Just a short chapter. If you are actually reading this, I'm very much indebted to you! I promise it will start to get good soon.
Still in a state of shock, I reached back and unlocked the back door. Angela and I exchanged bemused glances as we watched Edward sling his bag into the car then somehow managed to squeeze his tall frame into the backseat. I glanced in the rear view mirror as I went to reverse out, noticing the shocked faces of my classmates. Feeling confused and embarrassed, I plugged the Ipod hurriedly into the stereo and hit play, waiting for the heavy crashing of punk music, courtesy of Gallows, to fill the car before speeding out of the car park, careful to concentrate on the road instead of the boy in my backseat.
I screeched up outside Angela's house in record time, pulling to a jerky halt. She looked at me, her eye's heavy with concern and curiosity. I smiled tentatively back as she said goodbye and turned to get out the car, only to find that Edward was already out the car, holding the door open for her.
"Oh!" I heard her gasp, a blush creeping up her neck. I groaned inwardly- even Angela had succumbed to the charm of Edward Cullen. "Thank you!"
She waved absently before stumbling into the house. I watched with reluctance as Edward climbed into the passenger seat, watching me closely as he did. Not sure what to do, I reached out to turn down the music and pulled cautiously off.
"So," he began, running a hand through his bronze hair. "You really don't find me interesting?"
I kept my eyes on the road so he wouldn't see the embarrassment cross over my face. I kept silent for a few moments, trying to think of what to say.
"I don't understand the hype," I answered finally, careful to keep my voice level. I wondered silently what I had done to deserve such an awkward situation- having to deal with Edward Cullen at school was one thing, but for him to be living with me? I might die from irritation as he reduced everyone I knew to zombies. I glanced at him quickly, checking to his reaction, expecting annoyance or hurt.
Instead, he was smiling, not his annoying half grin, but a real smile that transformed his face. Despite everything, all the annoyance he had brought, I found myself smiling back- a real, full smile rather than made trademark timid smile. He laughed then, a loud, musical laugh that filled the car, startling me. He looked so comfortable and relaxed as he leaned into the seat, looking like a giant in my pint-sized car and I found myself suddenly unable to look away.
Finally, we reached the house and I forced myself to look away, feeling my skin burn as his eye's stayed on me, even as we climbed out of the car. I sighed with relief as I noticed Cam's car on the drive, pleased that he had managed to remember. I stopped as I reached the front door, turning back to watch as Edward stood in the drive way, looking up at the house, taking it in.
"Welcome home, I suppose," I murmured, waving a hand at our little house. He looked at the house a second longer before turning to me, smiling expectantly. I laughed nervously, suddenly concerned with what he would think of our tiny home. Biting my lip, I pushed open the front door, calling a greeting to Cam as we entered.
My uncle was stood in the lounge, his hair combed, beard trimmed and dressed in a suit. Unwelcome flashbacks forced themselves into my mind and my stomach turned as I instantly jumped to the worst of conclusions.
"There's a party at work tonight, celebrating a record selling issue," he explained, pulling at the sleeves of his jacket. I relaxed, allowing myself to breathe deeply as the panic subsided. Cam greeted Edward warmly, welcoming him genuinely to our makeshift family, apologizing that he wouldn't be able to come to his welcome dinner tonight.
My face fell as I suddenly grasped the situation- Cam would be in Seattle tonight, but still planned on Edward having a welcome dinner. But if Cam wasn't going to be here, that meant he expected me to go to dinner with Edward. Just the two of us. Alone.
Fantastic.