Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but I do own the books, and some picture of Robert Pattinson I took myself. I don't have any affiliation with Paramore either, other than I'm in love with their music.
A/N: This is just something I came up with this morning while in bed. And I thought it might be a good story. Canon couples, AH, Slightly OOC.
Senior year at Forks High School...started tomorrow. So here we were, Rose, Alice and I, at the open mike bar that we played at every Sunday during the summer. During the school year, we would play on Fridays, and I guess people liked us, because the bar would be full, and people ACTUALLY knew the words to our songs. It was a pretty awesome feeling to have the crowds of teenagers, young adults, the sexy bartenders, the scantily dressed waitresses, and on occasion some semi-old men in the midst of a middle-aged crisis, singing along with us.
"So, let's give a round of applause from our very own hometown band, PARAMORE!!" The crowd was pretty big tonight. Everyone coming out for one last hurrah before school started. We got up onstage, almost matching tonight. We all wore t-shirts, and various black bottoms. I had on some old jeans, Alice had on some 'good butt' shorts, and Rosie had on this tiny skirt that she claimed made her legs look longer. It only made her legs look longer, because there was so little fabric to cover them, though.
Rose, Alice and I had been friends since first grade when they successfully helped me cure my case of cooties. I knew they were keepers from that moment. We weren't dependent or clingy though. And I loved that. "Me time" was a necessity in every relationship, and we gave it willingly. It was a great dynamic we had going.
Rose was especially excited to play tonight, as her boyfriend, Emmett had recently moved up here and never had the chance to watch us play. Hence the skirt I guess.
His adoptive parents, specifically his father, had gotten a job at the hospital to be Head of Cardiology. It was an offer someone like himself really shouldn't have considered, but he was ready to live a quiet life outside of his job, and if there was a place to be boring, this was it.
Carlisle Cullen M.D., and his wife Esme came up about a month ago to get things settled. They had a huge house built somewhere a little out of the way. It was gorgeous. Big and white and big. Emmett told Rose the house was practically soundproof, a tidbit that excited to no extent. Eww. Emmett and his very, very good looking brothers, came down last week after tying up some loose ends for their parents back in Seattle. And it looked as though senior year was at least going to have a better view for the student body. And speaking of bodies...
Maybe the Cullens had a knack for knowing what kids would grow up to be beautiful, or they just got lucky, because between Emmett, Jasper and Edward…whoa. Emmett was big and muscular and kind of scary. Like a bear, but he was also as cuddly as a bear, if one could be cuddly. He had short brown hair, and it framed his cute little dimples and baby blues. Rose was in heaven every time his picture would pop up on her phone when he called. Jasper had dirty blond hair and blue eyes, too. He was tall, and had some bulk, but not too much. Enough to know there was something lurking on that shirt of his. Alice was constantly dropping things when he was around, getting him to pick it up so she had a good look at his butt. But she often got disappointed when Emmett turned quickly to scoop up her possession handing it back to her, with a wink. She would just scowl right back. He knew exactly how much abuse his brother's butt was getting from her. Then there was Edward, who was just, like the most gorgeous thing to walk the earth. I didn't even know if it was possible for guys to be this good looking, apparently it was. He was tall, lean and kind of lanky. But not skinny, you could tell he was toned six ways till Sunday. He had this really rare shade of bronze, almost copper like hair. It was all over the place, untidy, disheveled, whatever you wanted to call it. I preferred to keep to the term 'bed head'. Nothing else would described, and it held its own on sexiness ladder, which was nearly impossible considering.
The boys were all going to be in the senior class this year. All of them eighteen. I guess the Cullens thought it would be for all the boys to grown up together if they were the same age. And they must've been right, because from what I'd seen this week, they were more like best friends. It was really nice.
So, I got onstage, guitar in hand. I turned to get the final nod from my ladies before we began our set. Suddenly Rose gave me a piece a paper.
"What's this?" I asked, covering the microphone .
"I didn't get to read it. I think it's a request or something. One of the girls in the crowd handed it to me, and asked me to give it to you," Rose said. Alice grabbed the paper from my hand, as I had moved away from the microphone and walked toward the back of the very small stage where Alice's drums were set up. She read it and started to laugh hysterically. I gave Rose a questioning look.
I took the paper back from Alice, placing it between Rose and I as we read silently. I snorted loudly. Oh my god, can you spell D-E-S-P-E-R-A-T-E? I looked back at Alice, who was still trying to reign in her giggles and keep the tears from falling. I turned to look at the crowd, and asked Rose who gave her the note. She pointed to Jessica Stanley, a girl who I've despised since I know she deliberately rode her bicycle into the garbage can I was using for "Hide and Seek." She toppled the can, which by the way was sitting atop a small hill, and I broke my ankle. I blame her. Not to mention, where I got my cooties from, dammit. I also grew a severe dislike for her when she got so drunk two years ago, that she started copping a feel on my then boyfriend, Mike Newton. I do give her credit for helping me dodge a bullet with that one though. He got herpes about two weeks later, and the only question remaining was who gave it to him? I had an inkling though, starts with a J ends with an A. Cootie queen, just putting it out there.
Jessica caught my eye, and I waved suggestively at the paper. She nodded her head fervently and I couldn't deny the poor girl anything, because she looked like she had a lot riding on this. It also seemed as though it was a group thing, so I guess it's not nearly as embarrassing. I gave her a quick nod, snorted again when I looked back at the paper, and turned to the mike.
"Hey guys! How'd everyone feeling tonight?" I loved when everyone would answer back in cheers, whistles, the raising of glasses from the semi-old men with the middle-aged crisis. "Alright, good to hear. Now listen, we're really excited to play tonight, in honor of our new scholastic year coming up. But we've got a special request and a dedication to a few people. Emmett McCarty Cullen, Rose says she's got a "special treat" for you tonight," I said using air quotes. Being the perv Rosie was, she actually told me to announce what the special treat was, in detail, but having compassion on the population of Forks, I allowed them to keep their meals stomached. "Paramore, and Forks, as a whole, would like to welcome you. No "special treats" from us though." I ventured a look at the back of the room, where the boys were standing. Emmett looking amused and maybe a little horny at the prospect of what him and Rose would be doing later. Edward and Jasper were just cheesing at their brother. "We do know a few who would like to, if you're interested. Now, let's move on. It seems the whole young adult female population would like to thank you as well, Emmett. And Rose by association, I guess. They say, and I quote, "Emmett, you may be taken, and that's devastating. Really. BUT, we forgive Rose because, Emmett, the luggage you brought with you, is more than enough of an apology. So, Edward and Jasper, welcome to Forks! You'll find that we can be extremely accommodating." Eww. There you have it ladies and gentlemen. This is why us vaginas, have a bad name. Thank you ladies." I looked up to see Edward doubled over in laughter and his brother's head was repeatedly hitting the table. I snuck a look at Alice, and you could tell that she was mentally trying to kill the group of girls that kept 'inconspicuously' inching towards the boys' table.
"Let's get started, shall we?! Cullen boys," I said looking each of them in the eye and smirking, "your dedication comes with a song request. Maybe you know it…"
As we played the first couple musical measures, the screams got louder and the girls were practically vibrating. Edward and Jasper looked seriously embarrassed and delighted, all at the same time. I looked back to make sure Rose and I were on the same page. Alice was ready to go with her sticks. I took a deep breath,
"I make them good girls go bad.
I make them good girls go,
Good girls go, baaad!
I know your type, you're daddy's little girl,
Just take a bite, let me shake up your world.
'Cause just one night couldn't be so wrong,
I'm gonna make you lose control…."
Cobra Starship's "Good Girls Go Bad" seemed to have worked like a charm and while I may not have appreciated the intent the song was dedicated in, but it was a great opener, and the crowd loved it. By the time our set was done, we were sweaty and gross and ready to go get some sleep. Regular sleep for me, 'beauty sleep' for Alice and Rosalie. After some much appreciated compliments, words of wisdom and encouragement, we made our way down to the floor. Gathered up our instruments and loaded them into our respective cars. Rose went in search of Emmett, so Alice and I went in search of some much needed refreshments. We made our way to the bar. Alice sat on the only vacant stool, so I pulled myself up onto the counter.
"Hey! You can't sit up th--Bella?" I nodded my head as I turned around to apologize, when I realized it was Jacob bartending tonight.
"Jake? Hey, sorry, I'll get off." I made to hop off, but he grabbing my hand efficiently stilling me.
"You can stay. I thought you were some random chick trying to get attention or something. Our in-house musicians can hang out wherever. Lie down if you'd like too. But I don't think I'll be able to stop the onslaught of groping," he said with a sly smile.
"I get the feeling you'll be doing most of it and as fun as that sounds, James-"
"Wouldn't appreciate it. I know, I know. Doesn't hurt to try though," Jake said flashing me a warm smile while finishing off my sentence and kissing my forehead in a friendly gesture. Jake and I had been best buds since Char-, um, Dad, started dragging me to go fishing down at the reservation. Jake pre-puberty was adorable. Long black hair, chubby cheeks, a pudgy belly and a cute smile. POST-puberty was like Christmas everyday for Jake. He grew like a foot and a half in 4 months, cut his hair, crew cut style, still had chubby cheeks but pudginess-be-gone! Little Jakie Boo had abs of steel now, and Leah Clearwater enjoyed every minute of them. When Jake finally grew into his own, the girls swarmed him, and we even tried a relationship for a while. Until we kissed, and it was like kissing my brother, if I had one. It was nas-tay. So, now that we had established that being a couple wasn't for us, Leah decided to step up. And it was great, because they really loved each other. And I would egg Leah on whenever we were all together. I'd compliment Jake's hair, clothes, abs, butt….whatever. It was all in good fun, and all for Jake. Because I knew he'd get the best ass from Leah the nights she was jealous.
"Speaking of the devil…" he gestured in front of me as my body was still faced forward and my head turned towards him. I turned to see James walking in with one of his buddies, Laurent. Something about Laurent never rubbed me the right way so I tried to keep my distance.
"Bella," Alice nudged me in my thigh, "I'm going to go find Rose and the boys and say good night. Dad called me like 15 times now, and I'm just going to go home before he gets even more worked up."
"OK, Ali. Get home safe and be careful. Let your mom do the dirty work for once. I'll be by the house in an hour. Don't forget to take my bag out of the car. I can't scale the house ninja style with it on." I told her giving her a small peck on the cheek and a stern look. She nodded in response and left swiftly as James approached the newly open seat. He gripped me gently, pulling me about a foot so I sat on the counter directly in front of the seat Alice had been sitting on. He sat between my legs and pulled my down to kiss me.
"Hey baby," James cooed in my ear. He was a handsome boy. Had blond hair, gray-ish eyes. He was a tall guy. About six feet. He towered over me easily, and even while sitting on a higher surface, he was about face level with me. "Sorry I'm late, I had some things to take care of." He said while nuzzling his face in my neck. I could smell the alcohol on his breath, and even though I'm a fan of the liquor once in a while, James seemed to be drinking a lot lately. It was a common occurrence for him to miss a show, and show up late apologizing with his liquor bated breath.
"Well, well. Getting cozy with your boyfriend there, huh Bella?" I looked up to see that Laurent had moved into the chair beside James. His eyes glazed too. Seemed like everyone was drunk tonight except me. I tried my best to give him a smile, but I was feeling a little hurt that for the fourth time this month, James had made some excuse to not show up during our performance.
"Yeah, haven't seen him in a while. Gotta take what I can get." I looked down at James. He kept planting little kisses all along my neck. I loved him, but I just wasn't in love with him anymore. I had given my virginity to him a year ago. Things were great then. He would shower me with all this attention. And then Laurent came to town. Just magically appeared one day. He was about Jake's age. Twenty, maybe older. And he turned our relationship to crap in 5 months. And he was doing something, something wrong. I didn't figure it out yet, but it was corrupting James. And I didn't like where things were going.
"Wanna get out of here?" James asked me, rubbing his rough hands up and down my arms. I used to like the callousness of his hands, the feel of it, used to heighten things. Now they just irritate me.
"Where would we go?" To be honest, I didn't want to go anywhere with him. It had been months since we'd had sex of any kind. Since he's touched me at all.
"Let's go back to my place. My parents aren't home. You can stay the night, ride with me to school in the morning," he started licking my ear in between sentences. Something that used to drive me crazy. It just grossed me out now.
"Sorry, babe. No can do. Promised Charlie I'd be home early tonight. Gotta help him out with some stuff. Sorry." Actually, Charlie knew I was spending the night at Alice's house. So it wouldn't have mattered if I just called her and told her I was going to be with James. No thank you, though.
He looked up at me. His eyes were a little dark, I'd guess from lust, and he looked a little angry too. "Just tell him you're sleeping at Rose or something. Come on. Come home with me, Bella." I guess you couldn't mistake it now. He WAS angry and a little scary. I didn't like it.
I looked up briefly, hoping the brief ten second break would help me come up with a plan quickly. Instead, my eyes locked with Emmett's brother who was sitting across the room, a couple tables away. He had a questioning look on his face, as his eyes flickered back and forth from mine to James' body and back. He furrowed his eyebrows and I quickly and hoped discreetly shook my head once 'no'. He nodded his head once in understanding. He seemed to have wanted to intervene in whatever was going on here. It obviously wasn't looking good from far.
I turned back to James, put my hand on his cheek reassuringly hoping to calm him down and told him, "Sorry. Rose is actually coming by my house tonight. Charlie already knows. It would be too suspicious. I can't. I have to leave now actually. Stay, enjoy yourself with Laurent." Sparing a glance a Laurent who seemed engrossed in conversation with one of the girls from school. "Don't forget we have class tomorrow. Don't overdo it, okay?" I gave him a quick kiss and prepared to make a fast exit. Instead, he had different plans. He kissed me harder, and just to appease him, I kissed back. He licked my top lip, and I opened my mouth out of habit as his tongue slipped in deepening the kiss. I involuntarily moaned, and he took this as a sign I was enjoying myself, and kept going. Stupid, stupid girl. Stop moaning, he's so drunk, he'll have you on this table, I told myself. I broke the kiss, and gave him a small chaste kiss and moved to slide off the counter. "See you tomorrow, James." He smacked my ass as I walked by him, and waved to Laurent.
I made my way to Rose's table where she and the boys were sitting chatting. Jasper still had his eyes trained on me and James, in case things got a little too rough. "Thanks, Jasper. If needed, I really would've appreciated it." I told him and I got to the table.
"Yeah, no problem. You don't seem the type to date assholes though, and he looked like a big one." I laughed at his statement, because it was true. I loved the bad ass types, of course, what girl doesn't. But I wouldn't stand for being treated like crap.
"He wasn't always like that. And to be honest, he's never around long enough lately for me to tell him how I feel." I looked around the table and realized everyone was looking at us. My face flushed with embarrassment. I tried to change the subject quickly.
"So Jazz, picked up anything lately for Alice?" I smirked at him. Everyone knew that they had a thing for each other.
"Ha. Ha." He said dryly. The undertones of a smile threatening to come out.
"Where's Edward?" I asked. He looked especially good in his black leather jacket, with a white T-shirt and dark denim jeans.
"Probably making good on some of the offers that you informed us about. Thanks by the way, I'm so glad Forks is so accommodating to newcomers."
"You're very welcome, Jasper. But I'm sure Alice will be glad to accommodate you. Eww that came out wrong. Don't even expand on that topic. I'm going to go. See you guys later. Rose, can I talk to you outside for a minute?" I waved off the giggling boys and walked to the front with Rose. I needed to make sure James saw her and I together to keep my story straight.
Once I got outside, I saw James next to his car speaking quietly with Laurent. He saw us come out and gave me a drunken wave. I waved back, and turned to Rosalie dragging her in the direction of my car.
"What's up Bella?"
"Um, in case you bump into James tonight, can you just tell him you're on your way to my house? That you're sleeping over. He wanted me to go by his place and spend the night, and honestly, I don't even want to touch him. He's drunk, and he got kinda rough tonight when I told him 'no' the first time. That why I told him you were staying with me tonight. Please, Rosalie?"
"Bella, you don't have to beg. I'll cover for you. It's about time you broke up with that prick anyway. He's turned into such a sleaze ball. Anything else, my dear? I've got some special treats waiting for my boyfriend."
"I know he has. I just told Jazz, he hasn't been around long enough for me to break it off. I'll do it soon. Thanks again Rosie. That's it." I gave her a kiss on the cheek and ran around to the driver's side. I looked around the parking lot to see that James was still there and still looking. I waved at him and as I got in the car, I saw Edward on the other side of the parking lot with Lauren Mallory. He didn't seem that into the conversation though, as he was glaring at James who was still looking at me. Rose had apparently seen this too, and turned back to me with raised eyebrows. I shrugged my shoulders and mouthed 'I don't know.' Something felt a little off, but I didn't have time to dwell on it. I promised Alice I would be at her house in fifteen minutes.
I pulled out of the parking lot and made my way to her house in five minutes. I quietly scaled the side of the house, trying not to wake anyone up. I tapped on her window softly, she opened it and I slid in.
"Hey Bella, you alright?"
"Yeah, just a long and weird night. What happened when you got home?" I asked, concerned.
"Nothing. He was fast asleep on the floor by the liquor cabinet. Mom didn't even say anything, she just left him there. I'm getting so tired of this," she whispered.
"I know, Ali. He needs real help. And I hate just standing around and watching what he does to you both. I'll kill him next time, Alice. I'll chop him up and feed him to Buttons Armadillo." I whispered back, angrily. Buttons Armadillo was my Rottweiler. He was the sweetest dog, but had the scariest presence. And I named him Buttons just to throw people off. Cute and cuddly was not was came around the corner when someone yelled, "Buttons!!"
Alice just laughed quietly. She had added on Armadillo, because we desperately wanted to name him after another random animal. I knew she was stressed and it was taking a toll on her. But she didn't want anyone to know. So, I would keep it our secret until she was ready.
"Ready for bed, Fed Ex?" Alice loved to call me Fed Ex. Stupid nickname. Came out one day when we were about ten and I told her that's how my parents had me. The Fed Ex man brought me. Apparently Alice had just learned about the bird and the bees and knew that the Fed Ex man didn't do anything. It all happens with 'love and special hugs.' Which I later figured out that those hugs were really special, and they hurt at first.
"Yes, Mary. Take that, biatch!" I whisper yelled. Mary Alice Brandon…hated being called Mary. Tit for tat.
"Yeah, yeah. Shut your pie hole. Let's get some 'beauty sleep'."
"'Beauty sleep is for chumps. Sweet dreams, Mary."
"Night, Fed Ex."
Just as we had settled into a light sleep, there was a tap on the window. We panicked a little, and then approached the window with a baseball bat. Alice adjusted the curtain slightly so we could see outside. There, standing outside, one story below us, looking windblown and really sexy, was Edward, with a very bloody gash on the side of his head.
He tilted his head up and looked me in the eye. "Your boyfriend is a fucking lunatic."
A/N: Please review. Even if it is just two people. That's my goal for this one. Because if two people like it, I'll gladly write a story, just for them. Thanks for reading!!