Disclaimer – I think you know… but if you don't, I do not claim anything from the Twilight saga as my own. The only thing I can claim is Addie.
Author's Note: Alright, y'all the plot is starting to move. I don't want to rush the story - I want to enjoy the in's and out's of the character development... I hope you appreciate it.
Speaking of appreciation - big shout out to lashawn & softrocks for their reviews. Your feedback was the fuel I needed.
Chapter 6: The New "New Girl"
Monday morning and the school was abuzz. Literally, there was a humming of electric energy passing from student to student as they chatted. I wondered what was so different about today.
I saw Mike leaning into his locker, talking to Tyler. I stopped in front of them, offering a big smile, hoping that would entice them to share.
"So… what is the big buzz about?" I asked playfully, eager to know.
Mike's face lit up in a childish, joyful manner. I had asked the right person, I thought.
"We have another new girl! Bella Swan – are you just now hearing?" Mike asked. I nodded back at them, even though I remembered that Aunt Amy said she was coming into town awhile back.
Tyler added, "And she's pretty cute. We're going to try to get her to join us at lunch." Oh, boy. I hope this girl has thick skin because she was getting the full new kid treatment, and then some, I thought to myself.
I was curious by lunchtime. What would Bella Swan be like? I didn't know much about her, except I'd heard rumors that she was from Arizona, the boys thought she was cute, and that her dad was Chief Swan of Forks P.D.
I decided to go straight to the lunch line before heading to the table. I picked out a wimpy looking salad, chicken breast, and apple before checking out at the grey cash register. I took a moment to glance to the left at the Cullen table. Emmett was standing and stretching, his left arm making an arch over his head. I noticed the way his Henley shirt pulled up a tiny bit at the waist and revealed a tiny bit of his smooth, white torso.
Just like that I was so distracted I almost walked past our table. I stopped to assess the seating situation. Everyone was in their standard spots, but there was the newcomer. Her skin was pale with brown hair and eyes. I noticed the generally prettiness of her just as easily as her expression of discomfort. She looked overwhelmed or shy… maybe both?
The table was full, meaning there wasn't any room for me. I stood there for a second before looking around the cafeteria for another spot. I didn't really want to sit on my own, but I could. I had a copy of Othello that I could read while I ate my salad.
Angela was the first to notice the seating predicament.
"Addie, come over here! We can squeeze in. You can sit next to me and Jessica." It was such a nice offer, but Jessica did not seem willing to accommodate as much as Angela was.
That was when Bella piped up. "Oh no, I don't want to kick anyone out from the table! You should sit here. I can find somewhere else to sit…" I got the feeling like she might be looking for a way to escape.
"It's your first day, no need to leave. Stay here. How about we compromise, and I'll grab a seat and we both sit a little way back? I think I can fit if we both scoot out a little," I offered as an alternative.
Bella's nod of approval inspired me to set my food down on the table and ditch the tray. I started to walk back to the tray return and my eyes went right back to Emmett. To my surprise, he was looking at me. Big amber eyes and a small smile on his face. My heart almost jumped out of my chest and I felt my already rosy cheeks burn red. On a reflex, I smiled back a little too.
I told you I was a goner. I had lost all control of myself. I turned after returning the tray and purposefully chose not to look at the table on the left. I knew my face was still burning and I didn't think I could handle anything more.
I walked over to the nearest table – filled with freshmen boys – and asked for a spare chair. They quickly agreed and I easily grabbed the chair with both hands. Bella had already scooted out a bit for me and we managed a system to fit our food at the table.
"I'm Addison Day, but I go by Addie," I said, leaning my head to the side. We were almost too close in proximity to comfortably look each other in the face.
Bella leaned in and said, "It's nice to meet you. Mike said you are new too. When did you get here?" She asked conspiratorially with a whisper.
"Last week," I dropped my voice even lower, "They will get over it soon. Give them a week or two."
I wanted to comfort her. My read on her indicated that she was not used to this much attention. Meanwhile, I had experienced enough moves to not let it phase me. I liked to focus on myself and let others do what they please. It was up to them if they wanted to waste energy getting all excited.
"What are you guys whispering about over there?" Jessica sounded out. She looked a little peeved to not be included. Bella flushed and stuttered… she clearly was not a smooth talker.
"I was just telling Bella about lunch options. I'm not recommending the wimpy salad. What is up with these people? A salad should be rounded like any meal – proteins, fats, carbs – where are my seeds, cheeses, berries?!" I explained with fake passion.
"Wow didn't realize you were such a health nut, Addie. I should have guessed with all of your weight training stuff you talked about. So, Bella, why did you move to Forks from Phoenix?"
For the next thirty minutes they played "20 questions with Bella." I liked hearing about her life in Phoenix, her altruistic reason for relocating, and her feelings about the weather. Apparently, she was very clumsy. Clumsiness and rain usually did not mix well… but I wasn't going to say that! I shared with her about Aunt Amy working for her dad and she agreed that It would be fun to get together sometime soon.
Conversation made its way over to the Cullens like it had my first day. It must be a rite of passage to get filled in on their majestic presence. I looked over at their table as Jessica shared her biased opinions about their crew. I had formed my own opinions as of lately.
Edward was smirking while we talked about them.
Alice was a fairy princess and completely amazing, even if she was out of touch with reality during some of our conversations. Jasper was polite and reserved… but also maybe had stomach issues…? I didn't know Edward, but he looked complicated and a little arrogant, like he hadn't really figured out how to engage with others.
Edward's face shifted into a frown. My point exactly, I thought. Such a dazzling face, but I never saw positive emotion on it.
Finally, Emmett – handsome, strong, and friendly. Also, a little scary? I wasn't sure why I thought that, but then my mind flashed to the first few seconds he looked at me that first day. He looked like he could kill, in a blood thirsty kind of way. I forced myself to re-engage in the conversation right as Bella was asking about a teacher.
The period was ending soon, so I decided to get out a few minutes early. I stood up and pulled my navy "US Air Force" crewneck sweatshirt down so that it covered my midsection before slinging my backpack over a shoulder.
"I'm going to return this. Let me know if there is anything I can do, Bella, new girl to new girl," I winked.
I set my borrowed chair back at the table and muttered a "thanks" before turning around to exit. I pulled my curls into my hands and tied a hairband through it to form a messy bun at the nape of my neck. A few look curls tried to sneak out, but I ignored it.
The rest of the day passed quickly. The normal monotony of school was dramatically altered by Bella's presence. I appreciated the break from the usual crawl of the afternoon.
All of a sudden, it was the end of the day! The bell rang, and to my surprise, Jasper hadn't bolted out of the room. I looked at him while packing up and thought he looked a ragged.
I decided to be friendly – it never hurt. "All tuckered out, Jasper?" I said with a concerned tone.
Jasper's eyes snapped to me. They looked darker than normal, and his face was a little weary. Huh, I hoped he was okay.
"Yes, long day. Thank you for your consideration, Addie. I appreciate it, but I'm alright. Have a nice evening."
I nodded my head and decided to walk out, leaving him behind in a mostly empty classroom. First, I stopped to drop off some books in my locker, then I headed out to my car.
The chill of the air hit me and reminded me of my surroundings. The parking lot was almost empty, and I noticed that the silver Volvo was missing too. I wondered how Jasper would get home… I let the thought go as I exited the lot and started the short commute home. It was time for a long hot shower.
Hope that was a treat! Welcome, Bella (to the plot). Please let me know what you think in a review!