That's right. A new chapter. Please read and review. Also, please spread the word about this story. I want to see if this story can go the lengths. If you haven't checked out Gatsby's Remaining Life and Sneaking a Dance with Josh, please do.
CHAPTER 2: BPOV
"You're right. It's not. I need a ride to school. Pick me up? Please?" Alice asked.
"What about Jasper?" Jasper, her boyfriend. They've started dating since junior year. However, being friends with them during freshman and sophomore year was just torture. They kept flirting and asking me about they should confront each other. I swear, he should've just proposed to her instead of asking to go out with her. But whatever. They're happy now and I see their love grow. But still, during our first two years of high school, trying to convince each other that they were worth each other, was hard.
"He can't. Oh yeah, I've been meaning to ask you..."
"Can you wait until I pick you up? I should be on my way now if you want me to pick you up."
"So you are going to give me a ride?"
"Of course I will, you Pixie. If your knight in shining armor won't do it, I might as well wear the suit."
She giggled. "Bella, I don't think the suit would be your thing."
"And why not?" I joked. "Anyways, save your question for the car. Want me to bring you a muffin?"
"Are you sure it's not poisonous?"
"Pixie…" I warned.
"A muffin sounds wonderful. Could also bring me some…"
"Bye Alice." I giggled, pressed end, and put my phone in my purse. I grabbed an extra muffin for Alice, got my purse, and rushed towards my car. My car. I love my car. I told my dad that I really needed a car to drive. He said I was begging too much for one. So to shut me up, he just told me to buy whatever and to use the card. I bought a blue Lexus convertible. I thought he was going to flip when he found out how much money I spent, but he didn't. He'd do anything for me to leave him alone. Great father, right?
I walked out of my front door and walked to my car. I hated parking inside the garage. What was the point to park it in the garage if I would have to drive it out again? Besides, our neighborhood is safe, unlike other places. We've got the city police driving laps around here to make sure some hooligans don't ruin these houses. The city police and I? Yeah, we're basically good buds. Anything I want, they'll bend. I don't know why they'd help me, but they do. Plus, they know I'd never abuse their authority like that. I raised myself well. Anyways, I only park it in the garage whenever necessary; for example, snow, hail, rain, thunderstorm, and etc.
I got into my car, slid on my Gucci sunglasses, and put my keys into the ignition. Her house is really close to mine so driving to her house wasn't a problem. When I arrived, I honked, and she walked out. Alice, being the stylish girl that she is, is wearing a soft yellow V-neck long sleeve shirt, a jean vest, a jean skirt, and some silver bangles. Her flats and Guess white purse complimented her outfit nicely. I smiled at her purse because I was with her when she bought that purse. That shopping spree was just too fun to forget. She too loves sunglasses. "Hey Pixie," I greeted when she came into the car, "you look cute."
"Why thank you Bella, the same goes for you too."
"Thank you Alice." I smiled. As I put the car into reverse and drive to school, she was telling me about her morning and how her mom spilling orange juice was funny. I sometimes envied her. She had a good family. Her family actually talked and hanged out. They were close. Unlike mine…
"You know, I sometimes envy you, for having such a great family."
"I know," she whispered, "How have Charlie and Renee been so far?"
"They've been okay. They haven't hit or screamed at each other for the past couple of days, nor have they hit me."
"That's good, right?"
"It's great. I'm just afraid that one small slip-up might start the punching."
"I'm so sorry Bella."
"Yeah, me too."
"You know you can always crash at my place if you need to. I mean, my parents gave you a key to our house for a reason."
"I know, but most of the fights happen during the night and…"
"So? Just come in the middle of the night. You know we won't ever mind. We have a room for you, a bathroom, and everything else you need.'
"I know. I always do that anyways. I hate feeling so trapped, and I hate being a bother in your home."
"Bella Swan, you listen to me. You are never a bother. Seriously, my parents love you, you know that. And, I hate that you're trapped too, really hate it." Alice always listened to me whenever I needed her to. She never once complained, that's how great of a friend she is. She's always been there for me. I've always been there for her too. So, all in all, we are great for each other. "Bella, you're 18 years old. Legally, you're an adult and can make your own choices. Why don't you move in with me and my family? You know that my parents don't mind, they never mind you. We all love you."
"Alice, I appreciate the gesture, I really do, but Charlie and Renee are my family. At the end of the day, they're all I have."
"That's not true, you'll always have us Brandons." She smiled.
"Thanks Alice. But the thing is, if I do leave them, that can give them even more reason to want to hurt me. They'll think I'm abandoning them or something."
"You'll always be protected in our house Bella, you know that. Plus you would be abandoning them. They don't deserve having a great daughter like you. Actually, they don't deserve anyone period."
"I know, but still. They are my parents at the end of the day. I'm going to need them…and their money."
We both looked at each other for a moment and laughed. "Bella, money has never been a problem for us Brandons."
"And neither for us Swans. But Alice, you know what I mean when I say I can't just move in."
"In all honestly, I don't understand why you would stay. I just want to grab you and move all of your stuff to my house. We have the room and we can give you everything. Hell, Bella, if you want, we can pay for your college. That's how rich we are."
"Yes Alice, I know...but still." I love Alice. "Rain check on moving in?"
"The offer will never expire."
I smiled a "Thank you" to her. Did I say that I love Alice yet? "So, what did you want to ask me on the phone this morning?"
"Oh yeah. I did want to ask you something. How much have you heard from Mike over the summer?" Michael Newton, my boyfriend, the boy that I've been dating since sophomore year. Our relationship was good, solid, expected. He treated me very well and I was good to him too. We've even gotten to the "I love you" stage. I know, freaky right? Us being teenagers and all. But we do love each other. This past summer was the first summer we've been apart. A lot could have changed.
"No. Have you heard from Jasper? They've been together this whole past summer…you know with football camp and Florida and all."
"That's the thing Bella. I've actually heard from Jasper. Every day as a matter of fact."
"That's strange. How could Jasper have been able to call you, but not me?" Mike and Jasper are on the football team. They're also best buds. That's what our past three years at Forks High has been, the four of us, no matter what. While they were at football practice, Alice and I would be at cheer practice. She and I love being on the cheer squad. Cheerleading just came naturally to us. I am the head cheerleader while Alice was my partner in crime. The best part about being a cheerleader? The throws. We get thrown into the air so high, it's exhilarating. Another good thing? Never coming home until later. We always have games and competitions to go to. I guess it's kinda great that we don't get much homework at Forks anyways. It's not like our school is the top high school in the country. Our cheerleading team wasn't just any cheerleading team. We are so great, that we incorporate tons of dance moves into our routines. With the dance routines we add in, it just makes us that much more successful. So, some of our practices is just dancing and making a dance routine. It's kind of like poms, but with no lyrical and a lot more of hip-hop.
"I'm pretty sure it's nothing major. I mean, you're still the love of his life you know."
"Yes, I know. I love him too."
"Jasper couldn't give me a ride because he is giving Mike a ride this morning."
"Do you think it's going to be weird between us?"
"Like I said, you're the love of his life. I'm pretty sure everything will go back to normal."
I sighed, "I hope so." Mike only knew a fraction of my home life. I never really told him everything because I've always thought Mike didn't deserve to know. Alice always agreed with me too. I'm surprised she hasn't told Jasper, they are so close.
When we finally got to school, we both noticed all the students are here. Everyone was with their own cliques. The jocks with the jocks, the cheerleaders were together, and the SOB were sitting under their "SOB tree." The SOB. The most violent and dangerous gang in all of Washington state. They do every illegal thing possible. Why would anyone want to break so many laws? If they are the most violent in Washington, they are definitely the most violent in Forks High. Everyone, who isn't an SOB member, is scared of them. It's feels required to be scared of them. If you aren't, you can kiss your sweet little ass "good-bye," because then they would cut you up like the little kid you are. If you've never heard of them, that's just plain suicidal. The SOB…the thought of them always sent violent shivers down my spin.
It was then when I quickly noticed Edward Masen, an SOB member. I looked at him and rolled my eyes away from him. Whatever…He was just relaxing under the SOB tree like a normal person, like he never committed a crime or something. Hmph, yeah right! He's in a gang! Besides his mother and the SOB gang, knives, guns, alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs are probably his best friends.
We got out of the car, with our purses, and walked over to the Jock area. Our boyfriends were there, so we wanted to go by and say hi. When Alice saw Jasper, they walked up to each other and kissed. They are so good for each other.
When I saw Mike I yelled, "Mike!"
He turned around, "Bella!" We both ran into each other's arms, he picked me up, and we kissed each other. The kiss felt like he really was sorry and that he really did miss me. How could I have ever doubted Mike?
When we pulled back for air, we nuzzled our noses together, and I asked, "How was your summer with Jasper?"
"Totally awesome. Babe, I'm so sorry I haven't called you. I just needed a summer to myself. But now that I think about it, that was selfish and rude of me. How can a boyfriend not call his girlfriend? Bella, please? Forgive me?"
"It's okay Mike. Us being here now, that's what counts."
"Thank you." He exhaled. He gently set me down. Our eyes were still locked with each other. My arms around his neck, his hands at my waist. He asked, "Did you get your schedule yet?"
"Yes, in the mail. You?"
"I just got mine yesterday. Compare?"
I pulled mine out of my purse and grabbed Mike's. I looked at them side-by-side. "We have History, lunch, and we have the last period free, but that's about it."
"Only one class?"
"Yes. Sucks, doesn't it?"
"I can only see my beautiful girlfriend for two periods a day, that totally sucks. Anyways, I'm going to hang out with the guys for this morning, okay? Then I'll see you for lunch, History, and after History? You know, since we don't have to be in school during our 8th off." History is our 7th period. That's cool because once Mike see each other in class, we can leave class together. The one great thing about being a senior: we get 8th period off, so we can all leave early if we want, which we usually do. The bad part? Some of us have practices to go to, so practice takes up our free 8th hour.
"You don't have football practice?"
"No. Do you have cheer practice?"
"No."
"So we'll hang out after 7th?"
"Sure Mike." I gave him a quick peck of the lips and he called out to Jasper. "Yo', Jasper my man, stop smooching and come back over here."
I walked up to Alice. "Alice, can we go now? We should go sit with the cheerleaders and I want to find my locker." She unwillingly let go of Jasper and came with me.
"Let's go. I need to find mine too." Alice said.
First, we went to our picnic table. The table was so nice. Someone on our squad brought blankets, so we all just laid around in the blankets. The first thing Alice and I did when we got there was sit on the blanket. I asked the girls, "So girls, ready for the new season?"
"Yeah!"
"Totally."
"Can't wait." Angela Weber announced. Angela is such a sweetheart. Honestly, she's kind of like another Alice. I've never told Angela anything about me, but it always seems like she catches a hint about my life. I know Angela won't go against me or anything. She and I are pretty good friends.
"We got new uniforms!" Jessica Stanton said. Jessica is very jealous of me. I don't know why she would be. It's not like I'm any prettier or smarter. Plus, she has a better life than me, so I don't understand what her deal is. I hear that she has a little crush on Mike, but whatever. Mike is mine. Jessica and I? We aren't the best of friends, but we respect each other. Plus, whenever it's about the cheer squad, we always put our differences aside. (A/N: At first, I tried to make Jessica a really good friend of Bella's. But with this story, it didn't feel "right." I guess Jessica has her own mind on where she wants to be.)
"Really?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes, really. And they're so sexy. They show off our great abs, just how we wanted them to."
I rolled my eyes. "You guys, that's just going to make it colder for us during the winter."
"Oh we know; we're just going to wear our new uniforms during the warm weather. We can still wear our old ones during the colder weather."
I nodded my head in understanding. "I hear that we have some new members?"
"Yes, and they're sophomores."
"But the thing is," Alice pitched in, "they're not that great as we are."
"But," Jessica continued, "they're better than all of the others at try outs."
"It doesn't matter. As long as they're the best in try outs, they'll be fine. I'm head cheerleader and you're my partner in crime, Alice. We make them great. Who are they?"
"Look, they're coming."
I looked in the direction that Alice said. When I saw the two girls, I was in shock. No, no, not SOB members. But then I thought, whatever. They can't hurt us. If they do, automatic removal. Plus, SOB girls must be like other girls, they must have wants and dreams. Apparently, one of their dreams is to become a cheerleader. I don't want to be the one responsible to crush that dream.
"Hi," they said, walking up here.
"Hi," I took out my hand to shake hands, "I'm…"
"Isabella Swan," they took my hand and started shaking it, "Yes we know. And we are…"
"Rosalie Hale and Kate Denali," I answered for Kate, "I know you guys as well."
They nodded their heads, apparently excited for cheerleading. "We can't wait to cheer. Rose and I have been doing gymnastics ever since we were little kids and we just…" Kate rambled.
"Whoa there Kate. Take a breather. I bet you girls are excited. Anyways, our practices are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays after school. We have games and competitions throughout the week, even weekends. So being in cheer is a lot of work and dedication. You girls up for the challenge?"
"Yes," they said anxiously.
Then I just went straight to the point, "Look, I know you girls are in the SOB…" their smiles turned down, "and I'm not going to hold that against you," their smiles were starting to lift, "but please promise me that the SOB is NOT going to interfere. Cheer is very important to us cheerleaders and we can't have SOB members making fun of us and etc."
They nodded their heads. Rose spoke up, "That's understandable. Thanks for letting us in the squad."
"Thank you for being so good."
"Can we join you guys here?"
"Why of course you can. You're on the squad. Go, talk, and mingle with the other girls. We are basically a family." The girls went to sit down on the blanket. Magically, they just blended in together. Crazy right? They just fit into our lifestyles of cheer and stuff. So what if they're "other siders"? My smile grew wider every second. I checked the time on my cell phone and called out to Alice, "Alice, can we go find our lockers now?" She stood up and we started walking towards the building.
As we were walking into the building, I was looking through my purse for the combination and locker number. It's in here somewhere…that was when it happened. "Oof." I accidentally bumped into someone, taking the person down with me, and dropped my purse. I bent down to pick up my purse and said, "Sorry, I'm a total clutz." I looked up to see Alice's reaction. She just stood there, mouth open, no sound coming out. Why is she so surprised? I then turned my head to see who I bumped into and couldn't believe my eyes…
Please tell me what you think. I know Bella's life seems a bit confusing, but it's really not. Basically what I'm trying to say is that her parents are hard on her when she doesn't deserve it. However, even though she lives a hard life, there are also many good moments in her life as well. So she's not totally screwed up. She is somewhat normal. Please review and spread the word about my story.
