Ch. 8 A Lost Battle

The past two months went by in a flash. Alice and Mike became quick friends because of they're science project and mutual love for fashion. Alice began having lunch with Mike, so occasionally Jasper and I would join them. Every time we would hang out, Alice would conveniently remember something she forgot to do and leave.

It's not that I don't like to be alone with Mike, it's more that I don't know how to act around him. I become short of breath and tense up. Then of course Mike makes a sarcastic remark to break the ice and I reciprocate, which usually results in him blushing and awkwardly running his fingers through his hair. That's usually when Alice comes back to rescue us from the awkwardness.

This morning, Alice enthusiastically danced her way into the kitchen. She was in a suspiciously good mood, even for her. Commenting on what a beautiful day it was and giving each of the men at the table a kiss on the cheek.

''What are you up to Alice?'' I say with suspicion.

''What? Can't a girl be in a good mood?'' She says sheepishly

''A good mood yes. You are smugly walking on air this morning.''

''Edward! I am hurt by your accusations.'' She snaps back insulted.

Alice remained silent for the duration of the breakfast. Maybe I was being paranoid. All it takes is a new pair of heels or a coach purse to make her sublimely happy. I'll let her pick the music on the way to school, as a peace offering. Just as I decide this our mother walks into the kitchen.

''Hey Edward on your way back from school, could you pick up your blazer jackets from the dry cleaners?'' Esme casually requests with a gentle smirk.

''Sure, but why did you have them cleaned?'' I ask hesitantly.

''For homecoming. You kids are all going.''

Bingo!

''Ya, I'm not going to that.'' I say coolly.

''Yes you are. With the exception of Alice, you kids haven't made any effort to make friends. So my dear, you are going to this dance.'' My mother smiles, daring me to protest with her eyes.

''I'll make sure to invite Mike. Maybe he could stay the night.''

'' No Alice, I don't think thats a-'' I counter.

''Yes Alice that sounds like a great Idea. We could get a driver for you kids as well.'' Esme interrupted, flashing me another soul piercing smile.

It's amazing how my mother can seem so sweet, yet so terrifying at the same time. It appears they had already planned this out. There is no point in fighting a lost battle. At least I can still choose the music on the way to school.

The friday of the dance Alice skipped school to have a spa day with Esme. She had told me to let Mike know when we would be picking him up from his house. Mike was at his locker when I walked into the main hall. It is never hard for me to spot him out all the other students, the way he dresses put aside, Mike has that magic ''IT'' thing that makes you watch him and wonder what his next flamboyant move might be.

''Hey Mike.'' I say staring into his blue eyes.

''Oh. Hey Edward. how are you?'' He says with a smile.

''I am good thanks. So I just wanted to let you know that I'll- I mean we'll be picking you up around six thirty tonight.

''Picking me?'' he said, looking confused.

''For homecoming. Alice told me we'd be picking you up, so your mom wouldn't have to drop you off at our place.'' I reply.

'' Oh right, of course. It slipped my mind. '' Just as Mike said this his eyes lit up and his cheeks began to turn rosy. after a silence that seemed to last an eternity, he bolted his head up and said…

''Hey! Jessica's parents are letting her use the guest house for an after party. Might be crowded but she said her brother might score us some beer. It might be fun.''

''Ya that could be cool. My mother is getting us a car, so we wouldn't have to drive. Oh and did Alice tell you that you could sleep over?'' I replying trying to seem nonchalant about the gesture.

''No but that would be perfect. So until then I guess.'' He says with one last blush filled glance.

''Yes, until then..'' I say taking one more, adrenalin filled, look into his eyes.