The Date

59.

The tires crunched the dry leaves in the driveway, on both sides, walls of dark trees stood at attention. Sentinals for what to come. Mom and Dad chatted in low voices about the preparation of the party. I was lost in the contemplation of the scenery. Tonight every little shadow under those trees seemed to take a life of their own. The night sang to me. The air charged with power. Raw and untamed.

"You're nervous?" mom had twisted in her chair to gaze at me. I was. I was also numb from the overwhelming sensation of meeting him. Soon. Dad peeked at me in the rearview mirror. He winked for encouragement. Mom reached between the seat and squeezed my knee. "It's going to be ok," she gave me a warm smile. I know. We will be ok.

The trees abruptly retreated and the glasshouse loomed ahead. The top floor was lit, on its left, a full moon rose above the blackness of the peaks. Tonight everything will be on rendezvous. All the powers converged. Tonight was our night. Dad steered the SUV to the driveway next to Aunt Alice's flashy yellow Tesla, not far hiding in the shadows was uncle Emmett's black jeep. The car eased to a halt. The front door of the house flung open, on the top stairs were Aunt Alice holding Jasper. He had always been strange. He refused that I call him uncle. He said it had a weird ring to it.

"They are here," called aunt Alice towards the living room. Soon a group gathered to greet us. Mom and dad were out first. Uncle Emmett got the door for me.

"You're breathtaking, birthday girl," he pulled me in one of his bear hugs, crushing me against his massive body. Dad gave him a warning glare, then a slow smile, and both brothers patted each other.

"How is the old man?" joked Emmett. Mom tried to hide her smile when aunt Alice squealed and jumped and hugged both of us.

"You're going to love this, ReRe. I've outdone myself," she kissed my cheek leaving a smudged and let go of me so quickly I nearly lost my footing. Jasper held me by the arm to keep me steady.

"Easy," he grinned. "Happy birthday," he always had that painful grin around me. I was half-human, and half something else, after all. The blood craving was his problem, not mine. I gave him a quick "thank you," then escaped greeting Grandma and Grandpa. They were the sweetest, both patient and loving.

"Happy birthday, Renesme," they both said. Then kissed my cheek. I threw my arms around their necks. Grandma was startled and stepped back with a weary smile. Grandpa accepted my hug and patted my back.

"Oh," she exclaimed with her eyes wide.

"Tonight your blood is flaring," whispered Grandpa. "Please don't cut yourself or it won't be very funny for the lots of us," he let go and smoothed my hair. I rolled my eyes at him. He chuckled, his voice rich and elegant.

"Sorry," I mouthed to Grandma. She nodded with concern. Aunt Rosalie hanging around the front door. She gave me a timid nod. Mom told me what happened to her on the day of my birth. She disapproved of the whole human-vampire baby. She also disapproved of my relationship with Jacob. You can't please everyone on this damn planet.

"Hey," I tried. She waved awkwardly at me.

"Happy birthday," her tone was mild. "Nice dress," she remarked. I ran my hands on the velvet along my hɨps.

"Aunt Alice helped me pick it," she nodded then lifted her head as Emmett took her in his arms. Jasper opened the door wider.

"Come inside," grinned aunt Alice. My heart hammered in my ċhėst. The joy was almost overwhelming. I took a deep breath.

"Sure," I held the skirt of the dress and stepped inside.