A/N – Thank you! To all those who reviewed and put on alert. I forgot to mention it last time but music inspiration for this story is knocked up by Kings of Leon and pretty much anything on the Juno sound track. So with that in mind read on:}
It had been three days since Alice kissed me, three long days and she hadn't shown up at school. I was left to finish our project alone but I could care less about that. I was trying to give her some space but it was hard when all I wanted to do was see her. At lunch I sat with Edward and Jasper in hopes of getting some information.
"Hey guys." I slammed my tray on the table gaining their attention.
"Hey." They said quietly relaxing there shoulders as they continued eating there lunch.
"Jazz can you please tell me why Alice has been avoiding me." I knew why she was but I wanted to see what they knew.
"Bella I don't know what to tell you. She hasn't told us anything she's been avoiding us to. Why don't you come over tonight and try to talk to her?" Jasper shrugged throwing me a pensive look.
I thought about it for a moment should I give her space or confront her. Decisions, decisions. "Okay what time?"
"Emmett's taking me and Edward camping this weekend and we leave right after school so the house should be pretty empty." Jasper chomped on a carrot stick as he spoke.
I nodded and quietly ate my lunch; the rest of the day seemed to pass in a blur as I tried to think of what I could say to Alice tonight.
(Later that day)
I knocked on the door of the Cullen house with heavy hand so she would be sure to hear it. I thought about walking away but I just couldn't. I coughed clearing my throat preparing the speech I rehearsed in the bathroom mirror. Alice opened the door wearing sweats and a baggy t-shirt that was only half tucked into the waistband of the sweats. I opened my mouth clearly to speak but I had forgot what I was going to say. She looked like she hadn't slept in days as deep purple rings marked her eyes.
"Bella what are you doing here?" Alice asked shocked as I let myself in.
"You've been avoiding me," I deadpanned trying my hardest to look her in the eye. I wanted to stare at the floor to drop my gaze I knew it would be easier if I did but I had to know what she was feeling what she was thinking.
Alice swallowed hard and opened her mouth to speak but then closed it again. "I just needed some space."
"Well I've given you space three long days of space and now I deserve to know." I let out a heavy breath preparing my question. "I need to know if you feel what I feel. You kissed me…I know you feel something you have to." She had to.
She shook her head slowly like she was telling herself 'no' but she said nothing. "I don't feel anything." She looked me in the eye speaking barley above a whisper. "That's why I kissed you to see if I did and I don't and I just thought it would be easier on you if we stopped being friends." Alice crossed her arms retreating into herself.
She was lying she had to be. "But…but…" Jasper, Edward they saw it why couldn't she. "But…Jasper and…'
"Bella look I don't want you here okay, this is my family okay you can't have them! I know you don't have a family but you can't have mine! Just go okay they don't want you." Alice raised her voice and I just did nothing.
I can't honestly believe what she's saying she thinks I want her family, I mean it was nice feeling like I was apart of their family for a little while but that was just a perk I would easily give it up. I think I gaped at her a little but I just didn't know how to take in what she said. I left without saying another word she could have the last word I didn't care anymore. The worst thing about telling someone your fears and your secrets is that they can always throw them back in you face. I knew I shouldn't have told her all those things but I went against my better judgment and now I was paying the price.
As I rolled to a stop in the driveway I cut the engine and wiped at my eyes with the rough edge of my jacket. I bit my lip to keep the tears at bay I wouldn't let her win. I let out my anger on the steering wheel punching the rim with the side of my balled up fist in an effort to replace all of my useless feelings with anger. She says I have no family I have a great mom and dad. I took a moment looking at my reflection in the small rear view mirror. I wasn't to bad I blinked once or twice trying to get some of the redness away.
Charlie was sitting where he can usually be found on the couch staring at the TV feet up on the coffee table.
"Hey dad what you watching?" I asked trying to mask my sadness but it just came out as emotionless.
"Poker." Charlie replied without taking his eyes from the screen.
I took the seat next to him, "Can I watch with you for a while?"
"Sure bud."
I put my feet up on the table and leaned my head against his shoulder and I knew now that this was my family and it may not be much but it's mine.
"Anybody score yet?"
"It's poker honey," he said putting his arm around my shoulder giving me a small shake.
Xxx
I stared at the blank piece of paper like I could somehow will the words to appear. I thought it would be a good idea to write Alice a letter since I couldn't talk to her and I honestly didn't want to look at her again. I tapped the pen against then inspiration hit.
Dear Alice,
Wait why am I writing dear? She's not dear to me. I scratched out the word and balled up the paper tossing it in the trash.
Alice, I hate you please die.
Okay that's a little dramatic even for me. I scratched the words out and tore out the page putting it in the trash next to the other.
Alice,
I tapped my pen against the desk reading the name over and over and trying to remember what Alice means to me. I imagined her face the first time I saw her, how I still got that same feeling last week when she walked into my room like she seemed to just make everything easier. I could almost feel the weight of her arms around me holding me. I would never get to feel that again.
I don't want to like you anymore, if I could make myself stop I would. You said some pretty mean things to me and I don't want to like you I don't want to think about you. I don't want to see you or touch you or have you breath the same fucking air. So please stop making me want these things, let me go.
I brought my nails down the page scratching it out of the pad and throwing it in the trash. It didn't even make sense she's not keeping me from anything or anyone but why does it feel like I'm a hostage in my own heart. I tossed the whole pad of paper in the trash and decided that writing is not my strong suit either. I started up my ancient computer and as it was loading my cell phone started to buzz. I looked at the screen before I answered and held the phone up to my ear.
"Hi, mom."
"Bella what's wrong?"
Okay that's freaky there's no way she could tell something was up just by the tone of my voice. "Nothing mom, how are you and Phil?"
"Phil and I are great now stop trying to change the subject what's wrong?" Renee's voice cracked through the phone and I had forgot how much I missed it.
I dragged my useless body over to the bed flopping down to stare at the ceiling. "It's nothing there's just this girl."
"Is this the one you were telling me about?"
"Yeah Alice that's her, well I thought she liked me and we were getting along great but then she just turns around and tells me she has no feelings for me just out of nowhere. I don't know what to do mom I really like her and ugh it's just so difficult sometimes." I sighed into the phone trying not to get into the specifics.
"Bella honey maybe she's just scared."
"She's not scared, she's not afraid of anything."
"You don't actually believe that do you? Everyone's scared when it comes to love it's frightening. Especially if she's never had feelings for another girl before."
Alice and I had been steadily progressing for over a month it couldn't have been to fast for her any slower and we would have been going backward. "What do you mean?"
Renee chuckled down the phone but I failed to see what was funny. "Sometimes I forget how young you are you know that. Do you remember how you felt the first time you realized you liked a girl?"
I paused for a moment recalling a girl named Sarah it had been a few years since I thought about her. I was a wreck I was in denial for almost a year before I admitted it to myself never mind anyone else. "Yeah I remember."
"Well she's probably going through the same."
"But what if she's not? What if she just doesn't want me?" I asked in hopes of some wisdom.
"That's a lot of what if's." Renee's breath crackled through the phone. "I'm running out of quarters so I've got to be quick but just remember I love you okay honey."
"I love you too mom."
The phone cut out and I had a lot of stuff to think about. I never thought it could be because I'm a girl. Could she be afraid of the fact she has feeling for another girl?
Xxx
My eyelids felt heavy as I folded the last of the laundry and piled it high in the basket. It was only five o'clock but having gotten only four hours of sleep can make you pretty tired. Renee's words still swam around my mind coming to surface almost every ten minutes. She shouldn't get to have the last word I should tell her how I feel or maybe I should stop telling and just listen. I'm so confused I can't even think straight anymore. Not that 'thinking straight' was my talent. I scrawled Charlie a quick note encase he came back early but he wasn't supposed to be back until late tonight but I knew he would worry if I didn't. Not bothering to get my jacket and I hopped in the truck and drove off quickly in fear of loosing my nerve. I wished over and over that I could have the strength to stay away, to fight this pull Alice had over me but I don't. I knocked on the door and I had the oddest feeling of déjà vu as I did so. I looked everywhere except the door as it swung open to reveal an emotionless mask I used to know as Alice.
I focused on my words and nothing else to make sure I got to say what I came here to say,"Alice…what you said the other day really hurt me and I told you that stuff in confidence and…"
As I was speaking Alice clutched onto the side of the door and bent over in pain letting out a strangled yelp.
"Alice, are you okay?" I asked as I bent down to see her face.
"I don't know what's wrong." Alice hissed in pain. "It's been like this for an hour." Alice panted heavily.
Oh my god the baby's not coming is it? No it's to early for that. "Where's Carlisle? Carlisle! Carlisle!" I yelled panic stricken.
"He's not here." Alice could barley speak without hissing in pain. "They went to Seattle it's the first time they've been out in months. I'm not calling them just because of a little pain." Alice said and I just rolled my eyes at how stupid she was being.
I tried to rub soothing circles into her back as I helped her into the living room and sitting her on the couch. She grabbed a pillow and dug her nails into as she continued to take short sharp breaths.
"Don't they teach you about this stuff in that lasagna class?" My voice was somehow two octaves higher than usual as I spoke.
"It's Lamaze and no they don't."
Same difference this is not the time to argue. I started to pace the floor trying to think. "What about Emmett or Rosalie?"
"Emmett's camping no cell reception and Rose is in Seattle."
So they left her here alone, I ran my hand through my hair trying to think so something…anything.
"Stop pacing." Alice shot at me.
"We need to call Carlisle he'll know what to do."
"No I'm fine I just gotta ride it out."
Ride it out what the hell did she think this was an amusement at six flags. Alice groaned in pain and that was it. "That's it! I'm taking you to the hospital."
"No!" She sputtered stubbornly but as another wave of pain hit she scrunched her eyes closed and I couldn't watch. "Fine lets go." She relented.
I moved to help her off the couch and it was slightly awkward as I took her hand but there was no time for awkwardness jellybean could be in trouble. Alice almost crushed my hand as I helped her off the couch and I tried not to say ouch.
"Get my stuff please." She pointed to a bag and a coat and I left her only for a split second. I flung the stuff over my shoulder and went back to the bone crushing hold she had on my hand. For such a small person she is freakishly strong.
I had to let go of her hand to drive and she bit her lip and I knew she was trying to silence the pain. I drove as fast as I legally could to the hospital and rushed up to the reception almost slipping on the tiled floor.
"Hey I have a pregnant girl here and she's in pain." Alice pushed me to the side and seemed to be getting control on the situation.
"Hi I'm Alice Cullen I need to see doctor Stone…it's an emergency."
"Okay take a seat and I'll page the doctor." A nice older nurse asked and pointed us to the waiting room.
We took our seats in the empty waiting room and I tapped my foot nervously against the floor in no particular rhythm but the constant motion seemed to be helping.
"It's going to be okay." Alice told me placing her hand on my knee steadying the motion.
How could she know? How could she know it wasn't something serious? I should call Carlisle. "How do you know?"
"I don't but you're worrying enough for the both of us."
"Worrying is what I'm good at. You should have seen how worried I was when I had to go on stage to give the Getty's burg address in elementary school. I actually threw up in this kids hat." I spat out like word vomit.
Alice laughed and I smiled at her bell like laughter it was a nice distraction. "You worry to much." A man in a white coat and glasses approached us and Alice stood up and so did I.
"Hello Alice I'll see you in exam room two." Alice followed and I didn't know if I should go too but I thought it wrong to follow them.
"I'll just get you back here," I said quietly as I took my seat again.
I can't believe I go to tell her how mad I am and I end up worrying alone in a hospital waiting room what a change of events. I let my eyes close as leaned back in the chair. If I was quiet enough I could almost hear the dull thump of my heart. Ten minutes past easily and there was still no sight or sound from the doctors or nurses. I bought a cup of coffee from one of the machines and the noise of the coffee beans grinding filled the empty hall. I took the scalding hot cup from the machine and gently blew over the top before returning to my seat.
I had just finished reading through last years vanity fair when Alice came back into the waiting room rather awkwardly brushing her bare arms and tugging on the short sleeves of her shirt.
"Can I have my coat please?" Alice held out her had and I passed her the coat.
I had been out here for like an half an hour and all she says is 'can I have my coat.' "Is everything okay? Is the baby okay what was wrong?"
"I'll tell you in the car can we just get out of here, I hate hospitals."
I slung Alice's bag over my shoulder and headed out of the small hospital. It was starting to get dark but that wasn't unusual for this time of year. I opened her door helping her get up into the cab and then seated myself. I wasn't going to go anywhere until she told me what happened. We could sit here all night if need be.
"I'm not going till you tell me." I tightened my grasp on the steering wheel, I know it was unfair I pretty much had her trapped here but I didn't see another way so I ignored the pang of guilt that cropped up.
"Everything's fine, the doctor just said I've been stressing myself. I just need to get some rest he gave me some pills and a prescription I'm going to be fine." Alice seemed to be relaxed as she spoke and gave me a small smile but it was hardly reassuring me.
Edward said this would happen my presence has been stressing her out. I started the truck and it gave a loud backfire as I pulled out of the car park and headed for the Cullen house. We drove in silence put I could see that Alice was looking at me from the corner of my eye. I parked close to the door and hopped out splashing onto the gravel. I only stepped into the house to put Alice's bag on the floor but before I had the chance to leave Alice spoke up.
"Would you please say something you're scaring me." Alice's voice was raised but not threatening as she spoke.
She was scared of me? How is that even possible? I had no idea what to say that's why I wasn't speaking.
"Please okay I know I hurt you and I said some stuff I didn't mean but please just yell at me tell me you hate me just get it over with." Alice crossed her arms over he chest preparing her defense.
"I don't hate you Alice, I don't have it in me to hate you. I just want to know why…why lead me on all this time if you felt nothing for me? Was it some sort of sick game to you? Huh to use my feelings against me and see what you could do, how far you could make me fall."
"What…how could you think that? You think I'm capable of something like that? Something that horrible." Alice scrunched her eyes narrowing them like she was trying to see me more clearly.
"I didn't until you threw the family stuff back in my face and by the way I don't care if I can count all the people I love on one hand that's my family mine I don't need yours."
"I'm sorry I didn't mean that when I said it, I was angry and scared." Alice took a step towards me but I took a step back and she stopped. "You scare me…your so nice and loving and loyal."
Nice I sound like a labrador I crossed my arms waiting for her to get to the 'but.'
"I wanted to be the same for you I did, I fell for you without even realizing it. I always thought that love was grand gestures like singing while sliding down a flagpole or showing up in a limo with a single read rose but I see now that that was stupid. You showed me that love is always being there even when you don't want be. That loving someone can be as simple as knowing what color pen they like to use or listening to them complain and picking them up when their feet hurt. I realized that when I kissed you I was filling in the blank spaces in my life. I love you Bella… I'm in love with you and that scares me more than anything in this world because I don't know how to love someone like you."
I closed the gap between us enclosing my hands around her delicate face drawing her lightly into me kissing her with all the love I could muster. I moved my lips with a slow steady rhythm as Alice seemed to relax into my hold running her hands down my sides. I smiled into the kiss as I pulled away just a fraction just enough to lean my forehead against hers. I could feel her breath cross my face in heavy uneven pants.
"You don't get to run away this time okay." I whispered as I picked up her hand and intertwined her fingers with mine.
Alice drew mindless shapes on my side and it was a little ticklish as I trembled under her touch. She nodded her head and looked at me with a shocked expression.
"The baby is kicking." Alice spoke as she placed our intertwined hands over her baby bump and I was amazed when I felt the sensation of kicking coming from inside of her.
Alice chuckled at my wide-eyed expression and I brought my hand up to lightly move a strand of hair behind her ear. As I exposed her skin I leaned down to place a soft kiss just under the shell of her ear and she sighed.
"I love you too." I whispered in a low tone.
"I know."
Xxx
It was my favorite time of day lunch. I took my seat beside Alice and as soon as did she slipped her hand into mine under the table and I couldn't help the smile that tugged on my lips.
"Hey guys how was the camping trip?" I asked either of them.
"It was great…you should have seen Emmett, I bet him he couldn't catch a fish with his bare hands he was out there for hours just splashing in the river." Jasper laughed at his own story and we all joined along.
"I wish I could have gone with you guys, I'm so sick of being pregnant all I can do is sit around and read those disturbing pregnancy books."
"There not disturbing." Edward cut in with a roll of his eyes.
"Have you read one? There worse than that last saw movie." Alice shivered and I tried not to laugh.
"Would you go on a date with me?" I asked lowering my voice turning to speak only to Alice.
"Bella I really don't want to go out, everyone stares at me I hate it." Alice said pouting slightly.
I really wanted to take Alice out I mean we hadn't even been on a proper first date. I hated that she felt like she couldn't go out. "We don't have to go out just leave it to me." I was struck with an idea and smiled a wide grin and I could tell she wanted to know but I was keeping this a surprise.
"What…what is it? Tell me please," She begged.
"Nope but I think I might need some time to get everything ready. So what about Friday I'll pick you up."
"What should I wear? Where are we going? I need to know these things." She chuckled but I knew she was just digging for clues.
"Nope wear what you want it doesn't matter."
"Of course it matters are you trying to say it doesn't matter what I wear because I'm fat and pregnant and there's no way I can look nice."
How the hell did she get that from what I said? I tried to think of something quickly. "Um…no…I didn't mean that I thin you look beautiful no matter what."
"Oh…okay." Alice spoke surprised.
"Awe Edward they're so cute." Jasper smiled sarcastically and leaned his head on his shoulder.
Xxx
"Right no peeking!" I spoke close in her ear as I kept her eyes covered with the palm of my hand.
"I'm not peeking and I know where we are. I have been to your room before."
"This isn't my bedroom Ali, we are outside in the deep wilderness." I tried to do my best narration voice as I slowly opened the door.
I let my hand drop and Alice opened her eyes taking in my newly redecorated room. Okay maybe it was just a tent made from some bed sheets and old Christmas lights taped to the ceiling but I think it's the thought that counts.
"Wow you did this for me?"
"Well I know you like camping and I like… Christmas lights so it's the best of both." I gestured arms open walking into the middle of the room. Alice continued to look around the room her eyes never stopping. "You hate it don't you it's stupid and childish."
"No I love it." Alice closed the gap between us and placed a chaste kiss on my lips. "It's so…you."
"Is that a good thing?" I asked nervously.
"It's an amazing thing," She smiled and I moved a wisp of hair so I could see her beautiful eyes.
I grabbed her hand pulling her to sit in the small tent. The floor was littered with pillows and it reminded me of all the times I used to do this.
"So what do you have planned now?" Alice asked with a sly smile.
"Well being as we are in the wilderness miles from any sign of civilized life or even a McDonalds…we need to cook our own food."
I pulled out a small fondue set that had some cheese melting on a small candle flame. I handed Alice a fork and I began to dip bread in the molten cheese.
"You thought of everything haven't you?" Alice laughed. "Thank you…this is the best first date I've ever had."
"Thanks this is my only first date so I wanted it to be special." I added
"Wait you mean I'm your first date." Alice said slightly shocked.
She was my first everything but I wasn't sure if I should tell her that it might freak her out. She does have a tendency to be a little skittish. "Sorry that doesn't freak you out does it?"
"No it actually makes me feel kind of…I don't know special."
"You are special…to me." I said taking another piece of bread. "So who was your first date?"
Alice swallowed hard and looked at me with knitted brows, "Why do you want to know that?"
"I just do," it was obviously apart of her past and I wanted to know about her past.
She looked to the ceiling rolling her eyes high in he head. "His name was Peter he was really handsome, not that smart and we went ice-skating. This was when I lived in Alaska. What about you who was your… first kiss?"
Damn I should have seen this coming, should I lie? No that's stupid I should tell her. "Well it was a girl." I paused and Alice nodded at the obvious fact. "She was a little stubborn at times but she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen." I glanced at Alice through my lashes and she frowned slightly which made me want to laugh but I managed to continue, "Her favorite color is gold, which I say is a fancy yellow…she has the most expressive green eyes that I love to stare at and she's sitting in this room."
Alice blinked for a moment then I think it hit her. "Wow you don't like keep her in the closet or under the floorboards do you?"
I laughed a deep belly laugh as I took in the deadly serious expression on her face. "No it's you, you're my first kiss but way to ruin a nice moment," I joked. "Right I think it's the perfect time for some star gazing. We should have clear skies all night." I crawled out of the tent and turned to help Alice get up.
I moved over to the bead and I laid down first on the deep purple sheets scooting over to the edge so Alice could lie down beside me. I had to say that old Christmas lights did actually look like little stars…well if you don't use the multi-colored ones that is. "So is this as good as camping outdoors?" I questioned staring at the fabricated night sky.
"It's better," Alice sighed as she moved to lay he head on my chest as curled my arm around her back pulling her into me. I could feel Alice's pregnant belly pressed up against my side but I didn't care. There was enough room for the three of us.
Xxx
"Is there really any use to figuring out what 'x' means their just going to change it on the next question." I wined to Alice as we sat at her dining room table trying to complete this week's dose of homework.
Alice lifted her head from the oversized textbook to look at me and I tried to lighten my bored expression.
"Do you need any help at all?" Alice asked glancing at the sheet of paper that was covered in random doodles.
"No I'll just finish it at home or in the parking lot before school, I need to be in the right state of mind for homework."
"And what state of mind is that?"
"Last minute panic or extreme boredom which ever comes first." I rambled leaning my elbow on the dark mahogany table and cradled my face in my hand. "Have you thought of anymore names yet?"
"What about Apple?" Alice said scribbling another answer on the paper.
"No thanks I'm not hungry." I replied honestly.
"No," Alice chuckled drawing out the word. "I meant for the baby."
"I think the baby's a little young for solids just yet even I know that." I said mindlessly drawing patterns on the table.
Alice pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed and I was enjoying annoying her a little more than I should but it's just too easy.
"I meant as Apple as a possible name."
She wasn't going to name the baby after a fruit or a high tech business she isn't famous enough to get away with that.
"You're not naming my grandchild after a fruit." Esme entered taking the words from my mouth as she placed a tray on the side of the table.
"Thank you Esme." I smiled opening my arms into a hug like gesture. "See Esme gets it. If you're so set on Apple make that the middle name that's where you can have the fun but remember this kid has to live through high school." At the word high school Alice pursed her lips and I knew she could see my logic.
"Do you have anymore ideas then, since you're so smart."
"Thanks Ali I do try." I gave a cheesy smile before I prepared my answer. "Okay what about Mark?"
"Marks a nice name but I didn't really want a biblical name I wanted something individual."
"Well I guess that rules out John, Paul, George and Ringo." I joked.
"Hmmm Ringo…"
"Ali, that was a joke."
"But still…"
"What about Lennon?" I questioned as I thought over the name and it sounded good in my head.
"I like Lennon, Okay we'll keep that in the maybe pile."
"What else is in the maybe pile?"
"Nothing." Alice glance up at me then back to her book.
XXX
I hopped out my truck with a yawn. I couldn't call it a good morning until I saw Alice. I spotted them all standing around Edwards Volvo. I jogged up to them and I felt a tug in my chest as I wanted to embrace Alice in a hug and kiss her but we had decided to play it low key. I'm starting to forget why we decided that.
"Good morning," Alice said almost bouncing with excitement.
She is way to chipper for this time of day but I love her anyway even if she is a morning person. "It's looking that way." I replied as I stuffed my hands in my pockets. I may not be able to touch her but I could still look at her like I wanted to.
She smirked, "What class do you have first?"
"Biology," I said with scorn. "What about you?"
"History."
I wish we could have more classes together. "I'll walk you to class." I said as Alice nodded. We headed for the steps and as we walked so close together our arms were almost melded together. "Why are we doing this low key thing again?" I strained to ask.
"Because I just don't want the gossip,"
I could understand that fact but there was a little nagging feeling inside that said she didn't want to acknowledge our relationship. I mean we haven't really spoken about where we are. Maybe I should ask her to 'officially' be my girlfriend. I huffed again watching the cold air expel from my mouth. "It's just so hard when all I want to do is hold your hand," I don't think I was asking for much.
We got to Alice's history class and the hall was deserted but it was still pretty early to be headed for class. Alice looked both ways down the hall and I followed her gaze. She took a small step forward going up on her toes she cupped my face and placed a chaste kiss on my lips. It only lasted a split second but I wanted more. "I'm sorry."
I could see in her eyes that she was sorry and I quickly checked the hall for any students. Once I was sure they were completely empty I grinned as I pulled Her towards me capturing her bottom lip in mine running my tongue along the soft pink flesh. Alice always seemed to run at a colder temperature than me and her lips were like ice melting in my mouth. I pulled away double-checking no one had seen us and I think we were in the clear.
I chuckled at Alice's dazed expression, as she seemed to be a million miles away. "If I only get one to last me today I wanted to make it count."
"I'll remember that next time."
"You better, "I threatened lightly. "So how much longer do you think we'll be sneaking around?"
"Not much longer I promise."
"Pinky promise?" I asked holding out my pinky. She looked at my hand then back to me and had that 'your so odd' look on her face but I knew she liked it.
"Your so weird." Alice said grinning and shaking her head. She hooked her pinky with mine as I squeezed her finger in mine sealing the promise.
"I know that's why you love me." I smiled.
She tiled her head from side to side as I let go of her pinky, she seemed to be thinking about what I just said trying to come up with a suitable come back but seemed to only sigh.
"Damn you have me there."
The doors to the hall swung open and two girls headed to their lockers and I thought I better get moving before I end up late to class. I took a few steps back risking falling on my ass just so I could look at her a little longer before I left. "Bye see you in English." I gave a small wave and she returned my goodbye as I spun on my heel now rushing my way to biology.
I got to Biology just as the Bell rang and I got to our table as Angela moved her books making room for me on the table. I panted slightly trying to catch my breath but luckily I notice the Mr. Banner wasn't here yet.
"Hey Bella how was your weekend."
I thought back to my date and smiled at the memory. I think that's one of my happiest memories ever. "Not much, you?"
"Just the usual, I had a babysitting job so I made some money all in all not a bad weekend. How come you were so late for class I saw you go into the building like twenty minutes ago?"
I knew I should of seen this coming I hate lying to Angela and I know she knows so I might as well just tell her. "I was walking Alice to class."
"Are you two?" Angela led off looking at me speculatively and I knew what she was getting at. "Just because I hardly see you anymore you sit with them at lunch and we haven't hung out after school in like months."
Angela gave me a frown and I felt like an ass. I didn't want to be one of those people who got in a relationship and ignored their friends. Angela's been a great friend ever since I got here and I just left her.
"I'm sorry Ang, I know I've been busy and I feel a little torn between sitting with you guys and sitting with Alice. Why don't you and Ben sit with us today and we can catch up. I got the new national geographic."
Angela's face lit up at the prospect of seeing the magazine and I loved that Angela had a thing for photography almost as bad as I did, maybe even worse.
"Did you see the one last month on wolves it was amazing."
I shook my head and Angela continued to ramble about how amazing it was.
(Later that day)
Lunch rolled around and I found Angela just in the midst of closing her locker. I put my hand on her back to surprise her and she spun around with the biggest surprised look on her face I had to laugh.
"Well aren't you in a good mood?"
"Why shouldn't I be?" I questioned back as we started to walk towards the cafeteria.
"No… no reason at all." Angela grinned.
As we entered the cafeteria I spotted Alice and her brothers all ready sitting down. I had brought my lunch today so I told Angela I would she her in a minute.
I took the open seat beside Alice swinging it around so we were closer together. "Hey guys I hope you don't mind but I invited Angela and her boyfriend Ben to sit with us."
"That's great I like Angela but I've never really spoken to her." Alice replied and I looked to the guys for conformation and they just nodded.
"Yeah she's kind of shy at first but then once she gets over that it's hard getting her to shut up."
"Hi Bella." Ben spoke and I looked up to see him staring awkwardly at the table. He had his tray in one hand and Angela's hand the other.
I kicked out the seat on my other side in the universal symbol for 'sit here'. Making it easier for them to adjust to the new table dynamics. Angela took the seat beside me then Ben sat between her and Jasper.
"Hey we were thinking about going to the beach this weekend. It's supposed to be sunny so might as well make the most of it." Angela piped up breaking the silence.
The beach sounded good I hadn't been down to La Push in ages and it wasn't too strenuous for Alice. I looked to my right to Alice silently asking what she thought about it. She bit her lip and I knew she was worried about it being so close to the due date but we still had like a week or so left. Sensing her internal battle I put my hand on top of hers and brought our intertwined hands to rest on my knee.
"Sure sounds fun." Alice spoke up and we fell into easy conversation.
The guys had started to argue about the best weapon on some war game and Angela just rolled her eyes and pretended to listen and agree with whatever Ben said.
"Are you okay?" I whispered to Alice so low I could barely hear it.
She squeezed my hand with a slight smile to assure me she was. "Yeah, I'm fine."
I didn't quite believe her I don't know why I just had a nagging feeling in my brain. "If this is about the beach thing we don't have to go. I'm happy just staying in and watching movies."
"No we should go, we haven't been out in forever I feel like I'm keeping you hostage or something." She giggled and it found its way to her eyes and I didn't feel that nagging feeling anymore.
"Well I'm a willing prisoner, if it means being with you then I don't want to be free."
Alice rolled her eyes but couldn't stop from smirking. She drew shapes with her thumb in the palm of my hand and it sent a shiver straight up my spine.
"That's good to know."
We both chuckled and I could see her eyes searching the table for something. "What you looking for?"
"I'm still hungry."
I chuckled under my breath and took out my lunch out of the brown bag handing Alice some of her favorite peanut butter candy.
"How do you know my one weakness?"
"Because I know you." I replied simply. "Do you know my weakness?" I asked wondering if she would guess herself. She had to be my one weakness.
"Hmmm." Alice pressed her lips into a tight line and looked to the ceiling for a moment then back at me. "Animals dressed as humans."
I wanted to spit out my drink at how ridiculous that was. "No…not even close." I stuttered putting my drink back on the table.
Xxx
I was up slightly earlier than normal for a Saturday but I tried to forget about going back to bed and went over my list of things to do. Eat breakfast then go pick up Alice and head to la Push. So if I eat now I should be at Alice's in like twenty minutes.
The sun streamed through my bed room window and I was actually happy that I could use some of my 'Arizona clothes' as I called them but I was still putting some 'forks clothes' in my truck just encase. It would just be my luck to get there and it would start raining. Then I would be stuck in a downpour just wearing shorts a t-shirt and some flip-flops.
I walked into the kitchen to see Charlie flicking thought the paper tuting under his breath and shaking his head.
"Hey honey, where you off to this morning."
I opened the fridge and quickly grabbed the milk pouring myself a bowl of cereal. "Just gonna go to the beach with some friends."
"It's a nice day for the beach, I wish I could get off work and do some fishing but duty calls." Charlie got up from his seat putting his cup and plate in the sink and headed for the door.
"Have a good day at work," I shouted after him.
"Sure thing Bells."
I inhaled my cereal and made my way to my truck. Praying it would start I turned the keys and the engine roared to life. It was a peaceful ride to Alice's house as I tried to get a radio station that wasn't in French but gave up after the third try. The tree's whipped by and I leaned my arm out the open window. One thing I liked about Forks was the air it was still cold but refreshing at the same time.
I parked close to the door and Alice had probably heard me from the street but I still decided to knock on the door. I waited for a second or so swaying back on my heels. Alice opened the door and I was still amazed every time I saw her by how beautiful she is. It's like my mind can't do her any justice and every time I see her I forget how beautiful she is. Her floral patterned sundress swayed beautiful in the breeze
"Hey." I spoke softly taking a step forward putting my left hand on her side bringing her into me. "You look amazing." I whispered giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks." She smiled a light blush coloring her cheeks. She really needs to be better at taking compliments. "You look beautiful too the sun really suits you."
I didn't fully understand what that meant but maybe I looked tanned compared to Alice. That would only be compared to Alice thou any other time I must look part albino.
"We should get going."
"Sure just let me get my bag." Alice spoke and I waited for her to leave as she turned slightly just a fraction then stopped.
I waited for her to move unsure of what she was doing then I felt it.
"I think my water just broke." Alice said her eyes growing wide with panic.
"I knew it was a bad day to wear flip flops."
A/N – Thanks for reading:} I tried hard to create a love hate relationship but it was harder than I thought to hate Alice.
P.S- I love to read your reviews they make me want to finish all my half written stories:]
