The crisp air cleared Bella's head and regret over her words and childish actions set in. Why had she done that? Because she'd insisted on behaving like a toddler, she may have extended Demeter's healing time; made her much more susceptible to the vampires.
Bella would never forgive herself if she caused her guardian more pain.
The miserable weather didn't uplift her mood. It was summer. Why didn't the sun shine and the temperature break the mid-fifties? Four out of the seven days she'd lived in Forks had seen rain.
Maybe the dismal climate upset Bella so much because she longed to explore the woods but didn't venture there for fear of slipping and injuring herself. What if the weather didn't change and she could never go into the forest? How could she get by?
Ever since Bella could remember, forests had been her haven. She felt complete amongst the trees. As silly as it had been when she was little, she'd thought she could commune with nature like Demeter could. Oh, how she'd wished to be just like her guardian (she'd often prayed Demeter was her mother).
A few tests had proven Bella had no deeper connection with the world, but she still liked to dream, and nothing would kill her love for the forest.
Bella gave the nearby cluster of trees a yearning look, then turned toward the center of Forks.
The town wasn't the smallest she'd ever seen. Bella had had to live in more than one place where a well and a single hitching post had been considered a thriving hub. No, Forks wasn't that bad, but it was close.
Surprisingly, a lot of people were out and about; most just seeming to enjoy a lazy Sunday. They window-shopped, ate ice cream, stopped in the middle of the sidewalk (and street sometimes) to hold lively discussions. Many looked cheerful and carefree, like what was expected of people during the summer.
Bella shook her head as she passed the townsfolk. Anyone who could enjoy this weather with so much enthusiasm must have a defective brain. Silly, strange mortals.
Despite her reluctance, Bella couldn't help being curious by what the little town had to offer. She walked down main street, her arms wrapped around herself (she'd forgotten a jacket and her thin long-sleeved shirt wasn't cutting it) and gazed into the shops. She passed an antique shop, a laundry mat, two diners, and a beauty parlor. All looked worn but well-cared for, and all but the beauty parlor was full of people.
Near the end of the street, Bella passed a small lit venue that stood out for several reasons. Clearly, it'd been established recently (the dark emerald green paint hadn't faded or chipped due to the elements yet). The lights inside had a hazy, mystical glow instead of a bright and welcoming one. Flowing, large script above the store spelled out "Of Saucers and Cozies."
On their own accord, Bella's feet drew her closer to the wide storefront window. She peered inside, overwhelmed with interest. What could this store possibly sell?
All she could make out was a bunch of tables with high-backed cushioned chairs. The tablecloths were black and smoky gray with royal purple lace trim. The floor was polished oak. Near the front of the store was a beautiful stone fireplace.
"Huh," Bella muttered; surprised at how disappointed she was to find another food shop.
Did Forks really need three?
Bella shrugged and glanced at the other end of the street. Maybe she'd find something interesting down that way. She started walking, but the tinkle of a bell over the mysterious shop's door caught her attention.
"Uh, Miss?" a seductive voice said from behind her.
Bella turned and couldn't believe the fine male mortal specimen that had left the shop. He had a slender, muscular frame and couldn't be any shorter than six foot. His full lips complimented his high cheekbones and strong jawline. He hadn't combed his messy, unnaturally bronze-colored hair, but the look suited him.
It took Bella almost a minute to remember how to speak. "Y-yes?"
"Were you interested in coming in? I forgot to put up the sign, but I am open."
Bella pointed at the storefront. "You're open? Do you own this place?"
The man nodded. "Yep."
It couldn't be true. His pale, stone-smooth skin had no imperfections. The man looked no older than his mid-twenties if that.
"Really?"
The man smiled, and his topaz-colored eyes sparkled. The combination nearly stopped Bella's heart. No mortal, or any being for that matter, had any right to look so captivating.
"Yeah, well, I can't take all the credit for getting it running. My father put up the funds for me to do so."
"A-ah, okay."
The man gestured to the store. "Why don't you come inside? Get out of the cold. I was just about to light the fireplace."
"I..."
Bella's initial desire was to say no, though she didn't know why. Warmth sounded terrific, and she really did want to see what that man sold. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to spend some time with this gorgeous mortal.
Despite all this, her legs wanted to run. Her nerves shook like she was in the presence of a threat, though the man didn't look like he could harm a dandelion.
Maybe he wasn't all right, though. There were a lot of beings that seemed harmless but turned out to be murderers or sick in the head. She knew nothing about this man, and common sense begged her to avoid potential danger.
The man threw her another fantastic smile, and Bella's worries faltered. "I promise I won't bite."
"I-I don't think...uh..."
"Would it make you feel better if I introduced myself?"
"Maybe..."
"My name's Edward Cullen, and you are?"
Bella took too long to answer, but she did finally manage to utter, "Bella, urm, Swan."
Edward's face lit up brighter. "Nice to meet you, Bella Swan. Would you like to come into my shop for a little bit?"
"Yes."
The response jumped out of her mouth, but Bella didn't take it back. It might be a mistake, but Bella didn't worry too much. If she got into trouble she couldn't get herself out of, all she had to do was scream. Jacob or the one of the Clearwater siblings would come to her aid in a blink of an eye.
Bella approached Edward and his store.
A/N: I'm so sorry I didn't post a chapter last week. I'm sure a lot of you got worried that it was the start of another of my long absences, but I'm not going anywhere. I just needed a small break. I'm back, though, and will be posting like normal again.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. More will be coming with Edward.
