A/N: I'm sorry I haven't updated recently. School has been kicking my butt. Don't ever become a senior, Haha. Anyway, here's Chapter Seven. I'm coming up with possibly TWO more chapters this weekend so watch out for those…
PS: thanks for all the comments! I'm definitely going to keep writing
Chapter 7: Hunger
The lump welted in my throat hardened as the seconds ticked. I licked my lips; the saliva was dry and acidic. The light of the cafeteria and the unrelenting stares of Fork's entire student body beat down on me like a search light; waiting and watching my every move like a predator to their prey.
But when I looked up from my tray of half-cooked mozzarella sticks I felt a rush of euphoria. The smile, the eyes (which were a gentle honey color today), the broad yet boyish shoulders, and a pair of the most graceful hands I'd ever seen. Those hands were now folded neatly in assembly, and those eyes locked onto mine with a glint of deviance. It was now that the curious whispers of Fork's high schoolers (especially of Jessica Stanley's) were silenced.
"Are you certain you want to sit here, Bella?" Edward's voice bellowed out harmoniously from across the table.
"Of course I want to sit here. It's the perfect spot, and right next to the windows," I said, itching in my carefully selected, blue crew-neck sweater. I picked up my plastic fork and popped a cheesy mozzarella stick into my mouth.
"So why aren't you eating?" I asked, feeling awkward that I was the only one with a tray full of food.
"Forks doesn't exactly accommodate to my taste level," he said with boredom.
"Hm," I said. My mind was all out of sorts trying to figure out a tactful way to invite Edward to the masquerade. I had mulled it over all night and all morning. My only plan of action was to not sound like I was asking him out. I'd be horrified when he turned me down and left realizing I was nothing short of pathetic.
"What's on your mind, Bella?" he asked me as if he was reading a transcript of my mind's blunderings.
"Oh nothing, I just have a lot on my mind," I offered, trying to at least be marginally truthful.
"You aren't embarrassed to be sitting with me then?" he asked.
"Embarrassed?"
"Yes," he said matter-of-fact, "the entire school and all your friends are wondering what you're doing sitting with me."
I laughed uneasily.
"Well, Edward it's not everyday that I sit with you"
"Jessica Stanley is especially fumed that you didn't invite her."
I looked past his shoulders for Jessica, but she was nowhere in site of the cafeteria. I had tried to move swiftly in and out of classes to avoid prolonged conversations with Jessica so that I wouldn't have to tell her I was going to sit with Edward at lunch today. I guess my plan had backfired on me.
"But how could you-"
"Know what she's thinking?" he finished my sentence.
Something struck me then. I looked deeply at him, and beneath those gilded eyes were deep lavender marks. When his hands weren't folded, as they were now palms-down on the table, they trembled with fervor. For the first time, Edward looked like a hunger was taking control of him.
"Are you alright, Edward?" I asked him.
"Yes…" he said, "and no."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Bella, I won't be joining you in class today," he said calmly yet urgently, "I'm leaving right after lunch is over."
"Leaving?" I said, trying to mask the hurt in my voice, "Where are you going?"
"Hiking," he said, looking away from me.
"Hiking," I repeated stifling a giggle, "You don't strike me as the hiking-type, but that's two things I've learned about you."
He smiled at me then.
"Yes," he said, "I'm going with my family."
My ears perked up then at the mention of Edward's family.
"I suppose you've heard some things about the Cullens," he said with a smug smile on his face, "Great things."
"No, I know nothing," I said feigning nonchalance and turning back to my already over-dipped mozzarella stick.
"They all talk," he said with humor and stretched his arms behind his head, "about the Cullens and the skeletons in their closets."
"What?" I said, surprised at my alarm.
"I told you to stay away from me," he said a smile playing across his hard features.
"Must you always be so elusive, Edward?" I asked, "Can't you say anything in plain English without giving me a brain teaser of an answer?"
"Think of it as the thrill of the hunt," he replied back.
Just then Edward's shoulders stiffened as a harsh glare slowly eclipsed his face. He turned his head slightly to the side. I expected a terrifying entity beyond human capacity if Edward Cullen looked worried, but standing in his view was Jacob Black and his entourage. His Male cohorts took place at Jacob's left and right sides, while a gaggle of fanatic girls lagged behind, quivering with the high of being near the "hottest" basketball player in Forks.
It appeared that Jacob was about to approach our table when Jessica along with an apprehensive Angela cut the path between us.
"Hey, Bella," Jessica said smiling through gritted teeth.
"Hey, Jess," I stammered, "Hi, Angela."
Angela nodded apologetically.
"Sorry, Bells I didn't want to interrupt your uh date," she turned to address Edward, "but we were just wondering if we could talk a sec, kay?"
"Oh, alright," I replied back and stood up from my seat. A smile etched across Edward's countenance.
"Don't be long," he called to me, my knees like gravy.
When we were out of sight of the table where Edward sat still as a statue, Jessica grabbed my arm and pulled me down the hall. We stopped suddenly at her locker where she let go of me. I was preparing for the lashing.
"What do you think you're doing!?" she hollered. A teacher stared at us from afar and Jessica smiled sweetly to confirm she would speak with less volume.
"Bella, tell me you weren't just having lunch with Edward Cullen," Jessica's eyes bore deeply into mine as if she were trying to get me to admit to having committed a capital offence.
"Edward and I were just-"
"Shh!" Jessica clamped her hand across my mouth, "he might hear you."
"Who?" I asked through her sweaty hand, expecting someone eavesdropping around the corner.
"Jacob Black," Jessica hissed at me with a ferocity that made me step back.
"Jess, this isn't necessary," Angela spoke and gently removed Jessica's hand from my mouth, "Sorry, Bella. Jessica's been acting really crazy today."
"Crazy's an understatement," I said.
"Look," Jessica said with defense, "I just don't want her ruining our plans."
"Our plans?" Angela said, "you mean your plans."
"Can someone please explain?" I pushed between them.
"Jacob Black has to come to the masquerade," Jessica erupted suddenly at the verge of tears, "and if Edward Cullen's invited he's never going to go!"
I stood there staring back at the two of them.
"What she means is," Angela cut in, "is that Jacob Black and Edward Cullen aren't exactly known for being the best of friends. They kind of…hate each other."
"Hate each other? What for? How did you know I was going to invite Edward anyway?"
"Oh, please," Jessica suddenly shifted into angry bull mode, "just the look in your eyes when you say his name gives it all away!"
The redness in my face came.
"No," I said grabbing hold of a loose strand of hair, "he's just a friend, that's all. Why can't I invite a friend?"
"Look, you can invite Edward friggin Cullen and his creepy family over any other time you want, but NOT TO THIS PARTY!" Jessica finally exploded.
"If Jacob decides not to come because of Edward Cullen I am NEVER going to forgive you," she finally said with the utmost seriousness. With that she left, dragging Angela behind her once again.
I walked into the lunchroom slightly shaken from my recent brush with a volatile Jessica. When I was back at the table, Edward had already stood up and took out a chair for me.
"Thank you," I said without looking up. I was stuck at a crossroads. Did I dare defy Jessica's clear-cut demands? Was she that in love with Jacob Black that I had to sacrifice another chance to spend time with Edward?
"Is she that horrifying?" he inquired almost inaudibly.
I finally looked up at him.
"You look more shaken from talking with Jessica Stanley than you did when you were nearly crushed by a van," he said that same smile illuminating his sullen face.
"Let's not talk about her for awhile," I replied back and he nodded.
"Do you really have to leave?" I asked and he lifted his already perfect posture at this question. In truth, I was surprised I let my thoughts escape me. Edward also had that power over me.
"You don't want me to go," he said more as a statement than a question, "why is that?"
"I-I don't know," I looked down at my bitten nails. I knew I was blushing fire-engine red by now, "I just feel like I can talk to you. I feel better when I'm around you."
His face did not hint at any emotion and I almost wanted to take back my words.
"Bella," he said and reached his hand across the table to lift my face up, "I've warned you… If we're going to do this…"
"You mean, our being friends?"
"Yes," he said, "I'm-"
"Dangerous," I said finishing his sentence, "Dark, menacing, a monster. Yeah, I know."
My favorite grin, the one that showed those pearly whites, gleamed again for me.
My heart was racing.
"I know you've got your secret and all. I know it's bad, but it can't be much worse than mine," I said.
"Who's to decide that?"
"We can play all these games and I may never find out, but" I hesitated, "I don't even care."
"You might lose Jessica Stanley if you get involved with the creepy Edward Cullen," he smiled wryly. I didn't know how he knew this, but I decided then to let his mystifying ways be as they were. No questions asked.
I only nodded.
"Bella," he said, "you're… something else. Not human"
"You might just be right about that," I replied and he looked into my eyes and I could tell he was still searching and digging deep.
Edward didn't come to school the next day or the next. I didn't want to feel as down about it as I was. I was well aware he had his secret to maintain. So while he was taking a personal secret-maintenance holiday I left a note by his easel, the blank canvas, and hoped he would get it.
Edward,
I don't care what they say. You're invited to the masquerade.
Bella.
A/N: I'm sure you all have watched the new trailer. Can you believe it's only a month away until the movie is released? (If you live in the US) Twilight has officially exploded in my school. Every girl is reading them or wanting to read them. It's pretty crazy!
