"We're deciding instead of the occasional hellos that we can actually talk to them today, right?"
"Yup." I closed the door behind me and looked over to see that Alex was watching me over the hood of the car. "Let me know if Alice sees anything for today."
"She hasn't yet." He leaned his arms on top of the vehicle. "We still have another week left till the car slides."
"Alright." I walked around the other vehicles to speak with the brown haired girl sitting on the tailgate of her probably shouldn't be working truck. "Hello."
"Uh, hi." Her eyes were wide and confused as she looked up at me and at that moment I realized she had been the one who had been nearby when it looked like Alex and I were making out on the first day of school.
"Isabella Swan right? Bella I think everyone calls you?"
"Yeah, that's me."
"Hi, I'm Elizabeth. Feel free to call me either that or Ellie. I figured I'd introduce myself since I hear you're also new to Forks. Camaraderie you know?"
"Oh, uh yeah. It's nice to meet you."
"My friend is Alex." My hand waved toward the man who was watching Alice from his spot. "He's a bit spacey but he's my best friend and probably way too handsy."
"Friend? I thought you were were...well..."
"Dating? Nah, he likes to do that to new people. Like I said, he's really handsy. I think he has a crush on that short girl."
"With the Cullens?"
"Is that their name?"
"I thought you knew...You guys were sitting near their table."
I shrugged and sat on the back of her truck with her. "Nah. We found an empty table and sat there. And I did talk to them a little bit but I didn't introduce myself or anything. People have been telling me that its a huge deal though."
"Yeah, I've heard that they stick to themselves since they've moved here."
"Maybe they're just lonely." I leaned back on my arms slightly and swung my legs. "Maybe they know they're outsiders and are scared to branch out from their family. Alex is kinda like that. He really doesn't like talking to new people all that much." That's a lie. If he saw a pretty girl he'd be all for talking to her and getting her number.
And never calling her.
It was the thrill of the amount of numbers he could get in a night.
"If you want, you can come sit with us during lunch." She seemed to hesitate. "If you'd like to anyway."
"I'll see if Alex is up for it. One or two new people at a time he can deal with. More and he'll get a little antsy. When he was little he got beat up by a bunch of kids for his lunch money."
"Did he get hurt?" I almost felt bad for lying to her, but I didn't.
"Nah. He lost his parents in a crowd actually. Pretty sure he'd be the one to beat up a kid for his lunch money." I laughed slightly to myself. "I should probably tell you that you should take half of what I say with a grain of salt. I'm very seldom serious."
"So he lives with you and your parents?"
I shook my head and leaned back to lay down in her truck. "Nah. We've been friends for years so he stayed with me till last year. There was a shootout where my parents got killed. He had been held back years ago and I skipped enough days due to their deaths for me to be held back so we're just living together until we both graduate this year; then we're going to decide from there." My eyes glanced over to watch her. She was looking at me with sad eyes but quickly turned them away when she noticed I was looking at her. "I keep jumping between if I want to go to college or not and he keeps wanting to work with electronics."
"Do you know what you'd want to go for?"
"Not really. I always think on it and can never decide. Funny enough I kind of want to be a doctor."
"Why's that funny?"
"Alex hates the sight of blood. When my period starts and I don't notice it he'll throw an absolute fit. It's the most hilarious thing to watch and you'd have to see it to believe it. He threw the remote at our fridge and had to go out and buy a new one that night." I laughed to make it seem a little more believable.
He doesn't throw a fit when I bleed. The gentleman actually grabs a robe and drapes it over me before telling me that I need to go get changed because of my period. If we're out in public then he'll stand directly behind me, a lot of the time making it look way worse than if someone saw that I was bleeding.
Alex may be a bit of an ass sometimes, but he's a caring ass.
"He does understand I can't really do much about it so he tries to keep track just in case I forget. He's really the best friend someone could ask for." He is.
When he's not an ass.
"He sounds like it."
"Yeah and I left him staring longingly for far too long. He might creep the poor girl out." Carefully, I removed myself from the back of Bella's truck so I didn't somehow die. The truck had no risk of being any more damaged than it currently was. I'm more at risk.
I've died once. Let's leave that number as that.
"Oh it was nice talking to you Elizabeth."
"You as well Bella. And like I said, feel free to call me whatever. I don't mind. Everyone goes with Ellie cause it's shorter, but honestly I do miss hearing my full name. Hell if you call me El just let me know so I know to respond to it."
"I'll just stick with Elizabeth."
I responded with a smile immediately. "Thank you. Hope we can talk again soon." Alex perked up when I reached his side. "Let's go introduce ourselves to your crush."
"I'm oh so shy though my dear flower." He held both our bags in one hand and kissed my cheek with a small snicker as he followed me. "I do love when he sends me hate like that's going to stop me."
"Stop looking down my top when you do it and he'd have less of an issue I feel."
"He'd have an issue cause he couldn't feel," he whispered to me with a laugh. "Give the poor man a break. It's been at least a few weeks. Let the man have a feel."
"No. Stop being so horrible." I stopped before the Cullens, leaving Alex to stand slightly behind me. "Hello I'm Elizabeth and this is Alexander. We've been sharing tables beside one another and have yet to introduce ourselves so I felt like we probably should. I'm sorry that Alex is a bit too shy to introduce himself."
"It's quite alright," Alice told me with a beaming smile. She held out her hand to shake mine. "I'm Alice. This is my sister Rosalie and my brothers Edward, Emmett, and Jasper. It's nice to formally meet you."
"There's a few people nearby listening in still," Alex whispered into my hair.
"I'm glad your brother has a great sense of humor. I always get a kick out of it."
"Glad to be of service," Emmett agreed with a smile of his own. "It's nice that someone actually talked to us instead of gossiping behind our backs."
"We're gossiping too you know." I put a hand on my hip. "You realize that you look like a bodybuilder right? I think you could lift up a desk with no problem. Alex thinks it would be the table in the cafeteria." A squeeze around my waist let me know that Alex wanted to leave, probably due to Alice's whispered instructions. "Ah looks like we've hit Alex's hourly quota of talking. I do hope we can all get to know one another better. Let's get to class."
Alex followed me quietly for a while until we were farther from most of the students.
"Teenagers are gossipy little things, aren't they?"
"Yup. You were absolutely useless in getting my daily view though."
"We still have the rest of the day. Jasper you've got make sure not to give her a view of your ass at some point or I'll owe her fifty bucks." He was quiet for a moment. "She'd have to give me a foot massage the best she can."
"After telling him that you do realize you're going to lose, right?"
"Yeah, but my bestie needs happiness, even if it's with another guys' assets." He winked at me. "But I get to touch yours."
"Not since we found our mates." Truthfully we've both kept any romantic interactions to a minimum, only putting up enough to trick the teens at school. Apparently Alice did get jealous, even if it wasn't extremely so, but she understood that this was our act to fool the masses. Jasper was more jealous than Alice and sent various emotions to Alex to get him to stop.
I just laughed it off and told Alex he deserved it since kisses on the cheek and hugs sufficed well enough.
Just before we got into the building however I heard Alex hum. He answered when I tilted my head toward him. "Edward's decided to go for her. He only wants to know your terms."
"A new car, a green thong, a blue bra, and some twinkies."
"All for a single night?"
"Girl's gotta have her fun nights too you know."
He snorted at that. "You do realize they can get you all that without blinking right?"
True. "Yeah. Can't though or it'd be really weird since we live in a somewhat not nice neighborhood. The only reason we get away with our car is because of it being my 'parents' old car and you're a part time thug or something."
"I like the 'or something' part."
"Me too. Seriously though I don't have plans on saying much until he decides that he's going to stay with her. When she eventually finds out about you guys, then I'll inform everyone of exactly what they can expect from having couples like that."
"Till then no frisky time between you and Jasper."
"Never said that."
"You realize I'm going to interrupt you as often as possible."
"I'd say I'd do the same but you don't care. I can find someone else to do so though. Maybe Esme so that you're obligated to listen." I turned my face toward him and gave him the 'puppy eyes' he hated. "Esme, Alex was really mean to me and interrupted my alone time with Jasper. I was just trying to make him happy."
Alex snorted before scowling. "Now you've got her and her family laughing."
"Wrapped around my little finger according to you."
"Sure as hell called that one right. Jasper's willing to go for it at any rate."
"Of course he would. He'd be dumb not to. Even you have to listen to Esme and Alice would never want to disappoint her. So really think about it before you try anything." Speaking of trying anything. "Also stop making out on the couch. You tore through one of the cushions."
"I did not."
"Then she did. I don't care which of you did it."
"Jasper did it."
"Liar. After having to deal with you two he's been reading in my room. My books haven't been destroyed." I felt bad with him suffering being near the couple the whole time while he read or watched TV so I told him he could come in my room to escape them if needbe. He promised not to just sit there and watch me. Any time he needed to escape he could be just a little bit farther from them. It doesn't help much but he's admitted its better than having to watch it since he already sees that at his own home.
"How do you know we don't replace it?"
"That's a waste of money that you and I don't have." Thankfully Alex doesn't need to eat so we can save some money.
He frowned. "You realize that I can get us more money if we're running low."
"I don't think that's a concern right now. We still have enough for the moment."
His frown lightened. "And we have a backup."
"It's not a backup." I rolled my eyes and gestured for Alex to go into the classroom first since he's holding the bags. "It's future planning."
"Speaking of future-"
"Can I have my bag please?"
"Got it." He gave me a look. "You're going to have to talk about it eventually."
"When the time comes to it. Till then don't bring it up." I pulled my bag from his hands. "Please."
He left the subject there through the day, even through lunch. While many stories believe every moment in life is important, I personally don't think my school day is ever important. Its the same as any other school. Go to class and do work. Sometimes you're picked and sometimes you're not to answer questions. Sometimes you'll know it and sometimes you won't.
I'm a senior. School life is boring as hell.
A head of familiar brown hair walked in front of us. "Oh heya Bella," I greeted. Honestly it was the outfit I recognize from this morning. A girl with brown hair could be about fifty other girls here...Or thirteen. I don't know how many students actually go to this school.
"Oh! Elizabeth." She turned her head from watching Edward in the parking lot. He was watching her as well, not even attempting to be subtle. "Hi."
"Doing alright? Is he bullying you?"
"Who?" She glanced between Edward and myself before understanding. "No, he's not. He started talking to me today in class."
"Has he not before?" I asked.
"No he's been ignoring me."
"Really?" Alex asked from my side. "That's kinda rude. You're a pretty girl so I figured he'd at least be attempting to flirt with you." He pretended to flinch from the elbow I hit into his stomach. "What?"
"Be nice," I hissed.
"I am. She's pretty. I'm a guy and I'm not blind so I'm gonna say the truth. It's not my fault the rest of the guys in the school gossip about it behind her back."
"You're gonna scare her away."
"I'm not gonna date the girl Ellie!" he whispered back to me. "I have a crush on that pretty little midget."
"I hope she has heels that crush your toes."
"I'll enjoy every moment of it," he sighed. I snorted at his comment before turning to Bella.
"So he's been talking to you today then?"
"Yeah." She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and it immediately fell back into place. "Did you say anything to his family when you talked to them?" She feels the pull as well then. Does that mean she was infatuated with him before the connection was made? Wait, if I'm asking that then was I infatuated with Jasper?
I'm fine with that.
"Nah. Just greeted them and introduced myself. We sometimes crack jokes across our tables but that's about it."
"Go touch his ass and see if he likes it."
"Alex stop." My hand went to my forehead as I just thought over my own reasons on being with my best friend.
He's kind.
But he's an idiot.
Does the pro outweigh the con? Only time will tell.
"I think he'd appreciate it."
"Alex, go start the car."
"Yes ma'am." He took the key from my bag and walked ahead of Bella and I.
She relaxed every so slightly when he had gotten a distance away, making me wonder if she could tell he was slightly different too. Probably. Most people know there's something different subconsciously. "So you gonna go for him?"
"Huh?"
"If he's talking to you, maybe he has a crush. You know how some guys are. Hairpulling and mudthrowing. All that jazz."
"He's not interested in someone like me."
I snorted, shifting my bag on my shoulder as I leaned against the railing. With the mist and my cute dress I couldn't sit on it like I normally would. "Alex isn't as stupid as he likes to pretend to be. He's also very honest. If he says something then he means it. You're pretty and honestly I do think that Edward may like you. Ignoring you then all of a sudden talking to you and watching you across the parking lot like a freak? Yeah seems like a childish way of saying he likes you."
She didn't say anything.
"Just take my word for it. I'm not saying jump the poor guy, leave that to whores...like Alex." I could only wish I were facing my best friend to see his scowl of my teasing. He likes to be a man-whore thank you very much. "I'm just saying to talk to him. Don't freak him out though. Guys are just real weird sometimes you know. You approach him the wrong way and all of a sudden poof!"
"What do you suggest then?"
"Hmm?" I hummed and glanced toward the school building. "You barely know me, much less than your other friends, why would you ask my opinion?"
"I'm sorry, I just-"
"Nah, I'm not trying to be mean. I'm simply curious."
"Jessica and Lauren are nice but don't really listen much and said he doesn't date. And Angela I don't think talks much about boys so..." She's so nervous right now.
"Don't worry kiddo." I reached over to pat the top of her head before catching myself and pulling my hand back. Clearing my throat I pretended that it never happened. "If you need any help just ask." My hands busied themselves as I dug through my bag for a paper and pen.
"You just seem knowledgeable and calm. Like you've been there and done that but don't want to hold it over anyone's head."
I scribbled the house number onto the paper and handed it to her before picking up my pen. "I have. Alex is my bodyguard really. He flirts with me and it keeps most guys away."
"What if you meet someone you like?"
"He'll stop and if the guy cares enough to get to know me, he'll know its all an act. He's been helping me out anyway."
"How?" She leaned against the railing beside me while tucking the paper into her pocket.
"I saw a cute guy and he's being the one who's scoping him out to see how he acts. A guy is willing to pretend to be something he's not to get a girl's attention, but around other guys they brag and show their true self. If you need a guy to do that, he's willing. He's really overprotective and I don't think he'd mind helping you out."
"I couldn't ask him to do that." Her cheeks pinkened and it doesn't take a genius to figure out that she really wants him to do so.
"You wouldn't have to. I like his long haired brother so he's already going to be our in-guy." Our shoulders bumped as I leaned into her side to whisper to her. "It'll be our little secret though."
Her cheeks became just a little darker before she nodded with a small smile and I moved away.
"If it makes you feel any better, I think it should be illegal for a guy to look better than a woman." I brought my hand up to my hair-which is ruined forever in Forks-to smooth it down. "I mean come on. I know I'm a bit of a looker, but damn that man could drop someone's pants with just a wink."
Wow, her cheeks can get really dark. I see why Emmett has fun with this.
"Oh uh."
My laugh caused her to jump slightly. "Sorry. I do have a weird sense of humor. I'm not lying about him though. I've also heard him speak once you know."
"You did?"
"Yeah, told his big brother to shut up. I swear had I been wearing pants mine would've dropped with my undies." My laughter was even louder when she ducked her head down in embarrassment. "Ah sorry sorry. If you've been around Alex for any amount of time you really have to adapt or you'll forever live in embarrassment. You've seen what he's willing to do to get guys to stay away from me."
"Do you two...uh..."
"What?"
"Do things as well to get guys away?"
There was a moment when I almost asked what she meant. Things was emphasized though which means...
"Nope. He and I have never slept...uh...hmm...we've never laid? No..." The railing dug into my back as I leaned farther back. "Was trying to keep it tame for you. We've never had sex."
"You guys share a bed?"
"Yeah. We live together and we're still in school so there's not much money outside of inheritance. And I suffer from frequent nightmares so he's there to chase away my demons when I wake in the middle of the night." She may be a child of divorced parents, but she has nothing on what some kids deal with growing up. Children can grow up with only one parent because the other was violently pulled away from them.
Now I'm depressed.
"Why'd you move to Forks?"
Subject change I can somewhat deal with. "To get away from the looks. Nothing's more annoying than being reminded constantly of what you've lost. We moved somewhere that no one knows us and we can do what we want and be judged for that and not on our past. You?"
"Mom and Phil are married and I wanted her to be able to go with Phil."
"He has a job that takes him around the country or something? Is he military?"
"Baseball."
"Oh. Ugh."
"Don't like it?"
"No." I groaned and leaned my head back to stare up at the sky. "I hate football too. If anything give me figure skating. Alex loves watching any sports on the freaking TV and it gets annoying hearing him screaming on who's gonna win. Seriously. It might also be because I don't understand a single thing that it annoys me too. I'll climb a tree if dared but give me a sport and I'm just gonna see my way out." Nothing is more fun than climbing a tree in a dress and scaring your babysitter who thinks she's watching a sweet child. "So just do me a favor and never mention anything to Alex so I don't have him hounding you for your step-dad's number so they can talk sports."
"I grew up hearing about it so I guess it doesn't bother me much." She shrugged. "Every time I visited here it'd be sports on the TV and with Mom and Phil as well, I was always surrounded with it."
"Huh. Well I guess we better get moving. We've shown the parking lot our asses long enough." You're welcome Edward. "Alex is going to finish his homework and get bored enough to make a copy for me...And I'd totally let him."
"What?" Her cheeks pinkened again and she pulled away from the bars so fast as she turned to look behind me. I did the same thing slower and winked down at Jasper when I found him. The Cullens were still in the parking lot and pretending to converse. They couldn't go anywhere because Alice and Jasper had made their way over to Alex. He was sitting on the trunk of our car while chatting with the two.
"What?" I lifted an eyebrow as I glanced over to see Edward was turned toward Emmett and Rosalie but glancing our way. "Do you think I'm dumb? I'm manipulative as any other female on this planet Bella. He's been watching you and this way he could do so without you turning into a stuttering mess in front of him. He can check you out freely so that when you two talk he doesn't decide to do what Alex does and look down your shirt."
Her hand reached up to close her modest top slightly, causing me to snort.
"You're fine, don't worry. He doesn't seem like that kind of guy. Now come on. I'll walk with you so there's a buffer between you and Mr. Stare Down over there." I led her down the rest of the stairs and toward her car. "No offense but pretty sure even he's not immune to checking a girl out."
Is this really the same girl that's supposed to want to sleep with Edward and he's the one who has to stop her? Right now it feels like it'd be the other way around.
"You said you've dealt with this?"
"Having a crush or having a crush on a guy who has one back?"
"Both."
"Oh...hmm. Hold on." We stopped beside my car and I tapped Jasper on the shoulder. He had been a bit stiff as we got closer but he turned his head. "Hey."
His eyes glanced over my person before meeting my eyes. "Hey yourself darlin'."
My own eyes went back to Bella. "Yeah." I nudged her toward her death trap waiting to happen. She turned toward me when we were there.
"What was that?"
"What was what?" She saw what I did, right?
"What you just did."
"Saw how he reacted to me. I'm pretty sure he didn't look down my top. I have a lower cut than you do after all. He at least has class."
"And you say that's him having a crush on you?"
"No offense to you but he didn't look at you, at all. So I'll let you know as it goes."
Apparently no one wanted to steal that thing because she had left the door unlocked and just opened it and tossed her bag into the passengers' seat. "How are you so brave?"
"Life's too short to not take chances. If he doesn't like me then I'll move on." And have an eternal stalker that would follow me to the grave. Nah, I'll be joining him soon enough so if he's growling then I sure as hell hope Edward relays for him to stop it.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Alex laughing at Jasper. Poor Jasper.
Glad it's you and not me buddy!
"What if he does like you?"
"We try it out and see where it goes."
She nodded but didn't say anything.
"If it makes you feel better I can slap his ass when I pass."
"What? No! That's just-"
"Wrong? Not really. People do much worse behind closed doors...Or under bleachers. Do you know what I saw a couple doing? Do they not know how dirty that is? There's spiders! So like I said, I can slap it."
"Please don't slap it."
"I'm gonna slap it."
I slapped it.
