»—— act one. twilight
☽⋅── TWELVE ──this is home for us ─⋅☾

The day had finally arrived. Eve, always an early riser, had set an alarm for 6 in the morning.

Eleanor, who was a bit more of a night owl, couldn't help but grumble as she heard her mother practically singing in the next room, preparing for the day.

The teen groaned, covering her head with a pillow to muffle the cheerful noises. However, despite her irritation at being forced out of dreamland, deep down, she was secretly pleased her mom was finally getting to meet the rest of the Cullen clan.

The invitation was extended to Eleanor, but she declined, insisting that her mom should be the focus of the day's meeting.

Eleanor was happy to remain out of the spotlight, giving her mother the chance to fully experience the unique and captivating nature of the Cullen family.

Before she knew it, Eve had finished a light snack, making sure her stomach was relatively empty, as she had promised since Carlisle told her his family would be cooking for her later.

Just then, there heard a knock at the door, and Eleanor, who had been lazing around on the couch, rose to answer it.

As the teen opened the door, Eve quickly called out, her voice carrying a hint of urgency, "Mom! Dr. Cullen is here!"

Meanwhile, Carlisle stood there, his expression amused by the interaction between Eve and her mom.

"Please just call me Carlisle," he corrected, his tone gentle.

Eleanor raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her face, and a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But it's so much more fun to call you Dr. Cullen," she replied, her words sung with a playful tone.

Carlisle chuckled at Eleanor's response, his smile widening at her playful banter. "I see you're just as playful as Eve," he observed warmly, his tone laced with amusement.

Eleanor shrugged, a sly grin on her face. "What can I say? I've got a flair for the dramatics. And besides, it's more fun to annoy you that way," she replied, her tone dripping with mock innocence.

Carlisle chuckled again, unable to hide his own amusement at her boldness. "You certainly have a unique way of making every situation entertaining, I'll give you that," he remarked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Eleanor feigned a dramatic sigh, her hand on her chest. "You could at least try to play along, you know," she replied, her voice tinged with faux disappointment.

Eve watched the scene unfold, shaking her head in exasperation. "Don't go chasing away Carlisle, you little menace," she gently chided, her voice tinged with affectionate irritation.

Eleanor grinned mischievously, her expression full of daring. "Please Mom, there's no way I have that ability," she exclaimed, her voice confident. She then turned to Carlisle for confirmation, "Right, Carlisle?"

He just chuckled in agreement, a wry smile playing on his lips.

Eve rolled her eyes lovingly at her daughter's audacity, her tone filled with a touch of humour. "You're unbelievable," she responded, shaking her head in mock disappointment.

Meanwhile, Carlisle couldn't help but smile warmly at the whole exchange.

Eleanor laughed a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Oh come on, Mom, a bit of harmless teasing never hurt anyone," she replied, her tone laced with playful jest.

After a few more moments of banter and playful teasing, Eve and Carlisle made their way to the car. Eleanor enthusiastically waved goodbye as they drove off.

Eve turned to look at the side view mirror, her shoulders shaking slightly as she chuckled to herself, shaking her head fondly.

"Your daughter is quite the character," Carlisle remarked, his tone laced with amusement as he kept his eyes on the road ahead.

Eve chuckled, her arms crossing over her chest. "Don't I know it," she replied through a smile. "Never a dull moment with her."

"It seems she takes after you in more ways than one," he commented, his eyes still fixed on the road.

Eve rolled her eyes playfully. "Careful, Carlisle," she scolded, a hint of mock disapproval in her voice.

"Just giving my honest assessment," he replied with a sheepish grin. "She's got your spark, for sure."

"Spark, huh?" Eve mused, her tone tinged with dry amusement. "I'll take that as a compliment."

He chuckled, his eyes flickering to her for a brief moment. "It was meant as one," he clarified a warm smile on his lips.

The car ride passed with ease, the air filled with light conversation and occasional bursts of flirting from Eve.

Eventually, the scenery shifted as they ventured down the long driveway, their destination finally coming into view. Carlisle parked the car and turned off the engine, and they stepped out to take in the sight before them.

The sight before them was breathtaking, as they were now standing in front of the Cullen family residence. The large, rustic-style house loomed in front of them, exuding a sense of timeless elegance that seemed to speak of the family who lived within.

Eve turned to Carlisle with a soft smile, a mix of anticipation and wonder in her eyes. "Well," she began, "I guess this is it."

Carlisle returned her smile with a soft one of his own. "Indeed it is," he agreed, his eyes scanning the house. "Are you ready?"

Eve took a deep breath, her heart fluttering in her chest. "As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose," she replied, a mixture of nerves and eagerness in her voice.

"They're excited to meet you," Carlisle reassured her, putting a reassuring hand on her arm. "There's nothing to worry about."

Eve gave a small nod, her expression softening at his words of reassurance. "I know," she murmured, taking a moment to gather herself. "It's just...I want it to go well."

"It will," Carlisle reassured her, his voice low and sure. "They'll adore you. I'm certain."

Eve managed a small smile, her confidence bolstered by his words. "Thanks, I needed that," she said, her tone filled with genuine gratitude.

"Anytime," he responded warmly, his hand giving her arm a reassuring squeeze. "Now, shall we head inside?"

Eve exhaled slowly, steadying herself. "Yeah, let's do this," she agreed, her voice resolute.

Carlisle nodded and led the way up the walk, the crunch of gravel beneath their shoes the only sound as they approached the front door.

Eve followed him, her heart rate quickening with each step. She could feel the anticipation building, and her mind was filled with a dizzying mix of excitement and anxiety.

As they finally reached the front door, she took a steadying breath and waited for Carlisle to enter.

Carlisle turned the doorknob and pushed open the door, and they stepped into the residence. The warm glow from the lights inside illuminated the grand foyer, and Eve could smell the delicious aroma of something cooking wafting through the air.

"We're here," Carlisle announced, gesturing for her to step forward.

Eve nodded, bracing her nerves as she crossed the threshold and stepped inside. The interior of the Cullen residence felt like a world away from anything she was used to. The sheer size and opulence of the place were enough to make her gasp.

"Wow..." she breathed, her voice a hushed whisper as her eyes scanned the grand foyer in awe.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Carlisle remarked, his eyes twinkling with mild amusement and pride. "This is home for us."

Eve could hardly believe her eyes as she took in the grandeur of the space around her. The high ceilings, polished oak flooring, the intricate design on the staircase, it was all so incredibly refined and lavish.

"It's so lovely," she finally managed to murmur, her voice filled with awe.

Carlisle chuckled softly, his eyes still fixed on her. "Can't blame you for having difficulty finding words," he teased gently. "It's a lot to take in, I imagine."

He led the way to the kitchen, where the sound of animated chatter and clinking dishes floated through the air. As they entered, the room fell silent for a moment as the members of the family looked up, their eyes falling on Eve.

She smiled warmly at all of them, her voice carrying a cheerful tone. "Hello," she greeted, her eyes flickering about the room as the family members, especially Jasper, studied her intently. If they hadn't seen or heard her heartbeat or her voice upon her arrival, they would have been left sceptical, given her unique lack of scent.

As the room fell silent, it was Rosalie's voice that broke the silence, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinised Eve. "Well, that's certainly intriguing," she remarked, her tone laced with a touch of disbelief. Her nose wrinkled as she inhaled, trying to catch even a hint of a scent, but there was nothing.

Eve looked over at Carlisle, her expression questioning, her curiosity piqued by the family's perplexed murmurs.

He met her gaze, but before he could respond, Rosalie spoke up, her voice filled with disbelief. "She has no scent," she declared, her nostrils flaring as she sniffed the air once more.

"Not a whiff" Emmett chimed in, his eyes fixed on Eve.

Edward furrowed his brows, his lips parting as he tried to hear her thoughts, but there was nothing - it was as if she was shielded from him entirely. His brow furrowed in confusion, his head tilting slightly.

The atmosphere of the room shifted slightly, the focus now on Alice's cheerful statement. She strode over to Eve, her smile radiant as she extended her hand.

"It's delightful to meet you, Eve, I am Alice," she said, her warm greeting genuine. Eve accepted Alice's handshake, the cold touch grounding her.

"It's wonderful to meet you," she replied earnestly, a small smile on her lips.

Emmett interjected, his gaze appraising, his tone filled with curiosity, "I have to say, the lack of scent is pretty intriguing. First Eleanor, now you, The Name's Emmett" he mused, his eyes studying her intently. "A pretty unique trait you both share."

"Hello," she replied, her voice soft and friendly. "It's great to meet you too." She chuckled softly at his cheerful attitude, her smile widening at his thumbs-up gesture.

He then wore a boyish grin on his face. "Likewise," he replied, his tone friendly. "I've got to say, the lack of scent is interesting."

Rosalie stood nearby, her arms crossed as she watched the interaction with a hint of scepticism.

"It's definitely unique," she mused thoughtfully, her tone measured. "We can barely detect her scent, if at all. It's almost as if she's not entirely human," she continued, her glance flickering up and down Eve.

"I'm Rosalie," she added, finally speaking up, her arms uncrossing. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

She chuckled, her tone laced with mild sheepishness. "Believe me, if I wasn't human, I'd be just as surprised," she replied, her hand scratching the back of her head.

Carlisle stepped forward, placing his arm comfortably over her shoulders as if attempting to soothe her growing nerves caused by Rosalie's remarks.

Jasper, who had been quietly contemplating the situation, stepped forward next, his polite smile on his lips.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Eve, I am Jasper" he greeted, extending his hand. "I trust Carlisle's judgement wholeheartedly, and Carlisle says you're someone worth meeting."

His words brought a faint smile to her lips, though the tension in the air still lingered.

"Likewise," she replied, her hand accepting his in a gentle handshake. "I appreciate your trust in Carlisle's judgment. He's quite the character, isn't he?" She replied with a slight chuckle.

"It's rather, because you are endearing, actually," Carlisle added, his arm still draped comfortably over her shoulders.

As Eve smiled at Carlisle, a wave of peace seemed to settle over the room as if her smile had an almost tangible effect on the atmosphere.

The teens exchange looks, sensing the calming aura that seems to surround her.

Finally, it seemed like everything clicked into place for Edward. With her mind now open, he could hear her thoughts; how she adored each of them, and he couldn't help but smile, approaching to introduce himself.

"Hi," he said gently, his eyes soft and pleasant. "I'm Edward."

Eve looked up at Edward as he approached, a warm smile spreading across her face. "It's nice to meet you," she replied, her voice soft and genuine. "I've heard quite a lot about you, from Carlisle" As they spoke, Eve couldn't help but chuckle, shaking her head in mild amusement.

"Well," she began, her tone light, "to be honest, I've heard a bit about you from Eleanor as well."

Edward smiled his expression a mixture of curiosity and jest. "Good things, I hope?"

Eve chuckled once more, her smile widening. "I would be lying if I said that," she replied. "Eleanor is a troublemaker, after all. She was teasing Carlisle just earlier."

Edward heard her thoughts, the quiet musings echoing in his mind. He listened for a moment before responding.

"Well, I hope Carlisle only shared positive things," he said with a chuckle.

But he could sense the sincerity in her voice, a soft plea for him to let her get to know him now. He nodded slightly, his gaze steady on her.

"Alright," he replied, his tone warm. "Then let's get to know each other now."

Emmett eyed the exchange between Eve and Edward, a friendly joke slipping out as he commented on their mental communication.

"Alright, well, I'm glad you're not weirded out by it," he teased, prompting a playful yet slight glare from Edward.

Eve couldn't help but interject, her nerves evident as she expressed her concern, "I must admit, I'm a bit more worried about what he might hear that is weird," she admitted, her tone somewhat nervous.

Carlisle chuckled softly, his hand gently reassuringly rubbing her shoulder. He then surveyed the table, the array of food on display, "You should probably eat something," he suggested with a warm smile.

Eve's face lit up at the prospect of food, her voice filled with excitement. "Yes, please," she agreed, her eyes practically gleaming.

As the teens moved to wait, the rest of the family quietly observed the two. They couldn't help but catch glimpses of Carlisle gazing adoringly at her, and Eve mirroring the sentiment back.

Emmett couldn't resist commenting on the affectionate exchange, a playful expression on his face. "I don't think I've ever seen Carlisle look at anyone like that before," he remarked to the others.

Jasper smirked slightly, a knowing gleam in his eye. "That's because she's special to him, Emmett," he stated.

The others chuckled in agreement, their expressions filled with amusement.

"He looks at her like he's the luckiest man alive," Rosalie observed, her expression slightly bemused.

Alice, her mind already having seen this scenario unfold along with seeing much more,  hummed in delight. A smile curled on her lips as she and the others patiently waited for Eve to finish her meal.

The room was filled with a quiet serenity as they looked forward to the rest of the day.