I slid into a squeaky barstool and sighed.
"Tequila", Alice requested, giving the bartender a seductive smile.
"R-right away", he replied sifting through the glass bottles, clinking them together with nervous hands.
"Ugh, yet another night to be ruined by her," I groaned with an eye roll. I looked over at their booth only to find both girls with their heads thrown back in laughter.
"Maybe you have a built in radar-detector", Alice teased.
"What is the deal with her and Rosalie?" I asked, ignoring her.
"Well, it's easier to bond with someone when you have a certain diet", she whispered.
The bartender returned with our shots and set them on the sticky bar. We licked our hands and he tossed us the salt. As I raised the glass to my lips, a tequila trail spilled over the edge sliding down my thumb. I reached for the lime as I swallowed, warmth spreading down my throat.
"Phew!" Alice said tossing her lime aside and grabbing my hand, leading me back to our booth.
Tanya was glaring at me now. She rose out of the booth and gave me a once over. She raised her eyebrows at me and laughed, seeming entertained with my appearance. I watched her walk to the bar and attempt to pull her too-tight and way too short dress down as she was dangerously close to a wardrobe malfunction. She walked gracefully in her five-inch heels. How can I compete with that? She's had years of practice.
"Slut", Alice whispered in my ear, knowing just what I needed to hear.
"Thanks Al", was all I could reply.
I looked over at Angela and Ben, holding hands under the table. They are so blissfully aware of the world around us. It's hard to imagine I was in their position just six months ago.
"We are Immortal. Enjoy the show", his velvet voice interrupted my thoughts. I was once again taken away by his presence. He was seated on a rickety black stool, his long white fingers wrapped tightly around the microphone. God, what I would do to be that microphone. His foot tapped slowly as he sang, the lyrics just a buzz that couldn't penetrate my stare.
"You are the epitome of a love struck teenager", Angela joked.
"I'm happy for you two", Jasper said seriously. I grinned appreciatively at him, only now realizing that he has understood my loneliness all along.
Edward now moved over to the piano, shoving his sleeves up to his elbow. As soon as he began playing, Alice practically dragged Jasper to the dance floor. Ben and Angela soon followed. I sighed, alone once again. Edward glanced over at me and lifted one finger. He pointed to the bench he sat on and signaled that I join him. Trying not to trip, I climbed onto the stage and seated myself beside him. He grinned at me and continued to play. I was mesmerized by his fingers on the keyboard, moving quickly yet stroking each key with care and a certain tenderness. I could feel his passion for music emanating with each sound. The song seemed to progress in slow motion as if we were the only two in the room.
Suddenly Edward was speaking into the microphone once again, "We will return after a short break. Thanks". The lights on the stage flicked off and he leaned in to give me a kiss. His body stiffened and his eyes glanced quickly to Tanya, before he could compose his face for me.
"Hi", he smirked, leaping gracefully off the stage and gently lifting me onto the floor.
Jasper came over and clapped his hand, "That sounded awesome finally put all together man".
"Thanks", Edward said confidently.
"Excuse me for one second", Edward whispered in my ear. I dreaded the moment he would leave my side. It was inevitable that Tanya would move in like a hawk after its prey. I watched as Edward walked directly over to her table bending down to talk to her. She smirked as she placed her hand on his shoulder and stood up beside him. I tried to suppress the feelings of jealousy and inadequacy, and it was easier than I expected. Jasper. He was staring intently at me, and I just rolled my eyes.
"So I was thinking either hot pink or red. Maybe something with sequins or a bold print too. I can't decide if I want to do floor length or above the knee, but I definitely want my hair up", Alice rambled on about prom, but it helped to distract me.
"I'm sure whatever you pick will look great", Jasper laughed.
"Is that even a question?", Alice giggled.
Prom was only a month away, with graduation following soon behind it. It occurred to me that my best friend was giving her life away in just two short months. It frightened me. I suddenly felt the need to make a bucket list of things to accomplish before her change. I would probably gain about ten pounds because a lot of it would involve eating.
Alice and Angela went to get a refill, and I glanced anxiously to the door that Tanya and Edward had exited a few minutes earlier with no sign of their return.
I got out of my seat, using the bathroom as an excuse, and headed out the door to check on Edward. He had been gone too long and god knows what Tanya could be doing to him. Before I was even out the door I could hear the yelling.
"HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME? AFTER ALL WE'VE BEEN THROUGH", Tanya shrieked. Her eyes were wild with rage.
"I hold no love for her! She is just a child", he yelled back, pacing along the curb.
My stomach dropped and I felt frozen in place.
"Edward?" I squeaked in a small voice, feeling stupid and betrayed.
He opened his mouth to reply, his eyes full of torture, and I realized I did not want to hear his excuses. I stomped with fury and looked him in directly in the eye, refusing him to see the hurt.
"Save it for someone who cares", I spat and turned to walk back into the bar.
I quickly scanned the room, and found Alice and Angela who were still seated at the bar.
"Do you mind if we leave soon? I have a headache?" I asked, trying to send Alice the message with my eyes.
"Of course, we were just about to grab our coats", Angela replied and hopped off the stool.
As I shrugged into my jacket I noticed Tanya return to her seat. I kept my focus on the table, avoiding eye contact with Edward as he maneuvered through the crowd. Jasper waved to the stage where Edward was tuning his guitar. He gave a curt nod in reply and kept his focus on the strings.
I tried to tune out the cheering crowd as we exited the bar and welcomed the cool breeze of the night. I sat silently in the back on the ride home, popping a few mints into my mouth hoping to disguise the scent of the alcohol. Hopefully Charlie will be snoozing on the couch and I could sneak up into my room uninterrupted.
"Feel better", Angela said as she pulled into my driveway.
"Thanks. I'll try", I muttered climbing out of the car. Alice waved through the window, shooting me a concerned look. I shrugged my shoulders at her and walked away.
I unlocked the door quietly and sure enough Charlie was asleep on the couch, the television blaring, and a newspaper crumpled in his lap. I switched the tv off and headed upstairs. I survived my nighttime routine and it wasn't until I was buried under my covers that I allowed the tears to come.
