Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its characters.
Chapter title by Nirvana. This chapter is dedicated to ohxmyxria, an absolutely incredible writer and an even cooler chick. Seriously, this would've taken months to write if it weren't for you. Check out her stuff if you haven't already . . . it's way better than this junk. :)
"I need an easy friend.
I do, with an ear to lend.
I do think you fit this shoe.
I do, won't you have a clue."
-Nirvana, About a Girl
Edward's Point of View
I waited in the Volvo for a minute for the soft jazz tune on the radio to come to an end before turning off the car and pocketing the keys. The Forks sky was overcast as usual, and I could barely see the sign of Kate's Diner because of how relentlessly the snow was coming down outside. I muttered a curse under my breath. This crappy state had no mercy.
I smiled, comforted by the familiar jingle of the small purple bells hanging from the door as it closed a bit too slowly behind me. I'd have to point that out to Kate. I stomped the extra snow off of my shoes once inside the entrance and shook away the sluggishly melting droplets from my hair with a hand.
"Hey Edward. We missed you earlier!" I heard Kate shout from the back, her head poking through the kitchen door, her arms submerged in soapy water and up to her elbows with dirty dishes.
Kate's Diner was a quaint little place that had the best burgers in town and was run by a spitfire of a woman whose spirit rivaled that of anyone I had ever met. Don't let the diner part fool you; Kate's place was authentically quaint. It had a good atmosphere all on its own, not like the chain restaurants sprinkled through every other town where their idea of a decorating scheme was nailing a bunch of random odds and ends to the walls. My friend Mike Newton would classify it as homey, as if tacking a picture of the local high school meant the owners were really down to earth and home grown.
I thought it felt more like eating in the middle of a garbage can.
But Kate's was real. It was comfortable. No expectations to meet, so facades to fill. It was my sanctuary to hide away from all of the voices constantly ringing in my ears. No guilt for having not one shred of interest in becoming a lawyer like my father. No mother doting over my every breath because she couldn't have any other children. I loved my parents more than anything and respected more than any other people I had met in my life . . . but I longed for freedom in this isolated town.
I knew if I was being honest with myself, it wasn't the town's fault. Though as completely inconsequential as Forks was, everyone else seemed to be doing just fine except me. Maybe I was selfish, or greedy. Perhaps, I just had high expectations being a Chicago boy at heart. Most likely, however, was just me with my eyes wide shut.
I had often in the past found an escape in books, and most of the time the characters I admired were the perceptive ones. The people who could look back on a moment in their life and remember the color of the sky that day, or the smell of the wind blowing through their hair. I want to have a conversation with someone meaningful enough that I don't have to struggle with remembering what they said the next day. More than knowing, I wanted to care. I needed passion. I needed to feel connected to the world around me and the people I talked to everyday. I saw the world around me though a haze. Everything was muted. Dull.
As it were, I ended up coming to Kate's Diner at least twice a week right after school.
I'd become Kate's favorite usual, and in a town this size, often my presence was felt before I arrived, and I found my meal waiting for me when I got there. She tried to give me a discount, insisting that she owed me money for all of the business I brought in with my constant raving over her little hole in the wall, but I declined every time. She spoiled me enough as it was.
If I ever had a little odd or end that I wanted that my parents wouldn't splurge on themselves, Kate was always quick to swoop me up and give me a few bucks for working, no matter how short my employment lasted. I knew the menu by heart, though my own order never strayed from my favorite cheeseburger and banana shake, and I had long memorized every song on the meager jukebox. I was still in the midst of convincing Kate to change out the songs for my own selection of new ones, but it would definitely be a few months before she gave up on her classics.
I looked up, giving Kate my best cheeky grin.
"Yeah, sorry Kate. My mom had errands to run earlier so she needed me to come home after school and wait for a delivery. She finally replaced my piano bench, so it was my responsibility to sign it over anyways. I hope you didn't make anything that went to waste." I called out. My mom was out finding some rare ingredient for her newest exotic recipe, and with his heavy clientele, my father was rarely home these days. Only one of the reasons why being an only child completely sucked.
"No, sugar, but I'll get on it now." God, I thought, Kate was the best. My stomach gurgled softly in agreement, but I didn't want to put her out of her way.
"Take your time, Kate. I'm in no rush." I finished shaking out my unruly hair and looked up to see a face I certainly wasn't expecting.
A pale, slightly pink tinged heart-shaped face framed by straight, chocolate brown hair tied back in a high ponytail, yet still easily reaching the small of a slim back. Impossibly beep brown eyes stared up at me through long, thick dark lashes, and a bright smile shone in greeting.
Typically, the smile would set me off. I have no opposition to happiness, just overeager and relentlessly flirty girls with no conversation past the standard propositions. I wasn't naturally so pessimistic, but I'd had my share of run-ins with these flamboyant types and was taught to be cautious in regard. My mom, in the habitual form was always blaming the unwanted attention on her darling son's exceptional looks, but I never saw anything extraordinary when I looked in the mirror every morning.
This smile, however, was different. Genuine. Happy. No strings attached. I found my lips curving into their own crooked grin in response, always happy to meet a friendly counterpart.
Bella. Her name was Bella. Bella Swan, if I was not mistaken. She'd moved to unfortunate town of Forks over the summer, and was the Chief's sole child. An only child, just like me. That was about all I knew about the strangely, yet completely naturally beautiful girl in front of me. That, and the fact that Mike chased her relentlessly when she first arrived and she had shown no special interest.
She was wearing the standard black slacks, white button down shirt and khaki pocket apron hanging around her hips that was required of any waitress at Kate's. It was obvious she worked here; I was just surprised I'd never seen her before, considering this was my second home.
"I love the shirt." I was brought out of my rather rude and hopeless staring as she nodded at my chest. I looked down; curious as to what I had stuffed myself into through my morning haze.
It was forest green with mustard yellow letters written boldly across the chest.
Elevator Man of the Year.
I had to laugh. The shirt was ridiculous, but that was its charm. This happened to be one of my favorite shirts, made all the better by only costing thirty-five cents at Port Angeles's best thrift store. Thrift store hunting was my favorite hobby, second only to playing piano and hanging at Kate's. The stuff on some of those shirts was so completely random that I was often found in a heap of embarrassing laughter in the store, a shirt clutched in my shaking fingers. It was also my guiltiest pleasure. I secretly enjoyed annoying my mother with the second hand treasures when she insisted we had plenty of money and I had no need to save. Once again, I adored my parents, but every teen needs their little rebellious fits. At least mine were pretty harmless.
I looked up to defend what I was sure what was meant to be a sarcastic comment, when I stopped short in surprise, stuttering.
She was unbuttoning her white shirt.
Before I could jump to any rash conclusions, I caught sight of the maroon t-shirt underneath. Bella gave me another wry smile before pulling the button up aside, showcasing a cartoon drawing of a kid in a lab coat and eye patch. From the quality of the picture as well as the jagged style, it was easy to tell it was designed by a middle-school student. My suspicions were confirmed when I read what lay underneath.
Tacoma Middle School Science Fair.
I had to cover my mouth to muffle the loud chuckles erupting before I snorted furiously to my own horror.
"You went to school in Tacoma?" I asked doubtfully. She gave me a wide smirk before shaking her head no. I was immediately smitten with my new encounter. I had finally found my match in absurd bargain clothing.
"That was a thrift store find, wasn't it? This shirt only set me back sixteen cents." She beamed proudly as she re-buttoned her over shirt. I noticed that her work shirt was hiding a slim body with delicate curvature. I focused my eyes back on her face determined to remain a gentleman. She went on unknowingly. "The best ones are always hilarious. As much as I hate attention- I can't resist the curious looks I get. You never know what to expect from people's reactions. Plus, I can never refuse a good eye patc-umph." Bella was cut off by a sharp elbow to the ribs from another waitress.
I shot the girl a disapproving look, hoping my history here would make my opinion more meaningful, but she was busy staring at Bella and giving her a pointed look. Bella apparently understood her intention, because a flush of deep pink flooded her cheeks and she cleared her throat awkwardly before looking back at me through her lashes. The wave of attraction I felt for that look made me suddenly nervous.
"I'm sorry; I'll just get you seated." I chuckled anxiously, now hearing the quiet chatter of a couple who had arrived after me without my notice. The conversation had started a line before Bella was reminded, though rather harshly, that she was still working. She skittishly tucked a nonexistent strand of hair behind her ear before grabbing a menu and leading me to a seat in the front corner of the restaurant.
I sat down, appreciating the isolation the table had from the regular chattering of the other eaters and the wide view of the frosty town outside. I smiled my approval to Bella while shrugging out of my coat, who answered with another soft blush.
"Can I get you anything to drink start out with?" she questioned, her mood going from our playful banter to the more appropriate professional tone. I wondered at how long she had been working here. She seemed completely natural for someone who claimed to avoid attention, but the constant coloring to her face led me to believe she was genuinely shy. I liked this girl already.
"No no, don't worry about it. Kate heard me come in, she's already on it." I snickered at her confused expression. "I'm a regular here, and I always get the same thing. Kate says I'm predictable, but why mess with perfection?" I stopped rambling just in time to see Kate approaching behind Bella's shoulder, my meal balanced on her hand. That woman was fast, and I was suspicious that she didn't in fact start preparation before my arrival.
"Oh I hear your sweet talking, you little charmer. Not that I can complain." Kate smiled, turning to Bella. "If he wasn't so good to me with all of his compliments, I wouldn't have half the customers I have now. I should celebrate the anniversary of this one's moving here." Kate slid my plate in front of me and stabbed the milkshake with a straw. I eyed the burger hungrily. "I'm surprised cows haven't gone extinct with your injudicious hunting."
I snorted at the term "hunting" but Kate was quick to continue.
"Yeah, yeah. Hardly hunting, right? Tell that to your predatory glare. Cool it or people might think your wonderful mother doesn't feed you." Kate gave me a fake scowl before turning back to the kitchen. "You take care of that boy, Bells. He's more like a son to me. And Angela called. She's got some emergency babysitting with those two insane twin brothers of hers. You're by yourself tonight."
Bella let out a long mournful sigh before recovering and giving me a last reluctant smile.
"Enjoy your meal, and just shout out if you need anything." She turned wobbly on her heel and moved to another table, taking out her notepad to write down the orders.
I turned to watch the storm outside for a few minutes before taking a bite of my burger. I ate slowly, both to enjoy the meal and in hopes that Bella would choose to talk to me if given a free moment. It was easy to talk to her in the few moments we had spoken, and I was still a bit ashamed that I knew nothing about her and was an acquaintance of my best friend. Just another reminder of my detachment.
As time passed, the dinner crowd came in, and I watched as Bella hurried throughout the many tables alone. She seemed so openly happy whenever talking to the customers, and though she was in a rush, she seemed unaffected and casual. She spoke to everyone as though she knew them, though it wasn't far fetched in this town, and was often laughing in the many conversations she had. I could also tell in the short time that she was very clumsy, but she never had any huge mishaps, and her light disposition more than made up for any small blunders she found herself in.
Close to closing, Bella was breathing deeply, leaning heavily on a wall between two sections of tables near where I was sitting. The crowd was filling the little diner, but she was free at the moment and obviously exhausted.
"Would you like to sit down?" I offered with a raised eyebrow. She smiled gratefully to me before sliding into the opposite side of the booth. "Have you been working here long? I've never seen you before, and that's saying something." I asked curiously.
I had been pondering over that the whole night. I was in all the time and was sure that I would've noticed her by now. She was brilliant, and charming, not to mention gorgeous, and she moved throughout the small space like a pro.
"Every weeknight for almost a year," she confirmed. "But I go home after school to do my homework and make dinner for my father before coming in, so maybe you're just gone before my shift. Kate said you're usually here with some friends after school?" I nodded in confirmation. For some reason, she blushed before continuing.
"I probably seem new with how big of a klutz I am, but when I moved here, the choices for employment were between here and Newton Outfitters, so there was no big choice there." Her eyes widened after her sudden confession, obviously knowing the connection between Mike and myself. Her eyes locked on mine to see if I would go off on her for hinting at a put down.
"I mean, no offense to Mike at all, he's a really nice guy. I just don't like him in the way he wants me to, and I didn't want to have to hang around him being a bother." She trailed off in a murmur. I almost wanted to laugh at her quick save, but I figured she wouldn't appreciate it much so I held it in.
"Don't worry about it. I know Mike can be quite persistent." I teased. Mike Newton was my best friend here. He was easy to get along with, always carried an optimistic disposition and accepted me with my eccentric tastes in music, books and movies. He could be immature sometimes and could get annoying when he became obsessed with something, like Bella, but his loyalty was unrivaled. He even showed me the ropes when I had moved here due to my father's business in seventh grade. Easy to please. A low maintenance friend.
Bella was still gazing off to the side, watching warily as the snow piled up outside the window. Most people were so easy to read, and I was so accommodated to it that I hadn't noticed till now that I couldn't imagine what she was thinking. Her expression was a million miles away from our conversation and the diner. Her endlessly brown eyes were swimming in soft contentment, but underneath I sensed longing, and a tiredness that went belong one night of covering two shifts in the restaurant.
I tried to steer the conversation to lighter topics.
"So you like thrift shops?"
Her entire face brightened, appreciative of the new direction. She turned to me fully and nodded happily. She pressed some hair out of her face before leaning in closer to me in her excitement.
"You'll probably think I'm crazy, but thrift stores are like the closest thing to adventure that you'll find around here." I smiled in anticipation of getting some insight into her mind. "It's like a treasure hunt. You can never be completely prepared for what you'll find, because there is always something different. I've tried explaining it before as an art. There is a distinct difference in clothes that are just campy and clothes that are so off the wall it's humorous. And everything there could be hiding so much history. You never know if a book you might find was just a gift someone didn't want, or if it had a child who cherished it for years until they outgrew it. My mother always went thrift shopping and brought back the most enthralling things."
She came up short seeing my reaction and flushed some more, hiding behind her hands. I can only imagine my facial expression as one of awe. I saw the sadness that came to her eyes with the mention of her mother and grew curious, but hesitated in bringing it up.
"Is that why you love it so much? Your mother?" I asked gently, cringing at what I hoped wouldn't bring up any bad memories. I shook my head, both dispelling bad thoughts and the trail I had led off to. "There is a great thrift store in Port Angeles; if you are interested we can go up together one weekend . . . save gas." I finished weakly, surprised by my own boldness and strangely anxious for her response. I didn't want to come off as another Mike. It wasn't supposed to sound as nefarious as it came out.
She looked at me with wide, surprised eyes and I internally groaned, feeling stupid for even suggesting it and freaking her out.
"Well, I'd –at least let me pay for half. . ." she stuttered out. I sat back. Was she going to accept? I didn't want to make it sound like a date, especially if Mike had been creepy to her already, but I couldn't allow her to pay for anything. I asked for her company, not her funds.
"No deal. It's not even that far away, and what kind of gentleman would I be if I allowed you to pay?" I saw that she was still hesitating, so I let go of my pride and let out a slow, drawn out please. She immediately blinked a few unnecessary times before a heavy blush rose all the way to her ears and she sat up straighter. She let out a nervous chuckle before looking out over the other tables, refusing to meet my gaze.
"Sure, sure." She nodded in acceptance without looking back to me before leaving with a quick excuse.
Oh yeah, I was definitely creepy.
I let out a long breath of air through my lips, vaguely feeling like I was already being stood up by her quick departure and her obvious discomfort. Feeling too rejected and stupid to sit there any longer with the chance of seeing her again or making her job any harder than it already was, I ran a hand through my hair before setting out a tip.
Reaching into my pocket, I was relieved to find a stray piece of paper, a graded quiz I had gotten back in one of my classes. I tore off a section and flipped it over, scribbling a short note including my cell number in case she took me up on my offer, making sure it specifically sounded like a friend and not a potential stalker.
After a quick goodbye to Kate and paying at the front register, I hurried off giving Bella only a parting smile and wave before leaving. I made a run for my car, avoiding as much of the biting wind as possible on my way to the drivers seat and slid in.
"Well, that went well." I muttered to myself sarcastically.
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So there it is, my first chapter. To clear things up, Edward is human, and living with his birth parents. The Cullens are still the Cullens, and are still very much dead, but won't come in the story until a few chapters from now. I know that the interaction between the two was cut short rather abruptly, but with Edward being human, I didn't want him coming off so smooth and self assured. He needs a dose of awkwardness like every other teenage boy. Ummm, I'll answer any questions you have, unless the answer is going to come up in the next chapters, which many are.
Speaking of questions… any former readers of Not the Only Way know that I have a fondness of asking my own questions. We get to know each other better. (And it gives you more reason to review!) So here it goes.
Thrift store shopping was described as one of my Edward's guilty pleasures, so what's yours?
Mine is a combination of watching crappy VH1 reality shows, and playing Dungeons and Dragons. Yeah, I said it. I play D&D. I'm a level 5 Druid priest. Get over it.
Haha, please review. This was a struggle against my wandering mind to put it out so fast, and the next one will me much faster coming if I get a lot of responses!