Jipped Pay

I could feel his eyes all through my session. He kept his word and watched as I worked the music, warping it, mixing and spinning to my hearts content. I felt as if I were creating a story… new and fresh and edgy. When my body started to wear out, though, I took my red pen light and searched the crowd. I spotted Alice and flashed three times at her. She nodded, understanding that I was taking a fifteen minute break. I set up my playlist and turned on the head set mic. "Alright all you music lovers, let's take it down a few notches."

A collective sigh went through the club as calmer music began to play. The dance floor cleared while others headed straight for the bar. I took the crowd as cover and ducked into the back. I spotted Angela talking to someone I wasn't familiar with. Immediately, I took inventory of her.

Tall, about five-eight, one hundred thirty pounds estimated, blond hair, blue eyes… lioness tattoo on her right shoulder with a bear's tribal paw underneath it; age gauged to be about the same as mine, twenty six.

When her eyes met mine, I immediately straightened up and held my breath so I wouldn't look like I was panting. She arched the bitch brow.

I arched my own, kicking open the cooler and grabbing a bottle of water. Her lips quirked up, "Who's this?"

"Bella Swan, our DJ on Thursday and Friday nights. Bella, this is our new bartender Rosalie Hale."

I raised my bottle in silent cheers and took a deep swig. I swallowed and saw Angela give me a pleading look. "Good to meet you." I offered my hand.

Rosalie hesitated before taking it. Her nails were painted bright red but her grip was hard. She squeezed and our eyes met again. I returned the squeeze and noted her eyes lit with question. Angela, seeming to have received the answer she was looking for cleared her throat. "Shall we head to the bar then? I think James might need another hand." Our hands dropped and I made way for the two women to head outside. I stayed behind, sipping my water and closed my eyes.

Heat flushed through me regardless as I immediately remembered the green eyed guy across the club. No one ever danced with me. I was honestly shocked that I let him. I hadn't danced with a partner… since high school. The bottle crinkled in my grasp as I immediately began putting up the blocks so I wouldn't remember him.

I tilted my head back to chug down the rest of my water when the door swung open. I choked, startled and sprayed out the mouthful onto the concrete floor. "Dammit!" I hacked. I swung around and found Alice standing there, looking apologetic.

"Bella, Jessica and Lauren have called an immediate staff meeting."

"During business hours?!" The girl must've been hitting the vodka again.

Alice shrugged stiffly and motioned, "We've got to hurry up." I tossed the bottle into the bin and followed her out.

I took in Alice's stiff posture and it worried me. She was normally very carefree and confident. Nothing ever fazed her. Until now. She looked…agitated.

"Pix," I stopped her, grasping her arm gently, feeling the tough muscle under the sleeve. "What's the matter?"

I only called her Pix because I was the only one who could. She had come to one of my classes and sparred hard with me. I called her pixy because she was so small but she was wicked fast. I only used that name when I needed to know everything.

Alice's hazel eyes met mine warily, "Tips."

"What about them?"

"I don't know, that's all Lauren would tell me was it was in regards to tips."

I thought back to my very full tip jar on the DJ's deck and felt heat creep up my spine. They wouldn't.

They couldn't…

They would.

"Bella, chill please," Alice reached up and put her hands on my cheeks. They felt cold… or I was extremely hot. I took a deep breath, letting it out through my mouth and followed her again. We entered a small hall that had three doors. One was Jessica's office with the brazen 'Manager' plaque on it, and then there was the janitor's closet and the door that lead to the stairwell up to the second level.

When we entered, I found that we were the last to arrive. Jessica sitting at her chipped, faux wood desk with a brand new (tag still attached) laptop on her desk, the CCTV camera views on the wall on a new (again, tag still attached) flat screen, and a brand new very tacky rug on the floor. (Do I need to mention the tag again?)

Beside her, as usual was Lauren, her co-manager and 'lead bartender.' Next to her was Victoria. Raquel, our lead waitress was standing off to the other side, her dark hair tied neatly up off her neck. Mike, Tyler and Laurent were beside her. Alice and I took up position by the door.

"Finally!" Jessica snapped. "Jesus you always make everyone wait!"

"You only called us five minutes ago," Raquel returned, meeting Jessica's glare head on.

Raquel, age thirty-five, appears twenty-five, dark hair, green eyes, natural tan, single mother of twin boys Joshua and Gregory. Her uniform was very well done, as always with her hair straightened and small, post earrings in the shape of green butterflies in the lobes to accentuate her eyes. She wore the Eclipse t-shirt and dark jeans with well fitted boot-heels. She was dressed for comfort and for service.

Being a mother, she had definitely learned the 'Pick your fights, but take no shit' attitude very well. She and I got along very well.

"I've called you all here today because I've been going over the books and have been noticing a steady drop in sales recently.

Bullshit. More like you're dipping into the clubs funds. Exhibits A, B and C are right in front of us you moron.

"And to help alleviate that, I have decided that we shall pool our tips. All of them. Thirty percent will go to the clubs funds and maitnance, and then the rest will be split accordingly."

"What do you mean by 'accordingly'?" Laurent asked.

"Evenly," Lauren explained. "Everyone gets a cut of the last seventy percent."

They make it sound fair, but why do I get the feeling I'm being lied to my face?

"I don't like it," Alice spoke up. "I'm making plenty, why should we have to pool our tips now?"

"The bar stocks have been thin for the last week, for starters," Lauren spoke up. I wrinkled my nose, holding my breath as hers floated to me.

"I… think it's a good idea," Raquel finally voiced, glancing my way. Her eyes conveyed apology, but I understood too… only I was housing eleven kids since the last six had graduated from high school and found living arrangements from Social Services. I still had a lot of mouths to feed. I wasn't making near enough without a college degree. I needed all the tips I could get.

"My decision is final," Jessica snapped at last. "Bring your tips to me two hours before closing. I will give you your envelopes when you leave." Her eyes slid to me, "Oh and Bella, I'm docking your pay. You were late to the meeting and made us wait… and," her eyes flicked upwards. "You're ten minutes past your break."

Heat flared in me, "You can't!" I snapped. "You called this blasted meeting, I shouldn't be docked for it!"

"Bella's right—"

"My decision is final," Jessica snapped. "Do not make me dock you for insubordination!"

You need the job Bella… it pays well.

You need the job.

Rebecca needs her cavities done.

Jason needs his next doctors appointment.

The truck needs fixing.

Remember… you need that money.

I growled low, turning and leaving the office without another word. "Bella!" I kept walking. "Bella!" A hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. I reacted instinctively. I turned, twisting around until my assailant was pinned to the wall, arm twisted behind them. "I'm sorry!" Raquel hissed out.

I let go immediately. "I'm not mad at you Rocky," I told her. Her green eyes met mine. "Remember, Haven House?"

"That's why I'm saying sorry… my landlord just upped my rent. I need whatever money I can get. I swear I didn't mean for it to come out like I was waiting to screw you over."

I grasped her shoulders, "Raquel, shut up for a sec will you? I'll be fine."

Raquel's eyes teared up and she grabbed me into a hug. "Thankyou Bella… I owe you."

I hugged her back carefully. "Tell the boys I said hi. I'll be over one of these days with lasagna."

"You're too good, Bells. You do Charlie proud."

We parted ways outside the hall and I moved back into the throngs of the crowd. I chanced a glance across the club and saw that the suits table was empty. VIPs must've left, their table is cleared off already.

I pulled down my hair and then retied it up again… and once more, I slipped into the persona that was Isa, DJ of Eclipse.

I had begrudgingly released my tip jar over two hours ago. The club was crawling with a hired cleaning crew. I stood in line beside Alice as we waited for our pay to be handed out. Jessica and Lauren took their sweet time.

I've got to get home… Rebecca has her Guardian-teacher conference in the morning. I need to be conscious for it. I need sleep!

I yawned, stretching. My muscles were beginning to stiffen up and I winced. Dancing with a partner was much different than dancing solo. I hadn't used those muscles in a long time. I had to stay straight, balanced and in sync with my partner. Green Eyes flashed in my minds eye and I couldn't help but blush. Sheesh, I sound like some Victorian romantic.

"Alright, here's your pay," Jessica appeared, at last, holding a stack of manila envelopes. It was very noticeable that some were thicker than others. Rosalie seemed very pleased with her portion, as did James and Victoria. Alice tensed beside me as she was handed hers… and finally mine. I turned without a word. "Wait right there, Swan, I haven't finished with you lot yet."

I froze, clenching my teeth and turned back. Jessica's eyes were glittering, enjoying her clear abuse in power.

I will not rip out her hair extentions.

I will not rip out her hair extentions.

I will beat her into a bloody pulp!

"Now, you are dismissed."

I hissed, glaring at her and left the establishment, my equipment and music bags slung over my shoulder. This had truly been a night from hell. When I reached my truck, I opened the envelope.

Two one-hundred dollar blills fell into my hand… and four pennies.

I saw red. "That little bitch! I swear I'll stick her in the deepest hole in the world and bury her alive!"

"Wow, such a temper," I whipped around. Green Eyes stood outside the building, puffing on a cigarette. "I told you I would find you."

"Oh, it's you. Go away, I'm in no mood."

Green Eyes flicked away his cigarette and stomped it out, making his way towards me. I grasped my keys and put them between my fingers. He froze, holding up his hands, "I'm not going to hurt you Principessa."

"I don't know that. I don't know you." His lips quirked in a suppressed grin. He slid his hands in his pockets and drew them out, holding up a very fat wallet and a cell phone.

"Does that satisfy you? Now, what's gotten you upset?"

I took in his appearance now, applying the techniques that Charlie taught me.

Male, six-foot-two, about twenty eight, reddish-brown hair, green eyes, pale flawless skin, sharp features, straight nose... scar on one eyebrow.

I never noticed that before.

"Sweet?" his lips tugged down into a frown. "What's the matter? Why are you upset?"

"Nothing that concerns you," I opened my truck door and tossed hte envelope inside. All that tip money gone in a puff. "Just a hard night for tips."

"Not possible. I saw that jar, it doubled when you and I danced. Hell it must've trippled! How could the tips been bad?"

"We pool our tips... I got alittle mouthy tonight and my boss docked my pay." I shrugged, "No big deal. I'll make up the differences some how."

"You DJ at other clubs? How have I never found you, Isa?" I jumped when he leaned against the bed of the truck.

"I do other jobs. Music is my world... but it doesn't pay the bills." I climbed in and looked back. "Thanks for listening. What are you doing?" I watched as he fished out his wallet, picking through the billfold.

"You were obviously cheated out of our hard earned money. You need it. How much do you think was in there?"

"I don't want your money," I told him. He snapped up with alarm. "What? What is it with you?"

"Isa... it really isn't a trouble. I will gladly give it to you."

"Save it. I've really got to get going. I've got a PT conference in the morning."

"PT?"

"Parent-teacher... or in this case, legal guardian."

"You have a kid?" he choked, eyes widening comically.

I snorted, watching his face. "Kids, plural. Look, I've really got to get going."

"How many?"

I frowned, "That's none of your business."

"But it is if—"

"If what?" I challenged him, daring him to finish that sentence.

"If you're going to be mine," his lips pulled back into a grin.

Cricket chirps...

"Okay, where's the cameras? Is this an episode of 'Gotcha' or something?" I looked around.

"You doubt me?"

"Yes!" I snapped.

"Do you know who I am?" he asked at last. I really took in his appearance and shook my head. He slowly grinned and a chill crept up my spine. I swiftly shut and locked the door as he came around to my side. "I'm Edward fucking Cullen." I shivered, feeling the heat in his voice. "And your name, Principessa?"

I swallowed, trying not to shiver again at the purr as he spoke in Italian. "Bella," I breathed, surprised at myself for answering.

His lips stretched into a grin, "Beautiful."

"Look, I've really got to go."

"In this rickety thing?" his eyes cast appraisingly over my truck and then the grin slipped away. "It's ready for the scrap heap."

"Hey! Don't dis the Monster," I snapped. "He does his job well."

"Bella, il mio tesoro, it's not fit for you to drive. Hell it doesn't look like it's road worthy!" I turned the key, hearing the engine groan in protest. Edward jumped, startled that it made such a noise. "Point in case. Let me give you a ride home."

"Not happening."

"Bella."

"Look, you know my name now. I'll get by. Goodbye Edward." He gasped, hand flying to his chest. My eyes snapped to his and his expression twisted into a painful, fearful one.

"Don't ever say that to me again!" he demanded. "Don't ever say goodbye!"

"Look, it's a good chance that you and I will never see eachother again unless you come back to Eclipse. I don't mix business with pleasure. Ever. Fratrinizing with customers is a very bad idea. I'm on thin ice as is with Jessica as is."

"I will see you again," he vowed. I was taken aback by how serious he sounded. It was beginning to creep me out. "I will."

I gave one last desperate turn of the key and the Monster finally came to life. He backed off, a determined look in his eyes. I opened my mouth to reiterate my farewell, but found myself unable to do so. I jumped as Nickleback began to flow out of my stereo.

Edward's eyes snapped to it as he listened.

Well, I know the feeling
Of finding yourself stuck out on the ledge
And there ain't no healing

I reached over and swiftly turned off the music.

"No, no play it," he reached over and I smacked his hand.

"Don't touch!" I snapped out of reflex. It was a cardinal rule that whomever I was in the

car with, if I drove no one touched the radio. Ever.

"Was that 'Lullaby'?"

"Yes, it's one of my favorite songs."

"Mine too," his lips spread in a grin. "Seems like you and I have something very much in common, Bella."

"So you have good taste in music. Good for you." I turned, putting the Monster in reverse and began to pull away. He didn't try and stop me this time, but followed.

"I will see you again."

"Maybe."

"No, it's a fact. I will see you again."

The drive home had been uneventful. And as usual Jasper was waiting for me on the porch. I had kept the stereo off the whole drive over so that I would be alert and watching the mirrors. Though it seemed my anxiety was over nothing.

I climbed out of the truck and Jasper was walking down the broken concrete path to the driveway. "How was it?"

"It was going great… until Jessica decided it would be a prime idea to pool the tips."

Jasper Whitlock-Swan stared at me with confusion, putting his hands on my shoulders. I slacked and leaned into his embrace. "So, we've only got enough for…"

"One good grocery shopping day but that's it." My shoulders slumped, "We got jipped."

"I'm glad you didn't lash out," he soothed. "I know it's hard…"

"I would never break my promise to Charlie. I know I did some stupid things, but I promised…"

"I know. Come on, let's get inside and get some sleep."

I nodded, following him in. I froze as a car rumbled by… Nickleback playing loudly. I turned, seeing a familiar black muscle car, the driver's side window rolled down. It was dark, but it was driving slowly on purpose.

So just give it one more try to a lullaby
And turn this up on the radio

I froze, It can't be… I turned fully around, "Jasper, get my bat."

"What?" The second I turned, the car hit the gas and sped away.

"Get my bat!"

"What's the danger?" he asked, looking around.

"That... black car!" I gasped out. "I think it followed me home somehow."

"And you didn't notice it first?"

"It's Nickleback! It played when Edward-"

"Who?"

"Some guy I danced with. He stopped me in the employee parking lot and this song started to play. What are the chances?"

"Bella," Jasper's voice was calm. He turned me around so he could look into my eyes. His clear blue ones were searching. He frowned, not liking what he saw. "Are you sure?"

I stopped, was I sure?

"I will stay out," he decided. "You need to be with Rebecca at the PT conference. Go get some sleep before the high schoolers get up."

"But-"

"I'll keep the bat out if it makes you happy. I will wake you if something happens."

"You had better, Jasper Whitlock!" he winced as I two-named him. "I don't want to wake up and find you beaten to a bloody pulp like when we were kids!"

"They didn't walk away, I did," he challenged back. "That was years ago, Bells." His eyes turned icy, stone cold. I shivered, not willing to back down. But at the same time, I did trust Jasper's ability to keep himself safe. Eventually, my own exhaustion won out... and I went to bed.

Well, that wraps up Chapter 2

Yes I had to bring Edward back for a formal introduction. Who knows? Maybe I'll write Chapter 3 in his POV ;)

Principessa- Princess

il mio tesoro- my darling (literally means 'my treasure' though)

Credit again to Google Translate for the Italian phrases.

I do not own Twilight or the characters except for Raquel and Rebecca (mentioned in the story). The plot is my own.

I do not own Nickleback or the 'Lullaby' lyrics. However they do make me swoon and cry at the same time.

No copyright infringement intended. This is written purely for the love of writing :)

Leave me critique, love and comments in the reviews! (Oh, and some Volcano tacos and a pepsi if you're feeling extra generous)

-Moonlight