AN: S. Meyer owns The Twilight Saga.
Chapter 4
~Bella~
Oh, no.
There he was, Edward and all his glory and we were walking straight to his table. He was sitting with three other very good looking guys and a ridiculously beautiful blond girl. Of course none of those guys had a thing on Edward in the looks department. One of the guys had his arm around the blond bombshell. He was definitely a body-builder. He was huge!
He would give the guys in First Beach a run for their money.
The curly brown hair and dimples gave him a baby like face. The guy next to him had blond hair, brown eyes, and was slightly tanned. He was muscular but nothing compared to the curly haired guy. He looked like the guy in Spider Man...what's his name? Oh, Harry Osborn! And sitting next to the Harry Osborn look-alike was Mike Newton...ugh.
I glanced at Edward and his eyes were wide, like I was the damn crypt keeper coming to get him.
Am I really that scary to look at?
We reached the table and all of them, except for the blond bombshell and Edward, where smiling at us.
"Hey, I want you all to meet someone," Alice turned to me, "Bella, this is Mike Newton, James VonHarper, my brother Emmett Cullen, his girlfriend and Jasper's sister, Rosalie Hale, and my other brother Edward Cullen. Everyone this is Bella Swan, she just moved her from Forks, Washington. And guess what? She's our neighbor!"
The brat is Alice's brother?!
I just wanted to run and find a hole to stick my head in.
This is going to be awkward.
The blond one, James, was the first to speak. "Well, the name is very appropriate. It's nice to meet you beautiful Bella." He stood up from his seat, walked around the table and reached for my hand to place a kiss on it.
Awww, what a gentlemen.
He then turned and held out a seat for me. Hopefully Edward was paying attention, he could learn a thing or two from James.
"Hello again Bella." Mike winked at me.
Blah.
"Hi," I said with a quick glance. I didn't want to be rude.
"So neighbor, can I borrow a cup of sugar," the curly haired boy, Emmett, chuckled before the blond bombshell, Rosalie, smacked him behind the head.
"What?" he said rubbing his head.
Alice and Jasper chuckled and took the seats next to me.
"One cup or two?" I giggled in response.
"See, she gets me. So Bella, junior or senior?"
"Junior and you?" I could see Edward fidgeting, James staring, and Mike stripping me with his eyes...nasty.
"Rose, Jasper, James, and yours truly, are seniors. Alice, Mike, and Eddie are juniors," Edward, for some reason, glared at Emmett, "So is Tanya, James sister. Have you met her?"
"No, not yet. So, you two are Samantha Hale's kids?" I asked Rosalie, I didn't want to carry on a conversation with her boyfriend without including her.
"Yes, how do you know my mother?" I see where she get's her looks and attitude form. At least she wasn't giving me the full-on stank eye.
"My aunt and I ran into her while we were having dinner Friday evening. She was very nice" No she wasn't, but I wasn't about to tell Rosalie that.
"Rosalie, you wont believe who her aunt is," Alice sang to Rosalie, "Non other than Kathrine Anderson!" she beamed.
Rosalie's jaw dropped but she quickly recovered. She looked back at me and smiled.
Just like mommy dearest.
"I know right! Shopping!" Alice was bouncing on her seat while Rosalie nodded.
"So, Beautiful Bella, how is school treating you so far? Do you like your classes?" James asked.
"So far, school has been good. Nothing I can't handle." I smirked and glanced at Edward.
Yeah, I'm talking about you.
"What are you doing after school? Because if you don't have any plans I would love to show you around." James leaned in closer to me and before I could respond Edward cut in.
"Bella and I have to work on a project for music class," he said to James with a look I couldn't quite make out...mad? Maybe?
"Bella's in your class?" James asked.
"Yes, and we only have a week to complete it. You know I don't like to procrastinate like other do," he still had that look on his face.
"Well, maybe this weekend?" James winked at me.
"Sure, sounds great," why not? he seems nice enough.
Just then a girl with strawberry-blond hair walked to the table and sat on Edward's lap, snaked her arms around his neck and kissed the corner of his mouth.
"Hey, baby," she purred at him.
Figures, he's already spoken for. Was she seriously wearing a Playboy top?
Slut.
Crap, when did you get so catty Swan?
Next to me, Alice huffed, stood up and looked at me, "I want to show you something, it's in my car. Come with me?"
"Sure," it's better then witnessing a make-out session. And I didn't want them to see my disappointed face. I picked up my book bag and followed Alice out the lunch room.
**********
~Edward~
So she goes by Bella, nice to know. Ugh, James can be so predictable with his fake ass gentlemen moves. Like she would fall for that crap...wait, did she just blush at his advances?
COME ON!
She has to see that he's fucking playing a damn game here. Bella's smarter than that, she can't possibly fall for his stupid act. God, I'm gonna have to step in, there's no way I was going to let James fuck with her. She's not like these other girls in school.
I know, fuck. It's too soon to tell, but it's not every goddamn day someone shows me up in the piano. That has to count for something.
Right?
During her little conversation with the group I found out a couple of interesting things. First off, she lives next door, this is a good thing.
A very good thing.
Second, she just moved her from out of state. I can use that excuse to show her around. Third, from the looks of it, she doesn't think too highly about Mike, one less pervert to worry about. And forth, she's sassy. That whole 'nothing I can't handle' comment was for me, I know it.
Now if I could just find a way to smooth things over with her. Wait, what the fuck is this? Fucking James stole my idea! I wanted to show her around dammit!
Think of something... QUICK Cullen!
I blurred out the first fucking thing that came to mind, "Bella and I have to work on a project for music class." I gave him the 'Don't fuck with her' look.
Nice fucking save, Cullen.
"Bella's in your class?" he narrowed his eyes at me.
I told him yes and explained that I didn't want to put off the project till last minute. And just like that the tables turned. He suggested this weekend and she agreed.
Fuck! I'm trying to help you out Bella!
I was glaring daggers at James when all of a sudden someone plopped on my lab and kissed the corner of my lips.
DAMN! Tanya.
"Hey, baby," she purred in my ear.
I could see Alice's face getting red when she shot up from her seat with a huff. She turned to Bella, told her she had something to show her in her car. I knew she didn't have anything to show her, Alice was pissed with Tanya...and with me. Bella picked up her things and followed her.
"Who was that?" Tanya asked with a hint of venom in her tone.
"My next project," James laughed.
Fucking idiot.
"She's a bit mousy, what do you think baby?"
"What do you want Tanya?" I pushed her off my lap. I didn't want to answer her question, as soon as James found out I thought Bella was beautiful, he would look at it as a challenge. He loved a challenge.
"You didn't call me all weekend, I missed you," she grabbed my hand and started pulling me up, "Come on, I want to talk to you."
We'll might as well get this shit over with. So I followed her out the door and walked to her car.
"Look Tanya, you're really nice and all but I'm not looking for a serious relationship. I know that's what you want, but... I just can't fucking give you that. And I know I did a really shitty thing to you at the party and I'm sorry. That was a mistake and it wont happen again. Ever." See, quick, like ripping off a band-aid.
"Edward, you know how I feel about you. And I'll wait for you, seriously. I know you want to have fun and enjoy other girls, I'm fine with that, really. I will be here for you whenever and however you might need me." She leaned into me and wrapped her arms around my neck. I noticed that some of the students were glancing at Tanya and me. I never fucking let a girl hang all over me at school, so this was a first.
"Tanya, I don't want you to wait for me. I don't see you that way. I can only see you as a friend, that's all." I can't leave any shred of doubt with this girl.
"Look, how about we just...take it nice and slow, see where things go? We could still see other people and all, but lets just see where this," she pointed at me and her, "goes."
"Tanya, I don't think I-," she cut me off with a kiss. I quickly pulled her away and stepped back.
Shit this girl can't take a goddamn hint.
I ran my fingers through my hair frustrated. I glanced around the parking lot and saw a bunch of stunned faces. Two faces stood out from the sea of students.
Fuck.
Alice and Bella were looking straight at me. Alice looked pissed and Bella looked...grossed out?
**********
~Bella~
I followed Alice to her car, a sleek yellow Porch 911 Turbo.
Ah, like how I knew that right?
Well, I just read it from the trunk of her car.
"I'm sorry for lying, Bella. I really didn't have anything to show you. I just needed to get out of there before I did something stupid." She leaned against the door of the car. She looked really mad, her tiny hands were balled up in tight fists.
"That's okay Alice, do you want to talk about it? You don't have to if you don't want to." I didn't want her to thing I was a gossiper.
She let out a big gush of air and turned to face me. "Did you see the girl that jumped on my brothers lap?" I nodded, did any one miss that? "Well, her name is Tanya, she's James' younger sister. And she's a big tramp. She's all over Edward for all the wrong reasons," she crossed her arms on her chest and let out growl.
"What are her reasons for dating your brother?" I really didn't want to know. Okay, that was a lie, I REALLY wanted to know.
Was there now than the obvious one?
Who wouldn't want to date him? Aside from his know-it-all attitude he was damn near perfect...looks wise.
"It's just, with my family...we have to be very careful of who we let in our social circle. Some people would take advantage of us if we're not careful. And it's not always money they want. For example Tanya, her family is very wealthy but they are still very new to this type of lifestyle. And all that money wont grant them access to privet parties and social events. Tanya's family knows that if she dates one of the Cullen's that it would open a bunch of doors for them. And since Emmett has Rosalie her only other option is Edward. Cause I don't swing that way...and I have Jazz. I don't want those type of people around him or the rest of my family." Her shoulders drooped a bit and she looked almost pained.
"Sorry Alice, that must be really hard for you and your family. Always having to watch over your shoulder. I just want you to know that I'm not like that, I don't want to be your friend just to take advantage of you. I know we just met, but trust me when I say that I truly value my friendships."
"I know that Bella, I can tell. I have like a sixth sense about these things. I know your not that kind of person. That's why I love Kathy, she doesn't treat my family any different then she would her other friends. It's nice to have that, to be a bit normal," she seemed to have cooled off a bit.
"Well, I hope we can be good friend Alice. I really think you're a sweet girl," she put her arm around my shoulder and smiled at me.
"Bella, we are going to be the best of friends, I can tell. Now lets head back to the lunch room and save Jasper for Em and Rose's PDA," she giggled and pushed herself off her car and turned to walk back the way we came from.
We walked passed a few cars when Alice froze. I looked down at her and saw she was staring at something. I followed her eyes and saw him...with her.
Edward leaning next to a white car with Tanya...making out.
My stomach turned. How can he be with some one like her? She looked so...so...so used.
He stepped away from her with his eyebrows furrowed and ran his finger's through his sparkling bronze locks. He looked around the parking lot and stopped on Alice and I. I took a quick peak at Alice, she was shaking in anger. Her tiny hands balled up into fists again.
After a second of hesitation Alice marched straight to Edward and the bimbo. I followed her, I don't know why, I just did.
"Edward Anthony Cullen! Don't you think you've made enough mistakes to hold you through high school?! And you," Alice pointed to wide eyed Tanya, "stay the fuck away from my brother." She said in a low menacing voice that send chills down my spine.
I loved Alice a little more right there an then. To see how she would so fiercely defend her family. It was truly admirable.
"Look little pixie, this is between Edward and I. You have no business what so ever here. This is between Edward and me." Tanya lifted her chin and Alice narrowed her eyes. If I didn't know any better it looked like Alice was about to lunge at Tanya. Fortunately Edward put his arm around his sister and pulled her away.
"We'll finish this discussion later Tanya," said Edward while towing Alice away.
"THE HELL YOU WILL, EDWARD!" Alice yelled.
Wow, she was like a little Hulk.
"You need to calm down Alice," he whispered.
The bell rang and I looked at Alice , she was still mad but she was cooling off.
"Are you okay Alice?" I asked.
"I guess, for now," she said still looking at Edward.
"Um, I have to get to class, I'll see you later, Okay?" she nodded and I turned to walk to my next class.
**********
~Edward~
I can't believe Alice just fucking did that! She caused more of a scene and with Bella there! I had to pull Alice away before she attacked Tanya. Alice may be little but she did grow up fighting with two brothers. Bella walked off to her next class after saying bye to Alice. And what about me?
I don't get a fucking bye?
"What is wrong with you Alice? Why did you go and make a scene in front of the whole damn lot?" She narrowed her eyes at me.
Shit, she's still mad.
"Edward, I told you. I will not allow ANYONE to mess with my family. And that's exactly what Tanya is doing! She is trying to rope you in at any cost. I will NOT stand to the side and let her do this," she let out a heavy sigh and relaxed a bit "Edward, I just want what's best for you. Is that so bad? Is it too much for me to want?" She wrapped her slender arms around my waist.
"No, it isn't too much to ask for. I know I made a mistakes and I'm trying to deal with it. Just let me handle it, okay Alice?" I kissed her spiky hair.
"Yeah, because you handled the situations so well," she grumbled.
"Alice, I'll deal with it," I said in a final tone. She let out a 'hump' and stepped back to look at me.
"What do you think about Bella?" she smiled at me.
Fuck, what do I say?
"I don't know Alice, I don't know enough about her to know if I like her or not," there, logical enough answer.
"You like her," she smirked.
How the fuck did she know that?
"Alice, don't start with your whole soul mate speech. I have one class with her and she was a smart-ass the whole time." I focused on the students passing by. I didn't want her to read any feeling I might be show in my eyes.
"You like her, I can tell. I like her too, she's so cute and nice. I just know that we're going to be best friend, I can feel it!" She was clapping her hands together and bouncing in place.
"Aren't you getting a bit ahead of yourself? You've only known her for what, two hours?" Alice always said she had a sixth sense about people. Like she knew what was going to happen before it does. Just like a fucking fortune teller. But I have to say, she was spot on most times.
"No, I'm right. And I also saw the way James was looking at her. I don't want him messing with Bella, Edward."
"Fine, I'll try to talk to James but I doubt he'll listen to me. So you should probably warn Bella." I tried to act fucking calm about it. But deep inside I was all fucking...
Please, please warn Bella.
Like a goddamn pussy.
"I'll talk to her after you're done working on your project with her," she gave me knowing look.
"What? I don't want to work on it last minute. You know I hate putting things off till last minute." I did, I hated putting things off.
"Sure Edward," she said as she walked off to class.
Damn perceptive pixie.
**********
~Bella~
The only thing on my mind in the last two classes was Edward. Well actually, Edward and Tanya. How can someone like him be with someone like her? He looked so put together and sure of myself. And she looked...well...like a bimbo. How can she get a guy like that? All I get are guys like Mike...gross.
Life is so unfair.
The final bell rang and I couldn't wait to get in my car and let out some steam. I grabbed my things and made my way to my car. I got in and reached for my iPod in the glove compartment and plugged it into the stereo. I scrolled down to one of my favorite album that always took me to my happy place. Here it is, The Killers' Hot Fuss. Track one; Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine. I turned the volume up so high that my mirrors were shaking from the base. I started singing at the top of my lungs.
We took a walk that night but it wasn't the same,
We had a fight on the promenade out in the rain,
She said she loved me, but she had somewhere to go,
She couldn't scream while I held her close
I swore I'd never let her go.
Tell me what you wanna know
Oh come on, oh come on, oh come on.
There ain't no motive for this crime
Jenny was a friend of mine...
While I was singing at the top of my lungs, someone knocked on my window making me jump out of my seat. I quickly glanced over to see who it was and my face immediately turned bright red.
Edward was standing there, waiting for me to roll down my window...an amused look on his face.
Shit!
I quickly lowered the volume and rolled down the window.
"Yes?" I tried to sound cool and calm.
God, he smelled good.
**********
~Edward~
In my last class I was conjuring up a plan to keep James the fuck away from Bella. If one of us; Alice, Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper, or myself, are around her on her free time James wouldn't have a chance to get her alone. Yeah, I know it sounds crazy and creepy. But if you knew what James did to some of those poor girls you would be on my side. He doesn't just screw them, he lets the entire school know it, along with the details. Sometimes he illustrates with pictures and videos. I can't let Bella get humiliated like that.
So when the final bell rang I hurried out of class to find her. I wanted to set a time for our school project. I'll let Alice in on the plan when I get home. I walked to the quad and the office but she wasn't there. So I nearly ran to the student parking lot. Maybe she drove to school, if she did, hopefully she hasn't left yet. I looked around the lot, there was a line to get out. I quickly glanced at the drivers of the cars I didn't recognize. Then a new red Audi TTS caught my attention, it had no license plated but then again, it wasn't out of the ordinary to see new cars here all the time. I started walking to the Audi and heard a loud noise coming from inside the car. I got closer and recognized the song, Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine by The Killers, good song, one of my favorite albums. Then I saw her in the side mirror.
She had her eyes closed and was singing along with the music. She was swaying her head from side to side. She looked so carefree, so beautiful, and...just...happy. I walked to her window but she didn't see me and the music was too loud for me to hear her sing.
I smiled to myself and knocked on her window. She jumped and turned to see who had knocked. She saw it was me and her eyes opened wide and she blushed. Obviously embarrassed about getting caught. She looked so cute when she blushed. She turned down the music and lowered the window.
"Yes?" she asked, a bit breathless.
"I wanted to talk to you about the project. What time do you want to meet?" I placed my hand on the roof of her car and leaned in. Do I smell, lavender or...freesias?
God, she smells so fucking good.
"Um, what time is best for you?" she asked looking down and tugging at the seam of her shorts.
"How about in a hour. I have other stuff to do later on, might as well get this over with." What the hell is wrong with me? Why would I say that?
"Okay, where?" she was staring our of the windshield. She was pissed.
Way to fucking smooth things over Cullen.
"Do you have a piano at your house?" I knew she did, Kathy bought one last year. I helped her pick it out.
"Yes," she still didn't look at me.
"Fine, your place." I turned to walk away but stopped and glanced over my shoulder, "Hot Fussis one of my favorite albums as well. Oh, sexy car by the way." I gave her my trademark crooked smile and walked away towards my car before she could say a word.
Your a fucking genius Cullen.
**********
~Bella~
"Hot Fuss is one of my favorite albums as well. Oh, sexy car by the way." He turned and walked away before I can say a word.
Cocky asshole!
There you got. Some of you asked if James was going to rape Bella. I don't know how far James would go yet. He clearly doesn't take no for an answer. This story will also have POV's of James, Tanya, Alice, Jasper, Rose, Emmett...and so on and so forth.
