My Child (Twilight)

{2} End of the day [12]

The final bell echoed through the school halls, signalling the end of my first day. A mix of relief and satisfaction washed over me as I began packing my books and materials into my backpack. Most of the students had already rushed out the moment the bell rang, eager to leave, but I found myself moving a bit slower, still absorbing everything that had happened today.

As I zipped up my backpack, a voice broke the silence in the nearly empty classroom. "So, how was your first day?" The teacher, who had been gathering his own materials, looked up and smiled warmly at me, his expression curious and kind.

I paused, realising he was talking to me, and offered a small smile back. "It was good," I replied simply, still a bit reserved after such a full day.

The teacher nodded, seeming to take in my response. "I noticed on your file that you have been homeschooled before this. Being in a structured school environment for the first time, this must have been quite a change for you."

"Yes, I was homeschooled," I confirmed, feeling a little more at ease. Something was reassuring about his interest as if he genuinely cared about how I was adjusting.

"And you've made some friends today? I saw you with Archie. Is he your mentor?" the teacher asked, his tone encouraging as if he wanted to ensure I had someone to lean on.

A small smile crept onto my face as I thought about Archie. "Yes, he is. And he's my friend now, too."

"That's wonderful to hear," the teacher responded, his smile widening. "I'm also the school counsellor and your history teacher. My door is always open if you need someone to talk to about anything."

I nodded, appreciating his words. "Thank you, sir."

As I finished packing my things and slung my backpack over my shoulder, I left the classroom feeling slightly more tired than I had realised and the day had been long and filled with new experiences and emotions.

I entered the hallway, where Rosalie was already waiting for me. Her arms crossed, but her face softened when she saw me approach. "What took you so long?" she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

"I was talking to a counsellor," I explained, hoping I was using the correct term. "He just wanted to check in on me since I was homeschooled before."

Rosalie's eyes softened further, her protectiveness giving way to understanding. "Really?"

"Yes," I nodded. "He wanted to ensure I was doing okay, and it went well."

She seemed relieved, but then I let out a small yawn, the exhaustion of the day catching up with me.

"Tired?" she asked, her tone gentle now.

"No," I said, but my stomach grumbled softly, betraying me. "I'm hungry, though."

Rosalie smiled, reaching out her hand for me to take. "Come on, we can get you some food when we get home."

I grasped her hand without hesitation, finding comfort in the familiar touch. She led me down the hall through the crowd of students, where I spotted Dad, Uncle Jasper, and Aunt Alice waiting near the exit. They all seemed relieved to see me, but Rosalie kept me close, guiding me toward the car with a protective air.

As we approached the car, Rosalie opened the back door for me. I climbed in, feeling the excellent leather against my skin as I settled into the seat. I was finally heading home after what felt like a marathon of a day. Despite the weariness, a slight sense of accomplishment was blooming inside me. I had survived my first day of school and even made a friend. As the car began to move, I leaned back and closed my eyes, feeling safe and content with my family around me.

.
.

"He's out," Emmett commented, glancing in the rearview mirror at Rainn, slumped against the window, fast asleep.

"He looked exhausted," Rosalie murmured, her voice filled with soft concern as she turned to look back at Rainn.

"I think he had fun," Emmett replied, his tone a bit lighter though his voice hinted at surprise.

Rosalie hesitated before agreeing. "Yes, and he managed to make a friend."

"Yeah, didn't expect that," Emmett admitted, brow furrowed slightly. "I thought he'd keep more to himself, especially on his first day."

"Well, it is his student mentor," Rosalie reasoned, her voice still tinged with protective worry. "I'm not sure he had much of a choice. Rainn's usually so reserved. I think he clung to Archie because he had to."

"Maybe," Emmett acknowledged with a shrug. "But they're having lunch together tomorrow. He seemed happy about it."

"Mmm," Rosalie hummed, her agreement reluctant. Her eyes lingered on Rainn, watching him sleep peacefully, though something bothered her.

Emmett noticed. "Come on, this is good," he encouraged, hoping to ease her tension. "He's making friends here, which is what we want. You've seen how quickly he's adapted to the family since we got him back. He's getting comfortable. This'll help him feel more at ease in school, too."

Rosalie let out a quiet sigh, her hand absentmindedly tracing the stitching on her seat. "I don't like him pulling away from us so quickly," she admitted, her voice quiet, as if saying it out loud made the fear more real.

"I get that," Emmett replied, his tone softening. "But we're not going to let him get far, you know that. If he decides to stay human, eventually, for his safety, we'll have to start letting go anyway. We can't hover forever."

A heavy silence followed. Rosalie's jaw tightened, her mind racing through scenarios Emmett couldn't see. He could sense the storm brewing in her thoughts.

Then, she whispered something that made his chest tighten. "What happens when he dies?"

The words hung in the air, chilling the space between them. Emmett's hands gripped the steering wheel tighter, his throat tightening. He glanced at her, seeing the fear and pain etched on her face.

"Rosalie..." he began, but she cut him off.

"I know, I know it's his choice," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "But if he wants to stay human... what then? What if he doesn't? He's getting older, Emmett. You don't think about this stuff like I do, but I do. I think about it all the time."

Emmett's heart ached at her words. He didn't need to think about it the way Rosalie did because the idea of losing Rainn or Rosalie was something he couldn't bear. But now, hearing her voice, the fears he kept buried, it felt like a door had opened, letting in all the cold, harsh possibilities.

"We can talk to him in a few days," he offered gently. "We'll see where his head's at. Maybe that'll help, knowing what he's thinking."

Rosalie's eyes remained distant, her mind elsewhere. "I used to want him to stay human," she admitted quietly. "I wanted him to live a long, full life. But the more I think about it... the less convinced I am. He wouldn't have us to protect him. And what would we do?" She swallowed hard, her voice cracking. "I don't want to lose him, Emmett."

Emmett reached over, placing his hand on hers. "I don't either," he whispered.

There was a long, painful pause before Rosalie spoke again, her voice barely a breath. "I wouldn't want to live a day without him. I'd want to be with him... in life and death."

Her confession hit Emmett hard. His heart clenched at the raw emotion in her words. The thought of losing Rainn and Rosalie was a reality he didn't want to face. It felt like his entire world would collapse without them.

Emmett took a deep breath, his voice firm as he broke the silence. "Then that leaves us with one option." He glanced back at Rainn, fast asleep, unaware of the weight of the conversation. "I can't live without either of you. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to Rainn or you. So, we need to figure out when turning him would be the best choice."

Rosalie didn't respond immediately. She just stared ahead, processing the reality they were facing. They would eventually have to make the decision for Rainn's life and theirs.

For now, the ride continued in silence, the road ahead long and uncertain.

Sorry for the heavy end to this chapter
13th September 2024
Please vote and I hope you have enjoyed xxxx