Dear Readers,
Sorry for posting this chapter so late. I had a shit ton of homework and the week got away from me. This chapter is by far the longest one, so I hope you guys enjoy.
As always, I am a law student so most of the experience of law school and the plot is from me, however the characters are from Ms. Meyers. I majored in History and Political Science, not English so there will be errors. Love the flawed is my only advice.
Song Suggestion: Mr. Brightside by The Killers
Previously on The Jury Is Out
Oh shit, I like Edward! And with that realization the last piece of my wall came tumbling down.
The morning light is shining through my new purple bedroom curtains, that I'm assuming my mother picked up yesterday during her shopping trip.
I feel just as exhausted as last night, if not more.
Tossing and turning because you couldn't get a certain 2L out of your head? My inner bitch chimes in.
My thoughts are once again plagued by Edward. He eyes, his hands on my waist, his laugh, his smell, even the way he would run his hands through his hair nervously. Oh how jealous I am of those hands.
There is a knock and my mother's head pops through the crack in the open door. "Good morning! The sun is shining, the tank is clean, and we are getting out of here." She says, as she sits on the end of my bed. Her cheerful disposition and the wonderful cup of heaven in her hands might be the only thing that can get me out of bed this morning.
"Oh beautiful, amazing, fantastic, wonderful…" I try to butter her up, but she cuts me off.
"Yes Bella this coffee is for you, however I'll only let you have it if you get out of bed." She snatches my comforter off the bed and walks towards the living room, dragging it behind her.
"Ughhh… You're ruining my life." I yell, while a smile is still plastered on my face.
"I do try, dearest." She shouts back.
A glance at the clock tells me that it is 7:05, which means I have to be showered and ready to leave in 30 minutes, if I want to make it to school in a decent amount of time. I grab my clothes, race to the bathroom and open the shower door, turning the hot water all the way on. Soon the whole bathroom is full of steam and I step in tub. As the scorching water hits my skin, I can feel myself starting to relax and the worries of yesterday are slowly sliding off my back with the water.
Today is a new day.
Today is a new day.
Today is a new day.
How many times do you have to tell yourself that before you admit that you might have feelings for Edward?
Oh, my inner bitch is now turning against me.
She does have a point though.
I mean, sure I like Edward. From our conversation yesterday he seemed well read, incredible intelligent, confident and the sexiest man I've ever met. However, he's mostly likely dating Blonde Bitch, so why am I even having this conversation? I remember the way her hands wrapped around him, like a snake trying to trap its prey.
He probably thinks I'm crazy anyways, by the way I ran out of the bar like a whore in church. I need to be a big girl and apologize from running out on him. Even if he is dating the devil.
The shower head begins to sputter water, so I turn off the shower and dry myself off. I'm going to have to email Esme about the shower, because that might become a pain in my ass real soon.
Thankfully, I don't have to dress professional for day two of orientation. I pull on a pair of black skinning jeans, a blue tank top, and converse. My hair has already started to dry from the shower, so I place some moose in it to give my flat hair a little bit of a wave. The clock reads 7:35. Shit, I'm behind schedule.
Stuffing my orientation pack into my purse, I head towards the kitchen and find my mother with a bagel and cup of coffee in her hand.
"Have I told you today that you are my favorite mother?" I says with a bite of bagel already in my mouth
"Oh, you flatter me" she relies. "Don't forget your father will be here at 5:30 to take us to dinner and then my flight leaves at 9 tonight. Is there anything else I can get for you at the store? I'm going to finish unpacking and then make the house a little more homie."
The bagel suddenly becomes difficult to swallow. My mom is leaving tonight and then it's just going to be me in this empty house. My mom can clearly see the sad expression on my face and instantly wraps her arms around me.
"Oh, Bella. You're going to be fine. If you every need me, I'm only a phone call away. Plus we can skype every week. You're going to be so busy with school and new friends that you will hardly have time for me anyways." Her voice becomes thick with emotion and I can tell that the distance will be hard for her too.
"I highly doubt that." After last night I'll be lucky if creepy Mike Newton wants to hang out with me. God, it feels like high school all over again.
"Well if you don't get to orientation, I'll be getting another plane ticket for you. Hurry, I'll see you later."
As every my mother is right. I gulp down the coffee, grab my purse and head towards the door. "Later Roz darling." I say in my best British accent.
"Till this evening, Ava dearest." My mother replies.
*(TJIO)*
I reach the classroom a few minutes before eight, and notice that Alice is sitting down talking to a girl who I think is from our section.
"Hey, Alice."
Relief floods her face as I approach her.
"Oh my goodness, Bella. I was so worried that you didn't get home safely, and then when I went to call you I realized that I didn't have your number. I'm so glad you're ok." She pulls out her pink iPhone and hands it to me. "Number. Now." She demands.
I tap away on the phone placing my number into her contacts. "Yeah sorry about last night. I promise it won't happen again." The embarrassment is clear on my face as I hand her phone back to her.
"Let's be honest sweetie. We are in law school, of course that going to happen again." She is typing furiously. "There, you now have my number." I can feel my purse vibrate.
"Ekhm." Someone coughs, breaking us out of our bubble.
I turn to find a beautiful looking blonde staring at me. She is so gorgeous that she could probably put Blonde Bitch to shame. She is least 5 inches taller than me, long blonde hair that is curled to perfection and a rock-hard body that is curvaceous even in black jeans and a Killers t-shirt. Her bright red lipstick finishes the outfit perfectly.
"Sorry Rose. This is the girl Bella Swan I was telling you about. Bella this is Rosalie Hale, she's in our section." Alice says as she introduces me to hot rocker chick.
"It's nice to meet you Rosalie. I like your shirt by the way, Somebody Told Me might be my ultimate Jam." In Jr. High, Angela snuck me the Hot Fuzz Killers album and I must have listened to it a million times before my CD player wore out the disk.
"Come on! Mr. Brightside is their best song. Ever." Her smile tells me that we are going to become fast friends.
Just as I begin to ask her where she's from, Professor Banner walks into the room, with Edward and Jasper behind him.
As Edward enters the room his eyes instantly meet mine, but he quickly looks away. Something is different from yesterday. The smile that I became accustom too is replaced with a frown. And the bags under his eyes suggest that he got as much sleep as I did. Although he is still attractive in his dark green button up shirt, he seems almost dejected.
As Professor Banner calls the class to order, I tear my eyes from Edward so that I can give the professor my full attention. Well, part of my attention, because to be honest the other part is trying to figure what's wrong with Edward.
"Well I see that most of you returned to orientation. Apparently I didn't scare you guys enough." Professor Banner laughs. "Today is a team building exercise which shows law students how it will be working in a firm. Page eighteen in the orientation packet is your first case. There will be 6 groups for the defendant Mr. Johnson, and 6 groups for the plaintiff Mr. Jones. The case at hand is an assault charger in which Mr. Johnson attempted to punch Mr. Jones, but never made physical contact. You will be in groups of five and you will present your case in front of the entire class, as well as us three." He points to himself, Edward and Jasper. "Let the games being. If you have any questions, we are here to help."
As the students begin to establish groups, I allow myself one glimpse in Edwards's direction. However unlike yesterday, he's not staring at me. In fact he's looking at everything but me, and this makes me feel uneasy. I can't place my finger one it, but I feel disappointed by his change in stalkish behavior.
"Bella, come one I have a group together." Alice calls from the other side of the room.
My group, that is representing the plaintiff, is comprise of me, Alice, Rose, annoying Mike Newton, and a guy named Jacob Black that I'm introduced to.
*(TFJO)*
Twenty minutes into the exercise all of us, except Mike, have put together a rather strong case. Our main point is that assault requires that the plaintiff perceive the danger, and because Mr. Jones heard Mr. Johnson come up behind him, he was able to perceive the danger.
Jasper announces that we still have 20 minutes before presentations start and that we should pick a chairman to speak.
"I should probably speak as chairman. I am the most charismatic person in the group. Plus, I have great public speaking skills." Mike says as he attempts to look down my shirt for the third time. I shiver as he gawks at me.
"Buddy! Keep your eyes on her face, or I'll be taking them out of your skull." Rose snaps at Mike, and you can see him shrink into his seat. His balls shriveling up inside him as he cringes away from Rose. Yeah, I think even a big biker with tattoos would be scared of her.
I mouth a thank you to her, and she answers with a sweet smile. Rose goes back to glaring at Mike, and you can almost see him starting to sweat bullets.
"Why would we make you chairman, Mike? You didn't even participate in the discussion." Alice chimes in.
"Honestly, I think it should be Bella. She seems to understand the concept more than any of us." Jacob says as he grins at me, and places his arm over the top of my chair. My face once again becomes flushed and I willingly accept the nomination.
And then I feel a twinge in the pit of my stomach. I know that his eyes are on me.
When I meet his gaze, his eyes are full of fire. However, I notice that they are not fixed on me, but on Jacob.
"Snap out of it man." I hear Jasper tell Edward, as he waves a hand in front of Edward's face.
Edward's eyes travel to me. And for the first time today, our eyes stay lock on one another. It's not a quick glance but a staring contest. I am up for the challenge.
The butterflies start to race in my stomach and my heart beat increase to full force. I have missed this. I have missed the feelings he causes within me. Unlike Mike, I enjoys Edward's gazes, I crave them. Losing track of the time, I have no idea how long this continued for, however Alice soon elbows me in the rib and indicates that it's our turn to present.
God she is boney, her elbows are going to cause lung damage.
I stand up and walk to the front of the room where I present the case to our whole class.
"Hello my name is Isabella Swan, and my co-counsel and I represent the plaintiff Mr. Jones. We move for the court to grant summary judgment for assault on the grounds that the defendant attempted to hit the plaintiff and the plaintiff did perceive danger. "
"The plaintiff stated in his testimony that he heard Mr. Johnson come closer to him. Does that count as perception of danger?" Professor Banner asks. Wait, were they able to ask questions? I don't remember this being a part of the assignment.
"Yes, Mr. Jones knew that Mr. Johnson was behind him, although he didn't know that he was trying to hit him, the danger was still there." I confidently answer back.
"But his perception was wrong." Edwards's voice sends chills down my spine. "Many people have false perceptions of one another." For some reason, I don't think that we are talking about the case anymore.
My throat is becoming dry. "Yes, that is true."
"False perception is one of the worst sins that a person can commit. Wouldn't you agree Miss Swan?" From the tone in his voice, it would seem that I am the one on trial. And from the look in his eyes, it would seem that my verdict is guilty.
"Well that's enough for today. A five pages paper is due tomorrow on what you learned from this experience, or didn't learn from this experience." Professor Banner says as he glances at Mike. "See you all tomorrow afternoon at one."
As soon as Professor Banner is finished talking, Edward is up and out of the door. Without thinking, I grab my purse and follow after him, not entirely sure of what I'm going to say when I catch up with him. One of his strides, is like two of mine. He walks down the stairs, through a long hallway of rooms and out the back door. I am running and praying to God that I don't fall and split open my skull. It is only my second day here. I race out the door and without looking, run smack into a wall. And this wall smell like fresh laundry and mint.
"Now who's the stalker?" Edwards says and he pulls out a pack of cigarettes.
"You know those are bad for you, cause lung cancer, heart diseases, bad teeth." I dust off my soapbox and continue my lecture. "You should probably quite smoking those, there bad for your health."
"You should take you own advice. You know what is also bad for your health? Drinking massive amounts of alcohol. You should probably not drink so much next time, it's bad for your health." He responds with a smirk.
"Hardy har. I'm sorry about last night, by the way. I didn't mean to run out on you, I just didn't feel well and it got really crowded in the bar. Plus I had to get up early for this morning's orientation." I attempt to justify last night. Even I think that it's a lame excuse.
"It's fine. No big deal." He brushes off my apology and lights his cigarette.
I should just leave. I apologized, there is nothing more that I can do. I should leave.
But you won't. Well don't just stand there, say something you idiot. Inner bitch always resurfaces at the most inopportune times.
With Edward's lips wrapped around the cigarette, he takes deep drags before exhaling smoke. I have never found smoking attractive, it's a gross habit. So why do I want to rip off Edwards clothes right now? I need to snap out of this.
"Well I hope your girlfriend doesn't think I'm rude. It was nice of you to introduce me to her. I should get to know as many upper classman as I can." The hurt in my voice is evident. "Well, have a great day."
"Wait, Girlfriend?" he asks with a puzzled expression.
"Yes, girlfriend. Blonde… I mean Tanya." Holy shit I almost called her Blonde Bitch. "The girl you introduced me to last night."
He still looks baffled.
"Seriously, Edward? Your short term memory loss can't be that bad."
"No, I remember introducing you to Tanya, but I'm not dating her. I have never dated her. Our fathers when to law school together like 30 years ago. She's an old family friend."
"Oh." Is my only response.
"Bella, I don't have a girlfriend." His tone becomes more serious. "Is that why you left in a hurry last night?"
I suddenly become fascinated with my shoes. "Maybe."
He places his finger under my chin, bringing my head up so that our eyes meet. "I meant what I said yesterday, I would really like to get to know you. I'd like us to be more than friends." My heart skips a few beats.
"Why? No offense but you've know me for less than 24 hours."
An incredibly hot guy has just expressed interest in you and you are questioning him? Good God!
He places his hand on my cheek and sweeps away a strand of hair. "Honestly, you fascinate me?"
"Do I fascinate you in a 'Wow she is amazing' kinda way or is it more of a "She might be a good research project' kinda way?" There is a big difference between the two.
"How about a little bit of both?" He laughs. "Are you busy right now? There's this great coffee place down the street."
I glance at my watch and realized that it's already 2:30. I still have that five page paper to write for tomorrow and my dad is coming soon. "Actually, my dad is going to be in Seattle in a few hours and I have to write that paper."
"It's ok." He sound disappointed.
Well we can't have a disappointed Edward.
I reach up on my tippy toes and kiss his cheek. "How about a rain check? Tomorrow after orientation?" I leave before he has a chance to respond.
Right before I turn the corner, I glance back at Edward who has his hand pressed to the cheek that I kissed and a dazed expression on his face.
*(TJIO)*
As I reach my house, my purse begins to buzz frantically. I pull my phone out and see that I have 5 new message.
Bella, where the hell did you go? We need to talk about what happened in class? – Alice
Do you think that ignoring my text messages will make me go away? Come one you know better than that. – Alice
I think that I might have found my soulmate… WE NEED TO TALK. – Alice
Your one and only friend is going through a crisis and I need your help. – Alice
IF YOU DON'T MESSAGE ME BACK, I'M GONNA TRACK YOU PHONE AND HUNT YOU DOWN. – Alice
Not wanting to test Alice's self-control, I immediately text her back.
Call off your blood hounds! I'm alive – Bella
Where did you go? One second you were giving the speech and then the next second you were gone. Jacob kept asking question about you by the way. – Alice
Why would Jacob be asking questions about me? We barely even talked during the project.
I'll tell you everything tomorrow. I've got BIG new. I want to hear all about you soulmate. TTYL – Bella.
My mother is organizing (aka destroy) my kitchen when I enter the house. I tell her about my day, minus the part about the hot boy. I'm not really sure how she would take it. It's better to keep it to myself. For now. After our conversation I head to my room and start on the five page paper.
Today I learned….
*(TJIO)*
"So how has orientation been?" My dad asks from across the table at Zeek's Pizza.
"It's been fine." I respond.
"Just fine? Try to tone down your excitement there, Bells." He lets out a burly laugh and looks at my mother.
"That's the same response I got over the last two days. I don't know what to tell you?" My mother smiles as she begins to tell my father about the trip here.
My parents divorces when I was three years old. My father loved the small town life, and my mother wanted to spread her wings and fly. Of course, you can't keep a free bird caged forever, so my mom moved us down to Phoenix and my dad stayed in Forks. I knew that they still loved each other, deep down I knew they always would.
My dad looks the same as ever. Brown hair cut super short, brown eyes same as mine, and a moustache that would make any 70's police officer proud. He is the chief of police in Forks, Washington, which is a little ways from Seattle.
"Well, I'm really proud of you Bells. I brag about you to all my deputies. You'll have to come and visit me, most of the guys at work think that I've made you up."
"Of course I would love to visit you dad. Maybe labor day weekend would be good."
"That would be perfect, I'll tell the guys." I can hear the excitement in his voice. "I'll fix up your old room, maybe get a bigger bed for you."
"Yeah I don't know if I would fit in that tiny princess bed anymore, dad." He rolls eyes at me and for the rest of the night our conversation is light and happy. We talk about old time, like the one time when I was eight and my dad shaved off his moustache on accident. I was so horrified by it that I told him to glue it back on. My mom starts laughing so hard at the memory that she can't control her snorting.
It's like we are a family again, just for this night.
I've completely lost track of time, it's already 7:30 and we have to leave for the airport to drop mom off. Dad pays the bill and we all walk towards the car.
As well pull up to the airport terminal, mom hops out and grabs her luggage out of the trunk. I stay in the car. Maybe if I don't get out and say bye, she won't leave.
What are you four years old? Get your ass out of the car and say bye to your mom. You won't see her until Christmas.
I step out of the car and tears are already streaming down my face. I really don't want her to leave.
"Oh baby girl come here." My mom opens her arms up to me. "You going to do great. Charlie and I raised one hell of a girl. You're strong, smart and driven. I know that you can do this." She wipes away my tears and grabs her bags. "I'll call you tomorrow after I recovered from this crazy trip." She turns and walks toward the escalators.
"Love you, mom" I shout.
"Love you, Bella."
I stand in the same spot for a few moments.
"Come on Bells. I'll take you home." My dad leads me to the car and shuts the door after I've slipped in. The car ride to my home is silent.
Once I'm in my house and settled my dad asks if I need anything.
"Nope, I should be good."
"Ok well I have to head back. I have a shift tomorrow morning." He kisses my head and turns to leave. "I love you Bells. Call me if you need anything. Even if it's someone to talk to."
"Ok, Dad. I will."
And with that he is gone and I am all by myself. I lay on my bed and stare at the ceiling for what feels like forever. I can't go to sleep, I hate being in this house all alone.
Then I hear a faint noise coming from downstairs. It sounds like the guy below me is playing the piano. I lay still and listen for a few minutes before I can place the piece. He is playing Für Elise by Beethoven.
I slowly fall asleep to sound of an angel playing the piano.
*(TJIO)*
For the first time in weeks, I wake up with a burst of energy. Realizing that I don't have orientation until one, I put on some sweats and a t-shirt so that I can go for a run.
I start off slow, easing myself back into the processes of running. Soon, I have set a fast pace and I'm pumping my legs and arms to the song Titanium. Running for 3 more miles, I'm back in front of my house.
I jog up the stairs, into the house and make my way to the bathroom. Turning the water on, I strip off my clothes and grab the white t-shirt and boy shorts off my bed.
Right as I am about to hop, the shower head begins to sputter and then brown liquid starts to come out.
"Eww…. Gross." I start to gage as I turn off the water. I knew I should have emailed Esme yesterday.
I have a "kinda" date with Edward today and I cannot go looking and smelling like this. Maybe Esme's son downstairs can fix this. Hurriedly dressing in the white t-shirt and boy short, I sprint downstairs and ring the doorbell. After a few moments there's no answer.
I look at the driveway and his silver sports car is there, so I know he's home.
"Hello!" I begin banging on the door. "I live upstairs and I'm having a problem with the shower."
Suddenly, I hear a loud bang and then a rather loud "Fuck" come from inside the house.
"Hey! Are you ok in there?"
"Yeah, be there in a minute." A distant voice responds
A few more crashes and cuss words later, I decide to sit on the porch while I wait for crazy in there to come out.
Moments later I hear someone behind me.
"Bella?"
I turn around, and there in all his morning glory is my Adonis.
"Howdy, neighbor!"
Don't hate me…. Please.
Reviews are welcomed, nice reviews are appreciated.
I will try and post before Sunday night, but I am a future lawyer so I could be lying.
I've been thinking about doing a few chapters from Edwards's point of view. What do you think? Give me some feedback.
Sincerely
-AliceInMyWonderland