Vanilla Salt
Jukebox: Beethoven Virus - DDR
Chapter 4 - Mirth.
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"Bella, quit blubbering, I can't understand a thing you're saying."
"Aliiice, I-I-I!" I broke out into another round of sobs. Alice sighed and hugged me close, a pillow I was clutching to my chest separated us.
After Edward had walked away, I was dragged to the bus stop by a overly-too-happy Jacob. I followed as best as I can, walking with stiff limbs but I often tripped on the flat surface of the sidewalk. Alice had stayed oddly silent through the whole thing, watching with wide curious eyes. Jacob's hands still never left my hip as he held me close. We got off at the same stop since he only lived a couple blocks away from us. Thankfully he left with a wave and not a goodbye kiss.
Once Alice and I walked into the white, two-story house, we trudged up the stairs. We settled in our room, instantly putting on the CD player that played soft but catchy music. She pulled out her homework and sat at her desk, getting right now to work. I found it odd because of what happened today, I was sure she would have hounded me down with questions but she was abnormally silent. It was moments before I broke down and started to blubber. She came to my side at once, sitting on my bed with me, the bottom bunk.
"Take a deep breath Bella, really deep. Chill. Tell me what is going on." I stared into her wide, mystical eyes that held wisdom but also a quirkiness to them. I couldn't stop the flow of my tears but did as she told. Soon I was left hiccuping once in awhile. She patted and rubbed my back in a soothing way.
"Stupid Jacob!" Was the first thing that came to mind before I realised I was getting snot onto Alice's uniform.
"Yes, yes. What an outrageous thing to say, especially in front of Edward. It was almost as if he was trying to claim you even though Edward and yourself are waaay too different." I groaned and shook my head.
"Alice, there's something I got to tell you.. it's important."
"You're going out with Jacob? Good Lord, Bella, the guy just got back! Wait and see if he's carrying anything first!" She joked and I smacked her lightly on the back of the head. She stuck her tongue out at me before sighing. "Okay, sorry. I was trying to lighten the mood."
"Thanks.. but yeah. uhm.. " I started to mumble, heat flooding to my face.
"What? Speak up."
"I've been having sex with Edward Cullen in the girls bathroom every morning!" It was suppose to come out as a calm sentence but instead it was a shout. A loud one. I was thankful Charlie was still working.
Alice had pulled back and looked at me with wide, surprised eyes. I knew a million questions were running through her head but she didn't speak. Instead, she got up and stripped of her uniform. She stood half naked, only wearing a green bra and lacy green panties. She dug through her drawers and pulled out a white t-shirt that said in black bold letters "Maple Story" with a red maple leaf beside it and sweat pants. She grabbed an elastic off her dresser and place her short hair in a ponytail, some hairs escaping at the back and front to hugged her face. She walked over and sat beside me again. She still had to same expression on her face.
"Alice.. did you hear me properly? I've been shagged every school morning in the girls bathroom by the leader of the Perfects." She blinked furiously before giving her head a shake.
"Wow.. Bella. Just.. wow."
"Please don't be freak out, Alice! I need your support and help on this. It isn't a very easy topic to talk about."
"I know Bella, I won't nag on you about it. It must have taken some time to talk about this.. your pride is high as a leader at the school." I could almost feel more tears stinging my eyes but I held back.
"Thanks for understanding."
"No problem, I am your sister, flesh and blood. I'll always be here for you no matter what. Now get into some proper clothes. Charlie will probably be home in an hour and you know how he gets when we lounge around
in our uniforms." The people at the police station had started to let Charlie go back to work a few weeks ago but he couldn't work the full hours he wanted to. They said he would need to work less and slowly work his way up since they didn't want him to strain himself.
I got up and stripped down my clothing, putting it neatly away in the closet. Walking over to my dresser, I opened the drawer, pulled out a brown t-shirt with a few glittery flowers on it and a pair of sweat pants. I rolled them up until they got to my knees before joining Alice back on the bottom bunk. We went in more so we could face each other, legs crossed.
"Now that you have gotten my full attention, I expect you to tell me everything. Don't leave any detail behind."
"Well I'm going to have to unless you want to hear about all the steamy scenes and positions we did?" A blush appeared on her pale cheeks.
"Wow, Bella, didn't know you had it in you."
"Hush! Now, I want to make this short as possible. Remember when Edward first saw me?"
"Oh yeah, he looked like he just saw something he couldn't have."
"Yeah, yeah. Well do you remember when he dragged me to the girls bathroom?"
"Clearly. A couple girls had to hold me back from coming for you while a lot of guys had to hold Emmett down. You don't want to know what he wanted to do to the poor guy."
"They should have let him go.. " I murmured but continued on. "Apparently he look through my private files from the school. He found out Charlie's condition and made me a deal, a deal I couldn't refuse. He said that if I.. make love to him every morning before class, he would pay for Charlie's medical bills before and after he gets out of the hospital. Remember when the hospital said they were feeling generous? They only were because Edward paid them a big sum of money so that they could work on Charlie and give him medication."
"Wh-aaaat?!" I nodded and she leaned in further.
"Ever since then we have been doing it like rabbits every morning. Along the way he started to act more.. friendly. And one day he asked me out. I down right refused of course. He was hurt at first but I guess he didn't let that ruin his parade because now every time we're in the bathroom, he asks me out. Today we didn't do it because I'm on my period so I grossed him out so he probably forgot to ask me. And that's why he had such a.. painful expression on his face when Jacob said that I was his girlfriend. I felt so horrible.. Alice.. " She held onto my hand tightly and hushed me. She waited patiently until I calmed down again before talking.
"Bella, first I want to know, are you being safe?"
"Duh. Why do you think I don't get my period much anymore?" She shrugged.
"Hormone imbalance. Now, do you love him?"
"I- " The words died from my mouth. "I would never love a Perfect." But somehow the words wouldn't come. "I don't know.. "
"Bella.. I know you better then that."
"Seriously, I don't know! Sometimes I just want to hugged him, never let go and tell him over and over that I like him. But other times I just want to push him off me and tell him to never come near me again."
"It seems like to me.. your heart and pride is speaking. But your pride is stronger then your heart, which is kind of a bad thing. Your pride is ruling over every other sense and one day, like yesterday, you might make the wrong decision." I opened my mouth in protest but she held up her hand, stopping whatever I was about to say.
"I was watching the whole scene Bella. At first it confused me but now I know what the puzzle is. Jacob tells Edward your his girl, Edward is hurt in shock. You open your mouth to protest but nothing comes out because your pride absolutely won't allow it. He waited for you to deny it but you didn't so he walked away. Your pride made someone else hurt, someone you might like and that makes you feel bad. Your going to have to learn how to control it instead of it controlling you."
"You could be right.. "
"I know I am." She had on a smug smile
She told me to apologize to him in the girls bathroom tomorrow and just focus on finishing homework for now, which wasn't much. I had finished the last few pages of the booklet given to use this week before I heard the front door open with a loud creak.
"I'm home!"
"Dad!" Both Alice and I yelled at the same time before racing out of the room and dashing down the stairs. When he was in sight, his arms were spread open and waiting. We slammed into him, as lightly as we could, and hugged him tightly. He hugged back, messed up our hair before pulling away, a goofy grin on his face.
"How was school?"
"Boring." We replied in unision.
"How was work?" Alice asked as we followed Charle into the kitchen.
"Fantastic." She rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, only you would say that." He chuckled and pulled out a can of coke from the fridge.
"You know you girls don't have to watch me like a hawk. I'm fine, I have been doing fine since I got out of that stuffy hospital. I'm doing great since I went back to work. I tell 'ya, the guys at the station are as hesitant as you two to let me do things on my own."
"Now dad.. "I started but he cut in before I could utter another word.
"No, Bella! Never again will I listen to your "Old Aging" speech again!" He gruffed and made his way over to the living room, switching the T.V on. I turned to Alice, a smile still on my face.
"Who's turn is it to make supper?"
"Mine. I'll be making lasagna with salad."
"Ah, I was hoping for that. Never had your lasagna for awhile now, I was begining to get worried."
"Hah, I only makeit on rare ocassions because you and dad greed over it. Now scat, go clean our room up or something."
-
White dress shirt tucked in? Check. Hair tied neatly? Check. Tie tied properly? Check. Blazer buttoned up? Check. I smoothed out my plaid skirt while looking at myself int he body length mirror behind the door. I made sure everything was in place while Alice applied some clear lip gloss. Once ready, we both grabbed out bags and headed down the steps. Charlie was waiting, ten dollar bills in both hands. He handed them to us before kissing us each on the head.
"Be good in school, stay out of trouble!"
"We will!" Alice replied while we slipped on our shoes and dashed out the door.
We started to jog lightly a few blocks away to the bus stop, not wanting to be late. Almost everyday a new person drives the bus so some come early and some came late, sometimes.. no one comes at all. Once we got to the waiting bench, we messed up out appeared, unbuttoning our blazer, untucking our shirt, making our tie crooked and messed up our hair. Ah, refreshed. We felt bad for deceiving our dad like this but he has to handle a lot of other things so we didn't feel the power to tell him about the crazy situation at school. The bus had arrived on schedule today, stopping in front of us at exactly seven-ten. we got on and the woman driving the bus stepped out for a smoke.
"Great." Alice groaned. "Hopefully we'll make it before the gates closed. It'd be embarrassing to explain, to Aro, about how the bus driver took her daily smoke break. After a minute or two, she came back on, followed by Jacob. Alice instantly came from her seat in front of me to sit beside me, which I was grateful for. When he spotted us, he smiled, gave a little wave and made his way over, sitting in the seat where Alice sat.
"Morning ladies."
"Morning." We grunted out at the same time. His smile faded lightly at the friendly yet not-so-friendly greeting.
"Tired?"
"Yes and no. We jog here every morning so we're not late for the bus. We thought we were going to make it but the bus driver decides to step out for a smoke so now we might miss the bell."
"Some kids don't mind being late. Besides, aren't we rebels? Isn't being late a good thing?"
"For class, yeah. But when the first bell rings, the gates close and when those gates close, you could be standing out there until night fall. You never leave the gates until someone comes and brings you to the principal. It happened to us before and it wasn't very nice to be standing in the heat all day. It's rumored that if you leave while your suppose to wait, you get expelled. If your a Perfect, you don't get your money back, if your a Rebel then they swipe your records, of attending that school, squeaky clean so it'll be hard to get into another school."
"Oh." Was all he could say at Alice's explanation.I had my attention towards the window, watching business people pass by. "Hey, Bells." He coughed to try and get my attention, which he already got when he said my name but I turned towards him, just to show him I am listening.
"Uhm, listen, about yesterday.. I didn't mean to say, well I meant it but I didn't ask you properly if.."
" 'If'.. ?" I knew he was going to ask me out, it was obvious.
"If.. you would like to be my girlfriend? I know I just reunited with you yesterday but I would love to catch up with you." Alice coughed back a laugh and let out a shaky sight right after, trying her best not to burst out laughing. I guess I wasn't the only one who found this.. lame?
"Jacob.. uhm, you don't want to be with someone like me."
"And why not?"
"I've.. changed since we last saw each other, when we were younger. Many things have changed. And I kind of have someone on my mind right now. Not that I like them.. but I also don't like them."
"Huh?" I tsk'd and patted his shoulder.
"Don't think about it too much, buddy. Just enjoy high school life as much as you can. Ah, finally! The bus is starting to move."
The ride to school was sort of peaceful, except for the questions Jacob would ask. Some of them were personal, like "Are you a virgin?". I think it upset more then me because she gasped, grabbed a thick text book from her bag and hit him on the side of the head. I had forgotten about Jacob, already, and didn't expect him to come on the bus. This is the time where Alice and I usually think about stuff since at school we're constantly with friends or in class learning, at home where we're busy with Charlie while getting supper ready, and basically chatting to each other. So the bus is really the only time we get to think deeply about anything. Well.. I do that in the bathroom after doing it with Edward but it doesn't need to be known.
To our luck, we arrived two minutes and thirteen seconds before the bell. I shoved everything in my locker and started to make my way to the bathroom but stopped when a hand gripped my wrist. Looking back, I saw Alice staring at me with worried green eyes. I gave her a nod and she hesitantly let go. I began making my way to my destination, people saying "Good luck" and "Go get 'em tiger!". Once inside, I found it to be empty. And then the bell rang. Now we had fifteen minutes to get our bags before first period starts.
I waited, waited and waited. But he didn't show up. Frowning, I walked from the bathroom and out into the hall when many of the Rebels hanged out.. but were not here, only some sitting on the floor or leaning against the wall. Alice was at my side in moments, her hands gripping my shoulders.
"He didn't come." She said and I shook my head. She had let out a sigh, of relief. "I've been watching like a hawk but no sign of him or any Perfects. Do you think something came up? Even though their lockers are on the other side of the school, some do try to make daily trips here to taunt us."
"It's possible.. he could still be hurt about what happened yesterday."
"Yeah. From what you tell me, if seems he likes you a lot so something like that would be a total blow to his ego."
"Ugh. Where is everyone anyways? First period is just starting and we don't even have to go to class until second period to get a new homework booklet."
"Bella, sweet cousin, have you forgotten that today a new Cullen arrives? Everyone is going to check him out."
"It must have slipped my mind.. " She shook her head and started to drag me down the halls until we reached the other side of the school.
There was girls and boys from the Rebel side, peeking through the windows and door, come looking for a couple seconds before letting someone else check. Alice dragged me over and they instantly made room for me to look. I moved around a little, trying to find a good spot through the hall opened blinds and spotted the guy instantly. He had dirty blond, wiry looking hair, zapping out in every direction. He had nice lips that were a little thin but more plump, square jaw and nice manly facial structure. Just like the other Cullen's, he was beautiful. Beside me, Alice huffed and pulled from the window, allowing some girl to oogle at him some more.
"I don't see anything special about him except for his eyes which was blue, like mine but on the outside they are a little turquoise and when the lights not in his eyes, they almost look green."
"Whoa, Alice.. all I saw was a simple blue. You just gave out a full detail of his eyes."
"Ooh, Alice! Are you crushing on him?" A girl chimed in.
"Come on Alice, you gotta admit this one is a hottie." Another one chirped.
"I am not! I would never lower my standards to him and neither should you girls. Gawking at him like this, remember what happened to Marina Flowder when she got close to a Perfect?" Alice snapped at the other girls. They groaned and moaned, remembering how they gave Marina the cold shoulder after she got close to a Perfect and got dumped. It was rumored she went to a school across the city or moved. 'I would never lower my standards to him' , how I was jealous when she said that. I wish I was as strong as she was.
Eventually everyone got their turn to check out Jasper and returned to the other side of the school. Upon arriving, I noticed Jacob leaning against my locker. My insides churned and I forced the grimace that wanted to appear on my face, forcing a smile instead.
"Hey Jake, how's it going?" He raised a single brow, crossing his arms over his chest.
"It's going good, I suppose. I take it you went to see the new guy?"
"Yep, I sure did. Did you?"
"Of course not, I'm not gay."
"Of course."
".. Is he good looking?"
"To die for." His growled back me stumble back a bit. "Chill out, Jake, it was a joke." I didn't like this possessive attitude he had for me, he didn't own me.
"Jacob, your leaning against Bella's and my locker. Move." Alice snarled in the most lady like fashion she could. Seems like she's still pissed about the virgin question this morning on the bus. But Jacob did back up, hands in front of him for defence. We opened our lockers, pulling out a couple things and closed them again.
"Where's Emmett and Rosalie?" I asked, whipping my head around to search for the blond and brunette.
"Probably somewhere in this school, making out." Alice said nonchantly.
"Eh?!" I felt my face heat up.
"Come on Bella, I know you could see the attraction between them. Eventually this would happen one day."
"Yeah I know, just didn't expect for it to happen so quickly."
"Ah, the love things do to you." Jacob said, suddenly standing beside me, carrying his own books. I just kept looking forward, tyring my best to ignore him.
We chatted with others in the girls bathroom before the bell rang. Then we chatted some more before making our way out and straight to class. When entering, the teacher didn't give us a glance while taking our booklets before giving us a new one. We sat in our original seats except for Alice. Someone else was occupying her's. Turning, I saw it was Jasper, the new guy. He was giving Alice a smug look yet his eyes sparkled playfully.
"You're in my seat."
"Thanks for stating the obvious. But I don't see your name written anywhere." She pointed to the bottom corner of the desk where she carved in her name with scissors. "Oh. Well it doesn't seem like there's any other seats left so why don't you just sit down on my lap?" He winked to add in affect. I saw Alice's face go red in chagrin. Her lip twitched a little and I thought she was going to snarl again. In the corner of my eye I saw Jasper lean over to the devil beside him.
"Hey Edward, isn't she cute? She looks like a dominating one. Makes me want to bring her home and tease her." I hear chuckles from the Perfects but I didn't dare turn my head to look at them. I stood and kicked my desk over, knocking down Jasper and his desk. He let out a couple curses and looked up at me, a angry look on his face. I made sure to keep my lids lowered in a lazy manner, looking down at him from the corner of my eye.
"Don't say such vile things to her again. Don't even go near her. You do that, I'll turn your mini wiener into a cooked sausage." I scooped up my books and shoved them into my bag. Alice gave me a bright smile and grabbed my hand while we made our way out.
"Ms. Swan, please don't damage school property.. " The teacher drawled out but said nothing more to stop us.
We had spent the rest of the school day in the bathroom where the other Rebels, slowly, started coming too. By the time the bell had rang, the bathroom was like a cluster fuck, you couldn't move without touching people. It had taken awhile but we made it out. It was now the start of a weekend which meant party! Party as in chilling in the arcade all day while pigging out on junk food. I looked forward to a game of DDR, dance off with some of the most pro people in New York. On Friday nights, or Saturdays, a bunch of pros would meet up at random arcades and have a dance off with others. I happen to be one of the pro's which cost me three years of training but in the end it's worth it. Them after when we're tired out, we would sit at a table, order a large pizza with extra cheese and just chill.
When we got off the bus, we didn't bother answering Jacobs question "What are you doing for the weekend" or bother saying good bye. We rushed home and Alice was already unbuttoning her shirt before we entered the door.
"Chill Alice, wait until we're in the house!"
"Look who's talking! You're already trying to unzip your skirt!" We broke out into laughter and dashed upstairs.
I hanged up my blazer and threw everything else into the laundry basket while making my way downstairs. Since it was my turn to cook, I make supper while Alice has a shower and then after it's done it'll be my turn. We get dressed, eat and then head out but not before leaving Charlie a note, telling him we'll be at the usual place. Tonight I decided to make stir fry with bacon since it's Charlie's favourite. I couldn't stop glancing at the clock but in no time, it was done. I dashed back upstairs and hopped into the shower.
Making sure I was washed and squeaky clean, I turned the water off, opened the curtain, stepped out and grabbed a clean towel off the rack, drying myself down. I stepped into a new pair of pink panties and bra with red dots on it before opening the door and walking to the room. Alice was already dressed in a white tank top and black shorts that reached mid thighs. She would never wear anything revealing. She was standing in front of the mirror, applying some mascara while spiking her hair a little to give that pixie like look.
I opened my drawer and pulled out two items, slipping them on easily. A black tank top so people won't notice my boobs bouncing about and short white khaki pants that reached above my knees, easy to move in. I only applied some eye liner since I'll be sweating up a storm tonight. I combed my now damp hair and placed it in a messy bun. Can't wear it down or in a pony tail or braid just in cased it whacks me eye while dancing. Checking myself over once, I walked out with Alice hot on my trail.
We ate and talked between bites, gushing over how exciting tonight will be. Every weekend was exciting because it was where we wouldn't be divided up like in school. People will accept us for who we are. It was also something to look forward to. Before I knew it, we practically inhaled our food. I placed our dishes into the sink before taking out a new plate and placing Charlie's share on it and putting it in the microwave.
"Let's go Alice, I placed the usual note on the table for Charlie." She grinned and made a dash for the door, slipping into some comfortable runners. I slipped into my comfortable Baby Phat shoes and opened the door.
Ring. Riiiing.
"The phone.. "Alice Whispered, looking back into the direction of the living room.
"Let's just ignore it." I suggested, wanting to get out already.
"But what if it's Charlie? What if something happened?" Alice now sounded worried and I started to get worried too. I shut the door and jogged to the phone before they other person could hang up.
"Hello?"
"..."
"Dad?"
"..."
"If this is a prank call, I swear when the bill comes in, I'll find your number, search for it in the phone book and hunt you down."
"Typical, Bella." I gasped,
"Edward.. ?" My heardt started to pound and my mind was reeling.
"Good, seems like you haven''t forgotten the sound of my voice."
"Why are you calling?"
"..."
"Can you please make this quick? I was about to go out."
"Oh, really? Where to?"
"That is none of your business, Edward Cullen."
"I plan to make everything related to you my business, Isabella Swan."
"Fine, if you must know, I was going out to party."
"Party?"
"Yeah, you know.. loud music.. drinks.. food.. good food." I could feel my mouth watering already.
"I don't approve.. "
"Huh?"
"Come to my house. Now."
"Wait, whoa, hold on! Your house? Can't we just talk on Monday?"
"No and I'll arrange my butler to come get you, he'll be there in ten minutes."
"But-"
"No 'buts'. You should be trying to make it up to be after what happened yesterday.. " I felt my heart weigh down with guilt and I bit my lip.
"Okay.. " I whispered out.
"Great. See you soon."
Beep. Beep. Beep.
I hung up the phone and stared at it for a couple seconds before Alice called out.
"Bella? Who was it? Was is dad? Is he okay?"
"It wasn't dad, it was Edward. His butler is coming her soon to pick me up."
"What? He can't just whisk you away like that unless you agreed with him."
"I did. I didn't want to but I did, for Charlie's sake," And mine.. "He's still paying for his medication, remember? I gotta keep our bonds tight."
"Urk, yeah, I guess so. I'll stay home today then."
"No, no! Go, Alice. Don't let me ruin your weekend. I'll just clear up what happened with Jacob and everything will be okay."
"Are you sure? I'll feel bad.. "
"Please, don't. I want you to have fun. Tell the others that I'll come by tomorrow, for sure."
"Okay.. but promise to call me, to make sure your alright."
"Always!"
We hugged each other before I shoo'd her away. She gave one last worried look before running off to take the bus. I sighed and sat on our multicolored couch. I never realised how quiet it was in this house when your
alone. I'm always with Alice so it felt a little scary and foreign. Placing a hand over my heart, I prayed for it to stop beating so fast.
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A/N: Sorry for taking so long to update, life is keeping me busy. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
BottledCoke