Chapter 2.
The small sliver of dreary morning sun filtered into my room far sooner than I would have liked. Sleep was hard to find last night. Slowly I stuck my legs out of the bed, giving them a stretch and wiggle as I adjusted to the cooler temperature. "Urgh.", I grunted as I pulled the covers off fully and padded through to the bathroom for a shower.
Turning the heat up, I stepped under the pounding stream and watched as my normally pale skin turned a very rosy pink. I stifled a laugh as I thought about this being the only colour I ever got. Quickly washing my long chestnut hair with my favourite strawberry scented shampoo, I stood under the spray until I felt it cooling. I hopped out covering myself with a towel and went to get ready for a dull day of chores.
When I got downstairs I saw there was fresh coffee in the pot. Bless Charlie, he knew I couldn't function without my morning cup and quite frankly it was the only kitchen appliance that I trusted him to use. Charlie was away fishing with Billy so I had the house to myself. I loved the quiet.
After having breakfast I did up my dishes and set about my chores. I put a load of laundry on and cleaned all the rooms except Charlie's. I took some chicken out of the refrigerator for dinner and went about preparing it. The phone started ringing mid maranation. Wiping my hands on my jeans, I rushed to answer it.
"Hello", I barely got the word out before I was bombarded with a gush of words from the other end.
"Bella! Oh my God! Tell me everything about tonight? Where's he taking you? What are you gonna wear? Are you gonna kiss him?", honestly this girl was like a verbal rocket launcher.
Laughing as I spoke, " Alice! Calm down and breathe. I can't tell you about tonight because it has happened yet, we're going to go see that new chick flick that you were talking about, I suspect I'll be wearing clothes and I wasn't planning on kissing him.", I took a breath once I'd finished.
"Oh, hardy har har miss sarcastic! I know you'll be wearing clothes. I was going to offer my stylist services this afternoon but I don't think I like your attitude and why, tell me, are you going on date with someone who you don't want to kiss?", I could picture her standing with her dainty, perfectly manicured hand on her hip and her brow furrowed as she spoke.
"Good! I'm not a dress up Barbie for you to play with and it's only the cinema, I think I can dress myself for that. As for the kissing, well it depends on what happens that's why I'm not planning to do anything.", hopefully that was enough of an explanation to stop her.
"That may be Bella but it's still a date. You definitely need my help I'll come over at six to help you. Like it or not.", I started to protest but it was only to the dead tone. When Alice set her mind to something there was no stopping her, like a tiny, spiky haired hurricane.
I hung the phone back on the receiver and went back to finish marinating the chicken. I covered it and put it in the fridge and realised I'd have to go to the store for some salad ingredients. I glanced at my watch, two o'clock, later than I thought. I grabbed my keys and headed out.
I was picking out tomatoes when a snide, nasally voice came from behind me. " I really feel sorry for Mike if that your technique.", Lauren must think she's a comedian.
"I'd be worried if I were a man that you viewed me as something to chop up an pour vinegar on. I'd be hiding my bits.", I barked back. I really wasn't in the mood for her bitchiness.
"Hmph…. At least I've gotten that far. Are you saving your virginity for that special someone?", she laughed at the thought.
"You must've saved yours for a rainy day then, how did you decide what day to pick? Let me guess, it was the one day of the week you can actually spell?", She stared at me, trying to catch up to the insult, before stalking off with an ugly look on her face. Score one to Bella Swan!
I quickly made my purchases and headed home. Lauren seemed to suck the happiness out of everyone she meets. I was in a foul humour and needed some time to calm down before Alice arrived.
Charlie and I were just finished our dinner when there was a light rap on the door followed by a high sing song voice, "Bella! Your saviour has arrived! Hello chief. How are you?", for a small creature Alice certainly took over a room.
"Hey Alice, I'm fine.", Charlie eyed the bags Alice was holding. Anything vaguely girly made him uncomfortable. " I see your armed and dangerous. I'll leave you girls to it.", he said with a small chuckle as he headed towards the TV.
"Right. Let's go upstairs and see what magic I'll weave", Alice had already started making her way to the stairs.
"Am I that bad that you need magic?", I teased as I followed her. I knew that I would never be stunningly beautiful or graceful but I also knew that I wasn't an ogre either.
"You're a beautiful blank canvas is all. Come on he'll be here before we know it.", She was in my wardrobe tutting and sighing as she looked through my limited choice of clothes.
Pulling out a dark denim skirt and a deep green shirt, she seemed satisfied. "Right go and put that on while I look through my make up and your shoes.", she never even looked up as she spoke.
Picking up my outfit I headed to the bathroom to wash and change. I was barely in there five minutes when I had Alice banging on the door, trying to hurry me along. "Come on Bella. I've found some shoes for you and I want to do your make-up before I go.", I could hear her little foot tapping on the other side of the door.
"I'm just coming Alice. God, remind me never to let you help me get ready on my wedding day! Talk about applying pressure. This is supposed to be fun not a military march.", I huffed as I strode past her back into my bedroom.
She had picked small black ankle boots and gave me a minute to zip them up before sitting me down on my desk chair. Alice was stood in between my legs, her tongue poking out the side of her mouth as she concentrated on my eyes.
After what seemed like ages, she stood back, smiled and declared that was ready for my date. I thanked her as she put all her things back in her bag and squirted me with perfume that seemed to appear from thin air. Alice hugged me before wishing me luck and disappearing downstairs and out the front door.
I glanced at the clock. The green numbers flashed 6:55. Gathering my purse I went down to the front room to wait. Charlie looked up as I came in and cleared his throat.
"You look very nice Bella. Have you got your pepper spray just in case?", I couldn't help but chuckle, Charlie had made me carry pepper spray since I started high school. I haven't needed it so far, hopefully tonight will be no different. Nodding in affirmation at my father's question, I started when there was a knock at the door.
I jumped up and bounded to the door, breathing deeply before opening it. Mike was stood wearing a light blue short sleeve shirt, not tucked into his artfully faded jeans and hw was holding a small bunch of pink roses. "Thank you Mike.", I blushed as he handed them to me.
Standing there sniffing them had given Charlie time to come over to us. He was giving Mike his sternest gaze. This was awkward. " Dad, Mike, Mike, dad. Could you put these in water for me dad? We don't want to miss the movie.", I was practically dragged Mike down the steps as I spoke leaving Charlie looking a bit perplexed.
The car journey to Port Angles was quiet. Mike had told me I looked nice and put his hand on my knee whilst I cursed automatics. Not wanting to seem rude I gave the loudest, fakest sneeze and moved my leg at the same time.
He was a little better behaved in the movie. He sat with his hand up turned like he was waiting for me to put my hand in his. I kept my soda in my hand nearest to him at all times, my fingers starting to tingle with the cold. About half way through the flick I started to feel guilty about my standoffishness. Mike was actually a nice guy and I was being too harsh.
Mike jumped when I put my frozen hand into his. It was warm and a bit sweaty but I didn't mind too much. Feeling the most relaxed I had all day, I enjoyed the film and Mike's company. We were laughing when we left the cinema, recounting all the funny one liners that was executed by the bumbling leading man. We were still holding hands.
The journey home seemed to take less time than the previous drive. I found myself feeling quite sad about this information. Before I could think we were parked in my driveway with an air of electricity in the car.
"Thanks again Mike, I really did have a great time.", I felt the heat rise in my cheeks.
"Me too. I'd love to do this again. Like another date I mean.", Mike was stumbling his words and looking at his hands.
"Well, I'd better go in before the chief makes an appearance. I'll see you at school Mike.", I lent over and gave him a chaste kiss on his lips before quickly exiting his car and running up to my house. I had just closed the door when the phone started ringing. "Spill Bella", Alice must've been psychic.