Chapter Seven
Wednesday brought more creative writing, and I did manage to make a dent in my story, but it also brought more work, and work meant Connie.
"Did you talk to them like I told you to?" she asked, running up to me as soon as I entered the employee lounge.
"I talked to them, but I didn't ask them if they were part of the undead population of America!"
"Well, you should. I fear for your safety, even if we aren't what you would call 'friends'."
"Thanks. But you know, vampires aren't real. They're fictional beings created by an old man or woman many centuries ago to scare the hell out of their grandkids."
I knew vampires were real, but I had no idea if Connie actually knew they were, or if she was just a hopeful vampire-freak. I didn't feel like opening that can of worms.
"Ask them. I think you'll be surprised." She left the lounge so I could put my stuff away, and I followed her quickly after.
I was first to show up to class on Thursday, and I went straight to my normal seat. Alice and Jasper walked in just after I'd taken my stuff out of my bag, and they both had a curious look on their face.
They were talking in hushed tones as they neared their own desks.
"…I don't know when she's going to ask, I just know that she is going to ask," Alice said, not looking me in the eye.
"Let's just hope she doesn't ask today. Hey Emma," Jasper said, finally looking at me.
"Hey guys, what's up?" I was naturally nosey, so I was curious what they had been talking about.
Jasper opened his mouth to answer, but Alice beat him to it. "Is there anything you want to ask us? Anything you're curious about?"
I was still undecided about whether or not I wanted to ask them the vampire question, but I knew now was not the time.
"Not really." It wasn't a complete lie. "Well, I was wondering what the two of you were."
"Oh?" There was an excitement in Alice's voice. "How do you mean?"
I bit my lip then continued. "I mean, are you two dating? I've never really asked you about that."
"Oh." This time, there was an air of disappointment in her voice. "Yes. We are. We've been together for several years now." She took Jasper's hand in hers. "Is that all you wanted to know?"
"Yeah; It's good to know for sure."
We discussed our outlining format that day, and Jasper and I realized we were way behind schedule on our own outline. Making plans to meet again on Saturday, I headed to work once more. Connie had the day off, so I was lucky enough to avoid her today. I really wasn't in the mood to deal with her.
I woke up on Thursday with a headache the size of Texas, and decided to just stay home and take a couple aspirin. I pulled Alice's phone number from my bag and grabbed my own cell phone. Dialing the number, I waited for an answer.
"Hello Emma," she sang, her voicing rising slightly in a harmonious crescendo. "What can I do for you today?"
"Hey Alice. How'd you know it was me?" I asked.
"An unknown number called me minutes before my class begins, so I assumed it was you." Logical enough, I thought.
"Let Jasper know I won't be in class today, but that I still plan on meeting him at the library Saturday. I have a horrible headache, and I just want to play hooky today."
"I will relay the message. Feel better, Emma! And I'll take notes for you, too, and get any papers Verage passes out."
"Thank you, Alice. Bye."
"Tootles!" The line went dead, so I closed my phone and tossed it carelessly on the bed next to me.
I was seconds from sleep when my phone's 'new text message' alert rang, and I jumped so far off the bed at the sound, I nearly landed on the floor. The message was from Alice.
Sorry if this startles you. Here's Jasper's number, so you can call him yourself next time.
The number immediately followed, and I quickly saved it to my phone's address book.
I was excited for Friday night, because it was the first Friday night I had off in three weeks, and I planned on doing anything other than schoolwork that evening.
Dress in a pair of dark-wash jeans and a black top, I hopped in my car and drove towards Dartmouth. There was nothing to do in the town I lived in, so I figured there had to be something to do there.
My phone rang over top the music I was listening to, and, turning the radio off, I answered. It was Alice.
"Want to do something tonight? Rosalie, Bella, and I are going to this club that just opened. It's close to the school; we can meet you there if you want to come!"
"Sure. I was actually headed that way to find something to do tonight. Are the guys coming?"
"They're meeting us there in a couple of hours, but it's just us girls for now."
"Alright. I'll meet you guys there. Where is this place?"
"Two blocks before you get to the school, right on the main drag there. Look for my car; it's bright red. You can't miss it."
