Chapter 9
Settled in Edward's Volvo, the restaurant is becoming smaller and smaller with each passing moment. Edward was focused on the road ahead. Feeling warmed up enough, Edward and I happen to reach to switch the heat off at the same time. Our fingers meet, mine landing on top of his chilled index finger. Snatching his finger back, Edward stole a glance in my direction.
"No big deal, so you're unnaturally cold."
"You shouldn't be so calm about this Bella. I could quite easily kill you." Edward warned.
"Well you haven't yet. And if it were me, I wouldn't let a good meal go to waste. You would have done something by now. I can take care of myself."
"Just like with those four vampires in the parking lot?"
"Alright, usually I can take care of myself. Now instead of mace, I'll just have to carry garlic spray!" I laughed and for once Edward did too.
In the distance there were flashing police lights as well as an ambulance. Tapping Edward's shoulder I motion for him to turn into the police station.
"What's my dad doing here?" Edward mumbled in a barely audible tone. Once the car was parked, neither of us wasted time climbing out and approaching the commotion. Carlisle just came out of the station with an EMT, wheeling a covered figure on a stretcher.
"What happened? Another animal attack?" I risked a look at Edward. Carlisle didn't know that the cat was out of the bag about the whole non-animal attack thing.
"Yes, it was your father's friend, Waylon. You should go in and check on him Bella." Carlisle smiled weekly at me, aptly giving me a dismissal. Turning my head to Edward, his face is inscrutable.
"Um, alright. And thanks you Edward." I left quickly not allowing him to respond. Inside the station, my dad was hunched over at his desk. It was as if the weight of the world had just crash landed upon his shoulders. Deeply inhaling, I wrap my arm around Charlie's shoulders.
"He's dead Bella. Animal attack, doesn't make sense. Waylon's been hunting and fishing right from diapers seems like."
"I know Dad. A lot of things don't make sense anymore. I'm sorry." I felt awkward being so 'feely.' Charlie tightened his grip around me very briefly then separated. We are two peas in a pod when it comes to emotional stuff.
"Come on kiddo, nothing else we can do right now. Let's get you home."
Agreeing, I helped Charlie pack up and close the station for the night. His cruiser revved to life and we started home. Charlie went to his room almost immediately upon arrival. He was depressed, understandably so. I followed suit.
So there were more vampires in Forks than just the Cullens. How could that be without anyone taking notice? Forks is small enough of a town that there would be rumors running amok easily. And since I have been here I haven't heard as much as bat being in town.
"I'm gonna go upstairs and get some rest. You should do the same, it's been a long day." I rubbed his back sympathetically.
"Remind me, who's the parent in this house again?" Charlie joked.
"It depends on the days, right now I am." I laughed back. Running up the steps and crash landing on my bed, I folded my arms behind my head ready to will tomorrow to come along faster.
Recently it seemed that I time didn't revolve around any standard clock. Time was measured around Edward. Two hours from when I last saw him, so I have eight hours until next time. This is crazy, dangerous and obsessive. But I just can't take my mind off him. I feel so out of place everywhere I've been, yet with Edward, it just seems like the missing piece to my life's puzzle.
I have to be out of my mind. Associating with a vampire. As right as it feels, I know its wrong and unnatural. I don't know what to do. Should I just move on and forget Edward Cullen ever existed? Or should I get swept away in this once-upon-a-time, fantasy world?
Finally shutting down for the night, I shoo all my conflicting thoughts away.
The following morning, Charlie had left earlier than usual. He was always the type to work away his depression rather than sit and have a pity party. Can't say that I inherited that quality from him, I tend to wallow from time to time.
Grabbing my stuff I jump in my red dinosaur and putter off to class. Once settled in history class I took notice of Jasper Cullen for the first time really. He was obviously agitated buy whatever he was reading in the class textbook. Maybe he was around during that time. It would be so amazing to live forever and see how everything changes and whatnot.
Jasper's head flicked up and we made eye contact. Busted! I could feel my face madly blushing and I shot my face back to the teacher lecturing. Edward's family may not be as inviting as he has been. I have to keep that in mind.
The bell rung, and I anxiously left for lunch. Entering the cafeteria I grab my things and sit next to Jessica and Angela.
"So you have to tell me what happened with you and Edward last night. I can't believe that he went on a date with you!" Jessica spoke with the speed and agility of an auctioneer. I stare at her incredulously for a moment. She does know that she just insulted me right?
"Well it was hardly a date Jessica. We just happened to run into each other and just happened to eat at the same time and place. Okay, I guess it was an impromptu date. But hey, he can't not like anyone at this school can he?" I smile smugly just to rub it in. Jessica rolled her eyes and I noticed Angela smirking.
"So Angela, you find the dress you wanted?"
"Yeah, it's so amazing Bella! I wish you could come!"
"Maybe next time." I shrugged. Probably would go next year either.
"Oh my gosh Bella! I think Edward wants you to come over." Jessica spoke with just as much shock coloring her voice as when she first saw Edward and I together the night before.
Looking over at the Cullens table I pointed to myself questioningly. Edward wore a smirk and offered a short nod in agreement. Standing, I pick up my tray, but then decide to leave it. I don't think I'll be able to eat anything in front of them.
"Hello, did you want something?" I ask cooly as if I could care less about being over here. I'm fairly sure we all knew otherwise.
"Sit down Bella, please. My family, specifically Alice, was just dying to meet you." Edward's eyes gave no indication of whether or not he was aware of his pun.
I take a seat and am no doubt at a loss of what to say.
"It's okay Bella, we don't bite." Alice smiled warmingly.
"People we like anyways." The bigger male heartily chuckled. Edward sent a warning glance of sorts over to him.
"Sorry about that Bella. My brother's a bit of a...child at times."
"Hey! I resent that!"
"As I was saying, this is Alice and Jasper, and Emmett and Rosalie." I scanned down the row of what I guess were my new friends. Though once I reached the blonde, Rosalie, she had her nose up in the air in blatant disapproval.
"Our parents, Carlisle and Esme, are at home. You can meet them later. After we go shopping that is!" Alice squealed the last part of her intentions.
"I know you don't like shopping, I can see you're going to hate it! But I can change that Bella, it'll be great!!" You could see plans being laid behind her eyes.
"Is there any point in fighting this Edward?" I sighed deeply.
"It'll be more painless to just go along with her."
The bell rung and I said my goodbyes quickly. Jessica and the others were waving trying to get my attention. I simply waved and kept moving. I was just about to shut my car door when a pale hand obstructed it's path.
"Edward?" I looked at him, surprised.
"Sorry if I...startled you. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You know, with all of this. Meeting my family and all."
"It's no big deal. I mean, girls all over the word randomly meet and befriend vampires and then said vampire introduces the girl to their vampire family. What's not to be okay with?" I laugh lightheartedly.
"Plenty. Come on, we'll take my car. I'm afraid yours won't quite make it." Edward side stepped to make room for me to follow him.
"Actually, I can make it anywhere, my truck can handle a lot more than you think."
"Really? Maybe we'll have to test that theory out one of these days." Edward smirked. Catching his meaning, I blushed and quickly hopped down from the driver's seat.
((AN: So, just a warning, my updates aren't going to be coming out as quick as I would like. I'm moving and have lots to do including finals and such but....I can promise that when I do update, the chapters will be really good.
Oh and I particularly liked Edward's last line. And remember, this story is defying everything pretty much. Turning twilight on it's head and shaking it around a little bit. lol))
