A/N: This story mostly will be Julia and her opinionated take on all things Twilight. Many points in this story are going to be borrowed from Twilight. I emphasize borrow because I do not claim to own anything, Stephenie Meyer is the genius here, I'm just the idiot writing fan fiction about it. I don't know if everyone truly likes this or if it is even good, so in a way so I will have feedback I want a minimum of 7 reviews or I will not update. Your opinions matter and that is all I'm asking for – opinions.
This chapter will be a combination of Invitations, Blood Type, and Scary Stories from Twilight. Facts are tweaked, but not completely altered. There are not any werewolves yet except for one and we all know who he is – Sam. I hope you enjoy! And please review, I can't keep myself from writing all this, but I will refrain from updating if there are no results. I'm not sure if this is one for my reject pile. love you all. brunette-in-black
Afterglow
Chapter 3: All At Once
The month following the accident was sooo frustrating! I could understand a few simple 'how are you feeling,' but it got fucking ridiculous! Especially Tyler Crowley, I swear I'm gonna back the truck into him and then he will have no reason for irritating Bella and I – yes, I! – that kid isn't only grief stricken, he's been following Bella and I around like a lost puppy. That look is only cute when a puppy wears it. They wouldn't leave her alone and her cheeks were practically glowing red from embarrassment. I could see that she was taken aback by Edward ignoring her again, really what is wrong with that kid, one day he saves her life and the next he avoids her like the plague. I thank God that he saved her, but he is freaking getting under skin with all the fickleness.
And the odd thing, no one seemed to pay any mind to the person who saved Bella. They aren't giving Edward even questioning looks just annoying the hell out of me and humiliating Bella further. The funny thing is that they think they are just being concerned, when they are being psychotic! None of the Cullen's or Hale's looked over at Bella, especially not Edward. When he sat next to Bella in class it was as far as possible. Bella seemed to sink into a bit of a depression and I know it wasn't the weather because I'm here I would know, Renee will swallow that explanation, but I'm calling it as I see it. It's Edward's fault.
The fussing had finally begun passing, as the snow began to wash away with the rain. Days came and went. Same old, same old. Until it was the beginning of another day. "Hey girlies!" Jessica said a bit too enthusiastically for my taste this early in the morning. "Hey Jess," I said in my ironic tone, why do people even bother talking to me this early in the morning and on top of it all, today I found we were out of coffee, I'm not in the best of moods. I'm really not a morning person.
"Do you two know what the last Saturday of March is?" She asked enthusiastically and I swallowed the urge to roll my eyes. Oh, yeah. I know what the last Saturday of the month is when it's only the second Tuesday. She didn't wait for our replies and continued, "It's the spring dance and it's girl's choice!" She squealed and looked at us gravely like her next statement was life or death. "Would either of you mind if I asked Mike," she asked she looked to have something underlying her nervous façade, like if one of us said we did mind she would be pissed and then just smile to our faces and then spill her gut about one of us stealing Mike away from her. "I don't really see Mike in any way other then strictly a friend and plus I don't do dances." I said. Jessica looked hopeful and looked to Bella, "Mike and I are just friends." She said meekly.
"Are you sure you don't mind…you weren't planning on asking him?" She persisted, Bella. When Bella reassured her telling her she didn't mind in the least, "No, Jess, I'm not going," and both Bella and I knew exactly why. Bella was just as graceful as a hippo in stilettos and I'm not much better. I'm good with strictly barefoot, sway to the music, let loose dancing – and the fact that I can retain one-hundred percent of my dignity while doing such things and not blush my brains out, Bella would feel too embarrassed to do that. However, as her little sister, I have ways into slyly tricking her into those situations making her act seventeen instead of thirty. It's my duty as her little sister.
"It will be really fun." Her attempt to convince us halfheartedly, might I add. Jessica likes the attention that come with the Swan Sisters. "You have fun with Mike," I said and it had a double meaning. Oh yeah, my mind is very dirty. Dirty, I love that word. Classes were a blur as always…when do I ever pay attention and yet I have amazing notes, weird.
The next day, Jessica was not as perky. Oh, that can't be good, if Mike turned her down I am not gonna be the one to be prodding in her business, it's not my business anyway. In English I saw Mike staring at an oblivious Bella and groaned. He has a thing for Bella, and she is so not into Blondie, personally he is shallow for the reason he is interested in her. At lunch I noticed Jessica sitting as far from Mike as possible and talking with chess club dude, Eric. And Mike was unusually quiet, fucking fabulous.
I got out of the lunch room as quickly as possible for once not walking with Bella. I was early for bio, and I saw Edward heading for the building. "Hey, Edward!" I called and he turned slightly and stopped. I've wanted to get a few words in with him for a while now. "You are one person who is very difficult to talk to with no one around." I said and he looked at me with probing eyes but they quickly became frustrated.
"I really don't get you. One minute you're talking to Bella and then you ignore her like she isn't even there. You're being an idiot to tell you the truth, since if you have any interest in Bella as a friend I'll tell you as her sister that she isn't like everyone else. She's honest, so honest I would look like a pathological liar, and she's intelligent and when she commits to something that means something to her she sticks with it always," I smiled at the thought of my sister's tenacity, "and she's incredibly shy, but that's beside the point. God…I've thanked you for saving my sister that day, but I have to wonder do you regret it, because you're behavior toward her seems like you really can't stand her." I sighed and ran a hand through my curly hair. "Choose one or the other Edward, be her friend or don't stop being so damn fickle." I finished not letting him get a word in and headed into class rendering Edward speechless. I wonder if he even listened to me or was just humoring me. At least I got out what has been itching to be said.
I went and took my seat and saw Bella and Mike talking in front of class for a bit and a saw a bit of disappointment flash over the blonde's face. I got up and walked over Bella's table before she sat, "Okay, I'm curious and I don't want it second hand, what did you say?" I asked I already knew Mike had hopes that Bella would ask him and I couldn't stop the grin – that labeled me as the pestering little sister – Bella sighed. I had one hand pressed onto the black table top, my hip leaning against it and my back to Edward. "We're going to Seattle that Saturday." Bella stated. I smiled evilly and she groaned. "Okay good with me. I didn't want to go to the dance anyway; I will have so much more fun shopping!" I said enthusiastic and Bella glared. "I love you!" I said and hugged her and I could feel her glare and went back to my seat.
"You're gonna ask Jessica to the spring dance, right?" I said happily. Yeah, get him off my sister already! Mike turned to me somewhat pleasant now after speaking with Bella. "Yeah," he said wistfully and glanced at Bella and I turned straight forward. I glanced over at my sister and she had he eyes closed as she massaged her temples. She once told me she wanted to be wanted, by at least someone, but now she has a whole group of admirers and she can't take it. I guess, 'be careful what you wish for,' would apply. But it was bound to happen one day. Bella's gorgeous.
I tapped my nails on the table top and looked up at the board behind Mr. Banner, just staring at it. "Miss Swan?" Both Bella and I sat up straight. "Sorry," he seemed to have forgotten that both Swans were in his class. "Julia, answer the question. It seems you haven't been listening." He said and I quirked an eyebrow, "The Krebs Cycle," I said and he looked surprised. Multi-tasking, I was listening and writing – granted not listening well or looking at the paper as I scribbled the words down, but listening none the less. Bella, I knew, however, didn't catch a word. She was in a daze and it was due to Mr. Cullen sitting beside her and he was getting rounded on next with a question and answered flawlessly.
She was looking down at her book, but wasn't really reading it. She shifted her hair over her right shoulder to hide her face and I laughed silently and looked away. The bell rang and I gathered my things slowly and glanced over at her table. They were talking. I walked over and heard him say, "It's better if we're not friends," and I sighed agitatedly and pressed my middle and index finger to the edge of my eyebrow – my agitated mannerism, where ever the hell I picked it up I have no idea – "trust me," he said quietly, like he didn't want her to hear it, but she did.
She narrowed her eyes. Yeah, see I was leaning more toward being her friend, idiot. Edward is so dense and I have a feeling he is not going to be able to stay away. "It's too bad you didn't figure that out before," she hissed through her teeth. Wow, she is pissed! So I'm not the only one who has bouts of anger occasionally…hmm, comforting. "You could have saved yourself all this regret."
"Regret?" He seemed to be surprised to have heard it twice, and referring to same thing I already knew. "Regret for what?" He asked his brows furrowing, but of course Bella could be referring to anything, but what else, could it be. He isn't obviously using his brain. "For not letting that stupid van squish me." She said bluntly and he looked like he was experiencing déjà vu. He looked at her and I in disbelief…he was absolutely astonished. I just shrugged.
He almost sounded angry when he spoke, "You think I regret saving your life?" Well, duh. I already tried to nudge him in the right direction, but he jumped to the left and went straight off a cliff. I shook my head and put my hand over my eyes and sighed. "I know you do," she snapped. "You don't know anything." He said definitely angry and giving me a pointed look and I just shook my head sadly.
Bella stormed off and I stood there a moment watching as she made her dramatic exit and in the process her boot got caught on the doorjamb. Her books spread on the floor and Edward was there quickly and gathered them. "Bells, are you okay." I asked concerned, the fall didn't look horrible, but not pleasant then again not even falling in love guarantees no pain. "Fine," she huffed. Reminding me of when she fell off the swing in the park when she was eleven and I was ten and was knocked breathless. She was in a bad mood the rest of the day then…although I wouldn't blame her for being pissed for the rest of the week after this.
He handed the pile of books to her, his face hard. I shook my head sadly, "Thank you," she said icily. His eyes narrowed. "You're welcome," he retorted. "Childish," I said under my breath loud enough for both to hear. Bella glared at me, "We have gym next you want to throw something at me do it there. Just not a text book," I said with light humor in my voice. "Come on, Jules," she said and grabbed my arm and jerked my arm to pull me with her. I stumbled but gained my balance. She really is pissed.
Basketball. That was brutal. Bella fell and a couple times she took me with her. We went into the changing room. "Your elbows are so boney." I complained rubbing my side. She cracked a smile and she looked less pissed more contemplative, what's she thinking about? Well not 'what' more like 'who'? Who's got my sister so dazed? I have a pretty fair idea and I know it isn't Mike Newton, even though he is just about drooling over her.
We headed out to the truck and someone was leaning against the side of the truck. "Hey, Eric," Bella and I called. "Hi, Bella, Julia." He said sounding a little nervous. "What's up?" Bella asked unlocking the door. Bella wasn't paying attention to the uncomfortable edge to his voice, the next words that came out of his mouth were no surprise. "Uh, I was just wondering…if you would go to the spring dance with me?" His voice broke on the last word. "I thought it was girls' choice," Bella said. I actually feel bad for Eric that was pretty brutal. "Well, yeah," he admitted, shamefaced.
Bella finally recovered from her surprise and tried to make her smile warm. "Thank you for asking me, but Julia and I are going to be in Seattle that day." She told him. "Oh," he said and I could see the disappointment on his face. "Well, well maybe next time." He left it on a hopeful note, but I can feel that is not gonna happen. "Sure," she said biting her lip. I hope the poor dude, doesn't take that too literally.
"Well aren't we popular?" I asked rhetorically and laughed a bit. "This isn't fair, why aren't you being bombarded with people asking you to a dance?" She whined. "You aren't in most of my classed. I have enough admirers in my grade without those from yours too. Funny thing it's a Sadie Hawkins dance, so the girls ask the guys. I guess there are a lot of guys confused in what gender they are." I said. I don't care if people stare, but when they start aggravating me, because I'm single and hot – next time I hear that from a guy's mouth about me he's gonna be hurt in a very vital area.
Edward walked in front of the truck and had his lips pressed together as if in an effort to suppress a smile and looked straight ahead. Bella yanked the door open and jumped inside, slamming it loudly. She revved the engine deafeningly and reversed out into the aisle. "And I'm the one Charlie worries about driving." I grumbled. Edward was already in his car two spaces down and backing up smoothly in front of us, cutting Bella off. He stopped there – to wait for his family; I could see the four of them walking this way, but still by the cafeteria.
I could see Bella was contemplating destroying the shiny Volvo with the dinosaur. "There's too many witnesses." I told her and she nodded but gripped the steering wheel tighter. Point proven, I am not the only one who goes a little crazy when I'm pissed, must run in the family.
There was a knock on the passenger window and I groaned as I looked up. I rolled down the window with difficulty. "I'm sorry, Tyler, I'm stuck behind Cullen." Bella said, she was annoyed. I slammed my hand down on the horn obnoxiously and grinned evilly. "Bells, I think we have another contestant." I whispered under it so only she would hear. I pushed Tyler a bit away from the window and half leaned out of it kneeling on the seat. "Come on, move it!" I said but there was no mistaking the amusement in my voice. Bella pulled me back into the cab roughly and then jabbed her elbow into my side, "I'm gonna have a huge purple bruise on my ribs and it's gonna be all your fault." I said to her rubbing the same area she collided with my ribs in P.E.
Tyler began, "I wanted to ask you something while you were trapped here." He grinned. I could see Bella's disbelief and turned to her mouthed, 'told ya' and chuckled. "Shut up!" She shrieked at me. I just smiled to myself. "Will you ask me to the spring dance?" He continued. "I'm not going to be in town, Tyler." Bella said sharply. I blame Eric and Mike. "Yeah that's what Mike said," he admitted. "Then why –" He shrugged. "I was hoping you were letting him down easy." He said, okay he deserved Bella wanting to rip his head off.
"Sorry Tyler, I'm kidnapping her for the day. All day shopping! It's gonna be so much fun! Right, sis," I played it up and she glared at me. "Sorry, Tyler," she said and glared at me. "You love me," I told her. "That's cool. We still have prom." He said and before she could reply he left and I was bent over in my seat laughing so hard my sides hurt. She whacked me in the back of the head and I shot up. "Ow," I protested rubbing my head. "Why are you so abusive today, I really should have gotten you that punching bag for your birthday last year, it would have come in handy right about now – Ow!" Ugh, maybe I should shut up now.
– – – –
"Why do I let you drag me here every morning, it's so boring. The classes are all cake." I said sighing and I leaned back in my seat and crossed my arms over my chest. "You want to trade trig for algebra?" She asked. "Hate math, you're asking the wrong person." I said. "You want to be a doctor. You need to know math." She told me matter-of-factly. "I didn't say I wasn't good, I just said I didn't like it. Plus, with the advanced classes I'm taking online, I'm sure to get into Harvard." I said excitedly.
She pulled her keys from the ignition and I hopped out the passenger seat. "Just keep your grades up." She told me sternly. "All A's baby! I'm in eleventh grade honors English and Biology II and you doubt me? Should I do honors math or whatever so you will stop thinking that I'm slacking?! Harvard's the first choice, Yale's the second, Dartmouth's the third, Brown is the fourth…well you get the point. Why can't you just stop doubting and if I don't get into one of those schools, life will suck. Don't you think?" I asked leaning on the hood of the truck. Bella dropped her key and went to go grab it while I adjusted my shoulder bag.
"How do you do that?" She asked in an amazed irritation. "Do what?" Edward held the key out as he spoke. As she reached for it he dropped it into her palm. "Appear out of thin air." Bella said like it was the most logical answer in the world. Sounded crazy, but he did that quite often and disappeared just as quickly. "Bella it's not my fault that you are exceptionally unobservant." Edward said and I scoffed. Well he was evading the truth. Covering it with a witty comment as well. "Why the traffic jam last night?" She demanded and then looked away, "I thought you were supposed to be pretending I don't exist, not irritating me to death."
"Melodramatic, today." I mumbled under my breath and Bella sent me a warning look and I held up both hands in surrender. "That was for Tyler's sake, not mine. I had to give him a chance." He snickered. "You…" Bella began and couldn't think of a bad enough word. So as her sister I thought I should supply some, "Jerk? Asshole? Prick? Fucker? Bastard?" Bella rolled her eyes. "Come on, Bells. You didn't say anything so I wanted you to have plenty of options but I'm sorry that was so funny!" I said holding back the laughter so she wouldn't kill me in my sleep tonight.
"You think you can ever clean up your language." Bella asked as I leaned forward onto the hood of the car from the passenger side. "You sound more like my mother than Renee does. And I have plenty of years to work on my censoring issues. Right now I am sixteen and as long as I keep my grades up I will be a doctor when I grow up." I said and jumped up and down exaggeratedly happy and clapped.
Then I stopped. "Okay, not usually psychotically chipper in the morning…or ever." I said. "What kind of coffee was that anyways?" I asked Bella rolled her eyes. "So you are you trying to irritate me to death? Since Tyler's van didn't do the job?"
"Since when are you the one who's moody in the morning." I said and I saw Bella roll her eyes again. "Bella, you are utterly absurd," he said his voice low and cold, all signs of teasing gone. She turned and started to walk away. I can understand why. I made it to her with ease. I walked beside her. "Wait," I heard him call and I had no intention of stopping and apparently neither did Bella. He easily kept pace with us. "I'm sorry that was rude…I'm not saying it isn't true," he continued, "but it was rude to say anyway."
"Why won't you leave me alone?" Bella grumbled. "I wanted to ask you something, but you got me sidetracked." He finished with good humor. "Do you have multiple personality disorder?" Bella asked severely. I mean, one minute he was angry and the next he was making jokes. "I was thinking the same thing." I said. "You're doing it again." He stated. "I was wondering if, a week from Saturday – you know the day of the spring dance –"
"Are you trying to be funny—" she said and I finished with, "because that is so not fucking funny…well it was at the time but that's old pains." I pulled my sweatshirt's hood tighter over my curls. "Will both of you please allow me to finish?" I shrugged and the rain pelted my leather jacket. "I heard you say that you were going to Seattle that day, and I was wondering if you wanted a ride?" Not really my choice to decide.
"What?" Bella asked in disbelief. "Do you want a ride to Seattle?" He asked like she was mentally ill. "With who?" She asked. Well, perhaps, she is. "Myself, obviously," he enunciated very syllable. "She's not an idiot Edward," I said because frankly the slowness of his speech was pissing me off. Well there goes chipper Julia.
"Why?" Bella asked him. "Well I was planning to got to Seattle in the next few weeks, and to be honest, I'm not sure your truck can make it." He told her. "My truck works just fine, thank you very much for your concern." I snorted. "Truck works fine my ass," I mumbled. "Two years and I'm getting a motorcycle. That truck sucks, gotta say." I said. "Julia, Charlie won't let you get a motorcycle." Bella told me. "When I'm eighteen and off to college, he can't do much, can he?" I said. "Plus the speed feels good." I said grinning. "You know this how?" She asked as we walked. "I'll never tell." I said because both Bella and Charlie would kill me and then bring me back and kill me again.
"But can your truck make it on one tank of gas?" He asked matching our pace again. "I don't see how that's any of your business." She said and I sighed. How long is this banter going to go on? "The wasting of finite resources is everyone's business." He quipped.
"Honestly, Edward. I can't keep up with you. I thought you didn't want to be your friend." Bella said exasperated. "I said it would be better if we weren't friends, not that I didn't want to be."
"Alright, as much as I love migraines, I'm okay without one this morning. I'm going to English, you're slowing me down Bells and frankly, just shove your pride and take the ride or I'm getting a taxi that Saturday, the drive's long enough if you're going at least seventy miles an hour, it's unbearable at fifty. See you." I said and walked off leaving them to mull it over.
– – – –
Bella walked into English in a daze. "Thank you for joining us, Miss Swan," Mr. Mason said in a disparaging tone. She flushed and hurried to her seat. I almost fell asleep in my algebra class and as result, I had to do a really difficult problem on the board for Mr. Varner. I got it right even though I was out of it for the majority of the class. Fortunately, I had gained some enthusiasm as Mike had talked about the weather report for this weekend. The rain was supposed to take a minor break, and so his beach trip will be possible. It would be high forties if, we're lucky, but I call that a cause for celebration.
I sat in the cafeteria. Tapping my fingers on the table before me, "Jules, you're not eating anything," Bella said and I looked up at her and offered a smile, "not hungry." I said. "Edward's staring at you again," I said in a bored, nonchalant tone. "He's sitting alone today." I stated bored. Her head snapped up and she met his smiling gaze and motioned her over with his index finger. "I really hate you," I told her with a half smirk. "Go on," I told her, "I was leaving anyway, I can't stand any more gossip or I just might be sick." I whispered and then yawned and got up.
"Make sure you don't forget about class," I just smiled at her. "I never forget, I just choose to have selective memory. Things that aren't important…and such. But I kind of need this class, so I'll be there, I guess." But missing one day can't hurt me that much…bad thought, what's wrong with me. "Maybe if my big sister could forget the last two periods we could leave right after lunch…" I said in a breezy hypothetical voice. "No," she said firmly. "Scared?" I taunted, "No, just forget about it, Jules and make sure you find your way to biology when lunch is finished." She told me and I nodded and got up when she did.
"Bye, Bells." I said and pushed myself up from the table. I sauntered toward the exit, it's still really interesting that already after a little over a month being here, and people are still staring. I guess there is very little excitement in this town. Actually I know there isn't excitement in this town.
I walked out of the cafeteria into the cool rainy air. I pulled my hood over my curls and walked quickly to the truck and climbed into the passenger seat, slamming the door behind me. I reached under the seat and pulled out my sketch pad and the small pencil shoved between the spiral rings. I worked on a picture of the mountains in Phoenix, which seem more like hills compared to the once here, but they still give my that warm sense of familiarity.
I finished that and started one on my big sis, she never lets me take pictures. She photographs really well, but she hates taking pictures. She always thinks they come out ugly; I worked my practiced hand over the paper and lightly sketched, then darkened the lines, added features, included shadowing. I captured the dept of her eyes, the warmth of her smile, and a light dusting upon her cheeks signifying her blushing.
Okay I'm fairly certain, I lost myself in the drawing and biology is already well into the class. Bella is so gonna kill me. I'll deal with it later. I looked up from my sketchbook and saw a blond guy supporting a brunette, which just happens to be my sister. I got out of the car just as I heard, "Bella?" It was Edward Cullen jogging lightly over to her. Hmm…guess I wasn't the only one not in class. I walked over, "What's wrong – is she hurt?" Edward asked seeming slightly annoyed. "I think she's fainted – I don't know what happened she didn't even stick her finger." Mike said. I rolled my eyes, obviously the blood made her feel dizzy, idiot.
"Bella," Edward squatted down, "Can you hear me?" He asked. "No," she groaned from where she lay on the damp sidewalk, "go away." He chuckled. "Bells are you okay?" I asked. Wow, idiotic question, of course she doesn't feel okay she looks green for the love of God! "Okay that was a stupid question," I said. I looked up to Mike, "You were taking her to the nurse?" I asked. He nodded, "but she wouldn't go any farther." He said looking slightly confused.
"Ever been seasick Mike?" I asked. He nodded looking even more confused, "You know that horrible feeling that you get and you feel like you want to vomit up everything you ate and never eat again, and you feel really dizzy from it?" I asked. "Well that's how Bella's feeling except worse. That's why she couldn't go any further." I explained to Mike in idiot's terms. "I'll take her," Edward said with a grin. "You can go back to class." Edward said to Mike. "No," the blonde protested, "I was supposed to do it." He called after him as Edward picked Bella up and was walking briskly down to the nurse's office.
The secretary opened the door for him as he carried Bella into the nurse's station. I walked quickly – running would be a bad idea, I have a tendency to trip, often – and made it into the nurse's office. Bella was lying on a cot and her eyes shut, I went by her and kneeled at her side since there was a lack of chairs. Edward was leaning against the wall looking amused and worried, what a weird combination. "Hey, Bells, you could have just followed my bad example for once." I told her a smile one my face and evident in my voice. "Why is it I hear two, I told you so comments in less than a minute." Bella groaned.
"Bella, you scared me for a minute back there. I thought Newton was dragging your body off to bury in the woods." I snorted at that. "Ha ha." She said with her eyes still closed but she seemed to sound like she was feeling a bit better. "Honestly – I've seen corpses with better color. I was concerned I might have to avenge your murder." I rolled my eyes. "Poor Mike. I'll bet he's mad." Bella said. I laughed.
"Yeah, he's pretty pissed. He'll get over it…he's not pissed at you, anyway." I said. "He absolutely loathes me," Edward said cheerfully. "That makes you very lucky." I quipped, Mike is very irritating. He gossips just as much as…well Jessica. "You can't know that," she argued with Edward. "I saw his face – I could tell." He told her. "How could you see me anyway I thought you were ditching." She wondered. "And you Julia were supposed to be in class, and then Mike wouldn't have had gotten mad in the first place. You could have helped me to nurse's office." She said.
"Yeah and then when, you passed out on me you would have been in the same position you are right now." I told her. "Where were you anyway?" She asked me curiously, "I was in the truck sketching. Lost myself in it you know." I said smiling to myself.
The nurse walked in with a cold compress. "Here you go, dear." The woman said. I took it and laid it on Bella's forehead. "You're looking better," she added. "I think I'm fine," Bella sat up looking reasonable stable for someone who just passed out. The nurse was about to protest her leaving, when Ms. Cope popped her head in and announced, "We've got another one."
I was squeezing out of the door first and pulled Bella along by her hand. Mike then came through the door and came to stand in front of us in the office. "You look better," he said to Bella after glaring at Edward. "Just keep your hand in your pocket, Mike." I warned him when I saw Bella pale a bit with just the thought of it. "It's not bleeding anymore," he muttered. "Are you going back to class?" He directed the question at Bella and I. "Are you kidding? I'd just have to turn around and come back." And I shrugged, "Banner won't be all to happy that I missed more than half the class."
"Yeah, I guess…. So you two going this weekend? To the beach?" While he asked he flashed a glare at Edward conveying it wasn't an open invitation. Bella seemed incapable of being friendly just now so I'll save her. "Sure, we said we were in." I said with a smile and he returned it. "We're meeting at my dad's store, at ten." He said and I offered another smile. "We'll be there," Bella promised. "I'll see you in Gym, then," He said to us, walking away with uncertainty.
"Gym," Bella groaned. "I can take care of that." Edward whispered something in Bella's ear and she went to go sit down in on of the chair's lining the wall. I heard Edward speaking softly to Ms. Cope about getting Bella excused from Gym. I smiled to myself. I decided to be a nice little sister and go along with my sister home. I walked up to the counter and leaned on it, "Um, Ms. Cope," I faked meekness and bit my lip in the perfect imitation of Bella. "I was wondering if I as well could be excused, Bella really isn't feeling all that well and my dad won't be home for a few more hours. I don't want her to faint once more with no one around and while Edward took Bella home I could drive the truck, because she obviously isn't capable of driving on her own. I wanted to stop by the Thriftway so I might get her something for her stomach." I told Ms. Cope smoothly and she smiled sweetly at me.
"Of course, dear." The woman said and I smiled. "Thank you so much." I said to the portly woman behind the counter. I got to the door and pushed it open with my back and stood there waiting for Bella and Edward. She's more talkative with him, than a lot of people, except me. We tell each other everything…mostly. I swear I didn't mean to stain her favorite light blue shirt but barbeque sauce doesn't come off, especially when my friend spilled the whole bottle on you, that's why it mysteriously disappeared.
"I don't know, maybe medical school's the wrong choice, Jules. Maybe a performing arts because would make a great actress after that performance. It was complete bull, and she believed every word." Bella told me. "What can I say, I'm multi-talented." I smiled.
"So are you going? This Saturday, I mean?" Bella asked Edward hopefully. "Where are you all going, exactly?" He asked looking ahead expressionless. "Down to LaPush, to First Beach." Bella told him. "Bells, can I borrow the key for the truck." I asked and without thinking she handed it over to me while she invited Edward to come along with the group to First Beach. I turned around and walked in the opposite direction and she seemed to have realized something after Edward said something to her. "Jules! Julie!! Julia!! I need that," she shouted. I walked backward, "No you don't Edward's taking you home; didn't he tell you." I called and she glared, yep he definitely told her.
– – – –
"You're not mad anymore?" I asked. After all last night she wouldn't speak to me, telling me she was too ill. What, bullshit. "I wasn't even mad last night," Bella said with a smile as she ate her cereal. My jaw dropped, she gave me the silent treatment as punishment. I can't stand silence and she knows that and used it against me. "You're so evil." I told her. She looked up and smiled as I took a sip of my black coffee.
We made it through school without incident…until lunch. Mike was talking animatedly about Saturday it was actually supposed to be sixty degrees – SIXTY!! – that is so good! He seemed in brighter spirits today and I noticed Edward wasn't here. I sat there and then I just simply looked up from my apple that I had been munching on and I heard; "…don't know why Bella" – she sneered my sister's name – "doesn't just sit with the Cullens from now on," I heard her say to Mike after he was finished talking about the weather on Saturday. Jealousy was very obvious in her petty voice.
"What was that, Lauren?" I asked looking up with fake curiosity. Let's see if this blond bitch has the guts to repeat what she just said to Mike. She fake smiled, "What do you mean?" She asked sweetly. I looked at her and the replied, "If you're gonna make a comment about someone say it to their face, or better yet if you're gonna try to bash my sister behind her back say it to my face so you can learn the meaning 'you got what you deserved,'" I said to her and Mike laughed and Lauren looked away and talked with her Lauren wannabees.
– – – –
I stepped out of Bella's truck Saturday morning in the parking lot of Newtons' Olympic Outfitters. My flat brown knee high suede boots with copper buckles touched the – for once – dry pavement. I was clad in cut off jean short shorts, a long sleeved hunter green long sleeve t-shirt, aviator sun glasses sitting gingerly on my face, and my long curly mahogany hair hung down, my wavy bangs swept across my forehead and the ends of the tendrils were in natural banana curls. I smiled and waved at Mike as he saw Bella and I get out of the cab.
"You came!" he called, delighted. "And I said it would be sunny today, didn't I?" He said to us and I laughed. "I told you we were coming," Bella said cheerfully. After two more girls arrived Bella and I got into Mike's Suburban. It was about a ten minute drive and then we were on First Beach. It was familiar too, the mile long crescent bordered by the lush green forest surrounding it. I've been to the beaches in La Push during the summers with Charlie.
We walked down the beach. I was restraining myself from tripping Lauren as she made snide comments that weren't pointed directly at Bella, but it was implied. Funny, she never says anything about me. I was smiling as the sun shined down on us for once even that stuck up blond bitch can't bring me down. I might even give her a reprieve if she says something today and decide I don't want to break her nose.
We came to a ring a drift wood log, marking the place as somewhere parties like this took place before. The guys gathered pieces of driftwood and soon there war a perfect tepee form atop old cinders. "Have you ever seen a driftwood fire?" Mike asked Bella and I, and we both shook our heads. He was standing so close I could feel his breath on my neck. I smiled, although, I wanted to hit him – badly – but just pushed him away playfully. "No," I said and he placed the blazing twig carefully against the tepee. "You'll like this then," he whispered in my ear and I could hear the grin in his voice, "watch the colors."
"It's blue," I said in surprise. "The salt does it. Pretty, isn't it?" He asked and I quickly brushed him off, well he was clingy to Bella before and now – probably because of these damned shorts and the fact I only have a very clingy long sleeved t-shirt on instead of my usual layers – I have a feeling the blonde's not gonna leave me alone. You think after he asked out Jessica, he would be finished with his infatuation, but no and it seems it's not only Bella he found attractive. Lucky me, I wonder if I should jump off the cliff now or later.
I went to sit down by Bella. "Aren't you cold?" She asked eyeing my outfit. "Not even a little bit this is the warmest it's been since we've been here and I want to make the most of it." I told her and she nodded. "I'm hungry," I said leaning back a bit, but not enough to lose my balance. They guys wanted to take a hike near the tidal pools, I was alright sitting and watching the water, but Lauren, the sweetheart – yeah in an alternate universe – made the decision for Bella and I and we were obligated to go. She and I fell behind through the short hike in the forest, finally the boys were hungry, too.
Somehow, I ended up walking beside Mike and I didn't see Bella close she was at the tail end of our little hiking group, near Jessica and Lauren. Angela was chatting with Ben and for Bella and I we were both in a form of hell. "So you sure you aren't going to the spring dance," he asked and then added, "Bella either? It'll be fun." Lord kill me now. "We're going to Seattle. We both need to expand our wardrobes a bit." I told him and he smiled to himself, sparing a small glance at my outfit, I gritted my teeth. Eat your heart out, cause there is no way in hell you're gettin' any.
When we got back to the beach the group we left behind had multiplied. As we got closer we could see the shining, straight back hair and copper skin of the newcomers, teenagers from the reservation come to socialize. Food was already being passed out and I was one of the first to eat. Eric introduced us as we entered the driftwood circle. As Eric said our names I saw a younger boy looking at Bella and I in interest.
Bella and I sat down next to Angela and Mike brought us sandwiches and an array of sodas to choose from, while the boy who looked to be the oldest rattled off the names of the seven people with him. All I caught was the boy that seemed interested in Bella and I was named Jacob. My sun glasses long ago placed on top of my head among the curls and I relaxed beside Angela and Bella. Soon though Angela went to go talk with Ben.
– – – –
Jacob sauntered to the place where Bella and I were sitting. As he got closer I took him in. He looked fourteen, maybe fifteen, and had long glossy black hair pulled back into a rubber band. His skin was gorgeous, silky and russet-colored; his eyes were dark, set deep above his high planes of cheekbones. I recognized him more now, from all those fishing trips over the years. He was Billy Black's son, Charlie's long time friend. He, Rachel and Rebecca – his older twin sisters, Bella, and I were thrown together during those days. He was so sweet when he was younger, it was only a few years back so there's a chance he might remember…but he also might not. Well he's coming over here so I have to wait and see.
"You're Isabella and Julia Swan, aren't you?" Jacob asked meekly. "Bella," my sister corrected. "Hey Jake." I greeted him with a smile, I saw the warm glow in his dark brown eyes. That revealed that he was not only happy, but also that he remembered. Bella looked up at him a bit puzzled, those fishing trips were hell for Bella and she and I both have a tendency to block out painful – in this case painfully boring – memories. However, I found companionship with not only my sister, but Jacob. I only make friends with people I know I can trust and he had it and we just clicked. "Hi, Kate," I smiled like mad when he used my nickname he and Billy always called me. It's derived from my middle name, Katharine, I have no idea when it started, but all I know is that it stuck.
"I'm Jacob Black." He introduced himself to Bella since she didn't seem to remember him. She looked at him wearily, like she had the curious people when we first entered Forks High. She would probably just remember his older twin sisters, Rachel and Rebecca. They were only a year older than her and Jacob was one year younger than me so I found more comfort in Jacob than his sisters. He is always so warm and has a smiled that is incredibly infectious even when someone is in a foul mood. He's like a person sun, always there to calm my torrents of anger at times or warm me from a blue mood. "You bought my dad's truck." He clarified holding out his hand in a friendly gesture.
"Oh," she sighed in relief, shaking his hand. "You're Billy's son. I probably should remember you." She said and glanced at me because I obviously remembered him. "No, I'm the youngest of the family – you would remember my older sisters." He told her. "Rachel and Rebecca," she suddenly recalled. Yeah, those fishing trips and from Bella kicking up tantrums – for once in her life – when she was eleven and I was ten the trips were terminated.
"Are they here?" Bella asked scanning the girls at the ocean's edge. "No," Jacob replied, "Rachel got a scholarship to Washington State and Rebecca married a Samoan surfer – she lives in Hawaii now." My eyes widened. It's hard to picture the two twelve-year-old girls – one married and the other a student in college. "Married. Wow." Bella commented. "So how do you like the truck?" he asked. "I love it. It runs great." Bella said with a smile. "It's really slow, but then again I'm not the one driving it. I don't get, why is Charlie so scared for me to be behind the wheel?" I sighed. "Road rage," Bella responded and I shook me head and scowled at her.
"Yeah, it is really slow," he laughed. "I was so relieved Charlie bought it. My dad wouldn't let me work on building another car when he had a perfectly good vehicle right there." Jacob ended on a sarcastic note and I smirked at that as I looked into the flames of the bonfire and listened to the music floating through the air from the portable radio. Jake was talking to her about the decrepit truck and that he was rebuilding a 1986 Volkswagen Rabbit, she seemed really impressed by that.
Jacob flashed his brilliant smile at Bella and apparently I wasn't the only bystander that noticed. "You know Bella, Jacob?" Lauren asked and my hands balled into fists and my teeth clinched. Why can't she just stay focused on Tyler Crowley? "We've sort of known each other since I was born," Jakes laughed, flashing that infectious smile at both me and Bella. "How nice," she said in that bitchy blond tone and I swallowed it and couldn't help but laugh a bit since whenever I'm around Jacob, I just can't stop myself from smiling. If I just glance at him I crack up laughing. I remember that happening in progressions of hours and my sides splitting by the time Charlie brought us back to the house.
"Bella," Lauren called again. What does she want now? I didn't even glance her way, "I was just saying to Tyler that it was too bad none of the Cullens could come out today. Didn't anyone think to invite them?" She said in a mock innocent voice. "You mean you weren't thoughtful enough to extend them such a generous invitation Lauren, shame on you." I said equally innocent, but the innocence was just a cover of the malice behind my words. Lauren was about to respond when a tall, older boy responded to our little confrontation, "You mean Dr. Carlisle Cullen's family?" Then again he was closer to being a man than a boy, by the sound of his deep voice. "Yes, do you know them?" Lauren asked condescendingly, does she have to be a bitch to everyone?
"The Cullens don't come here," I was taken aback by that. I stared at the guy, but he was staring into the dark forest, I was a bit taken aback by how final his tone was on the Cullens not coming here – as in not ever. The way he said it implied something much more, that they were not allowed; they were prohibited. Jake pulled me out of my thoughts as well as Bella's. "So is Forks driving you crazy yet?"
"Oh, I'd say that's an understatement." Bella grimaced. "This place is driving me insane! There's nothing, just trees and that's all fine and good, but I need a loud buzzing city and I get Forks. It has a type of silence that gives me a headache – how is that even possible?" I shrugged my shoulders and buried my now bare toes in the sand. My boots sat on the ground beside me. I looked at the sand playing with it with my feet and obsessed over why the Cullens can't come here.
"Do you want to want to walk down the beach with me?" Bella asked Jacob. "Mind if I tag along," I asked and Bella shrugged, she was up to something. Bella walked on one side of Jacob and I on the other with my hands shoved into my tight pockets. "So you're, what, sixteen?" Bella asked in a light voice and fluttered her eyelashes. She kind of looks a little dippy what happened to my intelligent sister?!
"I just turned fifteen," he told her. I smiled, "December 17th," I put in looking forward ahead of us. He glanced at me, "good memory." Jake whispered to me so only I could hear. "Really?" Bella said in false surprise. "I would have thought you were older," I muffled a laugh with a series of coughs. She was flirting and Jacob already seemed quite taken by her, this is awful. "I'm tall for my age," that he is. Annoying actually, he's one year younger than me and has to be over eight inches taller.
"Do you come up to Forks much?" Bella asked archly, like she was searching for a yes. This boy is such a goner. Why is she doing this? Jake seemed really flattered and I pressed my lips together so I could find why my sister is leading on poor Jacob Black. "Not too much," Jake admitted with a frown. "But when I get my car finished I can go up as much as I want – after I get my license." Oh and it's not like you don't drive now Jake, clear in your voice. I shook my head and smirked at I looked ahead just taking in the conversation.
"Who was that other boy Lauren was talking to? He seemed old to be hanging out with us." She said in a light voice making her sound younger and I started covered my laughing with coughing once more and I was coughing so loud to cover the giggles it sounded like I was suffocating. "You okay?" Jacob asked. I nodded putting a hand to my chest clearing my face of humor, "Yeah," I said waving off his concern.
"That's Sam – he's nineteen." Jacob informed. "What was that was that he was saying about the doctor's family?" Bella asked in a sweet, cute, innocent voice. Anything that comes down on her after this is entirely her fault. I can't believe she is doing this to Jacob, he is so sweet. And the suckiest part about this I can't stop her because I'm too curious at what she's getting at. "The Cullens? Oh, they're not supposed to come onto the reservation." He looked away from Bella and to James Island, confirming what Sam said. So this is what she's getting at, well now I am really intrigued.
"Why not?" Bella asked. He glanced back at Bella as I walked silently beside them. He bit his lip, "Oops. I'm not supposed to say anything about that." There is no way I'm letting him stop there. There's something about the Cullens they're…different and I want to know why that difference is banning them from the reservation. "Oh, we won't tell anyone, I'm just curious," Bella tried an alluring smile and Goddamn she was good at it, I would know I use that smile when I want something. And it usually works.
He looked up at her and smiled, eyes glazed a bit. He is so gonna fall in love with my sister. I think it has already begun, let me just add him to the list of all the other guys that want my sister. Sadly she doesn't have the heart to tell most of them to 'I really don't see you as anymore than a friend' because she thinks that would imply she thought that they were interested which they are and she's convinced they aren't. News Flash, why do people always stare?
"Do you like scary stories?" He asked my sister. "I love them," Bella enthused and I swallowed the urge to roll my eyes at this. But don't want to mess with the charade now and plus breaking the illusion now would really hurt Jake.
He strolled to a nearby driftwood tree that had its roots sticking in the attenuated legs of a huge, pale spider. He perched lightly on the end with the roots he pat the spot next to him for Bella, yeah that boy already has it bad…no one to blame but herself. I sunk down to the sand my back pressed to the bleached trunk. "Do you know any of our old stories, about where we came from – the Quileutes, I mean?" He began. "Not really," Bella admitted. "Well, there are lots of legends; some of them claiming to date back to the flood – supposedly, the ancient Quileutes tied canoes to survive like Noah and the ark." His smile showed how he didn't believe in these stories himself. "Another legend claims that we descended from wolves – and that the wolves are our brothers still. It's against tribal law to kill them." He paused dramatically. "Then there are stories about the cold ones." His voice dropped a little lower. "The cold ones?" Bella asked no longer faking her intrigue.
"Yes. There are stories of the cold ones as old as the wolf legends, and some much more recent. According to legend, my own great-grandfather knew some of them. He was the one who made the treaty that kept them off our land." He rolled his eyes but I was taking in every word. "Your great-grandfather?" Bella encouraged. "He was a tribal elder like my father. You see, the cold ones are the natural enemy of the wolf – well, not the wolf, really, but the wolves that turn into men, like our ancestors. You would call them –" I finished his sentence; it was obvious where he was going with all this, "werewolves." He nodded.
"Werewolves have enemies?" Bella asked. "Only one," Jacob answered. I could practically feel Bella's irritation radiating off of her, but that's just because I'm her sister I know her too well. She honestly hid her annoyance very well, it looked more like admiration. "So you see," Jacob continued, "the cold ones are traditionally our enemies. But this pack that came to our territory during my great-grandfather's time was different. They didn't hunt the way others of their kind did – they were supposed to be dangerous to the tribe. So my great-grandfather made a truce with them. If they would promise to stay off our lands, we wouldn't expose them to the pale-faces." He winked at Bella, I would have laughed but I was so engrossed by it all.
"If they weren't dangerous, then why…?" Bella struggled for words. "Why are they restricted from entering the reservation if they aren't dangerous?" I asked and Bella looked at me with a thankful look for a second and the looked back at Jacob. I said lightly so not to alert Bella or Jacob I was taking this Quileute legend so seriously. "There's always a risk for humans to be around the cold ones, even if they're civilized like that clan was. You never know when they might get too hungry to resist." He deliberately worked a thick edge of menace to his tone.
"What do you mean, 'civilized'?" Bella inquired. "They claimed that they didn't hunt humans. They supposedly were somehow able to prey on animals instead." He said. "So how does it fit in with the Cullens? Are they like the cold ones your great-grandfather met?" She asked in a casual tone. "No." He paused dramatically and I threw a handful of sand on him and he chuckled brushing it off. "They are the same ones." My jaw dropped open; it was all sinking in right about now. Jacob smiled he thought our expressions were because we were frightened. I knew the Cullens were different, just not up to this extent. All the facts in the legends are there, Jacob isn't that good of a story teller to make it all up on the spot like that. "There are more now, a female and a new male, but the rest are the same. In my great-grandfather's time they already knew of the leader, Carlisle. He'd been here and gone before your people arrived." He was fighting a smile.
"And what exactly are they?" Bella asked. "What are the cold ones?" Jacob smiled darkly. "Blood drinkers," he replied in a chilling voice. "Your people call them vampires." I stared straight ahead, if I looked at either of them my face out have exposed everything. That I truly know the Cullens aren't just a bunch of incredibly gorgeous people. The weird thing is I can't find it in me to honestly be frightened.
– – – –
We got back to where everyone was and I was in much need to have some fun and clear my head for the moment. I spotted a person sitting by himself and he was just staring into the flames of the bonfire. Utter boredom was shown in his handsome features. He had dark skin, looked to rather tall even in his sitting position, he's very toned, dark gray eyes, and silky black hair pulled back at the nape of his neck in a small pony tail. All in all, he was completely gorgeous.
I walked up to him standing not a half of a foot in front of him. "Hi," I smiled down where he's sitting. His eyes traveled up the skin of my legs, over my cut off short shorts, up to my flat torso, not missing my chest from how my long sleeved shirt hugged my body. He looked up at me and gave her a shadow of a grin. "I'm Julia," I told him with my smile still in place. "Paul," He replied. I leaned down and took his hand from where he sat in the sand and squatted before him. "You could at least look me in the eyes, I don't bite," she flashed a toothy grin and he laughed. "I promise."
"Dance with me," I said with that smile that was drawing him in. I could tell and if I'm gonna have fun I might as well let him – who looked so bored out of his mind – have some as well. I grasped his hand with both of mine and pulled him up. He was over a foot taller than me. The music was blaring from the small radio and I pulled him closer to me as I neared the bonfire. "You don't have to be afraid to put your hands on me." I told him from where I was dancing with him. I placed his hands on my hips as I swayed and sashayed to the beat of the music. I finally settled on grinding up against him.
I looked up at his face and smiled when I saw his dark eyes on me. I placed her hands gently on his shoulders and leaned back a bit and laughed. He laughed with her and she looked back at him my chest rising and falling with her rapid breath. "Ugh, I'm cold," I shivered a bit and he laughed at me and I smacked his chest, "Be nice. Oh! You're so warm!" I exclaimed as I got even closer than I was to him before.
"The reason your cold might have something to do with you're wearing shorts and not wearing any shoes. In Washington." He said with a grin. "Actually my arms are more cold then my legs or feet are fine so explain that Sherlock." I said. We steadily stopped dancing. "Then let me warm you up." He said and I smiled at him as he sat down near the bonfire and grabbed me by my waist and pulled me down with him.
I sat there for a while his skin radiating such warmth. His hand gently stroking up and down my right arm, I looked up at him and smiled. I don't know what it is about me, I find people I click with straight away and Paul is definitely one of those people. I get comfortable with people really quickly; it's mainly because I'll always say what I want to say if I'm compelled to. I relished in the heat until, "There you are, Julia," Mike called in relief. "I found Bella and you weren't with her." He told me exasperated and he eyed Paul like a hawk as I got up. "Is that your boyfriend?" Paul asked. I looked down at him with eyes that showed complete disbelief but I just politely said, "No."
"Thanks for the dance. I'll see you around sometime." I said with a smile. "Yeah, see you." He said and smiled giving me a small wave as Mike lead me back to the Suburban. He had a hand on my back guiding me forward and I nonchalantly shrugged it off and offered Mike a smile. He returned it. I glanced over my shoulder to where Paul. We made eye contact and I gave him a small smile, he smiled back. His smile was so much more than Mike's, not that Mike wasn't attractive it just held a shadow of lust, Paul's offered that of friendship. Genuine and not at all fake.
