Streetlight People
Part Three: A Singer In A Smoky Room
Chapter Ten
"No story," Bella replied with a shrug. Her eyes were trained on the wood grain pattern of the bar. "Just wanted a taste of the big city."
She wasn't exactly lying, but Bella felt like there was some sort of misguidance in her words.
"Nope, not buying it," Emmett proclaimed after taking a second to observe the small girl beside him. He had watched her as she worked earlier in the day and he was intrigued. It wasn't an attraction, but more… Curiosity. There was something in her that made people look twice. "Start from the beginning."
Bella balked at his demand but gave in with a sigh. "I… I don't really know."
She held up a finger before any protests could be voiced.
"I'm from this tiny little town in Washington state and I… I had to go. Have you ever felt like you couldn't breathe, even when you're in a open field at the top of a mountain? It was like that place was stifling."
"I know how that is." Emmett took a sip of beer while he nodded. "So why Chicago?"
"It was the first train out."
"Wow," he whistled, tipping his glass towards her in another toast. "Ballsy."
Edward nodded in silent agreement. He didn't realize that he had traversed down the bar until Bella had started speaking and he was enraptured as she spoke. It bothered him, but not enough to walk away.
"So," Emmett continued. "You're here. What now?"
Bella shrugged and took a dainty sip of her drink. "I don't know. I've gotta find myself, I guess. Be something. Do something."
"Be someone, do someone," Emmett suggested with a wink. They shared a laugh and Edward scowled.
The worst part was, he didn't even know why.