The Bella and Edward Show by JRParz
I've always been fascinated with the idea of how an observant human might respond to the mysterious Cullen family, and most especially the growing relationship between Bella and Edward. I don't think they could come to any conclusion per say, but the most certainly would recognize there was something very different about them, and something special about the growing relationship between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. I honestly believe that this tale is Cannon, and ask you to suspend your thoughts on this till the very end. As much as you can argue that this or that might not happen... I would argue that it could while staying within the boundaries of SM's universe.
Only for use of occasional profanity, and a few references on sexuality, I would rate this PG13.
All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Stephenie Meyers. The original characters and plot are the property of the Stephenie Meyers. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
January 18, 2005
As I stepped into the cafeteria lunch line, my best friend Steve Palmer moved in behind me. "Did you see her?" he asked with a huge grin on his face, and although I knew who he was talking about, I decided to play ignorant.
"See who?"
"The Police Chief's daughter, you ass," he replied, rolling his eyes.
I loved pushing Steve's buttons. "I can't say that I've had the pleasure," I responded, feigning disinterest, for the truth of the matter was, I was very interested.
"Well, I have... and let me tell you, she's fucking hot."
"How hot?" I challenged. "I mean... hot like Rosalie Hale or Alice Cullen?" I asked, signaling out the two hottest girls in Fork's High, who could easily be super models.
"Let's just say that she's major league eye candy," Steve responded.
"Hell, Steve. If I didn't know better I'd say you have a crush on her."
"The whole fucking school has a crush on her," Steve replied with a chuckle.
"Then it's a damn good thing I've already got a hot girlfriend, isn't it?" I asked with a grin.
Steve laughed as we paid for our food.
Steve and I were juniors, but being that we were stars on the varsity baseball team, we sat at the same table the seniors did. Steve stood about 5'10" and played shortstop. He was mostly known for his golden glove and cannon arm, although he did have his share of throwing errors. I stood about 6'2" and was the team's star pitcher. I could throw a baseball over ninety miles an hour. I should mention that my grandfather played pro ball in the late sixties and early seventies and according to my grandfather, I possessed greater talent.
"There she is," Steve said, nudging me.
I discreetly turned to where Steve was looking and... Holy Christ! My eyes followed Isabella Swan as she headed towards a table at the back wall. I was blown away with her appearance. Although she didn't possess the classic beauty associated with Rosalie Hale... or the adorable beauty of Alice Cullen... there was something undeniably that drew your attention. Her beauty was unearthly and genuine. In truth, the word hottie didn't do this girl justice. The Swan girl was slender, yet shapely in a subtle way. She also filled her jeans quite nicely and I loved how her long brown wavy hair reached the small of her back. Sure, I was sexually attracted to her... but what guy wouldn't be? But I also felt a greater desire to protect her. That was why I frowned when I saw her sit down at a table with Jessica Stanley, Lauren Mallory and Mike Newton to name a few.
"Speechless, eh?" Steve commented with a chuckle.
"She's... amazing," I replied, still finding myself mesmerized. But then I remembered I had a girlfriend, and quickly snapped out of it. I shot a glance towards the lunch line and breathed a sigh of relief. Then almost on cue, Lisa and her best friend Cassie, entered the cafeteria. I was thankful she didn't catch me gawking at the new girl.
"Her first day and she's already sitting with the wrong people," Steve commented as we took our seats.
I purposely didn't follow his gaze knowing he was still staring at the Swan girl. I also remembered Lisa telling me once how Lauren was backstabbing bitch and Jessica was a follower. While Newton was harmless, he was also a pervert, and I could imagine what he fantasizing about. Don't get me wrong... there's nothing wrong with guys lusting over girls, but Newton had a knack for bringing it to a brand new level.
"Is that ass really trying to hit on her?" Steve asked out loud and this time I stole a glance and frowned.
"He's out of his league," I responded, trying to convince myself, and that was when our attention, along with everybody else's, turned to the blonde goddess, Rosalie Hale.
The best way to describe a Rosalie Hale entrance is to point out one of those slow motion scenes where a chick makes an entrance during a teen flick. Fortunately, the attention Rosalie drew from everyone didn't seem to bother her, and nor did it bother her live-in boyfriend, Emmett Cullen.
Rosalie Hale was not only the most beautiful girl in school, but she was by far the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. She was hypnotically breathtaking, possessing long wavy blonde hair, large beautifully shaped breasts, and a well rounded and very shapely ass. But even with all that, her most alluring attribute was her beatific angelic face. To this day, it still baffled me that a girl of such beauty would reside in this small town of Forks, especially when she could grace the cover of any glamour magazine in publication.
Despite their last name of Hale, Rosalie, and her twin brother, Jasper, were Cullens. They were all adopted by Doctor Cullen and his wife, Esme, who were highly respected people in the Fork's community. The Cullen family was also mega rich, and mega generous. Rumor had it that the Doctor had already donated thousands of dollars to the hospital.
What the gossipers had a field day with was the fact that Emmett Cullen and Rosalie Hale were adopted siblings, just like Jasper Hale and Alice Cullen, and yet they were couples, living under the same roof. Personally, given the fact that they weren't blood related, I didn't see a problem with this. In fact, it made perfect sense to me that the Super Models of Forks High were dating the other Super Models of Forks High.
As Rosalie passed my table, I found myself purposely breathing through my nose. Like her scent did all the time, I felt myself grow hard with desire and I was thankful my lower body was hidden underneath the lunch table. To this day, I wasn't sure if Rosalie's scent was from an expensive perfume or it was just her normal smell, but every time I breathed it in, I couldn't get enough of her.
"Better snap out of it, Lisa's coming," Steve commented, and I quickly shifted my attention to the approaching girls.
"Hey," I greeted them, but I could tell from the smirk on Lisa's face that I wasn't fooling her.
Cassie sat down next to Steve while Lisa sat next to me. I watched as she glanced over at the Cullen table knowingly, and I was thankful she was kind enough not to say anything.
Lisa was another girl at Fork's High that could turn heads. I knew being the star pitcher allotted me the cream of the crop when it came to girls, and the first day I set eyes on Lisa I wanted her. Not only for her sexiness... or her beauty... but for her feistiness as well. Lisa and I had started seeing each other at the tail end of last summer. Given we resided only a few blocks from one another, it made our relationship convenient. Just recently we had celebrated our six month anniversary. Obviously, I wouldn't have mentioned this if Lisa hadn't made a big deal about it.
A mere minute later, Jasper Hale and Alice Cullen entered the lunchroom, and they garnered their share of attention as well. It was pretty much agreed upon by all the guys that Alice Cullen epitomized the word adorably sexy, and out of all the Cullens, she also appeared the friendliest and most approachable. Lisa and Cassie thought she was weird but I never noticed. Unfortunately, Alice's live-in boyfriend appeared to be even more intimidating than his bigger brother, for even I felt a dangerous vibe coming off of Jasper.
Then the last Cullen entered the room and this time every girl in the lunch room turned and stared. I wondered from time to time if he ever noticed. Even Lisa and Cassie weren't immune, and a quick glance over at the Swan girl told me she was staring as well. Edward was the only Cullen that didn't have a girlfriend, but that was only because of him. Lisa told me how Edward Cullen could get any girl he wanted... bar none. I chose not to go there. Lisa even admitted to me once that it was very hard for her to concentrate during her English class because she sat diagonally across from Edward. I remembered Lisa telling me; "There's something about the way he smells..." and this had me wondering whether Lisa reacted the same way towards Edward as I did towards Rosalie.
I glanced over at the Cullen table while my thoughts reflected back to when they arrived two years ago. Emmett Cullen and the Hale twins entered the school as Sophomores, while Edward and Alice Cullen entered as Freshman. Now they were seniors and juniors respectively.
I smiled when I remembered how pissed off all us guys were when Rosalie and Alice didn't try out for the cheerleading team, and Coach Clapp wasn't at all happy when Emmett and Jasper didn't join his football team.
"Fuck!" I cried out when Steve kicked me in the shin. I glared at him, wondering what his problem was, but then I realized I had been gazing at Rosalie Hale. I quickly glanced at Lisa and saw that she wasn't impressed.
"Hey, did you girls see Isabella Swan yet?" Steve asked, doing his best to distract.
"Bella," Cassie replied.
"Huh?" Steve responded with a confused look on his face.
"She prefers Bella," Lisa reiterated.
"Anyway, don't you think she'd make the perfect cheerleader?" Steve asked with a smile.
"Why would you say that?" Cassie asked with a look of confusion.
"Because she's fucking hot," Steve replied, and I winced when I realized where he was going with this.
"So, what does that have to do with anything?" Lisa asked, glaring at him. I was just glad she wasn't glaring at me.
"Hello? Cheerleaders are hot... she's hot... no brainer if you ask me," Steve replied with a grin.
I swear he could be clueless at times and this was definitely one of them.
"Are you saying all you need to be is hot in order to be the perfect cheerleader?" Cassie asked with wide eyes.
"Did it ever occur to you that you have to be a pretty good athlete in order to cheer?" Lisa asked, sounding angry.
"Come on. Do you seriously think we give a fuck if you can't do a cartwheel?" Steve asked in response.
"Damn it, Steve!" I snapped, and this time it was my turn to kick him in the shin.
"Fuck!" he yelled out in surprise.
I turned to Lisa to show her my support when I noticed her eyes riveted on the Cullen table. I followed her gaze and sighed when I saw that she was staring at Edward specifically. But then I realized that Edward was staring at someone across the lunch room.
"I don't believe it," Lisa mumbled.
Cassie turned around to have a look for herself.
"What?" Steve asked, not understanding.
"Edward Cullen is staring at Bella Swan," Cassie answered.
I shifted my attention to Bella and saw that she was staring right back at Edward and she wore the same perplexed expression as he did.
"Of course he's staring at her, she's the new girl... and like I said before, she's fucking hot," Steve replied.
"But you don't understand," Cassie mumbled.
"Then fucking enlighten me," Steve suggested with a roll of his eyes.
"Edward Cullen never paid the least bit attention to any girl in school before," Lisa offered up, and I paused to consider this. Would the Cullen Five eventually become the Cullen Six? How would Bella Swan's presence affect the mysterious Edward Cullen? But more shockingly in my own opinion was; why did I care?
January 26, 2005
Lisa and I had just stepped out of my beat-up old Civic when we heard the screeching sound. I turned and saw Tyler Crowley's van skidding across the icy parking lot and heading straight for Bella Swan.
"Oh God!" I whispered as I took off in a sprint, but before I could take three steps, I heard a loud crunching crash, and feared there was no way that Bella could survive this. But when I reached the other side of Bella's truck, I found Bella lying half on the cement and half in Edward Cullen's arms.
"Thank God," I thought with incredible relief, but then I wondered where the hell had Cullen come from.
"Be careful," Edward told her, prompting me to shift my attention to Crowley. I could see through the passenger side window that he was bleeding from a head wound.
"Don't move!" I heard Coach Clapp yell out, but then I heard some ignorant ass cry, "Get Tyler out of the van!" so, I darted over to driver's side to stand guard until Coach Clapp arrived.
"Coach says not to move him," I warned a rather large looking kid, and I remembered him from being on the football team.
"I'll take it from here, Ray, thanks," Coach Clapp told me and I quickly rushed back to where Bella and Edward were.
"But it's cold," Bella complained and I could have sworn Edward laughed in response. I was just about to offer my assistance when Lisa approached.
"Is everyone alright?" she asked with a look of shock on her pretty face, and then I saw her eyes light up when she noticed Bella in Edward's arms.
"Incredible to believe, but yeah," I replied.
When the two ambulances arrived, the place was swarming with EMTs. I watched Edward refuse medical help but then point to Bella. Within minutes the EMT was wrapping a brace around Bella's neck and forcing her to lay back on a stretcher. She didn't look at all pleased.
I then glanced around the parking lot where the Cullens usually park their car and saw how far it was from Bella's truck. Why would Edward be so far from his car? Were these two in a secret relationship?
When Chief Swan pulled up in his cruiser and realized his daughter was involved, he rushed over to her, screaming her name.
"There's nothing wrong with me," I heard Bella say as I drew closer. I then heard the EMT tell Chief Swan that Bella was only going to the hospital for precautionary reasons.
The second after Chief Swan led the ambulances away on his police escort, I headed back to take a closer look at Bella's truck. There was a huge dent in the rear fender and I could have sworn that was where Bella had been standing just before the accident. Then I looked at the van and saw a huge dent in both the rear and front fenders. This didn't make sense. Where was the dent in the front fender of Bella's truck? Not only was there no dent, there wasn't even a scratch. I closed my eyes and tried visualizing who I saw seconds before the crash and for the life of me, I couldn't place Cullen.
"Hey, Tyler. I called to see if you're alright," I told him over the phone.
"Yeah... ah, sure... but, who is this?" Crowley asked in response.
"Ray Kulp," I replied.
"Kulp?" Crowley repeated in surprise.
"Yeah, are you alright?" I asked.
"Oh... uh... yeah... well... I have some stitches and a slight concussion but Doctor Cullen doesn't think it's anything serious. He just wanted to keep me in overnight for observation."
"What about Bella?" I asked.
"He sent her home with a couple of aspirin," Tyler replied with a chuckle.
"What happened, anyway?"
"I was going too fast and hit the ice wrong."
"I know that... I meant; how did you not kill Bella Swan?"
"Edward Cullen pulled her out of the way."
"Really?" I asked.
"Yeah, at least that's what Bella said. He pulled her out of the way at the last second."
"Do you remember seeing him?" I asked.
"Nope, but hell... somebody had too."
January 30, 2005.
I actually came down with a flu that kept me home for the two days after the accident so by the time I got back to school, the talk regarding the accident had died out. Given Bella Swan was the eye witness, why would anyone doubt her? I decided I wouldn't pursue the accident, but instead pay much closer attention to the Bella and Edward show.
February 14, 2005
Valentine's Day proved eventful... at least for some of us. I still couldn't understand the lack of a relationship between Bella and Edward, especially since Edward saved Bella's life. It looked to me like they were purposely avoiding each other.
Meanwhile my own relationship with Lisa had progressed to a more intimate stage, and she was hinting at having sex on the special date I had planned for us after school but I would insist on taking it slow. I lost my virginity in the summer between middle school and high school, but I was well aware that Lisa was still a virgin, and I would make sure she was absolutely ready before I would deflower her.
Oh... after much back and forth banter, Steve and Cassie finally became a couple and I knew it would make the four of us inseparable.
March 4, 2005
Normally nobody notices when a student decides to sit at a different table during lunch period. I mean... think about it... who cares? But when the student is Edward Cullen... everybody notices.
They were known as the Cullen five and always sat together. But not today. Upon entering the cafeteria; I saw Edward sitting alone at the table next to mine. When I saw Edward gaze at the girls at the head of the line, I realized Bella was just a few students ahead of me. I was close enough to overhear Jessica tell Bella that Edward was staring at her, and I watched when Edward gestured for Bella to join him. Every pair of eyes watched as Bella sat down directly across from Edward.
"Look over at the Newton table," Steve told me, and it was almost comical. Every set of eyes were on them and not looking the least bit happy except Angela Webber. She was smiling at Bella and I knew there was a reason why Lisa liked her.
Then I shifted my attention from the Newton table to the Cullen table and saw similar expressions. In fact, if looks could kill, Rosalie Hale would have been up for murder with the way she was glaring at them. Jasper didn't look at all pleased either, while Emmett looked confused. But Alice, on the other hand, was outright beaming.
Just as I passed Edward and Bella's table, I overheard Edward tell Bella. "I told you - I got tired of trying to stay away from you. So I'm giving up."
"Giving up?" Bella asked.
"Yes - giving up trying to be good. I'm just going to do what I want now and let the chips fall where they may."
"You lost me again," Bella responded, but then Lisa interrupted me, and I was forced to turn to her.
"What's up?" I asked her with a smile.
"I don't know," she responded with an inquisitive look. "You tell me."
"Oh... I... I guess you caught me daydreaming," I lied in response.
"Really?" Lisa asked, not buying it. I figured if I was going to lie, I'd better lie better.
"I'm just wishing I didn't have indoor baseball practice today, that's all."
Lisa studied my face but didn't say anything. I then glanced over at Steve and he was looking at me like I was crazy. How could I explain my fascination with the Bella and Edward show when I didn't understand it myself? Eventually, I was able to discreetly return my attention to them.
"So, as long as I'm being... not smart, we'll try to be friends?" Bella asked, and I paused to think about her words. Had they been more than friends? What had I missed? Had Bella and Edward been secretly seeing each other prior to the accident like I thought before?
Unfortunately, there was a barrage of interruptions; mostly from Steve, so it took nearly ten minutes before I could return to the show.
"You've got a bit of a temper, don't you?" Edward asked her.
"I don't like double standards," Bella replied.
I risked a peak and saw Bella glaring at Edward. Was Edward glaring back at her? I couldn't see his face. I then saw Edward shift his attention to the Newton's table.
"What?" Bella asked him.
"Your boyfriend seems to think I'm being unpleasant to you. He's debating whether or not to come break up our fight," Edward told her.
'What boyfriend?' I thought to myself.
"I don't know who you're talking about," Bella replied, convincing me that Edward was talking figuratively. "But I'm sure you're wrong anyway," she added.
"I'm not. I told you. Most people are easy to read."
"Except for me, of course," Bella interjected.
"Yes, except for you... and I wonder why that is."
"Come on, Ray... we need to get going," Lisa told me as she tapped me on my shoulder. I reluctantly got up and grabbed both our trays and was glad Steve followed suit. Cassie had been complaining lately that Steve needed a course in proper etiquette.
While I walked past the Bella and Edward show, I heard Bella say; "Um, well, bitten by a radioactive spider."
"That's not very creative," Edward replied, and if I hadn't been confused before, I most certainly was now.
Just before my last class, I ran out to my car to get my baseball bag from the front seat and in doing so I spotted Edward and Bella walking towards the parking lot. Were they ditching their last class? Now more than anything, I was convinced they were more than just friends.
I saw Bella turn towards her red pick-up but before she could get far, Edward grabbed her coat and jerked her back to him.
"Where do you think you're going?" he demanded of her.
"I'm going home," Bella told him.
"Didn't you hear me promise I would take you safely home?" I was confused. "Do you think I'm going to let you drive in your condition?" he asked.
"What condition?" Bella snapped. "And what about my truck?"
I wondered what condition as well and had to admit I was impressed with Bella's feistiness. Here, at least according to Lisa and Cassie, Cullen could get any girl in school and Bella Swan was giving him a hard time.
"I'll have Alice drop it off after school," Edward told her while he pulled Bella along by her jacket.
"Let go!" she shouted at him and I considered intervening, but no sooner had this thought occurred to me, I saw Edward turn in my direction and smile. I wondered how he knew I was in my car.
Edward proceeded to lead Bella over to the passenger side of his Volvo and opened the door for her. Instead of ushering her inside, he left her outside to get in by herself. Meanwhile, he walked around to the driver's side. I could tell they were exchanging words but I was too far away to hear them. What was obvious was that Edward was allowing Bella to make her own choice and I wondered if this gesture was for my benefit.
Edward climbed into his Volvo as the rain picked up, and I watched Bella stand there getting soaked.
"I am perfectly capable of driving myself home!" she yelled at him in a loud clear voice and then I smiled when I saw her climb into his car.
Clearly, they were a couple, for it was obvious from the way they argued. But at the moment, their relationship wasn't known and I would be damned if I would tell anybody.
March 5, 2005
During lunch, I saw Bella back at her usual table and Edward nowhere in sight. The only Cullens in school were Rosalie, Alice and Jasper.
"Did you hear how many losers Bella shot down this past week?" Steve asked me.
"Shot down?" I asked in confusion. "You mean they asked her out on a date?"
"They asked her to the school dance," Steve clarified.
"But that's girls choice," I responded.
"Like I said, losers," Steve said, and we both laughed.
"How many?" I finally asked.
"Newton, Crowley and Yorkie," Steve responded with a grin.
"Losers," we both said again at the same time.
March 10, 2005
I was in homeroom when a discussion broke out about Rosalie Hale's red convertible BMW M3. Someone used their cell phone to do a Google and discovered it was worth fifty grand.
Then between first and second period, I heard a rumor about Edward and Bella and smiled. They were going public if the rumor was true. Jessica Stanley was telling everyone that Bella and Edward had secretly rendezvoused at a restaurant in Port Angeles last night and Edward drove Bella to school this morning.
I saw Edward and Bella in the hallway on my way to the cafeteria and noted that they were as close as two could be without actually touching each other. It was as if their bodies gravitated towards one another subconsciously.
Steve and I were a few kids behind them in the lunch line, so it was easy to eavesdrop on them.
"What are you doing?" I heard Bella ask when Edward filled his tray up with a variety of food. "You're not getting all that for me."
I wondered why she would say such a thing.
"Half is for me, of course," Edward replied, and then paid for all the food. It was another indicator that they were a couple.
Steve and I sat down at our usual table while Edward and Bella sat at the same table they had before. This time there was a few seniors at the far end of it.
Again, Edward's back was to me so I couldn't see his face, but I saw him reach over and pick up a slice of pizza. For some reason, Bella looked shocked when he took a bite. I then glanced over at the Cullen table and saw similar expressions. Was Edward allergic to pizza or something? I then returned my attention back to the Bella and Edward show.
"No one has tried to do away with me yet," Bella commented.
"Not yet," Edward agreed and I frowned, thinking their dialogue strange.
"You know, I haven't forgiven you for the Tyler thing yet," Bella remarked, surfacing my memory of her near death experience with the van. "It's your fault..." she continued, but I couldn't make out the rest of it. How could that have been Cullen's fault? They had to be talking about something different. I suddenly recalled a rumor Tyler was telling everyone that he was taking Bella to the prom. Nobody believed the rumor... or Tyler... but I could see where Bella would be upset about it.
"That wouldn't be a problem," I heard Edward say but then Cassie distracted me. It seemed like forever before I could return to the show.
"Can I drive?" she asked Edward. Where were they going?
"Why?" Edward asked her, but I didn't catch the answer. I did hear Seattle mentioned.
"Phoenix is three times bigger than Seattle," Bella pointed out.
"Your number wasn't up in Phoenix," Edward replied, and again I wondered if Bella was in some sort of danger.
"As it happens, I don't mind being alone with you." Bella told Edward, and as soon as my mind registered those words, I felt myself relax. What was I doing? This wasn't any of my business, so I decided I'd had enough and returned my attention back to my own table.
"Absolutely not!" Cullen suddenly said in a loud voice later on and it had not only drew my attention, but several others. I decided it was time to leave.
March 11 & 12, 2005
By now the whole school was talking about Bella and Edward, except for me. I even chose to ignore them when they sat together for lunch again the next day. Although, I did perk up when I saw Alice Cullen approach them. It looked like Edward was formerly introducing Alice to Bella for the first time.
During my next class, I happened to be glancing out the window and saw Bella's pick-up truck pulling into the student parking lot. Cullen's Volvo followed close behind it. I was surprised to see Alice step out of the truck. Then I smiled. How else would Bella get home if Edward and Alice were skipping.
March 15 through 19, 2005
The whole school was abuzz with rumors regarding Bella Swan and the Cullens. I even overheard some of the teachers talking about them... and given they were all out of school meant that something happened. The one consistent story was that Bella Swan was in a hospital down in Phoenix, which obviously shocked me. I caved and had Lisa ask Angela Webber what she knew.
From what Angela told Lisa, Bella was in a Phoenix hospital recovering from a major accident. The word was that Edward and Bella got into a huge argument that sent Bella running off to Phoenix. Doctor Cullen, along with Alice and Edward, rushed down to Phoenix to try and talk to her and in the process Bella fell down a flight of stairs and smashed through a huge window.
Shock and disbelief shot through me, as I doubted the plausibility of such a story. At least that was until Lisa and Cassie both voiced their thoughts that it was very believable. According to them, Bella was the clumsiest, most accident prone kid in their gym class. What I believed was that Bella was involved in some life threatening situation and if it hadn't been for Doctor Cullen, Edward, and even Alice... Bella would have died.
March 22 through 27, 2005
With the exception of Edward and Alice, the rest of the Cullens returned to school on Monday. If they weren't down in Phoenix, why had they been out of school all last week? Maybe I would have bought that they were too distraught if I hadn't been paying attention, and to come and think about it... hadn't Alice just been introduced to Bella on Friday?
The story going around now was that Bella was still in the hospital and Edward and Alice, along with Doctor Cullen, stayed down there with her. I was concerned, I approached Emmet in the hallway.
"Hey Emmett, I was wondering how Bella is doing?" I asked, feeling a bit intimidated, which didn't make sense.
"She's a lot better than she was," Emmett replied with a smile, and he looked like he was surprised I approached him.
March 30, 2005
"Bella Swan is back," Steve informed me, adding, "full leg cast, bandaged right hand, and that's all I could tell from a distance. Whatever happened to her did a number on her."
"Are you doubting their story?" I asked Steve. I doubted their story but hadn't shared that with anybody. I just wondered why Steve doubted it.
"I'm not sure what, but there's definitely something strange going on with their relationship."
"Explain," I demanded, but he couldn't. Oh well...
According to everyone that saw them, either Edward or Alice was with Bella all the time. Even Emmett helped from time to time. Later on, I got to see Bella for myself when I saw Alice pushing her around in a wheelchair. I studied them for a bit and realized that the experience that Bella underwent changed the dynamics of their relationship. Not only was Bella and Alice extraordinarily closer, like they were best friends, but Bella almost appeared to differ to Alice in a passive way.
"Hi Bella, welcome back," I greeted her with a smile. It actually was the first time I ever spoke to her and she responded shyly while thanking me as they passed. I will admit one thing, her smile was breathtaking, and for someone who just experienced a life-threatening accident, she certainly appeared happy. Then when I saw Edward approach, I realized why. As long as these two were together, everything was fine.
On my way home, I speculated as to what could have happened to have Bella running off to Phoenix. Despite their passionate arguments, I didn't believe for a moment that she would do such a thing. Something happened - that I was sure of... and then I wondered if Bella was in danger. Had it really taken the entire Cullen household to fight off whatever trouble Bella was in? I knew this line of thought was crazy, but I thought it was crazier to think that she had run away from Edward. Edward and Bella were soul mates and it didn't take a Rocket Scientist to see this. I truly believed that without Edward, there was no Bella... and without Bella, there was no Edward... so, it only made sense that the Cullen Five would turn into the Cullen six during lunch. Even Rosalie appeared resigned to accept the new addition.
June 11, 2005 (Senior/Junior Prom)
It was the junior prom and the four of us were looking rather incredible. Lisa and I were getting along great. Steve and Cassie were also getting along great and it was looking like we were in for a terrific summer.
"Hey, did you hear about Tyler Crowley?" Andy Pinto asked. He was the second baseman.
"What's to hear?" Steve asked.
"He's picking up Bella Swan," Andy replied.
"Don't believe it," I replied with a chuckle.
"I have it on good authority that he was seen at the Swan residence."
"Trust me. If Bella does attend, she'll only be showing up with Edward Cullen."
"Yeah, man... Didn't you see how close they'd become over the last few months?" Steve asked.
"Hey, I'm just telling you what I heard."
I scanned the gymnasium and saw Jasper and Alice right beside Emmett and Rosalie. The four of them stood out like gods and goddesses.
"Well, it looks like the rumor is false," Lisa pointed out as she gestured towards the gymnasium's entrance. Edward was escorting Bella and I found myself enthralled with her beauty. Even in a walking cast, Bella could look incredible. The blue dress she was wearing seemed to hug every contour of her hot body.
"God, is he ever hot," Lisa mumbled out loud, and then blushed when she realized she said the words out loud. I smiled back at her to let her know it didn't bother me. How could it bother me when I knew Edward only had eyes for Bella.
As the two of them proceeded to the dance floor, I was curious as to how Bella was going to dance with her cast, then Edward picked her up and placed her on top of his shoes.
"No fucking way," I mumbled to myself, but then my eyes lit up when Edward began twirling Bella around the dance floor like a pro. How was this even possible?! I turned to Lisa and saw her watching them as well. In fact, most everybody was staring at them, and I had to admit, there was something magical about them.
"Would you care to dance?" I asked Lisa, who had been just entranced as I was.
"I thought you'd never ask," she replied as we made our way to the dance floor.
"Who's he?" I asked out loud, looking at the Native American that just approached Bella.
"Jacob Black," Lisa replied. "He goes to school on the reservation."
"How do you know him?" I asked, surprised she never mentioned him.
"I don't, Angela pointed him out to me at First Beach one day less than a month ago."
I was surprised when Edward relinquished his arm from around Bella's waist to allow Bella to dance with him, but then I realized these two knew each other, and I couldn't resist listening in.
"Can you believe my Dad paid me twenty bucks to come to your prom?" Jacob asked her.
"Yes, I can," Bella replied with a sigh. Despite the fast song, they were going real slow, and probably due to Bella's cast. "Well, I hope you're enjoying yourself. Seen anything you like?"
"Yeah, but she's taken," I heard Jacob reply and I chuckled. Yet another guy smitten with Bella Swan. I stole a glance at Edward and wondered if he knew Jacob was hitting on his girl.
"You look really pretty," Jacob told Bella.
"Um, thanks. So, why did Billy pay you to come here?" Bella asked him and I waited for Jacob's answer, but then Lisa drew my attention and I couldn't ignore her.
"The music's loud, what did you say?" I asked when her words didn't register.
"I said... isn't it nice that Edward is allowing that Quileute boy to dance with his girlfriend."
"Yeah, real nice," I replied, glad for an excuse to focus on them again.
"Look, Jacob. I know Billy probably won't believe this, but just so you know... Edward really did save my life. If it weren't for Edward and his father, I'd be dead."
"I know," Jacob replied, seeming to believe her.
"Hello, anyone home?" Lisa asked me with a soft whisper in my ear. I turned beat red at having been caught.
"I'm sorry, Lisa... I'm finding something very interesting and I promise I'll explain it to you later."
"So, should I tell him you said butt the hell out?" Jacob asked with a chuckle, and I frowned, realizing I had missed something important.
"No, tell him I said thanks. I know he means well," Bella replied.
The song ended and I wondered if they would dance another song, but suddenly Edward appeared and took Bella into his arms. Edward said something to Jacob, but I couldn't make out what it was, and then Jacob said something to Bella before he left.
"I want to talk to Cassie," Lisa told me as she broke free of me, but I pulled her back to my body and hugged her.
"I'm sorry... this song is slow and I'd really like to dance with you."
Lisa looked up at me and then smiled. Fortunately, I was forgiven. Later, when Lisa headed off to use the ladies room, I searched for Bella, but couldn't find her.
July 18, 2005.
Every year, Steve and I hit two events on back to back nights. The town of Forks hosts a Fair at the same time La Push hosts their big event down at First Beach.
The Fair had about ten or so amusement rides, a fun house, and a bunch of games designed to rip people off. This was the first year that Steve and I felt pressure to actually play and win given we had steady girlfriends. The big prize was one of those huge stuffed animals.
One of the games that was new this year, but not new to most Fairs, was a game where I would be able to showcase my accuracy in my pitching arm. A clown sat on a bench waiting to be dunked into a large tank of water, and if I were to guess, the water was ice cold. The clown looked bored and probably didn't think anyone could dunk him. I watched one person after another fail in dunking the clown.
"Rip off!" Steve yelled when one of the guys hit the target clearly, but not directly in the center which was needed to release the lever. Steve was right, the game was fixed to the average thrower, but I was far above the average... and was known for my pinpoint accuracy.
As I approached the game, I noticed a crowd gathering. It didn't surprise me; given I was a household name due to my star status on the team. So, if I hadn't felt the pressure before, I certainly felt it now.
"Just throw it to the mitt like you're warming up," I heard a male voice call out from behind me and I turned to see the voice belonged to Edward Cullen. He was standing there watching, with Bella Swan in his arms, and I smiled at them in response. I glanced over at Lisa, who was staring at them as if she were mesmerized. I chuckled before I turned back to the task.
"Come on, Kulp! This is a piece of cake," Steve shouted.
I smiled at Steve and Cassie, and then turned to Lisa again, and this time she was smiling right back at me as she pointed to the huge stuffed animal on the rack to my left. I again chuckled.
The game cost $5.00 to play, which would normally be a deterrent, given you had to dunk the clown twice with three balls. If you dunked the clown once, you only won a small stuffed animal and I knew that this wouldn't do.
The distance was about sixty feet which was about the same distance from the pitcher's mound to the plate, so I made like I was warming up on the mound without releasing the ball. Of course I would throw a fastball, but I decided to take a little off of it for the sake of accuracy.
"Take your time," Cullen shouted out at me, and I wondered how he knew I was rushing. Come to think about it, the tip earlier proved he knew the game and I wondered what type of ballplayer he would make.
I told myself that I could easily do this and started my wind-up, and then released the ball. I held back on the velocity, which proved to be a mistake, for there was a loud clang which meant I hit my target, but I was just shy of the center. The throw did not release the lever and the clown smiled.
"Rip off!" Steve yelled again, and I laughed and shrugged my shoulders. While I picked up the second ball, I turned to see if Edward and Bella were still watching, and saw them smiling. I also noticed that Alice and Jasper had joined them in watching as well.
I paused, trying not to over analyze this and suddenly I felt a strong dose of confidence. The level of the feelings felt so powerful that it almost felt artificial. I then wound up and threw hard... real hard... and it was a perfect strike right down the middle... or at least it would have been if there was a plate!
The result was another loud clang and this time the lever did release, dunking the clown into the ice cold water.
"Awesome!" Steve yelled out.
"Way to go, honey," Lisa shouted.
I turned and smiled at them, and then shifted around to see that not only had Alice and Jasper joined Edward and Bella, but Emmett and Rosalie had joined as well.
"Come on, one more time!" Bella shouted with excitement and I saw her say something to Alice, who in turn whispered something to Jasper.
I picked up the final ball, feeling that burst of confidence again and knew for a fact that I was going to win Lisa the big prize. The clown had now settled back into his seat and I laughed when he started to taunt me. I guess his taunting might have gotten to me before, but I had no doubt whatsoever that I was going to win.
I wound up and threw with all my might and delivered another perfect strike, and if I were to guess, I would have said I threw that ball well over ninety miles an hour. There was a loud clang releasing the lever again and the clown dropped into the water again.
"Great arm, Raymond," Edward called out from behind me and I turned just in time to see the six of them walking away. I smiled as I watched Bella cling to Edward in a very intimate way. I felt really happy for them and was glad to see Bella out of her cast.
As the evening progressed, Steve was becoming more and more frustrated with his inability to win a stuffed animal. He even went back to the dunking game, and although he hit the target, his accuracy couldn't put two throws together to hit the center. Steve was always known more for his glove and cannon arm than he was for his accuracy.
Then Steve told me to keep the girls distracted while he made some arrangements. I rolled my eyes when he told me he was going to do his own fixing.
The game had nothing to do with skill and everything to do with luck, and I found out later that Steve coughed up fifty dollars to win a large stuffed animal for Cassie. So, there we were, walking around the Fair ground with the girls holding their prized possessions.
The end of Chapter One.