Chapter 8 - Lost in the Crowd

EDWARD

I looked along the road, as Alice and I drove to school on Monday. I knew Bella walked, but I didn't see her. I guessed she had left early and was already at school. I hoped she had gotten there alright. Chances were good that Tyler and the dickwad crew would be there today. They had better not lay a hand on her. I didn't know why I felt so protective of her, but I felt like someone ought to look out for her. And since no one else was going to do it, I guess that fell on me.

I knew if I didn't find her, I would at least see her in Biology. I suspected Alice was going to find her before then, though. She was set on taking her to get some new eyewear, since she had broken Bella's old glasses. Honestly, I think Alice had done her a favor, since her old prescription seemed to be way off.

Our school wasn't that big, but for some reason, Bella was nowhere to be seen. Alice was getting frustrated. I told her I would let Bella know she was looking for her when I saw her in class. What I didn't expect was for Bella to be talking to the teacher when I got there and then be gone. She left! I didn't know what she had told him, but for some reason, he just smiled and nodded at her, waving her off while the rest of us suckers were stuck in class. I was beginning to think she was avoiding me.

Alice was standing outside the classroom door when I came out. She frowned when she realized Bella had not been in class. "Is she not in school today?" she asked.

"She is, but I think she's avoiding me."

"Nonsense," Alice said waving her hand like it was silly, but I was pretty sure I was right. "We'll just have to swing by her house on our way home."

We headed out to the parking lot, and I saw Tyler and the dickwads scowling in my direction. I also noticed Emmett wasn't with them. I hadn't figured out if that was a good or bad thing. I was kind of hoping Emmett would keep their shit in line.

I saw Bella walking past them, and Tyler said something to her, but she didn't turn or look at them. She just hurried past them. I took a few steps in their direction. I didn't give a fuck if we were on school grounds, I would take the fucker out if he messed with Swan again. Ben noticed my movement and knocked Tyler in the shoulder. He scowled and turned away.

That's right, fucker, you stay away. You want to pick on someone, grow a pair and find a guy to fuck around with.

BELLA

A dress, I needed a dress. When I got off the phone, I saw my mother standing in the doorway waiting anxiously, as if I was about to announce something exciting.

"So, what did he want?" she asked with too big a smile.

I frowned. "He wanted to know the color of my dress, so he can get me flowers to match."

"Oh, okay, hmm," she said tapping her chin. She knew I didn't have a dress. "Let's go check my closet, honey, maybe we can find something," she said. I wasn't holding my breath.

I followed her, pretty sure she didn't have anything fancy, either. I was right. She had her plain black dress she wore to funerals, but that was it.

"Just let me talk to daddy, honey, and we'll come up with some money somewhere. There's a new secondhand store in Port Angeles, maybe they'll have a nice dress for you."

I gave her a tight smile. I wanted to smile bigger, because I knew she was doing all she could. Money was just so tight for us.

Suddenly, I didn't feel so excited about my date anymore. Maybe Edward would let me back out. I was sure he wouldn't mind finding someone else to go with him.

By the time Monday rolled around, I was sure I was going to have to break the date with Edward. I mean really, I had nothing to wear, and I wasn't being a picky bitch about it. I really didn't have a dress to wear. I didn't even own one. My mother had told me we would go to Port Angeles after school to look for a dress. I doubted I would find anything nice, but I decided to not break the date until I was sure.

I thought it best to completely avoid Edward until I knew for sure. I didn't want to get his hopes up or say the wrong thing to make him think I wasn't happy about him asking me out on a date. It was very nice of him to do it, so avoidance right now was my best friend.

I rushed across the parking lot, narrowly missing Tyler. He was starting to harass me, but he stopped mid taunt. I wasn't sure why, but I wasn't going to look up to see, either. I found it best to avoid eye contact. I was almost home, when a car drove up next to me. I jumped back away from the road and ended up on my butt. Well, if they were kidnappers, I was as good as dead I thought. Of course, I realized that wasn't the case, when a hand reached out to help me up. "Hey, sorry, we didn't mean to startle you," Edward said. "I just didn't see you at school today, and Alice wanted to talk to you."

He pulled me up off the sidewalk, and I straightened my broken glasses. "Those are my fault," Alice said pointing at my eyewear.

"Okay?" I really didn't get the point.

"I'm buying you glasses or contacts. I should so get you contacts."

"I can't afford the solution to maintain them, Alice. Besides, these are still fine. The lenses don't fall out, see," I said and tapped them lightly.

She frowned. "I broke them, and I was taught if you break it, you buy it, so I'm buying it," she insisted. "When are you free to go to get them replaced?"

"Really, it's fine. My insurance won't cover another pair."

"Edward, tell her!" Alice snapped getting frustrated. I stepped back, a little nervous.

Edward let out a chuckle. "Do me a favor and let her buy you some glasses. She was freaking out about it since the day she hit you with the door."

"Oh," was my brilliant response.

"So, you'll let her buy you a new pair?" he asked, and I blushed and shrugged.

"Great, so when can she take you? Do you have time this evening?" he asked, and I remembered my mother was waiting for me.

"This evening," I repeated. "I can't; my mom is taking me dress shopping."

Alice's smile grew way too wide. "Can I come?" she asked excited.

"No!" I said shaking my head mortified. I didn't want her knowing I'd bought my dress from the secondhand store.

She pouted, and before she could say another word, Edward stepped in and saved me yet again. "Alice, I'll bet she's going with her mom as a mother-daughter thing, so let them have their special time together. Am I right?" he asked, and I nodded yes.

"Alright, but we're going to get you contacts then!" she insisted and rolled up her window before I could protest.

"Don't mind her, Bella. She can be stubborn, but she's harmless."

"I find that difficult to believe," I mumbled in response, but he heard it and started laughing.

"Later, Bella, I'll see you tomorrow," he called, as he hopped in the car. I really hoped I found a dress tonight, because I didn't want to have to break my date with him. I had a feeling I would never find another guy like Edward Cullen.