Chapter Seven: Port Angeles Shopping District
I drove the Banana Mobile back to the Apartment, watching the port vanish behind me. What was it about Cullen? He was so much fun to play with, and he meant well, but his proclamation of wanting to protect me seemed sincere, and kind. Why did I get so angry.
When I stood to leave, he too, stood from his chair, thanked me and told me he'd see me next week. He sounded almost pleading as he said it, but I ignored him and merely nodded.
The drive back was unbearable, too quiet. I tried to listen to one of Alice's CDs and found myself positively repelled by her horrible taste in music. It was one thing to be a fashionista, but Alice's taste in entertainment was wretched.
I turned my thoughts to the shopping trip she had planned. I didn't much care for shopping. Renée rarely let me buy new clothes, and even then I go a pair of jeans and a few tee-shirts. Every now and again Charlie would slip me a little money and tell me to hold on to it for later. I usually did.
I imagined the things Alice would pick out, halter tops, low rise jeans, push up bras. I shivered and saw Edward Cullen trying to cover me up with his coat if I showed up in something Alice would deem appropriate for "the only girl bartender."
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Shopping with Alice was a terrifying adventure. She took to stores I would shy away from naturally. I had to give her credit though. She let me evade hooker clothing. I purchased several pairs of jeans and about twenty rocker tees, Five shirts for $15 was the kind of deal I was into.
The only thing she wouldn't let me get away from were a pair of designer boots with 2 inch heels. "Bella you have to buy them! They'll make you look taller, and heels will do wonders for your ass!"
"Who is going to be looking at my ass Alice? Jasper? Don't think so, I'm behind the bar." I argued.
Her face turned pink at the mention of Jasper's name but she continued pushing. "Come on Bella! I promise if you hate them... I'll buy them from you."
"Your feet are two sizes smaller than mine. They'll never fit you!"
"I can buy toe blocks. Geeze Bella, please just get them, I promise you, you won't be sorry when some cute guy gets an eye full of your hot ass!" She smacked her own for emphasis.
"Fine Alice... but," I had an evil thought in mind that might dissuade her. "YOU have to pay half the price."
To my dismay Alice found my idea to be perfect, she bought the toe blocks and promised to be borrowing the boots when I wasn't working.
After four hours of being dragged through the entire Port Angeles shopping center, we decided to have dinner at some Italian place.
"It's the best food in town, Bella, you'll love it." My tiny friend promised, completely unaware of my hatred for italian food.
When I was eleven Renée forced me to make 2 fifty pound lasagnas. We were eating it for three months straight. And while she enjoyed it, I was completely burned out after a week. When we finally threw out the final three frozen pieces, I was completely unable to handle the smell of marinara sauce for years. I tolerate it now, eating it is something else entirely.
"Do they have an alfredo ravioli?" I asked her.
"Are you nuts? Bella, they have Italian food, just pick something off the menu!" Alice laughed at my face.
"I don't like Marinara sauce Alice." I sighed. "Don't you remember me telling you about the 50 pound lasagnas?"
"Ew, sorry I forgot about that. I'm sure they'll work with you. It's the only place that is decent, and yet affordable in Port Angeles. And It's my favorite lunch spot. Come on Bella, don't let me down now."
"If I have neither died, nor run away as fast as my legs will carry yet, I think it's probably safe to assume that I won't now." I muttered, following her into the restaurant.
Once we were seated and began perusing the menus I caught Alice's electric blue eyes peeking me curiously. Wanting to avoid questions about my silence regarding the interview at the bar I pretended I did see.
"Hello ladies, my name is Sarah, I'll be your server today. Is there anything I can get you to drink?" I looked up to see our waitress, her hair was as dark as Alice's, as long as mine, and tied tightly back into a tight tail. Her top was cut so low, I could clearly see the line of her pink spotted brasier.
"Hi Sarah, nice to see you, I'm Alice and this is Bella, and we're very interested as to where you purchased that polka dot bra you've got on. I've been looking for one just like it." I couldn't tell from Alice's smile if she was being sincere or if she was simply trying to get the waitress' boobs out of my face.
"I'm sorry Sarah, my friend is a little over enthusiastic. I'll have an Iced Tea, she'll have a Dr Pepper." I consoled the red faced server while glaring at the pixie across from me.
"Um, sure. Just let me know when you're ready to order." The girl made her way toward the kitchen slowly.
"Dude, what the fuck?" I said, my tone steely.
"What you wanted her cleavage in your lunch?" she asked, arching an eyebrow. I laughed and somehow couldn't stay mad, especially when Sarah returned, a hoodie zipped up over her low cut top."
My mushroom ravioli was delicious, but only because I asked for the sauce on the side, causing another eruption of why-fore's from Alice. It wasn't Sarah who came to ask us how we were doing. A very good looking, dark, buff kid came up with a brilliant smile.
"Alice? Alice... BELLA?" The kid's dark brown eyes went back and forth between us, clearly acknowledging recognition.
"Jacob Black, as I live and breathe." Alice smirked slightly looking at him. This was little Jacob Black? He was a year behind us in High School. When Charlie transferred to Quilcene per Renée's request, he and Alice were the first to hear about it.
I was stunned silent. Jacob was from the Quileute Reservation in La Push. He was a promising student, the Quileute Counsil hoped he would have a better chance at getting a scholarship to college by attending Forks High. But when I knew him, he was smaller, scrawnier.
"Jake?" I whispered, allowing my mouth to hang open.
"BELLA!" He smiled his beautiful smile and pulled me from my seat, sweeping me into a bone crushing hug. "I've missed you so much!"
"Jacob... can't.... breathe!" I gasped wriggling in his muscular arms.
"Oops sorry Bells." He grinned apologetically.
"Jacob? What happened to UW?" I asked.
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