Disclaimer: I don't own the story or it's characters. I just meshed the two.
September 2nd, 6th period
If the sign in the cafeteria that says WELCOME BACK! were being honest, it wouldn't say that. It would say SUCKS TO BE YOU!
Everyone in the cafeteria is so fake. Especially the girls. They're all kissing and hugging other girls they annihilated behind their backs last year. It's all so ridiculous. As if we couldn't wait to get away from each other last June. But it's not entirely their fault. They've been programmed by society to believe that if your popular and pretty and perky you'll lead a fulfilling life. Don't they know it's always the geeks that turn out to be the most successful later on?
I'm still hesitating by the door. If Jasper and Emmett didn't have thus lunch period, I'd definitely bail for Subway. Well, maybe it is entertaining to watch the play Cafeteria Survivor as if a million bucks were actually at stake.
RULES OF CAFETERIA SURVIVOR
1. Always look like you know what you're doing. Everything you do is intentional. Even if your tray tips over and you spill your entire lunch all over yourself, remember: You meant to do that.
2. Always look like your having the best time. If your sitting with people you hate because there's no one else to sit with, act like you like them. Anything is better than sitting alone.
3. Always try to sit with other people, even if your hovering at the end of the table. However, if you are forced to sit by yourself due to severe ostracism, read something and sigh a lot. This will create a mysterious aura about you, one that sends out the message: My life is so extremely hectic that I really need to break away from civilization right now. Please do not disturb. Thanks so much.
4. Always complain about the food. Do this even if you like it. Note: An exception can be made for pizza that actually looks and tastes like pizza. But only if the crust is not soggy.
5. Do not, under any circumstances, get voted off the island.
I think the last rule sums up the basic difference between them and me. I don't care if I get voted off the island.
Emerging from the line, I scan the tables to scope out the best location for people-watching. It's one of my hobbies. Seeing how people interact, imaging how they're feeling, sometimes overhearing bits of conversation……it gives me ideas for lyrics.
I head towards the far windows. I put my tray down on an empty table. When Jasper and Emmett get here, the main thing we have to discuss is recording our demo. We've been working all summer to save up for studio time. Also, we need to decide what we're playing for Battle of the Bands.
I sit down and contemplate the fries.
"Hey, Edward!" a girly voice screeches at me.
I look up to see an enormous pair of breasts bouncing my way. They're attached to Tanya. I haven't talked to her since last April. That's when she gave me this ultimatum that she had to be my girlfriend or else. And I said I wasn't looking for a relationship. But the truth is, I didn't want to get serious with her.
"Hey, Tanya," I say to be polite. But I want her to go away. I'm in such a different place now. It's crazy that I ever wanted her, even if it was just a physical thing.
She puts her hands on the table and leans over. You can totally see down her low-cut tank top.
I guess it isn't that crazy.
"What's up?" she says.
"Chillin'."
"Yeah, so …..some of us are getting together at Zack's tonight. His parents are still in Barbados." Tanya inches across the table so her face is right in front of mine. "In the mood to party?"
"Not so much," I say. "Sorry."
Her smile instantaneously dissolves. I feel a twinge of guilt for making her feel bad. But I was pretty clear about things before.
"Oh," she says. "Whatever."
There's a second of regret when she walks away and I get a look at her ass in those jeans. I remember what her ass looks like out of those jeans. But I remember Bella. And how Tanya can make me feel great, but only for a few hours.
Emmett comes racing up to the table. "Edward! What up? Long time no see!"
He saw me three days ago.
Emmett smacks his tray down and grabs my arm. "Whoa dude! You're, like, huge! You been working out?"
Emmett is a bit of a goof. It's one of his best qualities.
"Ha," I say.
"Dude! You are so not going to believe what happen to me yesterday! I was down the shore at my brother's place and you know how….."
And his stories are endless.
I'm still letting him ramble on when Jasper arrives.
"Hey, man," Jasper's says.
"Hey."
Jasper's is my best friend. He's into everything I am. Music, writing poetry and lyrics, playing backgammon and chess, brainy chicks. We also like the same old school bands like The Cure and R.E.M. We mostly have the same musical influences. Emmett digs our style, so he kind of goes along with whatever we do.
Suddenly Emmett yells, "Senior year, men! We rule the school! PAR-TAY!" Then he proceeds to bounce up and down on the bench.
All the drastic bouncing makes Jasper spill Coke all over his shirt. It's like there always has to be some kind of conflict between them. Emmett is this spontaneous, wild drummer type. His personality tends t contradict Jasper's, who's constantly planning and analyzing everything. And 'm like the sensitive, introspective one. Together, we make one killer band.
"Dude." Jasper puts his hand on Emmett's shoulder. "Chill. What's the matter with you?"
"What's the matter with me, baby? What's the matter with you?" Emmett jokes in the best Danny Zuko voice. The school play last year was Grease, and Emmett played John Travolta's character. And he was actually really good. His goal is to be an actor. My goal is to be a musician. A lot of our conversations involve complaining about how the world keeps telling us to give up now while we still have a chance to make something of ourselves.
Jasper ignores him. "Have you seen her yet?" he asks me.
"No," I say.
Subtle is not part of Emmett's vocabulary. He's all, "Woo-hoo! Eddie's in love. He's in lust! Eddie's got-"
"Hey. Dude? Chill." Something in Jasper's voice makes Emmett actually shut up and eat his lunch.
Jasper knows all about the Bella thing. Emmett knows, too, but it's different with him. Emmett lives for relationship drama. He's notorious for public displays of mortification with ex-girlfriends in random hallways. But like me, Jasper's also looking for something real. I just don't think he knows it yet. He loves the chase. He's never satisfied with what he gets.
"Let's see you schedule," Jasper says to Emmett.
We all get our schedules out and determine that the only things that the three of us have in common are lunch and gym. The only other thing I have with Jasper is history.
"Did you get that new bass?" Emmett asks Jasper.
They're talking, but I tune them out.
I finally see her.
She just walked in with Rosalie. She's hugging her notebook and looking different, but the same. Better, if that's even possible. I mean, she was hot before, but now she's …. I almost have an apoplexy when she turns around and looks at our table. Every fantasy I've had this summer comes back to me. Every scenario from a those sweaty nights in bed, listening to my iPOD.
Jasper feels the vibe and follows my stare. "Whoa. What's up dude?"
Emmett takes one look down at me and says, "That's what's up."
Author's Note: Well, Edward's really hormonal. Imagine what its going to be like when him and Bella actually speak. Well, anyway here's the fourth chapter as promised.
Love ya,
Ami
