Chapter 5

Teenagers – My Chemical Romance

Mandy – Always Get Her Way – Smash Mouth

BPOV

I couldn't believe how nervous I was pulling into the school parking lot. I quickly glanced up through the windshield to see Edward casually leaning against his car, watching me like he did every day. I was angry, too. I had the strongest urge to march over the lot and confront him. Sneaking into my house at night, to do only heaven knows what. Some nerve! What would I say? Accuse him of prowling? stalking? being an all-around pervert? Demanding to know what the hell he was doing, violating my home and scaring my kid?

I had to take a minute to calm down. I really didn't know anything. Jase had just come in from a nightmare and was half asleep. He could have thought he saw just about anything. I mentally forced myself to be calm. It was best not to react until I knew for sure. I glanced back up and saw him still staring at me with his blank face. I grabbed my bag and laptop case, heaved an exasperated sigh, and kicked open the door.

EPOV

Bella seemed to be nervous. Seeing her sitting in her car staring at her steering wheel, occasionally glancing up at me. I was trying for "nonchalant," but the truth was, I was a bit nervous as well. This was not her usual morning habit. Did she have any idea of the previous night's activities? There was a time when my visits were welcome, and even anticipated. Not to mention I was eagerly permitted to do much more than just prowl around uninvited and stare at her like some perverted peeping tom. I berated myself for my impulsive lack of discipline. If she suspected, this would not go well.

Bella remained detached and unavailable throughout the day. My hour in her class was uneventful. The only bright spot was the paper she had assigned on our current novel, Wuthering Heights. At first, it seemed like a very typical homework assignment, but I realized that with just the right wording, I could make it so much more. I smiled to myself, uplifted enough to ignore Jeffrey's mental musings on the firmness of Bella's backside through her pencil skirt. I spent the rest of the afternoon dodging Mandy and planning my essay.

The final bell rang, and I made my way out to the parking lot. Alice was already waiting for me. She was translating War and Peace into Mandarin, so I knew she was hiding something. I was immediately suspicious.

"What are you hiding, Alice?"

"You'll find out soon enough, Edward. Look at this paper and sign the bottom."

I took the paper from her outstretched hand and glanced through the text. It was a sign-up sheet for an extra-curricular class. I looked a bit closer and realized it was the "independent living/cooking class" offered once a month by none other than Ms. Swan. I had heard about these extra classes offered intermittently and taught off campus by a volunteer. It was expected that each teacher take a turn every few years to teach students subjects not offered through the school district. These classes covered a wide range of subjects, and of course, I wasn't interested in any of them, except this one. Alice immediately had my attention.

"I don't think Bella will react well if we just show up," I said.

"It's a very small class. She can only accommodate a handful of students at a time, and yes, she won't be too thrilled when we show up, but she'll get over it. Trust me." She flashed a huge grin. "Sign it."

I happened to know that Bella's class wouldn't be until the next month, and all the slots had been filled for weeks. I didn't want to know how Alice had planned on procuring two empty slots, but I was long since passed trying to argue with her. Glancing up at the smug smile on her delicate face, I quickly signed the bottom and handed the form back to her.

"Thank you, Edward. It's nice to see you trust me a little more. Don't worry - it will be fun!"

I wasn't worried about the class; I was worried about Bella's reaction. She already seemed suspicious. My attempts with Bella were failing and I was becoming even more frustrated, so maybe Alice's direction would help. I smiled at her, thankful that she was doing her best.

As Emmett and Jasper walked up to the car, I noticed Mandy walking behind them. She waved and winked as she walked by. Emmett smirked.

"Aww- Eddie's got his own little fan club!" he boomed with way too much enthusiasm. I rolled my eyes and looked at Alice.

"We have got to do something about this mess, Alice. How am I going to get out of this date?"

"I know I said I would try to help, but I only see you out on the date. You could feign illness or something, but I don't think that would work."

I saw Alice's memory of her vision. I was propped in bed faking a nasty cough as Mandy fed me soup while reading aloud the latest vampire romance. I shuddered and suppressed a gag. No, that would not work out.

"What's one date, Edward? It won't kill you, and maybe Mandy will decide all on her own that you're no fun, and she won't ever want to be in your company again," she added with a teasing smile.

Rose finally joined us, and we all jumped in and headed out. As we were preparing to turn out of the lot, I heard Alice's internal voice.

You had Bella's scent on you when you came home this morning. I'm warning you now, Edward. No more nighttime visits without her knowledge. She's already suspicious, and if you confirm it by being stupid again, she'll never forgive you.

I looked straight ahead but rolled my eyes. Alice knew that this was my silent signal for frustration.

I'm on your side, brother. I miss Bella and I want her back in our lives, too, but this situation is very fragile. Bella is at a crossroads, and any misstep could have devastating consequences. Please try to be patient.

I tried to keep up with all the possible future scenarios whirling through her mind, each outcome dependent on many various choices. None of them were concrete. How she could keep the muddled mess straight without going insane was beyond me.

Carlisle met us all at the door. "I'm sure Alice has informed you all already about the charity fundraiser this Saturday evening. We are all expected to go, so please don't make other plans." Everyone nodded their heads and separated to pursue individual interests. Carlisle put his hand on my shoulder and looked me in the eye.

"I know these events aren't your thing, Edward, but we need to make a show of family unity for the polite society of Rochester. I know I can count on you."

He raised his eyebrows in question, and I nodded my head. Of course I would go for my family. Satisfied, he left to get ready for his hospital shift, and I zipped up the stairs to my room. I turned an appreciative eye to my new tux hanging just inside the closet. Alice did a good job.

I turned the CD player on and lounged back on the couch, smoothly grabbing my laptop from off the floor. After a moment of thought, I carefully chose my thesis, and started to write my English Lit paper.

I hadn't bothered calling Mandy, hoping my rudeness would turn her off, but no such luck. She caught me by my locker, again, first thing Friday morning.

"Hey, Edward!"

"Oh, uh, hi, Mandy."

"So, about tonight…."

"Yeah, about that. I'll meet you at the front gate at kickoff, okay? My house is kind of hard to find. Oh, and just so you know, I have a curfew."

"Oh, cool, so do I. Midnight."

"Mine's 10."

"Really, on a Friday night? Wow, I thought my parents were strict."

"Really, and the consequences are dire, so I'll probably need to be home a bit earlier just to be safe."

"Okaaaay. We'll just need to leave Freddy's party a bit early, but I guess that'll be all right. You can just make it up to me later!

I cringed at Mandy's mental pictures of just how I could make it up to her. Freddy's parties were legendary, apparently. Ugh.

"So, I guess I'll meet you tonight at six. Bye, Edward!" and with that, she melted into the stream of students heading off to class.

As promised, I met Mandy in front of the football field gates at exactly six. I was not looking forward to the evening's festivities, but one look at the excitement in her eyes and wide grin and told me she was very much looking forward to this. I heaved a sigh and looked around at the gaggle of girlfriends that stood around her. Her two best friends, Amanda and Jennifer, were there for moral support, the rest were there to gawk. Half weren't even sure I'd show up. I could see out of the corner of my eye two of the boyfriends silently exchanging bills. I guess Daren had a little more faith that I'd come and had won the bet. By the look on Carl's face, he had lost more than he was comfortable with.

Coming to stand beside Mandy, I plastered on a fake smile and looked her in the eye.

"Hi. Nice evening for a game. You ready to go find a seat?" I hoped I didn't sound too bored. I was sincerely trying for a feel of "interested," with an edge of "excited." Over the years, I had had much more practice with facial expressions than actual dialogue, since I tried to avoid speaking with peers as much as possible. I concentrated on the thoughts around me, hoping to catch any error in my behavior.

He's talking about the weather? Seriously? What a tool! Carl was still irritated with losing his bet.

"Yeah! I hope it's okay with you, but we had some friends go in early to save seats for everyone," Mandy said, "We were basically waiting here for you." Her gleaming smile stretched from one ear to the other. We moved up the ticket line, and we were soon making our way around the field holding sodas and popcorn. Mandy had her arm linked in mine and was vigorously waving and nodding to everyone she knew, and a few she didn't.

I cannot BELIEVE I'm here with Edward Cullen! Oh, I hope everyone sees me! I hope we can give everyone something to talk about on Monday!

"Hey, Josh! How's it going?" Mandy suddenly yelled to her left. I caught Josh Penske's shocked gape as we started ascending the stairs. Everyone on either side stared in silence as we ascended, and a microsecond later, the whispers and speculation began.

Holy crap, he actually showed up!

Mandy wasn't kidding- she really has a date with Edward Cullen.

Mandy and Edward? Are they dating now?

Edward Cullen dates? Wonder if they're serious?

I cringed. My simple get-it-over-and-done-with date with Mandy would have repercussions. Why didn't Alice warn me? I would have faked my own death to avoid this mess. We sat in our reserved seats, as the opening coin toss was called.

Mandy reached over to take her soda and smiled wider. In a smooth move, she took the drink in her right hand as she linked her left arm in mine. She had the grace to look away as she took a long pull on the straw. Nonchalant. Nice play, Mandy. She casually put the cup down by her foot and moved her right hand over mine. Thank goodness Alice did warn me to wear gloves. Mandy was being forward with me, and the last thing I needed was for her to tell everyone who would listen how hard and cold my skin was.

I didn't particularly like holding hands with her, but seeing how it was a date, I allowed it. I could still be a gentleman.

Mandy clung to me pretty much the entire game. Occasionally she would break free to jump and cheer after a touchdown, but then went back to her tight grip. I tried to look like I was having a good time. I tried hard, but after the first hour I was fighting to stay in my seat. The loud cheering, jumping, screaming, and the shrill horns bleating from the band section had me wanting to leave. I considered faking a migraine just so I could leave just after halftime, but I didn't want to risk Mandy's insistence in "taking care" of me.

Finally, finally the game ended, and the Westmore Bulldogs won 17-10. We stood to leave, and Mandy still wouldn't relinquish her hold. She faked a stumble down the steps a few times and batted her eyelashes as she thanked me for steadying her. I couldn't help but compare her calculated clumsiness to my Bella. Bella's clumsiness was genuine and was part of what drew me to her. She was sweet and innocent. I smiled as I thought of her indignation. She hated being thought as a klutz, believing it made her weak. I, however, found it endearing. Saving her, when required, was something I loved to do. Holding and touching her was a pleasure. Being needed by her, even if for nothing more than avoiding scraped knees and bruised elbows was fulfilling, and I would have gladly carried her everywhere if I had known she wouldn't protest. Bella was fiercely independent and very stubborn. I was pleased to see that those aspects of her personality were still very much intact.

Some part of my brain wondered if thinking about one woman while on a date with another was improper, but I couldn't find it in me to care. Mandy mistook my smile as one for her. Her eyes sparkled and she sighed.

I can't believe how well this is going. Maybe he's into me after all. With any luck, he'll loosen up at the party.

I cringed. Mandy's mental images had me drunk and underneath her as she ripped my shirt off. Seeing as how I can't ever get drunk, or would allow such behavior to occur, Mandy was in for a very disappointing evening.

She continued to smile as she led the way to her car. She unlocked my door first but was surprised as I followed her to the driver's side. She gave me a questioning look, but quickly understood as I opened her door. I knew this date would not end in the way she would like, but I needed to avoid any word of poor manners getting back to Esme.

Mandy batted her eyelashes at me. "Thank you, Edward." I nodded back.

Settling myself in the seat, and remembering to fasten my seatbelt, Mandy made her way along the stream of cars to the parking entrance. The second part of our date was underway.

Freddy's house was in a very familiar neighborhood. It just so happened that Doctor Sutton lived here as well. We motored along the wide central lane between stately homes situated on large, manicured lots. We pulled into a two-story modern Greek revival and Mandy parked along the crowded curb amongst other student vehicles. Cars were lined far down the street and all along the driveway leading up to the house. I quickly scanned the property, noting that Freddy's house was in back and to the side of Doctor Sutton's home. With the right angle, each would be able to observe each other's backyard.

It looked as if every light in Freddy's house was blazing and judging from the noise level emanating from the yard, the party was already in full swing. Mandy gripped my arm again and smiled as she led me around to the back. She couldn't wait to show me off. I took in the scene as we rounded the gate. Dozens of teenage bodies were in full party mode. Some were bumping and grinding to the latest top-40 dance music in the corner by the pool house. Others were in a state of half-dress in the heated pool laughing and tossing a large plastic ball, drinking and horsing around. Others were milling around socializing, talking and laughing loudly around the blaring music. Everyone was holding a red plastic cup, and the smell of beer in the air was staggering. Reading the hazed and incoherent thoughts around me, it looked as if most everyone was already in various stages of intoxication. I inwardly groaned. The whole thing looked like a scene from a bad teen movie.

All the activity seemed to stem from two very large wooden kegs situated on top of a portable table. Our host noticed the two of us making our way around and came over to greet us.

"Mandy!" He quickly grabbed two full red cups. He finally registered who was escorting her. "Oh, hi, Edward. Here." We each took a cup from his outstretched hands. He was well on his way to being drunk himself. I looked around at the scene and turned my gaze to Freddy.

"Freddy, where are your parents?" I asked more in concern for the welfare of the children here than my fear at getting in trouble for underage drinking.

Freddy looked at me with pride and triumph. "No fear, my man. They are currently at an investment seminar in Barbados. Won't be back until next Wednesday."

"Here's to that!" A tall blonde boy shouted, and everyone around the table cheered and took a deep drink from their cups. Mandy looked in her cup and took a timid sip. I gathered she wasn't much of a drinker. She smiled up at me and led me along to the side of the pool where a group of her school friends were drinking and laughing.

"Hey, Mandy. Glad you could come." A short girl with red hair greeted us as we walked over. Seven pairs of eyes scanned over me. Thoughts of fascination were skittering through their minds. It seemed unbelievable to them I was there at all. I couldn't have agreed more. They may not have understood the danger of me being in their presence, but their instincts did. Even partially intoxicated, self-preservation was kicking in and I could sense the growing discomfort.

I had become sensitive to thoughts of Bella in the minds of others, and at that moment, thoughts of Bella began emanating from Dr. Sutton's house. He was home. Mandy sat amongst her friends and I took the opportunity to excuse myself.

"Mandy, I need to look for a restroom. Will you be okay here?"

"Sure, Edward," she said. Smiling, she tipped back her cup, swallowing deeply. "Will you bring me another drink when you come back?"

"Sure," I replied and turned to walk around the back left of the house. I made my way through a throng of boys lounging against the side of the house. I noticed Jeffrey laughing and sucking in a long toke. The smell of alcohol and weed clung heavily in the air. A few of the boys nodded in acknowledgement, and Jeffrey glared, but most were too high to notice me.

I breathed a huge lungful of clean air as I finally made it through to the front of the house. My predatory instincts kicked in as I skulked through the shadows, melting effortlessly into the darkness. The thoughts emanating around the other properties were quiet. I could see the back of Dr. Sutton's house, and warm light shining from his kitchen and living room windows.

I spent the next few minutes listening in to the few phone calls he was making. He had a quick conversation with his transcriptionist, discussing typical concerns and giving detailed instructions. I continued to listen as he made another call to a local grocery with a delivery order. I did notice he included Bella's favorite candy, and several children's frozen entrees.

As he flipped through his day planner and calendar, thoughts of a trip to Forks were formulating. My attention sharpened at this revelation. Was he planning to escort Bella back for Thanksgiving? His next call was for airplane reservations. He booked one first-class ticket to Port Angeles, connecting through Dallas and Seattle, for two weeks from now. I was stumped as to why he would be going there alone, until I listened in to his final call.

"Hello, is this Charlie Swan?" My breath caught in my chest. I heard a familiar muffled "yes" on the other end.

"Charlie, this is Doctor David Sutton."

"Oh, yes, Bella has told me much about you. Is everything all right? Is Bella and Jase okay?"

Dr. Sutton chucked. "Yes, they're fine. I'm calling because I'm going to be in Seattle in two weeks for a medical conference, and since I'm going to be so close, I would like to stop in to meet you and talk for a bit. Would that be okay?"

"Sure, Doctor, any friend of Bella's is welcome here. Do you need a ride?"

"No, I will be using a rental car, and please, Charlie, call me David."

"Alright, then, David. I look forward to seeing you. Two weeks, you say?"

"Yes, the twenty-second and twenty-third."

"Sounds good. Looking forward to seeing you then."

"You, too, Charlie. Thank you."

Dr. Sutton was looking for a meet and greet with Charlie? The idea that he was going without Bella, and in secret, no less, concerned me. Whatever this was, it couldn't be good. I didn't know much about relationships, but I did know that meeting a woman's family for the first time was a big deal. Perhaps their relationship was more serious than I had thought.

I slowly started back toward Freddy's house, not sure what to think of this new information. The noise level surrounding the pool increased as I came closer. A quick glance at my watch displayed 9:55.

I rounded the corner to the pool yard looking around for Mandy. She wasn't where I had left her. A loud, laughing scream from the pool grabbed my attention. Mandy was fully dressed in the pool trying to hit a large plastic ball. She was intoxicated. I looked over to where I had left her and noticed at least seven red cups strewn across the cement. I didn't think I had been gone that long. How did she manage to drink so much in that time?

She watched my approach and shouted, "Hey, Eddie, there you are!" Her speech was slurred.

"Where've you been? You didn't bring me a drink, but Freddie did!" She flailed her arms in Freddy's direction and immediately erupted in giggles. I had had enough. I wanted to leave. Now.

"Mandy, it's almost ten, we have to leave."

She whined loudly. "Ohhhh, that's no fun I don't want to go. There's still more beer in the keg." More giggling. I was quickly losing patience. Mandy began making her way to the side of the pool, and I squatted to my knees grabbing her arm as gently as I could manage. Slowly, I pulled her out of the pool setting her firmly on her feet. She looked up at my eyes and tightly fisted the front of my shirt.

"You know," she slurred, breathing beer stench across my face, "Amy says you're too frigid. She thinks you would never kiss anyone on a first date." I looked down at her red face, wondering exactly how much alcohol she had consumed.

"But I think she's wrong." With more strength I would have credited her with, she yanked hard on my shirt pulling me down to her face, and I was momentarily shocked as her lips crashed to mine.

Catcalls immediately erupted all around as everyone's full attention was riveted to the scene we were creating. Mandy was red and breathless, more to do with the alcohol than the kiss. She turned and shouted to our audience.

"Thanks, Freddy! We got to be going now! Told you he did, Amy!" I was forcefully pulling her toward the house wondering if this horrific night could possibly get any worse.

Sure enough, as soon as we got to the back door, Mandy let out a loud groan, bent over and vomited everything she had consumed in the last two hours all over my shoe.

We made a detour through the house, stopping in the bathroom so Mandy could vomit again, and I could rinse off my shoe. Her face had completely paled, and she was beginning to shake. I grabbed the throw blanket off a couch on the way out the door and half walked, half dragged Mandy to her car, stopping only once for her to vomit in the bushes. I fished her car key out of her jacket pocket and settled her in the passenger seat. I pulled the seatbelt around her and prayed she wouldn't throw up on me. I couldn't drive her home fast enough. I turned the heater on high and trained all the vents right at her trembling form. She was sickly pale and was shaking so hard her teeth chattered. Her eyes started to water. Thankfully, she passed out on the way and I missed any additional vomiting.

I turned out the headlights as we crept slowly along Mandy's street. I parked her car further down the curb and wondered what I was going to do with her. No way was I marching her up the front stairs and ringing the doorbell. All I needed to complete this horror of a date was to explain to Mandy's parents why I was bringing her home soaked and drunk.

Leaving her in the car momentarily, I quickly scanned the area for witnesses. Sensing none, I quietly crept around Mandy's house looking in top and bottom windows for Mandy's bedroom. I located an empty bed on the second floor. Good enough. At vampire speed, I ran back to the car, gathered up Mandy and rushed her around the back and up to the window. Less than a second later, she was lying on the bed still wrapped in the throw and sleeping off all the alcohol she had consumed.

I ran to the school, picked up my car, and tried to not think too hard about the last few hours. I sincerely hoped Mandy would recover quickly, but I had no desire to see her on Monday, or even worse, hear the torrents of gossip that would no doubt be making the rounds. High school had always been a trial to be endured, but I hated it more in that moment than I ever had. No way would I be tricked into going on a date with anyone ever again. If Bella wasn't at my side, it wouldn't be happening, simple as that.

I quickly parked the car in the garage and rushed through the wooded expanse straight to Bella's house to check on her. Everything was quiet, dark and peaceful. I climbed straight up to my favorite perch and heaved a huge sigh. All was right again.