Thank you to everyone who reads and reviews! And to Fran and Mr G and Me for all their help! (Any mistakes you see are my own!)
SM owns everything Twilight
This is kind of a filler chapter, but hopefully, it'll be okay!
Her hand tightens on my wrist, tugging me through the doorway. I force most of my weight toward my legs and feet, hoping that my firm stance will keep me planted on the ground. With a sharp jerk of her arm, I come sprawling into the room, flailing for a stable, sturdy surface.
Stumbling into the dresser, my head whips up, shooting her a glare from underneath my now mussed hair.
"What's your problem?" I hiss. "You're lucky I don't bitch-slap you for that."
Rose snorts, going to stand in front of her closet with a pursuing eye. "Like you could."
"I definitely could," I mutter, continuing to send her death glares. "This is stupid; why am I in here? I was fine in my room."
"Because I can't be alone with her. You need to be my buffer."
Breathlessly, I chuckle at Rose's dramatics.
"Alice won't kill you," I say, sitting on her bed and putting my feet up. "She's nice; I still don't see why I need to be here."
Knocking my feet down with a bat of her hand, she glares, her blue eyes lighting up with apprehension and anger as she brushes away invisible dirt from her bedspread.
"We're supposed to get ready together. If you're not here, it'll just be me and her … and she's your friend."
"This was your idea."
"No," she argues, her voice climbing higher with each word that passes through her lips. "It was kind of my idea for a group date. The getting ready together was all her. Your friend."
I'm not too keen on this whole "girls getting ready together" thing either, but I know why Alice wants it to happen.
She admitted in the past, she never had a chance to do this before. Technically, she has Esme, but getting ready with your girlfriends is an entirely different experience than getting ready with your mom.
I still don't like it, but I'll endure it.
Pointing a finger at her, I make a circle toward her face. "If you want this to go well, get in control of your face. That look will only cause trouble."
Rose's expression falls into one of remorse and sorrow, her bottom lip slightly protruding as her eyes become glassy. Slowly, she shakes her head, a bitter laugh leaving her.
"Why did I ever think this was a good idea?" she mumbles, sitting heavily on the end of the bed. "I … I can't do this."
Confused, I sit straighter, wondering where this bout of insecurity and doubt is coming from. I never thought I'd ever see Rose like. From her hunched shoulders to the glassy onslaught of tears threatening to fall, it makes me see her in a new and bewildered light.
I'm not sure why she's acting like this; she's acting as if she's never gotten ready with another girl before. I know in the past, she and Vera got ready for plenty of school dances, parties, and slumber parties together, so why is she acting like this now?
Once my shock wears off, I scoot close to her, nudging her shoulder with mine.
"What's going on? You've gotten ready with Vera plenty of times; this one will be no different."
"But it will be!" she explodes, jumping up and pacing from the closet to the bed. "Vera knows me, Bella! She knows what I'm like; she knows when to push my buttons and when not to. She knows my attitude and the cause of it. What if—" she pauses, angrily brushing an errant tear away. "What if I say something rude to Alice? Or Edward? What if I upset them and they tell Emmett? Or Emmett sees it firsthand? He loves his family. He wouldn't stand for someone being rude to them, just like I wouldn't."
Blowing out a heavy breath, she sits heavily on the bed, bouncing me lightly. "I just … I don't want to screw this up."
"Let me ask you something, and answer honestly, okay?"
Puzzled, she nods once. "Are you doing this for Emmett or for you?"
"What do you mean?"
I can tell she's confused, and I intend to lay it all out there. "Are you being nice to Alice and Edward because you want to know them and have a friendship with them? Or are you doing this to please Emmett? Because if it's the latter, just call this shit off now. It's not fair to Alice and Edward, and it's not fair to Emmett … and quite honestly, it's a pretty shitty thing to do."
Her eyes narrow, and a muscle in her jaw ticks as she grinds her teeth, her nostrils flaring in annoyance. I meet her gaze unblinkingly, because for one, I'm not afraid of her, and for another, I believe I'm right in telling her not to bother if she's just trying to gain points in Emmett's eyes.
Though, I'm pretty sure she's pretty high up there if he's dating her. Something about him tells me he doesn't date anyone who strikes his fancy.
Silence stretches on for a long moment, with her eyes still narrowed and jaw clenched. I stare back at her, remaining cool and impassive.
Finally, she breaks eye contact, releasing a long breath and scrubbing her face with her hands before resting her elbows on her knees, keeping her hands over her face.
When she replies, her tone is muffled. "You're right. I'm doing this for Emmett."
I start to reply, but I'm cut off before I can even utter a word.
"But I want to try." Taking her hands away, she turns to me, slight desperation in her eyes and voice. "I … think I could be with Emmett for a long time, and I don't want him to choose between his family and me. Roy— he —made me do that, and I won't put him in that position," she tells me, grimacing at the start of Royce's name. "I know what that feels like, and I can't do that to Emmett. I won't. So, I'm going to try; for him. Besides," she says, trailing off in nervous laughter. "They could turn out to be my best friends."
Nervousness and doubt flood her features, highlighting one of the strongest things she's feeling right now.
Fear.
Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, I pull her into a tight hug, squeezing her as hard as I dare. She returns the gesture, holding on to me like a lifeline.
"Let your guard down a little," I whisper. "Let me see the real you. The funny side, the fierce side, the protective side, the loving side … and you'll see."
"See what?" Her voice cracks, but she makes no effort to hide it.
"That they've already accepted you."
When she pulls back, she shakes her head, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, right."
"They have, because of Emmett. I think they know if he's chosen you, then you're someone pretty special."
Color floods her cheeks, and she tucks a lock of hair behind her ear, rising quickly from the bed. "That remains to be seen. Now, help me narrow down my choices."
Blowing out an annoyed breath, I slap my hands down on the bed, hoping she feels the frustration flowing through me at her hard-headed nature. My eyes bore into the back of her skull, but she keeps her back to me, perusing her closet like it'll hold all the answers to life's questions.
Despite my frustration, I have to remember that even though Rose seems strong and put together, she's still a teenager who's been through some shit, working through her wounds and demons of the past.
I only hope she'll get some help and work through her issues because she's can't live like this forever; she'll break before she does, and I don't want to see that happen to her.
8*8*8*8*8*8
Twenty minutes later, the doorbell rings, and Rose tenses, her eyes widening and jaw clenching so tightly I can hear her teeth grinding together.
We had finally narrowed the evening's outfit choices down to three for her, and I refused to add more to my choice.
The lace corset top and black jeans I had gotten for my birthday were perfect for me, and I wouldn't budge on adding more choices to the pile, much to her annoyance.
Nudging Rose's side, I send her a stern look, pointing to her face. She releases a long breath, her head falling forward and her hair fanning in front of her face. Seconds later, she straightens and squares her shoulders, heading downstairs.
"You're not being sentenced to death, Rose."
"Right," she says, but there's a note of sarcasm in there that's easy to spot.
"Take a pill."
She sneers, sticking her tongue out at me before smiling, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Mom is in the living room, the television at a barely hearable level, but I guess for her, it is. She gives us both a fond smile, her attention nowhere near the screen.
"You'll be fine," she mouths, sending Rose a pointed glance.
Rose nods once, apparently strengthened by her words of encouragement, squaring her shoulders once more and reaching for the door.
I'm curious as to what they spoke about, but I think I can guess.
If it helps Rose give Alice and Edward a chance, then I'm all for it.
"Hello, Alice. Come in," Rose greets, stepping aside and gesturing for her to enter.
Alice beams, a train case dangling from her fingertips and a small turquoise bag hanging from her shoulder. As she passes, her smile falters in her apparent nerves, but it strengthens when she sees me.
Immediately, she pulls me into a tight hug before turning to Rose. "Thanks for inviting me here … and for the idea for tonight. It'll be so much fun!" Alice clasps her hands in front of her, grinning brightly.
"That's the plan," Rose replies, her words jilted and short. Clearing her throat, she leads the way to the stairs. "Come on, let's get ready."
Alice follows immediately after her, gliding up the stairs with more grace than I've seen anyone have; except my mother, since her change.
That's definitely a pleasant side effect of being a vampire.
Rose steps into her room, but Alice lingers in the doorway, seemingly unsure. Nudging her shoulder, I jerk my chin in the direction of Rose bedroom.
"Just go in; she won't bite."
Alice snorts a laugh. "Thanks for the reassurance; I wasn't just going to walk in, though."
"Oh, my goodness," Rose exclaims, a hand on her chest and a shocked expression on her face. "Someone with manners! Bella, you need to take a lesson from her. Come on in, Alice."
Blowing a raspberry, I walk in, sitting on her bed. "I'm polite … and FYI, you do the same thing to me."
Rose rolls her eyes, waving a dismissive hand. "I only do that to get you up and moving; otherwise, I leave you to your privacy."
"I let you have your privacy too," I argue, aware of Alice's muffled giggles. "When's the last time I invaded your room?"
Rose's mouth opens to answer, but nothing comes out right away. I, myself, can remember several occurrences when I just walked into her room without permission, but I'm not going to say a word.
"Exactly," I quickly say. "Now, let's get ready, huh?"
Rose's lips purse as she shakes her head, her gaze watching my every move like a hawk. When her eyes light up, I know she's thought of something to hold over my head, but thankfully, Alice jumps in.
Setting her bag down on the bed, she pulls out two outfits; one is more modest, consisting of deep blue denim jeans and a light blue shirt with ruffles along the collar. The other is definitely fancier, with a black skirt and a green spaghetti strap tank, with a matching short jacket.
They seem to both be too fancy for a night in Port Angeles, but there's no rule that says you can't dress up, I guess.
"Where are your options?" Alice questions, looking between us.
"I just have one option," I answer, jerking a thumb back to my room. "A lace corset top I got for my birthday and black jeans, with my boots."
Alice's face lights up, and she nods enthusiastically. "Oh, yes. That sounds perfect. But what about—" She stops, seeing the resolute look on my face. "You're no fun."
"That's what I say. If we're going to do this right, we all should have multiple choices," Rose inputs, while Alice nods in firm agreement.
I jerk a single shoulder upward. "I love to be different."
Theatrically, Alice sighs. "Fine. Be a spoiled sport. Rosalie? What about you?"
I roll my eyes because I'm not being anything of the sort. What's wrong with knowing what I want to wear?
Turning to Rose, she squirms as the attention shifts to her, but she brushes it off as nothing.
Clearing her throat, she points to the three outfits she picked out, draped over the armchair in the corner. "Here are mine. I'm thinking of going for this one," she says, holding up a red, quarter-length tee shirt and black jeans, along with a pair of studded heels I've never seen before.
"Where'd you get those?"
"I bought them as an early Christmas present for myself with the money Gran gave me."
I nod in recognition, fully remembering the day after Thanksgiving when Gran stopped by on her way out of town. She had been extremely repentant in her behavior, even though she felt Grandmother Beth deserved everything she threw at her.
Her words.
I don't disagree, but it would have been nice if they could have kept their feud to a minimum during their visit … then again, I think we expect too much from them.
Gran had cried, begging for forgiveness, which was not completely given. Dad had hummed noncommittedly, giving her a vague nod and a kiss on the cheek, all the while telling her it wasn't solely her fault.
Mom, I think, had forgiven her right away. That's just her nature.
I personally didn't care; yes, I was tired of the drama and fighting, but I fully believed if Grandmother hadn't started anything and at least tried to be civil, then Gran would have followed suit.
Or maybe I'm the naïve one here.
Regardless, the fault didn't rest completely on her, and that's what I said right before she pulled me into a tight hug, shoving a fifty-dollar bill in my hand.
We all tried to refuse, but Gran would hear none of it. She merely said we deserved it, kissed us, apologized once more, and left, stating that Christmas would be better.
From the anxious looks my parents exchanged, I'm not too sure Gran's wishes will come true, but nothing is set in stone.
My money from Gran is currently in my wallet, waiting to be spent on anything that catches my eye. There's really nothing I want at the moment, but when I do see something, at least I'll have the means to get it.
"They look good," I tell her honestly. They'll give her enough height to match Emmett's, not to mention; she'll look lethal and dangerous.
She smiles, her fingers sweeping over the top of the shoes reverently. "Thanks. They called to me."
Huffing a laugh through my nose, I shake my head at her behavior. "You're insane."
"Don't even," she warns, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "I've seen you act that way over sketchbooks and pencils."
Knowing she's right, but not wanting to admit it, I look away, feigning interest in Alice's jewelry choices for her outfits.
"This one would look good with the blue," I say, pointing out the modest silver chain and bangle bracelets.
Alice nods in approval, tapping her chin as she studies the outfit with a calculating eye. Briefly, her eyes glaze over into milky white but immediately return to their vibrant color. She casts a look toward me, and I smile, knowing she was probably trying to see what Jasper's reaction would be to her choice.
"Be like the rest of us; go in without knowing."
She huffs, but grins. "Where's the fun in that?"
Rose watches us carefully, questions in her eyes.
"Alice can see the future."
Her eyes widen, and her head whips around to Alice, her mouth agape.
Alice, for her part, merely nods, unaffected. "It's true, though when Bella's involved, I can't see very much."
Playfully, she sends me a glare, and I grin brightly.
"Really? Why?"
"No idea. I have a theory, especially since she blocks Edward too."
"Can he see the future as well?"
"No," I answer for her. "He reads minds."
Rose grows pale, sliding down to the floor and covering her face with her hands. Seconds later, she loudly groans, mumbling unintelligible words and curses under her breath.
Alice glances over with a raised eyebrow, the corner of her lip tucked between her teeth.
"What's wrong with her?" she mouths, nodding over to her.
I shrug, throwing my hands in the air because I honestly have no clue.
The only thing I can think of is that Emmett never told her about his sibling's gifts, and she's worried about what she thought about him.
I don't see the issue; he should be used to people thinking—and saying—ridiculous crap to him.
"Go talk to her," she mouths again, gesturing over to her.
Firmly, I shake my head, and Alice frowns heavily at me. "She's your cousin."
"So?" I mouth back.
More insistently this time, she gestures toward Rose, and I roll my eyes.
"What's the issue here? Why are you being all weird? That's my territory, and I don't like my turf encroached upon."
Alice snickers, but looks expectantly at my cousin for answers.
Peeking behind her fingers, she looks at Alice. "How much has he heard from me? And how much have you seen?"
Understanding dawns on Alice's face while I shake my head.
"Don't worry about Edward; he's heard it all, and he doesn't hold grudges over what he hears. He tries to give most people their privacy."
Rose looks to me as if to back up her words, and I do a combination of a nod and shrug because she's right.
"He wouldn't have agreed to this evening if he was pissed."
Alice nods in agreement. "And as far as what I've seen," she trails off with a slight wince. "Well, let's just say I don't pry into private moments, and if I see one coming, then I quickly distract myself."
Rose frowns, her eyes flashing with irritation before nodding in begrudging acceptance. "I suppose you can't help it … right?"
"Most of the time, it's completely involuntary," Alice admits, moving her clothes out of the way and folding herself down on the end of the bed. "If I need to, I can concentrate on a certain person, to see what's coming for them, but it doesn't always work; there's a lot of variables in a person's life. One little change in decision can change so much." She looks at me, sending me a meaningful glance. "Like with Jessica. If you hadn't come into the bathroom that day and spoke to her right at that moment, her decision to kill herself would have been firm; there would have been no talking her out of it or changing her mind."
Rose gives me a curious stare, but I can't focus on that now. I swallow past the lump in my throat and push back the intense feeling of urgency to call Jess and hear her voice.
But she's fine and happy now. I have to remember that.
When the other part of Alice's statement pushes its way to the forefront of my mind, I can't help but wonder how Alice saw that my presence would help her. How could she know that if she can't see me?
"How do you know that? I thought I blocked you."
Alice huffs in slight annoyance, shooting me a fake look of irritation. "You do, you pain in the butt." She can't hold her expression for long and giggles. "Honestly, though, you do block me. But when you intercepted, your presence blocked me from seeing her future as well. When it cleared, I saw Jessica's future again … and she was alive. And doing wonderfully."
I smile, pleased I had helped Jess. She's a good person and deserves to have a great life.
"Why does Bella block you?" Rose questions, her head cocked to the side. "And you said she blocks Edward from her reading her mind?"
She mutters something afterward, and it's not hard to guess she thinks I'm lucky for having the ability to do such a thing.
I simply smirk cockily, my grin growing when she shoots me a dirty look.
"I'm not entirely sure," Alice hedges. She fidgets in place, seemingly unrestful, which tells me she's knows something but is too afraid to say. "I have a theory, something that—" she pauses, a pleading look on her face as she turns to me. "Please don't be upset! We were curious about you blocking us, and we spoke to our friend to see if he knew what gifts you could possess."
Alice reaches for my hand, gripping it so tightly that I scream out in pain, attempting in vain to pull my hand away.
"Let go!"
She does quickly as if she were burned. "I'm sorry!"
"It's fine," I mutter, shaking out my hand. "And I'm not upset. It's natural to be curious; what'd this friend of yours say?"
Alice releases the unnecessary breath she had been holding, the tension in her shoulders immediately falling.
"He thinks you might be a shield of some sort, though he's never heard of it being this strong in a human before. He'd have to meet you to know for sure, but it makes sense."
Straightening my posture, I plaster on another cocky grin, rubbing my fingers against my shirt. "I'm just all kinds of awesome."
"Or all kinds of messed up; which doesn't surprise me in the least," Rose shoots back playfully. "Do you have to make everyone's lives difficult?"
"I don't have to, but I like too. Apparently, my subconscious likes to as well, so deal with it."
Rose rolls her eyes, giving her attention back to Alice. "Why would he have to meet her?"
"Eleazar is gifted as well," Alice tells us, smiling fondly. "He's been Carlisle's friend for centuries; he can sense what gifts a person would have, whether it's a human or a vampire. He believes I always had the ability to see the future and thinks it was quite strong, even when I was human. As for Edward, he thinks that perhaps Edward could always sense the tenor of someone's thoughts, and when he was changed, it manifested into telepathy."
"Cool," I breathe. I want nothing more than to ask more questions about what gifts people could have; I'm extremely curious what gifts Rose, and Jasper could possess, considering what I've seen them do.
And then there's my parents and me. It makes my mind race with endless possibilities and powers we could all have.
Before I can ask anything, Rose stands, clapping her hands. "Let's get ready; time's moving forward, and we're running out of it."
Alice jumps up with an excited grin, immediately heading toward Rose, holding up the red shirt in front of her with a calculating eye.
"This will definitely look good on you. This is the one for you."
Smiling nervously, Rose takes the shirt and murmurs her thanks. Taking a deep breath, she nods toward the outfits Alice brought. She looks weary and unsure, which makes me pause by the door, wondering what's going to come out of her mouth next.
"Wear the green. It's a nice color … and if you want, I can do your makeup."
Alice's face lights up, and she nods enthusiastically, slightly hopping on her feet. She looks as if she wants to hug her but refrains. I'm pleasantly surprised by this; it may be small, but it's a huge step for Rose. She hasn't offered to do anyone's makeup except for mine in a long time.
"Thank you!"
Alice scoops up the suggested outfit without letting the moment go on any longer and glides away toward the bathroom.
"I'll change in here," she calls out over her shoulder moments before the door closes.
Slowly, Rose blows out a breath, shooting me a stiff, apprehensive smile. "I'm not sure how much good I'll do. She doesn't really need makeup."
"It's the thought that counts."
She nods, agreeing. "True, I guess. I'll do your makeup too," she tells me, starting to put away the clothes she's not going to wear.
"How about I do my makeup in here with you guys, and you can do my hair?" I bargain.
If I let Rose control my makeup, I'll have on blush, normal eyeshadow, and pink or red lips. While I'm fond of red lipstick, it just isn't me. I much prefer darker makeup looks that highlight my paleness.
Idly, I wonder if Billy's legends didn't somewhat influence my makeup choices; do I subconsciously want to be a vampire; therefore, I make myself look like on in an off-handed way?
Huffing a laugh, I shake my head.
I don't think so; I just like to look dark, gothic, and mysterious.
"You're taking all the fun out of this," Rose complains, planting her hands on her hips. "You could be a little more of a team player, you know."
"You try to change me, Rose, and you know it. You'll want to dress me up like you'd like me to dress, and it's not me, so stop it."
"I would not! You're being a brat, Bella. It wouldn't kill you to take a suggestion once in a while."
"Fine," I remark, stepping out of the way and waving an arm toward my room. "Show me what you'd pick out."
She doesn't move for a solid twenty seconds; she only stares, lips purses and eyes slightly narrowed as we stand in a show-down.
Finally, she gracefully walks past without a glance, her nose slightly upturned in the air.
I know I've pissed her off with my words, but it's the truth. If I thought one of Rose's suggestions was a good one, I'd definitely take it. In fact, I have in the past.
During one point in my life, I only wore black and refused to even look at any other color.
When she suggested adding some colors to my wardrobe, I vehemently refused, lashing out in a normal prepubescent angsty teenager way; I locked myself in my room and blasted music.
After I had calmed down and actually looked at the options she presented me, I found I liked the purples, blues, and deep reds she had suggested and even found that they suited me well.
It was embarrassing and humbling to admit I was wrong, and it was a lesson I never forgot.
A part of me thinks that perhaps I'm doing the same thing I had done before; after all, it wouldn't hurt to wear something different.
However, the question is, can I wear something that's not my style and be happy about it?
For now, the question is pointless; I'll wait and see what Rose picks out and then make my decision then.
Alice cautiously steps out from the bathroom, her lips thinned in a fake smile. She clutches her bag in her hand, and momentarily, I feel guilty for causing such a scene while she's here, but I figure if she's going to be around, she'll have to get used to it.
Besides, she has siblings; I'm sure she's seen it all.
In my room, I wordlessly watch as Rose peruses my closet with a critical eye, her lips pursed in thought. Alice trails in silently, sitting lithely on my bed.
Leaning against the wall and crossing my arms over my chest, I watch as Rose pushes item after item aside without a glance, and it isn't long before she reaches the end of my hanging clothes.
She huffs, shaking her head, and steps further into my closet, where the rustling of bags can be heard moments later. I tense because I know she's going to find the shirt she bought me last year stuffed in the back, still untouched from the previous Christmas when she gifted it to me.
I had worn the shirt for the whole day and the day after because I saw how excited she was to give it to me. I didn't really want to start an argument and tell her the robin egg blue, baby-doll shirt with navy lace wasn't exactly my style.
Once I felt I had sufficiently worn it enough, I washed it and put it in the back of the closet.
Thankfully, she never mentioned it again.
Just as I thought, Rose pulls out the wrinkled top, a glower on her face. "Why did you do this? This is a nice top!"
I notice Alice's nose wrinkle in obvious distaste from the corner of my eye, but she wisely keeps quiet.
"I'm not saying it isn't, but it's not me. It would look fantastic on you, but for me? No."
Stomping over, she thrusts the shirt into my hands. "Just go put it on, and we'll vote on it."
Alice looks a little more enthusiastic at this idea, bouncing with anticipation. I repress a sigh and fight back the argument that wants to erupt.
There's no sense in starting a fight right now.
No matter how much I want to.
In the bathroom, I toss the shirt onto the vanity, glaring at it.
I hate that I have to do this … and maybe I don't have to.
Pulling out my cell phone, I quickly dial the familiar number, tapping my foot on the floor while keeping an ear out for anyone coming my way.
"Bella?" He's confused, with a hint of amusement mixed in. "Couldn't stay away?"
"Oh, yeah, that's it," I reply, purposefully making my voice breathy. "I need you."
"Uh-huh. Sure. What's the real reason?"
I huff, a little miffed he isn't falling for my tricks. "I do need you. Or your help, rather. Remember when you promised me servitude?"
"Did you change your mind about it being sexual favors?"
"You were the one that put that clause in there, not me."
"So you would have been open to it?" he asks, and if I'm not mistaken, I could swear he sounds hopeful.
"You'll never know, will you?"
"You're no fun."
I snort a laugh. There's so many things I could say to that, but I won't.
There isn't enough time.
"I need you to come to my house, now, and get me. I can't take this anymore." I give him a brief run-down of what's been going on, and he's silent for a moment before replying.
"Is it really that bad? Having a girl's day?"
Heavily, I sigh, because no, it's not that bad. Actually, it's been kind of fun if you ignore being forced to try on a shirt that's not even your style.
"You're not supposed to be rational and clear-thinking, here. You're supposed to be on my side!" I argue with a huff.
He snorts a laugh. "Sorry. I guess I missed that day in boyfriend school."
Unable to help myself, I smile. "It shows, believe me."
"Are you smiling?"
A quick look in the mirror tells me that I am, indeed, smiling. It takes a great effort, but I manage to wipe it away, though it does no good. I can feel the corners of my lips pulling up seconds later.
"No, you asshat."
"Uh-huh. Sure. You should just admit it; I make you happy and take your mind off of crazy friends and controlling cousins."
"I'll admit to nothing. Now, are you coming over here or not?"
"Do you really want me to? I will if it's something you really want, but think about it first."
I take a moment, pondering the option.
Do I really want his assistance? I look at the shirt and grimace, and my first thought is yes. I want away from being forced into doing something.
That issue aside, I know if I leave, I'll hurt Rose and Alice's feelings, and while I'm a bitch, I'm not that much of a bitch to intentionally hurt two people I care about.
"No, I'll be fine."
"You will. If you can survive high school, you can survive this."
I laugh. "Let's hope."
"So … what are you wearing? You sure I can't change your mind about—"
"Goodbye!" I interrupt, disconnecting the call before he can say anything more perverted.
But I can't leave the conversation like that.
I mean, I could, but I don't want to; which is strange. What has Edward done to me?
Typing out a quick text, I blow out a breath, sending it before losing my nerve.
You do make me happy. Sometimes. You know, when you're normal. ~B
Within moments, my phone buzzes with his reply.
Firstly, we're not normal, and I like it that way. You make me very happy too. And I'm keeping this text as blackmail material to use against you in the future, just so you know. ~E
I smirk as I reply. Very true; I like it that way as well. And I expect nothing less and would be disappointed if you didn't. But I have more dirt on you, just remember that. Got to go now. See you soon. ~B
I would say I'm looking forward to it, but I think that'd be too eager, so I'll choose for indifference. Ready? … Okay, whatever. We'll see each other when we see each other. ~E
I breathe a laugh, shaking my head at his antics. There's something seriously wrong with the boy, and I'm very tempted to prod Carlisle with endless questions; this time, I'll go more in-depth, considering everything is out and in the open now.
It could be that something went wrong from his transformation, or perhaps the fever from his illness was too high.
Or maybe he contaminated himself with too much sickness from the human blood he consumed.
Either way, I'll help Carlisle search for a cure.
Speaking of cures, if vampires have unlimited energy and endless time, why hasn't someone created cures for human illness?
Technically speaking, I know we're the enemy. We pose a risk to their kind by exposing them and potentially finding a way to kill them, but we're also food for a good portion of them.
Wouldn't they want to keep us around?
Shaking my head, I realize I've gone way farther in my thoughts and have probably been in the bathroom longer than I need to be.
Quickly, I change into the shirt, studiously ignoring the mirror and heading back toward my room.
Faintly, I hear Alice's soft voice reciting a story, but it's too soft to hear what she's saying.
" … and he pouted about it for a straight month!" Alice exclaims.
Rose laughs, and to my surprise, I notice her sitting next to Alice, looking slightly uneasy, but otherwise content. The grin on her face is real, and the spark in her eyes is illuminating her face.
Alice, on the other hand, looks positively ecstatic and shoots me a knowing grin as soon as I step into the room. I roll my eyes because, of course, she heard everything.
"Emmett is definitely something else," Rose replies, answering my internal musings on who they were talking about.
Though, I should have guessed.
"I don't know how you all put up with him!"
"It wasn't easy," Alice proclaims, her nose scrunching up. "I took a cue from Edward and went somewhere else because he never listened to my warnings. Edward mainly stayed at his apartment to not get caught in the crossfire. Carlisle tried to scold him, but, well … it wasn't that effective. Esme is really the only one who could get him under control with just a look. I guess it's a Mom thing," she finishes, laughing.
"I would love to see him get in trouble."
"You will, trust me."
Alice's eyes move back to me, and she frowns, shaking her head at the shirt.
"No," she mouths when Rose turns to face me.
To my surprise, her nose wrinkles in distaste, and she shakes her head. "What was I thinking? Go take that off. It's so not you. But," she calls as I grab the original outfit I picked. "We're doing your makeup and hair."
She gestures between herself and a beaming Alice, who looks extremely happy at the change in plans.
"I'll do your hair," Rose continues. "And Alice can do your makeup. Then, we'll switch when it's our turn. Sound good?"
I stare at her a beat longer than necessary, wondering what made Rose go so gung-ho on this group makeup effort. Instead of looking apprehensive and tense like she did before, she actually looks excited.
"What?" she questions, tilting her head to the right in confusion.
"Nothing. It's just a nice surprise, that's all."
Her cheeks flame in color, but I make no mention of it and don't bring up her willingness again. After my clothes are changed, Rose slips into the bathroom while I grab my makeup bag and set it next to Rose's. Alice didn't bring hers, but it's no surprise, considering she doesn't have any need for much.
"Who's first?" I question, looking between the two of them when Rose returns.
"You," Rose answers, pointing to the end of her bed. "You'll complain the most about it, so I'm getting it over with."
I scoff, planting my hands on my hips. "I would not."
She merely raises an eyebrow, an expectant look on her face.
"Okay, maybe I would. But not a lot. You don't know me."
She laughs, pushing me down to sit. "I know you well enough. Now, be still."
Gleefully, Alice rifles through my makeup bag, setting a handful of products on the bed next to me while Rose heats up her straightener and curling iron.
"So, Alice, what other antics have Emmett and Edward gotten into?"
Alice snorts, shaking her head. "There's too many to name, to be honest. I don't think a year would be enough to share everything! But one of my favorites—" she pauses, her head tilting toward the door as her eyebrows come together in concern.
Placing my hand on hers, I ask her what's wrong when her eyes snap to mine. "What?"
Ever so slightly, she shakes her head, forcing a smile and starting to apply some makeup to my face while Rose begins on my hair.
Unnecessarily, Alice clears her throat, and when she speaks, there's a note of tension there. Add in the fact that her gaze often wanders to the floor, makes me wonder what's going on downstairs that has her so worried.
"During the late seventies, the town we were living in had a showing of all the Dracula horror films that had ever been made. They started the last few weeks in September, gearing up for the Halloween season. Most of the family hadn't seen them, so they were pretty freaked out."
I snicker, having a vague idea on which ones she's talking about. I can't imagine how they'd be scary, considering they appear mostly comical to me. They're still good movies, but I can't but laugh when a supposedly scary scene comes on.
It's just not frightening.
Of course, back then, they didn't have much in the way of effects and graphics, which earns them major points in my book.
For a time where they had to do everything physically, their effects were pretty awesome.
Behind me, Rose pauses and groans. "Tell me they didn't."
Alice giggles, shaking her head, though it still seems forced. "Oh, they did. They bought capes and hid in the shadows, darting around them with that goofy makeup on their faces. They'd give people a glance to see the outline of their faces, but not enough to recognize them. They'd run by them at vampire speed, touch their shoulders, hair, and even their necks. They follow people home from the theater and move stuff around in their house. Soon enough, rumors spread, and everyone was convinced the undead was invading the town."
"What did they think was happening?" I question with a laugh. "A vampire attack or a ghost invasion?"
"Probably both," Alice murmurs, her gaze just barely drifting from my face to the floor again. "You'd have to ask Edward for specifics. He heard what they were thinking and played off whatever they thought it was; that way, no one had the same story."
She trails off, shaking her head, but I can see the flash of amusement there.
"How did they get away with it? I mean, that's risky," I remark, wondering what the two bone heads were thinking.
Granted, it's hilarious as hell, but not very bright.
"It was very risky. James and Victoria had heard about it two states over and came to investigate. Of course, once they found out it was Edward and Emmett, they helped out." Alice rolls her eyes. "I stayed out of it because I knew once Carlisle and Esme found out what was happening, they'd be pissed. And they were."
"What happened? How'd they get caught?" Rose inquires, gently brushing through my hair.
"They heard rumors, of course, from people in town. At the hospital, Carlisle would always hear whispers of these phantoms causing problems. Esme heard about it too, whenever she went into town. They flat out asked them if they knew anything about it. At first, they genuinely thought it was another vampire, looking to start something, but when no one turned up dead or missing, they nixed that theory pretty quickly."
Alice smiles wryly as her eyes glaze over, lost in a memory. "They did ask them point-blank if they knew anything about it, and they lied through their teeth! They told them it was silly humans playing pranks on one another and them exaggerating things. Like a domino effect; when one person sees something, then someone else does … anyway. They said they had no idea what was going on but would keep an eye out. One night, their last victim had fallen and injured himself badly; he hit his head on the edge of the sidewalk, so my idiot brothers dropped him off at the hospital. Carlisle was his doctor, and soon as he woke up, he blabbed everything he had seen, including a very good description of the phantoms that were chasing him." Alice shakes her head, a light chuckle leaving her. "Carlisle left the hospital immediately and confronted them; I swear, I've never seen him so livid. He grounded them for a year, and Esme followed them around everywhere so they couldn't do anything they weren't supposed to."
Unable to help myself, I burst out into laughter, with Rose following closely behind.
I can see it now, Esme lurking behind the two of them while they sulk and pout over their loss of freedom. Knowing Edward, I'm sure he planned many escape attempts only to be thwarted time and time again by his mother.
"How were they grounded?" Rose inquires, gently brushing my hair before working on another section.
"They couldn't use their favorite cars, no television, and they had to volunteer at the hospital. It was hysterical seeing them in those candy-striped uniforms," she replies with a snicker.
Desperate, I grab ahold of her hand before she can put any more makeup on me. "Please tell me you have pictures."
Slyly, she grins. "I may have them somewhere hidden."
We all cackle, and I can't speak for Rose, but I'm sure she's imagining the pair of them scowling in their ugly uniforms, looking like sullen, grouchy teenagers.
"There," Alice says once our laughter calms down. "You're done."
Stepping back, she looks at me, nodding once in satisfaction. "Beautiful. Look," she tells me, waving toward Rose's mirror.
I nod in approval, noting the smoky gray eyeshadow used, giving my eyes the dark look I like but still looking classy and mysterious. My lips are painted with a deep red, almost the color of blood, making the paleness in my skin really pop.
My hair hangs down around my shoulders, with intermittent curls throughout. It honestly looks like I just rolled out of bed, but without the frizz and tangles.
"Wow. Thanks, guys. Rose, I love my hair. And makeup is great, Alice." Turning my head from side to side, I notice a light sheen on my skin and turn to her with questions in my eyes.
"Highlighter," she replies with a bright smile.
"Cool. Thanks."
Rose nods in approval, a small smile on her face. "You really did a fabulous job. You have a real talent; she looks like she stepped off a movie set or something."
Alice beams at the praise. "Thank you! That was my intention since she likes horror movies so much. It's a kind of gothic/modern type of look."
"Amazing. I won't do half as well as you did, though."
Alice waves her away. "I know you will. I've seen your makeup looks."
My cousin shrugs. "We'll see. So, are you going next?"
"No," Alice says, pointing to the bed. "You're next. Bella, will you do her hair? I think an up-do will look nice."
I nod, going to stand behind her and getting everything ready. I won't do her hair as great as she did mine, but I'll try.
Once we both set to work, Alice starts rambling about her makeup inspiration for Rose.
"I see you as an old Hollywood starlet; full of glitz and glamour, poise and class. I'll keep your eyes minimal, but make your lips pop with this red color," she tells her, brandishing a bright red lip color that will definitely look good on her.
"That is beautiful. It looks like the exact color of that convertible I want," Rose nearly moans, tapping my arm and pointing to it. "Look, Bella!"
I roll my eyes, not sparing my attention from the curling iron in my hand. The last thing I need to do is burn off her hair.
I'll never hear the end of it.
"I see that. And if we were anywhere other than Forks … or Washington State for that matter, I'd tell you to go for it. But it rains here too much, Rose. It's an impractical car."
"Not necessarily," Alice contradicts. "It doesn't rain that much; it's just too cloudy. But there's still dry weather where you can enjoy the benefits of such a car without the inconvenience of never using it."
Rose snorts a laugh, shaking her head. I click my tongue against the roof of my mouth when the curling iron very nearly touches her ear.
"Keep your head still!"
"Sorry. Alice, that sounds like a practiced speech."
My friend grins guiltily, shrugging a shoulder. "It may be. I've had my eye on a certain yellow sports car, but everyone keeps telling me it's not practical. The nerve!"
Biting the corner of my lip to contain my laughter, I focus on my task while Rose starts gushing about her favorite cars.
"Which one?"
While they start their car talk, I finish putting Rose's hair in a twisted bun, allowing certain curls to fall around her, framing her face. It's not completely perfect, and when I try to go back in and fix it, both Rose and Alice stop me.
"It's perfect," Rose breathes, staring at her reflection with glassy eyes.
With her minimalist makeup, bold red lips, and hair, she looks like she stepped off the silver screen and into real life.
"Glad you like it," I murmur, turning to Alice. "Your turn?"
Alice nods enthusiastically. Sitting in Rose's previous spot, she waits patiently to be pampered, but I can see the excitement gleaming in her eyes.
There's not much I can do with her hair since it's so short, and it honestly looks good as is, and I tell her so.
"That's true," my cousin muses, pausing with the eyeshadow brush a few inches away from Alice's eyelid. "Bella, look through my jewelry box and look for that green bangle bracelet set. It'll look good with Alice's outfit."
Instead of doing what she requests, I'm frozen in place, wondering if she really just offered what I thought she did. An expectant glance and a handful of seconds later, I jump up from the bed and immediately find the bracelet.
I try not to bring too much attention to this, but I can see the excited gleam in Alice's eyes when she realizes that progress is being made.
"You know," Rose muses as she brushes blush across the top of Alice's cheeks. "You really don't need makeup. Your skin is flawless and beautiful."
There's a twinge of envy in her tone, but Alice either doesn't pick up on it, or she doesn't notice.
"Thanks; I do need some makeup, though. To blend in and give myself some color."
"In this day and age, being pale is all the rage."
"True."
"I wonder if I'll be just as flawless when—if I ever become a vampire," Rose wonders aloud, quickly amending her previous words.
From the distance look on her face, I can tell she's not really expecting an answer, and she's merely speculating, but I can't help but ask my own questions.
After all, it was only a few days ago that she admitted to wanting children … though she did say she wanted that with Emmett.
What had changed her mind?
Did she change her mind?
"There's no doubt; you'll make everyone pass out. So … have you made your decision, then?"
Her attention snaps away from whatever she's thinking in her head and to me, a guilty expression flashing across her face.
Nonchalantly, she shrugs, trying to remain impassive. "Not really. I was just wondering. It's just idle thoughts."
"You never have idle thoughts. Have you decided to become part of the undead Cullen clan? When are you going to be changed?"
Alice muffles her laugh against her hand, and Rose rolls her eyes, annoyed.
"I haven't made a decision yet; at least it's not a firm one, okay? Just … relax, all right? There's still a lot I need to think about. It's not like I can make this decision and change my mind a year down the road. When I make my decision, I'll let you know."
Seeing her point and satisfied with her response, I nod once, looking around. "All right. What more needs to be done?"
Apparently, there's nothing more that needs to be finished, except a final examination of our appearances, making sure everything looks good.
When we're finished, there's still half an hour before the guys will be here to pick us up, so Rose sits against her pillows, gesturing toward the space next to her.
"Show me your dream car, Alice." Rose brandishes her own phone, quickly pulling up the pictures she has saved.
Alice beams, moving at vampire speed next to my cousin, who looks a little shocked at her sudden reappearance but manages to disguise it with a tight smile.
Blowing out a slow breath, she leans over when Alice gives Rose her phone, and Rose's uncomfortable look changes into one of awe.
"Wow," she breathes, her eyes glazes over and lips parted. "That's a beautiful piece of art. I'd love to get under the hood."
"I know! I mean, not about under the hood things … I'm not very good at that, but I love how fast it goes! I test drove it in Italy two summers ago—"
Idly, I listen to her story, and Rose gushes about her own dream car. I don't offer much input into the conversation because I'm not a huge car person.
"How do you know so much about cars?" Alice's tone is awed, matching her expression perfectly.
Rose shrugs a shoulder. "It's my passion. And I'm a natural at it; always have been, since I was little."
"Ha!" A bark of incredulous laughter leaves me. I vividly recall Rose messing up more cars than she helped fix.
"Don't lie. You were always trying to tinker with things you knew nothing about. Remember when you broke that hose thing?"
Rose's lips purse in an effort to conceal her laugh, but she fails. "I was curious and wanted to help. How was I supposed to know it wasn't supposed to be yanked out?"
There's a short silence, and then the three of us erupt in laughter.
"Okay," Rose concedes after a moment while she gingerly wipes at her eyes. "Maybe not always a natural, but I was a quick learner … and there's still a lot I don't know, but—" she trails off, a wistful expression on her face.
I have a feeling I know where her thoughts are taking her; it's been ages since she's tinkered with anything in the garage with Dad. It had even been a while before the Cullens came. Rose became obsessed with acing her classes and graduating early and didn't make time for the things she once enjoyed.
Reaching over, I push her knee, and once I know I have her attention, I speak. "There's still time, you know. You can still graduate early and work in the garage."
A slow but apprehensive smile pulls at her lips. "I don't think Uncle Charlie—"
"I'm gonna stop you right there," I interrupt with a hard roll of my eyes. "You know the answer to that. You're just being silly."
"Maybe."
"Completely," I fire back. "Stop being ridiculous. You know he'll jump at the chance to work with you again. Besides, with the disappearances and the shitstorm that accompanied them, he hasn't had any free time. If you're nervous or whatever, just ask him. You'll see."
She sneers, but there's no malice behind it. "You're not as smart as you think you are, you know."
"No, I'm smarter."
Alice watches us like we're the most entertaining show she's seen, which I can't imagine is the truth in the slightest.
"Wow," she mouths, turning her face away, smiling to herself. Suddenly, she jumps up, excitement coloring her features. "They're down the street!"
Rose's back straightens, and she runs a hand over her hair as she looks in the mirror before smoothing her hands down her shirt.
"He can't see you, you know."
Sneering at me through the mirror, she gives herself one more glance before stepping aside, allowing Alice time to appraise herself.
"Don't you want to do a last-minute check to make sure everything looks okay?"
"Not really. I haven't eaten since breakfast, and I've brushed my teeth since then, so there's nothing in my teeth. You guys did my hair and makeup, so I think I'm good … unless you royally screwed me over, in which case, you're both going to hell. And I'll be there to torture you because I earned my seat a long time ago," I joke.
Rose frowns, pointing a finger at me. "One, that's not funny. Two, you shouldn't go so long without eating."
Rolling my eyes, I quickly turn around, heading for the stairs. "I wasn't hungry, so I didn't eat. I had a big breakfast."
"Still, you should have something," Rose persists, following me down the stairs.
I jump as Alice suddenly appears beside me, looking a little bored with this topic of conversation. I suppose I would too if I didn't have any need for the subject at hand.
And speaking of that, it makes me wonder why we're doing "dinner and a movie" if half of the group can't eat human food.
"Why are we getting food when you Cullens can't eat?"
Alice shrugs a single shoulder. "We're going for the movie and the company. Just because you need to eat doesn't mean anything."
I side-eye her but say nothing more on the subject. I'm not really going to protest that much because I am hungry, and if they're willing to put up with us eating, then I'm not going to argue.
Grabbing my purse from the entry table, I look around, not seeing my mother anywhere. I for sure would have thought she'd be around us, excited about our evening … and the fact that Edward and I aren't being idiots anymore.
Her words.
"Where's Mo—"
Before I can finish, she's in front of us, and I jump slightly, sucking air through my teeth.
"Sorry, honey," she says with a grimace.
Her words are entwined together, her nails picking at her cuticles as the worried grimace remains on her face.
"Everything okay?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes," she replies, giving both Rose and I a kiss on our cheeks, stopping to do the same to Alice. "You girls have fun, all right?"
I prepare myself for her "safe sex" talk, but nothing comes. Instead, she lapses into silence, her apprehensive gaze flitting to her phone.
On either side of me, Rose and Alice watch her closely, the latter's gaze going unfocused before she sighs heavily, a hint of annoyance there.
Mom merely shakes her head once, her eyes briefly lighting up as a solid knock sounds on the door.
"They're here!" She opens the door, a hand falling to rest over her heart. "Oh, you all look so handsome! And you girls look beautiful. Have a good night, okay? Be safe!"
My eyes immediately fall on the person in the middle who's watching my mother, his eyebrows furrowed in concern and concentration.
After a sharp look from my mother, he looks away, shooting me a tight smile. Raising an eyebrow in response, I incline my head toward my mother, hoping he'll get the question I'm trying to ask.
Thankfully, he does, but he doesn't give me the answer I'm looking for. Ever so softly, he shakes his head, casting my mother a suspicious glance.
Emmett takes that moment to intercept, thrusting a bouquet of deep red roses toward Rose. "Beauty, for my beauty."
"Come up with that one yourself?" Despite the annoyance seeping through her words, there's softness in her eyes and a pink hue in her cheeks.
Mom allows Rose to smell them before taking them from her, promising to put them in water.
Amused, I watch as Jasper nervously steps forward, a handful of white daisies and small sunflowers in one hand while the other harshly rubs at the back of his neck.
"I … these reminded me of you," he stutters, gazing up at her from underneath his lashes.
Alice takes them from him, holding them close to her chest and gazing at him with so much love and adoration shining in her eyes.
There's also something else there … a glimpse of melancholy that's gone in a blink.
"Thank you, Jasper," she breathes, never relinquishing her hold. "I've never … they're beautiful."
Uncaring of her audience, she stands on the tips of her toes and plants her lips on his, only breaking away when Mom giggles.
Jasper's face reddens, but he looks extremely pleased.
"I'll put them in water, Alice, and you can take them home tonight," Mom offers, holding out her hands for the flowers.
It takes Mom clearing her throat twice for Alice to snap out of her daze, and when she does, she looks uncharacteristically embarrassed.
A deep familiar chuckle shifts my attention to the guy standing near my left, shaking his head as he stares in glee at the scenes playing before us.
I raise an eyebrow at his empty hands. "You didn't bring me any flowers? What's your deal? It's sad when Jasper and Emmett are more romantic and nicer than you."
"Hey!" The pair in question shout, but we pay them no mind.
"Did you want them? You don't seem like the flower type."
I shrug a shoulder. "I'm not. So you lucked out. Ready to go?"
His golden eyes roll upward, and when we reach the porch, he brandishes a small gift bag. "I did bring you something. I'm not a complete monster."
I shoot him a dark look at that comment, which he subsequently ignores. I take the bag from him and blink in surprise as I find my favorite chocolate covered pretzels.
"Really?"
He nods, a smile pulling at his lips. "I figured that was the safer bet. It's something you'd really enjoy."
"I do; you get me. Awe."
Leaning up, I give him a quick kiss, taking the pretzels from the bag, finding my favorite tube of berry lip stain at the bottom. Taking it out, I wave it around, silently questioning this gift.
"You'll need it before the night's over," he teases, a perverted gleam in his eye.
Sighing in mock disappointment, I shake my head. "You were doing so well, and that comment just sealed your fate for the night."
Without another word, I spin around to deposit my snack in the kitchen, ignoring the muffled laughter from our family.
When I'm sure their attention is averted, I make a show of placing the lip stain in my pocket, shooting a smirking Edward a wink.
"All right. Are we ready or what?" I ask.
Everyone murmurs their agreement, with the guys waiting patiently while Rose and Alice collect their purses.
Edward's head tilts to the side as he stares at my mother, his eyebrows pulled together in concentration. Alice catches his stillness and glances between the two of them, hitting his forearm with her hand.
Whatever silent question she's asking him causes him to shake his head, and in response to his questioning glance, she shakes her head, casting a quick glance toward me.
Understanding dawns on his face, and his expression smooths once he notices me watching.
"What—"
"Have a good time, okay? Be safe!" Mom interrupts, disappearing just as quickly as she came.
"What's going on?" I hiss, following Edward to his car as he places a hand on the small of my back.
I can hear Rose and Jasper asking their own questions behind me, but the responses they receive are lost to me as I notice we're taking a separate car.
"It's nothing, I think," he responds, honesty and confusion clear in his tone as we enter the car.
"You think? What does that mean?"
Running a hand through his hair, he gives a frustrated huff. "I don't know. She's worried about something, but she was blocking me. From what I could tell, your dad was suddenly called into work."
I bite the corner of my lip, wondering why he had been called into work and why Mom is worried about it?
Is there another vampire in the area?
Did Laurent have friends, and had they come back for revenge on his behalf?
"Is there another vampire in the area?"
"No," he tells me, his confident tone easing my concerns. "Jake and the others, as well as my family—and your mother—have been keeping a vigilant watch. There are no new scents in the area; we're sure of it."
"Then what is it?"
"There are plenty of monsters that are human too, Bella."
"That doesn't make me feel any better," I snap.
Edward chuckles, his fingers drawing soft circles on the back of my hand. "That's why your mother was so anxious to leave. She wanted to watch over him while he was working on whatever called him out. Trust me; he's in good hands. And if she needs help, my parents and the pack are a phone call away. He'll be fine."
I blow out a breath, slightly relieved. Knowing my father's being looked over and that my mom has a backup if she needs it is a welcome piece of news.
But then why hasn't this heaviness in my gut gone away?
"All right. Thanks."
"You're welcome. Ready?"
"I suppose," I say with a sigh.
"Careful, I'll start to think you don't want to do this," he playfully warns, following Emmett's Jeep.
"What tipped you off?"
"You putting the lip stain in your pocket," he gloats.
"Well, it is my favorite color. And like you said, I'll need it."
His eyes light up in excitement. "Really?"
"After all that eating I'm planning to do? Definitely."
I cackle at the sight of his put-out face and lean over, kissing the side of his lips, slowly moving toward his ear.
"Play your cards right, and I might need it for more than that."
"You're a tease."
"Maybe, maybe not. Time will tell."
He shakes his head, reaching to turn up the radio. "Maybe nothing will happen. You'll see how it feels then, won't you?"
"Is that a challenge?"
Thickly, he swallows. "Perhaps."
"Oh, you're so on."
I turn away, spotting my devious grin reflecting in the window.
Maybe tonight won't be so bad after all.
Now, if I could get this heaviness out of my stomach, that would be great too.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Stay safe!