Gripping the car door, I tried to keep my expression as calm and cool as possible as Jasper drove us to school. It's been a long while once I haven't been in the driver's seat and I couldn't say I was enjoying it. Alice and Bella were chatting away on my left with Alice fully turned around in the passenger seat to look at me and Bella. It was nicer to say that they were talking to each other but from my point of view, it looked more like Alice was talking at Bella. The poor girl couldn't seem to reply fast enough.
I kept an ear on their conversation, halfheartedly replying here and there while my eyes watched the traffic outside. I stared out the window at all the passing cars and street lights, almost expecting something to happen.
As nice as this all was, the stress of it all was growing to be too much for me. I could feel my heart thump and pound against my chest from the anxiety while my knuckles turned white from how tight I was holding on to the door. I didn't like not being in control and it didn't help that I would see Jasper's eyes staring back at me in the rear view mirror from time to time. I didn't think too much of it in the beginning but after a while I was starting to get angry. Did he know how reckless he was being?
"Don't you think you should keep your eyes on the road?" I finally snapped, having caught him looking at me again. My sudden outburst startled Bella. She looked between Jasper and I, confused. Luckily at this point, school was within sight and Jasper managed to stop at a light. "If you're not even going to try to be a safe driver, I might as well walk!"
Grabbing my backpack, I quickly got out of the car in a huff. I was thankful that the crosswalk light had just turned green so I didn't have to wait next to the car like an idiot and quickly crossed the street. With my bag slung over my shoulder, I began my trek to school.
"Calum! Wait!" It didn't take Bella too long to catch up to me. Matching my pace, she walked beside me with a worried expression on her face. "You okay?"
"Yeah, just don't like distracted drivers is all." I sighed out, considering how immature my outburst was. I could have definitely handled that better but what's done is done and I didn't regret it. Based on Jasper's and Edward's driving, maybe all the Cullens were bad drivers. Not pushing the subject, she asked me if I wanted to come over today.
oOo
Tyler had been hovering around me and Bella every chance he got, offering to carry our things or walking us to class, because he felt bad about what happened. Like a chain reaction, this got Eric and Mike to decide to do the same 'So we don't exhaust ourselves'. It got so annoying I just started to flat out ignore them, choosing to pour my attention on to the girls in the groups. After a couple failed attempts to get my attention, they stopped trying and gave all their attention to Bella. Poor girl. She was too nice and her halfhearted replies only fueled their efforts.
It was too bad that with all the attention she was getting, she couldn't get the one she actually wanted.
During biology, I noticed Edward trying his best to politely ignore her. She tried talking to him, probably wanting to thank him for saving her but she only managed to get a nod or two from him. I didn't miss the frown on her face when she turned to answer one of Mike's dumb questions. 'What an ass." I thought, shaking my head.
oOo
I wasn't sure if it was all the extra attention Bella and I were getting because of the accident or if I was just irritable today but by the time my last class rolled in I was about ready to snap at the next person to ask me if I was feeling ok. Bella must have been feeling the same way because once the last bell rang to signal the end of the day, we couldn't pack up our things fast enough. Standing up from our seats at the same time, we couldn't help but grin at each other.
The closer we got to our cars, the better my mood got.
"Are you skipping right now, Calum?" Bella snickered from beside me.
"Can't be, if I was there was no way I could keep up with how fast you're running to your car." I shot back. "You know, Bella, if I didn't know better I'd say you're trying to ditch someone with the pace you're moving at."
"Shut up. What if you summoned him?" Bella groaned before glancing around and shoving me to the side as we walked into the parking lot. "I don't need anyone to carry my things. I don't know why Mike keeps trying to."
"Because he can't take a hint?" I offered with a grin and shrug. "See you later?" Bella nodded, dashing to her car before anyone could stop her. Walking over to my own car, I was just about to get in when someone cleared their throat just as I opened the door.
"Calum, could I speak with you for a moment?" Turning around, I met eyes with Jasper Cullen.
I tossed my backpack on to the passenger seat and gave him a tiny smile. "Sure Jasper but it's only this morning, I'm really sorry I acted that way but I seriously don't like distracted drivers. I don't mean to be that backseat driver and I'm sure you're a great driver and all but-" Jasper's amused smile caught me off guard and stopped my ramble. "What?"
"Sorry. It's just- why are you apologizing?"
"I-I just don't want you to think that I was some bitch that needs to control everything I guess." I muttered, loss for words. Truthfully I didn't know why I felt the need to apologize. He was the one at fault.
"Far from it, Calum. I should be the one apologizing for not focusing on the safety of the road and putting you in an uncomfortable situation." Jasper said sincerely.
"It's fine, Jasper, just promise to focus on the road alright?" I glanced behind him and noticed a large portion of the student body watching us. "I'll see you next week?" Thinking I ended the conversation. I made a move to climb into my car when Jasper reached out to stop me. Holding me by my arm, I looked at him, waiting for an explanation. "Jasper?"
"This weekend. Are you doing anything this weekend? Maybe I could make it up to you." He smiled down at me, hopeful.
Frozen in place, my mind went wild. Like a date? Did he ask me on a date? No. There was no way in hell he did, I reasoned. He probably just feels bad about what happened. I quickly reasoned that he was just trying to be nice and that I was jumping to conclusions. Meekly smiling at him, I gingerly loosened his hold on my arm enough for me to pull it back to my side.
"That's a really sweet offer, Jasper, but...but my dad's supposed to be coming back this weekend so I should probably keep myself free." I said. "You know to unpack and stuff...Maybe another time?"
Taking a step from me, he nodded in acceptance with a sad smile. "Of course. Another time then."
oOo
"Charlie mentioned that you girls were getting the attention of the boys in town."
Shrugging, I scooped another spoonful of Esme's delicious casserole into my mouth, purposely avoiding Dad's gaze. Once Dad arrived in town, he and Charlie were stuck together at the hip. I was happy that Dad had found himself a friend so quickly but now I knew how Bella felt. The two men took turns embarrassing their daughters every chance they got and when they weren't doing that, they were talking about sports or fishing. I didn't even know Dad liked to fish but apparently it was one of his favorite pastimes before I was born. So I wasn't surprised to hear that Charlie had warned him about boys. "I guess? Probably because me and Bella are fairly new to town."
"Well...what do you think of them? The boys." Dad tried his best to sound nonchalant about the topic but was horribly failing. We had just gotten back from a day out in Settle, both to drop off his work boxes in his new office and to spend some time together, and was having dinner now.
I raised an eyebrow at him. "Should I be interested in someone? You scoping out the boys for me, Dad?" I teased.
Coughing a little bit, he cleared his throat. "No I am not, it is completely your decision who you choose as a partner. Your dear old man was just wondering if anyone caught your eye is all."
"Nope. No one...yet." I added that last bit when I caught Dad's relieved expression. "In terms of interest though...I guess the Cullens are pretty interesting." Changing the subject, I filled Dad in on all the gossip,rumors, and events that happened in town while he was gone. Most of them being about the 'mysterious' Cullens that had moved into town before us. Not that he'd show it, Dad liked to listen to drama and gossip. I think it makes his life just a little spicier.
What I decided to keep to myself was that while we were in town, I may or may not have bought something for a boy. While waiting for Dad, I decided to pick out a few presents in the stores nearby. Just little things for my friends. After picking out some accessories for Alice, I walked past the men's section. Pausing for a moment, I thought it wouldn't hurt to look around. Under the guise of looking for something for Dad, I allowed my eyes to scan through all the clothing. Spotting some gloves, my mind returned to Jasper.
Pressing my lips together, I grabbed a pair of black gloves with white detailing at the wrist and quickly stashed it underneath the pile of gifts in my arms. I felt my cheeks start to burn as I rushed to check out. It was just a gratitude present, that's all. Plus his hands were pretty cold last time, I was just being considerate.
"Sounds like I need to thank the Cullen boys and their dad for looking out for you girls."
Those words shook me out of my thoughts. "No, you don't." I quickly said. "That's completely and utterly unnecessary and I already thanked them." I didn't need Dad embarrassing me in front of anyone else, let alone the Cullens. Making a half heartened sound of acknowledgement, Dad made a comment about how he had to ask Esme for some of her recipes.
And just like that my weekend came and went.
Bella and I were given a clean bill of health and Edward Cullen was still rude but those things were to be expected. While Bella and I weren't pleased with his attitude, Mike was absolutely eating it up.
He hovered around Bella a lot more now and because Bella attached herself to my hip to avoid being alone with him, I saw a lot of Mike too. In the beginning, it wasn't that big of a deal but as the days passed it was beginning to get on my nerves. Always trying to carry her books or her bag, Mike orbited around Bella like an excited puppy begging for attention. It was Thursday and I'd only have to put up with it for another day before the weekend came but I was at wit's end with him. Exactly how many times did Bella have to decline his offers for him to quit it?
I was just about ready to smack him with my bag when Taylor and Eric called him over to them during lunch. Glaring at his retreating figure, I loosened the grip on my bag. 'You got lucky, Mike.' I thought.
I suspiciously eyed the three of them huddled together at the end of the lunch table, their none too subtle glances couldn't be good, when Jessica cleared her throat.
"So...The girls' choice dance is coming up." She started, looking between all us girls before lingering at Bella for a moment.
"Yeah, I saw the flyer for it in the hall." I piped in, propping my chin in my palm. "Is it a big dance or something?"
"One of the few that happens every year, so yeah I'd say pretty big." Angela smiled. "We get to ask the boys instead of visa versa. It's to promote equality." She mocked. Showing a little interest, I nodded my head. It'd be fun to see how the girls would come up with ways to ask the guys.
"Do you guys know who you want to ask?" Jessica beamed before faltering a little. "I-I was thinking about asking Mike…unless you were thinking about asking him, Bella."
Reaching for my water bottle, I took a sip to hide my grin as I turned to look at Bella. The girl's mouth hung open in what I think was surprise and a swift nudge with my foot quickly shook her out of it. "Oh! Um yeah, totally go for it, Jessica. I think you two would look great together...besides I'm not much of a dancer." Awkwardly tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Bella shrugged away from Jessica, still surprised with the question. Upon hearing Bella's answer, Jessica visibly relaxed.
"Wait so you're not going to go to the dance then?" Angela asked, leaning towards Bella. "Are you going, Calum?"
"I'll think about it but probably not. Not a big fan of crowded places." I said, shrugging myself. School dances didn't really appeal to my interests but I wasn't against going to at least one. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Bella nodding her head in agreeance, giving a soft maybe as well.
The day ended with no more mention of the dance or who we were interested in and I hoped it'd never come up again but I forgot about the little huddle I witnessed at lunch. I hadn't anticipated what they could be up to, forgetting the entire thing when Angela brought up the possible news articles that she could write about for the paper. Honestly who'd give those guys an ounce of attention when the topic of extra cup padding on sports teams came up?
oOo
My Friday sailed by smoothly. There were no mishaps or spikes of irritation in my mood and as a result there was a smile on my face as Bella and I stopped by our lockers to put away our books. It had been a pretty good day and if I could make it back home without anything happening, it'd be an even greater one. The Swans had invited me and Dad over for dinner since it was Bella's and I's turn to cook meaing our dads would have to clean in exchange.
"Edward actually talked to me today."
"When'd that happen?" I questioned, turning to look at her as she sorted through her backpack. Her tone of voice had it seem like she didn't care but I had a feeling it was the opposite.
"After Mike mentioned that Jessica asked him to the dance and that he was hoping I'd ask him." She grimaced. "It was embarrassing, Calum. He heard everything." I pressed my hand against my mouth to cover my smile and snorted at the news. Bella rested her forehead against the metal of her locker. "It's not funny, Calum." She whined.
"Course not, Bella. How could I ever think that was funny?" I teased, ushering her to the parking lot after closing her locker. "Well? What did you say to Mike and what did Edward say to you?" I asked, genuinely interested in why Edward decided to finally talk to her after someone else makes a move on Bella.
"Can you believe that he told me that we shouldn't be friends. It was honestly confusing but I told Mike that he should go with Jessica for obvious reasons and because...you and I were going to go to Seattle that weekend." Shooting me an apologetic smile, Bella unveiled her genius excuse.
Deciding to ignore the bit about Edward, I rolled my eyes at her in disbelief at her horrible lie as we walked into the parking lot and towards my car. "Well at least, I know what to say if anyone asks me now." She let out a sigh, relieved that I was going to play along. Walking up to my car, I unlocked for us when I noticed Eric walking over to Bella's side. The poor girl hadn't noticed his approach and jumped up when he reached out to poke her shoulder. I watched the two exchange awkward hellos, not missing the glance for help from Bella when Eric leaned against my car. I held back the urge to laugh at her misfortune and reached for another bag in the backseat. "Get off my car, Eric." I commanded, stepping away from my car before turning to Bella. "I'll be right back. Gotta go do something really quick." I wiggled my fingers at her with a grin, signalling that she was on her own. Her glare made me laugh. Bella was a big girl, she could handle Eric on her own.
Jogging over to the Cullens, Alice was the first to notice me. "Calum!" She beamed, happy to see me.
"Hey Alice." I smiled back, stopping just a few steps away from them. Edward glanced over at me and nodded in acknowledgement before turning back to look at something behind me. Rosalie did the same from Emmett's side while the hulking mass of a human being cheerfully greeted me.
"Let me take those from you." Jumping up a little, I didn't catch Jasper standing next to me. Handing the bag over to him, I sheepishly smiled at him a little embarrassed. Was he there the whole time? I felt slightly bad for not even noticing.
"Thanks. They're your containers, I washed them and everything. Thank your mom for the food again please? Everything was honestly delicious. Dad and I have been savoring every bite."
Gingerly taking the bag from my hands, Jasper smiled down at me. "Esme will be happy to hear that you liked them so much."
" Liked them? We loved it. I honestly think they spoiled my dad, he's been moaning about how there's none left. He and I wish we could cook half as good as her but we'll just have to settle for our mediocre meals." I laughed.
There was a small pause in the conversation and I thought that was the end of it when Jasper spoke up. "Come visit. I'm sure Esme won't mind teaching you."
...
Hi guys! I know it's been a while once the last chapter. I got a little busy and missed August's update but I'm going to try to post two chapters this month to make up for it. I hope you all are doing well and staying safe.
Please let you know what you thought of the chapter, I'd really appreciate it. c: