Falling To The Sun | B. Swan + E. Cullen

trente-cinq

It wasn't that Roman wanted to skip school on Monday, she just did. She hadn't gotten any sleep the night before and could hardly stomach more than a few bites of banana, and Sue said to just take the day.

So she did. She hung around Emily's talking to the girl quietly about all the plans that she had told Seth about. It was a lot to ask for, her understanding, but by the time the boys were out of school, she felt at least a little better.

Graduation was so close and it was important that she get that weight, the burden, off her chest before it was too late.

Emily would forgive her, in the end, would still speak to her even if from a distance, and she would be able to persuade Sam. And the Clearwaters were family, despite everything, so things would just work out in the end -- she was sure.

They told her as much, too, the small little family over dinner, and as mas as Leah might have been, she promised that they could be friends even when she was a stinking leech... which was quite nice considering.

It definitely lightened the mood.

Roman was eager to get to school for the first one in forever. Her mind clear in a way it hadn't been for a long time with not a thing bothering her. She was ready. Things were going to plan. Goodbyes were set. All ties just about tied. It was good, nice, and she was ready to see Bella and Edward again without a single bit of doubt lingering in her mind.

She really wasn't prepared for the canary yellow Porsche that was parked at the treaty line with the petite driver seated on the hood, smiling brightly as Sue stopped the car next to her.

They shared a look, the elder woman nodding once before Roman jumped out of the car to join the vampire. Sue didn't hesitate to leave.

"Hey, Alice."

"Roman! It's wonderful to see you. Get in."

Furrowing her brow, she hitched her bag higher on her shoulder as she made her way around the car. "What's going on?"

"You're spending the day at my house."

"I am? Why?"

The girl grinned, the car purring with her gentle coaxing. "That's where all the fun's gonna be."

She laughed. "That sounds promising."

"It is. Though, I feel like I should warn you. Edward made me tell Bella," she starts, talking quickly. "We're having a graduation party. I thought it would be fun since it's your first time."

The world slows to a stop before it comes crashing around her. She makes a mournful sound at the back of her throat. "The first time? Do I actually have to keep going back? Can't I just be a shut-in?"

Her laughter is light and twinkling. "It wouldn't be fair for you to sit around doing nothing all day while we go to school."

"Can't I at least go to college? At least then I could learn something different every time instead of just repeating the same boring stuff."

"You can recycle the same boring stuff."

"Alice," Roman says, voice deadly serious. "I barely got through high school the first time. What makes you think I'll be able to do it again?"

She smiles, white teeth glinting. "Because you'll know everything already."

"Alice!"

"Relax. You don't have to worry about it just yet. Besides, it doesn't have anything to do with my party."

"A party will be cool. Is it going to be like a real teenager party?"

"Of course! How could you think so little of me? It'll be the best party you've ever gone to."