A/N: It's amazing what bribery will get you. In exchange for an update on another story, I pulled this one out of hiatus. Well, at least 'til class starts up in a week. I'll see what I can do about another chapter either here or on one of the others. Oh, and I went and tweaked the prior chapters. While reading back through WLAF I decided I wanted less Edward involvement and more Victoria. I'm still deciding on how to swing her coming into the story prior to the baseball scene, without her and Bella actually getting to know each other like Esme and her will. If y'all have suggestions, I'm open to them. Thus far I'm leaning toward them running into each other while Bella's in cat form or alone. Anyhoo, happy new years everyone.
Ch. 10
Closing the door to Ol' Red, Bella sighed as brown eyes scouted the school's parking lot. Charlie had made Bella stay home another two days and only allowed her to leave as long as she promised to call if she needed anything. Without hesitation, Bella had promised. She felt fine, or fine enough, considering her dazed state of mind since Esme's departing kiss.
Raising a hand, Bella unconsciously touched her cheek once more, still certain that she could feel those cold, firm lips against her flesh. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Bella made her way to school, unable to disperse the faint blush adorning her cheeks.
To Bella's dismay, her earlier fears became reality as she found herself to be the center of attention for the entire day. Between the numerous amounts of concerns of her peers and teachers and Tyler's continuous, profound apologies, Bella was ready to call it quits and head home. The only thing stopping her was the knowledge that Charlie would turn into an even bigger protective hen. That was the last thing the brunette needed. Or so she thought until she heard her name called while in the hall.
"Hey Bella!"
Turning around, chocolate hues blinked once and then twice as Mike came trotting up to her, clearly out of breath.
"Yes?"
Standing up straight, Mike cleared his throat before rubbing at the back of his head, "Uh, hi. How are you're you? How're you feeling?" Mike blushed.
Tilting her head in confusion as to why her classmate had asked the same thing for the third time that day, Bella eventually shrugged. "Fine. Why?" Replying was easier at this point than trying to wrap her brain around Mike's thought process.
"Oh, just wanted to check," Mike mumbled before glancing around. As baby blue eyes landed on the backpack missing from Bella's shoulder, the boy suddenly brightened. "Heading to lunch?"
"Yeah…?" Bella replied once again, her brow quirking in question.
"Great! I'll walk you!" Mike beamed.
Shrugging her shoulders, Bella pivoted about and continued her way to the cafeteria, oblivious to Eric and Tyler coming crashing around the corner a moment later.
The walk was silent. On any other day, Bella might have questioned why the blonde boy was unusually quiet. With her thoughts distracted by two women, Bella just pushed the reasoning to the back of her mind. It was not until they came up to the double doors that Bella finally paid attention to Mike as he slowed his pace until coming to a complete stop. Turning about to ask if the lad was okay, Bella's brow bunched in concern as she was forced to address her classmate's bizarre behavior.
"So, Jessica asked me to the spring dance," Mike mumbled after a moment while stuffing his hands into his pockets.
Blinking her eyes in surprise, Bella's mind scrambled to connect the pieces. Why did that information concern her, and more so why did Mike look so guilty, sad, and hopeful at the same time? Finally the statement made sense as Bella remembered overhearing Angela and Jessica talking the week prior about the upcoming dance. Bella had forgotten that there was a girls' choice spring dance taking place in another week or two.
"And?" Bella supplied when Mike fell quiet.
"Well," Mike floundered before answering honestly, "I told her I had to think about it."
"What is there to consider?" Bella tilted her head. "I thought you liked her." She tried hard not to let disapproval lace her tone, but Bella really did not want the boy thinking he had a chance with her. She had thought she was obvious about her stance since the first day. Besides, keeping one person waiting for an answer while seeking out another was rather inconsiderate.
"I do," Mike admitted. "But, I was wondering if...well, if you might be planning to ask me." At this point, Mike's face was bright red as he stared at his shoes.
Biting back a sigh, Bella resisted the urge to verbally lay the man out flat for his skills in being oblivious. She already had to put up the act of being clumsy for the remainder of her school term, she really did not want to fake anything else. Before she opened her mouth, however, Bella caught sight of Mike's drooping shoulders the longer she remained quiet. Guilt kicking in, the sigh finally escaped only to be covered with a smile.
"I think you should accept Jessica's offer, especially since you like her and she clearly likes you," Bella suggested. "Besides, you'll have a lot more fun with her than me."
"But-"
"Look, I'm not one for dances," Bella pressed when Mike began to argue. Besides boys chasing after her, the last thing she wanted to do was show the entire class how graceful she actually was. "Anyways, I already have plans that Saturday."
"Are you sure?" Mike pressed, brows bunching as he examined the shorter girl's face.
"I'm sure," Bella confirmed before opening the door in hopes of changing the topic. "Come on, I'm hungry. Let's eat."
"Yeah, okay," Mike dejectedly mumbled.
By the time Bella made it to her truck at the end of the day, she had turned down Mike, Eric and Tyler. When asked by her female companions, Bella's impromptu lie turned into detailed plans of going to Seattle to pick up supplies for a project. At first Jessica, Angela, and even Lauren, had complained, but quickly let the matter slide when they realized they could ask the respective men out without worry of competition.
Happy to have her plans work out smoothly for once, Bella started up Ol' Red and headed to the store. She was in the mood to celebrate with Mexican cuisine and, considering they were in Washington, Bella opted to make the food herself.
"Let's see...I have onions and bell peppers at home, but I need stuff for the salsa," Bella muttered to herself as she wandered down the aisle fifteen minutes later looking for chilies and tomatoes.
By the time she had pulled into the store's parking lot, Bella changed her mind from wanting tacos to enchiladas, quesadillas, and empanadas. Grabbing the basket, her pallet directed her down the outer walls of the store so she could collect the fresher ingredients as she decided upon chicken enchiladas. They would take a long time to make, but they were definitely worth the effort. Besides, she knew that they were Charlie's favorite.
Bagging the last of the vegetables, Bella stacks them neatly within her basket.
"Edible art," a soft, melodic voice remarked over her shoulder.
Jumping in surprise, Bella calmed her frantic heart. For having supernatural hearing, my attention sure does suck, Bella grumbled at being around to scold the person for invading her personal space, Bella felt a smile escape before she could stop herself. "Esme!"
"Erm, hi," Bella amended in a calmer tone, alarmed at the level of excitement she felt upon seeing the woman. The brilliant smile that graced a set of plump lips made her slip worth it though.
"Hello, dear," Esme greeted, delighted to see that she had not scared Bella off after her abrupt departure the other day. "How are you feeling?"
"Me? Oh, fine. Fit as rain," Bella replied, flexing one arm.
"That's good to hear."
"Yeah," Bella mumbled, inwardly cursing herself her turning into a bumbling buffoon around the woman.
As a silence settled between the two, Bella shifted awkwardly.
"So-"
"What-"
Both women began at the same time only to end up laughing. With the tension broken, Bella smiled and gestured for Esme to continue.
"I was going to ask what you were planning on making," Esme inquired as she gestured at the minimal, yet selective ingredients resting in the basket on Bella's arm.
"Oh! Um, chicken enchiladas," Bella smiled. "They're Charlie's favorite."
"That's very sweet of you to go out of your way like that."
"Well," Bella chuckled guiltily as she rubbed the back of her head. "Can you keep a secret?"
Quirking an eyebrow, the woman nodded.
"I'm hoping to use it as leverage."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I want to go down to Seattle and I'm hoping that the dish will butter him up," Bella admitted. She wasn't sure why she felt compelled to reveal such tidbits to Esme. She knew it was more than just the kind face that made the confessions tumble so freely. Without admitting it, even to herself, Bella simply wanted to keep Esme from running off again so soon. Frowning at the inner admission, the girl pushed such thoughts aside to ponder upon later.
"I'm sure that would do the trick then," Esme whispered conspiringly before winking, which simply caused Bella to blush profusely. Delighted with the reaction, Esme kept her smug smile in check as she inquired her next question. "When are you planning on going?"
"Um. Not this Saturday, but the following," Bella supplied after a moment of recalling the date of the dance.
"Are you not going to attend the dance?"
The concern in Esme's voice caused Bella to tap the tip of her toes against the cold tile. "Nah, I'm not one for school dances."
"And why not?" Esme pushed.
Rather than stating that she did not care to dance, like she had for everyone else, Bella bit her tongue as she was about to admit that there were no beautiful, caramel-haired ladies to ask. Clearing her throat, Bella decided to stick to her original excuse. "I was going to pick up supplies for my next project."
"Are you unable to gather them here in town?"
"I was also going to do some shopping. I figured the city would have better options than Forks and it made more sense to just get everything done in one day rather than multiple trips," Bella came up with on the fly. The question was fair enough, and one that Charlie would probably ask her as well.
"Hm." Glancing away and then back, as if doing mental calculations, Esme suddenly smiled. "Would you like a ride?"
"I have Ol' Red," Bella began.
"Are you sure he'll make it?" Esme inquired in a gentle, yet serious tone.
She might not like the truck much, especially considering how loud and slow the beast was, but the remark caused Bella's pride to bristle. About to open her mouth to defend the gift her dad had given her, Bella's mouth snapped shut as she realized that Esme meant no harm by the remark. "Fair enough," Bella conceded. "Are you sure you don't mind? I can be a very picky shopper."
"I would not have offered if I did," Esme reassured, delighted at knowing Bella would make the trip safely. "What time were you thinking?"
"Um, well. I suppose the earlier the better," Bella admitted. For as much as she loved her sleep, Bella knew that the drive time would take anywhere from 3-4 hours, especially in her truck. If only she could get away with running in her natural form.
"How about I pick you up by 9?" Esme offered after a moment's thought. "That way you can have time to sleep in and perhaps enjoy a hot breakfast. We'll still have a good amount of time to shop around before having to head home."
"That sounds lovely." Bella smiled before pulling out the phone Charlie insisted she carried to add the date to her calendar. "Well, I should probably get going," Bella realized as she caught sight of the time.
"I should too," Esme agreed after a slight hesitation.
"Thank you again, Esme."
"Anytime, dear. Why don't you call me soon and we can discuss your ideas so we know what to get in Seattle."
Smiling at the considerate offer, Bella agreed before making her way towards the cashier.
"You probably should not have done that," Jasper reasoned as he came up to stand next to caramel-haired woman once Bella had moved far enough away.
Sighing, Esme turned and made her way down through the produce to the canned foods as she refrained from answering. She knew that Jasper was only concerned about her and the family, but Esme could not help herself. She felt compelled to spend time with the girl, especially with the knowledge of the red-haired woman still at bay.
"We'll discuss it later once everyone's home," Esme conceded as Jasper helped her load the cart with food to take to the shelter the next day.
Why am I so hell-bent on spending time with the mother of my classmates? Bella mused as she took her frustrations out on the chicken and chilies.
Her happy demeanor in seeing Esme had disappeared the further she got from the store. By the time she reached home, she was kicking herself in the arse for accepting any and all of the woman's assistance, plans, and advice over the past few days.
She knew she had no chance, considering that Esme was a married woman and she was a shape-shifting teenager, but she couldn't help but torture herself. There was an unmistakable drawl. Besides, Esme was the one who kissed her. It was on the cheek though, you idiot. She probably kisses everyone on the cheek.
Realizing that her best course of action was to contact Esme and cancel the trip, along with any further engagements they might partake in, Bella jammed the blade into the onion, causing it to cleave in half due to the force of the contact. Best course of action or not, Bella could not bring herself to make such a call. After seeing Esme this afternoon, Bella felt that the simple pleasure was turning out to be a strong need.
Deciding to work out the kinks later, Bella threw her frustration into making the sauce for the enchiladas as she began to saute the chicken, onions and chilies.
Show me how to lie
You're getting better all the time
And turning all against the one
Is an art that's hard to tea-
Pulling the last of the homemade tortillas off the stove, Bella fished her phone out of her back pocket with her tail. Flipping the device up and over, Bella caught the phone in a fluid motion as her thumb swiped the screen to answer the call without looking to see who was calling. As far as she knew, only four people had her number: Renee, Charlie, Esme and Angela.
"Hello?"
"Bella!"
Pulling the phone away from her ear at the screech, brown eyes blinked in confusion as she failed to recognize the number.
"Um, yes?"
"It's Jessica, silly!"
"Oh. Hi," Bella greeted, wondering how she had gotten the number.
"The weather man said that it is supposed to be beautiful Sunday and a group of us are gathering to go to-"
Before Bella could answer, she heard a beep cut through the line. Glancing at her phone again, fine brows scrunched in confusion at another unknown number. "One second, Jessica." Swapping the call over, Bella greeted the caller. "Hello?"
"La Push, baby!"
"Eric?" Bella questioned.
"Yes ma'am! You in?"
"Am I supposed to know what that means?" Bella questioned while flipping the diced chicken and onions over. Before she got a reply, another call came through. "Ugh, hold that thought." Bella remarked before answering the third unknown number.
"Hello?" Bella greeted once again.
"Bella! Are you going?"
"Who is this?" Bella inquired even though she recognized the voice.
"Who else? It's Mike!"
"Going where?" Bella rolled her eyes.
"La Push!"
"I haven't the slightest clue what or who or where that is," Bella replied.
"It's a-"
"Hold on," Bella interrupted. "I've Jessica and Eric on the line, too. Can we connect the calls?"
"Sure thing!" Mike replied before the line went silent.
Sighing, Bella attempted to swap the call back over to Jessica or Eric only to find the line was dead on both ends. Turning back to the food, Bella began to layer each tortilla with sauce, black beans, the sauted chicken and cheese before rolling them and placing them one by one into the dish. By the third one her phone lit up again.
Show me how to lie
You're ge-
Still not recognizing the number, Bella wiped her hands clean before answering the phone once more. "Hello?"
"Bella!"
"La Push, baby!"
"Did it work?"
As the voices assaulted her ear all at once, Bella regretted asking to do a group call.
"As I was saying," Mike cut in, "La Push is a beach down on the Quileute rez. We were thinking of going on Sunday. There's a big swell coming in."
"Yeah! And I don't just surf the internet," Eric added.
"Eric, you stood up once. On a foam board," Jessica retorted, her eye roll heard even though it went unseen.
Allowing the debate to run rampant for a time, Bella focused on finishing up the enchiladas. Adding the final one into the pan, she covered the top with a generous sprinkle of cheese and cilantro before slipping the dish into the preheated oven. Setting the timer, Bella finally cut into the conversation.
Realizing that she had no clue what they were even talking about, for the topic had wandered far away from La Push, Bella decided to ask the question that had popped up three times within the past ten minutes. "Guys, how did you get my number?" Bella interrupted.
"Angela," came the instant reply from three different voices.
Seriously? Bella sighed. She had given the number to the Asian for she knew that she would be the one classmate who would not abuse the information. Before Bella could voice her frustration, Jessica added the person in question to the group call.
"Sorry, Bella." Angela's voice came through the line.
"It's okay, everyone was bound to get it eventually," Bella reasoned, keeping her tone as neutral as possible.
"So, you're in?" Angela inquired, not realizing that the group had never got around to confirming the plans.
"I don't surf, and more so, I don't do water," Bella remarked as she began to clean up the kitchen.
"There's whale watching, too," Angela offered.
Realizing that there would be a counter for any and every argument, Bella reluctantly agreed. She had wanted to make acquaintances, not friends. But, what harm could come by keeping up the relationships for appearances sake?
"Sure, why not," Bella answered.
Hanging up the phone, long after the timer had gone off, the kitchen was clean, and rice and beans sat simmering on the stove, Bella leaned against the counter with a sigh. She found keeping up a hour long phone conversation to be the most exhausting task she had handled in a while. And she thought conversing with Renee had been bad.
Shaking her head, Bella began to set the table as she caught sight of the time. Charlie was due home any minute and she hoped to butter her dad up for not just the Seattle trip but the trip to La Push as well. The Seattle one she had planned far enough away from the accident that Charlie shouldn't have a problem with her going, at least in that regards, but he might be uncomfortable with her going to the beach this Sunday.
Hearing the cruiser pull into the driveway, Bella sighed.
"Welp, only one way to find out," Bella breathed before grabbing a beer and water from the fridge.