SM's characters, My ideas...

The Healer

Chapter 2

"Miss Swan, you forgot your change." Mr. Crowley said. I was immediately pulled from my embarrassing stare at Mr. Cullen.

I turned around to take my change and smiled at Mr. Crowley muttering my thanks. When I turned to move again Mr. Cullen was still standing there. I knew I needed to say something but I simply could not get my brain to cooperate with my mouth. I felt a finger under my chin and slowly it was lifted up to look at the gorgeous eyes again.

"Miss Swan, eh? I was wondering when I would get the chance to meet the infamous healer." he smiled a crooked smile and I couldn't help but smile back. Finally my brain decided to communicate with my mouth again.

"The pleasure is all mine Mr. Cullen. Please call me Bella." I smiled.

"Well Bella, I have heard a lot of really good things about you. I understand you have a remedy for every ailment around." he said.

"I don't know about every ailment, but I do try to find something that can cure most illnesses or injuries. It is a passion of mine. I find it fulfilling." I replied.

"A fulfilling career, now that is something I understand. That's why I teach. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to help others learn how to apply knowledge to every day life." he replied as he walked me outside of the General Store.

"Exactly, I never tire of teaching the community how different herbs and plants can help them feel better or heal them. My father taught me so many things about plants and... oh, I'm sorry, I'm rambling Mr. Cullen." I smiled shyly.

"I rather enjoy listening to your ramblings, and please, call me Edward", he replied as he touched the side of my cheek with the back of his hand. I felt tingles spread all over my body and I unconsciously leaned into his touch.

"Edward..." I sighed. Waking up to my surroundings I quickly muttered, "I really must go", suddenly realizing we were just inches from each other and I knew how inappropriate this was in public. I did not want to draw any more attention to us than we probably already had.

"Bella, would you do me the incredible honor of having dinner with me at the diner tomorrow night?" Edward asked me before I could turn away. I was so enamored by this man. No man had ever had this effect on me. I wanted to play hard to get and say no. I wanted to give an excuse to buy myself some time. I simply could not say no.
"Yes, Edward, I would be honored to have dinner with you." I almost whispered.

"So I will meet you at your house to accompany you at six o'clock tomorrow evening." he said as he kissed my hand once more. I simply smiled and turned to walk away keeping the smile on my face from getting any bigger until he could no longer see me.

As I walked home I was lost in thoughts of Edward Cullen. I cannot believe how incredibly handsome he is. But my inner thoughts were interrupted by a voice calling my name.

"Miss Swan! …. Miss Swan!" I turned to see none other that Tanya Denali calling my name.

"Yes, Tanya, is everything okay?" I asked.

"No, it is NOT okay!" she yelled at me. "Was that Mr. Cullen I saw you with just now? She yelled at me not even giving me time to respond. Well, let me tell you Miss Swan. He is taken. Do not even try to convince yourself that he is interested in you. He is mine. And if you try and come in between us, you will regret it!"

"Tanya, I do not know what your problem is, but you do not have the right to talk to me that way. And if Edward is interested in you, I am sure he will inform you himself. Now, if you will excuse me, I have things I need to do." I turned to walk away.

Tanya grabbed my arm as I tried to turn away. "I assure you, this is not over Miss Swan. You will regret even speaking to Mr. Cullen." she said.

I jerked my hand out of her grasp, "Are you threatening me Tanya?" I asked.

"No, it's a promise...Bella." she spat.

I turned to walk away ignoring how Tanya was starring at me. I knew the Denali's fairly well. Carmen and Elezar were extremely nice. Even Kate, their other daughter was just so sweet. Tanya on the other hand, was completely different. I shuddered to think of what she could be capable of. I also knew there was nothing I could do about it right now. So I shrugged it off and continued home thinking only of my upcoming date with Edward Cullen.

…...

Saturday morning was already showing to be a promising day. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and I had a date tonight. Not just any date, a date with the most beautiful man I had ever laid eyes on. I decided to clean the house early and finish my laundry. As I was hanging it out to dry, Ms McCarty came to see me. Apparently she had been suffering from severe headaches for a few days and nothing seemed to be helping her. I gave her a some Ginko leaves and told her to make her a hot cup of tea and place one leaf in it daily and that should take care of the headaches.

"Oh, thank you Bella. I don't know what we would do without you." she said.

"You are very welcome Rosalie. Anything I can do to help you, please don't hesitate to call on me." I replied.

"So, I hear you have a date with the new teacher Mr. Cullen tonight...?" she asked.

"Yes I do, how did you hear about that?" I asked.

"Oh honey, it's all over town. The ladies in the town are ecstatic. They are so happy you have found someone."

"Rose, it's just one date. He may not like me once he gets to know me." I said.

"Oh, Bella you just don't see yourself clearly. Any man would be very lucky to have you by his side. You just need to have confidence in yourself." she replied. "Besides, I heard your upcoming date is making a few of the girls extremely jealous." she smirked at me.

"Yes, Tanya is a bit extreme isn't she?" I asked.

"Tanya?" Rose looked surprised. "I was talking about Jessica and Lauren. Did Tanya say something to you?"

I sighed, "Yes, she told me Edward was hers and I better stay away or I would regret it." I said.

"Oh Bella, that girl is trouble. You better keep a look out for her. There is no telling what she is capable of. If she becomes your enemy, it's only a matter of time, before Jessica and Lauren are too. I just want you to be careful. Promise me." Rose looked at me concerned.

"Oh Rose, you worry too much. I'm fine, really. Don't worry." I told her shrugging my shoulders. She didn't look convinced but decided to say any more about it. She took her leaves, gave me a hug and told me to be careful again. I just smiled at her and told her I would be okay.

After I shut the door I realized how nervous I really was. Rose was right. Tanya may be more of a danger than I predicted. One thing was for sure though, I was not canceling my date with Mr. Cullen no matter what, even if it killed me.

If you want to hear this from Edwards POV, please let me know. Otherwise I will keep it to Bella only... Thanks for reading and don't forget to review.