The longest chapter of this short story. I think because there's dialog. And some more things to confuse poor Bella.
The last thing Bella wanted to do was go to school today. Not after last night; she felt like she was dying. She felt like she deserved dying. No one wanted her anyway, or would care. Especially not Edward. Tears sprang to her eyes. He's Just Not That Into You. He's Just Not That Into You. He'll never be into you. No one will.
Luckily, she didn't have any classes with him until tenth period, which she would skip for today. There was nothing she wouldn't do to escape the mortification of seeing him again. Yet, deep in her heart of hearts, she wanted to.
The door to her truck opened after a little bit of effort. She slammed the door and walked across the parking lot. Her friends spotted her, called her name, but she walked on, ignoring them. Bella ignored blatantly honest Rosalie, insensitive Emmett, apathetic Jasper and even understanding Alice. "You're ignoring us? Really? That's sad, Bella. That's really sad!" Emmett yelled, infuriated. She'd ignored them all weekend. Really, she didn't blame them for being mad at her. Could they blame her for being mad at them? Honesty was always something she appreciated, but the way they did it was so insensitive.
Plus, they were all together. Rosalie and Emmett had been dating for seventh grade, and Alice and Jasper had never really not been dating. It was like a slap in the face, seeing them holding hands, looking into each others' eyes and being in love. Bella had always been alone. Until Edward, of course. That date, the first one she'd ever had. She wasn't alone. She had value. She meant something. But now? Now she was Isabella Swan, the girl that hangs out with Alice and Jasper, and Emmett and Rosalie.
Three more yards until she was inside. "Bella!" Two yards. "Bella!"One. "Hi, Bella."
Her stomach sunk into her feet like a spear into flesh. She knew the cool, creamy voice. It invaded her day dreams and fantasies. Lately, it was nightmarish. Stopping in her tracks, she managed a measly "Edward."
The smile in his voice was easily audible. "I'm glad to see you aren't dead."
Again, her stomach sunk. If only he knew… "Why would you think that I'm dead?"
"Because you've been ignoring me."
"I have not."
"Au contraire."
He finally stepped in front of her, rather than behind her. His bright green eyes were now tinged with sadness. "What's up with you, Bella?"
Her lower lip trembled. "I- I'm sorry, Edward, I've been busy."
One of his eyebrows shot up. "Busy? With what?"
Wracking her mind for a sufficient excuse, she came up with the genius reply of: "Stuff."
This seemed to bother Edward. "What sort of stuff?"
"Stuffy stuff."
"So you aren't going to tell me?"
Bella was a bit angry. Why did he even care? He didn't care on Friday and Saturday when they had plans, but now he cared when she wasn't around for him? How hypocritical. She stared him down until she shifted nervously onto his other foot. "Why do you care?"
His expression turned from nervous to confused. "I wanted to get together with you."
She clenched her teeth together to keep from grinning. So he does like her! She knew it, she knew it, she knew it! Letting a small smile find its way onto her face, she promised, "I'll keep my phone on next time."
Edward smiled his sexy, crooked smile that drove Bella completely out of her head. "Glad to know. Should I walk you to class?"
Bella blushed with excitement. "Sure!" she blurted, completely and utterly lost under his spell; the thought of togetherness.
Reviews are appreciated. :)
