Chapter Two
None of these characters are mine... they belong to Stephenie Meyer, L. J. Smith and Charlaine Harris.
Note: In this story, vampires have NOT come out…. Yet. Thank you again to Alex, my editor on this… she really saved my tush.
EPOV
The movers arrived at dusk and took until eight o'clock to unload. By then we were exhausted so when Esme suggested that we all go out to eat it sounded lovely. We drove around aimlessly until we spotted this bar, Merlotte's, tucked in amidst the trees. With its gravel parking lot and weatherworn shingles, it screamed country. Reminded me of home in some ways. As we filed in I noticed the place wasn't too busy. It was later than I thought. That's when I heard her.
"Good evening, my name's Bella, I'll be your waitress this evening," she said. I could only catch her liquid brown eyes for a moment before she turned. Seating us, she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear before taking our drink orders. Her accent was classic Texan and very endearing. Alice caught me watching Bella head towards the bar to fill our drinks.
"She's quite beautiful, isn't she Edward?" she whispered, elbowing me.
I ignored Alice, refusing to admit she was right. It's also the same time I realized everyone at the table smiling at me. Well, almost everyone, Rosalie almost never smiles unless it's at Emmett.
As Bella brought our drinks, I made sure she'd notice me. Last to order my food, our eyes locked when she looked at me. To my surprise, I forgot what I wanted to order. Smiling crookedly, I rambled off the first dish I saw on the menu. Thankfully, it took her a few seconds before blushing, she started wrote it down and scrambled towards the kitchen.
With Bella out of sight, my head cleared. Why does she look so familiar to me? I wouldn't forget that face but I can't place her. Maybe someone in our old family photo albums resembles her.
While we waited, two dark haired gentlemen entered. The first was dressed entirely in black and slightly older than his companion, who looked as if he was still in school. The younger man greeted Bella with a hug while the other held back until she touched his shoulder. Seating them at a nearby booth, Bella brought back drinks without even asking. Obviously they were regulars, and as she laughed with them a bit; my heart sank. The girl of my dreams was taken. Did I just think that? I shook my head, surprised at the thought.
Our food arrived and we quietly talked about the trip down from Washington. Alice was especially excited about attending the new school. When Bella returned, Emmett decided to open his big mouth.
"Hey Bella, you're in high school right? How's the football team?" he asked, leaning back in his chair. Startled, Bella thought a minute.
"It's not too bad. Last season was more wins than losses. Our problem this year is most of the first string players graduated. I'm hoping the team gets some fresh blood." she said the last statement staring straight at me. "Are you boys thinking about joining the team? School's holding tryouts tomorrow on the football field."
Emmett and Jasper almost jumped out of their seats. "We'll be there!" Emmett announced happily. Well he is the football nut.
"You wouldn't happen to know about cheerleading tryouts, would you?" Alice asked shyly.
Bella grinned, "I sure do. They're on the opposite side of the football field across from the boys. We wanted to have them in the gym, but the basketball team claimed precedence.
Alice clapped her hands gleefully, no doubt picturing cute footballers in tights. "Oh yes, I'll definitely be there! Rose?"
Rosalie looked up, bored. "I'll try, but no promises." Leave it to Rosalie to hide her talent. Inspired me to see what hell she'd unleash on the squad leader running tryouts.
Bella's face positively lit up "That's great! I'll see ya'll tomorrow," she smiled, leaving to deliver now cool dinners to the two guys. Apologizing for the delay, she ruffled the younger man's hair affectionately. What was Bella doing with a guy like that?
BPOV
I was filling drinks at the bar when Sookie grabbed me, pulling me aside.
"The one with the auburn hair has been staring at you since he walked in. Want some background on the new boy?" Sookie was nonchalant, but I knew she was bursting with excitement. She's been bugging me for years to snag a boyfriend. She kept saying a girl like me wasn't meant to be alone. Once she even tried to fix me up with Eric! It was such a disaster Sookie started viewing me as a nun. Something I should mention about Sookie is she's telepathic with everyone save me. I block her somehow but I think that's why we hit it off so well.
I sighed, knowing she wouldn't give up, "Sure."
Sookie practically spewed, "His name is Edward Cullen and he's a junior. He loves music and the arts. Also, he thinks you're the finest thing he's ever seen. Want me to go on?"
I put my hands up, "No no, don't! I actually want to find the rest out myself." I smiled shyly, caught up in Sookie's words until I saw Eric further down the bar.
"What are you still doing here, Eric?" I hissed, my voice positively hostile but quiet enough Sookie didn't hear.
Eric smirked; "Now Bella is that any way to talk to your Sheriff?" he replied smoothly, one eyebrow cocked.
"Can it Eric, I'm working. If you've got business with me, wait until I'm off duty. I don't need you distracting me now." Eric knew instinctively how to rile me.
Smiling broadly, Eric stepped back and bowed mockingly. "I think I'll wait here little vixen. I'm enjoying the view," his eyes followed both Sookie and me. Bill was watching us with the strangest expression from his booth. I put a finger to my lips and he nodded.
"Here you go, Bells," Sookie said, passing me drinks. Tray loaded, I headed back to the Cullen's table. They'd all ordered something different to eat which surprised me. Getting down to Edward his eyes locked with mine. My knees grew weak; I was captured by his smile. Quickly I looked away before I totally blew my cool. Double checking the orders bought me a few minutes grace before I could flee to the kitchen.
The orders with the cook I couldn't help but laugh. As old as I was, all it took was a pretty face and I was acting like a silly teenager. The thought had me laughing so hard I was crying, quietly of course. I didn't want to draw further attention. Sookie called me back to the front. Composing myself, I came out to see my cousins Damon and Stefan. Well, they called themselves my cousins and in a roundabout way they are. I hugged Stefan and patted Damon on the shoulder. He wasn't much for PDA.
"What are ya'll doing here?" I asked.
Damon scoped out the remaining patrons, "Just in for a quick bite, you know how it is." Rolling my eyes, I escorted them to their table. "I'll get you the usual," I said, getting their drinks. Quickly I dropped them off because the Cullen's food was ready to go. Just as I was finished loading the Cullen order, my cousins order was ready so I added them to my heavy trays. At the Cullen table, I walked around letting everyone grab their own plates. That's when they ambushed me about the football and cheerleading tryouts. Thrilled by their enthusiasm, I knew by their physical condition getting on the team would be a cakewalk. My eyes barely seemed to leave Edward unless someone talked directly to me. I hope he didn't notice. Personally, I couldn't wait to see everyone in action. It'd been awhile since we had any new students, especially this far outside Dallas.
My trays much lighter, I excused myself and rapidly delivered my cousins dinner. Since it wasn't exactly hot anymore, they felt justified in teasing me about Edward. Seems my face speaks volumes. Laughing it off despite my flushed face, I ruffled Stefan's hair and camped out with Sookie at the bar. I checked a few more tables and snuck in an evil glare towards Eric on the way.
"Is he watching me?" I asked nervously.
Looking over my shoulder, Sookie nodded. I felt like a silly girl. It was…refreshing to know I was still capable of emotions. I was starting to wonder. The Cullens left quietly, requiring just one drink refill to go. Busing their table, I was shocked to find a thirty dollar tip. Quite a pleasant surprise to say the least! As I finished clearing the remaining tables, Damon and Stefan made their way out.
"See you at home Bella," Stefan called, walking out. Through the open door I saw the Cullens still outside. Edward's face clearly said he's heard my tender goodnight. I hope I'd get the chance to tell him Stefan and Damon are family.
Sam popped out of his office, "Okay ladies, time to lock up," he said, ignoring Bill and Eric. Their presence was so normal at the bar they could serve as bar stools. Sookie handled the front door while I tackled the salt and pepper shakers. The cook would be in next morning to mop the floor for lunch so we lucked out.
"If you need me Sam, just call. With school starting I gotta cut my hours." I hated telling him that, but I couldn't handle working seven days a week with my school workload. All honors classes, most of which are boring but I still had to put in my two-bits. Sam nodded, taking my keys. Apron off and in the hamper, with hands washed, I grabbed my purse and was out the back to see Eric leaning against my car.
"Okay Eric, what do you want?" I was tired and in no mood to deal with him now or any time. Eric took his sweet time answering.
"Just told to inform you a nomadic vampire may be in the area. With your… unique scent, it may be attracted to you," he said calmly, almost sexually towards the end.
His voice made me shiver, "Screw you Eric. I'm not interested and I never will be."
"We'll see." With that he was gone. A huff of breath escaped in a growl as I got into my truck. At home, something rustled in the woods by my house but was quiet, waiting for me to park. The sound of the electronic lock sounded when someone with flaming red hair streaked out of the trees towards me. Fangs bared, I growled threatening, claws ready to strike. She stopped and grinned, quietly hissing at me, leaf strewn hair flaring wildly.
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