THIRTEEN
Saturday evening
When Edward sees Isabella's statuesque legs peeking out next to the drinks table, he has to fight the strong desire to lift her up in a bear hug and make love to her on top of it. She looks beautiful. Not that she doesn't every time he sees her, but he has never seen her dressed up before. In anything other than her school uniform or in nothing at all.
He thinks that she looks ridiculously sexy in a dress and heels.
Alice has done an incredible job with decorating the hall and she definitely looks proud of herself.
"Nice one, Al. The decorations are sick." Jasper states as he wraps an arm around her waist.
"Yeah, I know. What can I say? I'm just too good."
"That you are." He growls at her seductively and pulls her into a kiss. Edward screws up his nose in feigned disgust.
"Get a room you two. Where am I needed?"
"I've got Jess and Rose on the photobooth, and Emmett has already started setting out the tables. Why don't you go help Swan on drinks?"
Edward almost runs over to Isabella.
"Wow," He says quietly, but loud enough for her to hear. "You look perfect."
"Thank you. So do you."
"I actually think I prefer you in that dress over you naked."
"Should I be offended?" She discreetly nudges his side.
"God no. It just means you look exquisite in everything. I'm a lucky guy."
"Stop it, you. Don't talk to me too much, they might see."
He nods at her in agreement and they don't talk for the next couple of hours. Edward sticks with Emmett and the girls, gyrating alongside one another in time with the bass that thumps through the expansive room. Bella remains at the drinks table, passing out cans to thirsty students. Another introvert, Eric Yorkie, has been instructed by Alice to help her.
"Do you see that?" Jess yells as she wiggles along to the music.
"See what?" Edward responds.
"Yorkie and Swan. I reckon he might actually get lucky later."
Edward violently veers his head in Isabella's direction. Her and the boy do look cosy. She appears to be laughing at all of his jokes.
"I'm sure they're just friends."
"Don't think either of them understands the meaning of the word." Jess snorts. "Fancy a cig?"
"Nah, I'm good. I'm gonna go eavesdrop on the lovebirds."
With a mischievous grin, Jess disappears and Edward heads towards Isabella. The blood pounds in his ears and his teeth grind against one another.
He notices that she freezes when he gets to the table. He sees a gap on the table.
"No Sprites left? Want to join me in getting some more?" She nods.
"I can always lend a ha-" Yorkie starts. The pair already have their back to him.
"No need, Yorkie. I think we'll manage."
They are storing the drinks in one of the adjacent classrooms. Isabella looks confused when they are safely inside.
"What are you doing?" She whispers.
"I could ask you the same question?"
"What?"
"With Yorkie. You two are looking a bit too friendly?"
She gasps and looks hurts. "Edward, seriously?"
"What? Am I not allowed to ask?"
"I can't believe you would even accuse me of such a thing. I was just talking to him. In case you haven't noticed, I don't usually get to talk to that many people."
"Oh, don't use that card on me. I talk to you."
"Not at school. I'm still forced to have no friends. I am still forced to look so alone. I'm still forced to make people think I'm a fucking loner just so they don't find out you fuck me after school."
"Isabe-" Edward steps forward to hold her, to tell her everything is okay.
The door to the classroom opens.
"Fuckin' hell, Ed. Didn't think I'd catch you talking to Little Miss Weirdo tonight." Emmett sneers; Jess has her arms folded beside him. "She's not forcing herself on you, is she?"
Edward's eyes dart between his friends and the girl he loves.
He feels like a deer in headlights.
He wishes he'd had more to drink.
He wishes he were brave enough.
"Ew, what the fuck, no way. You know I wouldn't touch Swan with a barge pole. I just got lost on the way to the men's room. Let's go."
The three of them leave Isabella standing alone in the classroom. When Edward comes back, she's no longer there.
She's not with Yorkie.
She isn't anywhere.
Thirteen is unlucky for some and definitely for Edward and Bella! Turns out he wasn't as great as we thought he was :(
Will update again later!
Once again, thank you all so much for reading! It means so much in these very strange times :)