Well, Im Kind of surprised. I didnt quite expect for so many people paying attention to my little drabble. Sorry that it took so long for me to update on it: Life decided it wanted to go full-boar towards chaos for awhile. But hey, moments like this, writing and typing, can be pretty therapeutic.
For some reason, Im typing this out while listening to the war of the worlds. The Jeff Wayne Version, NEVER the movie. Ugh. Ive decided to try and write this out as a collection of one-shots, if you know what I mean.
DISCLAIMER: I have about as much as a chance of owning Twilight or Angel, as Angel does of being able to headline in Vegas.
Chapter One: Arrival
Los Angeles was thrumming with life, she summed up in her mind. It didnt matter that she was no where near Hollywood -In fact, she was a bit closer to Disneyland judging by her map (She had spotted a sign with Pomona written on it)- Or even the time of the day (Twilight, 6 at night maybe, her watch had broken before she had left, so she wasnt sure) It didnt change the amount of energy being pulsed through the streets, through the buildings themselves. All in all, she reasoned, it was a different city than Phoenix and she didnt like it. Phoenix had thrummed with energy too, but it felt friendly, exciting, not like it was going to swallow you whole. It gave her a really bad feeling that magnified every moment that the skies got darker. It may be because she had never actually been to L.A. before, or because she was used to Forks Bella frowned and fought back tears as she walked.
She shouldnt have thought about Forks. Forks was full of memories. Bad ones, and good ones which hurt all the more because they seemed to intensify the bad ones somehow, like sitting outside with your Grandmother when you were young, talking about anything with her serving the best kind of lemonade and cakes. Unfortunately you remember this suddenly at the funeral and knowing that youll never be able to do that again just tears at you, rips you open and leaves you raw. That she could relate to. That was part of the reason Bella had left. The other part was that Forks was full of danger that hadnt left, unlike some things.
On second thought, the ripping and tearing could also relate to the dangerous part, especially when it was a little psychotic. Or animalistic, for that matter.
Bella sighed as she crossed the street towards the cheapest place for food she could find. It wasnt fancy or drowning in gaudiness, but it was edible-looking. But shed have to keep her eyes open for anyone recognizable. Not that it would really help if the people that she was partly expecting were going to be skulking around the corner of the next 7-11. So far, she had been as lucky as a highly un-coordinated girl can get.
Killing James last summer had the kind of consequences that followed you around, literally. They also werent the type to give consideration to the facts or circumstances. Even if she wasnt the one who tore his flesh and muscle, ripped the solid bones of his body from their sockets and set it all alight. To be fair, even he wasnt the one to do so. Not the dismembering and burning anyway.
Bella quickly scanned the crowd as she opened the heavy metal door. Or she would have if there were actually three people more in the bar. So far, there was the Barman, and some guy looking slightly out of place sitting at one end of the bar, only focused on examining his whisky. From this angle she couldnt see his face, but she didnt know him. He was safe, for now. Bella hurried in, shut the door, and looked around. The inside was okay, tidier than what you would expect from the outside, but it was a little too dark for her tastes, enough to make her cagey-er. She sat down at the bar in a way that surprised the barman, kind of sliding in slowly, seeming to hesitate every inch more she slid. Old Jim had seen a lot of unusual folks in his years, but even the eccentric ones (he used the term loosely) didnt seem quite so twitchy to his weakening eyes. Best treat this one kindly he thought She must be a runaway. High schooler? He wandered over to the poor girl, trying to give her the best first impression that he could. It sort of worked, she only looked wary at the sight of him, not completely scared out of her wits.
What can I get for ya? Not that there is much in the way of culinary expertise here, but I try. That got him at least two seconds of her not searching the room, then after she seemed satisfied (with what, he wasnt sure, maybe no visible signs of Rats?) she replied.
Anything thats warm and filling, if you dont mind.
Well, we have maybe some pre-made apple pie. Or I could cook you up a burger and fries. Or maybe it would do you a world of good to eat both.
The girl gently placed her head onto the counter. Apple pie sounds good. Really hot please.
And to drink? She looked shocked Im only seventeen. the words slipped out before she could catch them.
He couldnt help it. He laughed his head off. Im aware of that young lady. Just because Im a barman doesnt mean that I cant serve non-alcoholic drinks ya know. Its required for the sober-drivers. He winked. Finally! A small twitch of the lips paid off his efforts. Got coffee? She asked.
Sure, but it tastes like crap. My only skills are in the cocktails.
If your definition of a cocktail is shots of whisky and the odd rum and coke Jim, you should take a refresher in bar managing. A voice from his left spoke up suddenly, as if it was waiting for an opportunity. Bella spared another glance to the man who she could see a little better sitting at the other end, even as Old Jim answered with a flourish and another wink. Well, considering those are the only things that youve ever ordered here pal, Im not surprised that you have no clue as to my extensive experience in creating masterful combinations of concoctions.
Well, youre probably right about that, I do like the whisky. Hurry up and give the girl a hot chocolate or something Jim, she looks like shell freeze tonight if she doesnt and I know thats a little better than the coffee The man slid closer to Bella as Jim agreed and quickly served her the order. Bella didnt look up until she had finished most of it and paid Jim what she owed. She then took a chance to look closer at the man almost waiting patiently, taking in his features. She realized at this point that she would have protested him ordering for her if he didnt Oh shit. It was just like a slap in the face. Bella looked on in shock. It couldnt be but it wasnt but it was. No it just couldnt, it wasnt.They didnt look alike and yet they looked so alike. It mightve been the expression on his face, that intensity and dangerousness that he had, totally focused on her and here she goes, trying not to hyperventilate in front of this guy who couldnt be but is throwing her for a loop because theres like his spirit imprinted on the aura around him and he has almost the same degree of otherworldly magnificence-
Hey are you alright? He asked as she paled at the sight of him and latched a hand onto the counter, putting her head between her knees. She was about to pass out from shock. Jim looked over the hunched form worryingly as the male aura-twin got up quickly and knelt in front of Bella . He put his hands on her knees to make her look at him and it made it worse because he was cold to the touch and oh my god why does everything have to remind her- She fell out of the chair trying to get away from him but wanting to stay because it was familiar. Hey, whats wrong? She couldnt help it because he looked so genuine looking at her like him and she was so confused-
Edward. She gasped aloud, and there is no word to explain how much pain she was at that moment, the pain that had never died away.
Edward? The poor man looked terribly confused with all his incredible handsomeness. No, my name is Angel and Im here to help you Bella. She looked up in complete shock. He shouldnt know her. Angel held out a hand to her. Please, trust me.
Edward what should I do?
CHAPTER END
Well, hopefully that wasnt too bad, I know it was a little quick. Forgive me? I will try to get the next one up before my August 8th I promise! Please review!