Chapter 11

MARIA

We made our way inside the convenience store, with Alice and Jasper holding hands. My eyes never left them, while Bella trailed behind.

They made their way to the chips section, and I went to get some bread. Two guys were sitting in the bar, eating instant noodles. I saw them stealing glances at Alice, who is obliviously picking out chips and yogurts. They were wearing muscle shirts and plaid shorts, indicating that they were also headed to the beach. The big one never let Alice out of his sight. Great, even here, she's a star.

To be honest, Alice looked really pretty, even if we had no enough time to even apply make up cause Aunt Kelly arrived a bit early and wanted us to leave immediately. Alice has no make up on, her hair was in slight disarray, but it made her look even more innocent. She was wearing a peach tank top like it was her second skin,it fits her well, and a faded denim shorts, then flip flops. Jasper puts his arms around her occasionally, and I saw the guy cringe with jealousy. Suddenly, a plan was formed in my head.

I walked up to the two guys, making sure no one of my companions noticed me. I cleared my throat and they both looked up at me.

"So, you like her, huh?"I went straight to the point. I extended ny hand to the both of them. "I'm Maria. That girl who caught your attention is my friend Alice. We're pretty tight."I smiled as they shook my hand.

"I'm Glenn, and this is my friend Carl." The one who was jealous said. "So, you're friends with her?"He raised an eyebrow at me.

I smirked. "More like sisters."I tried to sound nonchalant. They exchanged looks.

"Look, see that guy?That's Jasper. As you can see, he is overprotective and Alice doesn't like it very much. She plans on breaking up with him, and she's all eyes on you as we entered this store, but she can't walk up to you, afraid that Jasper might cause a scene. So she asked me to give you her would you like that?" I brought out my cellphone and Glenn looked unsuspicious, typing the number I dictated. He waved his phone at me, saying "Gotcha!" as I turned to the beverages aisle to get some Coke. I smile at myself. That wasn't so hard.

We headed back to the car and continued with the drive. We're still three hours away from the beach yet we were all so bored. Jasper whispered something to Emmett, who then brought his guitar out and started strumming. Jasper held Alice's hand and announced that the song was for her, looking in her eyes. I felt sick to my stomach, regretting coming with them at all.

I rolled my eyes as Jasper started singing.

"Back to you,it always comes around,

Back to you.

I tried to forget you,I tried to stay away

But it's too late."

As if that wasn't enough, Alice joined him in the second verse, and soon everybody's jamming, except me.

I was out of my trance when my cellphone vibrated in my pocket. I fished it out, opened the new message from an unregistered number, and a second later I was smiling.

"Hi Alice. This is Glenn, the guy from the convenience store, remember?"

I clicked rely almost too quickly, then typed in my answer:

Yeah, hi Glenn. We're heading to Golden Sunset Resort. You coming there too, right?

I sent the message and smiled again to myself as my plans worked out to my advantage.

The number I gave Glenn was my number, of course, I wouldn't risk being caught by giving Alice's real number.I plan to make him see that Alice was into her, so he would make his move on her and Jasper will be mine.I didn't have to wait long for his reply. It came as soon as I sent my last message.

Yes baby, we're following you. Look behind. His message read.

I looked behind us and sure enough, Glenn's car was speeding, almost dodging the van's rear.

Good guy,I typed.As soon as we get there, I'm dumping Jasper to be with you. ;)

Sure thing babe.He said. I almost laughed, but controlled it so I wouldn't be suspicious.

We texted all the way, I flirted with him-using Alice's name, of course, and I know that he's getting his hopes up.

"I think that car's following us."Bella said out of nowhere. Ugh, I hate this girl. She's too observant. Everyone looked behind at the black car that was definitely following us.

They sped up, driving beside our van. Glenn rolled his window down the moment he came in level with Alice, who was sitting by the window. "Alice! Don't worry baby, I'm coming to get you!" They both laughed as they slowed down and kept distance behind us. Jasper snapped up and looked conspicuously at Alice."Do you know those guys?"

"No.I've seen them at the convenience store though, but that's all.I don't know where they got my name."She was worried. Ha!

The car kept following we drove near a gas station,Bella asked the driver to stop cause she needed to use the bathroom. The car halted to a stop at the parking space. Bella and Aunt Kelly, stepped out, but they noticed the same black car also pulled up. "They're really following us."Aunt Kelly stated.

If this continues, my plan would be ruined, so I stepped out and covered them. "Actually, they came here before us. I saw them. We were the one who came here after them. Perhaps they're also headed to the beach." I reasoned, pointing to the surfboards tied to the car's roof to make my alibi more Kelly wasn't so convinced.

"Just go use the bathroom, Bella, then we're out of here. Rosalie's waiting for us."She said, clearly worried.

Bella climbed in the van again. "I think I'm okay now.I don't need to use the bathroom. Let's get going."

"Are you sure Bella?Don't worry, they're just bunch of jerks with nothing to do.I'm sure they'd leave us alone eventually." Alice said confidently.

That's what you think. I told myself.

We started driving again, everyone fell asleep, Alice's head rested on Jasper's shoulder, their fingers intertwined. I rolled my eyes. Jealousy was taking over me.

I kept flirting with Glenn through text. We arrived at the beach by dusk, and we piled off the car to our hotel rooms to rest.

Glenn sent me a message asking me to meet him after dinner at the shore.

I'm not sure, Jasper's not letting me go. Sigh. I'll text you when I can. I said. Now I have to plan again.

We went outside to grab dinner. Rosalie said she'd announce something tomorrow. I really didn't care. Jasper and Alice were feeding each other. Gosh, they're too sweet.

After dinner, Jasper stood up. "I have something to do. Stay here, Alice. I'll pick you up later." He kissed her forehead as he walked away. Sigh. Another stupid surprise, I know. Jasper's very romantic,that's why I love him. He always has a surprise prepared for Alice. She knows he's planning something too, I saw her eyes sparkling.

Then, as I thought of it, an idea struck my was the chance I've been waiting for! Ideas started flooding my head as I planned my next move. Jasper was away somewhere, and Alice was here, unprotected.

My cellphone vibrated again, and I started reading the new message.

I'll be waiting by the shore, across you room. See you!

I typed my reply quickly, not wanting to waste any minute.

I'm on my way.

Then, I excused myself to go to the ladies' room. They barely noticed my exit. I stayed out for five minutes, then went back in to the cottage. Alice and Bella were chatting animatedly with Rosalie. Emmet's arms were around her. Edward and Jessica went out for a walk, probably to make up or break up. Jess informed me that their relationship was going down.

I stood by the entrance, watching them. Then I made my move.

"Uh, Alice, Jasper asked me to get you."I said, trying to sound honest.

They all looked at me for a moment, probably contemplating if they could trust me.

"Don't worry," I said, "I'm not going with you. He just said he'd wait for you by the shore, across your room."

Alice got up hesitantly, waving goodbye to her friends. She smiled at me as she passed, and run to the shore where Glenn waited.