6. Dating Ritual

The next week was slow; I slept in most every day, got ready, straightened the house and then read. I talked with Brenda a couple times to finalize the Friday night movie time and transportation. We would all meet at Brenda's again as she was just about in the middle of everything and we were going to the 7pm showing.

Once we got to the theater I notice a couple of the boys from the pool the other weekend standing around. So this was a date that their parents didn't know about. I looked at Brenda and she replied with an apologetic look. "I am so sorry, it was just Susan and my parents don't like the idea of us going out on a date, that is why Susan told her boyfriend to meet us at the pool and his friend was really cute and we invited them here."

"Don't worry about it, but I get the middle you two are on either side of me, let's go." I suppose most girls might have been upset that the girls night out movie turned into a fifth wheel movie, but if it made them happy I would deal with it.

It was actually very humorous to watch hormones in action. First Susan's date slowly reached for her hand; by slowly I think it took him 20 minutes after the movie started. Brenda's date a little more confident, or arrogant, took her hand when he decided he wanted it. Then I saw Brenda's date, I really wish I could remember the guys name now, lean over at the same time the actor in the movie did and kissed her on the cheek. I am guessing Susan's date, I am sure his name is Gary, did the same. I giggled as quietly as I could, to myself.

By the end of the movie they were both making out. Can't say that I wasn't glad that was over with. Once we got back in the car heading home I had to do most of the explaining about what the movie was about since the other two turned a light pink as they realized they had missed the last part of the movie. I told them goodnight and they thanked me for bailing them out. I hopped in my mom's car and started to tell her about the movie as well.

The next day Brenda calls to find out everything I thought about this guy, naturally my first thought was about the guy from camp she was suppose to be dating. She went on about how it was long distance and I told her the pool boy was cute, as far as I could tell, and seemed like he was into her. I mentioned that he sure seemed confident, but wasn't sure if that was a good thing or bad. After about twenty minutes we got off the phone and I went to find lunch.

Next couple weeks I stayed around the house and read. My mom seems to start trusting me more because I was staying at home by myself while she went on dates with Phil. The first time he came over he brought me a book. It was a classic, so I thanked him and he really did seem like a nice guy and certainly seemed to like my mother. Although she never stayed out past 9pm when I was home alone it did make me feel good that she trusted me more.

By August I was staying over at Brenda's twice a month so my mom would have more time with Phil. I didn't mind. Brenda and her pool boyfriend broke up a few weeks after the movie so it was usually just us as Susan and her boyfriend were still together. For some reason though when Susan did grace us with her presence she thought we wanted all the details. Well it was clear that Brenda was interested, I just sat there whenever she had something new to add.

As this was the last weekend before our 7th grade year we went to the mall to pick out some new clothes and get the basic supplies. Susan's mom drove us and dropped us off at the food court. This time I really did need some clothes; I had grown a little and needed some new shorts, a few shirts and new pair of sandals. I found a pair of gray sweatpants and a simple t-shirt I could wear to bed, the ones I had were a little small and I have had them for years. I went ahead and picked up a training bra. I don't think I really need one, but they are called training, better to have it and not get picked on I suppose. Once I had my purchases I waited. I just didn't see the point in trying on everything in the store, get what you need and be done with it.

After that I just looked around the other stores they went in, hit the book store, made it to the food court, tripped over a rack in a store and got carpet burns on my hands and knees and had an ice cream cone. All in all it was a normal day for me. As we went to wait on our ride we started talking about school. While none of us were really glad to be going back it was at least something to do to pass the time. Most of the classes I was OK with, Gym and Math I could certainly do without.

First day of 7th grade was actually uneventful, Susan's boyfriend was in 8th grade so she disappeared to hang out with the older kids and Brenda and I were left to trudge through the day. It was just another day and I could feel a pattern beginning as the day went on. I was glad that I got five new books at the mall as I sensed that Brenda was not far from finding her next boyfriend. We got our list of school supplies, books, and homework, naturally the teachers wouldn't bother letting us have one day without homework to do. By the end of the day the list of supplies I needed was a mile long and a there were a ton of books. Luckily, or actually as usual, I have already read the entire summer reading list and all the novels we were going to read in English. The only problem was I read them years ago, so I guess I will be needing to reread them. At least it will give me something to do.

Once my mom and I got home from my supply run I decided to go ahead and get everything organized so I headed up to my room. After 2 hours of sorting, labeling, filing and stuffing all my binders and folders, pens, pencils, horrid math supplies and notebook paper I was ready for another year of school. I went down to see what we could have for dinner and sort the mail. I tossed some pork chops in some marinade and went to pay some bills.

Luckily my mother's job afforded her plenty of free time. A kindergartener didn't have to have a very difficult lesson plan and since she has done it for a while now she was recycling. Not to mention she would be finished just before me. Yet I was solely in charge of getting the utilities paid, and now balancing the check book. I laughed as I wrote checks to pay the bills leaving them for my mom to sign before I put them in the mailbox.

After flipping the pork chops the phone rang. "Honey, it's mom, Phil is going to come by tonight, is there enough food for him to have dinner with us?"

"Yes mom, I have 4 piece pork chops and we'll have plenty of mash potatoes and peas."

"Great, I'll let him know. I should be there in about 45 minutes. Love you sweetie."

"Love you mom." I hung up the phone and went back to my book.

About two hours later we were all finishing dinner. I guess Phil is nice enough; my initial impression of him hadn't changed even though I have been seeing him more and more. He got signed by a local team and had some away games throughout the season. That made it easy for my mom to spend quality time with me while he was away and quality time with him when he was home. I excused myself and cleaned the up the kitchen and then headed to my room. I am pretty sure he was staying the night, but the less I knew the happier I was.

Still not trying to think about it I headed to the bus stop so my mom wouldn't have to take me to school today, I grabbed a piece of toast, my books and headed out. Once at school I feel into the routine I had expected. The days went by in an unchanging blur.

Then I woke up one morning looked at the calendar and fell back on the bed. A second later my mom burst in "HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY!" Great, I am another year older and now officially a teen.

I looked at her and smiled, "That means I can do what I want right?"

"Not a chance, you're going to school."

Busted, "It was worth a try." I mumbled as I got up to get ready.

By the time I got down stairs my mom had made me pancakes and bacon. For some reason both my parents could cook breakfast, but that was about it. I ate in silence and then she took me to school.

"So where would you like to go tonight for your birthday dinner?"

I really didn't care that much. "Surprise me." I replied as we pulled up to the curb. She kissed me good bye and wished me Happy Birthday again as I ran in hoping no one heard.

Thank goodness, half way through and no one else knew. As I was walking out after my last class Brenda ran up to my, nearly knocking me over and wished me a happy birthday.

"I didn't forget, I just know that you're not into birthdays all that much and didn't want it to get out. Although I don't know why, it is a joyous occasion. The day you were born, another year closer to the freedom from school and parents. Bella, it seems that you are always full of surprises, you never do what I think you would do." Confused by her statement I looked at her with a puzzled expression.

She obviously saw the confusion, "What I mean to say is, there is a really cute guy that has been eyeing you for days and you haven't even noticed him. You don't seem to enjoy the spot light, which I understand some people are just shy, but you avoid it that the plague. But most of all it seems to me like you are looking for something or someone." Cue huge grin, "But you don't appear to know what or who." I thought about her words for a minute before answering.

"I really don't know what you're talking about. I am happy the way I am, I'm not looking for anything or anyone for that matter." Not sure if I was trying to convince her or myself of that last statement. I really don't like any boys here, not that I don't find some 'cute', but none held any interest for me. "I guess, maybe, I might, possibly be looking for that perfect guy, but I certainly haven't found him around here."

She lit up like the Fourth of July, "I knew it who is he?"

"I just told you there is no one here I find appealing in that way. I don't know how to explain it other than the boys here can't hold my interest. They are always going on about sports or video games. I like music and books." Thank heavens my mom arrived.

"We aren't done with this conversation Isabella Marie Swan!" I jump in the car and glared at her as she gave me an ear to ear smile. I didn't like my given name and she knew it. Oh this is not going to ever end.

"So how about the new Italian place?"

"Sure mom sounds good." I quickly composed myself so she wouldn't ask what we were talking about; I was not going to start talking about guys with my mom. Safe and sound back home I ran up to start my homework so I wouldn't have to worry about it after dinner.

Once we got to the restaurant we just talked about everything and nothing. The random question that popped in my mom's head was always a source of amusement for me. She seemed more and more like a child, unable to keep a straight train of thought. I smiled, laugh, and much to my embarrassment as evident of bright red cheeks, I snorted. I did have a wonderful dinner though and afterwards I got a call from Charlie.

I spoke with him for about 15 minutes and open the present that he and mom gave me. It was a beautiful Garnet gemstone. A blue color I knew to have only recently been discovered. I am not really sure why I liked garnet, but I have for some time now and this was one of the most beautiful pendants I have ever seen on a simple silver necklace. I thanked them many times, I didn't much like getting presents, but since it was from my parents I would make an extra effort to wear it on special occasions.

I still didn't get into the makeup and jewelry that every other girl in my class seems to be into. I was happy without all the fuss about getting dolled up. I never had a Barbie Doll and didn't have a desire to be one myself. After saying goodbye to Charlie, my resolve to not go back to Forks this summer crumbled. I knew at that point I was destined for another sunless summer.