perennial - rosalie hale of twilight

Chapter 7

That seemed to have shut Tristan up. He finally saw how he looked nothing compared to Emmett. Emmett was "very tall, very burly, and very intimidating" as I heard humans describe him.

   Now, there was Jasper, too, who he was not aware of a second ago. Though Jasper was leaner, he still stood two inches taller than Tristan.

   Of course, size and athleticism don't even matter in this scenario. No matter how Tristan was built, he was human. He'd never stand a chance against any of us.

   It was given that Emmett and Jasper's appearance were frightening, but I'd love to see the look on Tristan's face if he found out he's no match for even me, Edythe, or little Alice.

   "Hey, guys," I heard Edythe say. "We're playing Whisper Down the Lane, and Alice wants me and Rose on her team." She then proceeded to speak in a speed that no human would be able to follow. "Emmett, you can't confront him. They've no idea we can hear them from here and over this loud music. Humans can't do that."

   "I know," Emmett said through gritted teeth. "It was just a thought. That jackass is really getting under my skin."

   Jasper moved to stand in between Emmett and me, putting each hand on our shoulders. I felt the calm completely bury the anger I was feeling. That seem to have effectively relaxed Emmett as well, but he shrugged off Jasper's hand as soon as he realized what Jasper was doing.

   Jasper raised both his hands in surrender and backed away.

   Tristan and Adam were both looking away now.

   I grabbed Emmett's hand and decided to go back inside.

   Alice was now dancing and socializing with the other high schoolers. Aside from a group playing truth or dare upstairs, another group playing board games in the dining room, and the people sharing stories by the bonfire outside, this party really was dull. Only Alice's presence on the dance floor was giving it life.

   Edythe went to the snack bar and pretended to be interested in the food. Alice grabbed Jasper to dance.

   Not in the mood to socialize with any of the teenage humans, I scanned the room for anything else to do. I wanted to go home, but it would bum Alice out if I left early.

   The doorbell rang then. Emmett and I stood closest to the front door, so I shrugged and decided to get it.

   "Trick or treat!" said a little girl dressed as Harry Potter. She was accompanied by an adult who was holding a toddler in a fairy costume.

   I put my hands together and beamed at them. I found a bowl of candy by the door and grabbed a handful to give to the trick or treaters.

   "Don't forget to thank the pretty lady," said the adult.

   "Yes, Mom," said the girl. "Thank you!"

   "You're welcome," I replied, still grinning.

   I felt someone approaching as I closed the door.

   "Who was that?" asked Ruby.

   "Trick or treaters," I said cheerily.

   "Oh, sorry you had to get the door," she said, embarrassed.

   "It's no big deal," I reassured her. "I love children."

   That appeared to have surprised her, but she chose not to say anything about it. "So, uh, are you enjoying the party?"

   "Yeah," I lied. "I'm good. Don't worry about me."

   "Okay," she mumbled. She stood there awkwardly, looking at her shoes.