what? What will she bring to the family?—Suddenly, she focused her gaze on Nell—Do you think nothing can hurt you? Well, you're wrong. We are also the danger, and it's much worse than you imagine.
Edward and Emmett stepped in front; Andrew took her arm.
—Back off, Rosalie.—Emmett warned—I'm not going to let you scare her.
—It's fine. She should be scared!
—No—Edward intervened—. She should be trained. Fear paralyzes if you don't overcome it.
For a long time, Rosalie stared at her without speaking.
—Rosalie.—Carlisle called, stepping forward—Eleanor is now part of the family and deserves the care and protection of all of us. All this is new to her, just as it was with Bella at the time.
Nell didn't know what caused the discomfort she felt: whether it was because Rosalie was piercing her with those golden eyes full of disgust and resentment; or because everyone wanted to make her feel welcome and comfortable in a home surrounded by vampires.
—Well, don't expect much from me.—Then, faster than Nell thought possible, Rosalie disappeared from the room. Leaving behind a cold breeze that raised the hair on her skin. Andrew apologized and followed her.
The atmosphere became tense. Nell didn't know what to do next, other than stare at her feet. A hand touched her shoulder.
—Don't worry about Rosalie— Emmett insisted with a persuasive look. —She'll change her mind.
Nell doubted it. And before she could delve into her thoughts, Alice unexpectedly linked her arm with hers, smiling enormously.
—Come on. Sit next to me—she tugged at her toward the living room. —There's still a lot to discover about you.