(AN) k so it's a little long, sorry but I had a lot to get in this chapter because I'll be gone for the rest of the weekend and wanted to leave you guys with a little something extra. Don't you just love me!
Chapter 2
As the week dragged on Edward, Tanya and I fell into a familiar pattern. Edward drove me to school, where we met Tanya at her car and walked into school together, then took turns going to each others lockers. It turns out that their lockers were situated practically right next to each other. It was hard to hide my discomfort when I learned that new piece of information.
We sat at our usual table every lunch period and ignored the glances of Lauren and Mike's group. I couldn't help but get the feeling I was becoming more and more like a third wheel everyday. I tried to brush that aside however. Edward and I had been best friends since forever. He wouldn't let one girl, however beautiful she was, compromise that. Right?
I was so happy on Friday just because it seemed like a miracle I survived the week. It was always hard adjusting to a week of school after not having it for 3 months. I couldn't wait for newspaper because we were finalizing all the stories for the first issue.
I got to class before Edward and Tanya, which was becoming a tradition it seemed. One I was not particularly fond of. But just like everyday that past week Jacob came and kept me company until they arrived.
After a few minutes of Jacob rambling to me about something to do with cars, I saw them walk through the door. I was afraid that one of these times they would walk in and his arm would be around her waist. Jacob caught onto my train of thought and got up to move. I felt bad doing this to Jacob. I knew I should tell him to stay but I couldn't pass up a chance to be close to Edward.
"Alright class, settle down." Mr. Thorton said as Edward and Tanya took their seats next to me.
"Since we have our first issue almost finalized, I figured you could use your extra time this weekend for a project." The whole class groaned. Weren't we stressed out enough about making our first issue perfect? Why are teachers so cruel?
"So I'll assign each of you into pairs and your assignment is to research a topic in today's society and write a solid, front page material, story on it. The pair I feel that has the best article will be lucky enough to make the front page of the Forks Gazette." There was a low murmur of excitement around the room. I honestly didn't see the big deal. It's not like anyone read our town's measly newspaper anyway.
"Alright the pairs are…" I zoned out as Mr. Thorton began listing off names. I could only think of one person I wanted to be partnered with. "Bella Swan and Jacob Black."
I groaned inwardly. I really have all the luck in the world don't I. I looked over at Jacob and he was smiling at me.
I'm sure Jacob would be great and everything but I really wanted Edward. Not only was he an amazing writer but also I was insanely in love with him.
"Edward Cullen and..." Please, please, please don't be… "Tanya Denali."
Of course. Fan-freaking-tastic. Edward smiled at Tanya and she giggled while blushing a little. Oh no. Blushing is bad. No, no more blushing.
When Mr. Thorton was finished he asked everyone to get together with their partner and discuss the assignment. I looked to Jacob who was waving me over a little too enthusiastically for my taste. With one last glance at Edward and Tanya, who seemed to be even closer to each other than I thought possible, I reluctantly headed over to the empty seat next to Jacob.
"Hey Bella. I can't believe we got partnered together. We're going to kick this assignment's ass!" He said with a smile.
I had to laugh a little at his enthusiasm. It seemed like he couldn't control himself. Like it was just a part of him. I liked that. I could tell that it would be easy to get along with Jacob. If only…my heart knew where my thoughts were going before my mind did, if only he were Edward. I tried to push him from my mind for the time being.
Jacob and I had decided to do our article on the Swine Flu. Which I thought everyone was blowing totally out of proportion. Jacob laughed when I said this.
"What is so funny? It's true. The regular flu kills like 30,000 people a year and its only killed what like a couple hundred." I was a little peeved when people didn't agree with me. Maybe that's why Edward always let me decide on movies we would go see. He knew that he couldn't win an argument against me.
"I can't wait to say I told you so when this whole town gets infected with it." He said with a smile playing on the outside of his lips.
"Yeah right." Was my amazing comeback. He just chuckled to himself and shook his head.
We decided to meet at the local library on Saturday afternoon. Edward and I always hung out on Saturday mornings so to be safe we were going to meet at 2:15. Before I knew it the final bell rang. I hadn't even noticed the time because being with Jacob made it seem like the class had flown bye.
"I'll see you Saturday Bella." Jacob said with a grin.
"Yep see you later." I really wondered if that smile was permanently molded into his face or something.
I turned around to find Edward and Tanya with their heads close together talking intensely about something. I felt bad interrupting but it was making me uncomfortable watching them. I walked up to stand beside them. After a while it was apparent they didn't notice me so I cleared my throat. They both looked up.
"Um sorry to interrupt but school just ended."
Tanya and Edward both laughed. "Wow I didn't even realize it. It's amazing how fast time can go when you're having fun." I wanted to puke when Tanya said the clichéd catchphrase.
I waited for them to grab their stuff before we headed out. We separated in the parking lot. Edward and I headed towards his Volvo while Tanya went to her car. The drive home to my house seemed more tense than usual. Or perhaps it was just my overreaction to how close Edward and Tanya had become lately. Edward seemed to be in his own little world the entire way home. I had never wanted to read someone's mind more than right now.
All too soon we arrived at my house. My dad's car wasn't in the driveway so I knew I had the house to myself for a good couple hours. I decided to invite Edward in seeing he probably had nothing else better to do.
"Hey do you want to come inside for a little bit?" I asked.
For a second it looked like I had caught him off guard. "Um no thanks I have a lot of homework. Plus I promised my mom to help her move some furniture tonight. Sorry."
My face fell a little. "Oh that's ok. I'll still see you tomorrow right?"
"Sorry, what?" He was in his own little bubble again.
"Tomorrow. Hanging out. Movie." I felt a little mad that he would forget it. Every Saturday during school we would always hang out. We had been doing it since we first met.
"Uh-huh." He must be thinking about something important because he has never acted like that.
"Ok bye then." I said climbing out of the car.
"Yeah later." He replied.
I sighed and went into my house. I grabbed a glass of orange juice and some crackers for a snack before I started on my homework. The rest of my night proved to be very uneventful. I finished my homework early so I decided to make Charlie steak and potatoes. I had just put it on the table when he got home.
"Mmmm. Smells good Bells." Charlie said as he walked into the kitchen.
We sat down and began eating. He told me about his day and all the things he did. He asked me about school and Edward. It was pretty much like this every night. Charlie was never one for too much conversation and neither was I.
After we finished Charlie went to go catch a sports game on tv while I cleaned up the kitchen. I didn't really have anything else to do so I told Charlie I was going to bed early. He turned and smiled at me and said goodnight back, and then turned his attention back to the television.
I woke up the next day at 7:50. It was days like today when I had time alone with Edward that I really went all out. I tried to look the cutest I possibly could. I guess it was my pathetic attempt to make him open his eyes and see me as more than a friend.
After I decided I was decent I ran down stairs to grab a quick breakfast before I left. Charlie was on his way out as I came down the stairs.
"Going to see Edward?"
"Yep, oh and I have to go to the library later with a friend. We're working on a newspaper thing."
Charlie smiled as he walked out the door. "Alright have fun, just don't be late for dinner. I don't think I could survive without your cooking."
I laughed because it was completely true. "Will do. Bye dad."
"Later Bells." And with that he left.
Once I had inhaled the rest of my bagel and cream cheese I raced out the door. Edward didn't live too far away from me and I relished walking whenever I got a chance. Buying me a car wasn't really an option for my dad right now because our financial situation wasn't the greatest. He felt bad but I completely understood. Plus it helped having someone like Edward who was totally willing to drive me anywhere.
As I walked up the Cullen's long driveway I noticed another car parked behind the Volvo. As I got closer my stomach dropped at the realization of whose it was. Tanya. She was here. With Edward. What happened to our Saturday alone together? Maybe this was why he was preoccupied yesterday, the thought of spending all day with gorgeous Tanya. I mean who was I kidding. With Edward's good looks he was bound to realize someday that I could never be the girl on his arm. He was totally out of my league.
I stood out side his front door for at least 5 minutes deliberating if I should knock or not. Finally I decided just to leave them be. If I talked to him now I would break down for sure. I turned to leave but as I did I heard the front door open. I held my breath.
"Bella? What are you doing here?" Said my favorite voice in the world.
I turned around to face him. There were tears threatening to escape and run down my face. "Um I thought we were going to hangout. You know like we always do." It hurt having to remind him.
"Oh shoot today is Saturday isn't it?" He looked sad now. I just nodded. "I totally forgot Bells, I'm sorry. You can come in though Tanya and I were just discussing our assignment. But we can put on a movie or something."
He didn't get it. I didn't want to spend any time with him AND Tanya. It was only about being with him. It was always about being with him. I shook my head as my resolve crumbled and a tear slid down my cheek. Edward stepped forward to wipe it away but I moved away from his touch. He looked hurt.
"No um I think I should just go. You guys are obviously busy. I'll see you at school." I turned to leave but he grabbed my arm.
"Bella what's wrong? Are you mad that I forgot?"
I tried to yank my hand free but he wasn't having any of that. "No I'm not mad at you ok. I just really have to get going."
I jerked my arm free and headed back toward the road. I heard him running after me but I didn't stop. More tears now flowed freely from my eyes.
"Bella wait at least let me take you home. I feel terrible."
I practically snorted at him. "No it's fine I'd rather walk."
With that I sped up my pace and never looked back. As soon as I was out of hear shot I started bawling. And I continued to do so all the way home. I just couldn't believe Edward wouldn't tell me he had a date. Maybe it wasn't a date to him but it sure as hell looked like one.
I slammed my bedroom door shut and just laid face down on my bed, crying into my pillow. I always knew it was possible for Edward to fall for someone. But I was never really prepared for it. I assumed that it would just be him and me forever. But now everything is different. We won't be just Edward and Bella. We'll be Edward and Tanya and oh yeah Bella too.
I don't know how long I stayed like that but soon my stomach started growling. I got up and walked downstairs. On my way down I passed a mirror and gasped at my reflection. I looked like crap. I mean literally. I just looked so…broken.
I tried to push those feelings aside and concentrate on my stomach. It seemed to work a little. I grabbed a peanut butter sandwich and some chips and sat down at the table. When I was done I looked at the clock and it read 1:30. Shoot! I had to hurry if I was going to look halfway decent for Jacob.
I ran to the bathroom and quickly brushed out my hair. I pulled it into a messy bun on the top of my head. Then I concentrated on removing the black stains of makeup under my eye, a result of my crying my eyes out for a few hours. I went into my room and changed into a pair of comfy jeans and my favorite fleece jacket.
As I was waiting at my kitchen table I heard the rain start to pelt down on our roof. I groaned. I didn't feel like showing up at the library looking like a drowned cat. I already looked terrible as it was. So I decided to call Jacob and ask for a ride. I'm sure he'd be delighted.
I rummaged through a stack of papers in my room until I found the student directory. I scanned the pages. Soon I found the number I was looking for and punched it into the phone. I heard ringing on the other end.
"Hello?" Answered a familiar deep voice.
"Hey Jacob, this is Bella Swan."
He perked up instantly. "Oh hey Bella! What's up?"
"Nothing, I was just wondering if you could give me a ride to the library. I don't really have a car and its raining cats and dogs right now."
Jacob laughed. "Of course."
"Here are the directions." I gave him my address and a general knowledge on how to get to my house. I swear I could hear him smiling through the phone.
"Alright sounds good. I'll be there in like 15 minutes."
"Ok, thanks Jacob."
"No problem and please call me Jake."
"Ok. I'll see you soon. Bye."
"Bye."
After I hung up I instantly missed the warmth I felt just from talking to Jake. He seemed like a generally happy person. And right now I really needed that.
Jake was true to his word and showed up at my house 15 minutes later. I walked out the door and climbed in the passenger side of his red Ford F150. When he pulled out of my driveway he turned toward me.
"No offense Bella but you look terrible. What happened?"
I sighed I really didn't feel like talking about it. "Nothing."
Jake didn't believe me. "Come on Bella. It can't be nothing. Seriously what's bothering you?"
I hated how Jake made me want to confess everything to him right there. My love for Edward and everything else that had gone wrong in my life but we barely knew each other and I didn't think I could share that with him yet.
"Its just drama that's all." I said hoping that it would be enough to get him off my back.
"Oh well drama definitely sucks."
"Yeah tell me about it." I muttered sarcastically. He seemed to like my answer enough that we settled into a peaceful silence for the rest of the drive.
When we arrived at the library we went straight to the computers. I didn't feel like talking too much and Jake respected that. I really appreciated him for that. We ended up getting all the research we needed and even outlined the article pretty precisely. I hadn't even looked at the clock all day but all of a sudden Jake got up.
"Wow I didn't realize how late it was. I have to get back soon or my dad will think I've been kidnapped." He joked.
I looked at the clock and it read 6:30. Wow it had gotten late. I stood up too. "Yeah I should leave too, my dad will starve if I don't cook him dinner." Jake laughed.
We collected our material and headed back out to his truck. The ride back to my house was very similar to the ride to the library. When we arrived at my house I noticed my dad's car was already in the driveway. As I reached for the door Jake grabbed my arm.
"You know if you ever need to talk or just want some company I'm only a phone call away."
I smiled at his kindness. "Thanks Jake. I might take you up on that sometime."
He smiled back. "Good. Oh and I can finish that article tomorrow."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah it's no problem. Its already practically done anyway."
I laughed. "True. Well I'll see you Monday."
He waved at me. "Yep see you then."
When I walked into the kitchen I noticed a pizza box on the kitchen table.
"Dad?"
"In here Bells." Replied a voice from the living room.
"Sorry I wasn't here to cook dinner dad. My friend and I ran late at the library."
"Oh its fine I had been craving pizza anyway."
"Oh ok. Well I think I'm gonna go to be early, I'm pretty tired."
"Alright honey I'll see you tomorrow."
"Night dad." I said as I made my way up the stairs.
In truth the days events really did tire me out. I desperately wanted to escape reality for a few hours. I had no idea how I would face Edward on Monday morning but I took comfort in the fact that it was still a day away.